2: Magic

Honestly, Kenobi did not know if he would have to kill Anakin. Orders had been orders, and the grim possibility that this new, enlightened Anakin was simply a façade crossed the Jedi's mind. However, hoping for the best and not wanting to shake the apprentice out of this fragile trust, Kenobi replied that no, he would not be forced to touch a hair on Anakin's head.

Anakin relaxed a little at this. He could feel Vader trying desperately to push through and become master of their thoughts once more. Pushing back, Anakin felt hot tears begin to form in his large, hazel eyes yet he refused to let the dam break.

"But how do I go back, Master?" he asked with a voice cracking with sorrow. "How can I undo all of the evil that I have committed? No amount of mediation or apologies will bring those younglings back."

Obi-Wan sighed. "That is true, but staying here allowing the evil to continue to grow will only make it worse. I can not promise you any clemency, nor can I swear that you will be allowed back into society as anything but an exile... but I give my word that Padme would be much happier to know you have returned to the ways of Light."

The proposal by his Master almost allowed Vader to come jumping out and dominate once more, but Anakin suppressed him for a moment while he considered what Kenobi was saying. If he was not thrown into a cell for the rest of his life (or executed, for that matter), he would never see his wife or unborn child again. However, they would all know that Anakin had in the end made the right decision. If he let Darth Vader take control, then he could rule the galaxy, answering to no one. But what if he did something to Padme? It had only been because of Obi-Wan that Vader had not killed her only a short while ago. How long would it take before he succeeded in that task during a fit of rage? Anakin sighed.

"Alright," he whispered. "If it will redeem myself in Padme's eyes, then I will accept whatever punishment the council has to give me."

Obi-Wan now felt warm adoration for his student and friend spread throughout his heart. All ice of distrust and treachery was shattered in that moment when Anakin threw down his light-saber and knelt before his Master, head in his hands, Obi-Wan bending down to softly kiss his head.

"I knew you could do it, Padawan," Kenobi whispered with a pained smile. He knew that after this, Anakin and he would never again be together. Yet he was so incredibly proud of the light Anakin's heart contained. "I knew you could do it."