Vader's second chance
A Star wars story
Chapter 19
Disclaimer: Disney owns everything except my plot.
Hello there everyone and welcome to chapter 19 of the story. Sorry it took so long to write this, but I had other stuff going on. Anyways, this chapter will focus on Anakin and Vader again. I have a summary below this paragraph that I think you'll like. As a last note before we begin, I hope you guys enjoy the chapter. That's all. Now, on with the show.
The WAR continues. After being chosen by Anakin Skywalker as his new Padawan, Ahsoka Tano and her Master are sent to Tatooine in order to investigate the rumors of a growing REBELLION against the Separatist forces. The pair are being accompanied by Obi Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker, which have their own daring mission on the dessert world. They have been sent to find and capture the Dark Lord of the Sith, which will bring an end to the ongoing war. Our heroes will have to work together in order to coordinate a REPUBLIC ATTACK in order to free the planet from the oppressive Separatist Armies. Meanwhile, the sinister Lord Vader and the ruthless General Grievous are preparing to fight against Republic Forces by luring their Fleet into a Separatist trap…
Tatooine's orbit, Three days after chapter 18, Ahsoka Tano's point of view:
Master Kenobi and Luke had been dispatched with Master Skywalker and me on my first real mission. We were supposed to investigate the planet to find out if there is an actual Rebellion thereand aid them if possible. Luke and Master Kenobi were supposed to distract the droid forces and lure their commander in the open so Master and I can take him out with the help of the Rebels, if they even exist. We only took one Venator with us so it would be easier to sneak on the planet, but Master said it wouldn't matter all that much. Luke agreed, but Master Kenobi insisted that we listen to the Council. It was a relatively short trip, only lasting about a day and a half, during which Master and I trained a lot, mainly practicing lightsaber combat, because he didn't want me to be unprepared in case we run into this "Darth Vader". He didn't say much about him, but when he did talk about him he usually said that I should never fight him if I have any other choice. When I asked him "why" he tended to say he was very dangerous, but…
Anakin-Ahsoka are you listening?
Ahsoka-...Oh. Um, no.
Anakin-I said that we are landing in ten minutes.
Ahsoka-Oh, I'll go get ready.
Anakin-Go ahead. I'll be waiting in the hangar.
Ahsoka-Alright Master.
Mos Eisley, Moments later, Vader's point of view:
As soon as I learned of an upcoming Republic invasion on Tatooine I informed General Grievous that we would have to take immediate action. He proposed that we plan an ambush and after taking a moment to consider the idea, I agreed with him. The remnants of Jabba's forces are causing enough trouble as it is and a Republic invasion would make things much worse that they already were. The defensive fleet was already in place and a droid had just informed me that a Republic ship had been detected. I told it to ignore the ship because that it wouldn't present much of a threat, and called General Grievous to inform him that phase two of the plan had begun. After briefing him on his part, I called for a droid and told it that Jedi would soon arrive. It asked me what to do with them and I instructed it to capture the intruders alive, because I wanted to deal with them personally. I left the city on a speeder and headed towards the Wastelands, knowing that Anakin would probably try to follow me. Everything was going as I had foreseen, and I had no intention of allowing things to happen otherwise.
Mos Eisley Spaceport, Anakin's point of view:
When we landed at Mos Eisley I noticed that the droids were moving around in weird ways and taking positions that provided them with a good angle if they wanted to attack us. I tried to tell the others to be careful, but the droids opened fire before I could finish my sentence. Obi Wan and Luke deflected their shots while Ahsoka and I pressed the attack. We made quick work of the machines and regrouped near our transport.
Luke-They were expecting us.
Anakin-Hmm, I wonder how you figured that one out.
Ahsoka-So, does this mean that the Sith is coming here?
Obi Wan-I hope not young one.
Anakin-We can take him. Right?
Obi Wan-Anakin the last time we fought him we barely got away.
Luke-Hey, I defeated him once. If I could do it once then I could probably do it again. I suggest we all go after him.
Ahsoka-I don't like that idea.
Obi Wan-I agree with Ahsoka.
Luke-Alright, how about we continue with the plan?
Anakin-…Fine, but if I see him I'm going for it. Guy owes me a rematch anyways.
Obi Wan-We should move.
Luke-What?
Obi Wan-I sense that something is happening. I suggest we move.
Anakin-I sense it too.
Ahsoka-I agree with Master Kenobi.
Anakin-Okay, Ahsoka and I will go find these Rebels and you two can deal with…whatever is trying to come after us.
Obi Wan-Very well then.
Anakin-Hey Master?
Obi Wan-Yes, Anakin?
Anakin-If he shows up, get the High Ground.
Obi Wan-Assuming he doesn't do it first.
Anakin-Yes. Assuming that.
Luke-I've got a bad feeling about this.
Ahsoka-I think we all do.
Anakin-Oh, come on Snips. Have some faith.
Luke-When it comes to Vader, faith is never enough Anakin.
Anakin-Let's just go.
Ahsoka-Yeah. Let's.
Ahsoka and I took a speeder and headed out into the dessert, hoping to find whatever Rebellion existed here while Obi Wan and Luke stayed in Mos Eisley in order to lure the droids away from us. After about an hour of scouting the sandy hills Ahsoka suggested that we go back, but I had a feeling we were going in the right direction. I insisted that we continue and Ahsoka agreed, even if she was reluctant. We kept on searching the dessert for another half hour until we finally came across something that resembled a campsite. We approached it with caution and started examining the scene, only to find out that whatever Rebels had set up camp here were long gone or even dead by now. I looked around a little more carefully and sure enough, I found a pile of bodies half buried in the sand. I examined one and concluded that they had been killed by a lightsaber, which meant that Vader was somewhere around here as well. I was about to go find Ahsoka when I felt his dark presence nearby. Almost instinctively, I rushed towards him and I found him dueling with Ahsoka. He was clearly toying with her, but she didn't seem to notice. Two Magnaguards were standing behind him, weapons at the ready. I sprinted towards the machines and lunged at one of the droids, whose head came clean off. This move distracted Vader long enough for Ahsoka to be able to back out and try to reach me, while I took care of the second droid. Vader made some space between us and spoke confidently, as if he already knew this was going to happen.
Vader-Anakin Skywalker. How predictable.
Anakin-Lord Vader. In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic, you are under arrest.
Vader-I don't think so.
The Sith Lord raised his hands in the air and the sand started spinning in circles around Ahsoka and I, just like my dream. Vader's breathing started echoing through the storm again and he jumped backwards, seemingly allowing the sand to consume him.
Ahsoka-Master?
Anakin-Yeah?
Ahsoka-I have a bad feeling about this.
Anakin-Me too Ahsoka. Me too.
I could sense that Ahsoka was panicking and she did nothing to hide that fact. She started looking around, frantically trying to locate Vader, whose figure was barely visible among the endless waves of sand he had surrounded us with. Remembering what had happened the last time I fought the Sith Lord, I tried to calm myself and to my own surprise, I succeeded. Ahsoka was still looking around, trying to locate Vader, but I wasn't paying attention. Using the Force, I located Vader and sent a ball of sand his way, which he dodged effortlessly. Ahsoka was puzzled when she saw what I was doing, but she didn't ask any questions. After dodging a wave of sand that Vader had thrown at me, I took a page from his book and simply waited for the next attack. He tried the same thing again and I found it surprisingly easy to avoid his attacks. I took a moment to locate him and sent out another ball of sand his way, which he once again dodged.
Vader-It appears that you are capable of learning new things Skywalker.
Anakin-I sure am Vader.
Vader-Thankfully, this isn't the only thing you will have to defend against.
Anakin-Don't you worry about us, we've got our own tricks.
Vader-I assure you, you won't be able to stop me this time.
Ahsoka-Master? I've got a really bad feeling about this.
Anakin-Trust me. It's nothing we can't handle.
Vader stopped his onslaught and I took a moment to try and figure out what he was doing. When nothing happened I was momentarily confused, but that was all Vader needed to attack us. I could see him waving his hands through the sandstorm and then I noticed that the area Ahsoka and I were standing in was getting smaller and smaller.
Ahsoka-Master, what do we do?
Anakin-He's using the environment against us. I say we give him a taste of his own medicine. On the count of three I want you to push forwards, you understand?
Ahsoka-Yes Master!
Anakin-One, two…three!
Ahsoka and I both used the Force to push the sand away from us and towards the Sith Lord. After a moment or two the sandstorm disappeared and Vader stepped forwards, his crimson lightsaber ignited.
Vader-Most impressive Skywalker…most impressive.
Anakin-You'll find that we're full of surprises!
Vader-That remains to be seen.
Vader waited for us to attack him, just like he had done with me and Ahsoka tried to rush him, but I pulled her back before she could attack. She looked at me angrily and I quickly sent a wave of sand to Vader, to give him an excuse to leave us alone for a moment. He dodged it easily and stepped backwards, giving me enough time to talk to Ahsoka.
Anakin-Ahsoka, don't rush him alone.
Ahsoka-I'm getting tired of this Master.
Anakin-I know little one, but it's better to bide your time than attack your opponent without thinking. His defense is flawless and we have no hope of beating him in our current situation. You need to know when to back off.
Ahsoka-You're just saying that because you're scared of him!
Anakin-What? I'm not scarred!
Ahsoka-Yes you are Skyguy!
Anakin-What did you just call me?
Ahsoka-Skyguy. You know, because your name is Skywalker. I thought it was a good nickname.
Anakin-You're snippy little one, so I'm going to call you Snips.
Ahsoka-Fine by me. Now, are we going to get out of here or not?
Anakin-Alright, but we'll do it together.
Vader-As emotional as this moment is, you are a waste of my time and I will not tolerate you any longer.
Anakin-Funny. I was about to say the same to you Vader.
Vader-I will end you Skywalker. Here and now.
Ahsoka-Not if I have anything to say about it.
Anakin-Snips, let's do this together.
Ahsoka-Yeah, let's show this rust bucket what we got!
Ahsoka and I both attacked Vader at the same time and for a second it seemed like we were going to win. Vader's defense started to fail and we even managed to strike at his shoulder plate, but he quickly retaliated with a relentless assault, which forced us to go on the defense. He continued to effortlessly attack us and at some point Vader managed to break her defense, which admittedly wasn't too good, and Force push her to the ground. Forgetting about keeping my cool, I rushed the Sith Lord and attacked him with a relentless assault, which caused Vader to stumble backwards. The Sith regained his balance and stood there, waiting for my next attack, which never came. I remembered what had happened in our last duel and decided it would be better if we stopped fighting. Vader nodded his head, as if he knew what I was thinking, and his mechanical voice filled the area once again.
Vader-I must admit, you have trained her well. Considering she's only had a few days of practice, her skills are…acceptable.
Anakin-Thank you for the compliment regarding my teaching abilities, but there is something I've been meaning to ask.
Vader-Go ahead.
Anakin-Why are you trying to help us?
Vader-What?
Anakin-Why are you trying to help us?
Vader-You mean "change the future", yes?
Anakin-That too.
Vader-Has Luke not told you what happened in his future?
Anakin-Yes, but what's in it for you?
Vader-Palpatine dies.
Anakin-Is that really everything?
Vader-No, but it is the main reason. If he dies the Empire doesn't exist and the galaxy is saved from that madman. That's good enough for me.
Anakin-I'm not getting the answer I want, am I?
Vader-Sometimes the answers we think we want cause more trouble than the ones we receive.
Anakin-What the heck does that mean?
Vader-Think about it. Perhaps you will find the answer you are looking for.
Anakin-Fine. Can we go now?
Vader-I never said that you couldn't leave. Besides, I prefer not having you here when we finally rid the planet of whatever is left of Jabba's forces. It could get…messy.
Anakin-I suppose this is goodbye.
Vader-Do not worry Skywalker. There will be many more opportunities for me to finally defeat you.
Anakin-We'll see about that.
Vader-Indeed we will.
Vader suddenly raised his arm and the sand around him levitated in from of him. After a moment it fell back down and I saw that he had somehow vanished in thin air. I moved towards Ahsoka and after making sure she was alright, we got on our speeder and headed back to Mos Eisley to find Obi Wan and Luke.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter will show us what Obi Wan and Luke have been doing parallel to this duel and then we'll see the escape from Tatooine. Huh, where have I seen this before? Too bad Han is still a kid so I can't put him and the Falcon in the story. Now, if you guys don't mind, I'd like some feedback on the duel between Anakin and Vader, as well as the dialogue between the two. Anyways, I'll see you guys in the next chapter, but until then, May the Force be with you.