There were advantages and disadvantages to allowing Padme to visit with Anakin. On the positive side, he seemed to regain at least some motivation and agreed to eat, drink, and begin the process of getting back on his feet. On the negative side, Anakin's reputation as a stubborn patient was reinforced. He did not whine as he had after losing his arm, but after only two days began nagging the Healers about leaving. He impatiently tried to walk without aid in a matter of days and as a result ended up falling on his face several times. It was with humiliation and reluctance that he accepted a pair of crutches. On that day the Healers finally turned him loose, with an admonishment to return every day to have the bandages changed.

Anakin adapted quickly to the crutches and, within four days of his release, got around reasonably well. However, his attitude was still very withdrawn and quiet. He kept to his quarters most days and said little. Only Obi-Wan had any inkling of the reason for this. The older Jedi visited his former Padawan as much as was possible to give counsel, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears. Anakin would answer only by shaking his head, turning away, and saying "You wouldn't understand."

Approximately ten days after the Chancellor's death, the Jedi Council sent for Anakin. They wished to discuss recent events with him. Anakin arrived in the Council Chambers with a feeling of unease in his stomach. He was surprised to see that most, if not all of the members looked pleased to see him. He bowed as much as he was able. "You sent for me, Masters?"

Yoda, short and green and sage-like as always, gave a serious nod. He had returned from Kashyyyk two days ago. "Mmm. True, Young Skywalker. How feel you? Healing well from your injuries, you are?"

Anakin shrugged. "I'm...better, yes," he answered distantly. He had stopped seeing the Healers a week before, despite their insistence that treatment was not yet over. "Is there something you want to discuss, Master?"

"Informed us, Mace has, of your discovery of the Sith Lord."

That wasn't exactly news. The entire Temple must have heard the tale of Palpatine's demise by then. Half the galaxy knew. Anakin surveyed the council members warily. "What did he say?"

A rare look of pride rose on Mace Windu's face. "I said your actions were courageous. You fought well and defeated the Sith Lord, saving the galaxy from further oppression."

Ki-Adi Mundi, the tall Cerean, steepled his fingertips with a slow nod. "In doing so, it seems you have fulfilled the Prophecy of the Chosen One and restored balance to the Force."

Anakin stifled the sour look that rose on his face. That bothersome prophecy had labeled him as the future savior of the galaxy since boyhood and had caused more problems than anything else. He would be perfectly content if he never heard it again in his life. If not for that prophecy, he might still have his mother-

But no. Were it not for the Prophecy of the Chosen One, Qui-Gon Jinn might never have noticed him on Tatooine...he would never have trained as a Jedi, nor would he have met Padme, who would later be his wife.

Perhaps there had been some good in it after all.

Obi-Wan noticed Anakin's squirming and decided to intercede. "Prophecy aside...Anakin, you seem to have conducted yourself admirably in the face of extreme peril."

Yoda gave a slow nod. "Indeed, Young Skywalker."

Mace Windu glanced at the others. "Therefore, for your courage and discernment in the face of evil, it is the decision of this Order not only to maintain your position on the Council, but to promote you to the rank of Jedi Master."

Anakin flinched and stumbled backward, wondering if he was hearing correctly. His wide blue eyes traveled around the room and found every one of the Council members, from Agen Kolar to Plo Koon regarding him with newfound respect. Even Yoda and Mace Windu gave him nods of approval. Only Obi-Wan looked decidedly uncomfortable.

Guilt at his momentary satisfaction assaulted Anakin, making him frown and shake his head. I don't deserve this. "I...thank you, Masters...but I'm afraid I cannot accept your promotion."

Ten out of the eleven members present let their smiles fade, replaced by confusion and an exchange of puzzled looks. Surely this was not the same Anakin who had claimed insult by the lack of such a promotion when he had been assigned the seat on the Council!

Mace in particular was taken aback. "Anakin, we understand you may be uneasy about your position on the Council given the way in which it was gained...but you've earned it." A slight smile touched his face.

Anakin shook his head. "With respect, Master...I haven't. In truth...I deserve neither the seat on the Council nor the rank of Master."

Yoda lifted a curious eyebrow. "Mmm...gained humility, it seems you have," he observed sagely.

Ki-Adi nodded. "All the more reason you do deserve the position, Skywalker."

Anakin grimaced. "No. You don't understand..." Anakin closed his eyes and found himself trembling. He had to take a deep breath. No more secrets. It's time for the truth to come out. A quick glance was thrown to Obi-Wan, who returned his gaze with a slow, barely perceptible nod. Quickly Anakin averted his gaze. "I've broken the Jedi Code."

That got their attention. Mace Windu's smile faded completely and he frowned. "What do you mean?"

Yoda exchanged a glance with the member on his left. "Mmm. Of an old infraction, you speak?"

"In a way..." Anakin took in and let out another tremulous breath. "Specifically, I've broken the rule against attachment. I...I fell in love and...and married."

"You what?" Mace asked in shock. His voice was soft but the disapproval in his tone was clear. He glanced at Obi-Wan and saw the bearded Jedi meet his eye unhappily. Clearly he knew about this and wasn't surprised. Mace blew out a short breath from his nose and turned to Yoda to gauge the Grand Master's reaction.

Yoda's green lips were pursed as he grunted and rested his chin on his gimer stick. "Know this person, do we?" Clearly he had his suspicions.

Anakin nodded miserably. "It's Senator Amidala."

The sighs, looks, and nods traveling about the room said that this wasn't necessarily a surprise. Now all of Anakin's unexplained absences, his closeness with Padme, and his hurried explanations made sense. Kit Fisto crossed his arms. Agen Kolar exchanged an unhappy glance with Saesee Tiin. Several others sighed and shook their heads in disapproval, including Aayla Secura and Barriss Offee.

Obi-Wan was the only one whose expression did not change. He simply gave a slight shake of his head before avoiding Anakin's eyes. He did not want to lose the trust of the Council due to this secret, even though he himself had known for just a matter of days. Better to get this over with now rather than later.

Yoda sat frowning, but thoughtful. "Mmm. An old mistake, you said this was, Skywalker?"

Anakin nodded, shame evident on his face.

Mace lifted an eyebrow. "If I may ask, how long have you and Senator Amidala been married?"

Anakin moistened his lips and could barely meet Master Windu's eyes. "Three years." One part of him did indeed feel guilt, but another part felt resentment at the way this was being treated. Why are they looking at me as if marrying is some sort of heinous sin? Why do they see the attachment rule as against love itself?

Mace glanced briefly at Obi-Wan. "As his master, you knew nothing of this?"

"No, Master Windu. Not until several days ago, when Anakin told me himself," confessed Obi-Wan.

"Yet inform the Council, you did not?" questioned Yoda. There was no accusation in his tone, only curiousity.

"No, Master. I felt it best that Anakin take responsibility for his own actions, as he has. He is well aware of his mistakes."

"We see that. You must also be aware, Anakin, of the consequences," said Mace firmly.

Anakin nodded. He straightened his spine as much as was possible given his crutches. "Yes, Master Windu, but I'm not finished." While the Council waited, he swallowed, feeling heat creep up on his cheeks. If I'm going to be honest, I might as well tell them everything. "The Senator and I are expecting our first child." For some reason speaking the truth of this did not bring the sense of relief that confessing his marriage had. This only brought a strange mixture of embarrassment and defiance. He didn't know if this would make any difference about the Council's final decision. He doubted it.

The proverbial bomb had been dropped. Four members let out restrained gasps. Agen Kolar and Luminara Unduli covered their eyes with their palms. The rest held looks of dread, disapproval, and deep disappointment. Yoda's lips pursed and he slowly shook his head.

Mace Windu covered both eyes with his hands and let them slide down his face to rest under his chin. He let out a deep sigh before speaking again. "That certainly complicates matters. Normally, an annulment would be called for. Under the circumstances I believe everyone would agree that such a thing is out of the question." He looked at Anakin wearily. "Does the Senator understand the gravity of the situation?"

Anakin nodded. "Yes. As do I. And while I regret the circumstances arising from my actions, as well as disappointing the Council and the poor reflection on the Jedi Order...I do not regret the actions themselves. I grew up without a father and will not condemn my child to the same fate. If I must make a choice between my family and the Jedi Order...then I would choose my family." He lifted his chin and met the eyes of everyone. stubborn and unmoving.

Yoda squinted at the rash young man and exchanged a glance with Mace. "So certain are you, Anakin, that expelled you would be?"

Confusion overtook Anakin's face, making him frown. "Master?"

Every member of the Council exchanged glances with each other, as if exchanging thoughts. When the look had circled the room, Mace leaned forward in his seat, elbows on knees. "Under normal circumstances, such unorthodox behavior would not be allowed. Leaving emotions unchecked leads only to suffering. However," he sighed, exchanging another glance with Yoda, "these circumstances are anything but normal."

"Correct, Master Windu is," nodded Yoda in agreement. "The prophecy, you have fulfilled. Defeated the Sith, you have."

"You have also confessed your shortcomings and behaved with courage and resolve," added Ki-Adi Mundi.

"Even with the Sith Lord gone, his influence on the Senate remains," said Plo Koon. "It will be a long and difficult road to restoration. In order to keep the peace, we will need every Jedi we have. Your skills especially have proven invaluable."

"But...Masters, I don't understand," protested Anakin. He took a step backward. distressed. "I broke the Code. I don't deserve to have exceptions made."

"Controlled, your passions can be, Anakin. In the meantime...need you, we do. Remain in the Order, you may." Yoda's expression told him he was only doing this because he felt it was a necessary evil.

Anakin shook his head. Confusion tumbled about in his mind as he met the eyes of those he had known since childhood. While each of them was disappointed in his actions, that did not keep them from wanting him around. He suspected other motives. What? Even though I've fulfilled their prophecy, I'm still not off the hook? Anakin's expression hardened. I'm just an insurance policy to them. They don't care about Padme or our child. They just want me around to save them again. Anger rose, making him close his eyes. No. I won't be a prisoner staying here only out of obligation to them. Besides, if they knew what I've done...the sandpeople... Anakin's head snapped up and he opened his eyes. "No."

Eleven Council members flinched. Mace was taken aback in confusion. "What?"

Anakin blew out a short breath to release his anger. "With respect, Masters...I believe the Council is wrong in this decision. If an exception is made for me, then more Jedi might be encouraged to do the same. With the evil of the Dark Side still lingering, you cannot afford any dissention within the Order. I won't allow my actions to become a catalyst for that." A lump of emotion began rising in his throat. Being a Jedi had been all he had ever wanted...all he had ever dreamed of since he was a small boy...to travel the galaxy, right wrongs, and serve justice. My dreams are with Padme now. She's more important. Besides, if the Jedi can't help me save her, there's no reason to stay. Unable to keep the regret from his face and voice, Anakin took in a deep breath. "I can no longer stay in the Jedi Order."

Mace's mouth hung open. He shook his head. "Anakin, no one is asking you to leave."

"I know." Anakin couldn't even look at Obi-Wan. The look of hurt on his face was evident.

"Your final decision, this is?" Yoda wanted to know. "Certain, you must be. For if leave, you do, return you may not."

"I understand." Anakin nodded.

"The decision is yours, Anakin. If you want to leave the Order, none of us can prevent you." Mace seemed to sag with regret. "However, I urge you not to take this lightly. Think and meditate on it at least a few days. Do not make the same mistake of your padawan."

"I already have. My mind is made up." Anakin winced at the mention of Ahsoka but his resolve held.

"Very well."

Anakin began hobbling backwards. "I'll never forget the lessons I've learned here. I only wish I could have lived up to your expectations." A touch of bitterness hit his voice and he found himself getting emotional. "I'm sorry. May the...may the Force be with you." With a final, awkward bow, Anakin turned and fled from the chambers so they wouldn't see him start to cry.

《-v-》 《-v-》 《-v-》

Anakin had barely made it to his quarters and begun putting his few possessions into a travel bag when he heard and sensed Obi-Wan coming to his door. He ignored the knock and kept working.

The door slid open anyway. Since Jedi kept no secrets from each other, the doors had no locks on them. Obi-Wan stood in the doorway with his arms crossed and regret on his bearded face.

"Don't ask me to stay, Obi-Wan," said Anakin with a shake of his head. "My mind is made up."

"I wasn't going to. I only wanted to know when you were leaving. It looks as though you aren't wasting any time," he observed quietly.

Anakin paused in folding his one spare inner tunic to glance at him. "You don't sound very disappointed. Are you glad to see me leave?"

Obi-Wan's shoulders fell. "Of course not, Anakin. I can see why you may think yourself unworthy to be a Jedi, but don't you think you are making a very rash decision? The Republic needs you."

A look of accusation passed over Anakin's face. "You said you weren't going to ask me to stay."

"I'm not. All I ask is that you take some time to think about it."

"I have. It's all I have been thinking about these last ten days." Anakin put his folded tunic into the sack and picked up his spare outer tunic to fold it as well.

"Anakin, the Council is allowing you to stay. I would have thought you would jump at the chance."

"Looks like you were wrong."

Obi-Wan let out a heavy sigh and leaned on the doorjamb. "You are a Jedi Knight. You have always been eager to right wrongs and do good where you can. Do you think who you are is going to fade away if you leave?"

Anakin paused before shoving his tunic in with the other one. He did enjoy helping others...he was an ace in the cockpit and would be leaving that behind as well...but lately the thrill had gone out of it. Those he could not help dampened his spirits more than his successes lifted them. After a while he shook his head. "I don't know. All I know is that I can't stay."

Obi-Wan reached for Anakin's shoulder. "I understand how you feel, but-"

Roughly Anakin pulled away. "No, you don't understand! I don't deserve to be a Jedi any more than Count Dooku did."

That took Obi-Wan aback. "Anakin, that's not true. Dooku was a Sith Lord. You are far better than that."

Anakin's eyes stung as he shook his head and turned away, his eyes stinging. "You wouldn't say that if you knew what I've done," he rasped.

Obi-Wan knit his brows. "What do you mean?"

Tears filled Anakin's eyes as he recalled his dark deed. He hung his head. "I'm a murderer," he whispered.

Ridiculous! Obi-Wan scoffed at the very idea. "Anakin, killing in self-defense is not-"

"No! I don't mean in the war, I mean before, when I left to find my mother!"

Obi-Wan blinked with surprise. What is he talking about? "You...told me you found that she had died-"

"She died in my arms!" Startled by the volume of his own voice, Anakin took in a shuddering breath. "She'd been captured by the Tusken Raiders...tortured...I was too late to save her. It made me angry...furious...I couldn't think. All I could feel was...hate."

Oh, no...Obi-Wan felt his stomach drop. The air in the room seemed to grow cold.

Anakin forced himself to look his friend in the eye even as tears of remorse clouded his vision. "I killed them...all of them...from the youngest to the oldest. Not even their animals were spared. I wiped out an entire camp," he rasped, his chin wobbling. The intense emotion passed, and he shook his head, limping to his sack to check it for anything he had missed. "The council would never accept me if they knew...no one would."

A sick feeling made Obi-Wan debate between crying with grief or vomiting with disgust. What Anakin had done was very, very wrong...far more wrong than breaking the Rule of Attachment. He had acted in anger and murdered dozens in cold blood. Such was an act of the Dark Side. For a moment he recoiled.

But in everything that had happened since, the older Jedi found himself feeling only worry for his former apprentice. He needs guidance...he needs help...what will become of him if he leaves the Order? He could be a danger to himself as well as others.

"Are you afraid of me, Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked quietly, his back turned. "Do you see what I am...what I've become?"

"No." Obi-Wan shook his head, pain written in his eyes. "I'm not afraid of you. I see my friend, who I am very concerned for. Please, Anakin...don't leave. Not like this."

He still doesn't understand. Anakin shouldered his sack and shook his head, desperation written into his eyes. "Don't you see? I have to! The longer I stay, the more of a liar I become!" With trembling hands, he unclipped his lightsaber and held it out to Obi-Wan. "You were always telling me this weapon is my life. Not anymore."

Obi-Wan seemed to deflate. "Anakin, I can't take your lightsaber."

Anakin pushed the deactivated hilt sideways into Obi-Wan's chest. "Please! Take it! I don't trust myself anymore. If I'm not a Jedi, I shouldn't carry one anyway."

Obi-Wan sighed with pain...it went deeper than just the loss of a friend, even a close one. He felt as if he was losing a brother. So this is why attachments are forbidden. It took a great deal of discipline not to cry. Quietly, Obi-Wan pushed the saber away from his chest and closed Anakin's fingers around it. "It's yours. Keep it."

Reluctantly Anakin took the saber back and shoved it into his pack. He hated to hurt Obi-Wan, so he would honor him by keeping it, even if he never used it. I just won't wear it anymore. He glanced at the crutches, then hobbled out the door. He didn't acknowledge the fact that Obi-Wan followed.

"Where will you go?" Obi-Wan asked as he walked beside his friend.

"I don't know yet...somewhere Padme and the baby can be safe."

"Don't you need your crutches?"

Anakin shook his head. "I'm only taking what belongs to me."

Obi-Wan gazed at the braced leg with a frown. "You shouldn't be walking yet. Here, lean on me-" His touch on Anakin's shoulder was roughly shaken off.

Anakin glared at the man, masking his pain with anger. "Leave me alone!" he snarled.

Obi-Wan took a step back, startled. "I only want to help-"

The young man shook his head. "You can't help me anymore, Obi-Wan. Go back to your Order... save the galaxy...meditate...train a new apprentice, for all I care, just leave me alone!"

Further hurt at Anakin's abrupt departure and sharp rejection of him made Obi-Wan's heart ache. Oh, Anakin...what's happened to you? Slowly he nodded, at last allowing tears to form in his eyes. "All right...if that's what you want."

Anakin could see Obi-Wan's tears for only a moment before he turned away. Without another word, the young man who was now no longer a Jedi limped away as fast as he could, eager to put as much space as he could between him and the Temple.

Obi-Wan was left standing alone in the corridor with a broken heart. "Goodbye, old friend."