Summary: The remnant of the Jedi Order has disappeared; the Empire controls the majority of the galaxy and continues to expand its territory, despite strong resistance from the growing rebel opposition. Eight years ago, Anakin Skywalker escaped from Coruscant after the slaughter of the Jedi in the Temple. Now, no one knows if he's still alive, but the war rages on, and the Empire's and the resistance's forces are quickly depleting. Everyone who knows the truth of Anakin's actions in service to the Empire agrees that Skywalker is responsible for this seemingly endless, costless, and unprofitable war. There are bounty hunters on the fallen Jedi's tail, and the price on his head is high.

The Jedi Order took the Prophecy's secret to the grave; nevertheless, Obi-Wan Kenobi remains loyal to the Prophecy, and refuses to give up hope in his Apprentice…

Notes : Universe and characters belong to George Lucas. The cover picture belongs to Joran-Belar ( deviantart ).

This is a translation of my own french fiction named "L'Ascension d'Anakin Skywalker". I'm French and it's my first year of English studies, so this is kind of an exercise. I finally managed to find a beta reader, ArwenisWholocked. She is stunningly patient and nice with me, as she did an awesome work right here and I am choosing my words carefully ! I really don't know what I would do without her, so cheers !

It is the first part of In medio stat virtus. This story will contain at least two parts, maybe three. I hope you will enjoy this story as I enjoyed writing it !

Beta's Note: Hey, everyone! Arwen here; I'm really excited to be working with Charlie Zebra on this story. This is my first time as a beta reader, and I can't wait to see how this story unfolds! Also, give lots of high fives and kudos to Charlie; English isn't her first language, but her English work is fantastic and is most times easily understood, a trait that can be rare among translated stories. :D Enjoy the story!

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PART I
THE RISE OF ANAKIN SKYWALKER

Prologus

- Eight years ago -

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Explosions shook the ground everywhere, spewing rubble and fire across the battlefield, the noise deafening amid the screams and shouts of the dying. Corpses of sisters- and brothers-in-arms lay strewn around them, auburn flames reflected in their sightless eyes.

It was the end, he knew. They all knew. The war had been lost for them before it had even begun. Destruction and chaos had usurped peace and order.

Obi-Wan had felt an unsettling fluctuation in the Force just before the slaughter of the Padawans in the Temple. Surrounded by terrible, vivid images of the destruction clearly wrought by Anakin Skywalker's hand, he feared that he had lost his Apprentice. A part of him refused to believe that Anakin could be implicated in this slaughter, refused to believe that Anakin had gone to the Dark Side. But if the horrific crimes had not been committed by Anakin, it could only mean that the young Jedi was dead by now. Nothing else could be the case. And, in spite of Obi-Wan's vows, he secretly would prefer Anakin to have joined the Dark Side than to be dead. And the thought made everything all the more dreadful.

Was Anakin still the true Chosen One? Yes; Obi-Wan was certain of at least that. But if this was true, should the Jedi confront him? Did the Prophecy foresee the destruction of the Chosen One? What if the balance of the galaxy was lost by the death of its hero, Anakin Skywalker?

Obi-Wan was trying to see things clearly without involving his own feelings for Anakin, who had been a friend, brother, and even, at times, like a son to him. These questions demanded intense study and meticulous contemplation. No one considering these issues could allow himself to make the slightest error of judgement. The Prophecy's fulfillment was of critical importance; it was necessary that Anakin fulfil his duty, and neither Obi-Wan nor Yoda was capable of comprehending all of what this duty meant or required.

Despite the importance of the matter, Obi-Wan chose to put it aside, focusing instead on what was becoming his ultimate mission.

"I have to find him," he said, sounding bereaved.

"Obi-Wan…" Yoda started.

"No, Master… I know," Obi-Wan interrupted firmly. He paused, the simple statement accounting for all that he could not say. "I… I must find him, no matter what."

Yoda didn't respond, looking down in a sign of resignation. It was pointless for him to try to convince Master Kenobi for now. Obi-Wan was confused and torn; Yoda could feel through the Force the other Jedi's efforts to keep calm. Nevertheless, Yoda knew Obi-Wan to be wise enough to come to his senses when faced with the reality of what he might have to do. Moreover, it would take far more for General Kenobi to lose faith or hope.

When Yoda spoke again, it was with a low voice, on like that of a parent addressing a child to announce to him a cruel reality. "Face it you must, Obi-Wan," he pronounced. "You will have to—"

Obi-Wan nodded sharply in response, effectively cutting the Master off. I know. Nevertheless, he would find Anakin, dead or alive, and bring back the prodigal son.

He gave Yoda one last look, determined and yet afflicted, before leaving the chamber with a heavy heart.