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Chapter II: Witnesses
~~~~ANAKIN POV~~~~
Damn. Qui-Gon had faded off, although I was sure he still was there. I bit my lip- literally this time- and ran a hand through my hair. Hair? I plucked a strand, and, sure enough, there it was. Much darker than I'd expected, but I suppose I looked like I would have at my death, minus my injuries. Even my right hand, severed twice, was flesh- or ectoplasm, whichever I was. My hair, not having seen light in two decades, naturally would be darker.
Glancing at myself, I noticed I wore Jedi robes- not unlike those of a Master. I frowned. Why would I be wearing those? I had never attained Knighthood. My skin was pale, as I knew it would be. I was more heavily built than I'd remembered, but then again, I had gotten bulkier under the armor. Well, at least I no longer looked like everyone's worst nightmare.
Tentatively, I began to stroll around the camp within the forest. The little critters- Ewoks, I believed- scurried around, carrying food, wood, whatever, and took no notice of me. Ironic, that the galaxy's most feared being now casually wandered around, without anyone even seeing him.
"Will you can it, Goldenrod? 'Cause if you don't, I think I'll turn you INTO a can!"
"Oh, but General Solo, I was merely commenting on how wonderful it is that Master Luke survived! I cannot believe that he faced those horrid fiends and was able to return!"
"Look, I think it's GREAT that the kid's back! But I don't think you should bug him for a while. Y'know, he seems like he barely got out of there okay. So leave him alone, got it? And me, while you're at it." I grinned as I watched the exchange between droid and smuggler. Hmm. Was there a rule against eavesdropping on living people? I decided to investigate the area more.
"Shweep-ba-doo!" I nearly jumped out of my skin- er, whatever- as the loud beeping startled me out of my wits. My head snapping around as my eyes darted, I finally saw the source of my agitation. A little blue droid, an astromech unit-
"Artoo?" My holler seemed loud even to my own ears, and I winced. Lowering my voice, I murmured, "Artoo, can you see me?" His domed cap swiveled, and his main lens fixed itself directly at me.
"BEE-doo." The low tone almost seemed like he was saying, "Hello." My eyes widened.
"Can you see me? Uh, seven beeps yes, any other number no."
"Wee-bee-bee-bee-bee-bee-doo!" Seven, all right. I tried to lay my hand on his dome, but it went right through. I held a finger to my lips.
"Artoo, do you know who I am?" I motioned for him to follow me, and he complied. Soon, we were outside of the camp.
"Bee-deep!" I took that for a yes, but, just to be sure, I wanted him to say it himself.
"If you know my name, please show it on your holoprojector." I twiddled my thumbs and knelt a meter or so away from him.
[Anakin Skywalker.] I smiled, and shrugged.
"That's the name I was born with. If you remember me, then it's clear your memory wasn't wiped. Do you know the name I've gone by for the last twenty years?"
[Yes. Darth Vader.] I cringed, as I realized that, knowing what I had done as Vader, that the name ashamed me.
"Well, keep it at Anakin, 'kay? And, do me a favor. Don't tell anyone you've seen me, got it?"
[You bet. Glad to know you've taken your real name back. You sure you don't want Master Luke to know?]
I nodded, hanging my head. Truth was, I was afraid to confront my son. "I'll show myself when I'm ready. Take care."
[Come see me sometime. I have a message for you.]
"If I can. Hey, how can you see me, anywho?"
[Hell if I know. I'm a pretty weird droid, ain't I? Bet Threepio can't. He's dense like that.]
"Yeah. Hold it. Threepio's here?"
[Yeah. Didn't you see him? He was getting nyacked out by Cap'n Solo.]
"No way! Sheesh! I should have known!"
[Eh, he's changed a bit. But hell, so've you.]
"Where'd you learn Basic? Who taught you to express like that?"
[Oh, just some people. You wouldn't BELIEVE Princess Leia's language at times!] I laughed at the idea of the Princess cursing out Captain Solo. [See ya, Anakin. And I'll keep my trap shut. Hell, I've kept a shitload of secrets over the last two decades!] I waved as the little droid rolled off, and he gave a little "Bai-bai!" beep.
Sitting on a log- and being grateful I didn't fall through it, I tried to pop my neck. Nope. No luck. But my tension wasn't helped any when I abruptly felt a change in energy. Another spirit was near.
"What? You! Doing here, what are you?" That scratchy throat and twisted sentence could only come from one being.
"Master Yoda!" I fell backwards off of the log, landing like a children's animated program character. "I- I was not expecting you!"
"Nor I, you. Now, tell me why you are here." He tapped his three-toed foot and his Gimer stick simultaneously.
"Well, I've been brought here to, uh, find people. That's what my guide said, anyway."
"Find people."
"Yes, Master Yoda. That is all my guide told me, save that living beings cannot see me. May I ask the purpose of your presence?"
"Meeting someone here, I am. How happy he will be to see you, I do not know."
"May I ask who? I may want to know, so I may leave beforehand."
"Wish to speak, he may, even if unhappy he is." I looked away, finding solace in the depths of the warm forest night.
"Very well. I will stay until I am told to leave." I knelt on the ground, closing my eyes and trying to still my nervous heart. My attempts again were shown futile as another being's Force vibrations registered in my senses.
"Vader!" I hissed as though burned as the other's shout of disgust rang in my ears. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Patience, Obi-Wan! Can you not see, trying to meditate, he is?" I took a deep breath, and shook my head.
"It is all right, Master Yoda. I should have expected such a response. He has every right to express his opinion of me." I kept my voice steady, although inside I was trembling like a newly caught Bantha.
"Get out of here. I do not want to ever see you again, traitor!" These words stung worse than most others he could have said.
"Very well, Master Obi-Wan. I would have liked to have gotten a chance to apologize, but, I suppose you wouldn't want to hear it. I don't blame you." I rose, and, with my head down, began to stalk away.
"Stay!" I spun as Master Yoda's command halted me in my tracks. "Wish to speak with you, I do." His green eyes fixed themselves upon mine, and I nodded and returned to my knees.
"What for? He betrayed us!" Obi-Wan's growl of loathing struck my spirit hard.
"No. Watched the night's events, I have. Seen his deeds." Master Yoda's ears drooped in what seemed to be regret. "Long in coming, it was, but balance has been restored. Master Jinn, right he was in predicting that he was the Chosen One."
I narrowed my eyes. "What? Chosen One? What in the name of the infinite stars are you talking about?"
Obi-Wan glanced at Master Yoda, and suddenly muttered, "Master Yoda, he doesn't know about that! I never told him, in case it wasn't true!"
"Hmm. Perhaps a wise move, perhaps not. At any rate, he has succeeded. Destroyed the Sith, he has."
Obi-Wan scowled, glaring at me with almost as much hatred as I had ever felt. I cringed, and looked away, unable to face that stare. "I'm not here to cause any trouble. I'll leave, if you want."
"Yes!"
"No, Master Obi-Wan! Hear our words he must. He may have fallen, but he has also done the galaxy a great service, and the Jedi as well."
"He betrayed us, damnit!"
"And also he betrayed the Emperor! Not all of his actions have been destructive." The diminutive Master turned to me, and met my eyes with his own large green ones. With a faint smile, he hobbled over to me. "Obi-Wan, see, you must, that he is struggling. Suffering. Afraid, he is, that our judgement, when we were his friends, would turn so hateful. If we allow his past actions to affect our treatment of him, then we may be harming ourselves."
I sighed, and whispered, "Please, don't argue because of me. I don't want to hurt anyone else."
Suddenly, I felt a hand grip my collar, and I was dragged to my feet. "You don't, do you? You should have thought about that before you became Palpatine's attack dog!" A fist connected with my jaw, and I let myself fall over without even blinking.
"Obi-Wan! Anger, fear, aggression!"
I sat up, and massaged my face. "Master Yoda, I understand why he did it. I let him hit me, because sometimes, the only way to control anger is to let it out."
"Did you learn that from Palpatine, you demon?" Obi-Wan spat.
"No, I learned that on my own. I'm not saying let aggression control you, but to control your aggression by finding a productive outlet for it. Tell me, Master Obi-Wan, did that punch satisfy your anger towards me? If not, feel free to hit me however much you like. I deserve it." Glancing up, I saw him blink in confusion. "Go ahead. Hit me!"
"Wait. Learned you this, when?" I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Master Yoda gazing quizzically into my eyes.
I scratched the back of my neck, and nervously replied, "Tonight."
Master Yoda cocked his head to the side, and rubbed his chin. "Tonight, you say? And how?"
"From my son. During our duel, he was enraged, but after he subdued me, he calmed down. Palpatine was encouraging him, but he held strong." I covered my face with my hands, and exhaled deeply. "Maybe if Palpatine wasn't goading him, he would have killed me, but he seemed to realize- because of Palpatine- that if he killed me, he would become me, and I'm glad that's the last thing he wanted." My voice dropped to a whisper, and I hung my head in shame. "I wish it weren't true, but I'm glad my son didn't want to be like me. He's too good for that. He doesn't deserve my life."
I heard Obi-Wan's footsteps approach me, and I braced for the worst. Instead, the steps stopped a meter away, and Obi-Wan knelt. With a sigh, my former mentor placed his hand on my shoulder. With a gasp, I looked up and saw his eyes, sad, but gentle, smiling at me like they used to. "You really feel like that?"
"Well, he doesn't deserve that life!"
"No, he doesn't, but you're actually aware of the trouble you've caused?"
"I'm not stupid. I was insane, not ignorant. I've torn apart families just like the one I wanted to have. I've killed people who could have been my mom, or my wife, or my son. Do you think I enjoyed being the galaxy's biggest nightmare? It wasn't all fun and games, believe me. But I did what I felt I had to, in order to survive. I may have been wrong, but the past can't be changed. I'm just glad Palpatine's out of the future."
Out of the blue, Obi-Wan threw his arms around my shoulders. "Now I know I did the right thing, in training you." My eyes grew wide, and I tentatively returned his hug.
"Yes. Brought down the Emperor, he has, and saved the Jedi. Proud, I am, of you, Obi-Wan, of you, Anakin, and of Luke." A tear ran down my face at the use of my true name, and I gave a cautious smile.
"I'm proud of Luke, too. He's so much more a man than I've ever been."
"No, Anakin. You've proven your worth by regaining your strength and defeating the darkness within you. You suppressed your fear of Palpatine, and you freed yourself from your own anger." Obi-Wan pulled away, and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Anakin. I shouldn't have gone off like that. Thanks for not hitting me back."
"For more than that, we owe him. Palpatine, he has destroyed. And thus, everything we care about is now safe- that which was not destroyed yet, at least."
I choked down a sob, and felt my face grow red. "Don't thank me. Luke's the one that gave me the power to do it. He's the hero. He's _my_ hero."
"Yes. Everyone's hero, Luke is. Poor guy. Hehehehh, have to deal with many fans, he will. 'Oh, Jedi Skywalker, your autograph may I please have?'" I grinned, and we all bust up snickering to think of my modest son signing autographs for boy-crazy adolescents."
"Well, better, 'Can I have your autograph' than 'Your soul is now mine!'" And we broke out in another round of laughter. Suddenly, I sensed a flash of energy, and all three of us turned.
Qui-Gon Jinn stood smiling at us, and he said, "Come, Anakin. We've got more to do."
Chapter II: Witnesses
~~~~ANAKIN POV~~~~
Damn. Qui-Gon had faded off, although I was sure he still was there. I bit my lip- literally this time- and ran a hand through my hair. Hair? I plucked a strand, and, sure enough, there it was. Much darker than I'd expected, but I suppose I looked like I would have at my death, minus my injuries. Even my right hand, severed twice, was flesh- or ectoplasm, whichever I was. My hair, not having seen light in two decades, naturally would be darker.
Glancing at myself, I noticed I wore Jedi robes- not unlike those of a Master. I frowned. Why would I be wearing those? I had never attained Knighthood. My skin was pale, as I knew it would be. I was more heavily built than I'd remembered, but then again, I had gotten bulkier under the armor. Well, at least I no longer looked like everyone's worst nightmare.
Tentatively, I began to stroll around the camp within the forest. The little critters- Ewoks, I believed- scurried around, carrying food, wood, whatever, and took no notice of me. Ironic, that the galaxy's most feared being now casually wandered around, without anyone even seeing him.
"Will you can it, Goldenrod? 'Cause if you don't, I think I'll turn you INTO a can!"
"Oh, but General Solo, I was merely commenting on how wonderful it is that Master Luke survived! I cannot believe that he faced those horrid fiends and was able to return!"
"Look, I think it's GREAT that the kid's back! But I don't think you should bug him for a while. Y'know, he seems like he barely got out of there okay. So leave him alone, got it? And me, while you're at it." I grinned as I watched the exchange between droid and smuggler. Hmm. Was there a rule against eavesdropping on living people? I decided to investigate the area more.
"Shweep-ba-doo!" I nearly jumped out of my skin- er, whatever- as the loud beeping startled me out of my wits. My head snapping around as my eyes darted, I finally saw the source of my agitation. A little blue droid, an astromech unit-
"Artoo?" My holler seemed loud even to my own ears, and I winced. Lowering my voice, I murmured, "Artoo, can you see me?" His domed cap swiveled, and his main lens fixed itself directly at me.
"BEE-doo." The low tone almost seemed like he was saying, "Hello." My eyes widened.
"Can you see me? Uh, seven beeps yes, any other number no."
"Wee-bee-bee-bee-bee-bee-doo!" Seven, all right. I tried to lay my hand on his dome, but it went right through. I held a finger to my lips.
"Artoo, do you know who I am?" I motioned for him to follow me, and he complied. Soon, we were outside of the camp.
"Bee-deep!" I took that for a yes, but, just to be sure, I wanted him to say it himself.
"If you know my name, please show it on your holoprojector." I twiddled my thumbs and knelt a meter or so away from him.
[Anakin Skywalker.] I smiled, and shrugged.
"That's the name I was born with. If you remember me, then it's clear your memory wasn't wiped. Do you know the name I've gone by for the last twenty years?"
[Yes. Darth Vader.] I cringed, as I realized that, knowing what I had done as Vader, that the name ashamed me.
"Well, keep it at Anakin, 'kay? And, do me a favor. Don't tell anyone you've seen me, got it?"
[You bet. Glad to know you've taken your real name back. You sure you don't want Master Luke to know?]
I nodded, hanging my head. Truth was, I was afraid to confront my son. "I'll show myself when I'm ready. Take care."
[Come see me sometime. I have a message for you.]
"If I can. Hey, how can you see me, anywho?"
[Hell if I know. I'm a pretty weird droid, ain't I? Bet Threepio can't. He's dense like that.]
"Yeah. Hold it. Threepio's here?"
[Yeah. Didn't you see him? He was getting nyacked out by Cap'n Solo.]
"No way! Sheesh! I should have known!"
[Eh, he's changed a bit. But hell, so've you.]
"Where'd you learn Basic? Who taught you to express like that?"
[Oh, just some people. You wouldn't BELIEVE Princess Leia's language at times!] I laughed at the idea of the Princess cursing out Captain Solo. [See ya, Anakin. And I'll keep my trap shut. Hell, I've kept a shitload of secrets over the last two decades!] I waved as the little droid rolled off, and he gave a little "Bai-bai!" beep.
Sitting on a log- and being grateful I didn't fall through it, I tried to pop my neck. Nope. No luck. But my tension wasn't helped any when I abruptly felt a change in energy. Another spirit was near.
"What? You! Doing here, what are you?" That scratchy throat and twisted sentence could only come from one being.
"Master Yoda!" I fell backwards off of the log, landing like a children's animated program character. "I- I was not expecting you!"
"Nor I, you. Now, tell me why you are here." He tapped his three-toed foot and his Gimer stick simultaneously.
"Well, I've been brought here to, uh, find people. That's what my guide said, anyway."
"Find people."
"Yes, Master Yoda. That is all my guide told me, save that living beings cannot see me. May I ask the purpose of your presence?"
"Meeting someone here, I am. How happy he will be to see you, I do not know."
"May I ask who? I may want to know, so I may leave beforehand."
"Wish to speak, he may, even if unhappy he is." I looked away, finding solace in the depths of the warm forest night.
"Very well. I will stay until I am told to leave." I knelt on the ground, closing my eyes and trying to still my nervous heart. My attempts again were shown futile as another being's Force vibrations registered in my senses.
"Vader!" I hissed as though burned as the other's shout of disgust rang in my ears. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Patience, Obi-Wan! Can you not see, trying to meditate, he is?" I took a deep breath, and shook my head.
"It is all right, Master Yoda. I should have expected such a response. He has every right to express his opinion of me." I kept my voice steady, although inside I was trembling like a newly caught Bantha.
"Get out of here. I do not want to ever see you again, traitor!" These words stung worse than most others he could have said.
"Very well, Master Obi-Wan. I would have liked to have gotten a chance to apologize, but, I suppose you wouldn't want to hear it. I don't blame you." I rose, and, with my head down, began to stalk away.
"Stay!" I spun as Master Yoda's command halted me in my tracks. "Wish to speak with you, I do." His green eyes fixed themselves upon mine, and I nodded and returned to my knees.
"What for? He betrayed us!" Obi-Wan's growl of loathing struck my spirit hard.
"No. Watched the night's events, I have. Seen his deeds." Master Yoda's ears drooped in what seemed to be regret. "Long in coming, it was, but balance has been restored. Master Jinn, right he was in predicting that he was the Chosen One."
I narrowed my eyes. "What? Chosen One? What in the name of the infinite stars are you talking about?"
Obi-Wan glanced at Master Yoda, and suddenly muttered, "Master Yoda, he doesn't know about that! I never told him, in case it wasn't true!"
"Hmm. Perhaps a wise move, perhaps not. At any rate, he has succeeded. Destroyed the Sith, he has."
Obi-Wan scowled, glaring at me with almost as much hatred as I had ever felt. I cringed, and looked away, unable to face that stare. "I'm not here to cause any trouble. I'll leave, if you want."
"Yes!"
"No, Master Obi-Wan! Hear our words he must. He may have fallen, but he has also done the galaxy a great service, and the Jedi as well."
"He betrayed us, damnit!"
"And also he betrayed the Emperor! Not all of his actions have been destructive." The diminutive Master turned to me, and met my eyes with his own large green ones. With a faint smile, he hobbled over to me. "Obi-Wan, see, you must, that he is struggling. Suffering. Afraid, he is, that our judgement, when we were his friends, would turn so hateful. If we allow his past actions to affect our treatment of him, then we may be harming ourselves."
I sighed, and whispered, "Please, don't argue because of me. I don't want to hurt anyone else."
Suddenly, I felt a hand grip my collar, and I was dragged to my feet. "You don't, do you? You should have thought about that before you became Palpatine's attack dog!" A fist connected with my jaw, and I let myself fall over without even blinking.
"Obi-Wan! Anger, fear, aggression!"
I sat up, and massaged my face. "Master Yoda, I understand why he did it. I let him hit me, because sometimes, the only way to control anger is to let it out."
"Did you learn that from Palpatine, you demon?" Obi-Wan spat.
"No, I learned that on my own. I'm not saying let aggression control you, but to control your aggression by finding a productive outlet for it. Tell me, Master Obi-Wan, did that punch satisfy your anger towards me? If not, feel free to hit me however much you like. I deserve it." Glancing up, I saw him blink in confusion. "Go ahead. Hit me!"
"Wait. Learned you this, when?" I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Master Yoda gazing quizzically into my eyes.
I scratched the back of my neck, and nervously replied, "Tonight."
Master Yoda cocked his head to the side, and rubbed his chin. "Tonight, you say? And how?"
"From my son. During our duel, he was enraged, but after he subdued me, he calmed down. Palpatine was encouraging him, but he held strong." I covered my face with my hands, and exhaled deeply. "Maybe if Palpatine wasn't goading him, he would have killed me, but he seemed to realize- because of Palpatine- that if he killed me, he would become me, and I'm glad that's the last thing he wanted." My voice dropped to a whisper, and I hung my head in shame. "I wish it weren't true, but I'm glad my son didn't want to be like me. He's too good for that. He doesn't deserve my life."
I heard Obi-Wan's footsteps approach me, and I braced for the worst. Instead, the steps stopped a meter away, and Obi-Wan knelt. With a sigh, my former mentor placed his hand on my shoulder. With a gasp, I looked up and saw his eyes, sad, but gentle, smiling at me like they used to. "You really feel like that?"
"Well, he doesn't deserve that life!"
"No, he doesn't, but you're actually aware of the trouble you've caused?"
"I'm not stupid. I was insane, not ignorant. I've torn apart families just like the one I wanted to have. I've killed people who could have been my mom, or my wife, or my son. Do you think I enjoyed being the galaxy's biggest nightmare? It wasn't all fun and games, believe me. But I did what I felt I had to, in order to survive. I may have been wrong, but the past can't be changed. I'm just glad Palpatine's out of the future."
Out of the blue, Obi-Wan threw his arms around my shoulders. "Now I know I did the right thing, in training you." My eyes grew wide, and I tentatively returned his hug.
"Yes. Brought down the Emperor, he has, and saved the Jedi. Proud, I am, of you, Obi-Wan, of you, Anakin, and of Luke." A tear ran down my face at the use of my true name, and I gave a cautious smile.
"I'm proud of Luke, too. He's so much more a man than I've ever been."
"No, Anakin. You've proven your worth by regaining your strength and defeating the darkness within you. You suppressed your fear of Palpatine, and you freed yourself from your own anger." Obi-Wan pulled away, and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Anakin. I shouldn't have gone off like that. Thanks for not hitting me back."
"For more than that, we owe him. Palpatine, he has destroyed. And thus, everything we care about is now safe- that which was not destroyed yet, at least."
I choked down a sob, and felt my face grow red. "Don't thank me. Luke's the one that gave me the power to do it. He's the hero. He's _my_ hero."
"Yes. Everyone's hero, Luke is. Poor guy. Hehehehh, have to deal with many fans, he will. 'Oh, Jedi Skywalker, your autograph may I please have?'" I grinned, and we all bust up snickering to think of my modest son signing autographs for boy-crazy adolescents."
"Well, better, 'Can I have your autograph' than 'Your soul is now mine!'" And we broke out in another round of laughter. Suddenly, I sensed a flash of energy, and all three of us turned.
Qui-Gon Jinn stood smiling at us, and he said, "Come, Anakin. We've got more to do."