The Sith and the Jedi walked down the brightly lit passage of his private floor, their footsteps in-sync with each other as they neared Padmè's quarters. Vader turned his mask down to glance at his brother beside him, feeling more connected to his former master than ever before.
As they paused by the entrance, the dark lord sighed. "Obi wan," he rumbled before opening the door to the suite.
The Jedi looked up at him, with a strangely content smile on his face. "Yes Anakin," he replied.
"Do you like Corellian Whiskey?" he asked placing his massive gloved hand onto the Jedi's shoulder.
"Possibly, that depends. Are you offering?" he said with a gleam in his eyes.
Vader smiled behind the mask and tapped his hand heavily on his shoulder. "Indeed I am."
Obi wan clapped his hands in front of him and rubbed them together. "Well, in that case Anakin, I could use a drink," he chortled.
The dark lord laughed as they strode down the corridor for his chamber.
He felt oddly sentimental as he entered his quarters, stepping to the side to allow his brother to come in. "It's strange," he mumbled closing the door and striding over to his hyperbaric chamber.
The Jedi stood awkwardly in the centre of the room, folding his arms and tucking his hands into the sleeves of his robe. He watched, as the dark lord sat down in his chair and activated the arm to remove his helmet. "What is strange?" he asked curiously.
Vader lifted his hands to his mask, and gently pried it from his face, placing it on the floor beside his feet. "I never envisioned this," he replied distantly. Reaching down beneath his console, he grabbed the whiskey and exited the domed structure.
Obi wan smiled, seeing the change in his old padawan. He reminded him of the Anakin he used to know; the way his wavy hair fell limply around his jaw and the sparkle lingering in his crystal blue eyes. "I know what you mean," he agreed.
The now unmasked Sith walked into his bed chamber to get some glasses. "You know, you could've told me before Obi wan," he called out as he made his way back into the chamber room. Lifting his head, he looked into the Jedi's grey eyes as he handed him the glasses.
Obi wan raised his brow as the dark lord poured their drinks. "Told you what, Anakin?" he enquired.
Vader replaced the lid on the bottle and headed over to his desk by the port-window, setting it down. He paused to take a deep breath before returning to his brother. Taking one of the glasses, he held it up and smirked, "Oh I don't know, how you felt about me," he stated, staring at the Jedi over the rim, as he took a sip from his drink.
"The way you say it, makes me sound like I wanted to marry you or something Anakin," he quipped lifting his glass to his mouth.
The dark lord practically choked on his drink at his former mentor's appraisal of his comment. He coughed violently, while trying to keep his glass steady. "That wasn't exactly what I meant," he croaked, trying to clear his throat.
Swallowing down his mouthful, Obi wan eyed his brother curiously. He swirled the amber liquid around in his glass, deep in thought. "Attachment was forbidden, Anakin," he muttered reflectively.
Vader lifted his glass and drained it in one swift motion, squeezing his eyes shut as he lowered it back down. He opened them again and stared at his former master, furrowing his brow.
The Jedi followed suit, gulping his drink down and placed the empty glass into the dark lord's outstretched hand.
Returning to the bureau, the Sith refilled their glasses. "The Jedi order was a farce," he hissed venomously, slamming the bottle down and gripping the countertop. Lifting his head up he stared at the streaks of light, as they shot past the window.
Obi wan folded his arms defensively. "A farce?" he scoffed.
Vader picked up the glasses and turned back to face the Jedi, holding one out to him. "Yes," he snapped, with an icy glare.
"How so?" Obi wan asked, taking his drink.
The dark lord swirled the whiskey around, watching the surface ripple. He huffed in frustration before gulping it down. Opening his eyes, he glared at his brother, his flaming amber orbs burning bright.
"They forbade attachment and yet they assigned padawans to masters. On one hand saying that you must let go of what you fear to lose, and on the other encouraging the force-bond," he growled turning back to refill his drink. "Don't you think that is slightly contradictory, Obi wan?" he asked with his back to him.
The Jedi stroked his beard. "I hadn't really thought of it like that," he replied contemplatively, "But when you put it that way, yes, I suppose you are right."
Vader sighed at his brother's open-mindedness and released his building tension into the force. He glanced over his shoulder, "Would you care for another?" he asked.
Nodding his head, Obi wan walked over to stand beside the dark lord and placed his glass down on the desk. He watched the colours mingle in his former padawan's eyes; the cerulean blue gradually enveloping his irises; as he poured their drinks again. He dragged his hand through his hair before picking up his glass and turning to lean on the bureau. "Anakin," he mumbled.
Vader held his glass and gazed curiously at the Jedi. "Yes Obi wan?"
"Did you truly hate me?" he asked, turning to stare into his eyes.
The Sith drained his glass and placed it back down onto the desk. He ran his hand through his unruly golden hair and closed his eyes, leaning back onto the bureau beside him. "Yes and no," he whispered, staring at the floor.
A tear slid down the Jedi's cheek and he quickly moved to wipe it away. "Why?" he choked, looking over at him, his stormy grey eyes glistening.
Vader tilted his head slightly, glancing up at his old mentor from beneath his brow. "You were always the perfect Jedi. Calm, controlled and focussed. You embodied everything that I was not," he replied weakly. With a huff he pushed himself away from the desk and started to pace, shaking his head. He suddenly stopped and spun back to face him. "You know, I actually wanted you to join me at Mustafar," he stated, staring at him with his hazy blue eyes.
Obi wan's jaw dropped. "You what?" he exclaimed.
The Sith laughed darkly as he resumed pacing. "I know, odd isn't it?" he said mockingly, "Even after you stowed away, on my pregnant wife's ship and turned her against me, I still wanted you to come with me."
Obi wan folded his arms tight across his chest, feeling slightly light headed from the liquor. "Wait a minute, do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound?" he shot back. Gathering his senses, he stormed across to the dark lord and blocked his path, grabbing his upper arms. "First of all Anakin, I didn't turn Padmè against you, you did."
Vader's brow furrowed deep as he glared at his brother. "Yes you did!" he snarled, staggering slightly from the whiskey. "You told her about the temple! She was never supposed to know about that!"
The Jedi's eyes went wide in shock, "What?" he scoffed, "Did you honestly think she would never have found out Anakin? You slaughtered the entire Jedi order for force sakes! That was bound to come out eventually!"
"But not like that!" the Sith cried, as tears welled in his eyes, "I needed to be the one to tell her! She needed to understand why I did what I did. You took that away from me!"
Obi wan swayed as he held on to the dark lord's arms tight. He listened to the ragged breathing of his former padawan as he struggled to compose himself.
Tears rained from their eyes, as they stood before each other, completely overwhelmed by their shared grief and confusion.
"You actually wanted me to come with you Anakin?" the Jedi choked as he stared into his sodden blue eyes.
"Of course I did, Obi wan. Other than Padme, you were the closest thing I had to a family," he croaked.
Obi wan threw his arms around his brother and forcefully pulled him into his embrace. He dropped his face into his black armoured shoulder and broke down, while the Sith held onto him tight. "I wish you had come to me, you foolish, foolish boy. I would have helped you. Together, we could have worked something out."
Vader couldn't manage a response, as he silently wept into his old master's shoulder.
• • •
"Stretch out with your feelings, young one," Yoda said, "Feel the force flow through you."
Padmè sat on the sofa, beside Leia, raising her brow at the ancient Jedi, sitting on the floor with her son. "Master Yoda, I do wish you would stop. Anakin was very clear about him being the one to train him," she scolded folding her arms.
The green master's ears lowered as he glanced over at the former senator. "Consumed by the dark side, your husband is. Capable of training young Luke, he is not," he chided.
"Dad's going to be so mad at you, Master Yoda," Leia retorted, as she looked to the door, "I wouldn't want to be you when he walks in."
"Leia, mind your manners," Padmè scolded glaring down at her daughter.
The door to the suite whooshed open. Obi wan and Vader staggered inside with their arms over each other's shoulders, supporting each other.
"And then I had to rescue you, as always," the Sith chortled steadying himself.
Obi wan waved the door shut behind them and braced his hand against the wall. "As I said before Anakin, that doesn't count," he retorted.
The dark lord slowly lifted his head and stared blankly into the sitting room at the ancient Jedi with his son. A blinding hot rage consumed him at the sight, and he suddenly lost all rational thought. His face went tight, his brow furrowed and his hands balled into fists at his sides.
"Oh dear," Obi wan breathed, feeling his brother's anger radiating from him.
Padmè's face went white as she stared up at her swaying, unmasked husband in shock. She could smell the whiskey permeating the air in the suite and the sensation made her suddenly nauseous.
"Get away from my son!" Vader bellowed, hazy eyes ablaze, lifting his flesh hand into the air. Without thinking, he unleashed his fury and sent forth a burst of blue lightning, thrusting the grand master across the room into the wall.
Yoda was caught by surprise. The attack however not lasting long, and it seemed as though it was more of a warning than a punishment. He groaned as he slowly pushed his body up from the floor, his eyes trained on the Sith.
Obi wan's hands flew to his mouth as he staggered back against the wall behind him.
The dark lord cocked his brow and looked down at his gloved hand in astonishment, turning it around before him. "Whaddya know, never thought I could do that," he slurred in disbelief.
Luke stared up at his father in shock while Leia laughed standing beside her now shaking mother, by the dining table.
"See, I told you he was going to be angry," Leia giggled darkly, shooting a knowing grin at the ancient master.
Padmè glanced around the room, trying to process what had just happened. She grabbed her daughter's wrist and pushed her towards her bedroom. "Get in your room now, and don't come out until I say so," she scolded. Staring over at her son on the floor, she snapped, "Luke, you too. Get in your room."
The two twins high-tailed it from the group and ran into their bedroom, closing the door behind them.
Leia sat on her bed and continued to giggle, crossing her legs up on the quilt. "Did you see that? That was awesome!" she exclaimed in pure awe of her father's power.
Luke was still in shock. He stared at the wall in front of him, unsure of how to feel. "Dad is drunk," he mumbled flopping back down onto the bed.
The young mistress couldn't contain her excitement, she jumped across the two beds and sat next to her twin. "But did you see what he did Luke? He threw LIGHTNING! That stupid green alien didn't even see it coming," she remarked, tugging on his arm.
"I know, but somehow, I don't think he knew what he was doing," he said, opening his big blue eyes and sitting up, staring at his sister. "Couldn't you feel it, Leia? Couldn't you feel his pain?"
"Yeah, but he's always like that dummy," she rebuffed swinging her legs. She spun her head around to stare at her brother, with a contemplative expression that slowly morphed into nervous curiosity. "Hey, do you think that we might be able to do that one day? You know, fry someone who has upset us?" she asked curiously, "That would be so wizard!"
"I thought you weren't interested in becoming a Jedi?"
She shrugged her shoulders and folded her arms. "Dad is a Sith, not a Jedi. So I'm still right!"
• • •
Vader's chest heaved as he glared at the ancient master across the room. He felt his brother put his arm back around his shoulder and glanced at him.
"Breathe through it Anakin," Obi wan comforted, seeing the fear blossoming in his amber eyes.
"Consumed you are Vader, slave to the dark side forever you will be," Yoda scolded as he gradually tapped his way towards the two men.
The dark lord closed his eyes as he tried desperately to reign in his temper. He could feel the calming emotions emanating from his brother, caressing his soul through their force-bond.
"Must you antagonize him Master?" Obi wan scolded, leaning into the dark lord. "Can't you see he is trying?"
Padmè strode forward, having enough of the constant bickering. She propped her hands onto her hips and pointed to the door. "Master Yoda, as the Empress of the Galactic Empire, I demand that you leave my chamber at once!" she stated in her regal tone.
Yoda turned back to stare at the brunette in shock.
Vader lifted his head to stare at his wife, filled with pride. A dashing smile adorned his face as he admired her commanding demeanour.
The younger Jedi tried to stifle his amusement, unable to maintain his composure thanks to the alcohol in his blood stream. He shot a glance to his brother as they rested their weight on each other.
I can see why you fell so hard for her.
The dark lord smirked as he met his old mentor's gaze.
Yes, she will make a fine empress, I had intended on giving her the empire and guiding her from the sidelines.
She will never go for it, Anakin. She loves democracy too much.
She was a queen before. I fail to see the difference.
The pair watched as the ancient master glanced up at them, before making his way out through the exit.
"My suite is the next one up, Master. I will join you shortly," Obi wan called out.
"Hrmm," Yoda grumbled as the door slid closed.
Padmè watched as the ancient Jedi left the room, crossing her arms over her chest and staring at her husband and old friend. "You're drunk," she said angrily, tapping her foot on the rug.
The dark lord laughed as he and his brother stumbled over to the sofa, and fell back into it. "Come on Angel, we're not that drunk," he quipped propping his hands up behind his golden hair and closing his eyes.
Obi wan covered his face with his hand as he tried not to laugh at the Sith's dismissal.
She moved to sit down beside them and rested her hand on her husband's thigh. "Do you even realise what you just did?" she breathed.
Vader shrugged his armoured shoulders, keeping his eyes closed. "Yeah, so what," he replied flatly, "He should have kept his green talons away from my son."
"You could have hit me or the twins!" she exclaimed angrily, squeezing his leg.
"It doesn't work that way, milady," the dark lord corrected indifferently, unable to move.
"He's right Padmè, the force follows the wielder's focus," Obi wan agreed, cradling his head.
Vader slowly lifted his head and stared into his wife's eyes. He reached up and cradled her with both hands, gently pulling her face down to meet his. "I love you Angel," he mumbled before pressing his lips to hers.
The Jedi groaned, "Anakin, I'm sitting right here."
Padmè pulled back and wiped the moisture from her mouth in disgust. "Why don't you go and have a shower, you stink of whiskey," she stated pushing him playfully.
The dark lord gazed up at her seductively, gently tugging on her arm, "Only if you come with me," he slurred.
Obi wan laughed as he saw the frustrated look on her face, and slapped his brother on the shoulder. "I don't think she's going for it, Anakin," he chuckled.
Vader rolled his eyes and slowly moved forward, resting his hands on his knees. "Fine," he groaned as he pushed himself up.
A loud beeping resonated from his belt, and he fumbled around, trying to retrieve it. Finally holding his comlink steady, he activated the transmission. "What?" he growled in frustration.
"My lord we are making our final approach for Coruscant. Preparing to exit hyperspace as we speak," Piett stammered
"Good work Admiral," he groaned switching it off.
With a final glance towards his wife and brother, Vader staggered into their bedroom and closed the door.
Padmè glanced back at the inebriated Jedi flopped on the sofa. "What happened between you two?" she asked.
Obi wan slowly opened his grey eyes and tried to clear his vision. The former Senator's face was blurry, but it didn't stop him from being able to sense her confusion. "Anakin and I had a long overdue heart to heart. Let's just say, we understand each other now," he replied groggily.
Padmè folded her arms and huffed. "Well it certainly took you two long enough," she replied standing up and walking to the twins' bedroom.
The Jedi dragged his hand through his hair and rested back into the sofa, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.
• • •
Admiral Piett stood at the command centre, scanning the Corusca sector for their fleet. All ships were present and accounted for, with the exception of the Carrion Spike. He turned to his neighbouring officer, Lieutenant Pilor and clasped his hands behind his back. "Have you received any communications from the Carrion Spike, Lieutenant?" he asked in concern.
"Nothing as yet sir," Pilor replied from his seat, "Comm scan indicated that the Corvette entered hyperspace from within the Arkanis sector, just outside of Geonosis."
"Yes, that was my understanding Lieutenant. What would be their estimated time of arrival?" Piett enquired, looking up at the screen.
"By our calculations, it should be arriving any time from now, Admiral."
Firmus Piett heard his Commander's boots striking the durasteel floor as he approached the bridge. He spun to face the dark lord, dipping his head to show his respect.
Vader strode up to the command centre and hooked his hands into his belt. "Piett, is my shuttle ready?" he rumbled.
"Yes milord. Commander Cody already has his men stationed in the hangar, ready to depart," the Admiral replied.
"Good. In the meantime I want you to conduct a search for your new crew."
"My new crew sir?"
"That is correct Admiral. The Executor is to be my new flagship, and as such I want you to Command her."
"Milord, but what of the Devastator?"
"Your talents would be wasted on such a menial position, Piett. Find a suitable replacement for your current station and bring them to me."
"Will do milord," the Admiral replied with a nod.
Vader spun on his heel and strode back down the passage to ready his family.
• • •
The congested orbit around Coruscant was littered with a myriad of Imperial Star Destroyers, looming menacingly above the planet. TIE Fighters whirled and buzzed between them, performing their routine patrols.
Emerging from the Devastator's hangar was Black One, its polished wing foils lowering into position as it slowly departed the ship. Six white Lambda-class shuttles moved into formation around their leader, escorted by a minor squadron of TIE Fighters and bombers. The flotilla descended towards the City planet, leaving the remainder of the fleet in orbit.
One by one the shuttles landed on the extended platform of the Palace central spire hangar, individually being withdrawn inside, whilst the others circled the building. As Black One touched down and raised its wings, the accompanying starfighters accelerated back into the atmosphere, and returned to the Devastator.
Cody and his troops formed a welcoming party along the walkway, waiting diligently for the young emperor and his family to disembark. Six red Royal guards stood at the head of the company with their force pikes engaged, prepared to protect the Sith.
The dark lord strode down the ramp from his shuttle and paused on the deck. The residual effects of his recent indulgence, wreaked havoc on his normally guarded senses, causing him to sway in place. The force buffeted him like a destructive whirlwind, whipping through his mind and soul, the light and dark warring inside for dominance.
The most unnerving revelation being the lingering, malevolent presence of his recently deceased master.
A shiver rippled through his armoured body as he felt the shadowy presence draw near. Shaking off his unease, Vader turned his mask back towards his ship, and watched as his family and the two Jedi disembarked.
A heavy sigh left his mask as he mentally prepared himself for the inevitable visions. He could feel the change happening. Deep within the darkest depths of his being, he could sense the shift.
Once more in his tortured life, he would find himself grappling between worlds, blinded by the turbulence and confusion of his internal battle. He began to wonder if he was actually strong enough to see it through. If he was truly capable of abandoning the shadows, which he had previously clung so desperately to.
He was starting to doubt it.
"My Lord," Commander Cody called out as he marched up the walkway.
Vader folded his arms over his chest and turned back to face his trooper. "Commander, escort the two Jedi to the lower levels of the temple," he growled.
Yoda's ears dropped as he stood beside his protégé. He looked up to Obi wan with despair in his eyes.
The younger Jedi glanced down to him, feeling his gaze and sighed, folding his arms.
"Right away sir," Cody replied motioning for them to follow him.
The two Jedi reluctantly made their way towards the trooper, unsure of what to expect once they entered their old home. The grand master stopped once he reached the Sith, tapping his gimer stick loudly on the floor. He glared up into the foreboding mask, furrowing his brow.
"Get comfortable here, you should not," he scolded leaning forward onto his cane.
Vader tilted his mask to look down at the ancient Jedi. He couldn't stop the rising amusement at the old one's discomfort. "Anger is a path to the dark side, Master Yoda," the Sith hissed, before spinning to face his wife and children.
Obi wan sighed and placed his hand on his mentor's shoulder, gently ushering him towards the temple entrance.
Padmè watched the two Jedi disappear into the temple, feeling ashamed at the way her husband was treating them. Reaching his side, she folded her arms over her chest, ignoring his outstretched hand and stared up at his mask. Luke and Leia paused beside her, waiting for instruction.
"Must you be so cold towards them?" she asked, furrowing her brow.
The dark lord pulled his hand back and stood tall, straightening his posture. He could feel her anger bubbling away inside her. The darkness inside latched onto the emotion, drinking it in like a tonic. The faltering light retreated into the depths of his being, returning his focus.
"I have my reasons," he replied flatly, turning his head towards the temple entrance, "Now, come."
Padmè shuddered at his icy demeanour. Taking the hands of their children, she followed him into the temple, watching his cape drift behind him with each determined stride.
• • •
Yoda's discontent multiplied the deeper he and Obi wan travelled into the old temple. It seemed as if every remnant of their once functioning order, had been stripped and replaced. The empire swallowing all that was good and peaceful in the galaxy. As the turbo lift door opened, both mouths of the Jedi dropped.
This level was untouched.
Ancient statues of the Jedi founders still stood either side of the grand staircase. The stone fountain bubbling away in the center. The stench of death was still present, littered with the souls of their fallen brethren, seemingly trapped within their prison. Dust particles hung in the stale air, floating amongst the weak beams of light filtering through the skylights.
"At least the fountain survived," Obi wan mumbled sadly, running his hand through his hair.
The grand master glanced up to his companion in despair. His bright green eyes, glistening with tears. "Feel them I can, Obi wan. Trapped here they are."
The younger Jedi released a deep sigh, his shoulders sagging lowly. It had been many years since they had returned to the temple. Ever since that fateful night, when...
No, I must not think about that. What's done is done. I must find a way to fix this. There has to be some way of bringing him back.
"I can...feel them too, Master," he replied.
"No remorse has he," Yoda snapped tapping his gimer stick on the marble floor. The crack bounced off the aging temple walls, dislodging the heavy dust resting on the statues.
No, I felt it. I know he feels guilty, he admitted as much to me. But was that the same as remorse? If presented with the same options once again, would his brother still choose the path to the darkness?
"I'm not entirely convinced of that," Obi wan muttered.
The grand master slowly turned on the spot, surveying the degrading shadow of what was once his sanctuary, his legacy. His home. His green eyes shone bright in the foreshadowed parlour. "Save him we can not Obi wan. If guilt he does not feel, then gone he is. For show this appearance is."
The younger Jedi folded his arms tight across his chest defensively. He couldn't agree with his master. It went against everything he and Anakin had discussed over their recent time together. He had seen glimpses of the chosen one here and there. In subtle nuances, words spoken, unlike the uncaring Sith Lord. The way he behaved when he was actually resisting and fighting the darkness. The way he looked at his wife. These were not the actions of a Sith. "But the conflict is there Master, surely you must be able to sense it, as do I."
Yoda's ears dropped. He raised his clawed fingers and pushed on his now closed eyes, trying to center himself. "Strong enough in him, this conflict is not. Consumed he is. Blinded by attachment, fear, power," he stated, staggering over to sit on the ledge of the fountain. "Want to change he must, Obi wan, force him we cannot. Strong with the dark side Vader is, difficult for Skywalker to defeat, he will be."
A blue ethereal robed figure appeared before them. "Your plan to overthrow him has instigated this reaction, Yoda," Qui gon stated folding his arms. "The boy was not dangerous, your fear of his abilities enabled this tragedy."
The ancient jedi creased his brow, staring up at the force ghost before him. "Afraid I was, yes, and for good reason too, Master Qui gon."
"His future was uncertain. Had you have embraced him, and helped him through his struggles, instead of allowing him to slip further into Palpatine's grasp, this would never have happened. Instead you isolated him, distrusted him and handed him to the chancellor at a time when he needed you most."
Yoda stood up and started to pace, tapping his cane on the floor with each small step. "Anger, fear, attachment. Sensed all in him I did. Foolish were we to allow his training, listen to me the council did not," he scolded.
Qui gon stared at the grand master in disbelief, even after everything that had happened, the ancient one still couldn't accept his failings. "He came to you, he told you of his visions and you dismissed him. Even knowing the situation he was in, fully aware of his indiscretions, you gave him nothing. Mace knew that leaving him with Palpatine was the wrong decision, had you have sent him to Utupau with Obi wan, none of this would have happened."
The ancient master dropped his ears and spun back to glare at the force ghost, his green eyes darkened under the shadow of his brow. "Embraced the dark side, Skywalker had, long before the emperor's ascension."
The ethereal figure shimmered, "He was finding the balance!" he snapped, raising his raspy voice, "Your ignorance caused his descent!"
Obi wan dragged his hand through his short auburn hair and huffed in frustration. This conversation was obviously getting nowhere. He shot to his feet and folded his arms, tucking his hands into his sleeves and stared at the two masters. "Enough of this," he groaned, "Petty squabbling over the past won't get us anywhere."
Both Jedi turned to face him, hearing the finality in his tone. They eyed him curiously.
"Anakin is teetering on the edge of darkness once again, and now we have the opportunity to correct those mistakes. Waging a war against him is not the answer, he would destroy us. Instead we must find a way to drag him back from the shadows," Obi wan scolded, his voice carrying throughout the haunting chamber.
Yoda cocked his brow at the younger Jedi, "A suggestion on how we do that, you have Obi wan, Hrmm?" he questioned.
"Yes Master. We help him. We support him. Guide him like the council should have done from the very beginning."
Qui gon smiled as he walked towards his former padawan, placing his translucent hand comfortingly upon his shoulder. "It wasn't you who failed him, Obi wan," he reassured.
The younger Jedi dropped his gaze to the floor at hearing his old master's words of comfort. "Yes, I know," he replied distantly.
Yoda narrowed his gaze at the other two Jedi and snapped, "Broke the code, young Skywalker did."
Angry tears welled in Obi wan's grey eyes as he stared up at the grand master in disbelief. "I give up," he grumbled, stepping away from the fountain and turning his back to them, "I am going to see if my room is still intact. Good day masters."
The green Jedi watched solemnly as his protégé sauntered away, into the shadows. His heart grew heavy from seeing him in so much pain.
"You know you are losing Obi wan as well now, don't you," Qui gon stated, looking down at the old master beside him.
Yoda turned and tapped his way back across to the fountain, gazing into it reflectively. "Blinded Kenobi is. Too attached to his padawan, he always was," he replied.
"It is time for change Yoda."
The ancient master leant forward onto his gimer stick and sighed, "Perhaps right, you are."
• • •
Vader lead his family through the sweeping corridors until they reached the door to their new home. Waving it open, he held his breath and stepped aside to allow them to enter.
Padmè walked in, holding Luke and Leia's hands at her sides. She glanced around the renovated suite nervously.
There was a formal sitting area as you walked in, with different rooms and corridors branching off both left and right from it. The floor was high gloss black marble tiling with a large plush red rug in the center. Hung on the wall was a massive holoscreen facing a circular black suede lounge.
There were no pictures on the walls and no homely knick-knacks anywhere. The room was sterile and uninviting.
The dark lord strode forward and moved over to open the first door on the right, crossing his arms as he rested on the door frame.
Luke and Leia silently followed their mother over to where their father was standing, nervously glancing inside the room once they reached his side.
"I take it this is your office," Padmè stated walking inside.
"Yes," Vader replied, watching his family from the doorway.
The room was dark and oppressing, with no windows anywhere. Hung on the blood red walls were several black, floor length banners, each displaying the stark white Imperial insignia. Speakers were nestled into each corner of the ceiling and beneath them was another large holoscreen. A massive obsidian desk-come command center-sat in the center of the room, with a bulky black leather chair tucked in behind it.
"Shall we continue?" the Sith asked cocking his mask to the side.
His family silently nodded as they exited the room and stood quietly in the sitting area. They followed him down the next corridor, this one to the left of the sitting room. Once again he opened the door and stood to the side, allowing his family to go in first.
Padmè threw her hands over her mouth when she saw the next room. Her eyes lit up as she turned back to look at her husband in shock.
The dark lord smiled behind the mask and simply nodded.
Luke and Leia screamed with joy as they ran into their new bedroom.
"Wow Dad! This is amazing!" they both cried, running straight over to their beds.
Vader put his arm around his wife and watched their children explore their new room. The walls were decorated in subtle greens and blues accompanied by a large mural of the field in Naboo, complete with waterfall. Beside the two beds were two chests, one pink and one blue, both brimming with new toys.
Luke and Leia quickly set to work, pulling out all of their presents and spreading them across the floor. Both children were entranced by the splendour. Due to the nature of their upbringing, they didn't have a lot of personal belongings.
"Oh Ani, it's perfect," Padmè breathed, resting her head against her husband's shoulder armour.
"I had hoped that you'd like it," he rumbled as softly as his mask would allow. Taking a deep breath, he gently grasped her hand and turned towards her. "While they are busy, let me show you the rest of the rooms."
She followed him into the corridor and up to another door. His breathing had altered its rhythm slightly, quickening in pace.
He stopped by the door and spun to face his wife, gazing into her glistening eyes. He could feel his heart starting to race inside his chest, as the anxiety of showing her the next room began to surface. "Angel, close your eyes," he tried to whisper. Waiting until she was no longer able to see, he levitated his helmet from atop his head and slowly removed his mask. Placing the two pieces down on the floor in the passage.
The door whooshed open and he gently guided his wife inside, as she kept her hands firmly planted over her eyes. He walked behind her and directed her into the center of the room.
Resting a hand on each shoulder, he whispered, "Ok, you can open them now."
The former senator gasped as she stared around at the new room. She spun back to stare up into her husband's sparkling blue eyes and saw the moisture brimming within them. "A nursery," she breathed, struggling to stay composed. An errant tear slipped down over his cheek and she reached up to catch it on the tip of her finger.
The dark lord stuttered in a shallow breath. "Do you...do you like it?" he croaked feeling suddenly weak at the knees.
"I love it," she cried throwing herself into his arms. She felt his body wrap around her, pulling her in close to him.
"Why don't you have a look around, Angel?" he whispered, lifting his face up from her hair.
She turned in his embrace and started to explore the new room. There was a large window to the right, adorned by bright blue suede curtains. The wall had an artistic rendition of space on it, with Tatooine, Naboo and Coruscant nestled amongst the iridescent stars. The black crib was against the picture with a shaggy blue rug laid at its' feet. Next to the crib was a small rocking chair and a larger black suede recliner.
Hanging from the ceiling were all types of different spaceships, varying in size and design, one catching her eye more than the others.
"Is that a replica of your new flagship?" she asked pointing to the super star destroyer model in the center of the mobile.
"The Executor, yes it is, my love," he replied quietly, moving underneath to activate its' built in nightlights.
"So, we are having a boy then?" she asked with a smirk creeping onto her face.
"Yes, Angel," Vader choked, his voice barely a whisper. He was currently battling with his emotions, trying to contain both the intense love and deep seeded regret that filled him.
This is how it should have been five years ago. The two of us standing arm in arm by the window at the Lake House, overlooking the gardens. I missed so much. I hurt her so much. How could I have allowed him to do this to us?
The war inside him raged on.
He stared at his wife as she ran her hand along the side rails of the crib. She was barely starting to show and yet he felt compelled to protect her. The force was whispering to him, trying to tell him something, but he couldn't make sense of it. His vision was blurred and his senses were skewed, due to being stuck between the two worlds.
With a gentle shake of his head, the dark lord cleared his throat. "Would you like to see something cool?" he asked.
Padmè glanced back at him curiously, the smile not leaving her face. "Ok," she answered.
With a wave of his gloved hand, Vader extinguished the lights and drew the curtains, plunging the room into darkness.
The whole room lit up like the Coruscant night sky. Each star on the wall glowed bright, along with their home worlds. The spaceship mobile came to life, with the engines on each of the different replicas lighting up as if they were traversing the galaxy. The Executor's thirteen model thrusters burning brightest of all. Tiny lights glittered the ceiling, each one twinkling in the spectacle.
He heard his wife gasp at the sight and it made him smile. He hadn't seen her this happy since they were courting on Naboo. The darkness inside him retreated once more, making way for his guilt to raise its ugly head. An image of his lightsaber being thrust through the breast of one of the Jedi at the temple, forced its way into his mind.
He could suddenly feel their pain.
Just as he always could.
He dropped his head and clutched at his suit, as an overwhelming stab ripped through him.
"Ani?" Padmè whispered in concern, walking towards him, "Are you alright? What's wrong?"
"It's nothing, Angel. Don't worry about me...please," he groaned, as a contorted frown formed on his face. He tried to breathe through the pain, taking slow and steady breaths. The visions gradually filtered into his mind, muted screams of anguish and despair echoing inside his head.
Please, don't do this. Not now. Don't ruin this moment.
The Sith pulled the darkness into him, desperate to silence his thoughts. The force answered his call and flooded back, strangling the oppressing memories from sight. The pain in his chest slowly subsided. With another deep breath, the dark lord straightened his posture and stood tall, consumed by the darkness once more.
Padmè watched as her husband's eyes flickered between crystal blue and flaming amber, the two colours swirling around each other like a wild sandstorm. She walked over to him and rested her hand on his arm, gazing up into his face. "Please, stay with me Ani. Don't leave," she whispered.
He stared down at his wife's pleading face, her concern for him filling him with dread. Abandoning the dark side was going to be a challenge, something that he wasn't entirely certain he was actually willing to do.
"Would you like to see our room?" he asked lowly, barely concealing his anger.
She smiled back at him. "Yes, I would like that," she sang trying to mask her worry.
The dark lord took his wife's hand and led her back out into the passage. His comlink chirped, pulling him from his thoughts.
"Yes Commander," he answered, keeping the video feed disabled.
"My lord, a small cruiser has just docked at hangar three. I have a Nabooian woman with two droids here claiming that you sent for her," Cody responded.
"She had better be alright Vader, or there'll be hell to pay," Dormè yelled out in the distance.
The Sith groaned, "Indeed I did. Send her up."
"Right away sir."
Padmè stared up at her husband with a bemused expression on her face. "You summoned Dormè here?" she asked.
He cocked his brow in confusion. "Is that not what you want?" he asked.
"Well, yes," she stammered in response, "But I thought that you hated her."
"That hasn't changed."
"Then why?"
Vader sighed, "Padmè, I thought you could use the help while I am away. Especially with you being with-child."
She smiled back up at him. Even now as a Sith Lord and the new Emperor, his concerns for her well-being came at the forefront of his mind. "Thank you," she whispered.
Turning back to face the room, he waved the door open. In one swift movement, he spun to face his wife and swept her up into his arms, carrying her over the threshold.
Padme struggled to contain her nervous giggling at his gesture as he lowered her back down onto the floor. Glancing around their bedroom, she saw a large holoimage hung above the massive king size bed. It was one of her and him together. One Dormè had taken of them back at 500 Republica Boulevard. Anakin was standing behind her in his black Jedi robes, with his arms protectively wrapped around her swollen belly. She was wearing a deep burgundy gown, one that she used to wear to the Senate meetings. She could see the haunting darkness in his expression, even in this image, and it made her wonder how she could have missed it back then.
The king bed was dressed in luxurious heavy black linens, accented by red silk cushions. It reminded her of his chamber back on the Devastator but on a much grander scale. There were two massive glass doors, finished with heavy, black drapes to the rear, stretching the entire width of the room. Behind them was their own private balcony and landing platform.
Vader motioned with his wrist and opened the doors, before taking his wife's hand and leading her out through them.
A tear rolled down her cheek as she spotted his old yellow starfighter, docked on the platform. For some reason, seeing it sitting there caused a wave of emotions to course through her. She could still see him, as if it were only yesterday; climbing into the cabin after returning from the temple, asking her to wait for him.
The dark lord wrapped his arms around his wife and dropped his head, resting his chin on her hair. He could feel her despair beginning to rise, and he knew exactly what caused it. "I know that it isn't your old apartment Padmè, but I hope that you and the twins will find it comfortable," he stated, holding her close.
"It's perfect Ani, besides there's too many memories at my old apartment anyway. Some of which I would prefer to forget," she replied lifting her hand up to brush the tear from her eye.
He turned her around and pulled her head against his chest, caressing the chestnut curls down along her neck. Closing his eyes he whispered, "I'm so sorry Angel."
Padmè sobbed into his suit and whimpered, "I know."
• • •
Obi wan found his old chamber in the temple, surprised to see that it was exactly the way he left it. On his journey he had noticed a series of scorch marks covering the door to his former padawan's room. Curiosity got the better of him and he headed back down the passage to investigate.
He stood in front of the singed door, summoning the courage to go inside. Waving it open, his hand flew to his mouth as he stared at the dishevelled chamber.
The room was in ruins with lightsaber scorch marks littering every surface. Tiny shards of broken glass covered the floor, crunching beneath his boots with each step. The curtains had been torn from the window and ripped into shreds, scattered all around the room. Each wall was covered in what could only be described as fist imprints, speckled with blood.
He lifted his hand and traced his fingers slowly over them, feeling the ridges.
Turning his attention to the cot, he noticed that it too had been attacked. The mattress had been slashed repeatedly, exposing the blackened springs underneath.
The Jedi let out a deep sigh and perched himself gingerly on the edge of the cot, picking up a small trinket from the bedside table. It was a small piece of japoor carved into the shape of an angel. A tear slipped down his cheek as his fingers explored the intricate details in the carving.
Oh Anakin, I wish that you had come to me.
He placed the token back onto the table and rose from the bed, walking back over to the door. Feeling completely shattered by the lingering despair and hatred that filled the room, he exited into the passage and closed the door behind him.
• • •
Vader sat in his office, going over the technical read-outs for the death star. He glanced briefly towards the door, hearing his wife chatting away to her handmaiden in the sitting room, before returning his attention to the terminal.
He hated the infernal weapon. It had been constructed out of pure insanity, nothing but a complete waste of time, materials and credits. Each day the battle station required extra funding, for one reason or another, and he was losing patience with it.
He knew it had to be decommissioned. If not for its relentless drain on the galactic bank, then for the potential of it being used against him.
Moff Tarkin was not a man to be trusted. He was a power-hungry psychopath, willing to do whatever it takes to reach the top.
And he was the top.
The Moff had to be crushed.
Entering in his security codes, the dark lord pulled up the comm-scan on his fleet. The iridescent red strategical map buzzed into life on his holoscreen, depicting every movement of his fleet. Death Squadron sat in orbit around Coruscant, with another five star destroyers hovering near them. The Death Star was still positioned beside Geonosis, now only protected by a handful of fighters that were docked within it.
He flicked between the images, searching for the remainder of his ships, looking for one in particular.
He couldn't find it.
A low growl emanated from the Sith as he punched in the channel for the Devastator.
"Yes milord," the Admiral's voiced carried out over the speakers.
"Piett, has there been any news from the rest of the fleet?" he snarled, clenching his fists on the console.
"Yes sir, the remainder are currently in hyperspace. They should be arriving within the next several hours."
"And what of the Carrion Spike?"
"Moff Tarkin made contact several hours ago, confirming that he was en route. Comm scan picked up the Corvette entering lightspeed just outside of Geonosis, he should be almost here by now."
"Good work Admiral. Send out a message advising all Commanders, yourself included, that they are to report to the Senate chambers by 0900."
"As you wish Lord Vader."
He disconnected the signal and sat staring at the holoscreen, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The force was whispering to him, taunting him, trying to tell him something. He couldn't decipher it, his mind was too busy with the constant battle between the light and dark fighting for control.
It was beginning to get old, fast. The conflict was real, and he was starting to feel blinded by it.
Something had to change.
Vader dropped his head forward onto the desk and closed his eyes, grabbing the back of his hair with his hands. Tentatively he began attempting to become one with the force, slowly allowing his anger and fear to release. Taking long, deep breaths, he tried to open himself back up to the light. The ache in his chest started to come back, gradually increasing in severity, until it felt as though a vice had gripped around his lungs, making each breath burn.
He kept his focus on the light. Padmè's face popped into his mind, her beautiful soul crushing smile, when she had seen the nursery. His heart skipped a beat at the memory as her face faded.
He heard the sound of hundreds of pounding footsteps marching behind him, echoing off the temple walls. The sensation of his hood flapping against the sides of his face as he marched up the stairs. Flashing images of terrified padawans' faces as he cut them down with his lightsaber. The bright blue light illuminating their horrified expressions, as their questioning eyes bored holes deep into him.
A violent stabbing pain erupted in his chest, causing him to suddenly push back in his chair in agony. Clutching at his heart, he clawed at his armour, buckling over in pain.
He could feel their pain radiating through him.
He could hear their screams echoing through the halls of the temple, accompanied by the stench of burning flesh.
His stomach began to churn, and a cold sweat formed across his brow. "Nooo!" the dark lord screamed, causing everything in the room to vibrate violently. Dropping onto his knees, he started to dry reach, the smell, the screams and the intense pain overwhelming him.
Padmè burst through the door, bolting over to her husband kneeling on the floor. "ANAKIN, WHAT'S HAPPENING?" she wailed, dropping to her knees in front of him.
He wretched again, his upper torso constricting and convulsing, desperately trying to rid his body of the trauma. "I can't do it, Padmè!" he cried, staring up at her, his crystal blue eyes filled with tears, "I just can't!"
"You can't what Ani? What can't you do?" she asked, desperately trying to understand.
Vader knelt before his wife, shaking his head with tears rolling down his cheeks.
Padmè put both hands on his shoulder armour, trying to stabilise her husband. "Talk to me Anakin, tell me what's going on."
"I can't be the man you want me to be, I tried! I tried Padmè, please...please believe me I tried!" he wailed.
She leant forward, looking him straight in the eyes, "Do you want me to call Obi wan? Can he help you?" she asked.
"I don't know Padmè," he whispered staring through her, but not actually seeing her. His eyes were glazed over, stuck in the force vision. All he could see was death all around him. The screams mingling with his wife's voice in the dark.
Retrieving her comm unit, Padmè contacted Obi wan, hoping against hope that he would be able to help her husband.
The Sith tried to call on the darkness, but it wasn't responding to his call. The pain was excruciating, travelling through his body like hundreds of jagged knives ripping through his skin. The more he tried to summon his anger, the further it retreated, leaving him clutching desperately to his sanity.
He knew his wife was talking, but he couldn't hear what she was saying, over the sounds of the blaster fire and screaming. Each breath was becoming more difficult, making his lungs burn.
Burning.
The heat.
Searing heat.
The smell of sulphur filled his nostrils, as the memories of Mustafar began to surface.
Finally the dark heard his call, flooding into him like a tidal wave. He breathed it in, welcoming its numbing embrace.
The memories of the temple evacuated his mind, leaving only hate.
Hate for the jedi.
Hate for his former master.
And most of all hate for himself.
The vibrating stopped and the room fell deathly silent. Padmè felt the air chill around her, as the room became visibly darker. Looking down at her husband still kneeling on the floor, she knew whatever had happened was now over.
He was no longer shaking or convulsing, now he was completely still. Nervously, she knelt back down in front of him, almost afraid to disturb him. "Ani," she said, putting her hand on his shoulder, "Is everything alright?"
He looked back up at her, his amber eyes ablaze.
She realised he was fully consumed by his demons, the Sith Lord back in control once again.
"No Padmè, I'm not alright," he said coldly, turning his face away from her. "I can't give you what you want."
Standing up to his full height, he shook off the offensive imagery that had assaulted his mind, vowing silently to never embrace the light again.
Padmè moved closer to her husband, staring at him, feeling like her soul had been torn in two. "All I want is you Anakin," she whispered quietly, moving her hand up to stroke his hair away from his face.
She watched as his body stiffened under her touch, whatever had just occurred being too much for him. Though she didn't have the slightest clue as to what he had just experienced.
Vader felt Obi wan's presence draw near, and he turned his head towards the door.
"Anakin, Padmè are you in here?" the Jedi called out, hesitantly making his way into the couple's new home.
Padmè watched as her husband turned and sat back at his desk, choosing not to respond to the Jedi. She looked back over at the door and called out, "We're in here Obi wan."
She waited by the door, not knowing whether to stand beside Anakin or not.
The Jedi sensed the darkness the moment he entered the suite. Walking into Vader's office he noticed the dark lord's demeanour, his body language screaming for him to leave him alone. His fists were clenched on the desk, one either side of the control panel, his facial expression stern as he sat rigidly upright. "I see you have done some redecorating Anakin," he quipped crossing his arms.
Vader tilted his head and glared his fiery stare at the Jedi, not offering a response. He turned his focus back on the communication panel in front of him, ignoring Obi wan's presence in his office.
The Jedi was not to be put off by his brother's dismissal, instead prompting him once again. "I know what you did Anakin, it rippled through the force like a shockwave."
The Sith stood up, refusing to meet the Jedi's eyes, storming past both Obi wan and his wife, and out of his office.
"I promise you, it won't happen again," he snarled as he left.