Star Wars Redemption
A Star Wars Story
Chapter 23
Disclaimer: All characters, locations, references rights belong to Disney. I only own the story.
Hey everyone. Look, first of all, I owe you guys a massive apology. I've kept delaying this chapter for a month now and I shouldn't have done that. And I probably should have listened to Vader when he told me that I would have other stuff to do during Christmas and gotten to it ASAP. So yeah, I formally apologize to all of you for the delay. Now, the actual prologue.
Note: In case you didn't get the idea, this chapter will be very long.
Okay, I feel like I should explain some stuff regarding the enormous blob of text that was chapter 21 and clarify things regarding the time skip.
What was the purpose of chapter 21 and what about Anakin's theory?
Alright, so first and foremost. Chapter 21 was a filler meant to explain things and get everyone on the right track. And I believe it did it's job. But the other day I noticed that I never explained Anakin's new theory about the force that he formed during a conversation with Padme. I'll leave the section below this, in case you want to read it again, but basically Anakin forms this idea of both sides of the force being equally powerful. That in order for balance to exist both sides of the force must have the same power level and has researched this during the two years between chapters 21 and 22. So, he has started to experiment with this and has succeeded in mastering both the light and the dark side of the force. This is why he is able to use powers from both sides in this chapter . Before I get to point 2, here is the section from chapter 21.
…
P-Ani! You are finally back.
V-Took me too long didn't it?
P-Yes. Way too long. So, how did the mission go?
V-It went great! We found and extracted Aylaa safely, with very little resistance.
P-For you, a whole armada is little resistance.
V-It was only Darth Maul and another Inquisitor. The best part is, the troopers that were with them helped us. Most got cut down though.
P-Well, what happened to Ahsoka?
V-The Inquisitor killed her.
P-I saw her land with you. I didn't think ghosts would walk, or be solid.
V-Well, you see that's the weird part. I don't know what I did, but somehow I saved her. I saved her from dying Padme.
P-You didn't use the dark side did you?
V-What? No! That's why it's weird! I always thought that this was a dark side power, not a light side one.
P-Ani, I have no idea how force powers work but surely the force doesn't make distinctions. If I was the force, I would make both the dark and the light equally powerful.
V-Padme you are a genius! *kisses her*What you are proposing is revolutionary!
P-What did I say?
V-Well, you just said that in order for balance in the two sides of the force there must be equal power in both. So, by taking this to it's logical extreme, there must be a light side version of all dark powers and vice-versa! This could chance how we view the force!
P-Wow, I didn't know I had it in me!
V-What can I say Angel? You always inspired me.
P-Thanks.
…
Okay, on to point number 2.
What's up with Anakin and Obi Wan? Are they friends again?
The hostility between Anakin and Obi Wan in chapter 22. In chapter 22 we learn that Obi Wan and Anakin met on Tatooine by accident long before the current events. Now, back in chapter 18 I had Obi Wan and Anakin split while not being on good terms. Well, mostly Anakin not being on good terms with Obi Wan but you get my point. This gradually started to change during the two year time gap in the story while Vader was completing his transformation into Anakin. When they met on Tatooine it was very little time after chapter 21 and Anakin had not forgiven Obi Wan yet, nor did he want to admit he understood his point of view. Obi Wan has stayed away for 2 years after because the meeting on Tatooine did not end well either. That's why Obi Wan is still skeptical and Anakin still cold towards him at the start of Chapter 22. Now, they are working to restore their bond so they aren't "brothers in everything but blood" again but they are friends yes.
Now, point number 3, the final clarification.
Why are the Death Star plans in Fortress Inquisitorious?
In the years that Vader has been working with the rebels Palpatine hasn't found a new apprentice and because of that, Anakin scares the heck out of him. That's why he has the Death Star plans hidden in Fortress Inquisitorious. He sees it as the safest place for them to be, because of all the dark siders that reside there. I thought this seemed a bit random and after someone asked if it was a callback to Jedi Fallen Order I thought I should clarify. Also, no new characters will be introduced in this story. It already has enough.
As a final note I would like to thank all of you for reading this. I'm being completely honest with you, I never expected this to get as many views. I expected 100, 200, maybe 300 and I thought 500 was pushing it when I started this. So after 22 chapters and almost 15.000 views I have nothing else to say than thank you. You guys are remarkable!
Now, I have an announcement for you. In case you didn't see my recent post, or you are reading this in the future because I'll be taking it down soon, I've decided to split the story in two parts. This is the ending of first one, where we see Anakin reuniting his family and friends and reconnecting with his loved ones after rising from the ashes of Darth Vader. We see this man's journey towards redemption and we (in this chapter) see the caring person he is now, after going through all he did in this story. The sequel will focus on the war and how Vader, who is now completely defeated returns to haunt Anakin in the form of the dark side and Emperor and we will bear witness to the endgame. The final battle between light and dark inside him, the final fight between Anakin and Vader. We will see this man achieve complete redemption. But we will have to wait for that my friends. We will have to wait for part 2.
The Ghost, en route to Fortress Inquisitorious, Anakin's point of view:
Me and the rest of the team, now having Obi Wan as an additional member were en route to the Fortress. They had a mission to complete and I a friend to rescue. Everyone was going over the plan one final time, before our landing. I wasn't paying attention though. I already knew what had to be done. I put Ahsoka in this mess and I would be the one to get her out of it.
Luke-Father, are you with us?
A-Yes Luke, I'm here.
S-As I was saying, we'll split up in two teams.
A-Exactly. I'll go get Ahsoka and you'll get the plans.
Luke-Father you can't do this alone! I know Ahsoka is important but you can't do it without our help.
A-On the contrary. I can and I will. You guys be stealthy. I'm sure my presence alone will distract every trooper in the building.
S-Master, that's why I'm worrying. All of them against you?
A-Yes. Ahsoka is my best friend. She's been like a little sister to me. I can't let her die. And say what you want Obi Wan, but I'm going. Alone. None of you will get hurt because of me.
H-Anakin, nobody will get hurt. We'll be fine.
A-I know Hera. I trust you. All of you. But I won't put you in needless danger. I want to keep you safe.
Luke-Mom is going to kill you when we get back.
A-Then I won't sacrifice myself for nothing. Either I leave with Ahsoka, or I don't leave at all.
O-There is no convincing you is there?
A-No.
S-…Fine.
Minutes later, Fortress Inquisitorious, Hangar Bay:
We landed in the hangar of the obsidian fortress only minutes later. We followed the plan and I went alone. I knew the Imperials were watching me, it was obviously a trap. But I didn't care. All I cared about was Ahsoka's well being.
Sixth Brother-Going somewhere Jedi?
A-Yes I am. I'm going to find my friend.
Ninth Sister-Oh I don't think so.
A-I don't want to hurt anyone. Not even you. Please, don't block my way. It won't end well for you.
Eighth Brother-We have you four to one.
A-I like those odds.
Ninth Sister-Kill him!
All four Inquisitors jumped me, but I was prepared. I blocked their attacks and tried to get them to stop, but they wouldn't listen. Their crimson blades were continuously clashing with mine. After a while, burns started to appear on the walls of the long corridor in which the fight was taking place. I was trying to avoid aggressive moves because I didn't want to hurt them. Eventually I managed to knock three out and disarm the Sixth Brother.
Sixth Brother-Come on. Kill me. I've caused you pain, and hurt your friends. Release your anger and strike me down.
When he saw I was doing nothing he continued.
Sixth Brother-Come on! What are you waiting for?
A-You want me to hate. You want me to strike you down in a blow directed by hatred and anger. But I won't. I won't hate. Not even you. And I want you to know I'm truly sorry for the pain I caused to you. I would take it back if I could, I swear it.
Sixth Brother-I don't need your pity! The dark side makes us strong!
A-It does, but did you ever consider the cost? What cost does this power come with?
Sixth Brother-…
A-It comes with pain. Suffering. I'm sorry I put you through that. I made the same mistake you are making now. I didn't realize the cost of my power.
With those words I opened four cell doors with the force and put one in each.
A-I'm sorry. I truly am. May the Force be with you.
The Inquisitor was left puzzled. I don't blame him. I would have reacted in a similar way if I was in his place. Choosing to reflect on my decision another time, I made my way towards Ahsoka's force presence. She was weak, I could feel it. And I didn't like that one bit. Several squads of Stormtroopers tried to intercept me and failed. I dealt with them either by using a mind trick or a simple push to knock them out. I wasn't going to hurt anyone. They were people, just like the rest of us, who just didn't realize they were fighting for the wrong side. I concentrated on the task at hand and unlocked Ahsoka's cell when I fried the locking mechanism on the door. She was exhausted and in pain. I picked her up and sat her down on the floor.
Ah-Ma…Master?
A-It me Snips. I'm here now. It's safe. Everything will be alright.
Ah-…I don't feel…so good.
A-Here, take this. It is a stim canister.
Ah-By the force…thank you Master.
A-Don't talk Snips. I'll get you out of here.
Ah-I'm…I'm sorry.
A-You saved us Ahsoka. Everyone is fine. Thanks to you.
Ah-Master, the clanckers...they are…everywhere.
Crap! She's being delusional. Not good. I need to get her out of here now!
A-Ahsoka there is nobody here.
Ah-Grievous…behind you…
Better to play along and reassure her that way.
A-I'll get him.
Ah-Thanks…Ani.
A-I got him. He's gone Ahsoka. He won't hurt you anymore.
Ah-Bad droid! Clean..this up…
A-Okay. Let's get you out here.
Ah-Follow…R2.
A-I am. We'll follow him Ahsoka just stay with me.
Ah-Yes…yes master. *cough*
We slowly made our way back to the ship while we took small breaks so I could comfort her and play along with her new illusion. The others were already waiting for us there and we boarded with no trouble, which was no surprise considering all the troopers were either knocked out, or relieved that we were there to "help" them.
Ah-Cold…so…cold.
S-What is…
Luke-Shhh!
A-Here Snips. Take my robe. It's warm. See?
Ah-Thank..you.
For the next couple of hours that we were in the middle of space, flying towards Yavin 4 I didn't leave Ahsoka's side once and had to use the force to calm her down several times. Physically speaking she was fine, considering she was being held in the Empire's most secure prison and she was probably tortured several times. Mentally, not so much. I should ask a healer to check this once we get to Yavin and tell the council too.
Note: Over the years many Jedi survivors such as Temple Guards, Healers and Knights had joined the ranks of the new Jedi Order and it was 156 Jedi strong.
Hours later, Yavin 4:
Ahsoka had just been transported to the medical and the healers were tending to her. I was speaking with Bail Organa and Mon Mothma about our next course of action now that we had the plans for the Death Star when we were interrupted by Padme.
P-Anakin! You are back in one piece!
A-What did you expect?
P-Well, this but I can't help but feel relieved.
Mon Mothma-We'll leave you two alone. We have to brief the rest of High Command on this matter.
A-Thanks.
Bail Organa-Don't worry, we'll bore you to death later.
A-Noooooooooo!
P-Ani…wait a minute…was that a Vader "No"?
A-Oh no. I've been caught red handed.
P-Shall we discuss your punishment?
A-I don't want to.
Leia-Dad! Thank the force you are alright!
A-Leia. Sweetie you worry about me more that your mother, something I believed to be impossible until I met you.
Leia-Well dad, what can I say?
P-In this case, say nothing.
A-Famous last words.
Leia-Are you sure about that?
P-I have an idea.
A-About what?
P-Your punishment. Leia, we start giggling him in three…two…one…
A-Not happening!
Leia-Hey! Don't run away!
I started running as fast as I could. Playing games with my family is one thing, but Leia won't shut up if I let them giggle me. I can already hear it in my head "…so me and your grandmother started giggling him" and I don't want that to happen. I continued to run and in a desperate escape attempt used the force to parkour my way on top of the temple. I was going to sit there for a bit and hide but when I got up I noticed that Sabine was already up there, deep in thought.
A-Sabine?
S-Ah! Oh, master it's you.
A-Are you waiting for anyone?
S-More like hiding.
A-Ezra problems again?
S-Yeah. I just…I can't find a way to not be distracted by him. To not think about him when we are on missions or worry about him when he is away and I'm not there. And I don't know why this is happening.
A-Sabine, I'm talking from experience. I think you have feelings for him.
S-I think so too…but how will I tell him when I'm the one who rejected him years ago when he voiced his feelings about me?
A-Just tell him.
S-And risk our friendship?
A-Sabine, if you don't ask you'll never know and one day, you may regret it. Even if you get rejected, which I find extremely unlikely, at least you'll know. Plus, I doubt the feelings he had for you are gone.
S-Really?
A-Yes. I sense his anxiety when he's talking to you, his attempts to bottle up his emotions when he is near you. He still has feelings for you.
S-Then why doesn't he say anything?
A-You said it yourself. You rejected him in the past, maybe he is afraid to try because he fear the same thing will happen twice.
S-Thanks master. Talking with you always calms me down. I'll go talk to him.
A-And I should probably go check on Ahsoka. Oh, could you please not tell Padme or Leia where I am? They'll giggle me to death if they find me.
S-*laughs*Yes master.
A-Now go and get him!
S-Will do.
Sabine and I gracefully floated down to ground level (the same thing Rey does in TROS but more powerful) and we parted ways. A couple of minutes later I was sitting on Ahsoka's bedside and talking to the doctor. He told me that she doing fine and she would be allowed to leave next day. Ahsoka woke up after I nudged her and was glad to see me.
Ah-Master, I can't thank you enough.
A-Ahsoka you are like a sister to me. I would never leave you.
Ah-So, do I get to skip the "never do that again" lecture?
A-Nope. Ahsoka look, everyone is grateful for what you did. You made a choice in that moment. It was us or your life.
Ah-And I chose to save you. Easy choice.
A-Ahsoka, even if you don't realize it that wasn't an easy choice. It was a hard one. When you locked yourself behind that door you knew what was going to happen, yet you did it anyways. You are the kindest, most selfless person I have even met Snips and I couldn't be more proud of you. You are the greatest Jedi I've ever had the honor to meet.
Ah-Oh Anakin…that was because of your training. You taught me everything I know and by serving with you I completed my journey. I became what I am today because of you Skyguy. You and your training.
A-Still, you would have never made it as Obi Wan's Padawan.
Ah-I agree with you , to this day.
A-I'm just glad you are alright.
Ah-I'm glad too.
A-Snips, if you need to talk you know where to find me.
Ah-Hiding from Padme in the most remote location of the temple?
A-Yup.
Ah-Got it.
A-Honestly, she has been able to find me.
P-Found him.
Leia-Finally!
A-Oh poop.
P-Oh come on Ani…
Leia-We won't giggle you I swear.
A-Come here you two…*pulls Padme and Leia into a hug*
Ah-What about me master?
A-And you. *pulls Ahsoka in the hug*
P-Okay, I'll go find Luke. Can you help Leia prepare dinner?
A-Well, you see, I have this meeting with the Council…
P-Anakin Skywalker!
A-Fine…let's go Leia.
Leia-Rodger Rodger.
A-How many times have I told you not to say that hmmm?
Leia-Too many for my liking.
A-How does Luke put up with you?
Later that day:
Despite Ahsoka's small injury she was still able to join us for dinner. Even Obi Wan came and after I explained myself to Padme for inviting him (which was her way of messing with him) we all had a great time. That afternoon at that dinner table, I felt like I could take the whole Empire on. The only thing I would need is my family.
I hope you guys enjoyed this as much as I did. I wholeheartedly loved writing each and every line of this chapter, because I got to show you the new Anakin. An Anakin who cares about his friend, messes around with his wife and daughter and helps people. I wanted to show what he has become, an even better man than he once was and this chapter was all about him and his loved ones. To me, it felt like a fitting way to end the story. To see our hero turn from a monster to a loving man that cares about his family. And to see his journey, to see him take the necessary steps, to me that is touching. I don't know about you but this last chapter moved me, even as I read it second time to check it again.
With that, our story ends here at least until it's sequel. It's been a fun ride hasn't it? And don't worry, there will be plenty more to cover, when it arrives. At least there are my other stories you can read in the meantime. Until then Anakin and I wish you guys farewell and would like to say that we would wholeheartedly appreciate your review, so we can read your thoughts on this. Well until next time, Anakin and Yolowriter…out!