"From the Ashes"

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter One

"I am more powerful than the Chancellor, I can overthrow him!" Anakin smiled proudly as he delivered the news of his power to Padme on the landing dock at Mustafar.

"Anakin, is he really a Sith Lord? Obiwan said so, but I can't believe it, he was always so kind to me..."

"He was kind to me, too, that is how he gained my trust and used me against the Jedi. I now regret what I have done, and now I feel I can use this power against him! Come with me, back to Coruscant, so we can make it our own!" He extended his flesh hand to her. She didn't take it.

"Anakin, I am afraid of you!"

"Afraid, why?"

"The things Obiwan said about you..."

"I told you, I am sorry!"

"Sorry isn't good enough, Anakin! You have turned to the dark side!"

"Only for you, my love, to save you from dying! That's the only reason!"

"I don't want you killing younglings to save me, think of our own baby!"

Anakin hung his head in shame, tears dripping from his once again blue eyes. "Please forgive me."

"I don't know you anymore, Anakin! You're going down a path I can't follow, and it's breaking my heart!"

"Why, because of Obiwan?" Just then, Obiwan appeared at the doorway of her Naboo ship. Anakin's eyes shot straight to him in an evil stare.

"You betrayed me! You brought him here to kill me!"

"No-no, I sw..." He stared at her and his hand reached into the air in squeezing motions until she was clutching her throat, raised off the ground.

"Anakin let her go!" Obiwan screamed. He loosened his grip, and she fell to the ground. How could he have hurt the one he loved so much, the one he had turned to the dark side and committed terrible deeds to save? He stared at her lying on the ground, and bent over her. He turned her head, and noticed she was out cold.
"What have I done?" He muttered, taking his head in his hands.

"Indeed!" Obiwan said, standing over him. Anakin raised to his feet. Obiwan's arms were folded, and he made no move for his lightsaber, so Anakin did not draw on his old friend. But he was furious.

"Why did you come here, Obiwan?"
"To stop you!"
"You mean to kill me?"

"I do not choose to, but, if it is the only way to stop you, I will do what I must."

"You will try." Anakin said, his back turned. He could hear Obiwan's lightsaber igniting. He did the same.Turning around in a flash, he made a spin move and the lightsabers met. Obiwan had not heard Anakin's admissions of regret to Padme, and he was so full of the dark side Obiwan was unable to sense anything good in him. He attacked Anakin, and Anakin attacked him. Force pushes, chokes, lightsaber battles, back and forth it went. Anakin thought how strange this was, pulling Obiwan's own moves on him. Images of memories of their happy times together came to mind, all their lessons. It was Obiwan who had taught him the very moves he used on him now. Obiwan looked at Anakin the same way, his padawan, his friend, his brother. How could it have come to this? He wanted to stop right there, hug Anakin and drill some sense into him! But it had gone too far now, the fight was raging. Now that the self destruct mechanism of Mustafar's plant had been accidently activated as they had fallen on it, it was now heading down below, into the lava. Both of them looked down, knowing that it might surely take one or both of them to their deaths.They could feel the heat on their faces, and feared their clothes might burst into flames.

"You know, Obiwan, maybe this isn't such a good idea."

"What?"

"Look, one or both of us is going to die if we keep this up, look at all that lava down there."

Obiwan was surprised to see such rational thinking in Anakin. Perhaps there was hope for him after all. He couldn't be sure so he held his lightsaber ready.

Anakin's face scowled at him. "Master, whatever the differences are between us, surely there is a better time and place to settle them! Let's get out of here!"

Obiwan, the horrid images of the holovid in the temple still vivid in his mind, was finding it hard to believe Anakin wasn't just trying to trick him. He searched his feelings, but only found the dark side blocking it. Palpatine had taken his brother away, this wasn't Anakin, it was Darth Vader. But Darth Vader was making a lot of sense. The platform shook again as it lowered.

"Master, I tell you, if we don't go now we will find our ends right here and now!" Anakin's eyes looked so convincing, and a bit of his old self was coming through. Obiwan believed him.

"You're right, Anakin, whatever we must settle can wait. We first must get ourselves and Padme out of here."

Both lightsabers went off almost in unison. The two stared at each other, not sure what to do now. Their fate was decided for them. The platform broke, and together, they fell toward the lava below. Both managed to keep their bearings and composure and utilize their Jedi training enough to come to quick landings on broken bits of machinery below. Flying next to each other, they tried to reach solid ground. They stared at their feet, and how close they were to the lava. The rage had left them,and their main concern was for their lives, and Padme's.

"Anakin, this way!" He tried to follow Obiwan, but his footing was a bit less stable. Finally, Obiwan came to rest on a rock, jumping and landing safely just as his metal floater fell into the lava. "Over here, Anakin, I have the high ground!" Anakin came up next to him on his own metal slab, and tried to jump over to the same rock as Obiwan, who was offering his outstretched hand to help. Anakin stared at the space he had to jump, and tried to calculate his move. He took a deep breath, and jumped.

"Aaaahh!" he screamed as he made his move. The metal he had been riding on shifted a bit, and Anakin was a little off. He fell to the ground, stomach down, grasping at the same rock Obiwan was standing on, but he was sliding fast. Obiwan stared down at his face, sweaty and covering with ashes and pieces of molten lava, with such a frightened expression in his eyes. "Help me, Obiwan, I'm falling into the lava."

Obiwan reached down for his brother's hand, but he had slid too far down.With a terrible scream, he fell and landed on the hot ashes near the edge of the flowing lava. Obiwan stared in terror as he saw Anakin's clothes and hair start to burn in places. He writhed in pain and screamed in terror, rolling over and over, beating the ground. In another few seconds, the lava river would carry him away if he did not move fast. "Anakin, this way!" He screamed as he headed toward him.

"Where are you, Obiwan?" Anakin turned his head and strained his eyes, but couldn't see a thing. The hot ashes had blinded him. "I can't see you, I can't see anything. Please, help me!" His face was so helpless, so pitiful, Obiwan no longer felt any evil in Anakin. This was not Darth Vader, this was his friend. For a second, he thought perhaps Anakin was tricking him, and when he got down there, he'd rise up and toss him into the lava. But then Anakin cried out again for help, and Obiwan could see he was truly hurt and unable to get up on his own. Carefully, Obiwan steadied himself enough with his footing and one hand to reach for Anakin.

"Take my hand, Anakin, just a little closer." Anakin tried to pull himself forward. The flames were out now, but the damage to his body had been done. He had suffered many burns, and now he was choking and coughing.

"I- I can't see where you are, and I'm losing my breath. You'll have to come get me, or I'm going to die. I am sorry to put you through this, master!" His voice shook, and he started to cry. Obiwan couldn't take it any longer. He risked himself, jumping off the rock and walking down the steep, dangerous incline of hot sand and ash to take Anakin's hand, which was reaching desperately into the air. As their hands clasped together, Anakin's lips managed a weak smile.

"I got you!" Obiwan said in a strong voice, pulling Anakin by the hand, then when they were far enough away from the lava bed, bending to pull him to a standing position. "Can you walk, Anakin?" He asked. Anakin was breathing heavily. Much of his clothes and hair were singed black. Open wounds through parts of his burned away clothing and boots showed that he had sustained severe burns to all of his limbs, his shoulders, his chest, and his face.

"I don't know if I can make it, Obiwan, just leave me here and go get Padme out of here. I'm sorry I hurt her."

"I know you are, my brother." Obiwan said, using his right hand to try to clean the ash off Anakin's face. He noticed in his horror that there were deep burns on his cheeks and forehead, his eyebrows and lashes where singed, and the surface of his eyes looked like they had melted. He waved his hand in front of Anakin's face. "Can you see my hand, Anakin?" He squinted and tried to see. All he could make out was a very faint shadow of the movement of his hand against the light of the lava.

"No, I'm sorry, I can't." Obiwan felt very sorry for him. He tried to lead him up the rocks, but found that being blind and injured so badly, he wasn't going to be able to make it on his own power. Calling on all his strength, and the force, Obiwan lifted his taller brother into his arms, and began to climb up. Anakin's burned flesh hand and steaming metal hand reached out to hold onto Obiwan's shoulders. He recalled how Anakin had saved his life, carrying him unconcious on his back. He looked down at Anakin's face, and found him not a frightening Sith Lord but a wounded, helpless child. He only wanted to get him, and himself, away from that lava.

Looking over his shoulder, the last parts of the broken control center fell into the lava with an enormous splash. Obiwan bent forward to shield both his own face, and Anakin. The weight of Anakin was hard for him to balance on the rocks, and he almost fell backward several times. Anakin grunted. "Just leave me here, Obiwan, save yourself."

"No, your fate will be the same as mine." Anakin sighed in relief, then began to cough again. He was wheezing, and this concerned Obiwan greatly.

Finally Obiwan had gotten high enough above the lava river, he lay Anakin flat on a safe rock.""There is no way I can make it back to the ship taking you all the way uphill. I will return, I promise." He squeezed Anakin's hand tightly. "I am going for help, Anakin. "I will be back."


"I can't see your face, Obiwan. I could always tell by your face if you were serious or not. I'll have to take your word for it."

"Search your feelings."

"All I can feel now is pain." Obiwan gently touched hs forehead, and left him. As he did, he heard Anakin cough and choke again, but saw that he had finally calmed down and was still alive. As he climbed farther up toward where Anakin's starfighter and Padme's ship were parked, he noticed another ship coming into the sky. It appeared to be a shuttle, and he sensed a sinsister presence on board. Obiwan ran as fast as he could to Padme's side. He felt for her breath, and she rolled over and opened her eyes.

"Obiwan, is Anakin all right?"

"He is wounded, Padme, but we are going to get both of you to the medical center as soon as possible."

"Where is he?"

"I had to leave him back on the rocks, I could no longer carry him."

"Can you use the force or something?"

Obiwan did consider this, perhaps he could levitate Anakin, if he could muster enough power. He was feeling very spent right now. "You're both going to be okay, Padme. I promise." Threepio, who had not left her side, looked at her, and Obiwan, and shook his gold plated head. R2 beeped sadly. Threepio helped Padme up the ship's ramp.

Suddenly, a cackling laugh came from behind. "My my, master Kenobi" Palpatine's evil voice was heard to say. "What a touching scene. Anakin's wife and child will die, just as his dreams foretold, if he fails to comply with the deal I gave him."

Obiwan handed Padme to Threepio, who was in a hurry to get her, and himself, away from the frightening image of Palpatine. Obiwan turned to face him.

"So that is what happened to Anakin! You tricked him into thinking Padme was going to die and you could save her!" He thought of his friend lying helpless and hurt on the rocks below, and pitied him so much. Now he understood, though he could never condone Anakin's actions. Obiwan stared at Obiwan with much contempt, hating him for what he was, what he had done to Anakin, and the Jedi, and the entire galaxy with his bogus war. Palpatine's disfigured face cracked a wicked smile. He closed his yellow eyes.

"Gooood, gooood, Kenobi. I can feel your hatred, your anger, it makes you strong! As it appears my new apprentice is now in no condition to serve me as I would like, perhaps you should take his place at my side! Give yourself to the dark side, Obiwan, every bit of rage in you makes you more and more my slave!"

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter Two

Obiwan's mind searched for his next move. He wanted to kill Palpatine, but wondered if he was right, would the anger it took to defeat him take him to the dark side? Obiwan moved cautiously toward the Sith Lord, but did not draw his saber. "I will never join you! What fools we all were to have fallen for your lies!" Palpatine only smiled sarcastically in his face. How badly Obiwan wanted to strike him down! Just then, the clones who had accompanied Palpatine came from behind.

"We've found him, Lord Sidious."

Anakin's voice was heard screaming from behind as they carried him to the platform. Obiwan was glad his blind, injured friend no longer lay on the rocks below, but feared perhaps more for him now that he was in the wrong hands. Finally, he saw Anakin's diminished form appear out of the darkness. The clones lay him on the ground at Palpatine's feet.

"You have failed me, my young apprentice!"

"But I did shameful things for you, things I hate myself for, to save my wife, you, you lied to me, didn't you? You cannot stop anyone from dying." Anakin began to gasp for air. Palpatine laughed again. He bent down and stared into Anakin's face.

"You are blind. You are useless to me now. I will soon have a new, stronger, healthier apprentice. Clones, kill him, now. He knows too much. He is too strong in the force to be kept alive."

"NO!" screamed Obiwan, charging toward the scene. Palpatine struck him down with force lighting. Obiwan fell flat on his back, his feet in the air. Raising his head, he saw Palpatine with his back turned, watching as the clones aimed their blasters at Anakin's forehead. Anakin couldn't even see this, and didn't know what was happening. Obiwan knew he couldn't scream out, or it would draw Palpatine's attention. He did the only thing he could do to help Anakin. Closing his eyes, Obiwan drew upon the force to communicate to Anakin telepathically, hoping Anakin was still coherent enough to recieve the message.

"Anakin, don't make a sound, but listen to me. Clone troopers are standing over you with blasters aimed at your head. You must use the force, Anakin...

His voice came back to Obiwan though the force. "Obiwan, I don't know if I can.. I will try..."

"You HAVE to, Anakin, please!" Obiwan tried to send the images he saw to Anakin's mind, but never knew if they made it. He lost contact as Anakin used all his strength to fight back. He was flat on his back, unable to pull himself up, in terrible pain, and blind. This might mean his death.But to Obiwan's surprise, Anakin raised his badly injured arms back and forth in front of his face, deflecting the shots! In his mind, Anakin could see the clones from Obiwan's point of view, a side view of himself in ground with the clones standing over him. Anakin was able to visualize from this about where they were over him, and he could hear their movements. This helped him not only deflect the bullets, but force choke them both! Palpatine made no move to save the clones, but he smiled at Anakin's success.

"Well, Lord Vader, perhaps you may still be of use to me yet. You are still mine."

Anakin grabbed for every bit of air he could to speak. "Don't call me Lord Vader. My name is Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight. I denounce you, and the Sith, and all you stand for!" Hearing this, Obiwan's heart raced, partly from happiness, partly for fear for Anakin's life.

"Well, so be it, then, Jedi, my poor, broken, blind apprentice. There is nothing left of your destiny but for you to DIE!" Palpatine let loose with his force lighting on Anakin, who was already injured and weakened. He couldn't see it, but he heard it, and felt it. He raised his hands to try to deflect it, and he did, using his metal hand to send it partly back into Sidious. This took him aback long enough for Obiwan to reach the spot. Standing behind the momentarily shocked Palpatine, Obiwan ignited his lightsaber. Hearing this, Palpatine turned his attention from Anakin to Obiwan. "Well, well, Master Kenobi, here you are with all you anger and hatred to strike me down and complete your journey to the dark side!"

"No, I am here as a Jedi, in all my compassion and selflessness, for Anakin, for the entire galaxy, to save them from YOU!"

"Are you threatening me, master Jedi?"

"Not a threat, a promise!" He raised his lightsaber to strike at Palpatine.

"Oh have mercy, I lost my lightsaber battling with Yoda, I am unarmed."

"Anakin is unarmed too, but yet you tried to kill him. No one with the force is ever completely unarmed."

"You are right, Kenobi." He laughted as he showed his ugly teeth through a sinister grin, then again let loose with force lightning from both hands! Obiwan raised his lightsaber and moved it to perfectly block it all, and send it back into Palpatine. They were standing near the edge of a cliff looking down into the lava, and all of them were in danger of tumbling with one wrong move. Heavily engaged in battle as fierce as it could be, neither of them noticed Anakin managing to pull his poor burned body up as far as hands and knees. Following the sound of the lightning, he crawled up behind Palpatine. He couldn't see anything, but was confident from all he'd heard and felt that the Sith Lord was the one whose robe covered legs were standing in front of him. He then sent a mental message to Obiwan, one of the good side of the force, one Palpatine would be unable to feel.

"Push him over Obiwan, push to your right, now!"

The message came through strong. He sensed this was the moment. He did exactly as Anakin's voice in his head had instructed, he used his lightsaber, still full of force lightning, to his right. At the same instant, Anakin, on his knees, used both hands to shove Palpatine's legs toward the edge of the cliff, his left, Obiwan's right. Screaming, and streaming with lightning, Palpatine's body flew over the edge of the cliff! He was unable to save himself before he hit the lava. Obiwan leaned over the cliff and watched, making sure his body completely disentigrated and its pieces floated downstream. He was breathing heavily. Anakin, still on his knees, was having a more difficult time breathing.

"Obiwan, is he gone? I mean, really gone?"

"Yes, Anakin, I saw him fall into the lava, I watched him burn to pieces."

"I wish I could have seen that."

"Anakin, you do know what this means, don't you?" Anakin's blind face made a confused expression as he tried to search Obiwan's feelings. "Anakin, you just destroyed the Sith! You fulfilled the prophecy! You are the Chosen One!" A proud smile found its way across Anakin's burned face.

"Oh, I did, it's true, the force knew all along, it was right! But Obiwan, you did it too, you are the Chosen One too."

"I couldn't have done it without you."

"You wouldn't even have been placed in this position if not for me. Palpatine could have killed you. Can you ever forgive me, brother?"

Obiwan put his hand on Anakin's burned shoulder. "You are more than redeemed, I would say. It's over, Anakin, let's get you and Padme to the medical center as soon as possible." Obiwan was now able to pull Anakin to his feet. They put their arms around each other's shoulders so that Obiwan could help him walk.

"Where is Padme? Is she safe? Is she all right?"

"She's on the ship, Anakin, safe with Threepio. Now let's go home."

Anakin leaned his head back and with all the breath he had in him said as loudly as possible. "YESSSSS!"

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 3

Obiwan led Anakin carefully to where Padme lay on the ship. Looking up, she saw the condition her husband was in, and cried out. "Oh, Anakin!" Threepio was very upset to see his maker and friend in such bad shape. Obiwan layed Anakin gently by her side, and went back up front to fly the ship back to Coruscant.

Padme started to cry as she looked over every inch of Anakin. She wanted to hug him, but knew any touching would only cause him more pain. There were open, bloody burns on all of his limbs that were cracked and rimmed with black ash. She noticed that his lovely golden hair was shorter now because it had caught fire and partially burned off, and his neck and ears were also a bit burned. His clothes were tattered and torn and falling apart. His boots were burned off, and his poor raw feet were sticking through them. She gently wrapped her arms around his burned shoulders to raise his head. She smoothed back the golden curls on his forhead, the ends charred from the heat, and ran her fingers back through what was left of his hair. Then she stared at his face, and gasped out in horror and grief. Beneath the black ash smeared on his skin, she could see how terribly injured he was. She didn't want to frighten him, but the sight of his burned cheeks and the damage to his face upset her badly. He seemed barely conscious. "Anakin, can you hear me?" Padme spoke in a whisper.

"Padme, is that you, oh Padme, are you okay?" His head turned slightly toward her voice.

She smiled to know there was still enough of him left to answer. "I am fine, don't you worry, the baby and I are all right, it's you I'm worried about. Anakin, please, open your eyes and look at me." He turned his head away from her voice.

"I can't, Padme, I'm sorry. My eyes were put out by the flying, burning ashes from the lava. I can't see you anymore."
Padme broke immediately into tears.

"Oh no, Anakin, no, please, let me see those pretty blue eyes, let me look into them again, you can see me, you have to see me." Her warm tears dripped onto his burned face. He couldn't give her the answer she wanted.

"I'm not any more pleased about this than you are, believe me." He turned toward her and strained to open his eyes. The light was very painful to them, but even in the brightest light he couldn't see any more than her dark form as a shadow. Padme cringed as she looked into his once adoring eyes. The surfaces appeared melted and distorted, instead of smooth and clear. She could still make out their beautiful blue color beneath, so that gave her hope maybe the damage was not as deep or hopeless as they feared. With a groan, he closed them, and she lay her hand gently across his singed eyelashes and brows.

"You just keep them closed, we'll get you to a doctor, we'll take care of all these burns, you'll be as good as new."

Anakin shook his head. "I don't think so, Padme, but thank you for caring. I love you." She cried even louder now, and hugged him tighter.

"Owww!" he shrieked in pain. She let go of her grip on him.

"I love you too." She sobbed. In their sadness, grief and pain, they lay still beside each other, Anakin's hand resting on Padme's pregnant abdomen, as Obiwan piloted the ship toward home.

Obiwan thought as he flew that no one but he and Anakin knew what had occured on Mustafar. Palpatine and the clones were dead, and Padme didn't know yet. How would they break this story to everyone back home? It was surely big news, but if they didn't know Palpatine was a Sith would anyone believe them? Or should he even tell? How in the universe could he explain having killed the chancellor? All these thoughts played in his mind as he hit hyperspace for the fastest return possible. He never even bothered to check on Anakin, he could feel his life force, and it was calm, and at peace. That meant Padme was okay too.

Suddenly, a chill went through him! He couldn't return to Coruscant! While Anakin and Padme needed the expert medical care they'd recieve there, it was far too dangerous! Order 66 was still out there, he didn't know what the other clones would do now that Lord Sidious was no more. There may even be an arrest order out for Anakin, too. He'd have to find out for sure what was going on there before returning, but in the meantime his passengers had to get immediate care. Infection would set in on Anakin's wounds, and that could lead to complications. The more time passed, the less chance there would be of saving his sight. His breathing difficulties were also of great concern. Feeling his best friend's life hung in the balance, he changed directions and headed for Naboo.

Once they landed, the patients were immediately taken in over everyone else waiting. There was no time for explainations. Obiwan watched anxiously as Anakin and Padme were taken to side by side examination areas. He paced back and forth until one of the droids came out to speak to him. "Your patients are resting comfortably, sir."

"How are they?" His head snapped anxiously toward the droid.

"Senator Amidala is fine, she was having a bit of premature labor pains, but she is calm now, and they have subsided. She will not deliver now. There are minor wounds to her neck and arm, nothing to worry about."

"What about.. him?" Obiwan asked, not wanting to mention Anakin's name in case they didn't know it.

"He is much worse, I am afraid. We have cleaned and dressed all his burns, some are very deep. We can only hope the treatment and the bacta will prevent infection and heal he scarring. His hair was burned, but his scalp and follicles remain undamaged. We cut off all the affected hair, and it will grow back normally in time."

"What about his eyes?"

"We have cleaned and medicated them and bound them. The damage appears severe. If the burns did not penetrate beneath the corneas, they should heal, and he may regain some or even all of his vision. If it is deeper as I fear it may be, his sight will be lost forever. I must be honest, I don't see this as a very positive situation. Perhaps when his body burns are healed more we should assign him to a rehabilitation center for the newly blinded. We have some excellent facilities here to help them deal with..."

Obiwan cut him off, not wanting to hear any more about Anakin being blind for life. "None of his limbs had to be amputated?"

"No, sir, and they won't be unless the infection becomes severe and impossible to treat." Obiwan didn't like to imagine Anakin missing any more limbs, either. He shook his head, and changed the subject once more to one no more pleasant.

"Is he breathing all right?"

The droid had more bad news. "I'm afraid his lungs were damaged by whatever he inhaled. There are burns and some of his air sacks are destroyed. He is on a ventilator now, he may require surgery, and perhaps be dependant on a breathing device for the rest of his life."

Obiwan was devastated. Anakin had turned back just in time, and even fulfilled the prophecy, how could he be left a cripple, blind and unable to breathe? He got images in his mind of healthy, active Anakin and all the things they'd done together, and this brought him to tears. He leaned his head down and put his hand over his eyes so no one could see him cry. He walked away and stepped outside for some fresh air. If it was this hard for him to take, how was Anakiin going to handle the news?

Padme's condition improved so much over the next hour that she was not even admitted to the hospital. She was wheeled carefully over to visit Anakin, who had fallen asleep. She watched him lying there, his eyes bandaged, his face covered with healing gel and patches. His limbs and were chest covered with bacta and bandage wraps, his mouth and nose covered by a breathing mask, hooked up to machines. His feet were completely wrapped in a heavy white bandage, and held elevated by a chain. The sight of him in such a helpless condition made her cry again.

She reached over and rubbed her hand on the side of his face in a spot that wasn't covered. He felt this, and started to stir. He tried to speak but couldn't for the breathing mask. She patted the top of his head and whispered: "Shhh, my love, it's only me, the one who loves you. Rest and get well, I am fine, and guess what, we're having twins! My examination revealed two babies, both strong and healthy like their father." She could see emotion try to fill his face though his features were covered. "Come back to us, Anakin. Rest well, take care, I love you. I will return later to check on you. Do everything the doctors say, I want you back." He calmed down and exhaled heavily. His cardiac monitor showed his pulse was back at a normal rate.

She got out of the wheelchair, and walked out into the waiting area to look for Obiwan. He had just come in from outside. Seeing her walking around, his head turned sharply in shock. "Padme! Are you all right?"

"Yes, Obiwan, there is nothing wrong with me, they said I could go home but I don't want to leave Anakin."

"How is he?"

"Didn't the droids, tell you, everything?" She said, with deep sadness in her eyes. Obiwan lowered his head and nodded. Padme bit her lip. "Oh, Obiwan, it can't be true, he has to get well, we'll do everything we can to help him."

"You know he has my support, and having you and the babies will be the best medicine he could get."

"Obiwan, what of the situation on Coruscant, is it safe to go back?"

"I don't know. I am trying to contact Master Yoda. I will not go back the only Jedi left on the planet. Who knows what kind of chaos the government is in, have you heard anything?"

"I've been too concerned for Anakin to think of anything else."

"So have I. But now, we must."

They hated leaving Anakin alone in the hospital, but knew that time and rest would be the best for his healing. Obiwan stepped into his room to say goodbye, squeezing his bandaged left hand gently. "You rest and get well, my brother, we may need you in the time to come." Anakin squeezed back, just a little, and somehow Obiwan felt his life and warmth through the force. "I must leave now, but I will be back, so you be in better shape when I return." He sadly turned and left Anakin to the medical unit.

Padme told Obiwan she was going to spend a day with her family on Naboo and rest. She even intended on telling them the truth about Anakin and her pregnancy. Nothing that had seemed important mattered now. She didn't even care if she was kicked out of the senate, what kind of government was going exist anyway? There would be much to do. For now she must rest. Obiwan told her goodbye and flew her to her parents' house. Then he set out to contact Yoda through a hololink.

"Master Yoda, where are you?"

"On Coruscant I am, in hiding, failed have I, Obiwan."

"Failed, how?"

"Failed to kill Lord Sidious. Escaped he has."

"Master Yoda, did you not feel a strong tremor in the force?"

"Felt it I did. Death of the Chosen One, was it, I presume?"

"Your feelings do not serve you well, Master Yoda. Anakin is not dead."

"Kill him you did not? Failed have you too?"

"No, Master Yoda! Anakin is not consumed by the dark side anymore! He came back to us, he helped me defeat Palpatine! Palpatine is dead, the Sith are no more, Anakin has fulfilled his prophecy as the Chosen One!"

Yoda put his hand to his forehead. "Good news this is, but unexpected. Where now is Anakin?"

"I'm afraid he was hurt badly, he is in the hospital. He was blinded, and his body is badly damaged by burns. He is having respiratory problems. He should survive, but will likely not recover fully."

"Sorry I am to hear this, Master Kenobi. May the force be with him."

"Yes, may it be with us all. Is it safe to return to Coruscant? What of Order 66?"

Yoda sent Obiwan a news bulletin. Once Lord Sidious was destroyed, the clone armies lost contact with him and were at a loss as to what to do next. They stood stunned and unmoving. An emergency Provisional Government under Mon Mothma, Bail Organa and other Senators had called for order, and a curfew until all clones could be rounded up and given new orders. If any Jedi survived, they'd now be free to return to the Temple and none would be threatened.

"Does this mean it is safe to return to Coruscant?"

"Think so, I did not, but with news you now tell, I say yes. The Sith no more are. We are safe."

Obiwan smiled. "I will leave for home immediately, Master Yoda. I will see you there."

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 4

Two days later, Padme walked back into the hospital, not for any medical reason, only to see Anakin. She peeked around the corner of his room, and saw that he was much the same as he was when she left him. The droids had told her he had slept or had been sedated most of the time to promote and increase the healing process. They told her his burns were healing nicely, and there may not be many deep scars. His face was now uncovered, except for his eyes, and the burns there were improving rapidly with the bacta treatment. He was now off of the breathing machine for an hour at a time, but would be hooked back up at intervals during the day and all night. They thought he still may need lung surgery when he was stronger. She sat down next to his bed and spoke his name.

"Anakin, I'm here."

"Padme!" He said, speaking rather normally. "I was hoping you'd come back."

"Do you really think think would desert you?"

"Who wants a blind, crippled husband who can't breathe? I'm a burden to you now. I'm sorry."

"Anakin don't talk like that. You're going to get better, it will just take time."

"What if I don't?"

"Then I will love you and take care of you anyway."

"I don't want your pity. I don't want to hold you down more than a child."

"Anakin, I am hurt you would think that of me. If it were me lying here, you wouldn't feel that way about me, would you?"

"Of course not."

"And I don't feel that way about you. I LOVE you." She bent to kiss his lips. He smiled and tried to returned the kiss. She sat back down as he struggled to sit up.

"I bet I'm so ugly now, all these burns, and look what they've done to my hair!"

"The burns are healing well, your hair's not that bad." She smoothed back his short strands. "It's going to grow back, you know, you were very lucky that the fire didn't spread all over your head, or the roots would have been scarred and destroyed. It's only burned and cut, you haven't lost it. Your curls will be back in no time."

He put his head down, saying something he had been fearing and avoiding.
"Haven't lost it, like I lost my eyes. You know Padme, I am not going to be able to see again. They want to ship me to a rehab center for the blind as soon as my limbs are healed."

Padme was shocked. She didn't want to believe the news, and didn't know what to say. "Did they tell you that?"

"They haven't the courage to tell me. I heard them talking. Once I am sent there, I want to stay there, with other blind beings. I don't want to burden you having to take care of me, I won't have it. You need to know that right now." Padme grabbed his replaced mechanical hand and used her other hand to gently turn his chin toward her.

"No more talk like that. You are going to see again and that's final. And, even if you don't, you are still coming home with me and our children. I love you, and I want you."

"You mean it, Padme?"

"Of course I do!"

"I'm sorry, Padme, about all of this. I deserve this, you know."

"What? How can you say that?"

"I deserve to be blind, to live out my life in the dark. I turned to the dark side, I caused darkness to happen to others, I hate myself. The wounds I have suffered are my punishment. I deserve it and I accept the sentence I have been given. I will never again live a normal life or enjoy anything and that is what I get. I am guilty and this is my sentence."

"Anakin, no more of this talk! Obiwan told me what happened, you were consumed and possessed by evil, by a man who fooled us all, especially me! But it wasn't you who committed those acts, it was the dark side! You have beaten that, and you must beat this too. You will get stronger and all your wounds will heal and you will come home to me as good as new to help me raise our babies!"

"Do you really want a blind guy watching your kids? I might let them fall off the veranda or something." Padme couldn't help but chuckle.

"Oh, Anakin, I love you. It's going to be okay, really."

"It makes me feel better to know you don't think I'm a terrible guy. What about Obiwan?"

"He feels exactly the same way I do, you should sense that. He's back on Coruscant, helping Yoda get the Temple back in order. There is a provisional government. You and I are going to be needed for important things."

"You, not me, I am useless now.""Anakin I am going to walk out of here right now if you don't stop."

"And you know I won't be able to follow you."

"I didn't mean that. Anakin Skywalker, I LOVE you. Never forget that."
She kissed him again. This time he reached up and held the back of her head in his hand as he kissed her back. He felt her hair, and brought his hand around to her face, gently running his fingers over her skin.

"You still taste delicious. I wish I could see you. I'll never forget your beautiful face, Padme, it's burned into my memory, though I won't get to see it again with my eyes, I still have it saved in here." He pointed to his head. She was about to cry.

She patted the top of his head and kissed him again."I'll s--, I'll be back soon, my love. You make sure you get well."

"Goodbye, I love you."

"Love you, too." He listened until he heard the last of her footsteps fade in down the hallway, and the scent of her had vanished from the air beside him.

********************

Yoda and Obiwan Kenobi walked through the devastated Jedi Temple. The bodies were buried, the funerals over, the mess cleaned up. The hurt and the damage remained. They both had a hard time believing Anakin had anything to do with it. They were convinced, as Padme had said, that it was not him, but the dark side using his body. Anakin in his right mind would never have done such things. Obiwan, fearing retribution on Anakin, erased all evidence of his involvemet in the rampage. He had suffered for it, he had repented, he had atoned as much as he could. He was full of regret and a sorrow that would never leave him. He was also maimed and would have to live the rest of his life in a damaged body, unable to see, or to breathe normally. The surviving Jedi surely would someday return and resume their duties. The order was going to have to be rebuilt, just as the government would. Both would take time, and effort.

Obiwan knew that he and Yoda must lead now, they were the council, all that survived. The fabricated Clone War was over, the Clones under control of the democracy friendly Provisional Government of the Galactic Republic. Little had or would change in the lives of most citizens of the galaxy, now that Palpatine/Lord Sidious was gone and would not infect his poisons on any planets, systems, beings or droids. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-wan Kenobi were to thank for that. They would now forever be remembered as heroes of the republic.

***********

After another week of helping Master Yoda, Obiwan requested a few days' leave to go and visit Anakin. Yoda granted his wish, and he flew immediately to Naboo. He met Padme in a nearby resturant. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, the babies are fine, I've still got a month to go if I'm to carry them to full term. They can come at any time now, and they will probably be okay with all the medical care I'll have."

"That's wonderful, Padme. How's Anakin?"

She looked down and fiddled at her food with her fork. "They're discharging him tommorrow, that's why I wanted you here with me. It's not going to be easy. I hope you can help us, there will be a lot of adjustments."

"Why?"

"He's blind, Obiwan."

"Oh, no."

"I didn't want to believe it myself, but it's true. There is nothing else they can do for his eyes, and there is no change. They want to send him to a rehab center for the blind, and he wants to go. I think he wants to hide there, from you, from me, from all of us, from all the problems back home. I don't want him to go, what should I do?"

Obiwan put his hands into fists and rested his chin on them, looking blankly into the distant wall. He tried to imagine Anakin that way, but it was hard. He was always so proud, so independant, so active, and powerful. This shook him hard.
"Is he healed, otherwise?"

"Not really.But they're putting him out, he can seek treatment outside. He's taking up a bed, and his life is not in danger anymore. Will you be there with me? He needs us both."

"Of course, Padme. We'll take him home with us, back to Coruscant."

"I think that will be good for him."

The next morning, Padme and Obiwan arrived at Anakin's bedside. There were new flowers on the table, a gift from Padme's family. She had told them everything, and they felt only caring and love for them both, but they didn't come to see him because Padme thought it might make him feel uncomfortable. There would be more time for that. There were droids on the other side of the bed, talking to him. Since Anakin couldn't see them and didn't seem to sense them, they just stood back and watched until the droids were finished. One of them was explaining to him how to use his breathing support machine, showing him how he could strap it across his chest and around his back to carry it around. He would have to have it in case he ran out of air, and would have to take sessions of breathing treatments several times a day. His wife and best friend got a lump in their throats at this.

The pitiful scene continued. One of the droids told Anakin he should have his eyes 'capped', covered with a permanent patch. This would seal the eyes off forever, keeping out light, water, and everything else, but it would be imbedded in the skin and not removeable except by a doctor. They brought these patches to his bedside, and tried to put them on. Anakin resisted, pushing them away with both hands and objecting loudly. "You must have this done" the droid told him. "Your eyes will never be of any more use to you. You must accept this, here, let me..."

"NO!" Anakin swatted the droid away.

"The sooner you reconcile yourself to this, the better it will be for you. You are already registered at the rehabilitation center."

This is when Padme finally stepped forward. "What? You can't do that..."

Anakin's head jolted in the direction of her voice. "Padme, I didn't know you were here. I'm going to the rehab center, to stay. I told you, I will not be a burden to you, especially not with the babies coming. They already have my room waiting."

"Oh Anakin, please don't go!" She looked at his eyes, now uncovered. They were scarred with a thick cloudy white film where they should have been clear. The doctors weren't even treating them anymore. She was so shaken by this, she winced and had to turn away.

The droid noticed her reaction and said "This is why we should cap his eyes now. "May I proceed?" He stepped closer to Anakin with the patches.

Anakin sighed heavily and looked very distraught. "But, that's so.. final."

"Yes, it is," the droid said. "And it is already final, you might as well get on with it."

"No!" Padme spoke up. "He doesn't want those things, leave him alone! And he is NOT going to your center, he's coming home with me!"

"Padme, I can't.."

"Yes you can and you will!"

"And I am going to help her!" Obiwan spoke up.

Anakin's head raised in his direction. "Obiwan! How long have you been standing there? I wonder why I didn't sense your presence. Maybe I've lost that sense too."

"You're going through some rough times, Anakin. You will be all right."
The droid turned and left the room as Obiwan and Padme took Anakin by his arms and pulled him out of the bed.
"Ow, my feet, they're still so sore from the burns." He complained as he stepped down. "I'm not going to have to have anything amputated, but they tell me I have some nasty scars on my arms and legs. Guess I won't be wearing any summer clothes, not that I ever did." He almost laughed.

"You're coming back to Coruscant with us, now, Anakin, even if I have to carry you on my back!" Obiwan ordered.

Anakin smiled weakly in their direction. "I am in no position to fight either of you."

Padme smiled and kissed him. "I'll help you get dressed."

His smile vanished. "I can do it myself!" he said in a loud voice, then, softer, "if you show me where the clothes are." He was so pitiful, Padme and Obiwan had to contain their emotions as not to upset him.

At last they were ready to go, and they walked out of the hospital together, Anakin in the middle with his wife and brother on each side supporting him. The droids were very upset he had refused to be sent to their rehab center, and followed them out protesting.

"No, no, that's the end of it." Padme said strongly. "He's my husband, he's going home with ME!" Anakin smiled again to feel so much love, and that they actually did want him, even in his condition.

They went to Padme's ship and loaded everything inside. "I'll have to come back for my starfighter later, I can get someone to drop me off. Anakin, I was taken back to Mustafar and brought your starfighter back to the temple too."

"You can give it to someone else, I won't be able to fly again." Obiwan was sorry he had even mentioned it.

When they returned to Coruscant, Obiwan parked on Padme's veranda and helped her get Anakin inside. He let go of Obiwan's arm and stood there in the center of the floor looking so lost. "I keep trying to remember where everything was., what everything looked like.." It upset Padme and Obiwan to see the helpless look on his face, as he seemed straining to see with his poor blinded eyes. He slowly raising his hands in front of him, and tried to take few steps alone. "Is this the...fountain?" He reached forward as the water trickled onto his hands. "Yes!" He smiled a little at his success.

So did Padme and Obiwan. "You heard the water, that's what gave it away." Obiwan chuckled.

"Well" Anakin sighed, appearing more hurt than proud. "it's the best I can do, now.." Then he turned to try to walk further into the apartment, and promptly tripped and fell down the small stairs where the room changed levels. Padme and Obiwan screamed a warning too late, then ran to help him. "No, go away!" he pushed his arms through the air. "I can do it, don't..." He tried to get up, but between his blindness and his injured feet, he was finding it impossible to do so alone. They helped him to his feet, and tried to comfort him, but he clinched his teeth and turned away. They could tell how upset he was, but he shut them out.

"Anakin, you know, you will be able to use the force to help compensate in some ways with your handicap. I will take you to the temple, I will consult the archives, we can study with Yoda.."

Anakin cut him off, almost viciously. "No! I will never return to the temple! I can't!" His face was harsh, his brows joining his scowl, but his scarred eyes tragically blank.

Obiwan didn't even pursue this, he thought it best not to at this time, under the circumstances. He could sense much sadness and guilt in Anakin, but he would still like to hear it from his own mouth in time. It would also take time for him to accept his blindness and seek help from the force.

"I'll be going now." Obiwan announced quietly. Anakin felt a little bad for being so rude.

"Thank you, my brother." Said Anakin kindly, sensing Obiwan was leaving to give him some much needed space, and time with Padme.

Obiwan left Padme's ship and set out on foot for the temple. Padme took Anakin by the hand and helped him walk through the house. His feet still hurt so badly he couldn't go very fast. "We're home, my darling. You're safe now with me."

"Padme, I thought I was going to die. I should have died."

"No, you shouldn't, stop that! You did a great thing!" Anakin shook his head. He could not enjoy what he had achieved because of the guilt of what he had done on the dark side. He didn't want to talk about it now.

He tried his best to make it to the bed, but Padme had to help him. Once they were there, she helped him off with his breathing support and sat it next to the bed. Then she took off his shirt. She tried to hold any audible comment as she looked at the still raw red burn scars on his chest and arms. She applied some medicinal cream to them, over his chest, his shoulders, and all the way up the back of his neck. "Ah, that feels so good." He sighed. The burns on his face were healing better, but were still obvious. After she was done she pulled him over to cuddle with her and put the covers over them both.

"Does this hurt when I touch you?"

"Not so much now. I want you to touch me." They cuddled some more. He gently ran the fingers of his real hand over her face and through her hair, then down onto her chest. "I'm going to have to find new ways to see you."

His flesh hand caressed her face and body. She turned and put her arm around his chest, then put her head on his shoulder and started kissing up his neck until she reached his lips. "Mmmm" he muttered through the kiss. "That was good. Don't stop." She didn't want to stop, she wanted to make love to him. He was much better now that he was back home and in her arms."Do you still love me, Padme? Even all burned like this?"

"How could you even ask? Search my feelings, you will know it to be true."
Feeling safe and secure back in each others' arms and love after the recent ordeals, they were as intimate as their current circumstances allowed.

Later, they lay in the bed, on their backs, still hugging each other. Anakin's face was directed to the glass skylight above. "Is it beautiful tonight, Padme? Tell me about it. You know I always loved to lay here and stare up at the sky, the stars, the ships passing by. I loved to watch them for the longest time. Now you'll have to do that for me. What do you see, tell me."

She was saddened by this but tried to sound cheerful. "Well, I can't see many stars, there is too much of the city light tonight."

"I know it's like that from the veranda, but from above, the stars are better, please tell me you can see some, it'll be like I'm seeing them too."

She tried. "Oh, I do see some stars, and, oh, a shooting star!"

"Really? You aren't just telling me that to make me happy?"

"No, it was one, really"

"Are you sure it was a meteor and not some poor drunken fool's crashing ship burning up coming through the atmosphere?"

She started to laugh, and he did too. "No, Anakin, it was a real shooting star. Make a wish."

"Okay, I made one."

"What was it?"

"You know I can't tell you or it won't come true."

"Like your dreams? Anakin, are you still worried about the dreams?"

"Yes, that was what I wished for, that my dream about you won't come true. I know I shouldn't say it.."

"Anakin, I promise not to die in childbirth, all that's over now, the Chancellor is gone, it's all right, I'm going to be fine."

He snuggled closer and put his head on her shoulder. "You'd better be."

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 5

Padme awoke to the sounds of broken glass. She sat straight up in bed, thinking someone had busted through some of the glass windows. She turned on the light, but didn't see anything broken. She noticed that Anakin was not in the bed beside her and got up to go look for him. She found him in the kitchen, down on all fours on the floor, fumbling for and picking up pieces of a broken dish. She went to him, helped him to his feet and put her arm around him. "Careful, you'll cut yourself.What happened?"

"Since it's just the two of us here, I was going to try to set out some breakfast for you. I thought I could do it, I was wrong."

"Anakin, it's four in the morning!"

He turned away from her voice, a look of total despair on his face. "I thought it was daylight. But I guess I can't tell anymore. I used to at least be able to tell dark from light, now I can't even do that. Whatever they did to my eyes I don't think it helped, it hurt. I'm blinder now than I was when it first happened." His head hung down, and he failed in his attempts to hold back his deep sobs. "I can't get used to it, Padme. I never will. It's terrible. I hate this... endless dark."

Pained to hear this, she stared into his eyes, the clouded corneas over the once beautiful blue beneath. "I'm taking you to the med center today." She demanded.

"Oh, no, no more of that, I've had enough of being prodded by droids, being told bad news. Just let me stay here and hide, forever." She put her arms around his neck. "I want what's best for you, and that's to come to the best med center in the galaxy."

"Oh, I get it, you still hope I can be 'fixed', you don't want a blind, burned husband with bad lungs.."

She put her fingers over his mouth. "It's not like that at all! I told you I love you no matter what's wrong with you. But I love you enough to try to help you if there is a chance.."

"There isn't, they told me.."

"Let's give this center a try, please?"

"Oh, okay, I am helpless and at your mercy, you and Obiwan can drag me around on a chain.."

"Anakin stop that! But I will use a chain if it's the only way I can take you there. It's too early now, come, let's go back to bed."

"Yes, my master, I submit myself to your will, my master." He mumbled, and she couldn't help but laugh.

Later that day, she and Obiwan took Anakin to the largest med center on Coruscant. The droids then applied their own brand of treatment to all of his burns. Next, they examined his lungs. "The burns have left scars in there, too, would you mind trying a new kind of treatment for your lungs? It is quite uncomfortable."

Anakin was agreeable. "Not as uncomfortable as having to carry around that monstrosity they gave me at the other place, or the horrible breathing exercizes I have to do when I use it."

The specialists at the Coruscant medical center were upset Anakin had not been brought there first. Obiwan had intended to go there, but went to Naboo in fear of trouble at home that turned out not to be a threat after all.. The specialist droid looked into Anakin's eyes and shook his head metal head on his narrow pole of a neck. "There is so much scarring, if we had gotten to him immediately, he'd be healed, but now, I am afraid it's too late." Anakin was devastated by this, as were Obiwan and Padme. The hospital on Naboo had done the wrong thing, and now the chance to save his sight was gone.

Anakin couldn't stop the tears from coming. "You're telling me, I could have been healed, but now, there's nothing you can do?"

"I am sorry Master Skywalker. I can try to give you our special treatment and see if the scarring clears up any, but once it's this far gone, it's usually too late."

"Try it anyway!" Padme insisted.

"No, Padme, I can't take the disappointment again.."

"It might work, Anakin, you have to give it a chance!"

Anakin silently consented. The droid leaned him back in the chair and treated his eyes with their own formula, and then rebandaged them. Sitting back up, Anakin asked "how long will it be before, we..know?"

"At least a week, Then we will see if there is any improvement. Perhaps he should stay here awhile, for more intensive treatment. You didn't recieve the best care possible at the hospital on Naboo. There are things we can do for your body as well as your eyes."

"Oh no, not again"

"It's for your own good. There's a chance for real improvement here." Padme pleaded. They all agreed, and Anakin was left at the center.

As she left the medical center, her temper began to flare as she spoke to Obiwan. Padme was furious! "That hospital on Naboo was a disgrace, I must speak with the Queen and the ministers about investigating it. I thought my home planet was known for its fine medical care, but something is wrong there."

"I feel bad myself, it was my decision not to take him to Coruscant first. If only I'd known.."

"Don't blame yourself, Obiwan. If only we'd ALL known a lot of things, none of this would have happened. I can't bear to think of all the death and destruction Palpatine caused with his phoney war! And all of us in the government were so fooled, I can't believe it!"

"How do you think it feels to be a Jedi? We had the force, we should have sensed it even if you all in the Senate didn't figure it out! Palpatine was a Sith Lord, a force sensitive, do you know how bad it was that we didn't even guess it was him? Yoda and I are so ashamed, and the grief over the loss of the other Jedi is enormous."

"I think that's a lot of Anakin's problem, Obiwan, why he won't go back to the temple. He has so much to deal with, his own personal injuries, and the heavy weight of the things he did."

"Padme, that was not Anakin, we all agree, how can he still blame himself, even after he redeemed himself and fulfilled the prophecy?"

"He does, and it's going to take more time to heal than anything physical, I'm afraid."

Padme and Obiwan visited Anakin every night that week. Padme missed him at home, but wanted him to get the treatment he deserved. After the a week was up, his lung capacity had improved so much, he was taken off his respirator and told he would no longer need it unless perhaps if he got some type of infection. Some of the damaged air sacks were coming back, and most of the blackened tissue inside his lungs was pink again. He wondered if he'd ever have the stamina he once had, but of course, being blind he wasn't going to be as active. The new treatment for his eyes, given three times a day while he was there, had reduced the scarring some, but he still couldn't see out of either one of his eyes. He was heartsick to know that his eyes could have been cured if only he'd gotten to this medical center first. Now it was too late.

Before he left the center, he was given one last intensive dose of the formula in his eyes and they were bandaged one more time. "Come back in 10 days" they told him."If there is any improvement, we will continue, but if there isn't, we will discontinue the treatment." Anakin's heart raced. This was the absolute last chance for his eyes, he tried not to be encouraged knowing the chance of success was small. The burns on his body were almost gone! The formula given him in Coruscant had healed them, they were only now slightly lighter spots on his skin, and that would eventually fade as the new layers of his skin grew. His feet no longer hurt when he walked. He was feeling much healthier as he walked arm in arm with Padme and Obiwan out of this med center than he had when he left the one on Naboo. The breathing device they gave him was in a case carried with his other belongings, he was not wearing it, and did not need to depend on it anymore. This was a big relief to all of them.

"What you say we go to Dex's to celebrate?" Obiwan offered.

"You're paying, right?" Padme laughed.

"Of course."

"No, I don't want to go. Just take me home, give me a snack. I have no appetite." Anakin refused.

Padme and Obiwan exchanged concerned looks. They had so hoped being taken off the respirator and having his scars healing would cheer him up. He only wanted to go home and close the door and stay away from everybody. They respected his wishes. "Well, okay, Anakin." Obiwan said. "How about I go get your favorite special and bring it to you?"

"That would be great, thanks, brother." This proved it to Obiwan and Padme. It wasn't that he didn't want the food, he didn't want to be at the diner, he didn't want to be around anyone. They took him home, and he sat on the couch alone. "I'm so bored." He complained as they waited for Obiwan to return with the food. "I never realized it before, but everything I like to do involves something visual. I can't see so I can't really do anything."

"Anakin don't feel that way. I can think of at least one thing you like to do that doesn't require seeing." She said as she sat down next to him, nibbling on his ear and giggling.

"You naughty girl." He laughed, then he sighed miserably.. "But even that is better when I can see you."

"Then why did you always want to turn the lights off?"

"I thought it was you who turned the lights off." They both laughed, and she hugged him, running her hands through his hair and down to the back his neck. The burns on it from where his hair had caught fire were now totally gone, and a few little curls were beginning to grow out from where his hair had been burned and cut short in the back. She smoothed them down and kissed the bare nape of his neck. It sent a tingle down his spine, and he sighed with pleasure. He reached out his flesh hand until he felt it touch the side of her face. He managed to find her mouth in his darkness, and they kissed passionately as they began to fondle each other with their hands. Spoiling the moment,.Obiwan came to the door, and Padme got up and let him in. They led Anakin to the table and put his hands on his food in front of him, showing him where each part of his meal was located. He didn't have much trouble eating it after that, but he didn't talk much.

"Anakin, what's troubling you?"

"Obiwan, do you even need to ask? Isn't it obvious?"

"I mean other than your medical problems."

"I thought that was obvious too. You know how I feel about,you know, what happened." He turned his face away from the direction of Obiwan's voice. Even though he couldn't look him in the eye, thinking of what happened at the temple that night made him too ashamed to face his master in any form.

"Anakin, we need you back at the temple. Not many survive who still know the ways of the force."

"And whose fault is that? Look, Obiwan, I can't, I am not worthy to walk back into that temple..."

"I think it would do you a lot of good, kind of another way to heal..."

If Anakin could have used his eyes, he'd have given him a dirty look. But since he was blind and they were covered, a cold voice tone would have to do. "I can't do it, I'm sorry. Not now."

"Ever?"

"Leave me alone, please!" Anakin shouted. He got up and tried to storm out of the room, knocking into things along the way. Obiwan walked over and helped him steady himself. Anakin looked very embarrassed. He'd always been so sure on his feet. After all his great moves and heroics, how sad he can come to this, not even being able to navigate his own kitchen.

"Anakin there are things we can explore to help you use the force to compensate for your blindness, we have full access to the archives, we can explore all the things we wanted to know all our lives.."

"I can't do it, Obiwan, I can't go back to the temple. Please try to understand. But, oh, thanks for dinner." He managed a false sarcastic smile.Obiwan was glad to see a bit of the old Anakin was still in there somewhere.

Obiwan patted him on the shoulder. "I'll see you later, my friend." He said as he left.

Anakin stayed huddled inside the apartment the next few days while Padme was in discussions with other Senate members about the direction of the government. Sulking, he lay in the bed or on the couch, not even going out on the veranda. Why bother, he couldn't see anything, couldn't enjoy anything. It was just too dark. He was literally wallowing in self pity. He couldn't rid himself of his depression, or his immense guilt.

This bad mood was broken three nights later as Padme's labor pains began. Now his focus of concern went from himself to his wife.Anakin was terrified for her because of the dreams, but he didn't want to say anything to her to frighten her. He tried to put such thoughts out of his mind, but couldn't. Though the dream had not come since he and Obiwan and killed Palpatine, he could still see its image in his mind. Threepio was back, and he frantically managed to get them to the medical center. Padme insisted on calling Obiwan: he had asked to be told when the time came. This bothered Anakin greatly, since Obiwan had been in the dream. Anakin stayed with Padme awhile, holding her hand, flinching at each jolt of her body or cry of pain..When Obiwan arrived, he took Anakin outside in the hallway to talk.

"Obiwan, this is it, she's having the baby just like in my dream! What if...no, I can't lose her."

"You aren't going to lose her! Those dreams you told me about were most likely only a manifestation of Palpatine's plan, it's over now. Oh Anakin, if you had told me sooner, things would not have gotten so far gone!"

"I know that, and I am sorry, I suffer for my mistakes every day. I feel I deserved to be injured, and I am not worthy of being healed. My eyes being ruined were a message, I was meant to live in the dark because of the pain I caused so many with the dark side."

"Anakin don't say that, you didn't deserve to be hurt, you were very brave to do what you did on Mustafar. Do you realize you destroyed the Sith blind? And injured in so many places?"

"You helped a lot, you know."

"You told me when to push him, if you hadn't sent that message, I don't know what I've had done next. Anakin, you fulfilled the prophecy! You are a hero!"

"Do you really think I am redeemed?"

"Yes, Anakin, I do. Yoda does. I only wish you could forgive yourself."

"Well now that I have fulfilled my destiny, I am useless, you don't need me."

"Are you going to waste you life away doing nothing?"

"I might."

They were called back in by a medical droid. "The time has come." Obiwan put his arm around Anakin's shoulder and let him toward Padme.

They entered her birthing room to sounds of her cries. "Padme, are you all right?" Anakin asked in panic.

"It's just labor pains, all women holler out." She said through heavy breaths. Obiwan led him to her side, and she held his real hand, squeezing it harder and harder as the pains came. He couldn't see the expression on her face, but he could sense her pain. His heart sped up with fear and concern.

"Padme, you have to be all right, please."

One of the droids spoke out. "There is nothing out of the ordinary wrong with your wife. Do not be so concerned."

"Obiwan, go, get out of here!"

"Why?"

"You were in my dream, so if you're here..." Obiwan rolled his eyes and started to walk away, he didn't want to be to blame if anything went wrong.

Padme was a bit upset. "Anakin, that wasn't nice. He's our friend, he's helped us a lot, he should be here."

"Padme, it was he who stood over you in the dream."

"And it is you who stand over me now. The curse is broken. That alone changes things, besides the fact that Palpatine is gone."

He smiled and felt a bit relieved. He felt his way to the door opening, then called Obiwan back. "Come back, it's all right. But don't stand over her like in my dream." Obiwan understood, and complied. The pains came closer and closer. After one long scream, her voice settled into a panting sound and was joined by the sound of a baby's first cry.

"It's a boy!" The droid announced.

Anakin panted heavily, too, and held Padme's hand; "We have a son, Padme! Are you all right?"

"Yes, but.."

"But what?"

"Ahhhhh!" she screamed again, throwing Anakin into fear and panic, until he heard the second baby arrive with a healthy cry.

"It's a girl." The droid informed them."Twins!"

Anakin felt Padme's hand, and her pulse, then bent to kiss her. "Padme, are you alive?"

"Yes, Anakin, it's all right! The childbirth is over, and I'm not dead, I'm just fine!" She started laughing, and so did he, and Obiwan came over and joined them. It was okay now. They all stood laughing and cheering in relief and joy.

Now the attention turned to the babies. The droids examined them, cleaned them, then brought them both over to show Padme. "They're beautiful, Anakin!" she cried. They put one baby on each of her arms.

"I wish I could see them. Obiwan, please, can you show me my children?"

"It will be an honor, my brother!" Obiwan stared at the children, then sent the image telepathicatly to Anakin, who received it in full living color.

"I see them, Obiwan, you did it! I could see it in my head! Now can you show me Padme too?" Obiwan looked at Padme and the babies again and again sent the entire mental images to Anakin through force telepathy. "I saw it all in my mind, Obiwan, thank you." The two Jedi brothers embraced. Then Anakin turned to Padme. He softly touched each one of his children, their faces, their perfect little fingers and toes. Anakin was so happy, his children were born, his wife was still alive, and Obiwan had showed him what they looked like. He couldn't help it, tears began to trickle from beneath the bandage over his eyes. He tried to stop it, knowing the medicine had to stay in there. Even his cursed darkness couldn't spoil this moment. He bent down and hugged Padme, and kissed her. Obiwan told the droids to make sure there were pictures taken of the special moment After awhile, the babies had to be moved to their bassinets, and Padme needed to rest. Obiwan told Anakin they'd better leave them now. He held her hand, and wished he could have looked into her eyes. He felt her love and life strongly through the force. "Padme, please tell me if I go you won't die."

"I promise, I'm fine, it's all going to be all right now darling!" They kissed one last time, and Obiwan took Anakin back to the apartment. He asked him to stay with him so he wouldn't be alone, and he was glad to help. Obiwan stayed on the couch, and Anakin slept very peacefully in Padme's bed, knowing the desperate fear was over, the nightmare had not come to pass.

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 6

The next morning, Anakin slept until almost noon. Finally, Obiwan roused him. "Get up, Anakin, it's visiting hour at the med center."

He rubbed his head and groaned. "Oh, I'm sorry, I can't see when it's light outside anymore so I overslept." He sat up, almost frantic, yelling "PADME! Is she all right?"

"Of course she is, I have spoken with her this morning, she wants to see you."

"And the babies?"

"Fine, Anakin, they're all fine. It's all right, the nightmare is gone!" Anakin felt so good, he didn't know what to say.

They went to visit Padme and the babies, and every day for the next 3 days they remained in the med center. They took extra care with twins, though they were healthy in every way. Anakin wanted nothing but the best for his children, and his wife! Then came the happy day when they were brought home. Padme's entire family traveled from Naboo to visit them, and Obiwan was there to help. It was such a happy time, only hampered by Anakin not being able to see, but Obiwan sent him as many images as he could so he could really know what they looked like. He stayed out of the way and let Padme have her time with her family, they were so in love with the twins! Luke, and Leia, Padme had chosen the names herself. Every night before they went to bed, Anakin would hold the babies tightly in his arms, caressing their little cheeks and letting them squeeze his fingers with their little fists. They were so small and so alive, they brought him more life, too. At night he loved to cuddle next to Padme and listen to the babies' breathing nearby. They were all fine, nothing had gone wrong. He couldn't believe it. He felt very much at peace.

Finally, the excitement faded and Padme's family went home. It was just the little family and occasionally the droids, or Obiwan. Anakin, in all the rush and celebrating, had almost forgotten that the medical droids had told him to return in 10 days to have his eyes checked again. He didn't want to go, because he knew this was the final chance. They said if there was no change this time, they would discontinue treatment and give up all hope of his sight ever returning. He didn't want to let go of that last shred of hope, but he knew waiting wasn't changing anything.

"Padme, will you be okay if I go down to the med center today?"

"What for?"

"Did you forget, the time is up, you know, for my eyes. I need to go."

"Oh Anakin, I almost forgot. I've been so busy. I'm sorry."

"Don't you be sorry for anything, you just take care of yourself and the babies." He kissed her and rubbed his hands softly up and down her body. Since he'd been blind for so long, two months now, he was becoming very sensitive to feeling her every curve with his good hand.

Obiwan arrived to take him to the med center. Anakin was so anxious on the way, he could feel his blood pounding in the veins of his flesh arm. It became more tense as Obiwan led him to the specialist who had treated him. He sat down and waited. "Are you ready, Master Skywalker?" The droid asked. Anakin took a deep breath. His lungs were working fine, he was now free of all breathing assistance; he would just have to be careful of infections. His heart pounded again as the droid slowly removed the bandages from his eyes. He thought he noticed an immediate difference as a bright light spilled in. There was no question, this was a big improvement, unless he was just imagining it, Was it real? With much fear, he cracked his eyelids and opened his eyes.

"Well, Anakin, can you see?" Obiwan asked from across the room. At first there was no answer. Obiwan studied Anakin's face. It appeared to be stunned, but gave away no positive or negative emotion. He looked into Anakin's eyes. All the cloudy scarring was gone, his corneas were transparent again, clear and smooth and perfectly shaped. His eyes looked like they always had before they were burned. But they did not move, and Anakin did not speak. "Anakin, can you see anything? Anakin?"

After a few more seconds of silence, he finally spoke. "No. I can't. Let's go home."

Obiwan was so disappointed. "Anakin, are you sure? Your eyes look fine to me."

The droid came closer to him with a lighted instrument. "This is very strange, Master Skywalker." He looked into Anakin's eyes, leaning him back in the chair to examine them thoroughly. He checked out Anakin's eyes, optic nerves, even scanning the visual cortex of his brain. Physically, Anakin was completely capable of sight, yet he still reported being blind. "I don't see any medical reason why you can't see, your eyes have healed sufficiently. I am unable to find a cause for your continued blindness."

"I told you, I can't see."

"Then I am afraid there is nothing else than I can do for you. Your treatment is discontinued." The droid informed him.

Obiwan waited for Anakin to become distraught, but he sat calmy and motionless as he said flatly, "So be it."

Obiwan took Anakin by the arm and led him back out to the speeder they had come in. Obiwan stared at Anakin, but he didn't look back. "Anakin, if there are no more medical reasons you can't see, could it be, maybe something psychological?"

"Are you questioning my sanity?"

"Well, actually, yes, and not just over this." Anakin turned away from him. "It is worth checking out, your fear may be causing a blockage in your mind. I have heard of this happening. But your eyes look fine to me, Anakin. The specialists have pronounced them perfectly healthy. There has to be another reason you can't see."

"I'm blind, Obiwan, that's all there is to it.Take me home."

When they reached the veranda, Padme was waiting anxiously for his return. When she saw his bandages gone, and his eyes looking exactly like they had before he was hurt, she squealed in excitement. "Anakin, your eyes, they're back!" She walked over and hugged him while he was still in the speeder. Obiwan glanced at her and shook his head sadly. "What, no, it can't be.." She turned Anakin's face toward her and looked into his eyes. "Those are your eyes, Anakin, they look just like they always have, why can't they see?" He lowered his head and didn't answer. She started to cry. In a few minutes, he got up and walked arm in arm with her back inside and sat down on the sofa.

"It's over, Padme. Let's not talk about it anymore, no more treatments, no more doctors. This is just the way it's going to be, forever. I will just have to stay here with you and the babies and never go anywhere else."

"Oh Anakin" she cried, her tears wetting his shoulders.

Obiwan watched, and tried to search Anakin's true feelings. He was doing a good job hiding them. Had his intense fear of having to return to the temple, or the order, or anything, caused a psychological blindness? The specialists had examined him thoroughly. It had to be something deep in his mind. There was no other possible reason he couldn't see. That had to be it. Obiwan decided to leave them alone for now, and bid them goodbye.After he returned to the temple, Obiwan began to wonder about Anakin. He would have to consult Yoda, the archives and meditate heavily on the subject. He stared out the council room window in the direction of Padme's apartment, deep in thought. He didn't understand it. Anakin had been so concerned about his eyes, so wanting to see again, yet now that his last hope was gone, he didn't even seem upset. He sensed Anakin was relaxed and at ease, he no longer felt so much tension in him. He had failed to read Anakin's thoughts, he was much too force strong to allow anyone to get through. Obiwan didn't understand Anakin's reaction. How could he suddenly not care anymore about his blindness? There had to be more to it. He'd have to find out.

Padme got up to get Anakin a refreshment, then sat back down at his side, placing the glass in his hand until his fingers clasped around it. He put it to his lips and took a sip, then handed it back to her in the wrong direction. "Here, I don't want any more." She took it away, then sat staring at him. He was so beautiful! His eyes were clear and lovely again, but they weren't focused on her. His singed lashes had come back in, long and beautiful as before. His face now free of scars, his shortened golden hair growing out very fast, fluffy curls covered his head and had began crawling back down his neck. She couldn't stand to think he would never look into her eyes again, never see their children for himself with his own eyes, but be lost in darkness for the rest of his life. She threw herself down on the sofa next to him and began to cry. "I'm so sorry, Anakin. I really wanted you to be able to see again, so much!" Padme cried, hugging all over him. They were wrapped tightly in each other's arms.He reached his arms around her and patted her back.

"It's all right, my love, as long as you still love me, I can handle this, I can handle anything. I have you and the babies, that's all I need." She cried again, but he didn't. Leaning his chin on her shoulder, his head facing away from hers, Anakin raised his healthy eyes and glanced out the window at the buildings and lights of Coruscant. What an amazing scene it was, especially for someone who had been in the dark for the last two months.

Later that night, after the babies had been put down for the night, Padme pulled Anakin into the bed, and they cuddled and snuggled as she told him what she saw through the skylight. After she had rolled over and gone sound asleep, and Anakin was completely sure she was out, he turned over on his back, opened his eyes wide and stared up at the skylight. The scene in the night sky above the city was incredible, it was so much better to see it for yourself than to have another person describe it to you. He gazed at it for a good while, then carefully rolled over to look at the babies sleeping in the bassinet. They were perfect and beautiful, and seeing them for himself was much better than having Obiwan send him telepathic images of what he saw. He then turned his gaze to the windows, where a few bright lights were penetrating through. Finally, he cast his eyes down on Padme. How lovely she was, sleeping, alive and healthy, and loving him. Now everything was truly perfect. With his sight now back to normal, he was completely healed from all the physical injuries he had sustained on Mustafar. Padme and the babies had survived childbirth. There were no duties, no responsibilities, no battles to fight, no prophecies to fulfill. He felt very happy with his life now: he wanted it to stay like this forever. He wasn't about to have anything change and spoil it by letting everyone know he could see again. No one expects much of a blind man. Anakin felt bad about deceiving Padme and Obiwan, but this is how it had to be. He lay back down on his side of the bed and stared at the stars through the skylight again, enjoying the view to the fullest, not wanting to close his eyes even to go to sleep.

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 7

As soon as the sun came up, the light filled the room enough to reach Anakin's newly healed eyes. He had never been so happy to have the sun in his eyesin his life! He opened them and looked over at Padme and the babies, still sound asleep. Quietly he got out of bed and went out to watch the sunrise on the veranda. Enjoying the sight so much, Anakin began to feel more guilty about lying to Padme and Obiwan about still being blind. He had been so happy when his sight returned, he had wanted to scream it out to everyone, but he held the secret to himself, hoping everyone would just leave him alone and not expect him to resume his previous life. Padme had always said, when are we going to start being honest with each other, and she was right. But knowing her policy on honesty, he knew she'd make him tell Obiwan, and he'd tell Yoda, and they'd expect him back at the temple with more duties. He couldn't do that. The thought of returning to that temple after what had occured the last time he was there sent him into a state of sheer panic. He couldn't set foot in there again. His harrowing experience and near death at Mustafar had left him in a state of shock and fear of ever putting himself in any dangerous situation again. What had happened to the young man who had wanted action, adventure and power? Had he been left on the burning sands of Mustafar? Anakin tried to put this out of his mind. He couldn't deal with it now, so he just wouldn't. He only wanted to stay around in peace and safety with Padme and the babies. His life was complete now. Or was it?

When he came back inside, he went into the bathroom and stared at his own face in the mirror. It really didn't look any different than he remembered it, the treatments had even improved the long thin scar on the right side of his face he'd had before. His eyes were just as they had been, now so clear once again he could see his own reflection in them. His vision was just as good, too. A warm feeling came over Anakin as he realized how lucky he had been, surviving and being healed from all his terrible wounds and afflictions. He took a shower, shaved, combed his hair neatly and got dressed, now that it all came easy to him again. The struggle of his injuries and nightmarish helplessness and darkness of his blindness were now over. Checking on Padme, there was so sign of stirring from the bedroom, so he set about to surprise her with a big breakfast. He'd just say it was good therapy for him, he was getting better at dealing with his handicap. What a lie, and he hated himself for it. Searching his mind, he was unable to bring himself enough courage for a confession. How long would he have to keep it up? He'd eventually admit being able to see, but if they found out in the meantime, would his wife and best friend hate him for it? He simply couldn't let that happen. Now that his eyes were working again it wasn't going to be easy pretending they couldn't look at anything, but he had to give it a try. Padme was feeling so much pity and love for him, he didn't want to give up that tenderness. She felt so sorry for him she never even mentioned his turning to the dark side, his pillage at the temple, or even choking her while she was pregnant. He couldn't do anything to change her feelings and love toward him. Poor 'blind' Anakin would have to stick around awhile longer, and milk it for all it was worth. He knew his life would be misearable if he had to keep playing blind forever, but he'd have to choose the right time to admit he had been miracusly cured, and claim it had just happened. He'd have to be very careful no one found out until then,

In the bedroom, the babies started to grunt, and Anakin went to their side. It was Luke, fussing and sucking on his little fists. Anakin smiled at him, picked him up and put him over his shoulder. Leia was awake but not fussing, so he left her there for now. As he started to walk away, Padme opened her eyes and saw him from the back as he was carrying out Luke. "Anakin, are you sure you can manage with the baby in your arms?"

He didn't turn to face her as he answered. "Sure I can, don't worry."

"Be careful!" she watched as he carried Luke in one arm, 'feeling' his way out of the room with the other in front of him. Padme rolled back over and treid to get more sleep. Anakin took Luke out onto the veranda, getting a good look at him for the first time in bright light. He smiled as he noticed how much Luke had taken after him, and how cute and perfect he really was. He held him snugly in both arms, and looked up at the sky.

"Isn't it beautiful, Luke, just look." He whispered. "When you're older, I'm going to take you flying through all that, over it, and beyond it, out to the stars." He kissed the top of his head. Anakin then paid equal attention to Leia, noticing how much she favored Padme. He fed both babies, using the force to call the bottles to him. He had been unable to do that while blinded, because it required actually seeing the object being moved, where it started, and grabbing it out of the air. He glanced over nervously to make sure Padme hadn't seen. Putting the twins down in a rocker seat Padme's mother had bought them, he set about to make breakfast. When Padme came out and saw him standing there over the food, she smiled with pride.

"Well, you've done very well this morning. I'm so proud of you. I can't believe the change in your attitude, you seem so much more positive."

He smiled, but tried not to meet her eyes. "This way that I am, the way that my eyes are, I'm going to be this way for the rest of my life, so I'm going to have to get used to it and make the best of it." He didn't feel this was a lie, he never said what 'way' his eyes were! She was so touched she ran right over to hug him.

"Mmm." She said. "You smell wonderful, clean and refreshed. I could almost eat you. And your hair looks so nice."

"Yes, it's grown back a lot."

"I know, but I mean, it's incredible you were able to comb it and style it so beautifully when you can't even see yourself in the mirror."

Anakin felt a bit uncomfortable. He hadn't thought of that. Was she getting suspicious? She only grinned and fondled the curls in his hair with her fingers. "Obiwan said you'd be able to use the force to help you compensate in some ways. I'm proud of the progress you've made, my love. I knew having the babies around would cheer you up." He exhaled in relief. She didn't suspect a thing, though that made him feel guilty too. She trusted him completely and didn't think for a moment he'd be dishonest over something like this. She turned and looked at the table. "Oh, Anakin, this is wonderful, you made me breakfast all by yourself, and took care of the babies too! You are so brave!" She hugged him as she whimpered a muffled cry under her breath, deep pity for her 'blind' husband. He felt gulty again, but enjoyed the attention she gave him. As she sat across from him as they had breakfast, he tried to pretend he couldn't see his food. He thought how wrong, and silly, it all was, but he had backed himself into a corner now. He'd have to keep up the charade.

"Anakin, I must go into work today, shall I send for Dorme to help with the babies?"

"No, no, I can do it." He insisted. The last thing he wanted was another person around to deal with, then he couldn't even let down his act while Padme was gone! He didn't want Dorme or any other human being. He wanted to be alone with Padme and the babies.

"Anakin, I know you're trying to be strong, but I don't want you take on something you can't handle."

"Are you saying I can't do it, you think I'll hurt them?"

"Oh no, don't be offended, I only want what's best for you and the babies. Can I at least bring Threepio back over here?"

Anakin thought a minute. Threepio would be a big help, but he also had a big mouth. He didn't know how that would work out. But having built him, Anakin knew he could handle the golden droid if he had to reprogram or even deactivate him at times. He mustn't look to suspicious, he'd have to go along with some help. "Yes, good old Threepio, my old friend." R2 was still at the temple with Obiwan, helping him with some computer circuitry in the archives. Threepio was to return that evening.

After Padme was gone and the babies were down for their naps, Anakin found his little hand held video game down the side of the sofa and amused himself for hours. Putting it away where she wouldn't see it had been used recently, he went back and laid in the bed next to the babies. This really wasn't much fun, he thought, he was rather bored. He was feeling fine now, and he didn't want to sit around the apartment all day. But what could he do? He wasn't going back to the temple. He wasn't going on any more missons. He wasn't going to start any new duties with the Jedi or certainly not the government. He laughed to himself for a minute, thinking how he had wanted to rule the entire galaxy, but now, that seemed so difficult, such a burden, who could be bothered? He rolled over and looked at the babies before taking a nap of his own. In his sleep, the dreams were unsettling. Images of 'that night' could be purged from his mind while awake, but asleep his subconscious would regurgitate them and he'd wake up feeling the terror again. It couldn't be real, he'd think at first, I didn't do that! When reality sunk in, it would take his mind to bad places, and there was no escape.The memories of Mustafar were hard on him too, fighting with Obiwan, how close he came to turning to the dark side, either he or Obiwan would surely have died that night if the fight continued. Memories of burning, lying blind and in pain on those rocks, Palpatine ordering his death at the hands of the Clones,.yet he had fulfilled the prophecy, and he did it blind and terribly injured. Now, what was left for him? Obiwan had questioned his sanity, now he was doing the same of himself. He dug both hands into his hair and buried his face in his pillow.

The doorbell rang several times until it had pulled Anakin from turmoil. He got up and walked straight to the door, not having to put on an act for anyone. That was nice. He hadn't realized how much he had taken for granted being able to see where he was going.Everything was so much easier with eyesight, he would be eternally grateful he was fortunate enough to get his back. He didn't even need to look through the peephole or turn on the intercom to know who was there. He could sense him strongly, it was Obiwan. He opened the door and tried to keep a blank look in his eyes. "Hello, Obiwan. Come in." He spoke first, but Obiwan knew he could sense him so he didn't think this was strange. Obiwan put his arm on Anakin's shoulder and Anakin allowed him to 'lead' him to the sofa.

"How are you feeling, Anakin?"

"I'm just fine."

"How are the babies?"

"They're fine too."

"Would you like for me to 'see' the babies for you?"

"No, they're napping, I don't want them to wake up and start crying again."

"Anakin, we have to talk."

Anakin sighed heavily.He was dreading this. "What for? I told you, I am not going back to the order. I don't even know what happened to my lightsaber."

"I have it, Anakin. I will give it back to you when the time is right."

"The time will never be right, you can't have a blind guy wielding one of those things. Keep it and give it to some new padawan, I'm sure you'll find one."

"I already have, Anakin. His name is Tal, he's thirteen, and he's very much like you were. I want you to help me train him."

"What could I do?"

Obiwan put both hands on Anakin's shoulders and made every attempt to look into his eyes, which Anakin kept down and unfocused. "You have a wealth of knowledge and experience. You needn't do anything physical, all you need to do is talk to him, tell him stories of the lessons you've learned, you can do that."

"Obiwan, I can't go back to the temple."

Obiwan rolled his eyes and heaved his chest. "You're going to have to someday, and it will be the best thing for you."

"How can that be, knowing what I did?"

"I have already told you, we all know that was not you who did that, and you fulfilled the prophecy, you are forgiven, Anakin! Yoda even wants to speak to you. He feels there is much he can do to help with your blindness."

Anakin turned his head away. "I told you I don't want to talk about that anymore, ever."

"Then how are you going to find the answer?"

"I have the answer, I'm blind."

"Anakin your entire visual system is in perfect shape, there has to be a mental reason you can't see. If you come with me to the temple, we can consult Yoda, the archives.."

"Leave it alone, Obiwan!"

"Don't you want to see again?" Obiwan was confused. He could sense Anakin was no longer feeling distress over his situation, but couldn't understand why he stopped caring. "So, you are at peace with your condition and your situation, the way things are now?"

"I am very much at peace." He didn't feel this was a lie, he was feeling very peaceful and relieved to be healed, and to see again, and not to have any duites.

Obiwan was frustrated, and he raised his voice. "So you're just going to sit here on the couch for the rest of your life?"

"I'm not going back to the Jedi temple!" He yelled, his face becoming harsher, but he kept his eyes half closed.

"Then perhaps, we can meditate on it all right now, right here. Anakin, I'm going to get inside your mind and find out what's wrong whether you like it or not."

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 8

Anakin was displeased with Obiwan's attitutude."I am not up to meditating, and you can't make me. My will and strength in the force is strong and you cannot penetrate it without my cooperation. Can't you just leave me alone, can't you see I've been through enough?"

"Anakin, how long are you going to play the pity card?"

Anakin turned to face him but wouldn't meet his eyes. "As long as it takes." There was a deep silence as Obiwan tried to look directly into Anakin's eyes, but he closed them.

"Wait, Obiwan, listen, the babies are waking up!" Anakin was momentarily spared an unwanted confrontation. He made it look as good as he could walking with his hands out, pretending to have a hard time finding where the door was. Obiwan followed him as far as the doorway and stood watching. Anakin stood over them, 'feeling' for them, and patting their stomachs. "I have to feed the babies again, when they're this young, their bellies can't hold much so they eat every few hours."

"Let me help you, Anakin." Obiwan entered the room and carried them out to the sofa. "I think they need a change of diaper, do you need any help?"

"Yes, Obiwan, I do, thank you for offering." Anakin laughed inside. He brought warmed bottles for their feeding, and leaned down and carefully placed Leia in Anakin's arms. Anakin stared at the opposite wall as he closed his hands safely around his daughter. Obiwan stared at Anakin, for a moment wondering what was going on. He handed Anakin a bottle, holding it right in front of him. Anakin was too smart to reach for it.

"Oh, I'm sorry, here's the bottle, Anakin." Anakin played it good pretending not to be able to find it until Obiwan placed it directly in his hand where he could 'feel' it. Anakin's acting improved as he aimed the bottle's nipple away from Leia's mouth at first, letting a tiny bit of milk drip onto her pajamas, then finally used one hand to lead the other to the tiny rosebud mouth. Obiwan watched this display with much pity for Anakin, letting go of his momentary suspicions, yet still sensing something wasn't quite right. He sat down beside him and fed Luke. They burped the babies, then replaced them in their bed. Obiwan waved his hand over the babies, using the force to settle them calmly. They cooed awhile, then fell back to sleep. Obiwan returned to the sofa where Anakin was still sitting.

"Thank you, Obiwan. You've bonded with the babies very nicely. Padme and I are honored you will be a part of their lives." An innocent grin covered Anakin's face, but Obiwan strained to see through it, both with his eyes and his force sensitivity. While Anakin was relaxed, he tried to probe his mind. All he was able to discern was that the darkness had been lifted from his mind, the darkness that had been there while Anakin's eyes had been scarred and clouded. Now that they were healthy again, the light in his life force was the same as it had been before he was ever went blind. What did this mean, Obiwan considered. Light and images were reaching his brain, so why didn't his mind perceive that?

Obiwan realized that if he were to search Anakin's feelings, he couldn't warn him first, or he'd put his guard up. He was strong in the force as well, and his mind was very strong. He had done well at blocking out whatever his true feelings were ever since returning from the Coruscant medical center. Obiwan tried to think of a way to remove the psychological block that he assumed was causing Anakin's blindness. "I'm going now, Anakin. Back to the temple. When Padme is home to take care of the babies, or makes other arrangements for their care, I will be back for you. I will help you, but you have to want it."

"I don't need your help, Obiwan. Forget it, I'm not going back to the temple, I'm not talking to Yoda, I'm not meditating with you."

"Anakin, don't you want to see? I can't believe you don't want to try."

"I deserve this, Obiwan. Leave me alone." Obiwan was so frustrated, he turned and walked out without saying goodbye. Anakin waited until he heard him flying away, then peeked through the window to make sure he was really gone. When he was certain the coast was clear, he got out his little video game and started to play again. Virtual reality fighting was the only action he'd ever participate in again, he thought. If he 'died' in his game, he could always press the reset button. Life wasn't like that. So he had to avoid it.

Once he got back to the temple, Obiwan walked straight down the hallway to consult with Yoda. "Master Yoda, I am at a loss to help Anakin. He refuses all attempts to reach him. He feels he deserves what happened to him, yet he is afraid of being hurt again. I cannot believe he doesn't even want to see."

"Help him, you cannot, unless willing he is."

"I know, that is why I am frustrated."

"Healed his eyes are, but not his inner self or mind."

"Is this what is causing the mental block that is preventing his vision from returning?" Yoda leaned on his stick, tightened his lips, and looked backup at Obiwan. "What is it you see when search his mind and feelings you do?"

"I see light, Yoda, it's not dark inside his mind like when his eyes were broken. I know that light is coming in, I don't know why he isn't letting it through."

"Does not want it, could it be?"

"Who wouldn't want to see?"

"Blind he stays, hide he can." Obiwan's eyes lit up.

"You mean, this is metaphorical for the darkness he feels for his actions, his mistakes?"

Yoda nodded. "Is this what is keeping his mind from seeing the light from his eyes?"

"Bring young Skywalker to me you must. Search him myself for the answer I will."

"He refuses to come here. Can't you try anyway? Let's try to reach Anakin through the force."

Anakin heard Padme coming and quickly turned off his game and stuffed it under the pillow he was leaning on. She strolled inside in a long burgundy velvet dress, her hair down in long tendrils. She was so beautiful, it was hard for him not to focus his eyes on her. She looked at him with such sadness on her face, then put on a brave smile, for herself more than him since she thought he couldn't see, and walked over to sit beside him. "There's my good husband." She said with a passionate kiss. Having her face so close to his, he was hard pressed not to look at her. He realized he was taking a great deal of enjoyment out of his own life by doing this, but the die had been cast. "How are the babies?" She asked.

"Fine. I fed them twice. Obiwan was here, he helped me."

"Ah, Obiwan. Did he have any answers as to how you can be helped?"

"I told you Padme, I can't be helped. Don't talk about it anymore. Let's just enjoy our lives any way we can under the circumstances."

"Anakin, if your eyes seem fully functional, there has to be another reason you aren't seeing."

"Right, it's because that horrible hospital ruined me."

She bit her lip and touched his cheek in sympathy. "That was tragic. I didn't know if you wanted to talk about this, but you should know. That's where I was today. I had them investigated, and the results are in. You know that rehabilitation center they wanted to send you to? I found out it was crooked, the droids at the hospital were sending people there when they could have been cured! They were programmed to to do to make more money for the center!"

Anakin sat up straight and looked shocked. "Are you serious, it wasn't just me?"

"Oh, no, Anakin. You had better be glad you didn't let them 'cap' your eyes with those patches like they wanted to. People who have had that done had their eyes destroyed, they had to have them removed and replaced with prosthetics."

"Can these replacement eyes see?"

"No, they don't work! They remove the person's eyes, then replace them with false ones, and all the while the hospital and rehab center gain credits. They keep then in the rehab for long periods of time, collecting from their insurance. Then once they remain blind for life, they offer more expensive services and devices. They're actually blinding beings for their own profit! I heard many people and Gungans were needlessly blinded, or not cured when their eyes could have been cured."

When Anakin heard this, he was leveled emotionally. He was even more thankful his eyes had been able to be healed. How could he keep playing blind now? He owed his own sight to the good fortune of Padme not allowing him to be sent to the rehab center though he had wanted to go, then her insisting he go to the one on Coruscant. He shuddered to think of all those beings being blinded for life out of the greed of a few. "Have they been stopped?"

"Yes, they are being shut down, those responsible are being arrested. There will be lawsuits as well"

"And the patients? Will they ever see again?"

Padme spoke sadly. "No."

"Oh, no." Anakin pitied them so much. "Can't they be brought here, and retreated, as I was?"

"Some will be, but it's too late, the damage is done."

"It wasn't too late for me, my eyes had healed scarred, but they were still able to clear it up."

"You were very lucky your eyes are no longer scarred, Anakin, but you still can't see." He put his head down, feeling guilty over not telling her he could.

"At least my eyes are healed. Is there a chance for any of them?"

"Some have already had their eyes removed. It chills me to think that could have been you."

"Me too." He said with a cold chill running down his spine.

"We are bringing about a dozen here for the treatment you got, the rest, such a shame."

"Oh Padme, thank you for saving me from that center." He squeezed her tight. He was aghast to imagine anyone doing such a thing. Having known how terrible it was to be blind, he felt so much for those who had suffered that final fate, and rejoiced again inside that he was able to escape it and be completely cured. And here he was, lying about.it, this was now one more thing to feel guilty about. He'd have to find a way to get out of it, but now was not the time.

Over at the Jedi temple, Obiwan and Yoda faced each other and closed their eyes, drifting into deep meditation, seeking to search Anakin's mind and feelings through his powerful life force.

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 9

Anakin sat cuddling on the sofa with Padme and the babies. "Ahh!" He said aloud, closing his eyes and putting his real hand to his head.

"What is it, darling?"

"My head, I can feel, I can sense, someone is trying to probe my mind using the force."

"But who?" She asked.

"Who do you think? It's Obiwan! I sense he's getting Yoda to help him, that's why I'm getting this so strong. Did they really think I wouldn't be able to tell?" He almost smiled.

"But, Anakin, WHY would they do that to you?"

"Oh, they must want to know what's going on with me, why I won't go back into the temple.Obiwan is covinced I have some kind of mental block keeping me from seeing."

"Well, Anakin, he could be right. There doesn't seem to be a medical reason for your continued blindness." Anakin didn't answer, but in his mind, tried his best to shut out the prying force users.

"Anakin, I want you to go back to the med center. The doctors can use your eyes as an example of how to heal the others. Then they can examine you further.." He was indignant and almost angry.

"No! I told you, no more doctors, no more prodding droids. What my eyes did, they did. It means nothing about what others will do."

"I guess you're right, I'm sorry." She took his hand in hers, and lay her head so close to his heart she could feel it beating.

Over at the temple, the two Jedi came out of their meditation together. "Shut us out, young Skywalker did. Puzzles me, this does." Yoda commented. "If strong enough is his mind he can control our probing, how is it that able he is not to stop what is blocking his vision?"

Obiwan answered "because he doesn't want us in there, he wants that, at least his subconcious does. Could you get anything from his mind, Master Yoda?"

"Darkness I sensed, not in his eyes, but in his inner self."

"The dark side?"

"No, dark feelings. Gone to dark places, young Skywalker has been. Done dark deeds. Troubles him much, this does. Lift this shroud of darkness he must, and see again he will."

"How can we help him if he shuts us out?"

"Try, you must. "

"Yoda, I sensed fear in Anakin, did you as well?"

"Much fear young Skywalker still has. Lead him to the dark side, it will not, but it keeps him from the light. Rid himself of it he must."

"And he will see again?"

"His eyes I fear not for, but his mind and his soul."

"What can I do?"

"Nothing you can do if for himself he will not do.."

"That's the problem. He won't let me."

"Be there for him you must. When right is the time, help him you will."

"That's all I have been doing, Yoda."

"Give up on him, do not."

"I won't."

Another week passed, and Anakin continued along his chosen path. Padme spent much time at the Senate. She was sorry to be away from Anakin and the babies, and more than surprised Anakin never once asked about the workings of the government. He hated politics, but he loved power. But he had changed.. Now all he did was sit around the apartment, and fear everything. He played his little game a lot, watched a bit on the vidscreen, but had gotten tired of being in the apartment. He was beginning to feel trapped, in a cell he had created himself. He didn't know what to do. He couldn't let Padme know he was faking. He lived in dread fear of ever going back to the temple because the deeds he had committed there traumatized him so much was almost paralyzed by the fear it brought. The memories of his near death at Mustafar only compounded this and left him a mental basket case, a mere shadow of what he had been. He was surprised that after his shattered body had healed so well, he was still feeling so crippled. Even at home, he would not be free. He had become a prisoner of his own device.

Obiwan went to the senate building, but not on business. He visited Padme, and asked her to speak with him. "Padme, I haven't seen Anakin in days. He's shutting me out, in person, and even when I try to reach him through the force. What can I do to help him? Why doesn't he want me to try?"

"Obiwan, he is doing this to himself. He has become a recluse and a coward. I want Anakin back, the way he used to be."

"So do I, Padme. Tell me, how is he doing at home, what about his eyes?"

"The poor thing, it breaks my heart to see him struggling around the way he does. He gets up early every morning and takes care of the babies for me so I can sleep later. You should have seen him, it was so cute! I got up and peeked quietly around the doorway this morning, and I saw him there on the sofa, a baby on each arm, he looked like he was looking right at them. I hope maybe they can help break the block in his mind so he can see."

Obiwan rubbed his beard as he considered this. "Did he know you were watching?"

"No, how could he, he can't see, and he didn't hear me. I kept watching him, and I saw him use the force to bring the bottles to him."

Obiwan's eyes and mouth went a bit wide at hearing this. "He did? Padme, are you sure? You actually saw him calling the bottles to him, through the air, with the force?"

"Yes, it is nice he can still rely on the force so he didn't have to get up and walk."

"Padme, I don't know how to tell you this."

"Tell me, what?"

"Padme, a person has to be able to see to call things to them. You must see it, direct it with your hand and eyes, then reach into the air and take it."

Padme's eyebrows knitted in a frown. "Anakin is strong in the force. I see no reason he shouldn't find a way to do that blind."

"Padme, trust me, I'm a Jedi, I know these things. Anakin had to be able to see those bottles to move them to him."

"Obiwan what are you saying, do you mean he gets spurts of vision, why didn't he tell me?"

Obiwan was impressed by her love and faith in her husband, so much she was blinded to what he was doing to her. "Padme, I'm sorry, but I think Anakin may be fooling us. That's why he's trying so hard to keep me away and shut me out! Don't you think if he were really blind, he'd be doing anything he could to meditate on finding a cure with me? Why do you think he no longer seems upset about losing his sight, he has it!"

"I don't believe you, that's a terrible thing to say, Anakin was really blind..."

"Yes, I believe he was but he isn't anymore. At some point he got his sight back and didn't tell us."

"Why would he do that to us, why would he feel he couldn't share such a wonderful thing with the two people closest to him?"

"It's the fear, Padme. Yoda and I can sense his fear. His fear of returning to the temple and facing what he did, his fear of losing you, and your love. His fear of ever having to deal with anything difficult again. His body is healed but he's an emotional cripple, he still needs help." Padme was crying now. Obiwan felt so bad for telling her, but felt it was important.

"I'm so sorry, Padme."

"I don't believe you."

"You just watch him, and let me know what you find out."

"You want me to spy on my own husband?"

"If you catch him, you must let me know."

"If I catch him, I will confront him myself. I can assure you of that." With a sad but determined expression, she headed straight home.

In her apartment, Anakin sat fiddling with his video game. The babies were safe and sound and he had shut Threepio down because of his annoying whining and lectures about fooling Mistress Padme. Padme got a friend to drop her off at her building, but didn't enter through the veranda as she usually did, but came up through the internal elevator to the front door, as Obiwan had been doing lately. Not hearing her arrival, and not sensing her due to his intense concentration on his game, Anakin was still sitting there playing the game when she walked in the door and saw him! He didn't look up at her, continued to keep his eyes down, but stopped playing the game. He froze with fear, knowing she was there, but not knowing what to say.

"Well, Anakin, how much fun can it be to play a video game blind?" She asked him in a cold voice.

"I- I can use the force to direct my moves in this game."

"That's incredible!" She said, and for a moment he felt he had successfully fooled her. Then she walked over to him and took the game from his hands, examining it. "Hmm, impressive, mighty high score you got there for someone who can't even see the screen."

"I am very strong with the force, you know."

Padme glared at him and handed his game back to him. He dared not look up, or reach for the game. She rolled her eyes and huffed in frustration as she placed the game back into his hands. She then walked behind the sofa and covered his eyes with her hands. "Now." she grinned, "let's see how well you play that game using only 'the force'! Come, on, show me, I'm waiting."

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 10

Anakin was boxed in now, caught in the act. The video game was in his hands, and her hands were cupped over his eyes. Adrenaline pulsed through his body and he wasn't sure what to do. He made an attempt to play the game without seeing, but even with the force, there was no way to direct digital images on a screen he couldn't even see. Nothing worked, he was shooting and jumping at the wrong times and losing badly. "That's what I thought." Padme took her hands from his eyes and grabbed the game from him, walking around to face him. "Anakin, look at me!" She demanded, staring him down. Still his eyes would not meet hers, both in a last attempt to play blind, and out of shame. He didn't speak.She did.

"Anakin, can you see?"

These words hurt his head. He had dreaded them. He had never lied to her, he had lied to Obiwan, but he felt he had technically never lied to her in so many words, and had promised himself if she asked him outright, he wouldn't lie. He took a moment to regain a small ounce of his courage. "Yes." He said, his beautiful blue eyes darting directly to meet hers in a focused stare. She was stunned, hurt, angry, yet happy at the same time. She was so relieved he wasn't blind because she loved him so much. But she couldn't ignore his deception.

"How long have you been able to see, and don't lie to me! Have you been pretending all along?"

"No, no, really, my eyes were terribly burned, you know that. I was blind for a long time."

"How long have you been able to see?" She folded her arms and stared at him."And don't pretend it just happened today. I want the truth!"

"Just since the last time I went to the med center with Obiwan, after the babies were born. I was stone blind up until then, I swear. The Coruscant formula was what finally worked. I could see perfectly from the time they removed the bandages that day. But from Mustafar until then, I was truly blind." Padme was full of mixed emotions. She wanted to slap him, to hate him, yet she was so glad to know he was cured, so comforted by seeing his eyes looking into hers again, it balanced out and she held her temper while still expressing her displeasure.

"So, that treatment was miraculous."

"Yes, it was, it might help some of those others you were telling me about, is there any progress in that case?"

"Don't try to change the subject. Tell me straight up, why didn't you want to tell me you could see? Why did you lie to me, and to Obiwan? How could you do that to me?"

"To you? You weren't the one who was blind.There was nothing wrong with your eyes, or Obiwan's. What does it matter to either of you if I can see or not?"

"Anakin, in case you haven't noticed, I love you, I care about you. It broke my heart to think of you sitting there in the dark. I felts so..." she stopped, looked at him, looked around the room as thoughts filled her mind, then continued. "That's it, isn't it? You were getting so much love and pity, so much attention, getting off the hook for everything you did as "Darth Vader" you didn't want to give that up, did you?" Her words were true, they were all too true. They cut him as deeply as any burn scar. She wasn't finished. "What did you expect to do, sit here all your life, living off of me, being coddled like one of the babies, is that what you wanted? Did you want me to never say how much I hated you for choking me, for killing all those Jedi, for cutting down those innocent younglings..." He couldn't believe she said that. He was trying so hard to deal with the guilt and pain of what his body had done under the possession of Palpatine and the dark side. How could she be so cruel? Like a punished child, he began to cry. He didn't try to, didn't want to, but he did.

"So, that's what you really think of me, and you only put up with me and felt sorry for me because I was blind?"

"I didn't say that."

"Yes you did. Padme, I've been through so much, you have no idea what it's like for me." His distraught voice came in heaves of breath. "Please, Padme, hold me." He reached out both arms and gave her a sad face, eyes and all. He was totally serious, and in need of affection. She turned her back on him.

"I've had it with your whining, Anakin." He turned away. He really wasn't pretending to be devastated, he was about to have a nervous breakdown.

Just then the babies started to cry. Padme ran to the bedroom and Anakin followed her. Without speaking, she ran to them. Anakin followed, and seeing her having a hard time with them both, reached to take Luke. She only glared at him. They paced the floor, but neither baby would calm down. "They are upset, Padme." He told her. "They are tense, they sense our hositilities and emotion. I can sense it, and not only in the force. Please let go of your anger so they can feel your love."

"You're using me again, and now you're using the babies too!"

"No, really, that is..."

"I don't want to hear any more, I don't trust you anymore.You're just using the babies to change my mood, it's not going to work!" He had to go to the bathroom to dry his eyes and nose, carrying Luke with him. When he returned, he lay Luke down, and tried to take Leia from Padme. "Just go away, Anakin." She snapped.

"Let me, I can help." She finally allowed him to take Leia. He put her down beside Luke, and waved his hand over them both as Obiwan had done, using the force to calm them.Once the noise and bad energy of the argument had cleared the air, they lay quiet and again. Anakin looked at Padme, but didn't speak. He went about the room gathering what few things he could call his own, tied them up in his Jedi cloak slung over his shoulder and headed for the door.

"Where are you going, Anakin?" She said as she followed him.

"I don't know. I'm not going back to the temple but I'm not going to stay here and live 'off you' anymore."

"Oh, Anakin, I didn't mean that"

"Yes you did. I could feel it."

"It was my anger, my dark side." She tried to plead. Anakin kept his back turned to her.

"I'm leaving now, Padme. Goodbye." For a minute she wanted to run up and hug him and beg him to stay, to take everything back. But because of his charade, she thought he was only playing her again, and it made her stubborn.

"Good." She said in a cold voice. "Since you can see so well, you will have no trouble taking care of yourself."

He turned and stared at her with those eyes. "You're right, I won't." He opened the door and started out. "Don't go telling Obiwan, I don't want him getting on my case too."

"I should, but I won't. Not because you deserve to be covered for, but because you should be the one to face him yourself and own up to it."

"What is between Obiwan and I will be our business. You stay out of it. I will be back once in awhile to see my children. If you don't want to see me, we can arrange to have you gone. You had better call Dorme and arrange to get her back right away. You won't have anyone here to take care of your babies while you go running off trying to solve everyone's problems but your own." He took one more look at her, and the apartment, before closing the door.

Anakin Skywalker set out on foot into the crowded city, as lost and lonely and needy as a little boy. With his head hung low and tears in his eyes, he walked alone, close to his breaking point.

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 11

Padme tuned in her holocam to speak with her mother. She knew her family had been asking about when they could visit with the twins again, so she didn't feel as if she was imposing by asking them to take the babies for a week until she could get some things settled. "What's wrong, love?" Her mother asked. "Is Anakin all right?"

"Anakin is just fine, mother."

"What about his eyes?"

"Anakin's eyesight has completely returned to normal."

"I'm glad to hear that. Is there some other problem?"

"I'll tell you all about it later. I can't thank you both enough for being so kind."

"It's more than our pleasure, dear, we're looking forward to it. See you sometime tommorrow. Love you."

"Love you too." The hologram blinked out.

Padme went to gather all the things the twins would need and start packing them up. Looking down at her japor snippet necklace Anakin had given her, she took it off and started to cry. She really didn't know what she should do.

*****

Out in the city, Anakin wandered lonely, having no idea what to do, either. He really had nowhere to go, no family or friends besides Padme and the babies and Obiwan, no currency, no transportation. He realized he had been wrong, but couldn't believe Padme's cruel reaction to him. He knew it was wrong, was it that one wrong that had brought out all the others to her? Was she really thinking them all the time? If she was, that was a deeper hurt than the one he already had. He had told her and Obiwan over and over how sick and upset he was at everything that had happened. While he was a pitiful injured blind boy they were kind and understanding, but now that he was physically whole again, how could their forgiveness make a difference? If he had not been hurt, but had repented and turned back the same as he did, what would they have done? He also realized he was wrong to put on the charade, but his fear had gotten the best of him. It always did. It was fear that led him to Palpatine's trap in the first place. That was what led to Mustafar, and his injuries. The injuries had led to his new fear of everything, and that had led him here. And he was still afraid.

*******

Inside the temple, Yoda felt Anakin's pain through the force. Obiwan had returned, and he went to speak with Yoda. "Confused, young Skywalker is. In pain, he is. Know you where is he?"

"No, Master Yoda. What is it you sense?"

"Sadness and pain, I see."

"What kind of pain, is he hurt?"

"Know I do not. But two kinds of pain there are, Obiwan. Remember this most people do not. Crippling is fear and inner distress. Clouded and burdened by this young Skywalker is.Bring him to me you must."

"He will not go back here, he has made that very clear."

"Then make him you must."

"I will have to fight him first, I don't want to have to fight him if he's blind. Yoda, is he blind? Padme and I have suspected he may be healed and continuing to feign blindness to his own advantage."

"Darkness I do not sense in his physcial being, only his inner being shrouded in darkness remains."

"Then Anakin can see?"

"See the light he must, not only with his eyes. Go to him you must. Very important it is. Remember, two kinds of darkness, two kinds of pain there are." Obiwan felt this was very profound. He nodded in respect and awe of Yoda, and left the temple to find Anakin. His brother needed help, and he was coming.

****

Obiwan tried to reach Padme, but couldn't. He took a borrowed speeder by the apartment but no one answered the door. This was strange, he thought, Anakin was always there, he wouldn't leave the place. He didn't pry around but flew on, headed back to the temple. On his way, in midair, a drunken creature ina speeder came too close to Obiwan's vehicle and hit it hard! Obiwan withstood the crash well, but the speeder was so badly crunched it could no longer stay in the air. It started to spin downward, from the heights of the tallest buildings.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." He said to himself as he held tight, having only seconds to consider his next move. The drunk had already spun away and crashed into the side of a building. Obiwan could control his speeder, but not keep it up. He tried to use the force to levitate it, but the downward speed was too strong. Desperate, he scanned the area below for something he might be able to grab onto before he hit the ground.

From where Anakin sat in his misery, leaning against a wall, he noticed the commotion of beings gathering to stare and point at the crash and fall. His curiosity was raised, and he stood up and ran to look for himself. When he saw the man falling out of the speeder, desperately hanging on by one arm as it tilted and went down, he both saw and sensed it was Obiwan, and nothing else was on his mind but saving him. He tossed aside hs bundle of goods and ran through the crowd, pushing others out of the way, to position himself in the best spot to help. Obiwan lost his grip on the speeder and it spun into a pole and burst into flames. Obiwan was so hyperventilated during his life and death struggle he became faint as he was falling, costing him the ability to even attempt to control his landing with Jedi moves. He dropped out of the sky, backside down.

Anakin ran beneath him. Because of the wind speed shifting his position, Anakin had to move a few times to stay under him. He realized if Obiwan wasn't able to right himself before he hit the ground, he was going to hit head first, and die. He also knew that if Obiwan landed on top of him, the momentum of the speed of his fall would drive them both to the ground and hurt them badly. He had to do something to partially break the fall. With split second timing, and incredible accuracy, Anakin leapt into the air at least 5 feet, wrapping his arms around Obiwan's torso. He tried to get his legs under him, but they came down too fast and hard. His right leg buckled under him, and he heard something snap. He was in horrific pain, lying on his back, groaning over his leg. But his immediate concern was that he was alive, and he checked to make sure Obiwan was, too.

During the emergency, Anakin had almost forgotten he had not wanted to see Obiwan and face him about his deception. If he could have walked away, he would have just left rathr than explain. But his injured leg left him unable, so he sat there, biting hard on his own metal hand to bear the pain. He couldn't run or hide. Obiwan was most shocked to see Anakin's face above him, and for a moment wondered if he were dreaming. Once his mind completely cleared, he realized it was Anakin, and spoke to him.

"Nice catch, Anakin." He said in a tone of voice that let Anakin know his secret was out.

"Are you all right, Master?" Anakin asked.

"Yes, thanks for saving my life, again." He said. Anakin smiled. Perhaps he wouldn't be so angry with him. "Did this cure your psychological blindness?"

Anakin turned away from Obiwan's gaze. "Yes, master.." Anakin began, thinking this was a good situation to use to get out of it. He didn't want Obiwan to hate him the way Padme seemed to.

Obiwan sensed this and gave him a glaring look. "Anakin? Be honest with me" He demanded in a scolding voice.

"No, master, it didn't, because I never had any psychological blindness."

"Well, considering how you saved me, I must presume you are obviously not blind anymore."

"No, master." He glanced over at Obiwan as he confessed in a low, shy voice, blinking his eyes. He had a hard time meeting Obiwan's directly.. " I haven't been blind since the day you took me to the med center a few days after the twins came. I have been pretending, out of fear of what might be thought of me or expected of me."

Obiwan closed his eyes. Now Yoda's visions were making sense. Though Anakin could see with his eyes, the darkness and fear were blinding and crippling his mind and inner soul. This is what he needed to help him with. He opened his eyes and gave Anakin a penetrating look of disapproval. "Anakin, how could you lie to Padme?"

This time, Anakin did look him straight in the eye. "I never lied to her in so many words. When she finally confronted me, I admitted it."

"But you lied to her by putting on the act, by letting her think you were still blind. You hurt her, Anakin."

"Well, she certainly got her revenge. She as much as threw me out, Obiwan. She said terrible things to me."

"She did? Like what?"

Anakin hung his head. "Nothing that wasn't true. Though everything I already knew and suffer for all the time, everything that tortures me and drives me insane, it hurts so deeply, and no one cares! They only want to condemn me. I know I was wrong, but I am sorry." Anakin started to sob, more from this pain than the pain in his leg.

Obiwan turned to him seriously. "Anakin, you have to let me help you."

Anakin tried to get up, but fell flat on his back, grasping his leg in agony. "Help me? I know what you mean by that, but I'm not going back to that temple! You can help by getting me to the med center. I think my leg is about to come off."

"Come on, Anakin, stop exaggerating to get yourself out of trouble!"

"I knew you were going to think that. If you don't believe me, look for yourself." He showed Obiwan how the lower leg hung loose at the knee, seeming only to be still connected by skin and clothing. Obiwan winced just to look at it. Anakin was overcome with pain. Someone in the crowd had called for an ambulance speeder, and both Obiwan and Anakin were rushed to the same med center where Anakin's eyes had been healed and the babies had been born.

Obiwan was treated for minor injuries, but was not admitted. Another close call, more good luck. Anakin was not so fortunate. He required immediate surgery to repair his damaged leg, and Obiwan came to him just before he was to be wheeled down to the operating room. Anakin looked up at him with an obviously faked smile. "Crippled again, how about that?"

"Where is Padme? Have you contacted her yet?"

Anakin's face bent with negative emotions. "No, Obiwan, don't tell her. She'll just think I did this on purpose to get sympathy."

"No she won't"

"You did. For a minute, you know you did. Don't tell her. I don't want her to know.." Anakin's voice trailed off as he turned his face to the wall.

"She loves you, she.."

Anakin turned back around and stared at Obiwan. "She doesn't love me, she threw me out!"

"Padme? Did she tell you to leave?"

"She didn't actually order me out into the streets, I did leave on my own, but it was because of all the things she said. She didn't want me around anymore. She brought up all my mistakes and threw them in my face. She told me I wanted to live off her and be treated like a baby."

"Padme said that?"

"Yes, she did."

"Was this after she found out.." Obiwan remembered how upset she was when he had told her of his suspicions that he was faking and how she had left work early to go confront Anakin. He didn't know it would lead to such a painful exchange of words. Anakin told him the entire story and once again reduced himself to tears.

"It's my business, Obiwan. She's my wife. Don't tell her."

"Anakin, I don't like being in the middle of this. I will not tell her unless she specifically asks me where you are."

"I understand if she did you would be bound by your Jedi honor to tell her, but please do not tell her now, I can't deal with it right now. Let me at least have this operation first."

Obiwan agreed as not to upset Anakin as he was about to be put under for his surgery. He also didn't want to raise Anakin's blood pressure by telling him he had been by the apartment and it appeared no one was there. Obiwan didn't even know where Padme was, so he wasn't going to contact her. Obiwan stared deeply into Anakin's eyes, noticing how much they were exactly the same as before they had ever been damaged. "I'm glad you're not blind anymore, Anakin. Let me congratulate you late on your recovery. I wish we could have shared the good news when you first found out."

"It's my own fault. Had I been honest, we could have gone out to celebrate. I'm sorry for all I've done, Obiwan. I promise to do all I can to make it up to you and Padme. I know it's of little use now, but tell Yoda I'm sorry too." His eyes were very sincere. Obiwan put his hand on his brother's forehead and they exchanged a look of honesty and concern. The droids entered the room and moved Anakin to a gurney for transportation to the operating room.

"May the force be with you, Anakin." Obiwan waved as Anakin disappeared down the hall.

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 12

Obiwan would not leave the hospital until Anakin's surgery was complete and the droids had told him he had come through it all right. He felt better knowing this medical center was not like that scandelous one on Naboo, this was the best one in Coruscant. It had saved Anakin's eyes when the other one had ruined their healing process. It had delivered Padme's babies and everyone made it through. Anakin should be all right, but Obiwan still worried. He snoozed in a chair beside the hospital bed all night, wanting to be there for Anakin when he came to.

It was the next morning before Anakin started to stir. He moaned and turned his head, then let his woozy mind clear as he focused his eyes. The first thing he saw was Obiwan in the chair, and he was touched. "Obiwan, how long have you been there?"

Obiwan woke up, too, and was glad to see Anakin awake and coherent. "I never left you, my friend."

"You are a good and honorable man, Obiwan Kenobi. I am not worthy of you, but I will try to be."

"Anakin, whatever is bothering you can wait until you are better."

"I'm getting tired of having things wrong with me, Obiwan. Will I ever be a okay?"

"We're going to make sure of it, my brother."

The droids explained that Anakin's knee ligaments had been torn, and the ones that could not be repaired were replaced with synthetic duplicates. His knee was totally repaired and would function normally, but it had to heal from surgery internally as well as externally. Then he'd have weeks of therapy to endure.

"I have fake parts inside my leg?" Anakin said with a strange look on his face. "That's weird to think about. How long before I can walk on it?"

The droid told him he would be gotten out of bed and made to walk on crutches in a couple days, but it would be at least a week more before he could even try to step down on it. Then it should be healed enough to begin therapy. He should be walking carefully within a month, but it would take a little longer for it to be strong enough for normal use. For a Jedi, it would have to be even stronger, since he made many moves and jumps with his legs. The droids explained that many famous athletes throughout the galaxy had this same surgery, and they had returned to their games as good as new. This encouraged Anakin greatly, but he was still depressed for now, though he was dealing with it a lot better than he had the blindness. He knew he was lying there helpless again, with nowhere to go when the time game to go 'home.'

Obiwan went back to report to Yoda all that had happened. Yoda was sure there had to be a cosmic reason for what had occured, and he would meditate on it. He ordered Obiwan to bring Anakin back to the temple for his convalescense, though he sensed this would bring strong opposition. Obiwan's new padawan would have to wait awhile for his training. Obiwan went past the apartment and saw Padme standing on the balcony as her parents departed with both babies. He watched as they flew away with them but not Padme. What did it mean? He didn't interfere, but stored this imformation away in his memory for future reference. He then returned to the med center to visit Anakin.

Obiwan entered Anakin's room and found him in much better spirits, sitting up, eating heartily. He turned to look at him with a real smile."Hello, master, thank you for coming back"

"Did you really think I wouldn't?"

"I wonder sometimes why you put up with me. Padme doesn't."

Obiwan put his head down, not knowing if he should relay the news to him yet. "How long are you going to be here?"

"I have, let's see, 5 or 6 more days." He counted in his head, looking up at the ceiling.

"Then what?"

"I will be released, but must return for my therapy."

"Anakin, what are you going to do?"

Anakin's expression turned dismal. "I don't know."

"You're not going home?"

"Obiwan, I don't have a home. Padme Amidala's apartment is not my home. I will not let her 'keep' me after what she said. I may have lost almost everything but I do have some pride left."

"Then you will have to come back to the temple."

"No, I told you, I can never go back in there again!"

"Anakin, you can't walk! What are you going to do, you can't live on the streets."

Anakin closed his eyes and grabbed his hair with both hands. "I am such a loser! I have no money, no home, nowhere to go, I don't own anything. I've never been anything but a slave and a Jedi and a 'kept' husband. Maybe I can secure employment as a mechanic of some type and afford a meager dwelling of my own."

"Is that what you really want?"

"No, it isn't, but I don't know what else I can do. I don't want to talk about it right now, please. The time will come when I must deal with the answers but right now I want to relax a bit." He turned away and waved Obiwan off with his hand. Obiwan shook his head.

"I still have your lightsaber, whenever you're ready." Anakin glared at him, but made no comment. He thought he had made it clear, he was not a Jedi anymore. Then suddenly, thinking about little he owned made him remember what else he'd lost.

"Do you know what happened to my other stuff? The few things I took from Padme's were wrapped in my cloak.."

"Oh, I saw one of the paramedics take it into the ambulance. I'm sure the hospital has it around here somewhere." When the next nurse droid entered the room, they inquired, and he brought the bundle from a locker and placed it on the foot of the bed. Anakin's eyes lit up as he found his little video game in it, undamaged. Though it would always hold the unpleasant memory of being caught in his act, he still wanted to play with it.

"At least I will have something to pass my time here in my solitude." He faked a smile. Obiwan moved the personal items off the bed and into a chair. Anakin would need them later. They were all he owned in the universe. How sad that was now that he felt so alone.

"I'm going for now, Anakin. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"How about bringing me something to read. That would be nice. I'm going to be bored out of my mind lying here."

Obiwan smiled at him. "Sure thing, brother. I'll see you tommorrow."

****

When Obiwan returned to the temple, he had an urgent message from Padme, asking her to come meet with her at her apartment, now that the twins were on Naboo with her family. Now that Obiwan was invited into the situation, he was going. He went immediately to her apartment, where she met him with red puffy eyes.

"Obiwan, have you heard anything from Anakin? He left here, and I don't think he'd go back to the temple."

"He didn't." She told exactly the same story Anakin did, so Obiwan knew neither of them were lying about the situation. He closed his eyes and shook his head in dismay. She said she had to talk to him, they had two children to worry about and had to find a way to work things out.

"Obiwan, you have to help me find him. I know you can sense him through the force."

"That won't be necessary, Padme. I know where he is."

Her face looked shocked but interested."Where is he?"

"He's in the med center again. He has had surgery."

"What happened?"

"You didn't see the incident on the news? I was hit by a drunken speeder driver and was falling to my potential doom when Anakin appeared out of nowhere to jump up and save me."

"He did?"

"Yes, it was an amazing rescue, true to form."

She almost laughed. "He certainly found a unique way of letting you know he could see."

Obiwan almost laughed too. "Yes, it did work out that way. No confession could have been any better." His tone turned more serious. "Padme, his leg was badly injured."

"Oh, no, is he going to be all right?"

"Yes, his surgery was a success and he will make a full recovery. But for now, he can't walk."

"What's he going to do?"

"He has expressed that he will not return here to have you take care of him."

"It was because of all the things that were said.." She bit her finger and looked regretful.

"Regardless of why, arrangements must be made for him. He can't go out into the streets on crutches with nowhere to go."

Padme's eyes began to fill with tears. "Can I go to him?"

"I don't think it's the best thing, Padme. He doesn't want you to come only out of sympathy." She searched her own feelings for a moment. Was it? Or did she still really care? She thought a minute. At least she knew where he was. She wasn't going to go running to him and forgive him just because he was hurt. His injury had been all too convenient.

"Obiwan, are you sure he didn't hurt himself on purpose?"

"Padme, no. I can understand your suspicion, I even accused him of exaggerating myself, but I saw his leg, all of his ligaments were torn and it was hanging loose like it was coming off. It happened because he tried to land a jump with the weight of me and the rate of my fall increasing the velocity. He risked himself to save me. I was very fortunate he was at the right place at the right time. It must have been the force."

Padme put her fingers to her quivering lips. "He must be in such pain."

"He was, but he's doing better now. If you don't want to run to him, leave him alone. Padme, if you were to go to him now, I don't even think he'd see you."

She walked away and gazed out the window. "Then perhaps it is best to wait."

"And let him suffer awhile, is that it?"

"I didn't mean that. Obiwan, I'm not going to go running to him. Not now."

Obiwan had no comment at all as he turned and left.

****

The next day when Obiwan returned to visit Anakin, he handed him the reading material he had requested. Anakin looked through the magazines. "Ah, Podracing Times, Galaxy Mechanics, Speeder and Pilot, any variety here? I feel I've been stereotyped." He also handed him a tabloid.

"You can let me know if there is any dirt on any of us in there." He snickered. Then he gave him a novel. "This is someone's fantasy of the Clone Wars, I thought it might be funny to read it and see how accurately it matches with what we really did."

"What we really did was too wild for anyone's imagination, Obiwan. Maybe you and I should write our memoirs." He said, looking kindly at his friend. "Thank you, this should keep me from dying of boredom for the rest of my time in here." Obiwan found it curious Anakin didn't even ask about Padme. Then finally, he did, sort of. "Obiwan, are my babies okay? Have you seen them?"

"Padme's parents took them to Naboo for awhile."

"Then I know they'll be in good, safe, loving hands. No need to worry about them, though I do miss them. Does this mean you've see Padme? You didn't tell her about me, did you?"

"I'm sorry, Anakin, but she asked me outright, she seemed very concerned." Anakin's voice became agitated: he held out his hands in midair. "Then why isn't she here?"

"She, felt this wasn't the right time."

"She thinks I'm using this to get back on her good side, to use sympathy to make her forgive me? I won't have it, Obiwan. And I won't have her taking care of me. I don't want to go back over there and play poor crippled husband again. I know how she feels about that."

"She loves you, she wouldn't look at it that way."

Anakin gave him a strange look. "She does not love me anymore, Obiwan. I won't accept her sympathy, even if she decides to give it, which is unlikely. It's all right, I don't need her. I don't need anybody." He looked down at started leafing through one of his magazines.

"Anakin, look at me.."

"You can go now, Obiwan, thank you for the books. Goodbye." Anakin kept his face in the books and only momentarily glanced up to see his reaction. Obiwan was struck by the cold lack of feeling in his eyes. He was now also shutting out all his feelings for Padme, as he had run from the horror of his memories of his dark deeds as Vader, and the experience at Mustafar. Obiwan knew that he had to get him back to the temple to help him, or he would drift further into his emotional wasteland, and it would take him to places he should not go.

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 13

Obiwan went to pay a visit to Padme. She let him in without reservations. "How is Anakin?" Were the first words out of her mouth.

"Why don't you go check on him for yourself?"

She looked down. "I don't think I should."

"Padme, he's hurting, and I don't mean his leg."

"You said yourself he didn't want me to come only out of sympathy. Well, that's all it would be." She turned her back on him.

"You don't mean that."

"Yes I do."

He tried to turn her around by the shoulder, but she refused to face him. "Obiwan, I've been dealing with some dark thoughts myself."

"Tell me about them, Padme, let me help you."

This time she did turn around, and motioned for him to sit on the sofa next to her. "Obwan, I have been thinking things I am ashamed of, but I can't help it. I feel guilty about them."

"How bad could it be?"

"Obiwan, I have thought, I have felt...that Anakin deserved his punishment."

"What? You were glad he was hurt?"

"Not 'glad', but, I did kind of think that he got what he deserved, and after that I was able to feel sorry for him in his suffering because he had paid for his actions with his own flesh. But now.."

"Padme, are you telling me you wanted Anakin to stay blind for the rest of his life?"

"He had all those injuries, burns, his lungs damaged, and his eyes, he said himself he deserved to have to live his life in the dark because of what he did."

"But didn't you tell him that was wrong?"

"I did, but I can't help feeling he was right. Being blind was a big punishment for him, I could somewhat deal with what he had done as long as he was paying for it."

"Padme, I can't believe I'm hearing this."

"I knew I shouldn't have told you."

"No, it's good you did. We must get through all of our emotions to clear everything up. Anakin needs to do the same. So, do you mean to say that once he had his sight back you were angry at him because he was no longer punished for his deeds?"

Her lips were quivering. "Y-yes, in a way. Mostly, it was because I had accepted him back and pitied him because of his injuires and how he was paying for his crimes. To find out that he had gotten better, and didn't tell me, I thought he was using me, like maybe somehow through the force or something he knew how I felt, so he had to keep up his act."

"I do think he didn't tell us because of his fears, but I don't think that is it. Believe me, if it were, he'd have sensed it and told me."

"Obiwan, I said terrible things to him, but I admit I was thinking them. Was I too hard on him?"

"Padme, Anakin is not healed of all his wounds from that night. He is suffering emotionally, he is guilt ridden, he hates himself. Yoda and I know and have told him it was the dark side, it was Palpatine.."

"He did it, he did it himself!"

"That is true, Padme, but he was consumed by the dark side and it made him do things Anakin would never do. Anakin hates himself for what Darth Vader did. That young man lying in the med center is not Darth Vader, he never really was."

"Then how..why.."

"Padme, do you know why Anakin turned to the dark side? I didn't even know it then, but I do now. He did it because of the nightmares of losing you and the babies, he did it for you! I know he was evil, but I had thought he only turned because of the Jedi not appreciating him, and because he wanted more power. Knowing that he did it for love made me see it a different way. It is not excusable by any means, but I know he didn't want it, and now he is tortured by it. He was driven to it out of desperation. Who knows how each of us would deal with the situation he was faced with?"

"I know I'd never cross the line like he did!" She haughtily snapped back.

"Don't be too sure, Padme, you never know what lies in store for us. I am not judging him so easily.."

"You think that is what I am doing?"

"Perhaps because I can sense his feelings, I know how deeply he regrets it, and how much he hurts. If you love him, you must try to do the same"

"Is he really that sorry?" She huffed sarcastically, almost hatefully.

"You have no idea. So much that he's shutting everything out." His voice had become louder with each exchange. She was surprised he was bothering to make excuses for Anakin, and she was suprised at herself that she no longer could. What was right? She looked down at her feet and sadly shook her head.

"I don't know what I feel anymore, Obiwan." Her voice was low, almost emotionless.

"Do you love Anakin?" He asked, and she looked up at him.

"I don't know." She stood motionless and would not look Obiwan in the eye as he left.

When he was gone, she contacted her mother on Naboo and told her she was coming home for a few days, she needed some time to think, and she needed to be near the babies. She had sent the babies to Naboo so she could settle things with Anakin, but as time went by, she found she wasn't ready to reconcile with him and didn't feel like he deserved it.

Obiwan went back to the temple saddened by what he had heard. If even he as a Jedi could understand where Anakin was right now and forgive him, why couldn't she? He wondered if their love was really as deep as it had seemed, or was it only physical attraction and a youthful obsession that was wearing off? It saddened him to think of this, and the innocent babies involved. Speaking with Yoda, he was in agreement with Obiwan, and was most troubled over the situation. He again encouraged Anakin to return to his home at the temple. He was going to need help in more ways than one.

*****************

Anakin had read all his books and was now resorted to letting his own morbid thoughts consume him. He was staring out the window when a therapy droid came in and ordered him to stand up. He was afraid to, but he sat up on he edge of the bed and put his good leg on the ground. He held the bad one out, it was still too stiff at the knee to bend. Taking the crutches, he willed himself to move a short distance. This wasn't so bad, he thought. He wasy tired of laying around anyway. In a day or two, he was working his way down the hallway nicely. He ventured further, and came to the ward of the hospital where the patients from the Naboo hospital that had committed the eye scandal had been brought. He was chilled to his core to look upon them all, their eyes scarred or even missing, fumbling their ways about in the dark or lying in misery and self pity on their beds. The droid who had treated his eyes noticed him and went to him.

"Master Skywalker, I see you are back, how are your eyes?"

"They are all right now, thank you. Your treatment worked well. I can see as clearly now as I could before I was injured."

"That is good."

"Have any of these other being been helped by your formula?"

"It was too late, I am sorry to say. The other hospital treated them wrong, and the time had passed in which their sight could be saved."

"You said the same thing of me, yet my eyes healed."

"You are the only one, Master Skywalker. We have had a 1 success rate re-treating eyes after the botched treatments on Naboo. You are the '1'. You must be a very special one."

Anakin's spine shivered. A special one...The Chosen One.. perhaps there was something more profound involved here. He was overcome by the feeling, yet looking around the room he felt intense pain for all of those who had needlessly lost their eyes and could not be healed. He noticed one little boy, crying as he was having trouble reaching things the droid was trying to teach him about. How could anyone do something so bad to a child? his mind thought, followed by another cold chill as he remembered what he had done to children, the younglings at the temple. He closed his eyes and wanted to sccream. He couldn't get the pictures out of his head or the feeling out of his heart; he hated that torturous feeling, and he hated himself. There would neve be anything good enough to purge his regrets. He wanted to fall to the ground and cry.

Anakin heard a familiar Gungan voice mumblng, and opened his eyes instinctively to see where it was coming from. Across the room he thought he saw, could it be, Jar Jar Binks? He moved slowly and carefully on his crutches until he ws close enough to the bed to read the chart. Sure enough, it said Jar Jar Binks. Anakin looked closely at his uncovered eyes. They were cloudy and scarred, as his had been, though he had not been able to see them at the time. Anakin cringed and closed his eyes at the sight. He moved to the side of the bed and sat down in a chair, leaning his crutches against a nearby table. "Jar Jar, is that you?" He asked softly.

Binks tried to turn his head toward the sound, but it floated around in the dark he was enveloped in. "Ani? Ani?" He asked in a hopeful voice, his gangly Gungan arms grabbing out into the air. Anakin watched his helpless movements with much empathy. He reached over and took Jar Jar's hands in his hands and pulled them calmy to rest on Jar Jar's stomach.

"Yes, Jar Jar, it's me, I'm here."

"Oh Ani, meesa can't see you, meesa blind!"

"I'm sorry, Jar Jar, what happened to you?"

"Onesa my constituents who blameda me for de war, he throwsa acid in meesa face!"

Anakin closed his own eyes and grimaced at the thought. "You are in the best place now, that other place on Naboo, it was crooked, Padme has taken care of that."

"Meesa know. Theysa send meesa here."

"They helped me, I hope they can help you too."

"Yousa blind too?"

"I was."

"Yousa can see now?"

"Yes, I can. But I was blind and this place healed my eyes, so don't give up."

"Meesa won't."

Anakin smiled and le go of his hand with a final squeeze of friendship. "I have to get back to my bed, I'm a patient too, you know. I had an accident and my leg needed an operation."

"Oh, no, meesa sorry Ani, yousa take care."

"You do the same Jar Jar. I will be back to visit you soon."

Quietly, Anakin scanned the entire room of blind beings, feeling their pain, hoping tor their recovery, and again thankful he was not among them anymore. He picked up his crutches and made his way back to his own room at the med center.

The next days passed with Anakin mostly alone, with brief visits from Obiwan. Anakin avoided discussing Padme or he Jedi temple. At one point, he told Obiwan he was staying at the hospital to work as a therapist.

"A therapist, is it? What training and qualification do you have to make them hire you?"

"I was blind for two months. I learned a different way of seeing thngs.I became quite good at compensating in many ways. While I am relieved I didn't have to do it for the rest of my life, I feel I can be of assistence to those who do. I want to stay and help these poor blind beings cope with their darkness."

Obiwan tried hard to hold back a chuckle. Anakin gave him a dirty look. "You don't think I'm serious, do you? I can do it." By now, Obiwan was full out laughing.

"Anakin, you should have seen yourself stumbling over things, knocking things over, you made a terrible blind man."

Anakin didn't want to laugh, but couldn't help but snicker himself. "You're right, I was awful at being blind."

"I want you to know I didn't laugh then, and I wouldn't laugh now but that I know you are cured. I really don't think therapy is the right career path for you."

Anakin stopped laughing and looked down. "I guess you're right. I was good at feeling things with my hands, but not getting around. I would like to be able to help those beings from Naboo, I feel so bad for them. I feel so guilty their eyes didn't heal and mine did."

"Anakin, you are consumed by guilt, for many things. You need to work this out or you will lose your mind. When you are released, I want you to come back to..."

Anakin sensed what was coming. "Obiwan, we've been through this a lot. I am not going back to the temple." Obiwan sighed and gave up, for the moment. "Obiwan, did you know our old friend Jar Jar Binks is among those unfortunate blinded beings from Naboo?"

Obiwan's face saddened. "Oh, no, Anakin, poor Jar Jar." Obiwan helped Anakin with his crutches as they both went to visit their old friend. Nothing had changed, or seemed likely to, and they were both sad to see him in such a condition. Shaking their heads in sadness, they finally left him.

The next day, Anakin was to be released. The droids told him to dress and gather his few belongings, he was going home. Home. He pondered the word. He had never really had a home like most people do. As a child he lived in no more than slave quarters wherever he had to. As a Jedi he lived at the temple. Then he had lived, at least partly, with Padme. Other times, he was here and there across the galaxy. He had no home. No family, no friends, anymore, except for Obiwan. He didn't know what he was going to do.

He had made up his mind boldy that he was going to stumble out of the med center on his crutches and live in the streets, or if there was a shelter for homeless beings he might find a bed. He wasn't going back to Padme or the temple. Obiwan came into Anakin's room as he was done packing, standing up leaning on one crutch. He could put his injured leg down now, but it was very difficult and painful to step on it. He'd need more therapy and time to heal. "Let's go, Anakin. I've come to take you home."

"I have no home, Obiwan."

"You know what I mean." Obiwan stared him in the eyes.

"Obiwan, I am not coming back to the temple."

"Where will you go?"

"That's my problem."

"Anakin, I'm afraid you may not have a choice. I was informed by the droids in charge that it is their policy never to release anyone unless they have somewhere to go. They have had lawsuits from people who left here and ended up on the streets, worse off than before. So you see, you are going to have to have someone claim responsibility for you."

"I will not have that. I am responsible for myself."

"Nevertheless, you must have a place to go. I have nowhere to take you but back to where I live, and you know what that means."

"At least you have offered, unlike my wife. I appreciate your concern. But I cannot come with you. No, Obiwan."

"I hate to say it Anakin but I have the advantage here. You must let me sign you out and take you home." Anakin was silent for a few minutes, looking around the room, thinking.

"If they won't let me stay here, or leave alone, I will go with you if I must. But you will not get me back inside that Jedi temple." The two stared intensely at each other. The droid gave the release, and Obiwan and Anakin left the med center together, headed in the direction of the Jedi temple.

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 14

Anakin rode in silence sitting next to Obiwan. He stared out at the city but tried to avoid looking in the direction of the temple. He knew with his knee surgery he would be unable to escape, and the feelings of dread compounded in his mind until they were overwhelming. He started to shake. "I can't do it, Obiwan. You don't understand, I can't..

"Yoda would say there is no can't."

"Yoda doesn't understand. No one does. This is something inside me, I can't stop it." The vehcile landed, and Obiwan climbed out. He walked over to Anakin's side to help him out, but he was frozen by fear. Touching his arm, Obiwan could feel him trembling As he looked at the temple, Anakin's face distorted and he started to make a strange sound. "Come on, Anakin, the worst part will be the first time. It will get better, I promise."

"No!" Anakin screamed as he slapped Obiwan's hands away, flailing his arms wildly. Terror and panic had taken Anakin over, and he was paralyzed by it, mentally and physically. Obiwan sensed this, and came to realize it was going to be harder than he thought.He was ashamed of himself for thinking it, but he was glad Anakin was unable to run away, because he certainly would have.

"Anakin, if it bothers you so much to enter the temple the way you did that night, I can take you through another entrance. Let me get you into your old quarters and into your bed, can you at least allow me that? You must have place to stay during your convelescence. You can't hide forever." He didn't even know if Anakin heard or comprehended a word he said. Anakin was in some sort of trance like state his own mind had created to avoid the situation. Obiwan let the spell play out, and it led to Anakin fainting over in his seat. Obiwan felt for his pulse and breathing, and finding him alive and stable, picked him up, bent him over his shoulder and carried him into the temple by way of a side entrance, straight to his old quarters and into his old bed. Anakin Skywalker, Chosen One, fulfiller of the ancient prophecy, had finally returned to the Jedi temple, though not exactly of his own free will.

Padme had made her way to Naboo, and was sitting back home in her parents' house. When her mother asked her what was wrong, she broke down and cried, telling her everything. Her sister was there, too, and the three of them had a good cry. To Padme's surprise, they both thought her feelings toward him were a bit unfair, even considering everything, yet they supported her in whatever she would decide to do. Through tear stained eyes, they all looked over at the babies, cooeing softly and kicking, shaking their fists. These were Anakin's babies too, this all involved him. "Padme, darling, you are going to have to go back and face him, tell him everything you feel, talk it out."

"I know, mother, but I don't feel there is anything left to say.Anakin committed terrible crimes. He should actually face charges for them."

"You'd send your own husband to jail?"

"Anyone else should go, why not him? Since it was all a part of the war, it might not be considered murder. Then he and Obiwan killed Palpatine and those two clones..."

Her mother was shocked. "Padme, don't you see they had to? Anakin turned around and did the right thing, he deserves that much consideration."

"Yes, they'd probably just let him off on temporary insanity anyway. He deserves to be punished. As long as he was hurt or at least blind that was punishment enough. Now, I don't think he deserves to go on living a normal life after..."

"I don't think you really mean that. Anakin is such a sweet boy, and he loves you so. Please, give him a chance to tell you how he's feeling. Don't shut him out. Look at those babies, he is their father. It's the right thing to do." Padme looked at the babies, and images of beautiful, loving, happy Anakin came to mind, and all of their lives and love together. She tried not to let her emotions rule her, though in a way that is what she was doing by turning against him. Her mother was right, she needed to work it out.

"I don't feel up to it right now, can I please rest here a day or two first?"

"Aren't you doing the same thing he is doing, hiding, avoiding?"

She knew her mother was right. "I promise I will go back and try to talk to him. I just need time to think."

"Okay, dear." Her mother kissed her forehead. "I understand. I know you will do what is right, you always have."

The holonet news had come on, and there was another big story on the scandal at the hospital. This time it said the owner and mastermind, greedy Naboo businessman Gerapeline had escaped from prison with a few of his cronies, and there was an all points bulletin for them throughout Naboo and neighboring systems! . Padme knew he'd blame her since she was the one who worked against him, so looked at this news with much fear. "Oh, Mother!" She cried. "You don't suppose he'll be out for revenge, do you? Maybe I should get the babies out of here, he might come for me!"

"Now, Padme, don't be so upset yet, I am sure if there is any danger one of your advisors will let you know.We'll ask Capt. Tyhpo"

"You're right. But don't take any chances, keep them away from windows and don't take them shopping with you. Gerapaline is a terrible man, I don't know what he might want to do to me."

"You did the right thing having his hospitals investigated and shut down, they were harming beings wrongly!"

"I know, but people like him, they don't think about that, only what you did to them. Mother, I'm afraid." She put her head on her mother's shoulder and cried like a little girl. She wished she still had her strong, brave, devoted Jedi husband's arms around her. She would feel so much safer if he were there to protect her and the babies.

Anakin awoke in his old Jedi temple quarters room. As soon as his eyes showed him his location, he closed them again and for a second wished himself still blind. He didn't want to see it, the place where he had committed his march of terror. He didn't want to be there, to feel the bad energy and tortured victims through the force. He again turn pale and his hands started shaking. He knew he was unable to run away because of his leg. Obiwan and Yoda had him where they wanted him. While it was for the best and he was safe there, he could not stand it. He pounded a fist against the wall in frustration. Hearing this, Obiwan knocked and entered his room. "Good morning." He smiled. Anakin turned and gave him a sarcastic look.

"There's nothing good about it."

"Could be worse."

"I'm sure it will be. Obiwan, please don't make me go- down there-- where.."

"It's all right, Anakin, calm down. Yoda and I have decided you needn't face that part of the temple yet. You just get well and heal your body and mind, and everything will work out in time. Yoda wants you to begin your meditations as soon as you feel able."

"I am not able today."

"We will try tommorrow then. Come on and get up, Anakin. There is urgent Jedi business I need your consultation on.

"I'm not a Jedi anymore."

Obiwan didn't feel like arguing this point with him. "Just the same, you were for many years, you will be able to help. Now, up at out of that bed you go, no more wallowing in pity."

"I will not go to..."

"You don't have to, Anakin. You might not make it there anyway as slow as you are! Here, come to the quarters to the room across the hallway." Anakin got his crutches and carefully maneuvered his way behind Obiwan. When he entered the room, he saw Tal, Obiwan's young apprentice, sitting in a chair. Obiwan was attempting to cut his hair. "Anakin, I need your help. I don't seem to remember exactly what a Padawan cut looked like, and how to do it. Can you help me?"

Anakin started to laugh. "Remember? I have tried to forget! They were awful. I have a great idea, how about we end that tradition today?"

Tal smiled and shook his head yes. "No, my young Padawan," Obiwan told him, 'if I had to endure such a hairstyle so do you." Tal looked disappointed.

"Wait, Obiwan," Anakin said. "Why? How about start today, now, fresh, and make the order over. I say forget about the Padawan cut. It doesn't matter what hairstyle a padawan has, does it?"

"You know, Anakin, I really don't see any reason to disagree with you. Though what will Yoda say?"

"Yoda has no right to say, he's never had any hair, he didn't have to put up with it!" They all three laughed.

"Does this mean you're not gonna do it?" Tal said with a smile.

"No, Tal, I won't!"

"Yippee!" He said as he stood up and cast off the sheet from around his shoulders.Tal laughed and ran off to another part of the temple, leaving Anakin and Obiwan alone.

Anakin looked gloomily at himself in the mirror. He dug both hands into his hair and ran them down through it, then gathered up all that had grown back since he was hurt into his fists. His hair was even curlier and more golden than before, thick and full around his head and now came about halfway down his long neck, laying in curls.. "Obiwan, while you've got the utensils out, I want you to cut off all my hair. Here, grab this and chop it all off.."

"What? Anakin, you were so upset at having your hair burn, and having the droids cut it. You couldn't wait for it to grow back, now you want to cut it all off?"

"I changed my mind. Here, go ahead, cut it off, please." His voice didn't sound sincere.

"Anakin, I don't think this is what you want to do. It's grown out this much, if you cut it off again you know you'll be sorry."

Anakin stared at himself in the mirror with all his hair pulled tightly, then let loose of it, running his fingers back through it until was arranged quite beautifully. "You're right, Obiwan. I don't want my hair cut. I look better like this..Thanks for talking me out of it. You saved me from myself. What was I thinking?"

"I know what you were thinking, that you were going to cut it to spite Padme."

Anakin turned and stared at him. "You sensed that, did you? I was thinking how she'd really like how my hair looks now, but she's..." He drifted off into his own depressing thoughts.
"Anakin, you share two beautiful children, you have to.."

"Not another word, Obiwan. Please." Anakin raised his hand. Obiwan couldn't bring himself to tell Anakin Padme has actually said she thought he deserved to be blind as a punishment, that would be too hard on him right now.

Obiwan got Anakin as far as the old eating hall. The three of them sat alone, listening to every sound coming off the walls. "I can't stand it, Obiwan, I'm going back to my room." He struggled to get up and got his crutches moving as fast as they could. He went back into his room and shut the door. Obiwan followed, bringing his meal.

"Here, Anakin, you must eat something, it will help your leg heal. You need your strength." Anakin was sitting on his bed, his arms squeezing his stomach, very pale, mouth in a grimace.

"Obiwan, when I see Tal.. when we were talking about fresh starts.. that's because.. everyone else is DEAD! Obiwan those other kids are dead because of me, the Jedi were purged because of Palpatine, and to think I went along with it.. killed some good Jedi right here.. I don't belong here, I am not worthy, and I can't take it. Please, don't make me spend another night here. I try so hard to put it out of my mind, in the day, it's bad enough, but when it gets dark, I know I'm going to get worse. I'm losing my mind! Please Obiwan let me go!"

"Go where, Anakin? You won't go to Padme's and you can't go out onto the streets."

"What about an inn or some boarding house?"

"I have no currency for such things, and neither do you!"

"Is there someone left on some planet I can stay with for a time?"

"Anakin, running away is not going to help anything! You have to at least stay here until you can walk again."

"And then I can go?"

"Where will you go?"

"I was thinking, I can go back to Tatooine"

"You hate Tatooine!"

"I changed my mind. I like Tatooine. I want to live in Mos Eisley and become a gambler. I can beat all those crooks by using the force to manipulate their minds in games. I can get rich!"

"Anakin, you can't be serious! Your gifts were never meant to be used for such wretched deeds."

"Those criminals deserve it, what ever they have they took from someone else. My 'gifts' in the force were also not meant for what deeds I committed.. here..." He was turning cold again, and his eyes were glassy and shifting around. Obiwan was becoming concerned.

"Anakin, are you all right?" He didn't answer, he only started to cry, as much as he tried not to.

"No, I'm not." He strained to say. "I never will be again."

Obiwan put his arms around his brother and held him as he let it all out. "I'm here for you, Anakin." He promised. "I'm going to help you."

In the far side of the temple, Yoda sensed Anakin's plight. He got on his hoverchair and headed in that direction. He used the force to open Anakin's chamber door and floated inside. Anakin looked up from his depression. "Master Yoda, I know I have failed you and disappointed you. I am not worthy to be here in this temple." He bowed his head. Yoda shook his sadly

"Young Skywalker, fulfill the prophecy you did. Destroy the Sith you did. Proud I am of you."

"Proud? What about what happened, all those Jedi, the younglings, Master Windu, I am so ashamed..."

"Understand I do. You it was not, Darth Vader it was. Killed Darth Vader you did."

"I never thought of it that way."

"Killed you did the evil in you which carried out the plans. Pure again you are."

"No, I don't feel that, I feel suffering, I don't deserve to be freed of my guilt."

"Guilt you may always feel. Pain you may always feel. Physical pain heals, emotional pain not. Two kinds of pain there are."

"That's right, there is. I only wish everyone understood that." He put his head down, thinking of Padme. Obiwan looked on in concern.

"I don't mean to use this for another set of crutches. If you don't really believe it, don't say it."

"If believe it I did not say it I would not. Forgiven in the force you are, forgive yourself you now must."

"I cannot, ever."

"Face your fears you must. Always, much fear you had, fear you still have. Fears you must face, see that touch you they cannot, and rise above this you will." Anakin was honored and humbled by Yoda's explainations.

"Thank you, I will try to make myself worthy of all you have said of me."

"Try to overcome this crippling prison isnide your head and soul you must."

"I will try, I will try."

Another week went by and Anakin's therapy was going nicely. He was able to walk slowly using only his temporary knee brace without the crutches. He preferred spending time at the hospital instead of the temple, doing his therapy and visiting with Jar Jar and the other blinded beings from Naboo. At the temple, he kept to himself in his quarters, and had been meditating on his inner problems. One day, Obiwan noticed him walking almost normally down the and begged him to try to face his fears in the other part of the temple. Anakin felt stronger physically and mentally, so he took a deep breath and went along. When they got there, he froze again. "I can't see, Obiwan!"

"Don't try to pull that again, aren't we done with that routine?"

"I'm serious, Obiwan. I'm not blind, I can see you, I can see everything else, but...that..I think my mind is blocking it out, like you said before." Obiwan rolled his eyes, but searching Anakin's feelings, which he left wide open purposely, he knew it to be true. Anakin started to shake again. "I can't face it, my mind, something in my subconscious won't let me." He broke down again, much to Obiwan's dismay.

"All right, Anakin. We'll stop for now. But this is 'therapy' too and you're going to have to face it. I do hope something will happen to make this better for you, or to give you the will and strength to overcome it."

More time passed, and while Anakin's leg improved, his mental problems did not. He remained emotionally crippled by fear, regret, and depression. He was still unable to face anything that upset him without going into a deep panic.

Padme continued to fear the worst about Gerapaline, but everyone told her that her fears were unfounded, he was likely long gone somewhere else in the galaxy, or even the outer rim. He wasn't stupid enough to hang around Naboo. She almost believed them, until the day she came home from a day of duties and found the front door of her family home blasted! Inside, her father lay dead on the floor, a blaster blow through his face. Her mother and the twins were nowhere to be seen. Shaken with fear and agony and sadness, she broke down and cried. Then she felt something inside of her raging. Let it turn to something else she told herself. Rising up, she stared at her father's body, then out the window, raising her fist. "Whoever did this, you are dead, do you hear me? You killed my father, I will kill you. You have my mother and my babies. You will not take them from me!"

[Annie]

FROM THE ASHES

Chapter 15

Anakin woke up for yet another morning in the Jedi temple. He got up and started packing his things. He had made up his mind, it was time to go. He would never belong here again, he couldn't face what had happened because of him. He wasn't blind or injured anymore. He still wore the knee brace and would until it was totally strong again, but he had his freedom back to walk away and do what he pleased with his life. It was the only way he could move on. He'd have to bury his past here and start anew. Hearing him awake and about, Obiwan entered the room. "Anakin, what do you think you're doing?"

"I'm leaving, Obiwan. There's nothing for me here now. I am not a part of the Jedi, I have no wife and children who love me. I have no friends. I'm all better now, it's time for me to move on."

"Where will you go? You weren't serious about going back to Tatooine and becoming a gambler."

"If it works."

"Anakin, please, think about this."

"I have, Obiwan, all night, for many sleepless nights. This place haunts me. The temple, the entire city. I have to go."

Obiwan saw his mind was made up and sighed heavily. "I will certainly miss you. You were like my brother. I love you."

Anakin was touched. "You still do care about me, don't you? I appreciate it. No one else does." Anakin turned his face back into his packed goods. Obiwan could see his heart was broken and that he was still suffering from the emotional scars of his rampage under Palpatine's domination, as well as his breakup with Padme.

"Anakin, please don't go lose yourself out there, you have to stay in contact with me."

"I will catch up with you from time to time but I don't want to keep in constant contact. I must start a new life." Obiwan was sad, too. He had been with Anakin so long. "I will miss you, my brother."

"You have Tal, he will be your new brother."

"Nothing can ever replace you, Anakin."

"You are a good person, Obiwan. I'll give you this much, you tried. I, uh, love...you too." They gave each other brief smiles and looks. It was uncomfortable for them to admit this attachment to other, but it was there. They were like family, closer than most brothers, they had been together through so much for so long. Being apart was going to hurt them both, but Anakin's mind was made up.

"Don't you want your lightsaber? You might need it "

"Those are for Jedi." Anakin shook his head sadly."You know, Obiwan,the worst part is I can't help thinking how it was all for nothing. I sacrificed everything and did the wrong thing to save Padme, yet I lost her anyway because of what I did to try to save her. Ironic, isn't it?" Obiwan knew this to be true, but made no comment.

Obiwan went of course to consult Yoda, but the ancient master only closed his eyes and lowered his head, declaring Anakin must choose his own path.He was able to see and walk now, and could no longer be held against his will. Yoda felt that he must be free to go, but that his path was going to lead him back. Obiwan hoped that was true. He went to the back door to say goodbye to Anakin. "Well, this is it." Anakin said with a heavy sigh, looking around. "I'm gone."

"How will you get about? Shall I ask Master Yoda if you can have your old starfighter back?"

"No, I shouldn't be using a Jedi vehicle. Besides, I don't think I can fly again, after that night.."

"Anakin, are you also traumatized of flying? You loved to fly!"

"Not anymore, I changed my mind. I can't deal with it. I'm going to catch a transport to Tatooine. From there, if I can't afford a speeder, I can use an animal and get around on its back."

"Anakin, I can't believe this! You, a desert nomad, on the back of a beast? I can't imagine it. The best star pilot in the galaxy is afraid to fly?"

"It is the way things are, Obiwan. Let me go. I promise I will see you again."

"You'd better." With that, Anakin turned his back on the temple and disappeared into the crowds of the city, carrying his cloak filled with his few belongings.

Padme was raging. She had always been the calm one, the one who stood up for negotiations, but this was personal, and it had crossed the line. These negotiations were going to be more than agressive! She couldn't waste any time bringing a motion before the Senate or even consulting local Naboo authorities. They could help her search but they weren't going to stop it. What had happened here was an outrage, and Padme wasn't going to stand for it. She was half dazed with her anger as she found her old blaster, hid it in her velvet overdressings and headed out the door with great determination. "Father, you will be avenged. Mother, Luke, Leia, I will find you." She spoke out loud.

"Perhaps you would like to join them?" Came a voice from behind as she was grabbed from behind, her head covered by a black bag, a hand firmly over her mouth. "I have been waiting for you, Senator Amidala. You have destroyed my business and my life, when they investigated the hospitals, they found out about my entire syndicate and shut me down! You ruined me and I will have my revenge!" Now Padme regretted not calling the police. She didn't know that Gerapaline or any of his cronies were still in the area, but they had set a trap for her, and in her emotional and rage clouded judgement, it had succeeded.

Kicking and fighting the whole time, but bound so tightly she couldn't reach her smuggled blaster, Padme was tossed into a vehicle and she felt it rise into the sky. The only bright side she could imagine is that now she would be taken to the place where her mother and children were being held, and from there, she could devise an escape plan.IF they were still alive. IF she herself were to survive. One more thought crossed her troubled mind, one she didn't want to admit, but it was there: I sure wish Anakin was here.

Anakin secured transport to Tatooine in exchange for work on a frieghter along the way. This was a humbling experience for him, he wasn't an employee, he was a beggar. He felt like a slave again. A slave. Looking out at the sunburned sands of Tatooine, he wondered why he had even come here. He was traumatized by the temple, and even Coruscant, but this was not all that cheery for him either. His life here had not been happy, his mother had died here, he had slaughtered the sandpeople. Many emotions swirled in him, and he regretted this destination. He only came back here because it was so familiar, and he didn't know what else to do. He would stay only in Mos Eisley, never venturing to the places where those other haunting events had occured.

Anakin had to gamble a round at the cantina to gain enough money for a night's lodging. He had used mind tricks on the other players, but he felt no guilt for this. They were all scum, they had stolen from others, so it was all right to take from them. Or was it? Was he headed down the wrong path again? He couldn't deal with this right now. More than once during that evening, he was propositioned by women who had offered to take him home. He was handsome, by far the best looking thing in the cantina, but he wasn't prepared for more emotional baggage. He turned them down. It was late into the night when he stumbled to his room at the lodge. Not even bothering to pull the covers over himself, he lay flat on the bed as everything he was running from weighed heavily on his mind. He could run, but he couldn't hide. His body could run away, but that didn't make his problems fade. He fell into a much less than peaceful sleep.

The story of the tragedy on Naboo had finally reached the holonet news in Coruscant. Obiwan, sitting in Dex's trying not to feel lonesome, saw the report and sprung to his feet. Poor Padme, he had to go to her and try to help. A sudden empty feeling hit him in the stomach as he realized she and the babies could be literally anywhere in the galaxy, and there were no leads. He could try to sense the babies through their tiny force presences, but would that be enough? He needed Anakin, and Anakin would want to know. Perhaps this would get him out of his depression. Obiwan had to find Anakin, it was too important now. Obiwan tried to keep his mind and feelings clear, but it was hard. This was no ordinary mission. It was all too close to him.

Anakin's sleep did not last long, it was interrupted by more disturbing visions in a nightmare. He heard Padme's voice calling, and the babies crying. He sensed great danger. He sat straight up from his cot, his heart beating out of his chest, his face in a sweat. He grabbed his head with both hands. "Not again." He mumbled to himself. He knew to believe in and fear his dreams. In all the time since Mustafar, when he had been bedridden for one reason or another, he'd had many unsettling dreams, but they were not like this one. They were only dreams, only his mind playing back things he'd rather avoid, or playing on his fears. This one was different. This one was strong, it had that feeling, it was a vision like his previous visions about Padme and his mother. Those had led him to do things he was now suffering for. He didn't want that to happen again, though he could not ignore this. No matter what he and Padme felt for each other now, he had to save her. Most of all, he had to save the babies. But how? Here he was all alone with no transportation.

Stepping outside into the night, he gazed up at the stars in the direction of Naboo. Is that where you are? Are you still alive? He tried to feel her and the babies through the force. His eyes then scanned the stars again, seeking out the constellation that he had seen so many times, the one that included the glowing Coruscant. He had to find a way back, back there, back from the brink. Anakin needed not only means of travel, but all his courage, his strength, his willpower, and everything else inside of him he had lost along the way.