Chapter Seven
Obi Wan
Anakin drove the speeder through the galaxies toward Obi Wan. "We don't have much time, Padame. Much time before I turn. I want you to be safe, I want our baby to be safe and I want you both with Obi Wan. He will protect you from me," he said.
"Anakin," she said. Then Anakin landed the speeded.
"Obi Wan, I must talk to you. Will you take Padame somewhere safe," he asked his master.
Obi Wan directed her to some droids, knowing the Clones wouldn't be safe. "Anakin, talk to me. Why have you brought Padame to me?"
Anakin took a deep breathe. "Padame is my wife. We got married on Naboo. She's carrying my child," he admitted. "Master, let me have my say before you say anything. I love her. She was there for me when my mother died. She loves me too," he said. "And I couldn't help it. I know it's against the Jedi Order, but I couldn't help loving her any more than I could help being the only human to race," he said. "I ran away, and I'm a coward. But this was my only chance to save her. Palpatine has been manipulating me, I know it. I'm afraid that even after knowing all I know, I wont be able to reisist. The lure of the dark side is very powerful master. Instead of making a choice, I fled. I don't deserve the title The Hero With No Fear. I'm very afraid. I'm afraid for Padame, and I'm afraid of myself. I'm afraid of becoming Darth Vader," he said.
Obi Wan understood. "I will protect her. Thank you for leveling with me, Anakin. I will help you. Together we will defeat Darth Vader, and the Chancellor. I will help you. I think, Anakin, you have already changed your vision. We'll leave Padame here. You and I will face Palpatine together," he decided. "Don't think I'm disappointed in you. I've never been prouded, despite breaking the Code," he said as a reminded to Anakin.
"I'm sorry, Master," he said.
"I've failed you. I've failed the Jedi Order. The Jedi Code. "I need to tell you about my vision before it's too late, Master"Anakin bowed his head in shame. "I...did unspeakable things, Master. I did them for Padame.I became Chancellor Palpatine's apprentice. I became a Sith Lord. I destroyed the Jedi. I killed the Sepratist and the Jedi," he said with a sigh.
"And I was powerful, Master. More powerful than anyone," he said.
Obi Wan looked at him. "Thank you for trusting me, Anakin. Do you trust me?" he asked.
Anakin hesitated. "I wanted to kill you, Master. We fought and I lost. I was badly burned and I dissapointed you, Master. I'm sorry"
"Do you trust me, Anakin?" Obi Wan repeated. "Yes, Master. I trust you," he said. "Good. Anakin, we're going to face Palpatine. I can't do it alone. You are the Chosen One. Only you can destroy him, remember that."
"Yes, Master," Anakin said. Obi Wan knew there was a great potential that Anakin would still turn, but he had to trust Anakin. Anakin had been his padawan. Anakin had saved his life more times than he liked to admit. Anakin was a great Jedi.
"Let go, Anakin. You must do what is right. Even if I die. Let go," he told him. It was Obi Wan's last lesson. "I love you Anakin. You are like my brother. You have to let go, once you learn that lesson. You will become a master" "Master, I can't become a Jedi Master. I've hurt too many people.
"I don't see it that way, Anakin," he said. "I trust you. That vision of yours was very dangerous. But it's given you much wisdom. The force sent it to you for a reason. There is always a choice, Anakin," he said reaching out with the Force and comforting Anakin. For the first time in the past few weeks Anakin accepted him.
What should we do, Master," Anakin asked Obi Wan.
"What should have been done long ago," Obi Wan replied. "Take us back to the Jedi Temple, Anakin," he told theJedi. Anakin drove the aircraft compently, in silence. Would he still turn? Since he had confided in Obi Wan, had that changed everything?" I trust you, Anakin Skywalker. You are the chosen one," Obi Wan said. Anakin nodded and concentrated on landing the aircraft. "You can beat this. The temptation to the dark side is strong in us all, Anakin. You can fight it, I have faith in you," Obi Wan said. I understand your faith in the council has been shaken. After it's all over. Things will be different, Anakin. You and I will change the Code allowing you to be a Jedi, husband and a father and I'll insist that you be rewarded the rank of Master."
Anakin lowered his head, "I don't deserve it, Master, " he said.
