Hi, hi hello! :))

I'm so glad I can give you another part of the story.

There is a lot going on in this chapter but I do hope it isn't too messy :)

Also, it is longer than previous ones, you have been warned! ;)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

~~~Chapter 7~~~

"I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light"

~ Helen Keller

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Will you be fine on your own?" asked him Obi-Wan, bustling around the room.

Anakin snorted quietly, shaking his head in disbelief but he knew his former Master is just worried. That's why he sighed and gave him a slight nod.

"Of course, Master. I'm not a child anymore." he replied smiled.

"Yes I know. I have pangs of conscience that I must leave you." sighed the Jedi Master. He really wasn't keen on doing that. He'd prefer to sit here with him than to give reports to the Council what would surprise him not long ago.

"No worries, Obi-Wan. Come back to your duties, we all know how much you love them." he stated, half jokingly, half seriously, grinning.

Obi-Wan eyed him with 'very funny' look, but shaking his head he turned to the door. He will be absent just a few moments, what can possibly happen?

"In case of trouble, call me on the communicator."

Anakin nodded and looked into eyes of his Master who again has not failed him. Even if he doesn't stay with him in this room, his presence will still be felt, somewhere deep in his heart.

"May the Force be with you, Master." he said eventually.

Seldom such a sentence was spoken by Anakin, hardly ever, actually.

"And with you, Anakin." he smiled, nodding. "Keep holding on, I'll come to you as soon as I will be done with the report."

"Oh, I already can't wait." he gave him a slight, amused smirk.

Obi-Wan didn't sense sadness any longer. It looked like it disappeared together with Kimo.

Anakin was truly happy it's all behind him, that he finally can enjoy himself. He could sigh with relief.

Kimo is in the arrest, he doesn't have to be on this blasted planet and Coruscant was peaceful, despite its traffic and nightlife. But he finally had time only for himself. Such moments he really adores. Especially after hard day, or in his case, week.

~~~o*o~~~

Ahsoka was coming back from the Senate. Evening was slowly taking over the planet but she could sense something concerning.

She spoke with Padmé and the Jedi Council. They appointed her protecting senator Amidala since someone was keen on killing her. But right now, she put visiting Anakin first. Just after his arrival she wanted to see how is he. Sometimes she felt responsible for him and news about his capturing got to her quickly.

She walked into the Temple, where there were, as always, peace and silence, and headed to her Master's room. She reached her destination very quickly but she stopped in front of the door.

She hesitated, not being sure to come in or not. She didn't want to disturb but had to. She won't be calm until she get to know if everything is alright. Besides, she had news for him.

She knocked to the door but it opened itself. Walking into dark, unenlightened room, the girl looked around. It would seem strange but she had never been here before. Seeing a state the room was in, she couldn't tell if she's surprised.

"Master, are you here?" she asked, her voice trembled for a moment but hearing murmur from a shady corner, she saw her Master, who was sitting next to the heap of lumber.

"Oh, hello Snips." he said and lifted himself up.

"Master!" she smiled widely and ran up to him.

She hugged him, not noticing his state at first. But hearing his hiss of pain, she immediately jerked away, cursing her own stupidity and recklessness.

"I'm sorry, I was just worried." she whispered and looked straight into his blue eyes.

"Unnecessarily. I'm fine." she heard more than obvious response. Of course, he wouldn't say anything else.

She forgot she is talking to Anakin Skywalker. A person, who is more secretive than anyone else. She knew something isn't right even if he's hiding it very well. An obvious fact was, that he will never admit it. Even if something cut off his leg, the answer to 'Is everything alright?' would remain the same.

However, he gives clearer signs for her than he would want to. He is too close to her, he is like her brother.

"What happened on that planet?" she asked hoping it is possible to get something out from him.

"Um... a small accident during the work." he clenched his fists. He always does that when his feelings are stronger than him. His voice was low, quiet, but it hid hate and fury.

Ahsoka shook her head. Yeah, she won't get to know anything from him. She has suspected so, but it was always worth a try. And Obi-Wan won't tell her as well, he respects privacy.

"Master, I have a message from the Chancellor." she changed the subject.

Immediately she noticed an interest in Anakin's eyes. She didn't know the Chancellor very well personally but she has always felt some kind of distance to him, not knowing why. However, she knew if her Master trusts him, she also can.

"From the Chancellor? What happened?" he asked. His eyes weirdly brightened up.

"He wanted to meet you right after your arrival." she replied and headed towards the entrance, finding other words unnecessary.

Anakin glanced at his carefully bandaged ankle, looking for something which could be used as crutches. In the corner he found an old broom stick. For a moment he thought what it is doing here. He must have been doing experiments with it but he couldn't remember it. It must have been not exciting enough to bother himself with that.

He took his "crutches" by the Force and walked out of the room. He only hoped that Obi-Wan won't return for the time he's away, for he will start to worry although he probably got used to it.

He slipped away hopefully unnoticed. He didn't want to explain his actions again, he was truly tired of this. He would prefer to go to sleep instead, but he had to visit the Chancellor. He was his friend who respected and trusted him. He was thankful for that, because Palpatine reckons with him while the Council isn't going to.

~~~o*o~~~

When he got to the Senate the sun has already been hidden behind the horizon. The building was almost empty, only maids and late senators were seen from time to time.

Because the Chancellor's office was at the very top, he didn't like the idea of going there by foot. Fortunately, the elevator could help him today. He sighed and choosing the last floor, he thought of his nice bed in his quarters and good, sweet sleep. He didn't wish to be here at all. If it wasn't for the friendship he shared with the Chancellor, he wouldn't even think about coming here. He didn't like this place. Everything here was big, elegant but still a bit extravagant. It definitely wasn't his climate.

The Chancellor was waiting for him patiently, sitting in his armchair, looking at the views of ever-busy streets of Coruscant. He immediately sensed Anakin when he crossed the doorstep of his office.

"Did you want to see me, your Excellency?" he asked as he walked in. He would probably bow if not the painful ankle. Instead, he gave him a respectful nod.

Palpatine turned to him and welcomed with a wide, friendly smile.

"Anakin, it's good to see you, my friend." he said and placed a hand on the Jedi's shoulder.

On his face there was a smile but Anakin had a strange feeling of stress and anxiety. It was just something in the air, telling him to go away.

"I've wanted to see how are you. You don't look very good." he stated and pointed to his bruises all over his normally soft face.

"I'm fine." he responded gently but this mysterious aura didn't leave him. "Is there a problem, Chancellor?"

"There is something I've wanted to ask you for some time." began the Chancellor. It is this moment. He hoped his argumentation is enough. Spirit of the young Jedi is almost as strong as his power.

"What is it?" his voice was a bit doubtful, but still sounded gently and calmly. He was trying to control his anxiety.

"Tell me, dear boy, are you happy?" he asked, turning directly to him, looking straight into his eyes. His gaze was so piercing.

Anakin's eyes went wide from fear and his pupils showed anxousity. He did not know what was going on but something certainly wasn't right.

Immediately it reminded him of his last dream, nightmare. That voice, that question, everything was just like in that moment.

His breath fastened but his emotions didn't take control over him. He didn't let them. It could be just an accident.

"I... am sorry, your Excellency. I don't understand the question..." he smiled nervously.

"Do the Jedi care about you?" another memory, another question, another... fear.

"I... still don't understand. I'm sorry..." he took a step back.

"Don't be sorry, you don't have a reason to. You're just... strong and wise. I would say... powerful." he approached the Knight. "The Force within you is so... unusual. It's sleeping inside your veins..." he whispered.

Antagonistically, he stepped back again.

"Th-thank you?"

"Anakin... we're talking right now like a friend with a friend."

"O-of course, Chancellor, I understand that."

"Oh, do you? Let's be honest with each other. I can see you aren't happy here. The Jedi Order isn't a good thing for you."

"With my respect but... I don't really think this is a matter of the Chancellor..." he replied, more confidently, strongly, almost pretentiously.

"I'm just worried about you, that's all. I see how much you suffer here. You're trying to gain trust of the Council and they aren't going to give you it. They treat you like... nothing! Like... a robot!"

"But... why are you saying this, your Excellency?"

"Oh my dear... why so formally? I'm Palpatine, your friend." he gave him a slight smile. "That's why I'm talking to you like to a friend. I want the best for you. You're too powerful for the Jedi Order. You waste your time here."

Anakin didn't answer, he chose silence.

"Have you ever heard the tragedy of Darth Plagueis The Wise?"

He shook his head, still preferring to be quiet.

"Oh... Of course not!" he clasped his hands quietly in kind of disappointment. "It isn't the story the Jedi would tell you..."

"Who was he?"

"Darth Plagueis was once a mighty Dark Lord of the Sith... very powerful and wise... He could use the Force to create life... his knowledge of the Darkside let him even keep the ones he cared about... from dying. He had a power to control it."

The young Jedi swallowed nervously. His each vision of deaths of his friends haunted him almost immediately. So there is something one can do?

"Is... is it possible to learn this power?" he looked at him, clearly intrigued.

Palpatine nodded without a word. He spoke after a minute.

"Darth Plagueis died, killed by a Jedi... but yes. Yes, there is a way... oh no. No... I shouldn't. It's... against the teachings of the Jedi..." he turned on his heels to the window, staring at the city.

Anakin fell silent again. Thinking about everything what has been said so far, he clenched his fists, closed his eyes and sighed quietly.

"So if... if you're not a Jedi..." he began uncertain.

Palpatine gave him a gentle smile. It is going better than he actually expected to.

"If you're not a Jedi, it is very easy to possess enough power to learn it. You just need to..." with this word, he turned around to face Anakin. "Accept the Darkside and become a Sith."

His eyes widened in fear and shock almost immediately. He didn't know what to think.

'The Darkside is your friend...' he heard in his head. He jumped to his feet and looked around anxiously.

He heard voices but overwhelmed by his thoughts, he couldn't concentrate on them. The only one thing he could focus on, was 'Together we can do anything'.

"No!" he protested, buring his face in his hands. Of course, he would love to protect his loved ones from death but... does he have to do that in this way? By betraying them? Obi-Wan died because of his lightsaber.

"Oh my boy, the Jedi aren't worth it, they will lose this war. They will fall. They are plotting against the Republic, they want to take over. Together, you and I, have enough power to stop them." these words affected him. It wasn't just fear for himself, but for the Republic. The Chancellor seemed to be so honest, so convincing. "Do you want to be a slave again?"

"Again? How do you know?!" he raised his voice, frowning.

He felt like his whole world was spinning around, as if he was falling because of the strong wind, a hurricane. Is this how the Darkside works?

"The Jedi use the Force to make good. They will not fall until they fight, until this good still exists."

"And you think how long will it yet exist? Join me, together we will create the best good which could ever be made. No more pain, no tears, no... death. I know you want to protect your close ones. I know you want to posses this power."

"N-no!" he jerked away when the Chancellor reached out for him with his hand. Now, he felt this coldness of the Sith.

All of a sudden he saw another death. This time Ahsoka's. She was killed by the saber, a blue one. It was a Jedi responsible for that. As well as now Obi-Wan, who again appeared. This time, it wasn't Anakin who killed him. But it wasn't also Anakin who did something to help. He did not understand.

These visions have hit him like a wave of cold water. Two the most important people died and he was helpless. He couldn't stop anything what has happened, or will happen. And when everything around him darkened, he noticed he is kneeling in front of the Chancellor, who smiled dangerously.

"We will save your loved ones, you'll be immortal. I have enough power to take control over life and death. I know how to put an end to this war. I just need you to help me."

"I... N-no. I can't. I won't betray my brothers, they are my friends... I can't, I'm sorry..." his voice turned into a broken, helpless whisper.

"Here you will find only death. And you will be alone, there will be no one to help you. You know that, you can feel it."

That was true, partially. He had a bad feeling about this. Those visions were very real. Too real. What if...?

No. He shook his head silently.

'I'm not going to leave you again'

'I'll always stand by your side.'

'I won't let anybody hurt you'

The voice of his former, beloved Master echoed in his troubled head. Obi-Wan had promised him he will never leave him, he will always be for him. He wish to do the same also for him. He can't leave him. Nor can he abandon Ahsoka.

But... what if everything the Chancellor said was true? What if Obi-Wan really dies and he won't do anything to protect him and Ahsoka?

'I couldn't be more proud of you than I am now.'

He won't be proud at all if he decides to join the Sith. True, the Council is harsh and doesn't trust him. The Code is something idiotic and there is fewer and fewer real Jedi. But he couldn't let himself lose his way, forget about everything and everyone who's been with him all this time. Obi-Wan would never want him to choose the Darkside. Even if he knew about his death. Obi-Wan was loyal to the Republic and the Jedi.

Choosing, he wasn't utterly certain of the decision, but he had made it. So he grabbed his lightsaber and activated it. The Chancellor only chuckled quietly.

"Don't be a fool, Anakin. What do you want to achieve by that? You won't gain the Council's trust and acceptance if you stay."

"If I don't stay and betray them, I won't do it either." he hissed.

"Don't you understand? To be a mighty Sith Lord, it is your destiny! A power, strength, life - I can give you everything you want to."

"With my respect, Palpatine, but you have nothing I would want to..." he snapped with angry voice.

"Hmm, well... in that case you leave me no choice. Prepare for... death." he growled maliciously, taking the lightsaber out of his sleeve.

How to the Force no one has ever noticed it?

With one quick move, he jumped in the air, and Anakin hated to admit but as for an elderly man, he was moving very fast. Their sabers ignited. Unfortunately, the Jedi couldn't do much since his bandaged ankle wasn't very useful. He was only able to block this attack. The Chancellor immediately used his weakness and cut his crutches in half, causing his fall. As he met the floor, he didn't even managed to look up because he had been electrocuted. So he screamed in agony, feeling his body giving in.

'So here we go again...' he thought. Of all people in the galaxy, why the heck it is he, who always gets electrocuted?

However, this pain was different, more accurate. As if his body was being ripped apart, it was screaming as well as he himself. He was sure it won't disappear quickly.

What if the Chancellor was really right? Again, as he was very sure about his decision, now he can't be. Nothing can be sure.

"This is your last chance, my dear boy. I will save your lovely friends and you will join the Sith in return. What do you say?" asked him Sidious, as if he knew about his doubtful thoughts.

~~~o*o~~~

Obi-Wan was heading to the Council when he felt something. A disturbance in the Force, something didn't feel right.

He should be now with other Masters, giving reports about the mission. But it hit him. Anakin. Something was happening to him, he could hear his screams and feel his agony.

"Anakin, is everything alright?" he asked on his communicator but no one responded.

He knew he shouldn't. But Anakin is his friend. So he only sighed and headed back to his apprentice's room.

First, he thought Anakin had fallen asleep, he deserved it and it was possible. But the anxousity didn't leave him. Instead, it has been growing.

In his hurry, he hasn't noticed a few younglings running towards him. He'd turned around in time to avoid colliding with them but he lost his balance and ran into some carton boxes. And then it happened again - another vision. Surroundings turned white and he closed his eyes. When he had opened them, he found himself on the planet he couldn't recognise. But it was hot there and lava was everywhere.

~~~o*o~~~

He turned around carefully, searching for any signs of life. Only one person caught his attention. On the bridge, there was standing tall, hooded man with dark robes on, and he was looking at the distance. Obi-Wan got a little closer and recognised in the being his former apprentice. He wasn't turned to him but the Jedi Master would recognise his Padawan everywhere. A silence which Obi-Wan hated fell on them but he, not knowing why, was too afraid to stop it. He could sense dread atmosphere.

"Are you proud of me, Master?" finally Anakin broke the silence. Something in his apprentice's voice wasn't right but he couldn't tell what.

"Pardon me? I don't understand."

"I'm asking if you're proud of me!" he growled angrily, gritting his teeth but there was a despair in his voice.

"O-of course I am. We had talked about it, remember?" he asked surprised. He felt fear, his own fear.

Then, he heard a chuckle. Anakin turned around and faced him. This, what Obi-Wan saw exceeded his expectations. His heart started beating faster, squeezed by grief. Anakin's eyes were yellow, full of hatred and under them, he could see a shadow. He had a lightsaber in his hand but it wasn't the one he normally uses.

"Anakin..." he whispered distressed, not believing his own eyes. His best and only friend... was a Sith. And he's been trying to prevent that, to protect him. But has he been really trying to protect Anakin... or himself?

"You should be... I am now more powerful than all Jedi together. I am... the Master."

"Anakin! Who had done it to you?!"

Anakin grinned. His dark, wrathful eyes brightened up a little in surrounding them darkness.

"Someone who was able to give me the trust. Someone much wiser than your pathetic Council. Someone who sees through your lies. This person opened my eyes. I finally understood it is the Jedi who stand in the way of peace..."

Obi-Wan felt like in his eyes formed tears but he held them off. It is a stupid joke, for sure. It is some kind of shock. Anakin would never...

"Anakin! Come to your senses! I trusted you! I-I loved you, Anakin, loved you..." his voice turned into a broken whisper. "You were my brother..." and now, he couldn't help his tears, they all left his eyes, making a waterfall.

Every Anakin's word broke his heart, left him in pieces. Without him, he will not be the same. He will not be Obi-Wan Kenobi. He will be no one.

"The Jedi don't know love! It is a lie! Everything is a lie, you are and your beloved Council is a lie, lie!" he cried out loudly as never.

"Anakin... please... Don't go somewhere where I won't be able to follow you..." he didn't try to control his voice when it broke, he didn't stop these salty tears. He could just stare at his fallen friend, consumed by endless grief and despair.

"What? Don't you like me now, Master? I'm too powerful, right? Are you afraid of me? It is your fault, no one else's. I hate you, you hear me?! You're no better than them!"

He was speechless, too shocked and too hurt. His words were like knives. So this is what it feels like when you lose someone close to you, someone you still love.

"Anakin... I-I'm... sorry..."

"Anakin died, he was too weak to fight me. Now, prepare for the era of the Sith. Prepare for Darth Vader..."

"No!" he shook his head in protest. "No, you didn't die, Anakin! I know you are there, I know it. I feel it. I know you can still hear me! I'm begging you, come back to us, to me!" he shouted. He couldn't see anything but hateful, yellow eyes of Anakin, staring at him blankly. He could barely stand. Where, where had he made a mistake?

He knew these are only illusions but yet, they were so real...

"Don't make me kill you!" he shouted as well and activated his lightsaber. It was red. Obi-Wan's heart tore in pieces. He has failed him, after everything, it is over...

"Fine." he nodded. "So do it, because I will never hurt you. I had sworn before, I swear also now. Go on, kill me." his voice was firm. He was fully aware of the words he has spoken. He took his saber but only to throw it away. He will never kill Anakin, even if he's long gone, if the darkness and hate killed him. He will never.

"As you wish, Master." he whispered maliciously. Then, he jumped on him. And just like Obi-Wan had sworn, he didn't attack, he didn't defence. Anakin, or Darth Vader, approached him. His face was so cold and emotionless.

Obi-Wan one last time looked at his former apprentice and felt excruciating pain in his chest. As the last tear left his eye, he understood his beloved, former Padawan whom he called 'a brother' is gone forever...

~~~o*o~~~

He jumped to his feet, wiping sweat from his brow. His breath was too fast so he calmed it down. He was glad it was only his imagination. Because it doesn't have to mean anything, right? Anakin wouldn't...

He quickened his pace and didn't even notice when exactly he got to the dormitory. Yes, he trusted his Padawan but he just needed to check if he's alright, if he's safe.

Running towards Anakin's quarters, he didn't look behind. And when he reached his destination, without knocking, just ran into the room.

"Anakin, are you here?" he asked, looking around carefully.

But Anakin didn't answer. He wasn't in the bed, nor in any corner, nowhere. The room was completely empty. He could hear only his still a little too fast breath.

He closed his eyes for a better concentration when all of a sudden he got a call. He answered immediately hoping it's Anakin. But unfortunately, it wasn't his voice which he heard.

"Obi-Wan, where are you? You're late, it doesn't happen to you." suspicion he heard in Mace Windu's voice.

The Jedi Master sighed, but made a decision to reply.

"I'm on my way. Something stopped me, I'll be there in a few minutes." he stated.

Cursing himself, he headed to the door. At the doorstep he once again turned around to see this empty, quiet room. He had no choice or both, he and Anakin, will be in trouble.

"I'm sorry, Anakin..." he whispered and walked out.

This time he's chosen his duty. He didn't feel well by that, but trusted his former Padawan. Right now he couldn't have a choice anyway. He had to trust him. He was aware of the fact that the day of Anakin's finale test has come. He was just afraid of the thought that he doesn't know what to expect...

~~~o*o~~~

He had a vision. Vision of his future as Darth Vader, the Sith Lord, the aide of Emperor, destroyer but also the smith of his own fortune. Without the Council's orders, without obligations to the Republic and the Order. He was free. But... at what cost? Obi-Wan... he killed Obi-Wan, his Master, friend, brother... the closest thing to a father. He killed the others, killed younglings. Everyone. But he was free and he could do everything he wanted to. Live like he wanted to, decide about fate of others like he wanted to. Is it worth it?

He would be able to end this war, end these stupid rules, free his power and make anything he'd want to do with it. He would get a new Master - the Emperor, he would be appreciated. He would bring back the peace. He would destroy the Jedi, freeing the entire galaxy from their wars. And of that he has been dreaming for a really long time. Peace... how amazing it sounds. His heart started beating faster and his blood pressure increased as if he drank three cups of coffee, adrenaline filled his whole body.

Peace or loyalty? Power or love? How can he decide?

'I will never hurt you! I had sworn before, I swear also now!'

The words of Obi-Wan, the way he called him 'a brother'. This was keeping him at the side of the Republic now. He would never kill him, no matter what. Not after everything they've been through.

And with this thought, he has made his finale decision. Finale and perhaps the last one. He made an eye contact with the Chancellor standing in front of him. He didn't even notice when the Sith stopped electrocuting him. Palpatine smirked seeing certainty in the young Jedi's eyes. People like Anakin he needs to create his Empire.

But words he heard weren't pleasant to him. He was shocked after Anakin's statement, the Jedi Knight who was meant to be his new, strong apprentice. The boy who was meant to be mighty Sith Lord, to destroy all enemies, each Jedi.

"Never." hissed Anakin, force pushing him on the wall.

Palpatine fell, momentarily shocked and the boy decided to take a chance. He pulled himself up and ignoring the pain of his swollen ankle rushed to the door. Gritting his jaw, he ran out of the office. He hated escaping like that but judging by his state, he was no match to the powerful Sith Lord.

Not looking behind, he was running as fast as he could, feeling pain in the ankle and heart. Tears were covering his view but he couldn't let himself give up.

Obi-Wan, where is Obi-Wan?

He wanted to use a communicator but it wasn't working not knowing why.

Right in front of the lift he fell on his left side but not wasting his precious time, he stood up and hid inside.

He heard his name, someone called him. Palpatine, a person he considered a good, trustworthy friend. How is it possible that no one has ever sensed his real identity, his real name? Why he, being not once alone with him, talking about many things, even these which should have never been known to anyone except for other Jedi, has never felt the Darkside, the Sith?

He had a moment of rest. And he had also the feeling his ankle will explode in a minute. He wiped his tears and lightly touched the aching part of the leg.

"Come on, faster!" he panicked, knowing that Palpatine is right behind him.

When he got downstairs, there was no one here, even the lights were off. He ran out, still fighting with the pain, and jumped in first better speeder. He felt safer now, but it was his duty to tell the Council about this betrayal. He saw Palpatine chasing him but he was better pilot. Better and faster.

Cursing the pain and his own naivety, he stopped right in front of the building. Palpatine has been left behind a little but Anakin was certain he will be here in no time. And he was right. The Sith caught up to him and jumped on the Jedi again.

Anakin quickly activated his blue lightsaber and blocked the attack, which wasn't the strongest one. Though it was enough to give him pain.

"You will regret you'd rejected my offer, Skywalker!" hissed the Sith, growing in anger and strength.

"Funny thing, what happened to 'dear boy' and honest friendship?" he growled.

Palpatine kicked him in the stomach, sending him on the door. Then, he prepared to punch the man. Anakin avoided the blow and as a result, the Chancellor hit the wall behind him and shouted at the pain, swearing.

He managed to electrocute him but the Jedi ran straight to the Council, disappearing behind the door, hoping to find his Master. Or in his current situation - anyone.

And Palpatine knew, he had to end this now or never...

T.B.C

Kinda cliffy I know, sorry :)

Another and the last chapter will be uploaded as soon as I will find some time, I hope this chapter wasn't too messy ;)