"A Hero's Choice" By JediMasterJordan23

[Annie]

"A HERO'S CHOICE" An alternate ending to ROTS by JediMasterJordan23

Chapter 1

There were about a million things running through Anakin’s mind at the current moment, and not a one of them made any sense. What the Chancellor had just said at the opera, was it true? Was it actually possible to save someone from death? But how had the Chancellor known a Sith legend? Was the legend actually true? All this in addition to his nightmare and the fact the General Grievous had been located? No doubt that he and Obi-Wan would be leaving for Utapu tomorrow. He was supposed to be spying on the Palpatine, but killing Grievous would end the war, and if the Palpatine didn’t give up his powers then they should act. But what he said about the Sith? Well, that definitely didn’t plead his case. He should mention it to the council. But what about Padme? He couldn’t leave her and run off to fight the war, not while she was still in danger.
His mind was a swirling mass of confusion. He needed to sort this out. He needed to meditate on it, all of it. It was then he realized that he was standing in the middle of the speeder park, alone. He jumped in the speeder and took off for Padme’s Apartment.
Padme wasn’t even remotely interested in war reports she was pretending to read. The only time that she really paid attention to them was when Anakin was in the field. She was beginning to worry, Anakin had gone to see Chancellor Palpatine hours ago and he still wasn’t back. It was getting late and she didn’t think she could take much more of C-3P0’s constant nagging about getting her something to eat or drink. “Are you sure my lady, it would be my pleasure…” he said. “3P0,” she said through gritted teeth, “Right now the only thing that would cause me pleasure would be for you to power down for awhile.” 3P0 responded with as close to hurt as a droid could get “Very well, my lady.” He then proceeded to stalk out of the room. She hadn’t meant to be so harsh with him. It wasn’t his fault. Her emotions were out of whack thanks to her pregnancy. A swift kick to her ribs reminded her of that. But not only was it that, it was the fact that hiding her marriage for three years was beginning to take its toll. She wanted so badly to be able to have a family like her sisters, and Anakin had expressed the want to let their marriage become public knowledge. Guilt kept making her tell him no. She didn’t want to be the reason that “The Chosen One” hadn’t fulfilled the prophecy. And then there was the dream. Padme had pretended that it didn’t worry her only to comfort Anakin. Inside, she was deeply concerned. Anakin’s visions had a tendency to come true. He knew that, and it was clear that the thought of her death was causing him quite a bit of anguish as well. She snapped out of her pity part only when she heard the low humming of a speeder landing on the veranda.



Anakin still wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to do. He needed some time to himself to sort things out, and he wouldn’t get that done if he was with Padme. He was unsure how much of the truth he would tell her as he landed. He wasn’t going to tell her that Grievous had been located, he wasn’t sure he would even be sent first off, and second he didn’t think he had the strength to handle whatever her reaction tonight. He should probably keep what he and the Chancellor had discussed at the opera to himself as well. This afternoon she had suggested some distrust in the Chancellor and his policies. He decided to tell her that something had come up and he would have to spend the night at the temple. He needed to clear his mind and that wasn’t going to happen if he was with her. Besides, now that Grievous was located, the Council would be called into session early the next morning and he didn’t want to have to explain why he wasn’t in his quarters. It killed him to lie to her, but he half-heartedly convinced himself it was for the best.
When he exited the speeder’s cockpit and stepped onto the veranda’s deck, he saw Padme walking toward him from the staircase that leads to their bedroom. He kissed her gently when they reached each other. “Where have you been, I was beginning to worry,” she said to him. “I, uh, the Chancellor had something that he wanted to discuss with me, war business. And then I had trouble finding where I parked my speeder.” She laughed gently at this. From the expression on her face he could tell that she thought there was something more. But apparently she decided that if it was important he would tell her later and instead asked him to come to bed. “I’m exhausted,” she said, “The baby must be practicing Form I lightsaber combat for all of the moving it’s been doing.” Anakin couldn’t help but smile at this, but his smile faded as he told her his pre-planned story. “I wish I could but something has come up, and I will have to spend the night at the temple.” At these words all of the happiness at seeing him drained from her face. “Oh. Well, ok,” she disengaged herself from his arms and went to sit on the couch.

“Will you come by tomorrow?” with begging eyes. “Yes, of course.” At least that wasn’t a lie, even if he and Obi-Wan were sent after Grievous he would still come to explain himself and say goodbye. Although he wasn’t entirely sure he would agree to go. But what choice did he have? She stood back up, “I love you Anakin, and I will see you tomorrow?” “Yes, as soon as I can.” He kissed her goodnight and watched as she climbed back up the stairs. He breathed a heavy sigh. “Now,” he mumbled grudgingly to himself, “the hard part.”


Chapter 2

Obi-Wan had entered Anakin’s quarters fully expecting to find him there, after all he had left Palpatine’s company over 45 minutes ago, or so he had been told. Where in the blazes was he? Grievous had been located and a meeting of the council was scheduled for early the next morning. Much to his dismay, Master Windu had hinted that the Jedi that would be handling Grievous was a certain Jedi Master with a beard and a knack for negotiation. All his negotiation skills were useless against that monster. Obi-Wan just hoped that the council would send both he and Anakin, at least that way he had the Kenobi and Skywalker façade to hide under. He also felt that Anakin needed to get off of Courasant. All of the political issues he had been thrust into the middle of seemed to be pushing him down a path that Obi-Wan did not like. Maybe if he could get away from it for awhile he would be able to collect himself. But where was Anakin? He needed to inform Anakin of the meeting, but that was going to be a challenge since he couldn’t find him. So he flopped into the chair next to Anakin’s bed, but as soon as he did his former padawan came into the room in a huff.

He looked entirely shocked to see Obi-Wan there. “Master, what are you doing?” he said breathlessly. “Waiting for you. The Chancellor said you left his company almost an hour ago. “There was traffic,” Anakin said in a hurry. Obi-Wan looked at Anakin like he did all of the times that Anakin had found himself missing his lightsaber. It was hardly unlikely that the best pilot in the galaxy was held up by traffic. Oh well, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know where Anakin had really been. “No matter,” he continued. “Grievous has been located and there is a meeting to discuss what will be done about it early tomorrow morning. “Oh, Okay.” Anakin replied. It was clear that there was something bothering Anakin and Obi-Wan intended to find out.

Anakin had to admit that he had been entirely surprised to find Obi-Wan waiting in his quarters when he returned from Padme’s apartment. So surprised that the excuse he had given to him for his tardiness was no better then when as a padawan, he told him he let droid borrow his lightsaber. Obi-Wan, however, didn’t seem too interested in the details of where Anakin had been for 45 minutes. Instead he told him what he already knew, Grievous was found and there was a meeting that morning. He seemed to read Anakin like a book, that much was clear when Obi-Wan next asked “What’s the matter?” Anakin didn’t know which issue to address. He decided to go with the Chancellor, seeing as how the other issues he was dealing with related to Padme, and that would have been difficult to explain. So he told Obi-Wan what the Chancellor had said about Darth Plagiues. The reaction on Obi-Wan’s face said what Anakin himself was thinking. “Why would the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic know a sith legend? And why would he tell it to you?” he said. Anakin had never thought about the last part. Why would he tell it to me? Anakin had no answer. But suspicion leaked into his brain. What was the Chancellor hiding?

“I don’t rightfully know. But I don’t like it,” he said. “We can agree on that,” Obi-Wan replied. “The council must be informed,” he added quickly, “I think I shall go have a word with Master Yoda right now.” “Master, before you do…” Anakin said, grabbing Obi-Wan. “Is what Palpatine said true, can you save someone from death?” Obi-Wan looked at Anakin with a slight curiosity. “I doubt it. Or if it is I have neither heard of nor seen it done. Remember Anakin,” Obi-Wan said with a paternal voice “Saving someone who is supposed to die is against the will of the force. It would be greedy to not allow that person to pass into the force just because you aren’t ready to let go.” “I know,” Anakin said. “It’s just…” “It’s just what Anakin?” Anakin didn’t know how to finish his sentence. He thought it might help to tell Obi-Wan about his dream, but he didn’t know how to do it in a fashion that wouldn’t reveal everything. When he tried to tell Yoda he had been so vague that Yoda’s mechanical response of “Rejoice for those who pass into the force, mourn them do not, miss them do not.” was no help at all.

After a moment of silence in which Anakin appeared to be staring at the wall, Anakin finally began to speak again. “I had this dream, vision.” he corrected. Obi-Wan was giving him his full attention which warranted Anakin to be even more careful. “In it, someone very close to me dies.” “Who?” Obi-Wan asked. Anakin looked down at his feet, and it seemed that Obi-Wan had guesses that the dream was about him, which was exactly what Anakin had wanted him to do.

Obi-Wan had been a Jedi all his life and had spent the past 13 years with Anakin. If Anakin was trying to fool him, he had expected better than this.

He was not blind to Anakin and Padme’s feelings for each other; it was like trying to pretend that you didn’t see a Republic Crusier in front of you. He just chose to ignore it, for their sake. He didn’t know the details of their relationship, but it was clear that they were more than just friends. He liked to think that whatever relationship they had, it hadn’t kept Anakin from being a good Jedi, so he just left it at that. However, it was clear that this vision Anakin had was not about him, as Anakin was nonchalantly trying to imply, but about her. And knowing what Anakin had done to prevent a vision of death the last time he had one about his mother, what Obi-Wan would say next would either make or break his best friend. Finally he spoke. “Anakin, have you ever considered that by attempting to prevent your visions of death, you are actually helping them to come to pass?” Anakin stared back at Obi-Wan with a look of wild bewilderment” Surely you are kidding? I mean, these visions, there like warnings. Of what’s coming,” he said. “No, I don’t think that they are Anakin.” Obi-Wan replied. “By trying to save…” Obi-Wan had almost said Padme, but changed it to fit what Anakin thought Obi-Wan knew. “By trying to save me, you might be killing me yourself.” “WHAT?” Anakin said. “That’s absolute poodu Obi-Wan. I would never…” “Anakin” Obi-Wan interrupted, “For once in your life listen to me!” Anakin clammed up. Obi-Wan continued “Anakin you are a gifted Jedi and warrior. You are my best friend and my brother. Your only flaw is your inability to let go. Don’t you understand that there is no way to hold onto someone forever? You try to and it will consume your whole existence. Everything you do. You will cut yourself off from everything you know. You are willing to go to any lengths to save someone you consider a friend. While it is a noble quality, it is also dangerous.” Obi-Wan paused. Anakin showed no emotion on his face. He continued, “This is why the Jedi form no attachments. It only leads to pain. You must let go Anakin, you must accept that death is inevitable. That is what makes life worth living, the knowledge that your time is limited.”

Suddenly Anakin cracked. Tears began to pour from his eyes like the waterfalls in front of the Palace on Naboo. “But I can’t… I can’t just sit here and watch her die! I won’t!” He pounded his fists against the wall. Obi-Wan said nothing. Anakin realized why. “Watch her die.” What an idiot, he had just, accidentally, revealed his secret. Obi-Wan said quietly, “Who is the dream really about?” There was no sense in lying now. “My wife,” he said weakly. “Padme.” More silence passed between them. Anakin slid down the wall. Obi-Wan sat next to him. “How long?” he asked. “Right after the war broke out on Geonosis. I wanted to tell you, I just…” Anakin couldn’t finish. Obi-Wan cracked a weak smile. “I knew. I just chose to ignore it I guess. Ah well, don’t worry Anakin. Your secret is safe with me. You have fought by my side for 13 years. There is no other Jedi, no other man that I want in that position.” Anakin was so grateful for Obi-Wan’s acceptance that tears came anew. Next Obi-Wan said “Listen. About the dream, Anakin, trying to learn a sith technique for saving her isn’t the way to approach this. To achieve this power, you would no doubt have to go to the dark side and that, well that will lead you only to unhappiness. You try to get this power to save Padme, and she would be losing you, a fate far worse than she deserves. I don’t think that anything will come of it. But you must let it go.” Anakin knew Obi-Wan was right. What he said made sense, it was the truth. He breathed deeply and fell into the force. He looked inside himself and saw that if he just let things come to pass everything would turn out ok. If he let go of the vision it wouldn’t come true. All Padme wanted was his love. And in the end, that was all he could give.

Obi-Wan felt the tension leave the room. Anakin opened his eyes and once again he was himself. Obi-Wan could feel the release. He had let it go. “I am proud of you Anakin; you have proven that you are a great Jedi and a great man.” “Thank you Obi-wan. I needed that more than you know.” Obi-Wan chuckled in an effort to loosen the mood. “Well, that was fun. Now, I think I shall go see Master Yoda about the Chancellor. I will see you at the meeting in the morning?” he said “Of course.” was Anakin’s reply.

Anakin waited until Obi-Wan had been gone15 minutes before sneaking out to the speeder park. He had gone to the temple to clear his mind, and seeing as how that had been done, he would go back to Padme. On the way there he felt better than he ever had in his entire life. Like everything was clear, nothing would go wrong. He slipped silently into her apartment, and quietly entered her room where she was fast asleep. He crawled into bed and wrapped his arms around her. Sleep came, without a nightmare.

[Annie]

Chapter 3

Anakin was nearly running through the temple halls. He was going to be late if he didn’t apply a little effort. Padme had been so happy to see him when she awoke; it had caused him to be late. Obi-Wan greeted him cheerfully as they entered the council room at the same time. He seemed to act like nothing had happened, and like he didn’t notice that Anakin had neglected to change clothes. Anakin was grateful things would stay the same between them.
Once all of the masters arrived, the meeting began. He noticed when they were entering that everyone seemed to be glaring at him. They weren’t happy to see him on the council. Anakin pretended to take no note of it. “Many things to discuss, we have” Master Yoda said. He looked tired. “Worried about the Chancellor, I am. Master Obi-Wan informed me of your conversation with him, Young Skywalker. Like it one bit I do not. Concerned I am that move against him we may.” At this Mace interjected, “With that information that Obi-Wan and Anakin discovered, we had traced the sith lord to 500 Republica right when Grievous’ invasion began. It is very possible that the Chancellor either is, or is under the influence of a sith lord.” Anakin’s head did a number at this. A sith lord? Moving against him? Surely they must be kidding. But after their conversation last night, he had a sickening feeling that it was true. Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke at this, his holoimage coming in and out of focus. “I have a suggestion. Why not wait until the destruction of Grievous? The emergency powers will expire then, seeing as how the war will have ended. If he doesn’t relinquish his powers, we are bound to remove him. Whether or not he has any affliction with the dark side can be determined easily at that time.” “Very well, agree I do.” Yoda said. All of the other council members nodded in agreement. “But what about Skywalker?” Agen Kolar said. “Should he continue to, um, monitor the Chancellor?” At this the council was silent. Anakin hoped and prayed they would say no. He didn’t like where this monitor business was going. Politics was something he never understood, despite Padme’s attempts to explain the ins and outs. Finally, to Anakin’s relief, Master Yoda spoke, “No. Send him with Master Kenobi to fight Grievous we shall. Best that the war is ended, so focus on this sith lord we can. And go I will to help the wookies on Kayshyyk.” Good relations with the wookies I have.” Master Yoda added. Once again the council nodded in agreement. “Council adjourned. May the force be with us all.”
Anakin wasn’t sure if he was glad he was going with Obi-Wan or not. He was glad to be out of the middle of the political crossfire, but how could he leave Padme now? Although he wasn’t concerned with his visions, he still felt that harm could come to her. And he couldn’t do anything about it on the outer rim. Obi-Wan sensed his inner turmoil as they watched the clone troopers prepare the star cruisers. “She will be fine Anakin. I have no doubt that we will disperse of Grievous quickly and be back here in no time.” He said. “Now I am going to discuss something with Commander Cody, I will be gone until we are ready to leave, which should be about an hour. I should hope to find you here when I return. Although I will not be checking back,” he finished before walking away with a smile on his face. Anakin chuckled on the inside, nothing had changed.
Upon arriving at Padme’s apartment he found it empty. “She must be in the Naboo Embassy still,” he thought out loud. He sat down to wait. By the time she returned, with 3P0 shuffling behind her, he only had 15 minutes before he had to leave. “Anakin, what are you doing here?! It is the middle of the day, you could be seen!” Anakin rolled his eyes. “But I wasn’t, and the only person with you is 3P0. No harm, no foul.” She still was angry at him, which would make this next part no more fun than fighting droidekas. “Grievous has been found, hiding in the Utapau system.” Tears began to well up in her eyes. “Yes, I heard.” She said almost inaudibly. “Obi-Wan and I are being sent to destroy him… I really don’t want to do this Padme, but it will end the war.” She had turned away from him to hide her tears, which wasn’t working at all. “I know, but why you?! There are other Masters! Why not Master Windu? What is he doing right now?! I am sure he isn’t about to become a father!” Anakin was hurt at this; he didn’t know what to say. “I… Padme, it wasn’t my choice. I don’t want to go. I want to be here with you! But it would be selfish of me to let this war continue and let countless beings die for my own inability to be away from you! And besides, you said yourself that the war has gone on too long, that Palpatine has too much power. Doing this will force him to lay that power down, it will end this disaster.” He decided to leave out the part about the Chancellor potentially being a sith lord. That wouldn’t sit too well with her.

He would also leave out that part about Obi-Wan knowing about the two of them, she didn’t need that stress. He walked over to her, and turned her around so she had to look at him. Her eyes were already raw, but she was still beautiful. He hugged her close to him and held her with her head rested on his chest until her sobbing had stopped. He then said, in a small whisper “This will be my last assignment. Once the war is over I will leave the order.” She began to protest, but he put a finger to her lips. “No, Padme, this is what I want. To help you raise our child. To spend all of my time with you. It is my choice, and I have made it. For once in your life, try not to argue.” She didn’t. It was clear that she was tired of it as well. She sighed heavily. “Ok Anakin, Ok.” He smiled. “Now that is what I needed to hear. I love you and I will be back soon.” Tears spilled over her cheeks, and she said “I love you too Ani, come back to me my love.”

Chpater 4

Obi-Wan watched as Anakin approached him, he sure didn’t look too happy. In fact it looked like he was about to fall over and die. This was not good, Obi-Wan was no more excited than Anakin was but he needed him in his top form. “Nice day for a walk?” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “Oh yes,” Anakin replied. Silence. Obi-Wan knew that Anakin needed to be relaxed in order to focus, and tried to think of a way to do that as they stood in the hangar bay of the Cruiser, watching Courasant slip away. Anakin had tears in his eyes. “I will bet you lunch at Dex’s that I will kill 2 droids for each of your 1.” Obi-Wan said. Anakin’s tears faded and he began to laugh. “Hardly. Make it dinner, and I will kill 3 droids to your 1 Master.” he challenged. “Oh, a little too confident are we in our abilities are we, my former padawan? Very well.” Anakin added one last condition. “Desert says that I will end up rescuing you from whatever mess you land in.” Obi-Wan chuckled. “I don’t doubt that you will.” “Excellent,” he thought to himself, “Worked like a charm.”

Anakin felt a little better, now that he knew that he not only had a life with Padme to look forward to, but dinner and desert. He thought it wouldn’t be best to mention to Obi-Wan his plan for after the war, he didn’t know how he would respond. Commander Cody approached. “Hello Generals. It is an honor to be working with you again.” “Hello Cody,” Obi-Wan said “Just another planet that needs saving.” Cody continued, “Grievous’ signal is coming from this area on Utapu. We thought it best that you and General Skywalker fly ahead, survey the situation and then call us in.” “Sounds good to me, Anakin?” Obi-Wan asked. “Fine.” Anakin said. “Shall we?” With that they hopped into their respective fighters.

Darth Sidious was not a man who took chances. Every inch of this plan that he had been concocting for the past years had been carefully thought out and planned. But something had gone wrong. The Jedi Council, those simple-minded fools had done something right, they had sent Anakin with the idiot Kenobi to Utapau to handle Grievous. He had considered telling Grievous to run again, but decided against it. The sooner he was rid of him the better. However, that would mean the end of the war, and they would be calling for him to step down. Something he never intended to do, ever. But would he be able to control the soon to be Empire without and apprentice? He was too old to do any of the heavy work it would require. He had planned to turn Skywalker, that had been the reason for his creation. Now he didn’t think he had time, and besides, Sidious was beginning to think that he was too poisoned by the Jedi propaganda. And then there was the small matter that he was deeply in love with Senator Amidala, and he would never do anything to ‘hurt’ her. He had given Anakin visions of her death, and then the story of Darth Plageius in an attempt to lure him to the dark side. But that had failed. He had felt Anakin be the good little Jedi last night, and let go of the nightmares. Damn Kenobi. He might as well give up on Anakin; he didn’t think that he could be swayed now. Fear of loss was Anakin’s only true weakness, and now that was gone. Suddenly it hit him. He didn’t need Anakin. Amidala was pregnant. His child would do the trick. Sidious could train it from birth, to avoid the poison that Anakin had been exposed to. Now it was simple. Kill the Jedi, all of them. Take Amidala’s child. Kill her. And the galaxy was his. He could do it, he needed no help. He had enough clones to handle the job. And the power to make them do this rested in his hands. All that had to be done now was to wait for the right moment, the destruction of Grievous.

Anakin and Obi-Wan descended into the pit that was Sector 9 of Utapau, and landed. Anakin got out of his cockpit and looked down. What a hole in the ground! He laughed. He was happy, why shouldn’t he be? He and his best friend were about to win the war for the Republic. The chancellor would step down, democracy and peace would return. And he and Padme would now be able to spend all their time with their children. He walked with Obi-Wan and bowed with his upon meeting the High Priest of Sector 9. “And what business do you have here young Jedi?” Obi-Wan spoke. Anakin never talked to dignitaries, he thought it best to let the negotiator handle all the talking, he, “The Hero with no Fear” would handle the more ‘aggressive negotiations.’ “The War.” Obi-Wan said. “There is no war here, unless you brought it with you,” The priest responded. “Obi-Wan said, “I would like to some fuel and to use your planet as a base as I search near by systems for General Grievous.” At this the priest’s facial expression changed. He leaned in close enough that Anakin could smell the Hoi-broth aftertaste that was still in his mouth. “We are being held hostage. He is here. Tenth level. Thousands of battle droids.”

“I understand,” Obi-Wan said “If you have warriors, now is the time.” With that Anakin watched him walk away to contact Cody. “Just lovely,” he thought. Obi-Wan walked back to him. “Let’s go find some transportation, shall we?”
Obi-Wan lead them to what looked like a stable. “Oh no,” Anakin thought. He thought that by transportation Obi-Wan had meant speeder bikes or something with and engine. Instead he stood toe to toe with a giant lizard. Anakin hated live mounts. They had minds of their own, unlike fighters and speeders. And what they wanted to do always seemed to be bucking Anakin off his back. Anakin glared at Obi-Wan as he attempted, with a lot of difficulty to get up on the lizard’s back. Obi-Wan was good with live mounts, he was already comfortably on top of his, returning Anakin’s glare with a playful smile. “Surely ‘The Hero with no fear” isn’t afraid of a boga?” Obi-Wan joked. Anakin returned, with a little venom, “Of course not. But if I lose my lightsaber, you aren’t allowed to yell at me.” Obi-Wan said with a smile, “I don’t think I will be able to resist.”

Padme was seated on her couch. In front of her were Senators Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, Fang Zar, and Terr Taneel. She didn’t like where this conversation was going. They had shown up unannounced, saying that they had something important that they needed to talk to her about. Then, they had voiced their concerns about the Republic, talking about removing Chancellor Palpatine, by force. “I am sorry, but all of you are sounding increasingly like separatists.” She said. Bail spoke “I apologize. We are not separatists trying to leave the republic; we are loyalists trying to save it.” “I understand your concerns,” Padme said, “I just don’t think that it is really necessary now. Grievous will soon be dead, and the Chancellor’s power expires then. If he doesn’t resign, the Jedi will remove him.” Mon spoke at this. “Are you so sure that he will be killed? Kenobi and Skywalker are the best the Jedi Order has to offer, but Grievous has escaped their grip before.” This was not what Padme needed to hear. As if she wasn’t worried enough about Anakin. She began to speak, slowly, using careful word selection. “I have no doubt that Grievous will be killed.” They all looked at her questioningly, but decided not to argue any longer. Fang Zar said. “If Grievous is destroyed, and the Chancellor resigns our problem is solved. All we have to do then is our duty as Senators, and help rebuild the Republic. Unless things happen otherwise, I think Senator Amidala has a point. There will be no need for drastic action on our part should everything go according to plan.” Padme was glad someone agreed with her, although after the war was done she would be leaving her post. “Okay,” Bail agreed, “But I still think we should voice our concerns when the loyalist committee meets with him later today. Not as a threat, but just so he is aware.” Everyone agreed to this and then the senators filed out of Padme’s apartment.

[Annie]

Chapter 5

By the time Anakin and Obi-Wan had reached the tenth level, Anakin’s patience with this animal had worn out. “I have a bad feeling about this.” Obi-Wan whispered. “I have a bad feeling in my lower regions right now.” Obi-Wan looked at Anakin like he had when he scolded him as a padawan. “Now is not the time for jokes.” “Sorry Master. Just wanted to make sure that you knew the reason my footwork was off.” They dismounted and snuck towards a large hangar. There was Grievous, and the all of the separatists. Anakin felt like a padawan who was just handed his new lightsaber. Not only would they be able to end the war, but take those responsible into custody. Obi-Wan looked like he didn’t know what to do. Anakin spoke up, one of us should handle Grievous, and the other handles the separatists.” “Sounds like a plan,” he said. “Judging my recent defeat at the hands of Dooku, my vote is with you taking care of Grievous.” Anakin was fine with that; he would be too tempted to kill off the separatists as payback for what they had done to the galaxy. Obi-Wan probably wouldn’t have that problem. “Well,” he said “Wish me luck!” and jumped down directly in front of Grievous.
Obi-Wan was a little stunned by Anakin’s haste, but only for a moment, the separatists were trying to escape. He force ran and unclipped his lightsaber from his belt, igniting it. He followed them into an empty hangar bay where a ship was waiting to take them only the force knows where. He cut them off before they could board. “Hello there,” he said cordially. “As I am sure you know, I am Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. And in the name of the Galactic Republic you are under arrest.” Nute Gunray spoke, “Master Kenobi, what an unpleasant surprise.” He then gestured for some droids to dispose of Obi-Wan but there were none to be found. Obi-Wan said smoothly, “I do believe we are alone. Now if you would all kindly move into that corner where I can bind you, I won’t have to use this.” He waved his lightsaber. The separatists looked really uncomfortable, and did as he asked. Once he had bound them, using rope from his utility belt, he called Cody. “Move in.” he said, “I will need a ship to transport the separatists back to Courasant, as well as binders. And a group of your elite to serve as escorts.” “I copy General Kenobi,” Cody replied. That had been easy. Obi-Wan hoped Anakin was having an equally easy time.
Anakin landed directly in front of Grievous. “Skywalker,” he said in a low hiss. “How nice of you to join us! Finish him off.” At that Grievous’ four body guards moved toward Anakin. “Predictable,” he thought. He lifted a few super battle droid into the air with the force and launched them at the bodyguards. They hit there targets. The guards were caught off guard and it was easy for him to dispose of them. “General,” he said, speaking for the first time out loud, “You and I have some unfinished business.” “Is that a threat?!” Grievous laughed as he took off his cloak, “I have been trained in your Jedi Arts by Count Dooku. I shall enjoy killing ‘The Hero with no Fear’! But how will your wife take it?” Anakin realized his mouth was hanging open. How in the world had Grievous known of his marriage?! Had he told anyone?! He mouth was open again as Grievous’ two lightsabers became four. Not that it matter, for Grievous was doomed. Anakin Skywalker was angry.

Anakin attacked furiously, rage ran through his body, pumping life into him. He was the hum of his lightsaber, the speed of his feet, the raw power with which he attacked. In a matter of seconds, Grievous’ four lightsabers had become three, now there were only two. He seemed to realize that there was no way for him to win this fight, and tried to exit. Anakin stood firmly in his way. He wasn’t going to let this murderer escape again. Grievous came on fast and hard in an effort to move Anakin out of the way. Anakin was blocking lightsabers left and right, up and down, in every direction. Finally one nicked him in the knee and he yelled out in pain. “Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” It broke his focus, but it added to his rage. Grievous’ eyes showed a smile. Anakin had enough. He leapt and came crashing down on top of Grievous. It was clear that this was not expected, but even though Anakin was injured, the force helped him stay focused. But the unexpected attack worked. Grievous was now with out a weapon, with out limbs, and without a head. Anakin stared at Grievous’ lifeless body. He hadn’t murdered in cold blood as he had with Dooku, but he still knew he had done wrong. He had let his rage fuel him and guide his lightsaber instead of the force. This was becoming a problem. One he would have to worry about later, seeing as how he was surrounded by thousands of battle droids and limping badly.

Obi-Wan was worried about Anakin as he rushed back into where he had last seen him. Had he been successful? He heard the sounds of battle in the hangar and entered to Clone against droid, but no sight of Anakin. He reached into the force; he was in this hangar, but where? And then he saw him on the other side, cutting down droids, but limping. He next saw Grievous’ carcass, which meant that had been taking care of. He rushed to Anakin’s side. “Oh, hello master. Where are the separatists?” They continued to dispose of droids. “Next level, awaiting departure. I see Grievous is dead. And you are hurt. Come with me, we will fix you up and talk to the council. The clones can manage for awhile with out us.” “Ok, I won’t argue. But I will say that you owe me dinner.”

One the next level the separatists were still huddled together, waiting to leave. Anakin looked at them with disgust. He sat on a table as one of the medics fixed him up. “It isn’t too bad,” he said, “But if you don’t stay off it you might just permanently be stuck with a limp.” Great. That was just what he needed to hear. There was no way he could stay off it. Obi-Wan brought the communicator over and patched through to the temple. They were in the middle of a meeting. The council looked slightly shocked to see them. Hadn’t they just left a few hours ago? “Um, sorry to interrupt Masters, “Obi-Wan said, “Grievous is dead, and we have the separatist leaders in our custody.” It was quiet. All the Masters looked shocked. Finally Mace Windu spoke, “Excellent. We will go to inform the Chancellor right now. As for the battle there, destroy the rest of the army on Utapau and return to Courasant.” Obi-Wan replied, “It will be done.” Mace said “Yoda has also met early success on Kayshyyyk. He will be back around the same time you two are. We look forward to your return.” The transmission ended. Anakin was relieved to be going home. But he tried to not get ahead of himself; they still had quite a few droids to destroy. Obi-Wan turned to him. “Anakin, I can’t tell you what to do, but I suggest that you rest.” Anakin laughed. “And let you go by yourself? Imagine what would happen. My knee will do fine. And if not, I can think of a lot worse things than a limp.” “Okay,” said Obi-Wan, “Just be careful. Padme would never forgive me if any further damage was done.” Anakin looked down, “Probably not.”

Chapter 6

Padme’s head was pounding. The Chancellor was not taking Bail’s suggestions well. “Senator Organa,” he said “I understand your concerns, and fear not, I will do what is right. What needs to be done for the good of the Republic. Upon electing me you agreed to trust that I will do the right thing, and I will. That should be good enough for any of your doubts.” It was a good thing that Senator Mothma had to leave on emergency to her home planet, Padme had a feeling she would have ripped the Chancellor anew. Bail answered through gritted teeth, “Very well, I am glad we had this little chat.” As the loyalist committee got up to leave, Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Kit Fitso, Saesee Tiin, and Agen Kolar entered the room. Padme’s heart stopped. “Please let them bring good news,” was her silent plea. “What a pleasant surprise! Masters, please come in. I hope you bring good news.” “We do,” said Master Windu flatly, “Skywalker and Master Kenobi just made contact, Grievous is dead and they had the separatist council in their custody.” Padme’s heart raced, he was alive! He would be coming home! The chancellor didn’t look pleased. Master Windu spoke again “It is time for you to return power back to the senate.” The Chancellor replied in a low hiss. “I don’t think it is. Seeing as how I will soon be Emperor and the Jedi will be no more.” Everyone in the room stared in astonishment. Had she just heard what she thought she had heard? “You’re the sith lord!” Master Windu yelled. “I am, and it is time for you to die,” Palpatine replied slowly. He then attacked with incredible speed, killing Saesee Tiin, Agen Kolar and Kit Fitso in cold blood. The loyalist council stared. They had no idea what to do, they watched in horror as Mace Windu and the Chancellor fought viciously. But finally the Chancellor fell. Mace held his blade at his throat. “You are finished, my lord. The oppression of the sith will never return!” “Wrong,” said the Chancellor, he tweaked his fingers and Mace’s blade flew into his hands. He swiftly cut the Jedi Master in two.

The Chancellor then turned his attention to the loyalist committee, who were still standing there. Bail grabbed Padme by the arm and began to run, as did the other senators. Padme could hear their screams as the Chancellor murdered them. He was closing in. Suddenly she was frozen in place. Bail tried to move her. “NO! Run Bail, warn the Jedi, find help, find my husband!” Bail looked puzzled, but there was not time for puzzlement. “Just go!” she pleaded with him. He ran off with out a word. She felt the Chancellor approach. “Senator Amidala, going somewhere?” Silent tears ran down her face. Tears for the child in her womb that would never see the light of day, tears for the life she and Anakin would have had. “There is no need to fear me. I don’t intend to kill you, not yet at least.” Suddenly she could move again. He made her follow him back into his office, where clones troops were already cleaning up the bodies. Bodies of her friends, of Anakin’s mentors. She collapsed into a chair. The Chancellor donned a black hooded cloak. Perfectly fitting. “What do you plan to do with me?” She asked after the clones had left. “After the birth of your children,” he said, “You will die. Your children are what I am after, they will make excellent apprentices.” Padme began to sob. “Now,” he continued, for the fun part.” He activated a communicator hidden in his desk. “Commander Cody. The time has come, execute Order 66.” Cody? Wasn’t that the clone that had been assigned to Anakin? Oh dear. The transmission ended and the Chancellor spoke to her. “I have business to take care of. These clones will take care of you until I return. Don’t do anything foolish. There isn’t a need for you to die sooner than you have to.” With that he binder he to her chair, and left.

Bail Organa was running as fast as he could. He had managed to steal a speeder and make it to the Jedi temple. Finally he saw someone, Master Stass Allie. “Master!” he said breathlessly “Chancellor Palpatine is a sith lord! He has just killed Masters Windu, Kolar, Fitso, and Tiin!” She looked shocked. “I felt a disturbance. Our worst fears have now been realized. Bail do you think you might be able to pilot one of our ships? We need you to take the younglings and padawan to Master Yoda on Kashyyyk We cannot defend them and the temple.” “I will do my best,” he said. “Excellent, I will inform Master Yoda you are on your way. And I will tell him what you have just told me.” She next told him where to find all of the padawans and younglings and all of the information he would need. “Good luck!” she yelled as he ran off. Once all of the children were onboard, he took off for Kashyyyk.

Chapter 7

It seemed to Anakin like he had been cutting down droids forever. “How many more are there?” he thought. His knee was killing him; he was barely able to move. The firing stopped as yet another area was cleared. “Move on!” Obi-Wan ordered. Anakin could see him coming towards him out of the corner of his eye. “Anakin, you don’t look well. You can barely move,” he said with concern in his voice. “I know, but we only have one more area to clear and we can go home. The Jedi healers will be able to help me.” It came on quickly, a sharp pain in his chest. It felt like nothing ever had before, it was excruciating pain; he dropped to his knees, and then collapsed. When he opened his eyes he saw Obi-Wan staring at him with an expression of worry. “What is it?” he asked. “Padme…” Anakin answered weakly, “She’s in trouble. And so are we.” Obi-Wan looked confused, but then as a shot nearly took off his head, he understood. He turned expecting to find droids, but instead clones. “What in the blazes?!” he yelled. They fired again, Obi-Wan deflected it. “They have turned!” Anakin said, struggling to get to his feet, “We must get out of here!” Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin’s collar and dragged him to the edge of the platform. “Are you insane?!” We’ll die!” he was having difficult deflecting all of the shots and talking. “It is our only choice!” Obi-Wan yelled before he threw Anakin and himself over the edge.
The water was colder than ice, it stung like knives. Both he and Anakin had managed to survive, and now had their breathers in. Well this was just perfect. Just what Obi-Wan needed. The clones turned. We never should have trusted them. Obi-Wan helped the struggling Anakin to the rocks. “They will no doubt think we are dead,” Obi-Wan said. “I would. And frankly I am surprised we aren’t.” “Glad to know that you thought this through.” Anakin said sarcastically. “How do you expect me to climb back up?” Obi-Wan replied, “I don’t, I plan to carry you. Let’s go.” The climb was hard, for both parties, and by the time they reached the upper level they were exhausted. But they had managed to avoid detection. There fighters were in the same place. “Thank the force for that,” he said. He helped Anakin into his cockpit. He noticed that the clones had also killed the separatist council. Once they were in space, Obi-Wan sent out emergency code 913. He was surprised when Senator Organa answered. “Our troops turned on us, we need help.” “Yes,” said the senator, “there is much to discuss. Chancellor Palpatine is the sith lord. He is trying to kill all of the Jedi. He already killed Mace, Saesee, Agen, and Kit. Yoda, the younglings and I are on Kashyyyk, meet us here.” Obi-Wan was in shock, all he could say was “Okay,” but Anakin objected. “No, I must return to Courasant, Padme is in danger!” “Anakin,” Bail said, “I don’t think she is still alive.” “DON’T SAY THAT! I CAN FEEL HER! SHE IS STILL ALIVE AND SHE NEEDS ME!” Just then the transmission from Bail cut out. Obi-Wan could feel Anakin’s pain. “Anakin, I don’t believe she is dead. You would have felt it. Remain positive. With Master Yoda we can return to Courasant, destroy the sith and save her. But you must come with me. You need to re-wrap your wound.” He could feel Anakin contemplating what to do. He finally decided to follow Obi-Wan. “We will stop on Kashyyyk to get Master Yoda, but we must be quick,” he said. “We will,” Obi-Wan replied.
Padme was getting restless. She had been strapped to the chair for the better part of three hours, she was exhausted, and she was worried about Anakin. What was this Order 66 business? And where was the Chancellor? Her last question was answered when he walked in. He looked rather pleased with himself. “Ahh, Senator. I trust you have been comfortable?” She answered the question with a glare that would have melted ice. “Just how soon do you plan to kill me Chancellor?” she asked. “Well that all depends on when those children of your will be ready to come out. I am hoping sooner rather then later,” he said with a wicked grin. “What was Order 66?” she asked tentatively. “The annihilation of the Jedi fighting on the outer rim. Yes, that means that your dear husband is in all likely hood, dead.” Padme felt like she had just been struck by lighting. Dead? He couldn’t be, he promised her! What would she do? Oh, it wasn’t like it mattered. She would die anyway. All she could hope for now is that they were somehow reunited in the netherworld. “Now my dear Senator,” he said, clearly enjoyed the waterworks that she couldn’t help, “we shall see you to more comfortable quarters.” Like it mattered. Did anything anymore? But she went without protest, for what was the point; her whole reason for living was already gone.
“Hold on Padme,” was the message that Anakin was trying to send while a medic wrapped his knee.

They were in a hidden bunker on Kashyyyk. The younglings were fast asleep in the next room, while he, Obi-Wan, Yoda, Senator Organa, and two wookies (he had yet to learn their names) were in this one. What they had told him had left him speechless. The Chancellor was in fact a sith lord. He was at this very moment attacking the temple. He had already killed four Jedi masters, in the presence of the loyalist committee. Bail had admitted that while he hadn’t seen Padme die, there was little hope she was still alive. But there was hope. That is what Anakin continued to remind himself. “Return to Courasant, and destroy the sith we must.” Yoda said with firm resolution. Obi-Wan agreed, “Bail you shall take a communicator and stay here with the younglings. Should we fail, they are the only hope the galaxy has.” Bail understood. Obi-Wan continued, “Before confronting the Chancellor we should go to the temple, to see if any of the Jedi have survived.” Yoda spoke, “Agree I do. No doubt a special session of congress the Chancellor will call. Easier for us to access the temple it shall be.” Anakin hadn’t said a word. His only concern was Padme, and from the sound of Bail’s story the Chancellor had her. Chancellor Palpatine. The man who had treated him like a son, Anakin had trusted him! He had told him things, things that he hadn’t even told Padme. But not only that, he had hurt Padme. He had betrayed Anakin in so many ways it was hard to count. He was a sith, Anakin was the chosen one. He decided that it was time to fulfill his destiny. He stood up and spoke, “Masters, it is time we go."

[Annie]

Chapter 8

Upon arriving on Courasant, they found it to be unusually quiet. They had no trouble getting into the temple. With the exception of a few clones, but they were dealt with quickly. Anakin assumed that everyone was watching the broadcast of the congressional meeting on Holonet. Anakin’s knee was still hurting and he was limply severely. He refused any attempt of Obi-Wan’s to help him. They had searched nearly all the temple and found nothing but bodies. Obi-Wan was discouraged, “I think we may be the only Jedi left.” Master Yoda was in deep concentration. “The only survivors we are not, feel them I can. Locked down safely some are in the security room,” With that they took off running down the hall, well Obi-Wan was running. Anakin was skipping and Yoda, well there was nothing to describe the way he was moving. When they reached the door, Yoda entered the security code. Inside they found Shaak Ti, Stass Allie, and a Jedi Anakin had never seen before. They looked surprised to see them, as they should be. “Master Yoda!” Allie said, “I am so glad to see you alive!” The other Jedi introduced himself as Semi. Anakin had never seen nor heard of him before. He did notice that they were watching the congressional meeting. Everyone turned their attention to it. At the sight of the Chancellor, Anakin felt the disgust wipe over his face. He was talking about how the Jedi were traitors and how they had attempted to assassinate him. How the Republic was now the first Galactic Empire. Disgusting, absolutely disgusting. But wait, who was that standing in back of him, bound, and being watched by two guards? Anakin froze the image. All in the room stared at him, but he stared at the holonet. Was it? It was her! Padme was alive!!!!! Could he feel his knee he would have jumped for joy! She didn’t look well, she was pale and her eyes were swollen. If the Chancellor had so much as hinted at hurting her…He snapped out of his mental celebration, and turned to see the rest of the room still staring at him. Obi-Wan seemed to understand why he was smiling. He nodded to Anakin in an “I told you so,” manner. “Anakin, would you mind pressing play?” he said. Anakin obliged. But Yoda had seen enough. “Shaak Ti, Stass Allie, Semi, Anakin, go to Kashyyyk you will. Meet with Senator Organa. Destroy the sith, Obi-Wan and I will.” “Over my rotting carcass!” Anakin said. “Padme needs me! I need her. And if I am the chosen one it might be wise to have me come along!” “But your hurt Anakin,” Obi-Wan said. “I don’t care! I am going whether or not you like it.” Yoda seemed too tired to argue. “Fine.” Obi-Wan looked defeated, but he seemed to get over it quickly. They wished the others luck and headed for the senate building.


Padme was exhausted. When was the last time she ate? Or slept? After the congressional meeting was over the Chancellor had brought her with him back to his office. She was once again strapped to the chair. He was too busy too notice. He was in the midst of taking in reports of all the Jedi that had been killed. She hadn’t heard Anakin’s name, but that didn’t mean much. He finally turned his attention back to her. “Amidala, as it turns out, I will not be needing you much longer. We will be able to extract the babies from you later tonight; they will be able to spend the rest of the trimester in a substitute womb. Good news, yes?” Padme was too tired and worried to even respond. At that exact moment the doors flew open and the chancellor’s six-man guard hit the floor, dead. Obi-Wan and Master Yoda entered in a blaze of glory. Then to Padme’s amazement and absolute joy, Anakin came limping in behind them. He was lucky she was tied to the chair, because she surely would have tackled him out of pure joy seeing him alive. He was hurt, but alive. Upon seeing her, the expression on his face was one of anger and worry. But under that, she saw the happiness he was trying to hide.

Anakin was angry, but happy at the same time. Padme was okay, for the moment. She was strapped to a chair, but when she had seen him it was clear she felt better already. The Chancellor looked annoyed. “I should have known that you would have gotten out of it. No matter, for you will die now. Skywalker, you came injured? How fool of you. You couldn’t defeat me at your best; you think you can do it with a limp?” He laughed at this. “You no doubt came to save your beloved wife, but now you will both die.” Anakin’s rage was at the boiling point. “You monster. I will tear you limb for limb!” “Really?” the chancellor said with a smile, “I should like to see you try.” Anakin attacked, but he was too slow. The chancellor deflected his attack, and then used the force to hurl him across the room. Everything went dark.

Obi-Wan watched as Anakin hastily attacked Palpatine, and as he was thrown into a wall. A little blood trickled from his head, and that certainly wouldn’t help his knee, but Obi-Wan felt he was still alive. Padme looked utterly horrified.

With a tweak of the force he released her bonds and she ran to Anakin’s side. He turned his attention back to Palpatine, but not in time to deflect his attack, he cut him square in the left leg, severing it. He fell in agony. Funny how their three man force had become one so quickly.
When Anakin’s eyes opened again he was staring at Padme’s flawless face. Relief swept over it when she saw he was okay, or as close to it as he could come. Anakin looked away for a moment and found that Obi-Wan was on the floor too, and missing a leg. Minor problem. Yoda was fiercely attacking the Chancellor, both their blades moving so fast that it was almost impossible to see. He turned back to Padme, she was so beautiful. She was holding him with her soft hand along his jaw line; he did the same to her. And for a moment they just stared at each other, as if completely oblivious to the chaos going on around them. Tears rolled down both of their cheeks, tears of gratitude. Tears that symbolized the joy at finding each other alive, when both were sure that the other was dead. Anakin broke the silence when he realized that it was about time he got off the floor. “Run. Go now. I can’t protect you.” She said, simply, “No. I don’t care. I lost you once; I can’t do that again, I won’t survive.” Anakin saw that this was no time to argue, and it was an argument he would most certainly lose. “Fine, but please hide. Should I fall you have to run, go to Kashyyyk, that is where Bail is.” She was reluctant to accept these terms, but he had given her no choice. “Promise me,” he said, wiping the tears from her eyes with he thumb of flesh. “I promise,” she said finally. Anakin got weakly to his feet. He kissed her softly and then pushed her away from him, his eyes begging her to fulfill her promise. She did, and the chosen one limped into battle.

The Chancellor had not seen Anakin get back up, but Obi-Wan had. He sent him a message. “Anakin, you can do this, but you must control your rage.” Anakin replied back, “I am beyond anger, I am calm. It is time for me to do my job.” Yoda and Palpatine were still engaged in violent battle, but it was clear that the chancellor was getting the best of even Yoda. Finally, Palpatine disarmed him. Yoda tried to use the force, but the sith lord’s powers were beyond him. Just as he was about to deliver the killing blow, Anakin jumped and blocked it, just like he had done to Count Dooku for Obi-Wan back on Geonosis. “Skywalker,” Palpatine said with a snarl, “Didn’t see you get back up.” They circled each other with their blades at the ready. “As you can see, I have deposed of your Jedi friends with ease. You will be no challenge. And when I am done, I think I will kill your pretty wifey too.” Anakin remained calm and in control. “You underestimate my power,” he said, “You’re ‘rule’ has lasted long enough. It is time you were brought to justice.” With that Palpatine attacked, and the battle for the galaxy began.
Anakin didn’t know how he was moving like he was. It must be the force. Palpatine was fast, but he was faster. Palpatine was fighting to rule the galaxy; Anakin was fighting to save the only two people he loved. He will kill Palpatine; he will save Obi-Wan and Padme. He could clearly see it happening now, in his head. The battle had moved outside after Palpatine had sent him hurling through the window into the storm. He could hear nothing between the wind and the rain. The rain was plastering his hair to his face. Then Palpatine jumped right on top of him, but Anakin had seen what would happen. He moved slightly to the left, forcing the Chancellor to roll to avoid cracking his skull in half. When he recovered he was disoriented, and that is when Anakin struck. A lightsaber through the heart. The Supreme Chancellor of the Grand Republic, Sith lord, and Anakin Skywalker’s dear friend was dead. Anakin removed his lightsaber and the body fell limply to the floor. He just stared. He had done it, fulfilled his destiny. What now?
Padme had moved from her hiding place. She was at Obi-Wan’s side. “Are you okay?” she said. Obi-Wan looked at her, and then said, “Oh, it’s nothing, just a scratch. Although this will make riding live mounts rather difficult.” Padme smiled, Obi-Wan was fine. Yoda had recovered and was getting to his feet. Padme turned her attention to the window that Palpatine and Anakin had crashed through moments before. She was terrified to go look out to see what had happened. The sound of lightsabers had stopped abruptly. Then, through the door that lead out to the Chancellor’s private landing deck, entered Anakin. He was limping even worse now, bleeding from the head, soaked to the core, and pale as a ghost. She had never seen him look so handsome. She ran into his arms and kissed him so hard that he no doubt found it difficult to breathe. When they finally released each other Yoda was helping Obi-Wan into a chair.

Once that was done, Yoda spoke into the communicator, telling those on Kashyyyk what had happened. He then turned to Anakin. “Done well you have. Fulfilled, the prophecy has been.” Anakin nodded in thanks for Yoda’s praise. Obi-Wan said, “Well don’t you all just stand there, I would appreciate someone helping me to a medic.”

A WEEK LATER:

Anakin and Obi-Wan sat across from each other at Dex’s Diner. Padme was sitting next to Anakin holding his hand. Dex brought out dinner. “Here you are, enjoy!” All three of them hungrily dug in. When they were finished, Anakin sat back satisfied. “Anakin,” Obi-Wan asked, “I was wondering if it would be alright for me to visit you and Padme on Naboo, after the baby is born? And after they are finished making my prosthetic” Anakin looked shocked. “Obi-Wan, I am surprised you even asked. Of course, you are welcome anytime.” Padme smiled and nodded. Obi-Wan looked pleased. “Don’t be worried if it takes awhile. Yoda and I have quite the task on our hands, single-handedly rebuilding the Order.” He asked he next question carefully. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay in the order? I mean, after all that has happened?’ Anakin looked uncomfortable. “No. My place is with Padme. I will always be available, should the negotiator require my assistance.” Obi-Wan shot a mockingly evil glance at Anakin, “Are you trying to imply that I won’t be successful without you at my side?” Anakin replied, “Not at all. Just that it won’t be as graceful.” Obi-Wan laughed. “I suppose not. Well old friend, you had best leave before you miss your transport.” All three got to there feet and said a tearful and heartfelt goodbye. Obi-Wan watched as Anakin and Padme walked towards the transport. He breathed a sight of relief. Things were as they should be. He knew that everything would turn out fine. With one last look at his brother, Obi-Wan maneuvered his crutches in the direction of the new Jedi temple.

THE END

The "Chosen Destiny" series, which is based on the alternate universe created by this ending to ROTS, continues in the sequel "An Enemy Hidden in the Shadows"

[sexystarwarslover]

now's that how the movie should have ended! lol, great job!