"A Twist of Destiny" By JediA

[Annie]

Chapter 1

It was dark and still in Padme’s apartment. The servants were sleeping soundly and the droids were powered down. Even the noise from the ever-bustling Coruscant population could not be heard. But one sound was crystal clear. One sound came blaring through like a siren. One sound that only one could hear. “Anakin!" she screamed, “Anakin…please help me, Anakin!"

Across the city, in the Jedi Temple, he bolted up in bed. He was holding his breath without even realizing it. Finally, he gasped and held his breath again looking around, trying to figure out where he was. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness and his breathing steadied, he found his surroundings familiar…the Jedi Temple. What had awakened him? “Oh no!” He was trembling. That dream, no, not a dream, a nightmare! It was unlike anything he had ever experienced: the fear, the torment, the sheer terror of it. His shaking grew worse as the images played forth in his mind again. He tried to steady himself with the Jedi relaxation techniques. “What is wrong with me?” he questioned the Force. No answers came, but he knew for sure something was terribly wrong. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and walked towards the window. As he searched the Coruscant skyscape, the beads of sweat trickled down his face and into his beard. Yes, something was dreadfully wrong. For Obi-Wan Kenobi had never been troubled by dreams of any kind, let alone nightmares involving his former padawan, Anakin Skywalker.

Chapter 2

Anakin had never lashed out at the Council the way Obi-Wan saw in his dream. But so much worse than the blatant disrespect was the raw anger and fury that raged deep with Anakin’s soul. “How can you be on the Council and not be a Master?” Those words spewed venom from Anakin’s inner being. But there was something else Obi-Wan could sense..was that...? Yes, Anakin was definitely panicking. That didn't seem to fit. In all of their battles and everything they faced, he had never felt panic in Anakin. What was going on? "Stop it, Obi-Wan," he told himself. "You are a Jedi Master. This was just a dream and dreams pass in time," he reminded himself as he had reminded Anakin 3 years before.

Padme was trying to convince Anakin that his dreams wouldn’t come true when she realized their hidden marriage would be revealed much sooner than either of them desired. They would need help, yes, maybe Obi-Wan! But no, Anakin had said they didn’t need anyone’s help. Their baby was a blessing, yes, but how would they make it through the certain misery that was to come before the blessing arrived? And yet somehow it seemed the "certain misery" had already descended upon their lives. She had told him it would destroy them. Why didn't he listen to her? As the fresh tears flowed freely down her cheeks, her entire body heaved with sobs. Why was life so complicated? Why can't I enjoy a family like my sister? Why did I fall in love with a Jedi? And not just a Jedi, but the Chosen One, the "Hero With No Fear". Yes, their love was destroying both of them, but would it not still have destroyed them had they not wed? It didn't matter. They were married and passionately in love. Such a passionate love comes with a high price, but were they willing to pay it now? There were too many thoughts enclosing. She couldn't seem to find peace anywhere. Her life of public service...all but over. His life as a Jedi...ending in disgrace from breaking the Code. The war...brought now to Coruscant and far from ending. The Republic...but a shadow of its former self. The Jedi Order...scattered across the galaxy, taking her love from her. Their marriage...a secret revealed only in the shadows. Their baby...in danger now. The walls of the room started creeping in on her. The air was hard to breathe. And suddenly, she couldn't breathe at all.

"An...," she tried to call him from the other room, but no sound escaped her throat. Her heart was surrounded by an inexplicable pain. "An..." She tried to call again, but nothing. The room was spinning now and Padme could not orient herself. She felt herself falling and falling slowly, as in a bad dream, or rather, a nightmare. Padme never heard Anakin come running to her. She barely felt his strong arms cradle her as she fell to the ground. And then she closed her eyes.

Anakin was deeply troubled by these nightmares. He couldn't, he wouldn't lose Padme as he lost his mother. He could have saved his mother just by arriving earlier; he knew that to be true. But he was with Padme now. He was already here. How could he save her? What could he do? Why was she suffering? She thought Obi-Wan could help. Obi-Wan, his former Master, a mentor and teacher, his best friend. If only he could tell Obi-Wan, but how would he explain why he cared so much? He was so weary from the deception. It seemed to eat away at his soul. But Padme wasn't ready to reveal their marriage. She made that clear enough upon his return. He would have to respect her wishes. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her.

"Oh, my love. I cannot live without you. Why would I want to live if you weren't by my side?"

And the pain hit him anew. Wait. It's Padme. It's right now. He flew around the corner to see Padme clutching her throat and chest and collapsing to the floor. With a Force jump, he landed just beside her in time to catch her and safely lower her to the floor.

"Padme? My love? Don't leave me. You can't leave me. Stay with me, Padme."

Anakin flashed back to his mother in the Tusken camp. "NOOOOOOOOOO!"

Chapter 3

As Obi-Wan entered the Meditation Room in the Jedi Temple, he was determined to release this nightmare. He found the room empty as it was very early in the morning. “Good,” he muttered to himself, “there’s no need to burden any of the Masters with this.” He allowed himself to sink deep into the Force, to abandon his will to the Force. For Master Kenobi sought not to find answers to his nightmare, but to be rid of it by releasing any attachments to the nightmare itself. This was not the will of the Force, however, as Obi-Wan’s heart began to race again. The fury was overwhelming. “This is insulting! It’s never been done in the history of the Jedi” The pain and confusion were tremendous. “Can this power be learned?...Not from a Jedi.” The darkness was suffocating. "I've found a way to save you from my nightmares, Padme." Obi-Wan jolted forth into full consciousness. He was soaked through and now shivering. This was already getting old. Although he could hear another voice in his dream, Anakin’s was the only face he could see. Anakin’s was the only emotion he could feel. If he was going to be honest with himself, Obi-Wan had to admit he was having trouble keeping his own emotions in check. Were these really just dreams that will pass or…? His mind was so clouded, it almost seemed to Obi-Wan that he couldn’t focus his eyes. He shook his head as he mentally tried to clear his thoughts. He couldn’t go into this now. He had a briefing in the morning.

Once again, Master Kenobi had to force the relaxation techniques. When had they become so difficult? It was second nature for him to be relaxed and at peace in any situation. Hadn’t he just faced Grevious on the Invisible Hand? Hadn’t he just safely crash landed with Anakin in the pilot’s chair? Master Kenobi hardly felt like a Jedi Master. Jedi Youngling was more like it. So once again, he gave himself to the Force seeking peace. By morning, he felt like himself again. He had known of young Anakin’s relationship with Padme and the forbidden attachment. But only this morning, had he learned of his own, very strong and very intense attachment to Anakin Skywalker.

Anakin was weeping uncontrollably with his wife's still body in his arms. In a matter of seconds, a lifetime of thoughts passed through his mind. He traced back the events that brought him to this place. If only he hadn't shared his nightmare with her. If only he'd slept at the Jedi Temple. If only he hadn't been called back from the Outer Rim. If only Grevious hadn't captured the Chancellor. If only the Kenobi and Skywalker team wasn't unbeatable. If only he wasn't such a powerful Jedi...a powerful Jedi. Yes, I am. I am the most powerful Jedi. I am the Chosen One. He laid Padme down on their bed and pressed his hand to her forehead. She was alive! There was still hope! He could feel her life essence deep within her. And the baby...was that the baby? He thought so. Yes, it must be. He allowed the Force to flow through him into Padme. He had watched the Jedi healers before and was sure he could do the same, with enough effort. "Concentrate, Anakin," he chastised himself. He could feel Padme rising to the surface. "Keep coming, my love. I'm here."

The tears were streaming down his cheeks as Padme slowly opened her eyes. "Anakin," she breathlessly whispered. "What hap...." "Hush, my love." He gently caressed her cheek and lips. "Rest now." She closed her eyes and steadied into a light sleep. As he leaned over to kiss her, a single tear dropped to her lips. “Oh, my Padme. Stay strong. I will keep you safe. I promise you.” Anakin stayed by her side until morning. He had C-3PO call the medical droid to come examine Padme. Had he just saved her from his nightmare? Or had he almost caused its early reality by telling her? No. He was sure it involved childbirth. The danger was not over. He would go see Yoda before the briefing on the Outer Rim sieges.

[Annie]

Chapter 4a

It was much later that morning when Anakin went to see the Chancellor. Obi-Wan had told him of this unusual request, bypassing the Council. Obi-Wan had not looked well, as if he had not slept at all the previous night. Anakin chuckled as he realized he probably looked the same to Obi-Wan. And yet, they both remained silent on each other’s appearance. Curious. Anakin was relieved to hear from C-3PO that Padme’s condition was stable, at least for now. As he approached the Chancellor’s office, he cleared his mind of any distracting thoughts. “Be wary of your friend, Palpatine,” Obi-Wan had warned. Could Obi-Wan be jealous of his friendship? Obi-Wan knew he and Anakin were best friends. Certainly he didn't think he was losing Anakin. Impossible. It’s not the Jedi way. They would always be together and they would always have each other's back. But still, Obi-Wan hadn’t seemed like himself that morning. Something indeed was out of place.

The night had taken its toll on Obi-Wan. He had made it through the briefing, but that left him exhausted. He would go and rest before the Council session that afternoon. Soon he was reclining in his quarters. “He must stand trial…I need him alive…NO!” Obi-Wan couldn’t move. Although his heart was racing, his head was pounding and his breathing shallow and labored, he was paralyzed in the fear he felt from the dream. The fear he felt from Anakin. It was clear to Obi-Wan the Force was trying to get his attention.

“What do you want from me?” Obi-Wan bellowed as the tears overflowed from his eyes. Am I to try to save Anakin? I don’t even know what to save him from! And yet he is my best friend. I cannot sit idly by and watch him suffer so. He would do the same for me. I will speak to the Council this after-….the Council…the Council session! That thought broke through all others as he jumped up to find he was late. What in blazes was going on? He was never late…anywhere. Get a grip on yourself, old man. He threw on his Jedi robe and ran his fingers through his hair. That would have to do. As he looked in the mirror, he noticed his eyes were blood shot and puffy. "Oh dear. You are an interesting sight." He shook his head as he headed for the Council chambers and wandered what was going to happen next. Then he remembered Qui-Gon's advice: the possible is only a distraction until it becomes reality. But how could one prepare for the possible if one never acknowledged it?

When Obi-Wan arrived at the Council chamber, Anakin was pacing like a caged animal outside the closed doors. What is he doing here? Anakin looked at Obi-Wan with swords in his eyes and then looked away. They spoke not a word and Obi-Wan entered the chamber.

Anakin was fuming. How long were they going to make him stay out here? It wasn't his idea to be on the Council. He knew they weren't going to approve of Palpatine's request. But why were they treating him like such an outsider? Like someone they couldn't trust. Trust. Now there was a thought. Had they ever trusted him? He could feel their lack of trust every time he looked at every one of them. Everyone that is, but Obi-Wan. But now this morning Obi-Wan was acting so...well, so unlike Obi-Wan. He didn't like this new turn of events at all. And to top it off, his only possible defender on the Council was late to the meeting. Would those doors ever open?

Obi-Wan quietly entered and took his seat while Master Windu was talking.

"...so Master Yoda will go to Kashyyyk to help the Wookies and hopefully draw out the Sith Lord. Once the Sith Lord makes his move, we'll be ready for him here."

"Master Kenobi." Obi-Wan looked at Master Windu, momentarily startled. "Master Kenobi. Are you feeling well this afternoon?"

"Hmmm?...Oh...yes. Forgive me, Masters." Well, that didn't come out very well at all, Obi-Wan thought to himself.

"We have a job for you that is not to be on the Council record. Is this understood?" Mace continued.

"Yes, what do you require?" There, that sounded better.

"You are to tell Anakin, off the record, that he is to report on all the Chancellor's dealings to the Council."

"What? But he regards the Chancellor as a friend. Why would..."

Mace interrupted, "The time for discussion on this topic has passed. The Council is in agreement on this issue." Mace turned to Master Kolar, seated by the doors. "Send for Anakin."

Obi-Wan was dumbfounded. Now he really felt like a Jedi Youngling. Clearly, the Masters would be having a new discussion later that day.

Anakin stood in the center of the Council. Finally, he thought to himself. Let's just get this over with. Tell me I'm not on the Council so I can go see Padme.

"Given a seat on the Council, you are," Master Yoda began.

Chapter 4b

What did he just say? He said I'm on the Council! I'm a Jedi Master! Oh Padme, the Force just gave us the answer! I'll be at the archives within the hour and research these visions and how to prevent them. Yoda's earlier advice of letting go of everything he feared to lose was certainly no help, but the archives...

But Master Yoda was not through with his decree. "Granted the rank of Master, you are not. Sit now, you will." Yoda motioned to the empty chair.

"What?" Anakin couldn't believe his ears. Not a Master? The ability to save Padme given and taken away in the same breath. Was the Force this cruel?

"How can you be on the Council and not be a Master?"

Obi-Wan froze. Anakin continued his tirade as Obi-Wan watched his nightmare playout before him. The sweat began to fall and his hands began to tremble. These weren't nightmares; they were visions of the future. His best friend was in very real danger, but from what he did not know. Anakin was sitting now and Obi-Wan wandered how he got there. They exchanged glances and Obi-Wan felt, all over again, the fear and the panic coursing through Anakin.

Chapter 5

The two Jedi were walking down a hallway in the Jedi Temple. One was tired, weary and worn, on the inside and out. The other was infuriated, barely maintaining control as his temper rose within him.

"This is insulting! It's never been done in the history of the Jedi!"

Anakin continued on, but Obi-Wan stopped short. Anakin was still brooding as he moved forward, so he didn't notice right away that he'd lost his companion. He turned to see Obi-Wan completely frozen. "Master?" Nothing. "Master!"

Obi-Wan was trapped inside his body. He was trying to move towards Anakin, but his legs weren't responding. He could faintly hear Anakin calling his name. It was that blasted nightmare again, only this time it was real. This time, it was far too real.

Anakin grabbed Obi-Wan and Obi-Wan finally responded. "What did you say?"

"I asked if you were okay," replied Anakin.

"No, no...before that." Obi-Wan was clearly flustered.

"What are you talking about, Master? I've been trying to get your attention for 2 minutes now." The confusion was mounting between them.

"It was about the Council," explained Obi-Wan.

Anakin searched his memory. When he saw Obi-Wan looking so pale and unable to respond, he had immediately shifted gears to helping his former Master. Oh yes, that's right...the Council. He muttered the last part in disgust to himself.

"I said, this is insulting. It's never been done in the history of the Jedi." This time though, Anakin lacked his intense emotion.

"That's what I was afraid you said." Obi-Wan furrowed his brow and looked for a place to sit down.

"Master, what is going on? I've never seen you like this before. This morning you looked ill and now, well, now you look even worse. And don't try to fool me, Master. I can feel you are not well."

Obi-Wan smiled and placed his hand on Anakin's shoulder as they sat next to each other. "No, I haven't been feeling up to par recently. But it's nothing a good night's sleep won't cure." A good night's sleep without a nightmare, that is, he added to himself. He decided to quickly change the subject before Anakin could delve any further. "I have to tell you something in the strictest of confidence Anakin. I know I can trust you."

Trust. There was that word again. Obi-Wan trusted him. "Then why am I not a Master?" Anakin's ire was rising again.

"Anakin, I am on your side in this. I was not involved in that discussion this morning."

I noticed. How convenient for you. Anakin looked away, ashamed at his thoughts. He took a deep breath before he replied. "What is it Master?"

"The Council wants you to report on all the Chancellor's dealings." Obi-Wan couldn't look Anakin in the eye any longer.

"What? That's treason. Why would I spy on the head of the Republic? What's happening to the Council?"

"I'm not sure," Obi-Wan faltered a bit. "You may have noticed I missed the beginning of the discussion." Obi-Wan now looked straight at Anakin. "What I do know is that I trust the Council and I am sure they have their reasons. When I find out, I will share them with you. For now, trust in the Order and their judgment. Now, my friend, I have some pressing business to attend to."

They stood, patted each other on the back and Obi-Wan left. Anakin tarried a moment longer before making his way back to his quarters.

When Anakin arrived at his quarters, R2-D2 was as frantic as he could be. "What is it, R2?" R2 rolled over to the communication center and played back a holo message from C-3PO.

"Master Anakin, please come quickly. It's Miss Padme. I'm afraid she's slipped into a coma."

Anakin started swaying and was about to hyperventilate when R2 beeped into his consciousness. He felt like he'd just been punched and could no longer breathe. As he stood there trying to gather himself, he could feel himself slipping away into another world. No, Padme. This can't be happening. I'm coming, my love. Oh Padme. By now, the tears had come. He closed his eyes tight to try to keep himself under control. The medical center. He had to get to the medical center.

Anakin had been left in the waiting area for the third time, by a third droid who "would be right back" with an update on Padme. None of them had any information and none of them would let him see her. This was ridiculous. He was pacing when the fourth droid arrived.

"I'm here to see Senator Amidala," Anakin demanded. "I am Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and I've been waiting here an hour for answers."

"I am sorry, sir. But Senator Amidala's condition is not releasable to the public. Only her immediate family is allowed this information and they will be the only ones admitted to see her," the droid explained in a very matter of fact tone.

Anakin couldn't take it any longer. With his heart pounding he screamed, "I AM.....

[Annie]

Chapter 6a

In the Jedi Temple, Master Yoda sensed great turmoil in young Skywalker. Master Yoda was able to distance himself from the pain and merely observe how Anakin would compose himself. In contrast, Obi-Wan Kenobi was unable to separate himself. As Obi-Wan stood alone in the Temple, his heart was in such pain, he could barely breathe. This was no dream. Anakin was suffering more than he could bear. Obi-Wan was ready to ask the Force how he could help Anakin.

Anakin stopped in mid-sentence and looked away from the medical droid.

"Sir?" inquired the droid, unaffected by the tone of Anakin's previous statement.

With his eyes closed, he forced himself to breathe...again...again...again. He struggled to utter the words, "I understand," as he turned and sat down in the waiting area.

The medical droid moved closer to Anakin and informed, "The waiting area is closing in 5 minutes. You will need to leave at that time."

Anakin dropped his head in despair. Not only could he not see his precious Padme, he couldn't even be near her.

"My love, stay strong. I will return to you soon." Emotionally and physically exhausted, Anakin left for the Jedi Temple.

That night, restful sleep continued to elude the distraught Jedi. The nightmares were increasing in intensity. The fear and the darkness loomed all around Obi-Wan. He could see a battle, a lightsaber battle, in the Chancellor's office, but could not determine who was involved. It felt so personal this time. He tried to wake up, but the Force would not allow it and instead pulled him in deeper. "NOOO!"

In Anakin's quarters, the scene was no different. Tossing and turning and twitching, Anakin was consumed by his own nightmare. He had never seen such a hideous face before. It was pure evil. The intent from that being was clearly evil as well. The battle was raging; the darkness was penetrating and then...it happened. "NOOO!"

The next day, Anakin was restless during the Council session. Obi-Wan was visibly edgy as well. Sleep deprivation was taking its toll on both of them.

Padme, my love. The thought of his wife laying in a coma all alone was unbearable, but he had to focus his thoughts on the here and now. Anakin had been to the Chancellor that morning and had news to bring to this meeting, but he also had information of his own.

“The clones intercepted a partial message from Utapau indicating that General Grevious is there. The Chancellor has requested that I lead the campaign.” There, the Chancellor’s information is out, but please don’t send me away from my Padme!

The holoimage of Master Yoda from Kashyyyk stirred. “No, a Master, with more experience, should go. Master Kenobi…”

“No,” Mace interrupted. “No, not Master Kenobi.”

All of the Masters turned to Mace in shock. Only Kenobi looked away.

“Master Windu, your interruption, disturbing it is,” Yoda replied.

“Master Kenobi has business here on Coruscant. You must trust my judgment.” The authority that Mace put behind his words continued to silence the Council. “I will go to take care of General Grevious. I faced him here on Coruscant when he was kidnapping the Chancellor. I know how he works now.”

Before he could figure out what was going on, the vote occurred and it was settled. Anakin was staying put as was Obi-Wan. Anakin wasn’t sure how that happened, but it was what he wanted.

“Any further Council business?” Mace inquired.

It was now or never. Maybe never would be better. After all, no one seemed to take Anakin’s visions seriously. No, no. He had to tell and he had to tell them now.

“Last night, the Force gave me a vision of the Sith Lord,” Anakin stated plainly. All eyes were on Anakin now. Obi-Wan was especially interested considering his own nightmare at the same time. The collective breath of the Council was held as they waited for him to continue.

Chapter 6b

“I saw his face…He looks like the monster that he is. I have never seen him before,” Anakin continued.

Obi-Wan was now confused. He had not seen the Sith Lord’s face in his vision, but he was given a clear impression of whom it was. And Anakin had most definitely seen him before. Obi-Wan shot a side glance to Mace who returned his gaze.

“There’s one more thing.” Anakin dropped his head as if to steady himself for the revelation that was to follow. “Master Kenobi dies at that hands of the Sith Lord.”

The silence was deafening in the Council chamber. No one moved a muscle. No one dared to breathe. After what seemed like an eternity, Mace finally broke the silence. “Very well, then. Master Kenobi, you shall accompany Skywalker to the archives and determine if this Sith Lord he has seen exists.”

No one addressed the possible death of Master Kenobi. Were the Jedi truly hard-hearted? Didn’t they care if one of their best was about to die? Anakin was so confused and ripped up inside, that he didn’t even have a reply.

“Council adjourned,” Mace declared.

Chapter 7a

As Obi-Wan and Anakin were walking towards the archives, their minds were running a light-year a parsec. Unbeknownst to either of them, their thoughts paralleled each other.

The archives, the holocrons of the ancient Masters.

What if the rumors on diverting visions weren’t rumors? What if the Masters had found a way?

If I could find these holocrons, I could save Padme.

If I could find these holocrons, I could save Anakin.

At that moment, Obi-Wan and Anakin stopped and looked at each other, each with a puzzlement in their faces. They looked away and continued on.

Anakin persisted in his thoughts. With access to the archives, it no longer matters whether this Darth Plagueis, the Chancellor spoke of, existed. Anakin slightly smiled to himself. Darth Plagueis, the Wise…how could a Sith ever be wise anyway? With Obi-Wan there, Anakin would have access to all the Jedi information he needed, or so he thought.

"I need to stop by my quarters before we reach the Archives, Master," Anakin informed. "I have some personal business I must attend to at once."

Obi-Wan merely nodded to acknowledge the statement and then stepped to the side of the hallway to wait for Anakin to return.

"R2, has 3PO called with any news?" Anakin asked as soon as the door was closed. R2-D2 responded with a series of affirmative bleeps.

"Play the message, R2."

"Master Anakin, I'm very sorry to report that I have been given no updates on Miss Padme's condition. Her parents are on their way from Naboo and are expected to arrive sometime this evening. Perhaps then, you will receive the answers you desire." 3PO was just as proper as always in his tone, but that didn't make his message any easier to receive. Anakin sighed as he gave R2 instructions to call him on the com-link if there was any new information. He would meet Padme's parents later that night. Until then, he had a mission to complete with Obi-Wan.

The Jedi Archives were immense. Some would say that if it did not exist in the records, then it did not exist. But this was not always true, as Obi-Wan found out with the planet Kamino. Still, this was the best place to start their search. They found the listing for Sith Lords and began searching through them. Anakin had given Obi-Wan a description of that horrid face, so they were searching in tandem to speed the process up a bit. One particular entry caught Anakin's eye...Darth Plagueis. So he was real. Anakin pulled up the full article and began to read. His eyes were moving faster and faster as he read. It was true...it was all true, but how did he do it? That information was blank.

"Looks like you've found something over there," Obi-Wan called from across the table.

"No, Master...just a dead end." No pun intended, Anakin muttered to himself. But now his mind was back on Padme. This was his chance to wade through the archives. It was clear that he and Obi-Wan would be there all afternoon. A little detour now would not be a problem. Anakin navigated back to the main directory and began to look for visions. As he scrolled through the titles, he found it halfway down the screen: "Altering the Outcome of Visions." His heart skipped a beat as he tried to open the file. An error message popped onto his screen. ACCESS DENIED, stated so plainly and yet those words screamed out to Anakin. Not again. How many roadblocks must I endure? As he proceeded to the next screen, Anakin blinked as he read the reason for the restriction to the file. FILE IN USE BY MASTER KENOBI. Anakin slowly looked up over his terminal at his best friend. Obi-Wan felt the weight of his stare and met his eyes.

"Master? I think we need to talk."
Chapter 7b

Obi-Wan Kenobi was deep into a side investigation when he felt the stare from his former padawan. "Have you found the Sith Lord?" Obi-Wan asked nonchalantly. Anakin was coming around to Obi-Wan's terminal when he saw his Master swiftly close the current file.

"No, Master. It's what you have found that concerns me." Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows as Anakin reached to re-open the suspect file. After he verified the contents, Anakin suggested, "Maybe we should go to the Meditation Room."

Obi-Wan couldn't tell if Anakin was upset or not. He held a coolness about him that suggested he was restraining himself here in the presence of so many. "My eyes were getting tired of looking at this screen anyway," Obi-Wan said so as not to attract attention from anyone within hearing distance. "To the Meditation Room."

They walked in silence across the Temple, deafening silence. Once they reached the Meditation Room, Obi-Wan was the first to speak. "All right, Anakin. What's wrong?"

Anakin kept his back facing Obi-Wan as he replied. “I could ask you the same question, Master. Recently, you’ve been acting strangely and you don’t look well at all. And now, you are researching how to change visions? It would seem that we have many things in common. My vision of the Sith Lord and you is common knowledge.” Now, Anakin turned squarely towards Obi-Wan and came within 1 step of him. You can tell him, Anakin. He continued on. “But Master, there are other dreams. No one knows about these, except Padme.” Anakin looked away as he mentioned her name. He refocused quickly. “Master, I will ask my question to the point. Are you having visions as well?”

Obi-Wan had known this day would come. He had actually been looking forward to it, well sort of anyway. He and Anakin could now work together to search out the meanings of these visions. Kenobi and Skywalker were unbeatable in a battle. Now they would find out how strong they were with their minds.

“Yes, Anakin. I have. And these nightmares have been the source of my troubles, both physical and mental. Anakin, you may want to sit down. This won’t be easy for you to hear.”

“What is it?”

“Anakin, please, sit.”

Anakin complied as Obi-Wan took a seat next to him. “Some of my visions have already come true. And I fear for the future of the others. They’ve all involved you, Anakin. I don’t know for sure what is happening, but it is very dark.” Obi-Wan decided to stop there and not reveal the entirety of his last vision. He waited as he gave Anakin time to absorb all he had just said.

“Mine involve Padme,” Anakin said softly as he looked down and fumbled with nothing in particular. “She dies in…,” he trailed off, unsure of whether he should reveal everything. This is ridiculous, he chastised himself. You’re talking about the love of your life to your brother! Anakin looked up directly into Obi-Wan’s eyes and exclaimed, “She dies in childbirth with my baby because she’s been my wife for 3 years!” Anakin had to look away. He couldn’t bear to see any look of disappointment on Obi-Wan’s face. If he had kept his gaze, he would have seen nothing but compassion as his best friend’s eyes silently overflowed with tears.

“Anakin, let’s make use of this room. Maybe if we meditate together, the Force will give us more answers.”

Anakin agreed and together, they cleared their minds and released themselves to the Force.

Chapter 8a

It didn’t take long before the Force began to answer the collective efforts of Kenobi and Skywalker. Their combined Force talents were strong, but the vision the Force gave them was off the scale.

Darkness. The sun had set. Streams of bright red, bright orange and bright yellow. The intense heat.

Sweat was already pouring down the Jedi as they remained focused.

Out of nowhere, a person leapt, flipped through the air and landed square in front of…Obi-Wan! Lightsabers were flashing as Obi-Wan blocked a blow to the right and then to the left. But both sabers were blue! Who was the assailant?……ANAKIN! NO!

Both Obi-Wan and Anakin tried to sever themselves from the vision, but the Force hold was too strong and it would not let go.

Obi-Wan was backed into a corner, right up against the perimeter shielding. Anakin’s fury moved his lightsaber with blinding speed as he dominated Obi-Wan’s every move. Obi-Wan did manage to escape the corner, but Anakin Force-kicked him down the entryway to the main control room. As Anakin’s boot made contact with Obi-Wan’s chest, Obi-Wan reached into the Force and flipped himself to land on his feet, lightsaber positioned in a defense posture. But Anakin didn’t stop.

There was something clearly wrong with this vision. Why would they be fighting each other? They were brothers! Both were in such distress, that if another entered the room, the emergency medical droid would have been summoned at once. But no one entered the room and they were left to their agony…alone.

The onslaught continued as Anakin swung high, then low, then right, then left, each parry a deathblow if it should find its mark. But Obi-Wan was deep in the Force and sensed Anakin’s every move, matching it before any damage was inflicted. In the control room, the battle continued over the dead bodies of the Separatist leaders. Sparks were flying from the lightsaber hits to the terminals. The perimeter shielding was down, but neither combatant noticed, each totally focused by the other’s moves. Then all at once, they Force-pushed each other, but nothing happened as they stood, struggling in a stalemate of Force power. Both releasing at the same time, they were each flung in opposite directions across the room.

Obi-Wan and Anakin were now on the floor on opposite sides of the Meditation Room, having been flung there by the Force. They stared at each other in horror, paralyzed by the awful sight before them, terrorized by this vision that would not let go.

Anakin recovered first and Force-jumped across the room to attack Obi-Wan yet again. Ducking to avoid the strike, Obi-Wan made his way behind Anakin and then back through another doorway. They were in the conference room and fighting on the table as they kicked each other and knocked their lightsabers from their hands. Anakin grabbed Obi-Wan’s neck and began to choke him as kept his other hand from defending. As Anakin’s upper lip snarled, he tightened his grip and pushed the Jedi further and further down. Obi-Wan flung his leg up and kicked Anakin from behind. Then Obi-Wan finally had the upper hand as he tripped Anakin and Anakin landed flat on his back. Calling his lightsaber to his hand, Obi-Wan walked confidently over Anakin and prepared to deliver the final blow to Anakin’s neck.

Their eyes could not have gotten wider as they were forced to watch in fear this appalling sight. Anakin was trying to back against the wall to escape the inevitable in the vision, but there was nowhere for him to go.

Chapter 8b

Anakin called his lightsaber to his hand and ignited it just in time to block Obi-Wan’s strike. The battled continued to rage between these two best friends, these two brothers, these two bitter enemies. They were outside now, with no shielding to protect them. Anakin continued to push Obi-Wan back. It seemed he couldn’t tire as he relentlessly struck blow after blow after blow to his former Master. Now out on a ledge, he had had enough. He grabbed Obi-Wan’s upper arms and struggled to push him over into the lava, but Obi-Wan would not give up his ground. Anakin struck Obi-Wan with his fist, but Obi-Wan came right back with the same. Then lava came spewing up and onto the ledge, melting it and destructing the connection to the site.

They each tried to move again as they saw their imminent deaths in the lava flow, but the Force kept them completely still, save for the frantic movement of their eyes.

Somehow, the duelers managed to hang on to the now lopsided ledge, as it floated down the lava. Still swinging their lightsabers in a vain attempt to strike the other. Obi-Wan had now swung onto a floating platform and had a moment’s rest, but only a moment. For Anakin was running and jumping to his own hover droid, much smaller, but much faster as well.

There were words now, but neither Obi-Wan nor Anakin could hear all of them, just bits and pieces.

“In my view, the Jedi are evil.” “Well, then you are lost!” Anakin Force jumped up and over Anakin. Obi-Wan swung at Anakin’s legs and missed. As Anakin landed on Obi-Wan’s platform, he almost lost his balance, but quickly regained as he attacked Obi-Wan again. The battle continued at this exhausting pace until they neared the edge of the lava stream. Obi-Wan jumped up and backwards onto the high ground. “Don’t try it, Anakin.” “You underestimate my power!” With that Anakin flipped up and over Obi-Wan again. But this time, Obi-Wan’s blade found its mark and Anakin dropped to the ground. “You were supposed to destroy the Sith, not become one!” “I HATE YOU!!!”

And suddenly, they were released from the vision. Obi-Wan and Anakin stared at each other, both breathing heavily and both more confused than when they began.

[Annie]

Chapter 9

Mace Windu was on his way to Utapau as he spoke to Master Yoda.

"Master Windu, time to explain yourself, it is," Master Yoda declared.

"Of course, Master Yoda. But you should prepare yourself for what you are about to hear." Mace took a deep breath and centered himself before continuing. "Master Kenobi came to me before the Council session this morning. He has been having dreams...regarding a possible future. He has seen young Skywalker in great distress, surrounded by darkness."

"Felt the need to keep them together, did you? Based on this...this dream?"

"Apparently, they are not just dreams. Master Kenobi did not come forward until they started coming true. but the situation is much graver than I've explained so far. Last night, Master Kenobi saw Anakin kneeling and pledging himself to a Sith Lord."

Yoda's eyes widened and his ears flattened out. "The Sith Lord. The same one Anakin saw?"

"No. And that's only part of why this is so disturbing."

"Hmmm. Two Sith Lords, there may be. Disturbing and confusing, this is," Master Yoda said as he shook his head.

"Master Yoda, Obi-Wan did not see the face of the Sith Lord in his dream, but he did sense who it was..."

"And?"

"And, it was Chancellor Palpatine."

Obi-Wan and Anakin managed to stand, but both staggered back to the meditation platform. Neither could bring themselves to speak. Obi-Wan wiped the sweat from his brow, then brought his gaze to Anakin. Anakin started shaking his head in disbelief.

"Why, Master? Why would we be trying to kill each other? Why? I don't understand what is going on."

"Anakin, I think I need to tell you about my dream last night. I saw you kneeling before someone, but I couldn't see their face."

"Master Windu? Master Yoda?"

"No," Obi-Wan's eyes shifted to the floor and he hesitated a brief moment. "Anakin, you were pledging yourself to the Sith."

"What? The Sith?" Anakin was dumbfounded. "But...but I'm the Chosen One, I was meant to destroy the Sith..."Anakin trailed off as he flashed back to Obi-Wan's words from the vision. Pain, he was in terrible, terrible pain. Anakin stood up suddenly. "We've got to find out why, Master. We can't let this come true." Come true...oh Padme, my love. Anakin turned away as he thought of his wife.

"Anakin, we'll work to save both of you," Obi-Wan reassured as he approached Anakin from behind and place his hand on his shoulder. Anakin could only nod, as the tears were streaming down his face.



Master Yoda had kept his eyes closed for some time after hearing the news about the Chancellor. He was searching the Force for answers. "Still too clouded by the dark side, to see clearly," Master Yoda finally replied. "Unsure why Obi-Wan can sense this and I cannot. Defended the Outer Rim, a long time he has. Perhaps rest, he requires." Yoda was satisfied with his conclusion as he couldn't reconcile the Chancellor being the Sith Lord in his mind. The Chancellor openly doubted whether the Sith Lord even existed and the Force provided no answers to the Jedi Master.

"Those were my thoughts exactly," Mace agreed. "Facing General Grevious with that frame of mind would not be healthy or safe. And, on the off chance that Palpatine is the Sith Lord and thus Obi-Wan's visions are true, we cannot leave Skywalker alone."

"Either way, complete our missions and return to Coruscant quickly, you and I must." Yoda tapped his gimer stick firmly to emphasize his point. "Two of our best, Kenobi and Skywalker are, and protect them, we must."




Still in the Meditation Room, Anakin was now pacing. "So where do we go from here? Back to the archives?"

"That would be a wise decision, but there's one more part of my dream you need to know."

Anakin stopped at his comment and stared at Obi-Wan, sensing the seriousness in his tone. Obi-Wan's face was growing pale. What could possibly be worse than what he's already told me?

"I did not see the face of the Sith Lord as you did Anakin. But I could sense who it was," Obi-Wan stopped.

"And?"

"And, it was Chancellor Palpatine."

Chapter 10a

Anakin’s legs started to give way. How much bad news could he take in one day? The Chancellor? How could he...? But why would he...? No, he’s been like a father to me. This can’t be right. “This can’t be right,” he said out loud the second time. “No, Master...you must be mistaken this time. It just can’t be true.”

“Search your feelings, Anakin. Something is out of place.” Obi-Wan was so weary and did not wish to argue.

“My feelings. My feelings tell me you’re asking me to betray the only man who’s always looked after me. He took me under his wing ever since I arrived.” Anakin’s voice and his temper were quickly rising. The more he thought about losing someone else close to him, the angrier he became. “He’s been like a father to me, a teacher, a mentor and a friend. You are the one out of place, Master.”

“Anakin, I am not saying this is true. I am saying this is what I sensed in my dream,” Obi-Wan tried to reason.

Anakin was frantic. “Dreams, dreams. I am so sick of these dreams.” This news had switched Anakin’s fear into high gear, barreling out of control. “I dreamt about my mother and she died in my arms. Now I’m dreaming I’m going to lose my wife in childbirth and she’s already lying in the med center in a coma. Plus I’m dreaming that you are going to die at the hands of the REAL Sith Lord. You tell me I’m going to join the Sith. We just saw the two of us as enemies. And now you are taking away the last person in my life to mean anything to me. No, Master. I won’t hear it. I won’t believe it. I reject your dream.”

“But Anakin, if we are to work together to unravel these dreams, we must face the reality that Palpatine could be the Sith Lord,” Obi-Wan pleaded.

Anakin turned and walked to the door, pausing only to say, “Well then, our work together is done. Good-bye Master.”

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan called softly. “May the Force be with you.” But Anakin made no reply as he continued out the door.



In his office at 500 Republica, the Dark Lord of the Sith was quite pleased with these new developments. Soon, young Skywalker, soon you will be my apprentice. He could sense the tear in Skywalker’s relationship with Kenobi. Excellent, he thought. He may turn all on his own without me revealing myself. The Jedi are so simple-minded. With each passing decision, they make him more my servant. And Padme, poor Padme, yes she is still safely engulfed in her coma. That would do nicely for now. The cackling laughter filled the office and echoed down the empty corridors of the Senate building.



On Kashyyyk, the Wookies were glad to see Yoda arrive with a battalion of clones. The droid armies were nearing the shore and the battle was about to begin. Master Luminara Unduli had joined Master Yoda and was organizing the ground defense perimeter. As the mighty Wookies stood side by side with the clone troopers, all were prepared to defend the untamed world of Kashyyyk.

Chapter 10b

Anakin stood before the mirror in his quarters; he couldn’t stop staring. He wasn’t staring at himself. If he had, he would have seen himself trembling. But Anakin wasn’t staring at anything in particular at all. The tears were spilling onto his reddened cheeks. When had he become so emotional? It was those blasted dreams, those visions, those nightmares. This “gift” of clairvoyance, was it a gift or a curse? May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan had said. Anakin thought that may be the source of all his turmoil. He hadn’t asked to be the Chosen One, after all. What if Qui-Gon had never come to Watto’s shop all those years ago? What would life be like for Anakin now? Anakin wandered aimlessly around his room. But then, Padme. He never would have met Padme. “Padme,” he slowly whispered. Her name rolled off his lips as he fought the tears once again. He closed his eyes as he pictured her laughing in the meadow on Naboo and then strong and confident beside him in the Geonosis execution arena. He was so proud to have her by his side. And soon she would publicly bear the name Skywalker. Although he told Obi-Wan of their marriage, he wouldn’t tell anyone else. Not yet. His mind shifted to Obi-Wan. His brother. How could he make such an accusation about the Chancellor? He would prove him wrong. He would find the real Sith Lord, the one with the gnarled, ghastly face. But he would do it alone, and thus without the use of the archives. There was no time for more investigation tonight. Now, he must go to his beloved.



Obi-Wan stood alone in the Meditation Room. What just happened? The Force had shown him trying to kill his former padawan and his former padawan trying to kill him. They were working together and now, well now he wasn’t sure when he would even see Anakin next. Obi-Wan was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. He would need to think clearly to solve this deepening mystery from the Force. Qui-Gon was right. He still had much to learn of the Living Force. And it appeared it was time for his lesson. But how much more could Obi-Wan take before he collapsed? Rest was what he required now.

Back in his quarters, Obi-Wan lay down to recuperate from the events of the afternoon. He ran through everything in his mind, trying to gain some new insight. As he replayed Anakin’s words, one set struck him anew. “Padme’s in a coma?” Rest would have to wait. His brother needed him. And yet he hesitated as he headed for Anakin’s quarters. Would his brother receive him?

[Annie]

Chapter 11a

Anakin walked into the medical center on a mission. He was determined to find out what was wrong with his wife. He would use the Force if he needed to “convince” one of the nurses. Getting past those blasted droids without causing a scene was his only concern. As he neared Padme’s isolated room, he shivered as a wave of something cold and dark came over him. His Force senses now heightened, he reached out and searched for the source of this darkness. But there was no source to be found in the med center. He rounded the corner and stopped cold in his steps, mouth gaping.



Mace Windu had already made contact with the natives of Utapau when the MagnaGuards spotted his starfighter. Immediately, they advised their master of the situation. General Grevious was most pleased at the second chance he’d been given to gain the lightsaber of the legendary Master Windu. This prestigious addition to his collection would raise his monstrosities to a new level. But Windu would have to wait. The Separatist Leaders were to be moved to Mustafar, per Lord Sidious’ orders. He couldn’t wait to get those sniveling, whining excuse for beings out of his sight. It was all he could do to not destroy them every time they interacted. But Lord Sidious would not approve of such an action. As soon as the Leaders were on the ship, he would turn his attention to the unwelcome presence of Jedi Master Windu. That, Lord Sidious would most certainly approve of.



The battle for Kashyyyk had begun. The combined efforts of the Wookies and the Grand Army of the Republic were holding the droids off the shoreline. As Yoda surveyed the battle from the giant wroshyr tree, he was pleased with the progress. Master Luminara would be able to handle the cleanup easily, so Master Yoda could return to Coruscant. He closed his eyes and reached into the Force. He felt a ripple that he could not pin point. Back to Coruscant he must return, and soon. With the stability of both Master Kenobi and Skywalker in question, his presence was required to defeat this Darth Sidious who continued to outmaneuver the Jedi.



“Oh Anakin, I’m so glad you are here!” Jobal Naberrie ran towards Anakin and threw her arms around him. He only caught a glimpse of her tear-stained face before she buried it in his shoulder. He could feel her weakness, emotionally and physically. She regained her composure and released her grip. Backing away she said, “I’m sorry. It’s just…well…I don’t understand…Why would…How could…” Jobal was so confused she couldn’t complete her thoughts in her head, much less aloud.

“Mrs. Naberrie,” Anakin comforted. “It’s okay. Come over here and sit down.” Jobal nodded as Anakin gently took her by the arm and led her to the waiting area. He hoped that now he would get some answers, but so far all he heard were more questions.

“Please, call me Jobal.”

“Where is your husband?” Anakin asked as he looked around.

“Ruwee is in with Padme.” Jobal was still visibly shaken but was beginning to calm down. “They only allow one family member in at a time.”

Family member. I should be in there. Anakin took a deep breath. Steady yourself, man. “Jobal, did they tell you what is wrong with Padme?” Anakin’s voice was steady and confident. He was a pillar of strength for Padme’s mother…on the outside. Inside, he was ripped to shreds as he waited for what seemed like an eternity for Jobal’s response.

She shook her head no and began to sob again. Anakin gathered her in his arms and tried to comfort her as a single tear silently dropped down his cheek.


Chapter 11b

Mace Windu was still adjusting to his live mount, Boga, as they leapt up the walls of the sinkhole. The tenth level, he was told, was where Grevious and his battle droids were camped. Riding Boga reminded Windu of his journey through the jungles of Haruun Kal, his home world. There, he had confronted darkness as well, in his former padawan Depa Billaba. That experience had taught him much about the darkness in himself. But now, he was fighting pure evil. There was no salvation for Grevious. It should be easier to defeat Grevious than to admit what had happened to his apprentice.

The time for reflection was over. He dismounted and watched as Grevious loaded the Separatist Leaders in a ship bound for Mustafar. That information will prove useful, he thought to himself. He surveyed the area and found the thousands of battle droids and super battle droids, and the MagnaGuards. “Let’s get this party started,” he said to himself and jumped down to the next level.

“Expecting company?” Mace rhetorically inquired with his jaw set and brow furrowed.

Grevious spun around, his cape twisting in the air behind him. “Master Windu. How nice of you to join us. It will be my pleasure to destroy you,” Grevious said as he barreled towards the Jedi Master.

“Not today.” Mace stood ready, lightsaber within reach, but waiting for Grevious to make the first move. His eyes widened as he watched Grevious prepare to attack.

As he flipped off his cape, Grevious immediately disconnected his arms, not from his shoulder, but from themselves. Each arm became two and each hand held a lightsaber. This was a new trick that Mace had not seen before. Vaapad would be necessary to defeat Grevious, but Windu was prepared. He had invented this form of lightsaber combat where you came close to the dark side. To use Vaapad effectively, you must enjoy the fight. It was named after the creature who had many tentacles that moved so fast, one could never know how many there were, unless it was dead. And so it was with the lightsaber. The Jedi weapon would become a blur of light in the attack and overwhelm the opponent.

As the 5 lightsabers ignited, the battle lines were drawn. Grevious advanced immediately with all 4 sabers swinging in circles, faster and faster and faster. They became a blur to the droids who surrounded them. But to Mace, to the Jedi Master, they were as clear as a sunny day. Grevious may be fast, but he does not have the Force, Mace thought to himself.

Mace centered himself and then moved his blade to block the onslaught. Blocking was really all he could do until relieved Grevious of a few lightsabers, which is exactly what he did. Moving his saber quickly down the blade and then carefully over the handle to Grevious’ durasteel arm, one lightsaber fell to the ground followed by a second. Mace called one of the freed lightsabers to his left hand and began to attack.

Chapter 11c

As they sat together in the waiting room, Anakin again felt the presence of darkness. Not now, he thought to himself. I want to concentrate on Padme…I need to. He had helped her when she collapsed in his arms, but he couldn’t get close enough to her to do anything now. Just then, he looked up and saw Ruwee coming from Padme’s room. His eyes were bloodshot as well. He looked like a broken man, barely able to move. Anakin tapped Jobal on her shoulder and she looked up into her husband’s face. He barely moved his head, but the message was clear to Jobal. She painfully moved from Anakin to her husband’s arms and they embraced silently for a moment. Anakin remained where he was, unmoving, staring in the direction of Padme’s room.

Ruwee broke the silence. “Thank you for coming, Anakin. Padme always thought very highly of you. She would be glad you are here.”

Anakin steadied himself for his reply, although still not making eye contact. “I think the world of her, too.” More awkward silence. “Do they have any idea what is wrong with her?”

“Well,” Ruwee took a deep breath and then continued. “They have no idea why she is in a coma. She appears to be stable, but they can’t bring her out no matter what they try. However, there is more.” Ruwee appeared noticeably uncomfortable now. Jobal looked up at him and tried her best not to crumble into tears again. She nodded for him to go on.

Anakin’s eyes started searching Ruwee for the answer. Ruwee was in despair, but Anakin could not see why. “What? What is it?” Anakin stood to show he was ready to hear the news, however bad it may be.

“Son, this may be difficult for you to hear. I’m not really sure. We don’t know how this has happened. She never wrote us about her personal life…Anakin, Padme is pregnant.”

Anakin slumped back down into the chair and stared again towards Padme’s room. How could he contain himself now? This wasn’t supposed to be happening. They were supposed to go back to Naboo together, to the lake country. No, this can’t be happening.

Jobal fell to Anakin’s feet with her hands on his knees, tears streaming down her face and her chest heaving from the silent sobs. Anakin looked into her eyes and saw, and then felt all of her pain. She finally managed to ask in a weak voice, “Who could have done this to my Padme?”

No answer came. The fire of a mother’s anger started to burn in Jobal. “Who, Anakin? Do you know who?”

Still no answer. Jobal was on her knees now, her anger boiling. She wanted so bad to direct her anger somewhere, to blame someone, but she had no target. “ANAKIN, say something! Do you know who did this to my Padme?” Jobal demanded loudly.

Anakin dropped her gaze. I did it, he thought to himself. He swallowed hard, took a deep breath and whispered, “I did it.”

Chapter 12

Obi-Wan was standing outside Anakin’s quarters waiting for the door to open. Where could he be? He couldn’t have retrieved any useful information from the archives without me. While Obi-Wan continued postulating Anakin’s whereabouts, he heard R2-D2 inside the room.

“R2, it’s Obi-Wan. Please open the door.” R2 complied and the door slid to the side. Obi-Wan stepped inside. “He’s not here, is he, R2?” R2 bleeped a negative answer. “Where did he go? Show me, please.” R2 rolled over to the comm center data terminal and plugged in. He displayed a holoimage of the medical center in the middle of the room. “The medical center, of course.” Obi-Wan turned and exited swiftly, calling, “Thank you, R2.”



The look of determination on Mace Windu’s face was almost too intense to take, for a human, that is. The only problem was he was not battling a human. With his lightsabers swinging in tight arcs, Mace allowed himself to sink deeper and deeper in the Force. He was no longer controlling any of his movements, but he still wasn’t “there”. Deeper…deeper. There it was…satisfaction. The satisfaction of defeating Grevious. Mace was dangerously close to the dark side; he was completely immersed in Vaapad. He advanced on Grevious with his lightsabers flashing. Grevious was unable to keep up with Windu’s speed and began retreating. But his retreat wasn’t fast enough. The Jedi Master was about to finish the battle. With a swift parry to the left, Grevious’ arm was severed and dropped to the ground. Before Grevious could watch his arm bounce, his other arm joined it. Grevious jerked his head so his eyes met the icy stare of Windu, just in time to watch the purple blade slice sideways through his neck. Suddenly, he was looking at the ceiling. His final vision was watching his body collapse.

“He was too dangerous to be left alive,” were Mace’s words as he turned and faced the army of battle droids.



“What?” Jobal was so confused. She must have heard him wrong. Anakin was a Jedi. Her emotions had been on a roller coaster ever since she’d received the news of Padme’s coma back on Naboo. She plunged out of her anger into despair and pleaded with Anakin again. “Please tell us if you know what’s been going on with Padme. We haven’t heard from her in months. That isn’t like her at all. Please help us.”

Anakin didn’t know what to do. It had taken every ounce of energy he had to say it the first time and now they didn’t believe him? Should he pretend like he never said anything at all? It certainly wouldn’t be his first deception. The pain in his heart was about to explode. If he told them about the marriage, he could see her. He could touch her. But would he be betraying her wishes? He couldn’t bear the thought. What good would it do to have Padme back if she could no longer trust him? Nonsense, he told himself. Certainly we would work it out. He could contain his emotions no longer. His whole body was quaking as he sobbed with his head in his hands.

The scene was very grim as Obi-Wan entered the medical center cautiously. Darkness swept over him like a tidal wave and then, just as quickly, it was gone. He saw Ruwee and Jobal first. He recognized Padme’s parents from pictures. They looked like they were in shock as they held each other and stared downward. Obi-Wan let his eyes follow the direction of their gaze. Anakin! Obi-Wan sprinted towards his brother. As he neared, he saw Anakin sobbing uncontrollably. The Naberries were at a loss how to handle his wails.

Grief stricken, Anakin could not get a hold of himself. The truth be told, he didn’t want to. He wanted to let it all out. He felt a strong hand on his shoulder. He looked up and cried out, “Obi-Wan!” He stood and embraces his brother so hard it almost knocked them both to the ground. Obi-Wan regained his balance and held Anakin in his arms. Anakin’s weeping grew louder as he cried and cried on Obi-Wan’s shoulders. Obi-Wan began to weep with his hurting brother. What can I do? Through Anakin’s wails, he pleaded in desperation to Obi-Wan. “Make it stop, Obi-Wan! Please, make it stop! I can’t take the pain anymore! Make it stop! I don’t want to be a Jedi. I don’t want to be the Chosen One. I just want my Padme back. It hurts so much. Please make it stop. I’ll do anything. Please help me…please…please…please.” What can I do? The two Jedi stood there, crying together.



As Palpatine was meditating in the dark side, he could feel Skywalker’s breaking point would be very soon. The time for revelation was now, while his defenses were down. All he had to do was get rid of that annoyance Kenobi. But wait, he mused. I believe I can take care of Skywalker, Kenobi and Amidala all at the same time. His mouth formed an evil grin as he tightened his grip around his soon-to-be apprentice.

Chapter 13a

Mace Windu turned slowly to find himself facing a thousand battle droids. He felt the power of the Force surge in him…but it was different than ever before. It was…more. Grevious had been his most powerful opponent and as such, he sank deeper into Vaapad than ever before. Yes, as Vaapad required, he had enjoyed defeating Grevious. And now, Mace Windu was being pulled even further into his personal form of lightsaber combat. Lightsaber ignited, he began his advance.

“Uh, halt,” one of the droids commanded, but Mace was not taking orders today. He continued his advance, with his face fixed straight ahead. The clicking of the blasters echoed throughout the 10th level, but this did not break the Jedi Master’s concentration. I will defeat these annoying machines before the Clones arrive.

Mace was now completely surrounded by the mechanical enemy. He slowly turned in place and stared into the “eyes” of the closer droids. As he completed his circle, he readied his lightsaber.

“Attack!” shouted one of the lead droids and they all opened fire at once. With lightning swift movements, Windu blocked and redirected every shot. In fact, he wasn’t even breaking a sweat. His blade swung with ease in front of, behind and on both sides of him as layer after layer of broken droids collapsed to the ground. It was like they were just annoying gnats, easily gotten rid of. The quicker they came, the more powerful Mace grew. With his saber only in his right hand, Mace Windu stood still and defeated the battle droid army.

He stood straight, took a deep breath and began to withdraw from Vaapad. He felt discomfort all over. The farther away from Vaapad he became, the greater the discomfort. Was that physical pain or mental anguish? For the Jedi Master, this was new. He had indeed enjoyed the battle…and now he feared he wanted more.

“No!” he shouted to shake himself free. The Jedi Master came to himself once again. That was almost too far, he thought to himself as he made his way back to his starfighter.




In Padme’s room, Anakin was now beside his wife, his head on her breast with her hand in his as he stroked her thumb ever so gently. He was silent for now, just staring at his beautiful bride. Oh Padme, how did we get here?

Obi-Wan was in the waiting room with Ruwee and Jobal. “I only found out myself earlier today,” Obi-Wan offered. They had taken the news of Anakin and Padme’s marriage well. In fact, they were elated to find out that Anakin was indeed the father of their grandchild. He was a fine, young man in their eyes.

“But what will happen to him now? Will the Council eject him from the Order?” Jobal had many questions floating through her mind, but could only make sense of a few.

“The Council doesn’t know,” Obi-Wan stated matter-of-factly.

“But you are on the Council, aren’t you?” Ruwee questioned, slightly confused by Master Kenobi’s response.

“Yes. I am.” Obi-Wan stood up and walked towards Padme’s room as he continued. “I am a Jedi Master on the Council. I am also Anakin’s brother.” He hesitated as he made his final decision on the matter. Obi-Wan had devoted his entire life to the Jedi Order. His sworn allegiance was to the Republic. But these nightmares had shown him that the answer is not always black and white. Anakin’s life as the Chosen One was clearly a key link to the survival of the Republic. But Obi-Wan knew that his brother was in no shape to fulfill his destiny and defeat the Sith. He knew what he must do. “I will do as I must,” he could hear Qui-Gon say. And now it was Obi-Wan’s turn. The Living Force was calling Obi-Wan to help his brother. Yes, Anakin Skywalker was his brother. He was closer than a brother. “The Council…does not know.”

Chapter 13b

Anakin sat up and tried again. He placed his hand on Padme’s forehead and
closed his eyes. It hadn’t worked the first time, but he would concentrate harder. He let go of his anger; he let go of his fear; he let go of everything and focused on Padme. He could sense her deep inside, but he could not get to her. It was like an invisible wall separated them. He could feel her, but he could not touch her. And he could not help her.

He dropped his head and despair sank in once more. “Padme.” He took her hand in his. With a shaky voice, he spoke. “I love you so much. I wish I knew what to do. I want you back. I need you back. You can’t leave me now. I can’t live without you.” Anakin became steadier as he continued. “I’m going to leave the Order, Padme. Obi-Wan knows. You were right. He wanted to help us. I will tell the Council tomorrow morning and then I won’t ever leave your side again. I will protect you Padme, no matter what I have to do or what I have to give up. I promise you.” He sounded more confident than he felt. But maybe if he could keep sounding that way, the confidence would follow? Maybe.

How can I protect you from an unknown enemy? I don’t even know if this coma is related to my nightmares or not. I know Obi-Wan wants to help, but he dies in another nightmare. What if him helping me is what causes him to die? Can I choose between Obi-Wan and you? He begged the Force not to make him choose.



“Master Windu. The battle on Utapau, have an update, do you?” Yoda inquired.

“General Grevious is dead. The Clones have just arrived to vanquish the remaining droid army. I suggest placing Commander Cody in charge so that I may return to Coruscant at once.”

“Patience, my friend,” Master Yoda gently chided. “First, contact Master Kenobi, we must. Informed the Chancellor must be of this victory. Young Skywalker and Obi-Wan shall go together.” Mace nodded his approval as Yoda continued with his instructions. “Then oversee the first stages of the battle as Commander Cody leads. Utapau, we cannot lose. Destroy the Separatist base we must.”

“Master Yoda, as I arrived the Separatist leaders were moved to Mustafar. They are no longer here.”

Yoda’s ears flattened as he pondered their next move. The Separatist leaders needed to be apprehended and brought to justice. But Master Kenobi and young Skywalker were not yet recovered from their recent trauma. Meditation he would need, to determine what was best.

“Continue with the original plan, only contact me before leave for Corsucant, you do. Our plans, change they may.”

[Annie]

Chapter 14a

Master Kenobi’s comm link beeped as he was staring at Anakin and Padme through the glass wall of her room. He excused himself from Ruwee and Jobal as he stepped around the corner.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

“Master Kenobi, you are receiving a Priority 1 encoded message from Master Windu on Utapau,” the voice from the Jedi Temple informed.

“Thank you. Can you patch it through to the medical center?”

“Yes sir. Transmitting now.”

Master Windu came into view just as Obi-Wan arrived at the holo-terminal. “Master Kenobi. I have defeated Grevious. You and Skywalker are to take this news to Chancellor Palpatine together at once.”

Obi-Wan glanced over at his brother and knew he was in no condition, emotionally, to leave Padme’s side. “Both of us?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“Master Kenobi. Do you still believe that Chancellor Palpatine is the Sith Lord?”

“Yes. I do.”

“Well then. It would be wise not to face him alone. Do you agree?” Mace retorted.

“You are correct, Master Windu. We will go there immediately.”

The transmission ended, but Mace Windu was not pleased with the conversation. The fact that Obi-Wan still believed the Chancellor was the Sith Lord proved that he needed to return to Coruscant immediately and not wait to watch over Commander Cody. Obi-Wan was noticeably stressed during the conversation. If he should accuse the Chancellor…Mace could not complete his thought. This situation was far too delicate to leave it in the hands of the battle-worn and weary Kenobi and Skywalker team. The Chancellor could not be the Sith Lord. He and Master Yoda would have sensed that long ago.



He was almost giddy as he played his game, toying with their minds. A bit of darkness here, a cold shiver there. Ah, yes. He could sense their frustration and feel their turmoil. Yeeesss. It was making him stronger. Soon he would be strong enough to deepen Amidala’s coma, to actually endanger her life from across the city. His Master had known the secret to stop people from dying. Pity. It is much more fun to torture them so they want to kill themselves.



Obi-Wan returned to the waiting area with Ruwee and Jobal. And again, he felt a shiver of cold and darkness streak through him. He looked around and tried to sense where it had come from, but again, the source eluded him. He tried to mask his frustration, but only half-succeeded.

“Is something wrong?” Jobal asked.

“What?” Obi-Wan turned back to Jobal. “Oh…yes…I’m sorry.” He gathered his thoughts and replied, “Anakin and I have to leave for a short time.” He turned to look at his friend and wondered how to break the news to him. He knew that bringing up Palpatine as the Sith Lord would not go over well.

Chapter 14b

Anakin turned to look at Obi-Wan from Padme’s bedside. He could sense something was wrong and sent a questioning glance to his brother. Obi-Wan nodded his head the slightest bit to acknowledge him. Anakin stood and leaned over his beautiful Padme. As he lowered his lips to hers and gently kissed her, he whispered, “I’ll only be a minute, my love.”

As he came out of the room, Anakin asked, “what is it? What is wrong?”

“We just received word from Master Windu that General Grevious is defeated.”

Anakin smiled and it felt good to him. It seemed so long ago that he had anything to be happy about. “But, that’s good news, Master. The war is over then!”

Obi-Wan was silent for a moment as he studied his former padawan’s face. “Anakin, you don’t believe that, do you? We still haven’t found the remaining Sith Lord.”

Anakin’s smile quickly faded into a frown as he looked away from Obi-Wan. He knew he was referring to the Chancellor. I don’t want to get into this now. I need Obi-Wan’s help, but I can’t argue about the Chancellor. I’m exhausted and I just want my wife back.

Obi-Wan could tell he had touched the nerve, but he had to press on. They had been given an order from the Council. “Anakin, we have a short mission from the Council.”

“What?” He jerked his head back towards Obi-Wan. He was obviously irritated but trying to keep his voice down for Padme’s parents’ sake. “Mission? I can’t leave her; she’s my wife!” His eyes were filled with frustration.

“We are to inform the Chancellor that Grevious is dead. That is all. It won’t take long and you can come back here immediately.”

A messenger? Anakin shook his head as if to physically remove the thought. “I cannot believe what I’m hearing, Master. You want me to go with you to deliver a message?” Anakin gestured back to Padme as he added, “while my wife is in a coma for some unknown reason?” His eyes were pleading now.

Obi-Wan moved to put his arm around Anakin now. “The Council is asking you.” Obi-Wan looked directly into his eyes. “I am on your side, Anakin.”

Anakin swallowed hard and set his jaw to avoid the tears that were coming. “I will be resigning from the Order as of the Council meeting tomorrow morning.”

Obi-Wan nodded, expecting this would be happening, and yet still unprepared for the reaction in his gut. “Yes, well…we can talk more later, if you need to. For now, let’s go to the Chancellor so you can return here…” Obi-Wan gulped as he fought against the words that were forming on his mouth. “…where you belong.”


Chapter 15a

Anakin sighed heavily as he tried to reconcile how to proceed. He wouldn’t be a Jedi in the morning so he wasn’t really compelled to follow the Council’s orders. Besides, his Padme needed him. On the other hand, Obi-Wan thought the Chancellor was the Sith Lord and Palpatine was like his father. He wondered what their meeting alone might bring. But then again, Obi-Wan was trying so hard to help Anakin save Padme. Obi-Wan was truly acting as his brother. Anakin was always fiercely loyal to his family and friends. His mother had taught him from a young age, the importance of such devotion. But how could he choose whom would receive his faithfulness first?

“Give me a minute, Master,” Anakin replied as he stood and walked to an isolated corner. He took a deep breath and centered himself, focusing in the Force. As he closed his eyes, the vision began. It was Obi-Wan again. He was in pain…no agony. Anakin’s facial muscles were twitching as he struggled to remain in the vision. He was overcome with darkness and knew that Obi-Wan’s strength was failing. The Force released Anakin from his vision. He knew this was his answer. That Obi-Wan, somehow, needed him the most right now. The tears were rolling down his face as he turned to face Padme’s room. Oh how he hated being the Chosen One now.

He walked over to Obi-Wan who stood there silently, waiting patiently, for his brother’s answer. “I will meet you in the Chancellor’s office,” Anakin solemnly informed, looking Obi-Wan directly in the eyes. “But I must tell Padme first. Go on ahead of me.”



Yoda was deep in the Force, quietly meditating, trying to ascertain how best to proceed. He saw shadows. The Light was there, but in a haze. The thick fog of the darkness hung in the air. He searched for Master Kenobi and found his presence; he felt his anguish. He searched for young Skywalker and found his presence; he felt his torment and his fear. He searched for Master Windu and found his presence; he felt his…Master Yoda’s eyes popped open at the Force’s revelation. He, like Anakin, had received his answer. Mace Windu would go to Mustafar to arrest the Separatists. Only Master Yoda remained completely grounded in the Force and only he could oversee Kenobi and Skywalker now, or so he thought.



As Obi-Wan entered the Chancellor’s office, he felt claustrophobic because of the surrounding darkness. If Palpatine wasn’t the Sith Lord, then he was definitely under his control.

"Master Kenobi. What a pleasant surprise!" The Chancellor greeted Obi-Wan sounding genuine. But for the first time, Obi-Wan sensed deception. At last, I will be rid of this relentless Jedi. "Are you and Anakin recovering well from recent events?" Soon you will be crushed and young Skywalker will be with me! "Where is Anakin, by the way? I haven't had the chance to properly thank him for his efforts on the Invisible Hand."

"Thank you for asking, Chancellor," Obi-Wan replied while keeping his senses heightened. Only a slight raise in his right eyebrow would give that away. And only a Jedi could detect that minute a change in his appearance.

"The events of the Invisible Hand seem to have left no lasting effects. Anakin will be along soon. He had one more thing to take care of before he could join us."

From outward appearances, the Chancellor seemed to be his usual "kindly old man" self. But there was something else; something that Obi-Wan could not put his finger on. He knew his vision had shown this man to be the Sith Lord. But had he really believed it was possible? Could that be what he was detecting?

After another moment of awkward silence, the Chancellor interjected. “Master Kenobi, if I may be so bold, why did you come to see me?”

The Chancellor’s eyes pierced right through to the core of Obi-Wan. He focused himself in the Force before answering.

“I have news from the Outer Rim. Master Windu discovered and defeated General Grevious on Utapau.” Obi-Wan hesitated before continuing. If the Chancellor was only who he said he was, then it would not matter that another Sith Lord existed. The war, as far as he was concerned, would be over. If on the other hand, he was the Sith Lord… “It appears the Republic’s enemies have been eliminated and the war is over.”

Palpatine stood and began slowly walking around his desk towards Obi-Wan as he spoke. “Well that is good news, Master Kenobi. But I can hardly agree that the war is over.” The war will never be over, you fool. “It will take some time to ensure the Separatist Leaders don’t reorganize. No, I’m afraid the war is still very much continuing.” The war increases my power, my unlimited power. Palpatine was now directly in front of Obi-Wan. His voice lowered in pitch for his next accusation. “Master Kenobi, you appear to be on edge. Are you holding back any vital information from me?”

Chapter 15b

Mace Windu was on his way to Mustafar to arrest the Separatist Leaders. He did neither understand nor agreed with Master Yoda in this decision. It seemed obvious to him that the two senior ranking members of the Jedi Council would both be necessary to support Kenobi and Skywalker in this gravest of times, when the Sith Lord was about to reveal himself. Mace could sense it deep within his bones; the darkness was about to get darker. He should be back on Coruscant to help determine the identity of the Sith Lord. Master Yoda would need his help…wouldn’t he? A memory of walking through the Temple halls flashed into Mace’s mind. Obi-Wan had been speaking of Anakin’s abilities making him arrogant. But Yoda’s response…it never hit him this way before. Yoda had said this flaw was more and more common among Jedi, even the older, more experience ones. Was Yoda speaking of him? Did Yoda think Mace was too sure of himself? Mace did not like the way that allegation felt and he began to feel the slightest twinge of anger build deep inside. He quickly recentered himself to prepare for the arrest of the Separatists. No matter whether he agreed or not, he was here and he had a job to do.



“Excuse me, Chancellor?” Oh, not good. Obi-Wan tried to stall so that Anakin would arrive. Where in the blazes is Anakin?

“Don’t worry, Master Kenobi.” The Chancellor’s voice was dripping with sarcasm now as he turned and walked away from Obi-Wan. “I’m sure young Anakin will arrive from the medical center soon. Give him time…” He stopped and twisted his upper torso to face the Jedi Master once again. “He is saying good-bye to his wife after all.”

“What did you say?”

[Annie]

Chapter 16a

Anakin knelt beside Padme once more. “I know I promised to resign the Order tomorrow, but they have given me one final assignment. I’m doing it for Obi-Wan more than the Council. I sense that he may be in danger somehow.” He gripped her left hand between both of his and bowed his head to kiss it. “I will return soon, my love.” He closed his eyes and tried to connect with her one last time.

Padme, my love, where are you? He found her deep within the Force. Padme. Wait...She heard him. Padme!

Anakin?… Anakin? She sounded so scared and confused.

Padme, I’m here!

I can’t find you! Anakin! Help me, Anakin! I’m trapped!



An evil grin spread across Palpatine’s face as he began to laugh. “His wife,” the Chancellor snapped in reply. Obi-Wan was clearly shocked and Palpatine continued his laughter. It is finally time! “That’s right…your precious Chosen One has violated the Jedi Code and is married.” The words spat from Palpatine’s mouth.

They began to circle around each other. “How do you know this?” Obi-Wan asked, trying to remain focused and calm.

“Allow me to introduce myself, Jedi Master,” Palpatine mockingly replied. “My name is Darth”

“Sidious!” Obi-Wan immediately ignited his lightsaber as he remembered the warning from Count Dooku so long ago on Geonosis. “You are the Sith Lord.” [/i]Oh no! How will Anakin react? What if I’m forced to kill him before Anakin arrives?[/i]

“Brilliant deduction. Perhaps I’ve underestimated your powers?” The Sith Lord laughed again. “Your pitiful Jedi Order is about to be eliminated.” He slowed his voice as he added, “All except for my new apprentice, that is.”

Remembering his dream of Anakin kneeling before the Sith Lord, Obi-Wan replied, “If you are referring to Anakin, I am afraid you are mistaken. He will soon be here and see you revealed for the evil you truly are.”

“Oh no, young Jedi, it is you who are mistaken…about a great..many..things! Young Skywalker will find me fighting for my very life, you see. Your attack on his mentor will not go unpunished. You fool! He does not believe I am the Sith Lord. And once he finds out, it will be too late. He will already be my servant.” Sidious was clearly enjoying displaying his plan to Obi-Wan, who had walked right into his trap.

Still circling each other slowly, Obi-Wan, the Negotiator, countered, “What makes you so certain he will not choose to save me? I trust Anakin with my life.”

“Your faith in your friend is your weakness. Only I have the knowledge to save his wife from certain death. See for yourself and witness the power of the dark side.” Sidious motioned to the viewscreen in the room. A picture from a security camera in the medical center came into focus. Obi-Wan saw Anakin kneeling beside Padme, eyes closed and concentrating. “Watch and learn.” Sidious motioned with his finger and Anakin suddenly stood up.



Anakin was wide-eyed now, staring at his beloved. “Padme? Can you hear me?” He turned to his in-laws, eyes full of hope. They drew closer to the glass wall. “Padme, come back to me, my love.” He stroked her cheek as he spoke to her. The first medical droid came in at that moment and told Anakin to step aside. He reluctantly let go of her hand and backed against the wall. By this time, an entire team of droids was surrounding her, checking her vital signs and running further tests.

“An…” Her voice was hoarse and her eyes were closed, but Anakin heard it just the same. And then again. “Ana…Anakin” The words were barely audible. The tears of joy were streaming down his face.



“So you see, only I can help him. His mindless devotion to your Order is keeping him from his full potential. I will complete his training.”

“Mindless devotion? It might interest you to know that Anakin is resigning from the Order tomorrow morning…so that he can be with his wife as a family. I’m afraid he will not be interested in any mindless devotion to you either.”

Resigning the Order? This wasn’t part of the plan. How had this slipped past him? “You’re lying,” Sidious replied flatly.

“Search your feelings, Sidious. You know it to be true.” Obi-Wan still held his lightsaber in his right hand ready to parry any attack.

“Well then, I will adjust my plans.” Before he had finished speaking his hands were pointed directly at Obi-Wan and lightning flew from his fingertips. Obi-Wan caught the lightning with his blade but it was so powerful, it knocked him back across the room. He hit his head on one of the statues as he flew past and into the wall. The room was spinning, but he remained conscious.

Chapter 16b

The Naberries were so overjoyed when they saw their daughter’s lips move, they burst into her room. Their joy was short-lived, though, as they watched Anakin crumple to the floor in a heap.

The pain in his head was so piercing and intense that he couldn’t help but cry out. Obi-Wan. His brother was in pain. No, I’m too late. Not again. First his mother and now...“Aaaahh!” The pain grew increasingly potent.

“Anakin, are you all right?” Jobal Naberrie was at his side in an instant.

His eyes were shut tight as he concentrated on removing the pain. It was so powerful, he could not form an answer. And then again. “Aaaahh!” He was doubled over trying to gain control.

Padme was still and silent now. The medical droids were swarming around her taking care of her. Oh Padme, my love, I have to go. Please forgive me. He looked to Jobal and uttered in agony, “It’s Obi-Wan…I have to go.”

Jobal closed her eyes and nodded her approval. “We’ll take good care of her Anakin.”



The landing on Mustafar occurred with unexpected ease. Mace Windu was leery as he strode the walkway to the bunker entrance. He sensed a trap. The building practically radiated with the dark side. The Force beckoned him and he answered, sinking deep into the Force. Would he need to use Vaapad for this confrontation? The answer did not come. The thrill of the last battle was still fresh in his memory. Somewhere deep inside, he yearned to repeat that thrill. Instead, he calmed himself and then entered the bunker, lightsaber ready.

“Windu!” Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray looked up in horror when he saw the Jedi Master. All of the Separatist Leaders were there and now they were backing up.

As Mace looked around slowly, he surveyed the room. Where was the trap he sensed?

“You are all under arrest for treason against the Republic. I suggest you come quietly.”

“Or what?” Shu Mai, Presidente of the Commerce Guild, asked indignantly. “What are you going to do if we resist?”

“You don’t want to find out. Let’s leave it at that.” Mace could not believe his ears. Since when were these beings anything but cowards? The galaxy would be better off without them. He felt a twinge as the thoughts ran through his head.

“Let’s not.” Shu Mai responded as she nodded to the chief of security.

At that moment the battle droids appeared in the control room and behind Mace as well. He was surrounded. “This looks familiar,” he muttered to himself. The flashes of light were quick and they were constant as the droids bombarded the Jedi Master with laser fire.



Obi-Wan struggled to get to his feet, still dizzy from the knock on his head. Sidious was advancing on him quickly, hands raised and pointed towards him. Obi-Wan dug in his heels in the Force to steady himself for the next blow, which came swiftly. As the lightning shot across the room, Sidious continued to walk closer. Obi-Wan managed to maintain his balance and still absorb the dark energy with his blade. Sidious seemed unconcerned that his attack was not having its desired effect. When he was 3 feet away, Obi-Wan found out why. With a slight move of his hands, and a snarl of his face, Sidious increased the intensity. Obi-Wan’s lightsaber practically jumped out of his hands, as he was unprepared for the jolt. The Sith Lord was cackling now. He brought his hands to bear on Obi-Wan’s chest. Obi-Wan jumped and flipped over his head, but it wasn’t enough. Sidious caught him in the air with the lightning and plunged him back to the floor.



Anakin was in his starfighter, almost to the Chancellor’s office, when the pain seared through his entire body. He screamed in pain as he struggled to land his craft. He could not stop shaking; it was as if every nerve was being attacked. He closed his eyes and saw Obi-Wan, writhing in pain on the floor. I’m almost there, he sent to Obi-Wan through the Force. Hang in there, brother. Who is doing this to you? But his message seemed to bounce back at him.

Anakin wondered where the Chancellor was in all of this mess. He could only detect the dark side surrounding Obi-Wan. He ran to the Chancellor’s office and his thoughts returned to Padme. Oh my love, we will be together soon. Just one more night and our world will change. Everything will soon be set right. He rounded the corner into the office and the vision in his head became the vision in his eyes.

Chapter 16c

“Anakin. How nice of you to join us!” Sidious returned to his kindly Chancellor voice. “Please come in.”

Anakin slowed his approach, the confusion apparent on his features. He looked at Obi-Wan who was struggling to get back on his feet, clearly still in pain. Anakin could feel his pain.

“And how is Padme doing?”

“What?” Anakin eye’s jerked back to the Chancellor.

“Padme… your wife…how is she?” Anakin was as confused as ever. Had Obi-Wan told the Chancellor about his marriage? He shot a glance at Obi-Wan who was still bent over in pain. He noticed Obi-Wan’s lightsaber was across the room from him.

“What’s going on here?” Anakin was trying to maintain his focus, but the dark side was clouding every thought.

“Would you like to see your wife wake up?” The Chancellor nonchalantly strode across the room until he stood in front of the viewscreen. Obi-Wan was trying to speak to Anakin through the Force, but the dark side was too strong and it blocked all of Obi-Wan’s efforts.

After retrieving his lightsaber, Obi-Wan stumbled over to where Anakin was standing. Anakin whispered to him, “Did you deliver the message?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“And then he…” Obi-Wan stammered as he debated how to tell Anakin what had transpired. Deciding that a straightforward honest approach was best, he continued. “He attacked me.”

“What?” Anakin was dumbfounded.

“He is the Sith Lord, Anakin. I have the bruises to prove it.”

Anakin’s anger and impatience spiked, although surprisingly, he managed to control it quickly. Sidious, with his back to both of them, smiled as he sensed the conflict within his soon-to-be apprentice.

“I could feel your pain. That’s why I came when I did. Padme was starting to wake up when I left. Did you tell the Chancellor about Padme?” Obi-Wan was amazed that even at the mention of the Chancellor being the Sith Lord, Anakin’s thoughts dwelled on Padme. Anakin’s passion for her was greater than any Obi-Wan had seen before.

“Do come over here, both of you,” the Chancellor beckoned without giving Obi-Wan the chance to respond. “Oh look, it appears Miss Padme is sitting up. This is good news!”



The Separatist Leaders remained in the control room, confident their little “surprise” would keep them safe. The Jedi Master himself was surrounded by what looked like a purple wall of light. They saw random laser fire coming out from the wall, but made no move to retreat. This was their fatal flaw. San Hill of the InterGalactic Banking Clan was the first to fall, hit by the deflected laser from a battle droid. Wat Tambor from the TechnoUnion went down next.

Mace was more focused than he’d ever been, even when fighting Grevious. And then he felt it. One of the lasers had inadvertently struck one of the Separatist Leaders. But that feeling, it was new. It was…powerful. He continued to battle the droids when it happened again. More power this time. Mace struggled to push this feeling away, but he needed all of his concentration to fight off the droids. If he paused, even for a moment to deal with this feeling, he would become one with the Force. And being killed by battle droids was not this Master’s preferred way to die.

By the time, the droids were defeated, Mace Windu turned around and saw only a shaking and cowering Nute Gunray left standing. Windu approached the Viceroy, lightsaber still ignited. He stopped in front of him and Gunray stared directly into his eyes.



Darth Sidious detected a large ripple in the Force. He had felt it earlier and knew that one was gaining power from the dark side. His time was running short. Skywalker had to turn now.

“I don’t understand what’s happening here, Chancellor.”

“In time you will call me Master, young Skywalker.” The voice of Darth Sidious returned.

“Chancellor?” Anakin finally acknowledged that indeed something was very wrong with Palpatine. He searched his feelings and the Force and found the truth.

“Join me and together we will rule the galaxy! Become my apprentice and let me complete your training.”

Anakin’s mind was reeling. He looked to Obi-Wan who stood there motionless for a moment. “Anakin, do you see what is happening now?” Obi-Wan questioned.

He looked down, his brow furrowed and clearly in torment as he nodded an affirmative response. He had been his mentor, his friend, like a father to him and now...it was all gone in an instant. All the years of learning and confiding. He had trusted Palpatine. Could he trust his own judgment now? He would have to; it was all he had left. He slowly looked up, directly into the eyes of the Sith Lord, ignited his lightsaber and bellowed, "I'll never join you!"

Chapter 16d

The maniacal grin slid down the face of Sidious into a scowl. "As you wish." Sidious turned back to the viewscreen as he said, "I can arrange an early death for your wife then."

At that moment, Anakin watched his beloved Padme clutch her heart and fall forward off the examining table. The medical droids rushed her parents out of the room. Anakin could see the monitors go blank as his lightsaber disengaged and fell to the floor. He tried to find her in the Force, but he couldn't see anything past the blasted dark side permeating the room. He fell to the floor in his grief as he screamed, "Noooooo!".

Obi-Wan rushed to his side, but just before he reached him, he flew backwards into the air from a Force push initiated by Darth Sidious.

"What can I do?" Anakin cried out. He looked to Obi-Wan who was trying to shake off the pain from the impact to the wall. He couldn't bear to watch his soul-mate die.

"Use your emotions, young one. Give in to them and save Padme from certain death."

Anakin, now on his knees and staggering even there, looked up in agony to Darth Sidious. "I will do... whatever you ask. Just don't hurt Padme. I can't live without her." Anakin dropped his head and sobbed.

"Good. Goooood. Rise my friend and take heart, your wife is feeling better already."

Anakin stared at the viewscreen in disbelief. What kind of power did this Darth Sidious have at his disposal that he could affect such pain from so far away? Would Padme understand what he had just done?

"Anakin, what are you doing?" Obi-Wan was barely able to control his fear as he watched his nightmare of Anakin kneeling before the Sith Lord unfold. "Sidious is a Sith. You are the Chosen One. You are meant to destroy the Sith!"

"I told you before, I don't want to be the Chosen One. I just want to be with Padme." Anakin had never looked so defeated before. He was the "Hero with No Fear" and yet here he was, scared to death to lose Padme.

"Excellent choice, my apprentice." Anakin shot a glaring look towards Sidious as he stood up. "And now, for your first assignment. Kill Master Kenobi."

"What?" Both Kenobi and Skywalker responded in unison.

"I don't think so." Anakin could not kill his own brother. And then he watched in horror as Padme screamed out in pain. The audio was now turned on...

"The baby...oh no! Aaaahhh! Where is Anakin? Something is wrong with the baby!!!!"

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!!" Anakin screamed as loud as he could as he ignited his lightsaber and advanced on Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Obi-Wan was aware the attack was coming, but he was not prepared to fight his brother. Even so, his lightsaber ignited in defense almost reflexively as Anakin's blade came towards him. They battled across the room, just as they had done in sparring practice so many times. Only this time, it was for real. This time, Anakin did not restrain his emotions. With tears streaming down his face, he advanced on his lifelong friend.

"Anakin, stop this!" Obi-Wan yelled over the crashes of the weapons. "We can defeat him together."

"I must save Padme!" Anakin was tormented as he was forced to choose between the two people that meant the most in the universe to him. One thing was for sure, he hated Darth Sidious and what he had done to all of their lives.

"I can help you save Padme, Anakin!" But Obi-Wan's pleas were drowned out by the rage in Anakin's soul. He would not lose his Padme, not after all they had been through. He would not lose his child.

Darth Sidious howled as he walked towards the battling duo. "I can feel your anger, Skywalker. It makes you stronger...gives you focus. Your transformation is almost complete. Now...finish this battle and assume your place at my side."

All the while the laser swords were whirling back and forth. Anakin's moment of truth, his moment of decision was upon him. Forgive me, Padme, he thought as his blade met its mark.

[Annie]

Chapter 17

Anakin reached deep inside and felt his anger swell. He quickly took a deep breath and let his rage engulf him. His first strike was on purpose not a death blow. He looked down at the arm on the ground. The room was silent, save for the low hum of his lightsaber. Obi-Wan Kenobi slowly backed away from Anakin, unable to sense anything but darkness around him.

“Anakin?’ Obi-Wan grimaced.

No response.

“Anakin?”

Anakin let out an audible irritated sigh. “Be quiet, Master.” Anakin began to advance on his victim. He had never felt as in control as he did now. The inner turmoil was gone; the conflict was gone; the pain was gone; and the worry was gone. He was of one purpose. He was focused and he would finish what he started. His power was growing with each step forward.

The blow had taken Sidious aback, not expecting his apprentice to turn on him. The pain of the lightsaber searing through his flesh was intense and required him to split his focus to endure it. As he recentered himself, Sidious raised his only arm towards Skywalker and lightning flew from his fingertips. Anakin was more than ready for the attack and held up his hand to block the onslaught.

“Your powers are weak, old man.” Anakin sneered. He had opened himself to a deeper side of the Force, a side he’d only felt twice before. This time, he did not try to stop it. This time he let the power fill him. He adjusted his hand slightly and redirected the lightning back towards Sidious.

“Anakin!” Obi-Wan yelled above the crackle of the lightning. “Anakin! Noooo!”

The muscles beneath the face of Sidious began to melt away and his face grew pale and contorted. “Help me! He’s trying to kill me! I’m weak….I can’t hold on…Help me, Master Kenobi!” Sidious dropped his arm as his flesh smoked and sizzled.

Anakin’s face twisted into a snarl as he raised his lightsaber to attack the Sith Lord.

“He must live!” came a shout from Obi-Wan, still dumbfounded at what he was watching play out before his eyes. “What about Padme, Anakin?” Obi-Wan was searching for any reason to stop his former padawan from killing in his anger.

Anakin glared at Obi-Wan. “Don’t you think I know that? He has ruined our lives and may have killed my child by toying with us. Lies and deception are his ways.” Anakin slowly turned back to Sidious who was now standing. “You are going to pay for all the pain you’ve caused.”

The once mighty Dark Lord of the Sith was now blinded by his own darkness and could not see through it. A new darkness had risen in the room and it was advancing towards him now. He was supposed to be the apprentice, not the Master. Skywalker advanced and swung his lightsaber swiftly slicing off his legs. As Sidious fell to the ground, Skywalker took off his other arm. Now laying helpless on the floor, Skywalker towered over Sidious and stabbed his sword into his heart. The last thing Darth Sidious saw were the yellow eyes of his murderer.

Chapter 18a

As Anakin stood over the lifeless body of Darth Sidious, he drew in a deep breath and disengaged his lightsaber. He could feel his powers increasing, slowly covering his entire body. He remained motionless as the intensity grew. With each moment, his breathing became deeper and more focused until he was lost in the Force. Flashes of memories trickled through his mind…leaving his mother behind on Tatooine…in the Council chamber as a boy…Qui-Gon’s funeral…Obi-Wan’s disappointment through the years…his mother dying in his arms…murdering the Tuskens…burying his mother…being rejected as a Jedi Master…the visions of battling Obi-Wan…the visions of Padme dying in childbirth…Padme lying helpless in a coma. His eyes shot open upon the realization. He was strong enough now; he knew he was. And yet, there was something unsettling him, something holding him back. Before him was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. He had to find out the truth…to know for sure. Anakin knelt next to the mutilated body of Sidious and placed his hand over the hole in the Dark Lord’s chest. He closed his eyes and concentrated.

Obi-Wan watched his former padawan carefully. He reached into the Force, but he couldn’t find Anakin. In fact, he couldn’t find anyone. The darkness in the room was too thick to see beyond. He didn’t understand; Darth Sidious was dead. The shroud should be lifted, should it not? Unless…could it be? What if Darth Sidious was not the Master? Or worse yet, what if he was the Master? Was there a new Master now? But who and how? Who could possibly have enough power to blind Obi-Wan from far away…but what if he weren’t far away? Obi-Wan’s mind was reeling as he tried to unravel the mystery. His thoughts shifted again to Anakin. His breath caught as the unthinkable crept into his consciousness. Anakin? Obi-Wan pushed the thought away hard and fast. Absolutely not. That was simply not an acceptable solution. It wasn’t possible at all, Obi-Wan reasoned. It defied all logic. Besides, Obi-Wan couldn’t even sense Master Yoda. No, there must be another answer. Obi-Wan’s next thought disturbed him even more than the last. What if Darth Sidious was a Master Sith, but what if he wasn’t THE Master Sith? What if there was someone or something controlling him? What if…?

Anakin moved quickly past the dermal layers as his mind probed through Sidious. He could feel the broken muscles and the seared veins. He worked slowly and deliberately. Odd, he mused to himself. I’ve never been this patient before. A sly smile appeared across his face as he looked up, hands in place, eyes still closed.

Obi-Wan cautiously approached the duo on the floor, not wishing to disturb Anakin’s concentration. Maybe if he was close enough he could figure out what in blazes Anakin was up to. As he knelt on the floor beside the pair, Obi-Wan fixed his eyes on Anakin’s hand. The dark side continued to blind Obi-Wan’s Force abilities. He was forced to rely on his natural senses to decipher the situation. By the intense look on Anakin’s face, it appeared to Obi-Wan that his brother was still in tune with the Force, or at least he was trying to connect. Good, maybe he can see through this darkness and shed some light on the situation. Obi-Wan looked down at the still body of Sidious for more clues.

This is too easy, Anakin said only to his thoughts. He wondered why this skill was so elusive to the Jedi Order. The damage in Sidious’s chest was now repaired. Anakin noticed Obi-Wan had knelt beside him. He would have to execute his plan carefully. Anakin turned his thoughts to Padme. He would check on her before he continued. Standing up, he walked to the viewscreen and watched as the droids tended to her. She was lying down, with her eyes closed, looking oddly peaceful. Anakin reached through the Force and found Padme. I can sense her even from this far away? Anakin was astounded at the new abilities of which he seemed suddenly to be in possession. If I can sense her, then I can speak with her.

Padme.

Anakin! Padme’s spirit stirred, although her body remained still

My love, are you alright? He was already confirming her answer through the Force.

I’m okay. The medical droid said somehow all of my vital signs became normal instantaneously. They don’t know why though. Oh Anakin, come to me, please.

Soon my love. You and the baby are safe now and that’s all that matters. Continue your rest and I’ll be there soon. Anakin turned around and headed towards Sidious.

Obi-Wan was full of questions, but thought it best to remain silent, for the moment. He continued observing, but noticed nothing out of the ordinary in Anakin’s physical appearance. Still, there was something out of place.

Chapter 18b

The darkness was thick as it hung in the room. It seemed to dance with delight at the turn of events in the Chancellor’s office. And now, it was lurking about waiting patiently to completely devour it’s latest victim. One could almost hear the evil hands of darkness rubbing together in anticipation.

Anakin knelt beside Sidious and re-placed his hand. Through the Force he delved inward and gently wrapped his hand around the cold heart. He squeezed ever so slightly in a regular rhythm, sending life from his body through his hand and into the heart of the dead Sith. Over and over, he squeezed and willed his life Force until he felt it…the heart began beating on it’s own. Anakin opened his eyes and looked into the face of the life he had saved…waiting. Slowly, Sidious opened his eyes and gazed into the face of his savior.

Obi-Wan was speechless. He had just witnessed a miracle. Did Anakin really just bring back the Sith Lord he had just killed? Was Anakin keeping him alive or was Sidious breathing on his own?

As Sidious took his first breath, he exhaled slowly. “Anakin,” his breathing was labored. “Anakin, I….knew…you could do it. I knew….you wouldn’t…..leave me…”

The Dark Lord’s words were interrupted with Anakin’s Force thought to him. Good-bye. Anakin pulled his hand into a fist and through the Force, he crushed the heart he held.

The darkness applauded with enthusiasm as it was reinforced. This battle was won, but the war for the soul of the Jedi Knight was far from over.

Anakin looked up, as if caught off guard by a new sensation. Swiftly he returned to his feet and spun around to see the flash of purple light flying through the air.

Chapter 19a

Anakin was well-prepared for the onslaught from the Jedi Master. He knew Mace Windu had disliked him, had even feared him, since that first meeting in the Council Chamber. But what had brought on this attack he did not know. No matter the cause, his current priority was to take down his attacker. The blades moved quickly in concert with each other. First one attacking and then the other, neither swordsman gaining the upper hand. They moved around the room as Mace swung low aiming for the younger’s legs. But Anakin knew well in advance and jumped straight up into the air out of the way, quickly offering his own counter swing to the chest of Windu. It was there they stood, lightsabers crackling, faces intense and staring deep into the other’s souls. It was there they both saw the same thing. It was there they both saw themselves.

Obi-Wan was still kneeling by Sidious and trying to put the puzzle together when he saw Mace Windu fly through the room at Anakin. Still blind to the Force, Obi-Wan had not felt the Master’s approach or his intent. None of this made any sense. Mace Windu was supposed to arrest the Separatists. Why was he here and more importantly, why was he attacking Anakin? Anakin Skywalker had just brought back the life of Sidious, if only for a brief moment. Could he have performed a more gracious act than trying to save the life of his enemy? If only Obi-Wan sensed more than darkness, maybe together they could have succeeded. Blast it all. This being blinded is for droids. Obi-Wan shook his head in frustration. He desperately wanted to save his brother from this onslaught but knew that without the Force as his ally, he would quickly be dead and of no use himself. He watched in amazement as the two continued the battle, both with an incredible increase in their power and apparently evenly matched. Obi-Wan himself remained in darkness. Ironically, he was the only one fully in the light.

Mace Windu had known young Skywalker was strong in the Force since day one. Qui-Gon had brought him in unexpectedly and requested the boy be tested. Qui-Gon was always challenging the Jedi Code, testing the boundaries of the long established Order. Mace had had enough of his requests. This boy he brought forth would not be trained as a Jedi and undermine a thousand years of tradition. The Council was in full agreement back then, until it happened…until Qui-Gon was martyred by the mysterious creature now known to be a Sith Lord. And then Obi-Wan had promised he would train the boy. That’s when the Council started falling apart in Mace Windu’s eyes. Giving approval to train Skywalker should never have happened. At least Obi-Wan hadn’t turned into the maverick that Qui-Gon was, although he was far too close to Skywalker. Skywalker, the name alone could bring nausea to the Jedi Master. Padawans were normally full of arrogance until the reality of Knighthood hit home. But this one, this padawan retained his arrogance, as far as Mace was concerned. Quite frankly, he couldn’t see what Obi-Wan saw in the boy. And a boy he still was. The “Hero With No Fear”. The title spat sarcasm in Mace’s head. The public loved him. I hate him.

Windu was feeling more powerful with each strike, still submerged in his Vaapad darkness. Killing Nute Gunray had been the final straw, sealing him into Vaapad, although he did not appear to be wanting a way out at the moment. He could feel his anger and resentment towards young Skywalker swelling in his soul. But also with each strike, young Skywalker grew in power as well.

The darkness was drooling with expectancy as the duel unfolded. Greedy for bloodshed, it filled the room with its ego.

Chapter 19b

Anakin felt his satisfaction increase as he easily matched Windu. It’s about time he learned what it means that I’m the Chosen One. He cannot defeat me. Anakin grew weary as the battle raged on. Yet not weary in body or strength. He was, simply put, tired of fighting this Jedi Master with a chip on his shoulder. He was tired of trying in vain to prove himself worthy of the Master’s respect. He was tired of being concerned with what any of the Master’s thought about him. He wanted to get to Padme and he wanted to share what had just happened to him with her and with his brother, Obi-Wan. Through the Force, he was trying to tell Obi-Wan to meet him in the hallway, but Obi-Wan was not responding. He appeared to be okay from a physical perspective, but he was not reachable through the Force.

Mace Windu, however, was reachable and felt Anakin’s disgust with the on-going battle, only serving to fuel his fire and sink ever deeper into Vaapad. Anakin rolled his eyes at Windu and decided he’d had enough. He disengaged his lightsaber instinctively, although Anakin himself was unsure why he had done so. Windu took advantage of the opportunity and sliced his lightsaber towards Anakin’s torso.

The light rose up from behind the shadows and caught the darkness off guard.

“NOOOOOOO!!!!” Obi-Wan yelled. He could stay dormant no longer, Force or no Force. He would give his own life to save Anakin’s. Anakin had offered the same for him so many times. Obi-Wan charged Mace from behind. Before he could strike even once, he smelled the searing of flesh, himself suddenly weakened as he hit the floor.

[Annie]

Chapter 20a

Anakin stood there in shock, his body racked with turmoil and a searing pain in his abdomen. He was too stricken to scream as he crumpled to the floor. He had jumped out of the way of Mace’s lightsaber at the last possible moment and landed clear across the room. He had aimed to land next to his brother so they could leave together. By tricking Windu into striking while Anakin’s lightsaber was lowered, he would have caught the Jedi Master off guard and then defeated him with ease. But the cackling laughter he’d planned at the Jedi Master’s surprise was unheard. He had counted on Mace’s arrogance. He had counted on his new abilities. He hadn’t counted on Obi-Wan’s undying allegiance to him. And now he felt his brother’s physical pain once again.

Mace Windu disengaged his lightsaber. He stood over Obi-Wan and looked at the hole in his abdomen. Obi-Wan’s eyes were still open and staring at nothing in particular. Buckling at his knees, Mace dropped to the ground and placed his hands on Obi-Wan’s throat to check for a pulse. He had not intended for Obi-Wan to be harmed. His vendetta was with Skywalker alone.

Anakin watched as Mace dropped next to Obi-Wan and then reached out his hand. His fury rose to a new height as Anakin brought his right hand forward, lunged and Force pushed Windu across the room with an energy so strong Windu was rendered unconscious before he hit the wall. “DON’T TOUCH MY BROTHER!!!!” Anakin yelled as he flew across the room and landed next to Obi-Wan. He immediately gathered Obi-Wan in his arms and cradled his head tenderly.

“Obi-Wan?” Anakin spoke through the tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Anakin.” His name was but a whisper. Obi-Wan strained to translate his thoughts into words. “Anakin...I had to...I had to save you...Anakin.” What little strength Obi-Wan had gathered was quickly dissipating.

“Stay with me, Obi-Wan.” Anakin was sobbing as he pleaded with his brother.

“I am...I am...proud...of...you, Ana...Anakin.” His breathing became labored.

“Obi-Wan!” Anakin was shaking uncontrollably as he felt the life drain out of Obi-Wan.

“I lo...I love... ...I love you…” His voice trailed off as he uttered his final words.

Still shaking, Anakin gently closed Obi-Wan’s eyes and laid him down. He stood up purposefully, with a look of determination in his eyes and moved deliberately towards Windu, picking up speed as he neared him. He grabbed the unconscious Master by the robes at his neck and started pounding. The impact of Anakin’s hand to Mace’s face drew blood as no resistance was offered from the victim. “How dare you...” With each word, he struck him again. “You worthless...good for nothing...arrogant...egotistical...” He stopped suddenly and dropped Mace on the floor as he realized his every word was describing himself at that moment.

It was just under an hour ago that he could think of nothing other than Padme. And with just one taste of that incredible power, he became drunk with it and unable to be satisfied. He wanted more. He had wanted to share it with Obi-Wan so they could both rise in power. And now...now it was too late. Anakin fell to the floor, his body wracked with sobs. “What have I done? What have I become?” How could he have let this happen? He was planning his resignation from the Order in the morning and now he wanted more power? The conflict within him was tearing him apart. And then, he remembered and hope flickered in his eyes. The tears stopped as he crawled over to Obi-Wan. Maybe, just maybe, he could do this.

Chapter 20b

He placed his hand on Obi-Wan’s front, closed his eyes and focused. He wanted to work faster, but slowed his movements through the Force. He could feel the torn muscles and organs and began knitting them back together. After a few moments, he was finished. This is it, he thought to himself. He recentered and went deeper into the Force and let his life essence flow through his hand and into Obi-Wan. But there was a wall between his hand and Obi-Wan. He could not get through. He calmed himself and tried again, but still to no avail. After a third failed attempt, he draped himself over Obi-Wan and mourned his brother anew. “It’s all my fault, Obi-Wan...I’m sorry...I’m so sorry. How could you be proud of me and what I’ve become?”

“So sure you are, that you have fallen?” The voice from the little green Jedi Master startled Anakin. Yoda walked with his usual effort and came up next to Anakin. Blinkly back his tears, Anakin merely stared back at Yoda, the ache in his throat keeping him from speaking. Yoda continued, “Watched you, I have. Felt the conflict within you.” Anakin cringed as he silently listened. “Yes…torn you are. And torn you will be. Decide you must, how best to serve your friends….your family.” Anakin’s face clearly showed his surprise as his eyes widened in response.

“The Force has opened a doorway to you and to you alone. Choose wisely how to use it, you must.” And with that, the senior Jedi Master walked over to Mace Windu and sat down next to him, no more words to be said.

Chapter 21a

Anakin had known this depth of pain only once before in his life: when he shared his mother’s final moments on Tatooine. It seemed as if he had known what to do then. Revenge seemed the obvious answer. And yet, it hadn’t satisfied his need for control, or quieted his groans of mourning. And here, now, he experienced the same emptiness from his attack on Master Windu. Yoda seemed to think that Anakin should already know how to proceed. “Decide,” he said. “Decide.” What does that mean? Why did Yoda’s advice always seem like a riddle to solve? Anakin didn’t need another riddle.

The Force had given him the ability to bring Sidious back. Why couldn’t he revive Obi-Wan? Anakin was angry. He wanted to yell, to scream at the top of his lungs, but he was in too much emotional turmoil to move. So he sat, staring into space, mindlessly searching for how things had come to this point. He glanced over at the remains of Sidious. Anakin had been so confident, so full of power. He remembered those grief moments when the fear and the pain and the conflict had vanished. And now, fear and pain and conflict were all he could feel. Was that the key? Did he just need to attain that state of mind to access that power? But he was headed for the dark side in those moments. He could see that now. Going down that path would destroy his life. But this was Obi-Wan, his brother, the only man who had selflessly invested his life to caring for Anakin. Obi-Wan gave his life to save mine. A silent tear rolled down Anakin’s cheek as his thoughts turned to Padme.


“She’s resting comfortably,” the medical droid informed Ruwee in the waiting area. He could see his wife through the glass walls as she sat, with a mother’s vigilance, at her daughter’s side.

Inside Padme’s room, her mother hummed a familiar lullaby as she watched her daughter sleep in peace. Padme’s eyes slowly fluttered open and she smiled when she saw her mother by her side.

“Where’s Anakin?” Padme whispered.

“He went to help Obi-Wan, honey. He’ll be back soon.”

“The baby?” Padme’s thoughts were drawn to the life within her. The torment from Darth Sidious had rendered her exhausted, and yet she still cared more for Anakin’s and their unborn child’s well-being than her own. Jobal had known throughout Padme’s political career that she would make a wonderful mother someday. And someday was almost here.


Yoda attended to Mace, discerning through the Force that he was merely unconscious with no serious injuries. Physically, the Jedi Master would be fine. Mentally and emotionally, however, he would need repair. Still and quiet, Yoda remained in deep meditation.

Anakin slowly rose and walked over to the viewscreen, where he saw his Mother-in-law and his precious Padme. Our baby will be here soon, my love. We haven’t even thought of names. As if that were important right now. He hung his head in despair. No attachments. Now I know why. But as his thoughts continued, he realized that he was just as attached to Obi-Wan. He looked over at the body of the martyred Jedi Master. His Master. The one most like a father. His brother. His closest friend. The target of Windu’s anger had been Skywalker, not Kenobi. And yet, by a twist of destiny, Anakin’s life had been spared.

“This isn’t how it was supposed to be,” Anakin cried out. He rushed over to Obi-Wan and threw himself across the body. As Anakin allowed his grief to flow, his mind flooded with memories of the Kenobi and Skywalker team. The battles, the Council reports, his training as a Padawan learner and continued mentoring as a Knight. What would Obi-Wan do? … He would find his peace. Anakin sat back on his legs and closed his eyes. This time, he was following the Force and not trying to lead it. Slowly, peace began to fill his soul. He placed his hands on Obi-Wan’s chest to say his final good-bye. He could feel the peace surge through his hands. Good-bye, my friend. I love you.

Yoda opened his eyes. What he saw made his eyes widen and his ears raise. He had felt Anakin’s conflict dissipate through the Force. But now, he watched from afar as Anakin’s hands moved on Obi-Wan’s chest. They weren’t moving across his body, but up and down, as if Obi-Wan were…..breathing. And yet, he could not sense Obi-Wan through the Force. Master Yoda joined Anakin and side-by-side they knelt by Obi-Wan.

“Master Yoda,” Anakin calmly said.

The Jedi Master only turned his head in response.

“I think that door is open, but it’s not just for me.” Anakin turned his head to face Yoda. “Please…help me. I can’t do this alone.”

After a slight purse of his lips and nod of his head, Yoda place his hands on Obi-Wan as well. The silence in the room was deafening as the moments passed.

Chapter 21b

“Ana….Anakin,” Obi-Wan coughed. “What …..what is happening?”

“Obi-Wan?.....Obi-Wan!” Anakin pulled him into his arms immediately. “You’re alive!”

Obi-Wan was confused. He tried to get up, but lacked the strength to do more than make a feeble attempt.

“Just rest, we’ll get you back to the Temple and the healers,” Anakin explained.

At that moment, the attention of all 3 was diverted. Anakin looked at Master Yoda, who only nodded in affirmation. His eye hopeful, he looked at Obi-Wan. “I felt it, too. Go to Padme, brother. Master Yoda will take care of me.”

As Anakin started to make his way to the door, Obi-Wan called out, “And Anakin…thank you.”

Master Yoda added, “Yes, thank you.” Yoda was realizing how much the Order needed to change, but the change would not be easy or quick. It would take hard work from the Council to usher the Order into the next millennium. Hard work from both existing Masters and from new ones.

“When the babies arrive, inform us, you will, Master Skywalker?” Yoda inquired.

Anakin turned his head. “Babies?...Master Skywal..?” His words trailed off.

With a wide smile, Anakin grinned. “Yes, Master…Yes. I will.”

THE END

[sexystarwarslover]

oh my god that was the cool, i loved it, good work and an excellent story, i had tears in my eyes, so sad