Part 1 - The Redemption Begins

[adea]

“Seeking to forget
Makes exile all the longer,
The secret to Redemption,
Is remembrance”
Richard Von Weizsaecker

Prologue

The Galaxy is in turmoil after the supposed Rebellion of the Jedi. Those loyal to the Republic are brought to their knees by one who calls himself the Emperor. A new Sith Lord has arisen, Darth Vader, former hero of the Republic, and supposed saviour of the Galaxy. Vader wages his personal war against the Jedi, seeking out the survivors of Order 66 and destroying them. And so, these purges continue, and the Galaxy slips further and further into darkness. Yet light lingers on.....

[adea]

Chapter 1 – Four Years Later


‘Four years, four long years....and still your daughter grieves. Young King, Iego cannot long sustain her, something must be done’ expressed the great Queen Thelweniel, sadness etched into her beautiful face.

‘I know, but she has such hope, she truly believes Anakin will return’ lamented High King of the Elves, King Elladan Elensar. His face bore the expression have a man who'd lived far too long, and seen far too much turmoil.

‘And there is no progress, this Anakin is still immersed in the Dark Side?’ asked Thelweniel softly, her golden hair shimmering in the moonlight.

‘Yes, and it seems he always will be, Arien lives in false hope’ Elladan responded slowly, pain flashing in his eyes, ‘I fear that when she realises, she will give up completely’.

‘They were close, very close. In her heart I think she knows he is gone, yet her spirit is unwilling to give up. The Diathim can keep her alive a little longer, but it is up to you and your Galaxy to truly save her. The light of the Elendir is fading....She will not long survive her torment’ agonized Thelweniel.

‘I understand, I will do what it takes....please take care of my daughter, keep her with us as long as you can’, replied Elladan. He bowed, and then watched as the fading form of Thelweniel disappeared. He sighed, something must be done.


On the beautiful farming world of Agamar, in a lonely cottage set in deep in a vast wooded area, Padmé Amidala watched her children chase a small kangaroo like creature around the garden. The sight brought joy to her, but also, sadness. Padmé Amidala was a strong woman. So much had happened in her short life, so much pain she’d endured, yet still, she struggled on, never giving up that her beloved would return. Besides, she had to be strong, for her two children were growing fast, and Padmé was determined to be there for them as long as she lived.
Her children, her beautiful children. Luke, so much like his father, eager to learn new things, always on the lookout for an adventure, and Leia, such a beautiful young girl, far wiser than her brother, and so compassionate, it was almost unable to bear. At four years old, the twins were beginning to understand more, and therefore, question more. Thankfully, they had yet to ask of their father, something Padmé wasn’t sure she could bear to answer.

‘Luke, Leia, dinner’ called Padmé, sitting down at the long, perfectly polished wooden table. She smiled as her children came bounding into the room, clearly famished.

‘Mom is Uncle Ben coming today?’ asked Leia politely. She was so mature for her age, so refined and polite, unlike her brother, who had set out to finish his meal in record timing.

‘No, he was called away to see an old friend this morning, he’ll be back soon’ smiled Padmé, beginning her meal. Padmé’s handmaiden, and long time friend, Dormé, entered the room with drinks, and sat down with the family.

‘What friend?’ demanded Luke, his mouth full of food.

‘Never you mind, nosy’ laughed Padmé. She watched as Luke and Leia began to bicker. They were perfect, she thought, just perfect.


On the lonely, swampy planet of Dagobah, a hooded figure drifted through the mass of tree roots and muddy swamps.

‘What an utterly dismal planet’ muttered the man, ‘Why Master Yoda chose here, I’ll never know’.
The man reached a small clearing, and set in the middle, was a moderately sized mud hut. The man strode towards the hut, and entered, lowering his hood.

‘Master Kenobi, good to see you, it is’ said the small, green ageing Jedi, Master Yoda.

‘Good to see you, Master Yoda, I must say, I am surprised to find you on such an....exotic planet’ smiled Obi Wan.

‘Underestimate this planet, you must not, strong in the force, hidden me well, it has’ replied Yoda, the flicker of a smile sweeping his wrinkled face.

‘So, what’s up, why did you call me?’ asked Obi Wan, taking a seat next to Yoda.

‘Dark times, approaching they are, darker than ever’ replied Yoda.

Obi Wan frowned, darker than this? He thought to himself. Yoda continued.

‘Yet sense in the force, strong light, ever growing, burning away the darkness that surrounds us all’.

‘I don’t understand Master Yoda’ sounded Obi Wan, completely bemused. Yoda chuckled, then his expression became more serious.

‘The Chosen One, inside him, light struggles, beginning to win, it is’. Obi Wan sat as if her were a statue. This couldn’t be, he thought, no. Anakin his gone, dead. There's no way he could....but could he? Could he...return?

[adea]

Chapter 2 – Remembering Peace


Darth Vader, perhaps the most feared man in the entire Galaxy, save for the Emperor, sat in contemplation over the day’s events. After a quick sweep of a lonely unimportant farming planet, he would be travelling to the one place he had avoided as best as possible. He sighed, Naboo held too many memories, how could he ever return. He groaned, as a beautiful face formed in his mind.

‘Padmé’ he whispered, a shiver going down his spine. ‘My Padmé’.

For four long years, Vader had thought of his wife, grieved her death, and wondered if things could have been different. The Emperor had told him that Vader himself had killed her, in his anger and darkness. Yet he did not believe it. He would never. No matter how dark things became, nothing would ever make him kill her. She was still alive on Mustafar, this much he knew. She must have died during childbirth, just as he had foreseen. Vader pounded the table in front of him, a tear falling down his scarred cheek.

‘Why Padmé, why didn’t I just listen....why didn’t I just run away’ he sobbed. Vader immersed himself in meditation, striving to find an end to the pain and torture inside of him. He found it, yet not in the way he had thought.....


‘Padmé? Padmé are you here?’ called Obi Wan. He strolled through the passages of the small cottage. He stopped, hearing laughter, and smiled to himself. He headed to the children’s play room, where he found them playing with their mother. Padmé turned, and beamed at Obi Wan.

‘Obi Wan, your back’ she smiled, walking to embrace him.

‘Padmé, I trust you and the children are okay?’ replied Obi Wan, hugging her back.

‘Yes, we’re fine, missing you though, especially Luke’ laughed Padmé, as the twins raced towards Obi Wan.

‘Uncle Ben, Uncle Ben!’ they chided, pouncing on him.

‘Luke, Leia, it’s good to see you both again’ laughed Obi Wan as the children proceeded to plant kisses all over his bearded face.

‘Luke, Leia, I think Obi Wan would like to breath now’ smiled Padmé. Luke and Leia jumped down, positively beaming.

‘Uncle Ben, where’ve you been’ asked Leia.

‘On a very long trip, one that has left me very tired’ responded Obi Wan, grinning at the twins, ‘Now you two run along and play, your mother and I need to talk’.

‘Okay Uncle Ben’ the twins giggled, running back to their toys.

Obi Wan led Padmé to another room, and motioned for her to sit down.
‘What is it Obi Wan, you look troubled’ said Padmé, looking worried.

‘On my way back from Dagobah, Bail contacted me, Vader is coming to Agamar’ he said simply.

Padmé sat quiet, taking slow, deep breaths. Finally, she raised her head. ‘When?’ she breathed.

‘A few days, he’ll be inspecting the capital, however there is the risk he will sense you and the twins, and perhaps come here’ replied Obi Wan.

‘I suppose we’ll have to leave then....or...’. Padmé trailed off, a glint of excitement in her eyes.

‘What Padmé.....wait...no Padmé, it’s too risky’ insisted Obi Wan, frowning at her.

‘I know, and I wouldn’t dream of trying it with the children around, but if I were to stay, maybe, it would make him think’ she retorted, ‘Listen, you said it yourself, you said when we first got here, you could still feel light in him, and I truly believe that if we were to see each other again, that light would grow’ beseeched Padmé, studying her friends face for an answer.

Obi Wan remembered what Yoda had told him, but shook his head nonetheless. ‘But Padmé, what if it doesn’t work. It’s been four years, we don’t know how far he is in the dark side now, he thinks you are dead, surely that would have driven him deeper into the darkness’ professed Obi Wan.

Padmé stared at Obi Wan. She understood what he was saying, but she knew he was wrong. ‘Then if he were to see me again, the happiness would bring him back. You have to understand, we were more than in love, we were one person. If we could see each other again, I know in my heart, he would come back. Please Obi Wan, I wouldn’t go through with this if I didn’t think it would work’ she whispered.

Obi Wan looked at her, using the force to probe her mind. She was telling the truth. ‘Very well....but I’m staying too, just in case’ he replied.

‘I don’t think that’s such a good idea Obi Wan, I mean after Mustafar.....’ Padmé began, but Obi Wan cut her off.

‘Then maybe the happiness of seeing you will bring back the good times we had’ smiled Obi Wan. Padmé sighed, then laughed.

‘Very well. I’ll contact Bail, see if he’ll take the children’.

‘Okay, ill see Master Yoda, tell him of our plan’. Obi Wan stood up, bowed to Padmé, then left the room.

Padmé took in a deep breath, and smiled. ‘Oh Ani, do still love me....can you still love?’ A warm tear fell down her cheek.

On the other side of the Galaxy, a man encased in black armour woke with a start.
‘Padmé’ he gasped.

A figure silently drifted through the mystical Lithrindir Forest, on the planet of Iego. Iego was a sanctuary for the Elves of Valoor, and on Iego, dwelt the Diathim, from which the Elves descended, Iego did not know time, its people did not know pain, suffering or grief.....save for one, Arien Elendir Elensar. Arien had resided on Iego for over four years now, waiting for the time the Galaxy would rebel, and finally stop the evil that was the Empire.
And so, Arien lived out her immortal life on Iego, each day, succumbing to the weariness and grief the downfall of the Republic had brought her. For eight thousand years, Arien had proudly served the Jedi and the Republic, fighting in countless wars, striving to ensure peace and serenity upon her beloved Galaxy. Yet four years ago, her servitude had come to an abrupt halt, cruelly taken by one she had once called ‘brother’. Yet Arien felt no bitterness towards her former brother, she waged no vendetta against the man who had so quickly destroyed everything she had worked so hard to help build. Instead, she grieved, grieved for the loss of her closest confident, her brother, Anakin.
Arien stopped, as she reached the clearing she had become so accustomed to. She needed no map to reach this place, she didn’t even need to watch her path, she simply followed her heart.
The clearing was a secret, a secret only Arien knew. In this clearing, was the edge of a cliff, looking out over the great Hildari Ocean, and to the millions of stars above. Arien sought only one star, the star Anakin chose as a symbol of the family he came to know, the family he had created for himself. Arien, Anakin and Obi Wan, closer than siblings, always there for each other, save for one time. Arien stared at the sky, scanning for her star. As she did so, distant memories formed in her mind. She closed her eyes, smiling, the gentle breeze sweeping through her dark hair.....

“Well Obi Wan, I would say that’s the eighth time I’ve saved you, wouldn’t you” laughed Anakin, stretching his arms high above him, then reaching for his drink.

“Yes well Ansion isn’t the safest of planets, I’m not used to such terrains” sulked Obi Wan, staring out over the balcony upon which they relaxed.

“And yet, who is it who constantly has to save the both of you?’ asked Arien, smirking.

“Yeh...well....you’ve had eight thousand years experience, so technically, it doesn’t count” joked Anakin.

“Oh ha ha, you just don’t like the fact that a girl has come to your rescue so many times I’ve lost count” said Arien, grinning.

“She has a point, Anakin” laughed Obi Wan.

“I dunno what your laughing about, she’s saved you more than me” smirked Anakin. The three of them laughed, truly relishing in the small amount of time they had to enjoy being friends, without the whole Jedi thing. Anakin took another drink, then stared up at the stars.

“If only this could last forever” he sighed.

“For one of us, it will” smiled Obi Wan, glancing at Arien.

Arien rolled her eyes. “If you must know, as soon as you two kick the bucket, I plan to return to Iego indefinitely” she stated, taking a sip of her own drink.

“Really....why?” asked Obi Wan, frowning slightly.

“I don’t think I could bear remaining here without.....” Arien stopped and sighed, “you’d think an immortal life would be a blessing, yet I grow weary every day....yes...Iego is where I will go”.

Anakin stared at Arien, never had he seen her show such emotion, or give even the slightest insight into the life of an immortal. Anakin once again looked at the stars, one in particular, that shone brighter than them all.

“There....you see that star....that’s our star” he said proudly, trying to take Arien’s mind from her troubling thoughts. Obi Wan and Arien stared at the star, smiling.

“Going soft, are we my young Padawan” laughed Obi Wan. Anakin rolled his eyes.

“Lye elen” whispered Arien in her native language.

“What does that mean?” enquired Obi Wan.

Arien turned to her brothers, smiling. “Our Star”.

Arien opened her eyes, a tear sliding down her cheek. How she missed those times, the three of them, not a care in the world, no wars, no pain, just eternal friendship. Arien looked again for their star. Another memory played within her mind. Arien closed her eyes again, allowing the force to wash over her....

Arien stared out of the carriage window. The Elves were taking the Ithrinae Passage to Iego. Only a few were remaining behind. Arien held back tears as she contemplated the events that had just occurred. The Republic had crumbled, the Jedi were gone, Anakin had betrayed them all. Arien took a shuddering breath, and glanced back at the night sky. She gasped. Lye Elen shone, brighter than ever. Tears streaming down her cheeks, Arien opened the cover on the carriage, and stood up. Her brother Caleb climbed from the front of the carriage to join her.

“Arien, what is it?” he asked worryingly.

Arien turned, smiling through her tears. She took a deep breath, smiling even more.

“Arien....what....”

“There is still light in him” she whispered, before succumbing to tears.

Arien liked that memory. It was the only one that did not bring her to tears. Because of that star, she knew Anakin was still there, and she knew, someday, he would return.

[adea]

Chapter 3 – A Whisper in the Force

Padmé paced the main living area in their small home. Any moment now, her beloved Anakin would be landing on Agamar, unaware that she too was here. She stared at the holonet player, watching the news coverage of Vader’s visit to Agamar. She stopped abruptly as the image of an Imperial cruiser landing came onto the screen. Her heart raced as the hatch opened, her breathing became shallow and uneven as she watched imperial officers descend the ramp. Then it was if time stood still. There he was, encased in cold, menacing black armour. Padmé dropped into a chair as she watched her husband walk towards Lady Hoff, leader of the Agamarian Council. Padme wasn’t sure if she liked Lady Hoff. She seemed quite tolerant of the Empire’s regime. Padmé remembered the senator of Agamar very well, always a great supporter of Palpatine, and one of Padme’s strongest opponents on her views of the Military Creation act. Padmé’s eyes returned to her husband as he entered the city hall, not even blinking until he was gone from sight. Once his image was gone, Padmé calmed a little. It shocked her to see her husband in such a state, yet she knew he was still there, and she would still love him, no matter what.

Vader crossed the entrance hall, flanked by several imperial officers, keeping an eye out for any suspicious movement within the city hall.

‘Lord Vader, is there anything else you need?’ asked Lady Hoff politely, after showing him his quarters.

‘A transport, I will be searching nearby towns....alone’ he added, as his aides shuffled nervously.

‘Very well, I will arrange one for morning, goodnight Lord Vader’ replied Hoff.

‘Thank you mi lady’ said Vader. Lady Hoff and Vader’s aides left the room, leaving Vader to contemplate on what had happened not two nights ago.
‘I heard her, as clearly as if she were sitting with me now...what does this mean’ he muttered to himself. He decided to meditate. As he immersed himself in the force, a warm feeling swept through him, a familiar feeling.
‘She’s here’.

Padmé awoke next morning to calm and quiet over the house, something the mother of two four year old twins was not used to.

‘Oh Luke, Leia....how I miss you’ she sighed. She climbed out of bed, and proceeded to get ready. If Obi Wan was right, Anakin would probably check the nearby towns for any rebels. Her cottage was secluded, and quiet.....the perfect place to hide any surviving Jedi. It saddened Padmé to think of her husband hunting down his former comrades.
‘At least Yoda and Arien are safe’ she mumbled.


Vader awoke in his breathing chamber. He despised that chamber, but needed it to live. A thought struck him. If Padmé was alive, if he did find her, would she accept what he has become. Vader was still very much a Sith. He hated many things in the Galaxy. He hated the Jedi, for overlooking him, he hated the Emperor, for imprisoning him....but most of all, he hated Obi Wan. The thought of his former master made his blood boil. Obi Wan turned Padmé against me, he thought. He betrayed me, almost killed me. He will pay. Vader’s eyes shone a bright Sith yellow.


‘So we’re clear with the plan, if Vader comes here, wait till he’s alone, then reveal yourself. Once we understand where he stands, I will reveal myself’ said Obi Wan. He was extremely nervous, if Vader was completely Sith, he’d have to fight Vader off long enough for Padmé to escape, and Obi Wan couldn’t be sure how long he’d be able to do that.

‘Don’t worry Obi Wan, I’m sure this will work, and please don’t call him Vader, if we believe he is Anakin, shouldn’t we call him by that?’ she soothed.

Obi Wan nodded, and resumed pacing the room. This was it, Anakin was coming back. He only hoped it was still Anakin inside the armour.


‘I will be back at dusk, sweep the city, if you find anything, and contact me immediately’ ordered Vader, climbing into the transport Lady Hoff had arranged.

‘Yes my Lord, we will my Lord, but are you sure you do not want to take any clones with you?’ asked the imperial officer.

Vader rolled his eyes, their thought betrayed them, such niceties were not true of them. ‘No officer, my search will be quicker alone’.

Vader sat back in the transport, his eyes back to their deep blue hue. He began to feel nervous, if indeed Padmé was on Agamar, would she forgive him. Would she accept him, armour and all. Vader sighed, and settled into a deep meditation to calm his nerves.


On the swampy planet of Dagobah, an aged Jedi Master smiled.
‘Returning, the Chosen One is’.


King Elladan Elensar paced his study in Rilynndir Palace. He too, had felt the shift in the force, and was awaiting confirmation from Obi Wan. It was nerve wracking, if Vader was unable to be saved, what then? Would they be able to defeat the Empire without the Chosen One? Would Padmé and Obi Wan escape unscathed? And Arien. Would Arien survive if all hope of the Chosen One did not return to the light side of the force. Elladan sighed, crossing his study to the commlink on his desk. All he could do was wait.


Vader arrived at the small farming town of Tondatha. He exited his speeder, and stood in the town square. As he scanned his surroundings, he noticed a large forest, beginning at the edge of the town.

‘What...’ he breathed. Although it was broad daylight, quite visibly, a bright star could be seen directly above the forest. Vader frowned. It couldn’t be....could it? He thought. With a swish of his cloak, Vader started towards the forest, the familiar sensation growing stronger.


Padmé gazed out into the forest. Turning to Obi Wan, she voiced a concern that had been plaguing her thoughts.

‘Obi Wan, what if Anakin doesn’t even come by here, we’re so out of the way....and why in the name of the force are you staring at the sky at a time like this’ she said irritably.

‘He will find us, don’t worry’ replied Obi Wan, smiling at the bright light that shone directly above them.


Vader entered the forest. He stepped between gnarled roots and ageing trees, occasionally glancing at the sky, making sure he was heading in the right direction.


Padmé gasped, as she felt a familiar sensation shiver up her spine.
‘Obi Wan....he’s coming’ she gasped.


Vader came to a small clearing. He inhaled slightly, as he looked upon a small cottage surrounded by beautiful flowers and a soft, emerald green lawn. He marvelled at how such plants could grow here, considering the way the rest of the forest looked.
He stopped dead in his tracks, as a young woman exited the cottage.

[adea]

Chapter 4 – Reunited Love


Padmé stood, unmoving at the sight before her. Her Ani fell to his knees, and began calling out her name.

‘Ani’ she gasped, succumbing to her own tears.
Vader raised his head slowly. Before him, stood his angel, his beloved wife, his Padmé.
‘Padmé...’ he groaned. There was so much love in his heart it was almost unbearable.

‘Oh...Ani...’ Padmé cried, running to him. She dropped to her knees, and threw herself into his embrace. Vader was done. Sobs wracked his body as he came to terms with what had happened. His eyes were so fiercely blue, his soul so immersed in love, it seemed impossible that he had ever been a Sith.

‘Anakin...tell me your you....please...tell me your still in there...somewhere’ pleaded Padmé, pain etched into her very soul.

Vader couldn’t bear it. No Sith could feel such love.
‘Yes Padmé....I’m still here’ he whispered.

It was too much for Padmé. She broke down completely. Her Ani was still there. She was right.

Several moments passed, no words had been spoken, they had simply stayed in each other’s embrace, crying and laughing. Padmé finally drew herself away, staring at the black mask that stopped her from seeing her Ani’s beautiful face.

‘Ani, my Ani....I don’t know what to say....I...’ she stuttered. She’d dreamt of this moment for over four years, and never, did she think words would escape her.

‘Padmé...I can’t believe....your actually alive....I’m so sorry’ Vader muttered, not daring to look at her.

‘What do you mean?’ asked Padmé, a bemused expression crossing her face.

‘The..Emperor...he told me...told me I’d....killed you’ he groaned between sobs.

‘What!’ cried Padmé, horrified. She watched her husband succumb to more tears.

‘Oh Anakin’ wept Padmé, pulling him into another embrace. Vader groaned, longing to feel the warmth of her skin, smell the scent of her hair, feel her lips against his.

‘Come back to me’ Padmé whispered. Vader took a deep, shuddering breath.

‘I love you Padmé....I do....but it’s not that easy...there’s so much anger....hate....I am still a Sith’ he replied, pain ripping through his soul.

‘But there is still hope, Anakin....come away with me....leave the Sith....we can bring you back’ pleaded Padmé.

‘We?’ asked Vader, confused. Another shiver travelled up his spine, ‘Obi Wan’ he growled. Padmé let go of him, and backed away a little.

‘Anakin, please don’t be angry, you have to understand, Obi Wan saved me, protected me...please Anakin’ she cried, fear in her eyes. Anakin saw this, and took a deep breath.

‘Where is he’ asked Vader, keeping the anger in his voice to a bare minimum.

‘I’m here Anakin’ came a voice from the shadows.


Yoda awoke abruptly from his deep meditation.
‘Pain....suffering.....to young Skywalker, I must go’


‘You’ growled Vader, igniting his blood red lightsaber. As quickly as it came, the warmth in Vader’s heart became cold, pure hatred coursing through his veins.

‘Anakin, don’t, I’m here to help you’ sounded Obi Wan, it’s all i ever wanted to do’. He looked at Padmé, who was almost drowning in tears.

‘Help me....HELP ME!’ thundered Vader, laughing, ‘My old Master...it was YOU who condemned me to this life’

‘NO ANAKIN....IT WAS YOU!’ retorted Obi Wan, his own anger rising, ‘YOU betrayed us all, chose a life of imprisonment and pain, and for what? Slavery? It’s what you’ve become Anakin....a slave’.

‘How dare you’ seethed Vader. He took a step towards Obi Wan, lightsaber raised. He launched himself at Obi Wan, who managed to block Vader’s strike.

‘How dare you Obi Wan, you almost killed me, took my wife away from me...you will pay’ Vader growled, swinging his lightsaber again. Obi Wan again blocked him.

‘Anakin, your still there, i know it’ shouted Obi Wan, ‘don’t do this, don’t do this to Padmé again’. Vader roared as anger surged through him, his yellow eyes blazing. He force pushed Obi Wan to the ground, choking him with one hand, readying to strike with his saber in the other. He raised the saber, ready to bring it down upon his former master when a bodiless voice called out.

‘Anakin. This isn’t you. Come back’

Vader stopped, fear pulsing through him, ‘Qui Gon’ he gasped.

‘Anakin, you can still be saved. Think of Padmé. She loves you. Think of your children, they need their father...’ pleaded Obi Wan.

Vader lowered his lightsaber, not quite taking in what he had just heard.
‘Ch...Children..’ he gasped.

‘Yes Ani, two beautiful children, who need their father, more than anything’ wept Padmé, approaching her husband cautiously. She took his gloved hand. ‘Anakin, I love you, don’t leave me again’.

It was too much for Vader. He collapsed to the floor, the tears overwhelming him. This was pain like he’d never felt before. He had abandoned his family, for what? Obi Wan was right. He was more of a slave than when he lived on Tatooine. Vader regained his composure, and stood up, staring at his beautiful wife, then to his....brother.

‘Obi Wan....help me’ he groaned, and with that, he collapsed.


Arien gasped, tears flowing from her eyes. Something had happened, something in the force. She stared out of her bedroom window, their star shining brighter than ever.

[adea]

Chapter 5 – The Redemption Begins


‘Master Yoda, he’s here...its Anakin, not Vader’ cried Obi wan, his own face tearstained.

‘Returned, the Chosen One has, leave Agamar, you all must’ replied Yoda.

‘Where should we go?’ asked Obi Wan, fighting to stay calm. His brother was back, Anakin had returned.

‘To Lorora, in the Chandrilla system, you will go. Stay there, you will, until we meet’ said Yoda.

‘Very well Master, I’ll contact Bail, Kenobi out’. Obi Wan watched as Yoda’s image faded, then proceeded back to the living area, where Anakin and Padmé were seated.

‘What did Master Yoda say?’ asked Padmé, her hand on Anakin’s knee.

‘We’re leaving for Lorora, I’ll contact Bail to arrange us a transport’ replied Obi Wan. He stopped, staring at Anakin.

‘Anakin’ he asked, quietly.

‘Yes Master?’ replied Anakin, raising his head.

Obi Wan stood quiet, then walked forward and embraced his brother. ‘Welcome back’ he laughed. Anakin was overcome with emotion, a warm tear sliding down his face.


Bail Organa almost thought age was causing his ears to fail him. Anakin Skywalker, back from the dark side? If he hadn’t of heard it from Padmé and Obi Wan, he would have likely arrested whomever said it.

‘Yes, this is very unexpected....in fact....never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this’ he muttered to himself, whilst he looked over the data pad in front of him.

‘Uncle Bail, are we going home now?’ asked Leia impatiently. As much as she loved her godfather, she was growing tired of being away from her mother for so long.

‘We’re going to Lorora to meet your mother and...’ he stopped. Dare I tell them. No. It’s not my place, he told himself.

‘Come on children, we’re leaving now’ said Bail, ushering Dormé and the twins onto the transport.


‘My Lord, we haven’t heard form Lord Vader in over two days, I don’t know what he's doing’ quaked the imperial officer. He felt his throat constrict. Fighting for air, the officer thought of his family. Perhaps this Emperor is not so great, he thought. Then he was gone.

‘Find Lord Vader, or the consequences will be dire’ ordered the Emperor.

‘Yes my Lord’ answered the officer, glancing at his dead comrade on the floor. The link ended.

‘Well Lord Vader....you will have a lot of explaining to do’ seethed the Emperor.


‘Padmé, i must return to the flagship, you know that, don’t you?’ Anakin told her. Padmé sighed.

‘Just leave him Ani, don’t return’ she pleaded, placing a hand on the side of his mask. Anakin groaned, longing to feel her touch.

‘I cannot disappear, it will raise suspicion’ he replied. Padmé nodded.

‘At least come to Lorora, meet our children, then we will ask Bail for help’ she smiled. Anakin nodded, his stomach full of knots at the prospect of meeting his children for the first time.

They were interrupted, when a droid entered the room, after finally being allowed out of the basement.

‘Miss Padmé i must say i do not approve of being locked in a basement for hours....’ the droid stopped upon seeing Vader.

‘Oh no...Lord Vader, oh we’ve been captured, I’m scrap for sure’ he cried, waving his arms around.

‘Will you shut up 3-PO, its Anakin’ called Obi Wan from the other room.

‘The...the maker...Master Ani...how..’ began the droid.

‘Don’t ask, at least not yet anyway’ laughed Anakin.



‘Uncle Bail, why are we going to Lorora?’ asked Leia, whilst her brother dug into the large bowl of ice cream placed in front of them.

‘Your mother requested we moved there sweetie, we should be there shortly’ replied Bail with a loving smile. He sighed, hoping Padmé had done the right thing.

[adea]

Chapter 6 – The Twins


On Lorora, Padmé, Anakin, Obi Wan and Dorme nervously awaited Bail and the twins. Anakin was especially jumpy. He’d missed the first four years of his children’s lives, how would they react to having a tyrant as a father. Former tyrant, he told himself. Ever since Agamar, the darkness within Anakin had dwindled, Padmé and Obi Wan had seen to that. He gasped as an Alderaanian cruiser flew closer to their small home, which Senator Mon Mothma had graciously given to them.

‘Anakin, calm yourself, you’ll do fine’ smiled Obi Wan, sensing his brothers distress.

‘I know...it’s just...look at me, I’m hardly father material’ groaned Anakin.

‘Yes you are, Ani, you are their father, their only father, and they will love you’ consoled Padmé, taking her husband’s hand. Anakin brought his arm around Padmé’s waist, again longing to hold her properly.


The cruiser landed in a small clearing in front of the house. Anakin’s breathing became shallow as he watched the silver hatch slowly open.

‘This is it’ whispered Padmé, tightening her grip on Anakin’s hand. Anakin merely nodded.
Bail stepped down the ramp, followed by two small children. Anakin began to weep, as he saw the twins run towards Padmé.

‘Mom, Mom’ shouted the twins, laughing. Padmé grabbed the two into an embrace, laughing also.

‘It's so good to have you two back’ she gasped, tears rolling down her cheek.

Leia was the first to pull away. She stood, staring intently at the armoured man in front of her.

‘Who are you?’ she asked politely. Anakin was amazed at how much like her mother Leia was. She had Padmé’s deep brown eyes, her long dark hair, and obviously her courteous yet rather forward personality, he chuckled to himself. He saw the young boy shift slightly behind his sister, obviously he was the shyer of the two. Anakin inhaled sharply. It was like looking at him when he was younger. He had Anakin’s curly, golden hair, and his eyes, like pools of jewel bright blue.

‘I...I’ Anakin stammered, he didn’t quite know how to say this.

‘Luke, Leia......this.....is your father’ said Padmé nervously.

‘Oh’, said Leia. She surveyed her father, sensing no danger, then smiled. ‘I like your cape, Uncle Ben had one like that’.

‘Uncle who?’ frowned Anakin. He saw Obi Wan raise his hand, smiling.

‘They can’t pronounce Obi Wan, so I’m Ben’ he laughed, bending down to hug the children.
Anakin chuckled as he watched the twins pounce on Obi Wan.

Luke turned, and stared at his father. Anakin instantly felt a tremendous connection, father and son.


King Elladan awaited the arrival of aged Jedi Master Yoda anxiously, hoping to here news of Anakin, and whether Obi Wan’s plan had succeeded. The elf stood at the entrance to the palace, searching the skies for Yoda’s ship. In the distance, his keen eyesight made out the silhouette of a cone shaped ship, just entering Valoor’s airspace. Elladan signalled to his staff that Yoda had arrived, and proceeded to greet the master.
Master Yoda stepped lightly down the ramp, using his cane for support. He smiled at the Elven King.

‘King Elladan, good to see you, it is’ Yoda smiled, climbing into an awaiting hover chair.

‘Master Yoda, I am most grateful for your visit, tell me, what news of Anakin?’ asked Elladan.

‘Anakin has returned, the dark within him, fading it is’ replied Yoda.

‘You're sure of this, have you seen him?’ questioned Elladan, not wanting to take any chances, his daughters survival depended on it.

‘Seen him, I have not, yet sure of it, I am, sense it in the force, I do’ replied Yoda, surveying the elf.

‘Very well, I trust we will be visiting them?’ asked Elladan. The sooner he could be sure, the sooner he could deliver the news to Arien.

‘Leave at once, we shall, in need of Elven healing, he is’ answered Yoda.

‘Indeed, I heard of the duel on Mustafar, I’m afraid my wife is the only skilled enough healer able to treat him’ said Elladan, ‘I’ll tell her of the situation’

Master Yoda and King Elladan retreated into the palace. Anakin’s redemption, was about to begin.


‘Master Luke, if you don’t eat your vegetables I will have to inform your mother’ scolded C-3PO. He still did not understand why they had transferred from the cottage in Agamar to this lonely planet in the Chandrilla system. ‘Why Mistress Padmé chose to reside here, I will never know’, he mumbled to himself, bustling off to find Padmé.

In the living area, Padmé, Anakin, Obi Wan and Bail discussed how Anakin was going to get away from the Emperor.

‘I must go to Naboo, i was scheduled to arrive there today’ started Anakin.

Obi Wan stroked his beard. ‘Maybe, you could go to Naboo, show yourself in public, you know, then just disappear’ he chided, looking at his companions.

‘Perhaps faking your death, I could send out a fake report stating you were attacked by rebels on the way back to the Emperor’ mused Bail.

‘Yes, that would work, Bail could say he found the remains of your ship floating near Alderaan, that was the next planet on your course, wasn’t it?’ added Obi Wan. Anakin contemplated this proposition for a moment, then nodded.

‘Very well, I’ll return to Alderaan, you leave for Naboo. Perhaps we can persuade Queen Kylantha to get in on this, i know she seems quite the Empire loyalist, but I’ve met with her several times, she seems to be more of a rebel sympathizer’, Bail pondered. He bowed to the other three, then was led by Padmé to his ship.

Anakin turned to Obi Wan.
‘Obi Wan...I’ve been meaning to ask, how is it you had such faith in me....even after...’ he couldn’t continue, the flashbacks of Mustafar were too painful.

‘I don’t know...I always remembered something Arien said...That even in the darkest of times, there is still hope...I think I just hoped that someday you’d return, I think that’s what spurred me on’ said Obi Wan. He looked at Anakin, tears glistening in his eyes. ‘I am truly happy you have returned my brother’ .

Anakin felt a tear roll down his cheek, ‘As am I, my brother’. The pair embraced, and the warmth Anakin often felt around Padme spread through him.

They broke apart, and Anakin sat back. ‘So, where is Arien, on Valoor?’ he asked. Obi Wan stayed quiet.

‘What is it....tell me she survived the purges’ cried Anakin, fear ripping through him.

‘Yes, yes she survived, but....she left’ replied Obi Wan sombrely.

‘Iego?’ whispered Anakin, ‘Will she return?’

‘I don’t know, you know how the elves are, grief can...destroy them’ mumbled Obi Wan, his voice edged with sorrow. Anakin was about to reply when two small figures came bounding into the room.

‘I'll leave you three alone’ smiled Obi Wan, he got up, waved to the twins, then left the room.

‘Why do you have to wear that suit?’ asked Leia promptly. Anakin chuckled at his daughter’s forwardness.

‘It helps me breath’ he replied politely.

‘Hmmm, maybe the Elves could fix you, mommy says they’re the best healers in the Galaxy. We know the Elves, don’t we Luke’ said Leia importantly. Luke nodded shyly.

‘Luke! You never talk, it’s not polite’ scolded Leia. Luke scowled at his twin.

‘Well, maybe Luke isn’t as bold as you, young one’ laughed Anakin, ‘but I’m sure he will be someday’.

‘I will be, I’m going to be a Jedi....like you’ Luke added, quietly.

Anakin felt his heart swell. He could never have imagined he could feel such love for two people he’d only known for a short time. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them, he thought. The Emperor will never find them.


Anakin bade a tearful farewell to Padmé, and was extremely surprised by the twin’s reactions to him leaving.

‘You’ll be coming back, wont you?’ asked Leia, clearly saddened by her father’s departure.

‘I’ll always come back my daughter, always’ he replied, hugging her, then Luke.


Anakin arrived on Naboo, greeted by Queen Kylantha, who had agreed to go along with the plan.

‘I'll need to send a transmission to the Emperor, then I’ll be leaving’ he told her.

‘Of course, the comm. station is over there, good luck’ she replied, smiling. Anakin bowed, and proceeded to contact the Emperor.

‘Lord Vader, so nice of you to finally contact me’ spat the Emperor. Anakin felt anger pulse through him.

‘I apologize my lord, there was some trouble with communications on Agamar, i have searched Theed, all is in order’ replied Anakin, fighting the urge to scream at the Emperor.

The Emperor smiled, ‘I expect you’ll be returning, report to my ship as soon as possible’.

‘Yes my lord’ replied Anakin, bowing. He ended the link, then smirked to himself.

[adea]

Chapter 7 - Healing


‘Dead! You’re sure of this!’ fumed the Emperor.

‘Y..Yes my Lord, Queen Kylantha herself assured us he left Naboo, and Senator Organa presented us with the remains of his ship’ stammered the officer, fearful that this news would lead to his death.

‘Very well, I will need to see these remains for myself, do you understand?’ retorted the Emperor.

‘Yes my Lord, I will send them to you immediately’ replied the officer, bowing.

The Emperor shut the link, then turned to the window of his office. Using the force, he reached out, searching for Vader’s force signature.

‘Damn!’ he thundered, pounding his desk, ‘No matter, the Galaxy is mine indefinitely, I need no cocky apprentice to ensure that’.

The Emperor rose from his seat, and headed to his quarters, he knew he didn’t need Vader, yet the news of his untimely death troubled him. ‘If the rebels here of this, they will certainly attack...’ he mused.


Master Yoda, King Elladan and Queen Arethal landed on Lorora at dusk. Arethal marvelled at the beauty of this small forest planet, a forest quite like that of Eythertylar on Valoor. They were greeted by Obi Wan, and led into the house, where Padmé, Dormé and the twins were finishing dinner.

‘Padmé, how are you?’ smiled King Elladan, embracing her.

‘King Elladan, it’s good to see you, I’m fine thank you’ she replied, grinning.

‘I'd like to introduce my wife, Arethal, she’ll be overseeing Anakin’s healing’ said Elladan, presenting his wife. Arethal stepped forward gracefully, her long blonde hair glowing gold in the evening light.

‘Your Highness’ replied Padmé, bowing.

‘Please, Arethal’ the Queen smiled.

‘Senator Padmé, good to see you it is, but where is young Skywalker?’ asked Yoda.

‘He’s resting, I’m afraid that without his chamber, he cannot fully sleep, it’s been a long couple of weeks’ she said sadly.

‘Then we shall begin the healing immediately, please fetch him’ answered Arethal, inclining her head.

‘Of course’ replied Padmé courteously. Padmé left the room, and headed upstairs to where Anakin was resting. She stopped at the doorway, saddened by the thought he had not had a peaceful sleep in so long. He had refused to let her see what was underneath the mask, but she knew she would love him anyway. She stepped lightly towards him.

‘Anakin?’ she whispered, lightly pushing him. Anakin lifted his masked head.

‘Yes my love?’ he answered.

Padmé smiled, ‘Master Yoda is here, as are King Elladan and Queen Arethal of Valoor’ she whispered.

Anakin rose from the bed, and faced Padmé. He lifted a gloved hand to her face, and stroked it gently.

‘Have I told that I love you today angel’ asked Anakin, running his hand through her hair.

‘Of course, although I wouldn’t mind hearing it again’ smiled Padmé. Anakin took her head in his hands.

‘I love you Padmé, with all of my heart, and my soul, thank you for forgiving me, for bringing me out of the darkness’. Padme felt a tear fall down her soft cheek. She longed to kiss him, to hold him, and never let him go.

‘I love you Ani, and I always will’ she whispered. They stared at each other for a moment, then proceeded downstairs to greet their guests. Anakin stopped as he saw Master Yoda and old friend King Elladan conversing with Obi Wan and a tall, striking woman. He took a deep breath, which caused the guests to turn their attention to him.

‘Young Skywalker, glad I am, to see you in the light’ said Master Yoda.

Elladan surveyed him for a moment, then began to speak. ‘Anakin, it is good to see you, but we have much to discuss, please, it is urgent’. Anakin nodded, and followed the party into the living area.
Once they were all seated, Elladan began to speak again.

‘Now Anakin, before we begin your healing, there is much you need to know, some, more important than others, do you understand?’

‘Yes’ replied Anakin. Padmé took Anakin’s hand in hers, and squeezed it reassuringly.

‘Anakin, this healing is not to be taken lightly, or for granted. We Elves take pride in our skills, I have to know that you will, shall we say, take it seriously’ began Elladan.

‘Of course your highness, being myself completely, it’s so important to my redemption....I....want to be me again’ he sighed, looking down.

‘Anar....Anakin, Elven healing is renowned for its quick timing, yet with the severity of your injuries, I cannot say how long it will take. Once the spells have been cast, and the correct herbs administered, my husband and I will need to stay, to keep check on your progress’ responded Arethal.

‘I understand, you are both welcome to stay as long as you wish...but...I must ask, my lungs...they are badly damaged, can they be healed?’ asked Anakin, holding his breath.

‘It will be difficult, but we will not fail, we have our own personal reasons for your redemption’ replied Arethal sombrely. She glanced at her husband, who put his arm around her comfortingly.

‘Why is that?’ inquired Padmé, worried at the look of pain etched into the High Elves faces.

‘Our daughter, Arien, your friend....she is dying’ whispered Elladan.

‘What!’ cried Anakin and Obi Wan in unison, ‘How?’ continued Obi Wan.

Elladan took a deep, shuddering breath, then began to speak. ‘Grief is one of the only natural causes of death to an Elves life. Sorrow, pain, we are not meant to feel it, that is why we travel to Iego, the planet knows no sorrow. Yet Arien is succumbing to the grief your fall to the dark side caused. She can no longer reside in the Galaxy, and so she dwells on Iego. Yet her sorrow grows, and Iego cannot sustain her. The Diathim are prolonging her life using the force, but it is only temporary. Without your redemption, she will not long survive. Her fate, is now tied to yours Anakin. Your redemption must be successful, if Arien is to live’. Elladan became silent, tears glistening in his eyes.

Anakin felt his own tears flow from his eyes. He’d caused so many, so much pain, yet his foolishness had caused his best friend to slowly begin to lose her life.

‘You see how important it is, we need to know...are you truly back?’ beseeched Arethal, taking Anakins hands in her own. Anakin felt a strange sensation course through his body. He raised his head, and stared intently into Arethal’s emerald green eyes. He took a deep breath, as the memory of his last meeting with Arien formed in his mind....

Arien rushed to Padmé as she lay unconscious on the Mustafar landing pad. The din from the volcanoes was deafening, the hot air burnt her lungs as she took slow, deep breaths. She placed a hand on Padmé’s forehead, and muttered a long forgotten Elven language. Padmé began to stir a little. In the distance, Arien heard Obi Wan and Anakin arguing, though it was hard to make out against the roar of the volcanoes. Arien lifted her head, and sorrow tore through her soul.

“Don't lecture me, Obi-Wan. I see through the lies of the Jedi. I do not fear the dark side as you do. I have brought peace, justice, freedom, and security to my new Empire”, raged Anakin, his face contorted with fury.

“Your new Empire?” retorted Obi Wan, raising an eyebrow.

“Don't make me kill you” seethed Anakin, continuing to circle his former Master.

“Anakin, my allegiance is to the Republic ... to democracy” thundered Obi Wan, mirroring Anakins movements.

Arien gasped as she saw Anakin’s eyes, a bright, Sith yellow. She caught Anakin’s attention. He stared at her for a moment, studying her face. Arien felt a tear slide down her cheek.

“Anakin....” she whispered, her eyes begging him to come back. Anakin sensed her distress, but his attention was brought back by the crash of a distant volcano.

“If you're not with me, you're my enemy” he spat, turning away from Obi Wan.

“Only a Sith Lord deals in absolutes. I will do what I must” grieved Obi Wan, igniting his lightsaber.

Arien closed her eyes, not believing what has happened. She felt Padmé stir a little more.

“You will try” smirked Anakin, igniting his own lightsaber.

“Anakin NO!” cried Arien, as Anakin back flipped towards Obi Wan, intent on killing him.

Anakin’s eyes snapped open. He noticed Arethal surveying him, as if she too had seen his memory.
‘I...I am back’ he stammered, the memory still fresh in his mind.

‘Then the redemption begins’ she smiled.


‘My Lord, there have been reports of a renegade Jedi on the planet of Ansion....what shall we do?’ asked a quivering officer.

The Emperor sighed angrily. Without his former apprentice, he had no chance of capturing the Jedi, without Vader, he himself would have to track the renegade Jedi.

‘Send a troop of clones’ he growled impatiently.

‘Yes my Lord’.

The Emperor gasped as he felt a great shift in the force. He forced to regain his composure, truly shaken by what he had just felt.

‘Something.....good...’ he croaked.


Arethal Elensar was an extremely skilled healer, yet nothing could have prepared her for the task ahead. The injuries were horrifying, prompting Obi Wan to become extremely uncomfortable when she pointed this out.

‘How you survived is a mystery to me, are any of your descendants Elven?’ she asked whilst examining his wounds.

‘Ummm, no...not that I know of’ Anakin replied.

‘Hmmm, well the force must have helped you here, there aren’t many Elves who could survive injuries like these, never mind humans’ she mused, checking on one particularly deep burn. Anakin closed his eyes, uncomfortable at being so exposed. If Padmé saw me like this, she’d leave me forever, he thought.

‘Padmé’s love for you runs deeper than physical attraction, surely you should know this by now’ said Arethal absent mindedly. She turned to her handmaiden. ‘Tári, fetch me the athelos draught, he will need it to aid his breathing’.

‘Yes mi lady’ replied the handmaiden.

‘Athelos.....what’s that?’ asked Anakin interestedly.

‘An herb, it will oxygenate your lungs, and help them regenerate’ replied Arethal, ‘I’m going to perform the chant now, would you like me to fetch your wife?’.

‘I...no....she can’t see me like this’ Anakin answered sadly.

‘She will not love you any less, Anakin, I’m fetching your wife’ Arethal said, her words making Anakin accept.


Obi Wan, Yoda, Elladan, Padmé, Dormé and the twins sat in the living area, none of them speaking. 3-PO entered with drinks, none of them taking them. In the corner, R2-D2 whistled in concern. He’d recently returned from Alderaan, where the droid had been assisting Bail. Padme glanced at the door to the room where Anakin was and sighed. She knew Anakin was in good hands, but what if it didn’t work? What if he was stuck in that damn suit forever? It didn’t matter, she thought, I’ll love him, armour and all.

She looked up as she saw the handmaiden return from Arethal’s ship carrying a basket full of assorted coloured herbs, and vial of crystal clear water. The handmaiden bowed at the inhabitants of the living area, then entered the other room. Mere seconds passed, and the handmaiden opened the door again.

‘Miss Padmé, Master Anakin requests your presence’ she announced. Padmé looked at Obi Wan and Yoda, who both nodded. She rose from her seat, and stepped towards the door, her heart racing. She stopped just inside the door, and her heart wept.

He looks so helpless, she thought. She moved forward and saw the full extent of his injuries. Almost every inch of him was scarred and pale. His hair was non existent, yet his eyes were the same, she smiled, still a beautiful hue of blue.

‘Anakin?’ she whispered, taking his flesh hand in hers.

‘Padmé, my love, I’m sorry you had to see me like this’ he croaked, his voice was hoarse and raspy, a mere whisper. Padmé felt a tear slide down cheek. She smiled.

‘Ani, my love, I love you, no matter what you look or sound like’. Anakin was overcome with emotion, his heart swelled with love, and he managed a crooked smile.

‘Your smile, how I’ve longed to see it’ whispered Padmé. Anakin raised his flesh hand and stroked Padmé’s cheek. He sighed as he felt the warmth and tenderness beneath his fingers.

‘I love you Padmé’ he whispered.

Arethal moved away from the small table where she was preparing the herbs.
‘Anakin, I need you to relax, immerse yourself in the force’ she crooned, ‘drink this please’. Arethal handed Anakin a cup of sweet smelling, rose coloured liquid. Padmé took the cup and raised it to Anakin’s lips. He took a mouthful, and felt the coolness slide down his throat. He looked at Padmé, then Arethal....nothing.

‘Nothing’s happening’ he said mournfully, Padmé squeezed his hand.

‘Be patient young Skywalker’ replied Arethal. Anakin lay back.

‘Now....breathe’. Arethal’s voice became deep, a little menacing. Anakin stared at her, then took a deep breath. It was instant. Anakin felt a sharp pain in his lungs, as if they were on fire. He winced, tears pouring from his eyes.

‘What’s happening’ Padmé cried fearfully, sensing her husband’s pain. She turned to Arethal, and gasped. Every inch of her gave of a bright white glow. Padmé watched astonished, as the glow began to travel from Arethal to Anakins mouth and nose. She snapped her head back to Anakin.
‘Anakin’ she cried. Anakin’s eyes had rolled back into his head, his breathing deep and forceful.

Arethal moved closer, her eyes now a piercing, deep green. Her voice echoed in the small room, becoming hoarse, yet soothing, a mere whisper, yet heard by all.

‘Athan i’naur.....fallan i’eska.....wanwa i’mori.....nuin kallina.....’.

With each word, Anakin’s body convulsed, his breathing became louder and deeper. Padmé watched in fear, she looked at Arethal, searching for a sign that Anakin’s reaction was good. Arethal continued to stare at Anakin. Her hands moved to his chest. Arethal closed her eyes.

‘Kallina...’

Anakin’s eyes snapped open, his breathing slowed, became calmer. Padmé began to cry as she realised he was breathing normally.....his lungs were healing. Arethal returned to her normal state. She smiled at Anakin, who was clearly shaken by the whole event.

‘Anakin, take a deep breath, tell me what you feel’, said Arethal, who had returned to her normal, graceful self. Anakin nodded, and took the deepest breath he’d taken in four years. He stopped mid breath, and laughed.

‘It...it doesn’t....hurt....my voice!.....it’s normal’ he laughed, tears falling from his eyes. Padmé gasped.

‘Oh Ani’ she cried, pulling him into an embrace, The pair broke down in each other’s arms, Arethal smiled at her handmaidens.

‘I’ll leave you alone, be sure to rest’ she soothed, going to leave.

‘Wait, what about my skin....my legs?’ called Anakin.

‘I told you, it will take time, we shall resume tomorrow, human bodies are not meant for Elven healing, now rest, please’, and with that, Arethal departed.


‘Well?’ demanded Obi Wan as Arethal exited the room.

‘His lungs are fully functional, but he does need rest, please do not pester him’ replied Arethal simply.

‘Uncle Ben, is daddy healed?’ asked Leia, tugging on Obi Wan’s sleeve.

‘Almost young one....almost’ he whispered, tears rolling down his face.

[adea]

Chapter 8 – The Return of Elendir


Almost a week had passed since Arethal’s healing of Anakins lungs and voice. With the administration of several Valoorian and Iegoan herbs, Anakins skin was slowly but surely, returning to normal. His hair was beginning to grow, and his overall demeanour strengthened. He even allowed his guests to see him, now only partially scarred.

The twins helped the most. They saw past the scars and grew to adore their father, spending as much time as they could helping Padmé look after him, and in Luke’s case, berating him with questions about being ‘the most greatestest Jedi ever’. Anakin would lie at night, wondering why he had ever turned to the dark side, why he had given up the perfect life he dreamed of for a life of sorrow and pain. He never understood, but learned to accept it was the past, and nothing could be done to change it. He forgave himself, and secretly vowed that once restored to full strength, he would rid the Galaxy of the man who had caused it all....Sidious.


‘Arethal, what about my legs...I don’t suppose you can grow them back’ he asked, half joking.

‘I afraid not young Skywalker’, she chuckled, administering an herbal paste to the scars, ‘I’m afraid you will have to settle for synthetic’s from the Chandrilla medi-centre, we’ve called a doctor loyal to Senator Mon Mothma to fit them for you’.

‘So I’m almost healed? Thank you for everything Arethal, you’ve helped me get my old life back, I’m forever in your debt’ said Anakin, smiling.
Arethal turned, and leaned towards Anakin. ‘Save my daughter, save this Galaxy, and I hold your debt fulfilled’.

Anakin nodded, she knows what I’m planning to do, he thought. And I agree, came Arethal’s voice in his head. He nodded again.


The Emperor was growing restless. More and more rebels had been attacking imperial cruisers. He knew who was behind it, Bail Organa, yet he had no proof. The Emperor had begun to feel more and more strength in the light side of the force.

‘Everyday the light strengthens....it is time I took a new apprentice’



‘Well Master Skywalker, could you stand up and walk to the other side of the room’ asked Dr. Wynn politely.

Anakin gingerly got to his feet with the aid of Obi Wan, and took a couple of steps forward.

‘They’re a little stiff, but good’ he smiled, bending his knees. Padmé looked on in amazement at the progress her husband had made. She watched as Luke and Leia ran to their father and pounced on him, almost knocking him off his feet.

‘Whoa you two, I’m not used to these legs yet, take it easy!’ he laughed as the twins planted kisses all over his face.

‘So we’ll help you get used to them’ chuckled Leia. Luke giggled, then jumped down from his father.

‘Daddy, will you teach me how to...umm...move things without my hands’ he said, frowning to make sure he’d gotten his point across.

‘All in good time son, you’re not of age yet’ replied Anakin, ruffling his hair.

‘Come on you two, your father needs his rest’ laughed Padmé, gathering up the twins, ‘Obi Wan could you take them in the garden?’

‘Yes of course, come on Luke, Leia’ called Obi Wan, leading the twins out of the room. Padmé helped Anakin onto the bed, then smiled at him, taking his face in her hands.

‘Your scars are almost gone’ she said lovingly. She kissed him on the cheek, ‘Does it hurt?’

‘No’, said Anakin, his voice a low growl. Padmé gasped a little, seeing the passion burning in Anakin’s eyes. Anakin move closer to Padmé, his eyes never leaving his. She sighed, and slowly closed her eyes. Anakin’s lips found hers, and placed a feather light kiss upon them. He paused, a low growl of longing sounding from his throat. The lips found each other again, this time, passion over came them. The kiss deepened, each of them putting all of the love they had for each other into that kiss. Padmé drew away, her breathing shallow and uneven.

‘I’ve waited so long for this’ whispered Anakin. He took Padmé into his arms and laid her on the bed. With a wave of his hand, he closed the door.


‘We must leave for Iego now, time is of the essence, the Chosen One has returned’ sounded Elladan.

‘You’ll be returning?’ asked Padmé, setting Luke down at the table.

‘I will return with Arien, Arethal must return to Valoor’ replied Elladan.

‘Again Arethal, thank you so much for healing me, words can’t express how grateful I truly I am’ said Anakin, bowing.

‘Just remember what I said Anakin, may your lives be graced with peace and happiness, until we next meet’ answered Arethal, bowing gracefully. Anakin, Padmé and the others bowed to the King and Queen, and bade farewell. Anakin turned to Obi Wan, grinning.

‘She’s coming back’ he said, barely able to contain his excitement. Obi Wan beamed. Arien was returning.


Queen Thelweniel of the Diathim was one of the oldest beings in the entire Galaxy. Her concern for Arien ran deeper than most knew. Arien was a descendant of the Queen herself, and Thelweniel saw in Arien, herself in her younger days. The Diathim had worked tirelessly to keep Arien alive, but now, after all there struggling, Arien was finally succumbing to grief. She rarely spoke, and spent her days gazing at the night sky. So when Thelweniel received a transmission that King Elladan was travelling to Iego, she knew the light of the Elendir would soon be restored, and Arien would return to the Galaxy.

Elladan landed in front of the great Iego Palace, greeted by the Queen.

‘Young Elladan, your timing is most welcomed, Arien was growing worse as each day passed’ crooned Thelweniel.

‘Where is she, where is my daughter?’ begged Elladan. He looked up to the Palace doors, and saw a young woman, the look of an eighteen year old, her long dark hair fluttering slightly in the breeze. He smiled, sighing with relief. Arien descended the stone steps, her floaty blue gown billowing out behind her.

She ran to her father, stopping no more than a meter away from him. She surveyed his face for any sign of why he was here, her eyes wide with a pained look.

Elladan smiled. ‘He’s back’.

Arien gasped lightly, a lonely tear falling down her cheek. She smiled.


‘Luke, Leia, bedtime’ called Padmé, walking into the living area.

‘Anakin! What do you think you’re doing!’ she scolded, watching Anakin twirl the twins in mid air. The three of them in fits of giggles.

‘Sorry my love, they made me’ Anakin laughed, lowering the twins.

‘Ah mommy, cant we play just a little longer?’ pleaded Leia, putting on her famous pet lip.

‘Of course you can sweetie’ cooed Anakin, melting at the look on his daughters face.

‘No you can’t, it’s already way past your bedtime’ replied Padmé, she was used to that face, and had grown resilient to it.

‘Fine!’ huffed Leia, grabbing Luke’s hand.

‘I'll take them up’ smiled Anakin, kissing his wife on the cheek. Padmé smiled, and kissed her children goodnight, then returned to the kitchen where Obi Wan, Dormé and Yoda were discussing Anakin’s redemption.

‘Truly remarkable, it is’ remarked Yoda, sipping his tea.

‘It really is, thank god he managed it though, I haven’t seen Padmé this happy in years’ chided Dormé.

They turned, as they heard a ship landing outside the house. Obi Wan jumped to his feet and ran outside, closely followed by Padmé, Dormé and Yoda.

Obi Wan skidded to a halt as he saw the hatch open, and two figures descend the ramp. One of them, a tall, ageing man, dressed in maroon and silver robes, a thin, gleaming silver crown resting lightly on his long dark hair. His expression was one of joy, his eyes twinkling in the growing moonlight. The other, a slender woman, wearing a long silver hooded cloak, fixed with a gleaming silver clasp. She raised her head, and lowered her hood. Her pale skin shone moon bright, her long, dark, curled hair cascaded down her back. Her eyes twinkled emerald green, her face lighting up at the sight of Obi Wan and the others.

‘Obi Wan’ she gasped, running to him. Her cloak fell from her shoulders, landing lightly to the floor. She threw herself into his embrace, tears of happiness overcoming her.

‘Arien....your back’ he whispered into her hair, his own tears joining hers. Arien drew back, and turned her tearstained face to Padmé.

‘Oh...Padmé’ she gasped again, embracing her old friend. Arien again drew back, turning to Master Yoda.

‘Master Elendir, truly blessed, this meeting is’ said Yoda, bowing to his old friend.
‘You bow to no one, Master’ replied Arien in a soft voice, inclining her head. She raised her head, smiling, and looked towards the house.

She stood, motionless, as if time itself stood still. Anakin slowly began to walk towards Arien, his face full of disbelief. Arien took a shuddering breath, as memories she’d locked away flooded into her mind, blinding her from all conscious thought....

Arien swung her lightsaber, destroying the last droid. She ascended the hill, and looked down on the battle ensuing below. In the great fungal forests of Fellucia, the droids were beginning to retreat.

“Looks like we have them, Bly” smiled Arien, pushing her long plaited hair behind her. She looked down to where her old Padawan, Aayla Secura bravely destroyed the remaining droids. Arien looked into the sky, and as she did so, felt a shiver run up her spine. She heard a great crash to her right. Spinning round to see what it was, she watched in horror as Jedi Knight Barriss Offee was blown to pieces by an AT-TE.

“What the....” she gasped, “Aayla...”. Arien whipped around, just in time to see clones turn on Aayla and open fire.

“Oh my....” gasped Arien, she fell to the ground, horror rendering her unable to move.

“Commander Bly, the time has come, execute order 66” ordered the holo-image of the Emperor.

“It will be done my lord” replied Bly, closing the link. He signalled for two officers to accompany him, and the three clones walked towards Arien.

Arien lifted her head, sensed the clones coming towards her. She jumped into the air, deflecting the blaster bolts aimed at her. Two of the clones were killed instantly. Arien landed behind Bly, and struck him with her lightsaber, killing him. Breathing heavily, Arien ran into the cover of the jungle......

Arien opened her eyes, Anakin was still heading towards her, images began to flash in front of her eyes.

Lifeless Younglings lay on the Jedi Temple floor, their faces full of fear....

Anakin quickened his pace.

Padmé screamed as she fought to stay alive, and not to succumb to a broken heart....

He began to smile.

His eyes....Sith yellow eyes...

‘NO!’ cried Arien, backing away, almost tripping over the hem of her gown.

Anakin stopped abruptly, his face full of concern, ‘Arien, it’s me....Anakin’ he began.

Arien shook her head. She’d lived for this moment, to see him back, ready to save the Galaxy, yet why now, when everything she’d dreamed of was happening, did feel so much hate and anger to the one person she’d always, no matter what, been able to forgive.

‘Arien, mani ti raika’ said Elladan in their native Elven tongue. Arien began to shake her head.

‘N’uma’ she gasped, ‘No’.

‘Arien, it’s me, I’m healed, your safe’ smiled Anakin, moving closer.

‘No, stay away....’ she breathed, moving further back.

‘Arien, listen to me, I know it’s hard to accept, but this is not the Anakin you saw on Mustafar, he’s back, back to the light’ said Obi Wan, touching her arm.

‘So, what you’re saying, is....Anakin chose the dark side, pledged his allegiance to that monster Sidious... ’, her voice became louder, filled with anger, ‘...hunted down his fellow Jedi....destroyed them......and almost five years later, suddenly decides “oh, I think I’ll be good again”’ she said mockingly.

‘Arien, it’s not like that...its’ pleaded Anakin.

‘Then tell me what it’s like Anakin, what is it like knowing you almost wiped out the Jedi, what’s it like betraying your friends and family, selling us out to the Sith....tell me Anakin, what is it like to kill younglings’, she snarled menacingly. Anakin look down, his heart full of pain, memories of that day flooding back.

‘Arien!’ spat Elladan, ‘That’s enough’. Arien gave her father an infuriated look, but fell silent.

‘It's....It’s like....dying....except worse...it’s like losing everything you care about, for something so foolish.....it like living each day knowing that what you’ve done means you will never truly be good....and that there’s nothing you can do to change what happened’ said Anakin, his voice thick with emotion, eyes full of tears.

Arien surveyed his face, ‘And what do you plan to do now that your back’ she whispered slowly.

‘Kill the Emperor’, replied Anakin. He raised his head, and stared at Arien. For a moment, her face was still full of anger, then it began to soften, and she smiled.

‘And I will be there to help you...my brother’ she breathed. Anakin laughed nervously, then pulled Arien fiercely into an embrace.


On the other side of the Galaxy, an Emperor laughed menacingly.
‘Soooo my young apprentice, you think you can escape me that easily, we shall see’.....

[adea]

Chapter 9 – Last Stand of the Emperor


‘So, what do we do now, we’ll have to formulate some sort of plan’ acknowledged Arien, sitting down around the small table in the kitchen.

‘To kill the Emperor, easy it will not be. Much planning is needed’ mused Yoda thoughtfully.

‘I'm sure Anakin knows his compound on Coruscant very well, we could sneak in, use the element of surprise’ replied Obi Wan.

‘Yes, but he’ll have many guards, and there are only five of us’ replied Anakin, a crease forming across his forehead.

‘Hmmm, so we have three Jedi Masters, a Jedi Knight, and a Captain of an Elven army....however will we defeat them’ said Arien in mock fear. Everyone laughed, as Arien continued, ‘You underestimate us, and yourself, Anakin’.

‘Yet be too sure of ourselves, we cannot’ added Yoda.

‘You know, the Emperor may already know of your redemption, Anakin’ said Obi Wan, rubbing his beard.

‘What?’ breathed Padmé.

‘Think about it’, began Obi wan, leaning towards them, ‘Your redemption will have caused a massive shift in the force, he may have sensed it’.

‘He’s right’, added Arien, ‘I mean, I sensed it all the way on Iego...we may not have the element of surprise after all’.

Anakin frowned, he knew they right. This was going to be more difficult than he first thought. He turned his head to the kitchen door.

‘What is it?’ asked Padmé. Her question was answered when two children bounded into the room.

‘Oh, hello darlings, and what are you doing up so late?’ Padmé chuckled, taking Leia onto her knee, whilst Luke clambered onto his fathers.

‘We heard voices, and couldn’t get to sleep’ replied Leia promptly. Padmé laughed, and stroked her daughter’s hair.

‘Well, saying as your up, can I get you two anything’ asked Dormé warmly.

‘Mommy, Daddy, can we have ice cream?’ asked Leia brightly. Padmé looked at Anakin, who laughed.

‘Of course you can, Luke, do you want some?’ Luke tore his eyes away from the stranger at the table and nodded.

‘Mommy, who’s that?’ said Leia, pointing at Arien.

‘That’s Arien, a Jedi Master and friend of you fathers’ replied Padmé smiling.

‘Your an elf, aren’t you?’ said Luke quietly. Anakin smiled, Luke rarely spoke in front of strangers, he definitely was the shyer of the two.

‘I am’, smiled Arien warmly, ‘how did you know?’

‘Mommy says the elves are the most beautiful people in the Galaxy’ replied Luke quietly, blushing slightly. Anakin looked at Padmé grinning. Arien blinked, surprised by the young boy’s admission.

‘Thank you Luke, that’s a lovely thing to say’ she smiled. Luke sheepishly smiled back.

‘You know, the first time I met Padmé, I told her she was beautiful’ Anakin said to Arien through the force. Arien raised an eyebrow at Anakin, then rolled her eyes as he began to laugh.


The Emperor sat in his office on Coruscant, thinking over what he’d just found out. Vader was alive, but he wasn’t Vader anymore. He was that pathetic excuse for a Jedi, Anakin Skywalker. The very thought of that name made the Emperor’s blood boil.

‘So my former apprentice, what will your next move be. Will you dare to attack me? No doubt you have the Jedi scum helping you, perhaps the elves too? Where are you, Vader.....where are you’. The Emperor closed his eyes, reaching out into the force.


Anakin’s eyes snapped open. He sat up, swinging his legs forward so he was sitting on the edge of his bed. Padmé stirred, sensing something was wrong with her husband.

‘Anakin, are you alright?’ she asked sleepily.

‘I’m fine my love, go back to sleep’ he replied soothingly. Padmé smiled, and rolled over. Anakin let out a slow, deep breath, letting the force wash over him. The Emperor had tried to find Anakin, had he succeeded? Anakin held his head in his hands. Suddenly, he felt fear wash over him. He stood up, searching the darkened room. Then, a scream pierced the silence.

‘LUKE!’ he shouted. Anakin raced from his room, just as Padmé started from her sleep. He ran to the twin’s room, and saw someone was already there.

‘Luke, Luke wake up’ cried Arien, trying desperately to hold him still. Anakin ran to Luke’s bed, whilst Padmé went to comfort Leia. Obi Wan and Dorme joined them. Arien closed her eyes and whispered something in elvish. Luke’s eyes snapped open.

‘Luke, Luke are you ok?’ said Anakin, fear etched into his face. Padmé sat on Leia’s bed, tears rolling down her cheek, whilst Leia sobbed profusely into her mother’s arms. Luke began to cry. Anakin picked up his son, whilst Arien sat back onto the floor, her eyes closed, and breathing focused.

‘Luke, what happened’ asked Anakin, cradling his son in his arms.

‘A...man...with yellow....eyes’ Luke sobbed, cuddling into his father, ‘he’s the....bad....man’.
Anakin pulled Luke closer, kissing his head.

‘It's okay Luke, I’m here’ he soothed. He turned to Arien, who was still sitting on the floor, her eyes closed, a frown across her forehead. Anakin handed his son to Padmé, who quickly began fussing over him. Leia pulled her twin into the fiercest of embraces. Anakin knelt in front of Arien, and placed his hand upon her shoulder.

‘Arien, do you know what happened. Was it the Emperor?’ asked Anakin. Arien said nothing.

‘Arien..please?’ he begged. Arien slowly opened her eyes.

‘He’s....He’s found us’ she whispered shakily.



‘Padmé, take the twins to Chandrilla, I’ll contact Mon Mothma’ said Anakin, rushing from the twins room.

‘Anakin slow down’ called Padmé, as she ushered the twins downstairs after their father.

‘Padmé come on! You have to get out of here’ he shouted, fear overcoming him.

‘Anakin, you need to calm down’ insisted Obi Wan, grabbing his brother’s arms.

Anakin took a deep breath. ‘You’re right, but he could already be on his way....I won’t let him harm my family!’ spat Anakin.

‘Too late it is, to move your family’ came a voice from the shadows. Master Yoda stepped forward. ‘Already here, the Emperor is’.


The Emperor looked down upon the small forest planet of Lorora, smiling triumphantly.

‘Perhaps your son will be of more use to me’, he growled.

‘My Lord, we are ready to invade’ said an officer behind the Emperor.

‘Goood, ready my ship, I will be joining the troops’ snarled the Emperor.

‘Yes my Lord’ answered the officer, rushing to the hangar.
The Emperor turned back to the huge viewing window. ‘You will regret the day you ever deserted me Vader’.


‘All...Already here’ croaked Anakin, his face drained of all colour. He turned to look at his family. Suddenly, they seemed so helpless. Padmé stood, a hand on each of their children’s shoulders. Leia’s face was tearstained, yet defiant. Luke...Luke had look of upmost understanding. He took his mother’s hand.

‘Mommy, we can hide, and daddy can go kill the bad man’ he said. Padmé sobbed.

‘Oh Luke’ she whispered. Elladan ran into the house from his ship.

‘There is an unidentified ship entering the atmosphere Anakin, it’s the Emperor’ he called. Anakin hesitated, unable to think what to do. He closed his eyes, and focused.

‘Padmé, you and Dormé take the children into the cellar, hide yourselves best you can, we’ll fight the Emperor as long as we can’ he stammered. He turned to his fellow Jedi.

‘This is it, now or never’.

The Jedi and Elladan nodded.


The Emperor landed not far from Anakin’s home.
‘My Lord, there is a house not far from here, we believe it is Skywalkers home’ said one of the clones.

‘Good, attack it, leave none alive, save for a small boy....I want him alive’ snarled the Emperor.


Padmé quickly ushered the twins and the droids into the cellar, whilst Dormé fetched blankets. As she came back into the room, Dormé walked to Obi Wan.

‘Be careful....won’t you?’ she asked him. Obi Wan stared at her, confused at the emotions coming from her.

‘I will’ he replied, feeling a jolt in his stomach. Dormé smiled, handing the blankets to Padmé.


Obi Wan and Yoda headed into the garden, lightsabers at the ready. Arien and her father stood in the corner, Elladan, holding a strange looking weapon. Anakin walked over to them.

‘What is that?’ he asked.

‘Elven arrows, you see the points are made from Adegan crystals, like you lightsabers’ replied Elladan, ‘Very effective’ he smiled.

Anakin closed his eyes as he felt a shift in the force.

‘It's time’.


Anakin, Arien and Elladan ran into the clearing surrounding the house. They stood, waiting for the first sign of movement. Elladan brought an arrow to his bow, his keen elf eyes surveying the forest. He spotted something.

With keenest precision, Elladan released the arrow into a nearby bush. A clone trooper fell forward. Suddenly, the air around them was filled with blaster bolts and Elven arrows.

The Jedi ran forward to meet the clones in combat. Anakin launched himself at two nearby clones, decapitating them instantly.
Yoda used the surrounding trees to propel himself towards the clones, twisting and flipping through the air, killing all in his way. Obi Wan used oncoming blaster bolts to strike down his opponents.
Arien flew through the air, flipping and jumping, slaying all in her path.
Elladan fired arrows so fast they were a blur, never missing his target. More clones emerged from the forest, firing at them. Anakin turned and groaned. They were impossibly outnumbered. Anakin went to resume the fight, when he realised the clones had stopped firing. Backing them into the middle of a circle, the clones pointed their weapons at the Jedi.
Anakin’s eyes were drawn to a shadow emerging from the forest. He heard laughing, and immediately felt cold.

‘Vader you surprise me, I would have thought you’d have amassed a bigger following, two ageing Jedi and two worthless elves....tut tut’ smirked the Emperor, flanked by several clones.

‘You will not win this time Sidious, I’ve seen the error of my ways, never again will I fall to the dark side’ thundered Anakin.

‘Oh my foolish apprentice, you really think I’m interested in you? I see much power in your son, he shall be mine’ snarled the Emperor.

‘You will never hurt a member of my family....ever’ growled Anakin. He glanced at Obi Wan, who nodded.

Anakin launched himself at the Emperor, as Obi Wan and the others sprang into action, covering him. Anakin brought his lightsaber down upon the Emperor, who quickly blocked it with his own. Anakin brought his lightsaber up again, striking the Emperor with tremendous force. Obi Wan, Yoda, Arien and Elladan desperately fought to stop the clones from attacking Anakin, but they were quickly becoming overwhelmed with the amount of clones attacking. Anakin and Sidious swung at each other, their sabers crashing against each other.

‘You are too weak Vader, you chose a losing side, and your family will be the first to pay’ snarled the Emperor.

Anakin felt something he’d never felt before, something that made him stronger. He felt as though the force had completely immersed him.

'Feel...don't think' sounded a bodiless voice. Anakin nodded.

‘No Sidious, you have’ he smiled, and with that swung his lightsaber so quickly, Sidious never knew what hit him. The Emperor’s body crumpled to the floor, his head rolling into the bushes surrounding them.

Nobody moved, it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

The clones, realising their Emperor was done, fled the clearing. Anakin withdrew his lightsaber, and turned to his comrades. Bloodstained, and battle worn, yet smiling.

‘Anakin....you did it’ cried Arien, running to embrace her friend. Obi Wan joined them, clapping Anakin on the back. Yoda and Elladan watched proudly, a tear even falling from their eyes. Anakin withdrew himself from the embrace, whilst the others continued to celebrate. He looked to his home, only to see Luke and Leia running to him, arms outstretched, laughing.

‘Daddy you killed him, you killed the bad man’ cried Luke, jumping into his father’s arms. Anakin pulled his children into an embrace, his heart swelling. He looked up from his children’s shining faces.

Padmé.

She stood, unmoving, a simple smile on her face. Anakin ran to her and lifted her into the air, both of them laughing.

‘Oh Ani, I’m so proud of you’ she gasped, kissing him deeply. Anakin put an arm around his wife, and led her to their children and the Jedi. He stopped in front of Yoda and Elladan. He went to bow to Elladan, who shook his head.

‘No, my boy....it is I who should bow to you’ he smiled, lowering to his knees.

‘The prophecy fulfilled, you have, our saviour, son of the suns, you truly are’ smiled Yoda, bowing his head.

Anakin smiled sheepishly, then looked at his best friends Obi Wan and Arien, both of them teary eyed. He then looked at his wife, who emanated love, her eyes capturing his soul. He turned to his children, his Luke and Leia. They grinned, and it was then Anakin knew, they were the proof, light would always prevail.

[adea]

Epilogue


Anakin Skywalker briskly walked through the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.

‘I can’t believe this’ he muttered to himself, ‘My first council meeting and I’m already late!’ He raced up the great staircase, and turned a corner leading him to the doors of the council room. It had been two months since the destruction of Sidious, and the downfall of the empire.

Bail Organa and Padmé had been elected co-Chancellors in the senate, and the Republic was slowly but surely returning to peace. Any remaining clones or empire loyalists were dealt with immediately. A surprising number of Jedi managed to survive the Purges, and the Jedi Order was once again back to full strength. Anakin smiled to himself as he reminisced on the past two months. The twins had just turned five, they were growing so quickly, he chuckled to himself. Leia was quickly becoming quite the politician, constantly berating her mother on the workings of the senate. Anakin knew how much it meant to Padmé that Leia wanted to follow in her footsteps, and Bail Organa had already secured Leia a position as Senator of Alderaan as soon as she was old enough. Luke on the other hand, was a Jedi Master in the making. Anakin and Obi Wan had decided to both train Luke as their shared apprentice, with some help from Arien and Yoda of course. There was another thing Luke and Anakin shared in common, it seemed Luke had become quite enthralled with a girl at an early age.

‘Ah to be young and in love’ Anakin chuckled.

Anakin reached the doors to the council room. He stopped for a moment, nerves beginning to set in.

Obi Wan would love this, he thought, the Hero with no Fear nervous to walk into a room. Anakin shook his head, and opened the doors.

‘Master Skywalker, good of you to join us, it is’ sounded Master Yoda from his seat.

‘Finally’ muttered Obi Wan, causing Arien to giggle. Anakin gave Obi Wan a mock look of anger, then smiled, sitting down in between Arien and Obi Wan.

‘What have I missed?’ he asked, moving into a more comfortable position.

‘Well, saying as you finally destroyed the Sith and restored peace and harmony to the Galaxy, not much’ said Obi Wan sarcastically.

‘And so it should be’ Yoda chuckled. The Masters sat, none of them speaking, basking in the glory that was peace. Finally, Arien broke the silence.

‘Well at least the wars are over for you’.

‘What do you mean?’ asked Anakin, confused.

‘The Maelibi of Iego are growing restless, I’m afraid I must leave to help my kin’ she sighed. ‘Don’t worry’, she added, seeing the looks of worry on her fellow Jedi’s faces, ‘The Maelibi don’t use weapons, I think I have the upper hand’. The Jedi laughed.

‘And so it begins’ laughed Obi Wan, rolling his eyes.

They were finally at peace.



“And in the time of greatest
Despair there shall come a saviour,
And he shall be known as:
THE SON OF THE SUNS”
Journal of the Whills, 3:127