Chapter 6: Back on Track

The Council Room's large doors opened and closed once more, releasing Anakin and Obi-Wan from the chamber's grasp. Anakin had now begun to think of that place as more of a prison than a place of people. The young man leaned against the doors, eyes closed, and just tried to silently release his anxiety into the force.

It's over. He just kept telling himself. Compared to what he'd just gone through Anakin figured facing Palpatine would be a walk through the Gardens, though he knew perfectly well it would be no such thing. Obi-Wan watched as his apprentice gathered himself and his thoughts. He noted that some color had returned to Anakin's face and was glad for that. Obi-Wan knew Anakin would have to recover quickly if he stood any sort of a chance in fighting Palpatine, this day was far from over.

"Anakin, come we must move quickly. If your timing is correct we only have 10 hours to stop everything Palpatine has been planning for nearly 15 years." Anakin opened his eyes and took a deep breath. Taking a step forward to join Obi-Wan, Anakin was helped along with the opening of the doors behind him. He stumbled a little before regaining his composure. Both Master and Apprentice looked to the doors where the Council Members also began to make their departure in order to help escort the senators any danger.

"Obi-Wan. Anakin." A voice said, approaching them from behind.

"Master Luminara." Obi-Wan answered, bowing his head and smiling. Anakin knew and respected Master Luminara Unduli. He'd only spent a limited time with her on one major mission and short intervals during the Clone Wars. However, whenever in her presence Anakin always felt he was learning something, even if she wasn't talking. Master Luminara had a certain way about her that was informing. It was no wonder her Padawan, Bariss Offee, was such a gifted Jedi Knight. There were times when Luminara had asked him if he could come to terms with being the 'Chosen One' and at that time he couldn't quite say with assurance that he understood her meaning. He should've realized then what she was telling him, but either way he'd learned the lesson, no matter how late. Luminara gave Obi-Wan a wry smile before turning to Anakin.

"I know both you and your master are pressed for time." She began. "I just wanted to let you know how happy all of the Jedi are that you have returned to us, though many may not act like it right away. You have overcome your inner darkness, now it is time to face your outer demons Anakin, but always remember you are not alone." She told him. She gave him a look of assurance and Anakin couldn't help but feel grateful to her.

"Thank you." Anakin replied, his voice loosing some of its nervous edge.

"Alright. I'll be going now. We'll be waiting for you to dismiss the senators." Luminara said, giving Obi-Wan a quick nod. Then she began a quick pace to the anger bay.

"I hope I can convince them." Anakin said to himself, as he began to invision the look on Palpatine's face when he came in there blowing his cover.

"Don't worry. You will." Obi-Wan said, coming along side Anakin. "Let's go." He added and began walking down the same hallway Luminara had. Anakin nodded and sighed silently, trying to release some of his anxiety into the force. However, he hadn't gotten 5 steps when the hairs on the back of Anakin's neck stood up and the young Jedi rolled his eyes.

"Ferus." He hissed under his breath. The dark haired man walked by the pair and Anakin could see the same smug look Ferus always wore, but for some reason today it bugged him more than usual. If Anakin's thoughts at that moment had been less focused on what Ferus had pulled in the Council Room, he would've sensed a difference in the Knight, something oddly out of place. However he was sure it was because Ferus viewed himself a victor in the overall battle. An indignant snicker from Ferus' lips, however, snapped Anakin out of his thoughts. There had never been a time in Anakin's life when he hadn't felt analyzed by Ferus. It had been Ferus' goal to point out all of Anakin's flaws to everyone. Now the stinging humiliation that he was feeling, Anakin knew it was because Ferus had been right.

"Ferus Olin!" Anakin called to him, his voice was steady now and held a commanding tone.

Don't do this Anakin. Not now. Obi-Wan instructed.

I'm sorry master. I have to. Anakin replied apologetically, Obi-Wan sighed audibly. Once again Anakin wasn't listening. Ferus turned, his face appearing serene and unbothered.

"Is there something I can do for you, young Skywalker?" He asked, though the sarcasm heportrayed was only displayed in his eyes.

"Yes…yes I think you can." Anakin retorted, not minding to show his own sarcasm. "You see I know you're on a little power trip being on the Council now and trying to prove to everyone you were right about me all along." He told him. Ferus shook his head.

"No no Skywalker…you –" Ferus was cut off.

"And I understand your nagging urge to rub it in my face, but let me fill you in on one thing." Anakin got right in Ferus' face now. "You'd do well to respect my master in front of the Council and otherwise." Ferus smirked and pushed away from Anakin.

"Are we mad?" Ferus wondered, in a falsely concerned manner. "Because I could swear that anger leads to the darkside Anakin. Are we returning to our natural ways?" The Knight wondered. "Besides, I can't imagine you fighting to well against your supposedly former leaders in this kind of state." He pointed out. " Or perhaps this is all a game and your really here to trick us and rejoin Sidious." Anakin's face twisted into contorted rage as he tried to quickly rid himself of the emotion. "Ah…that's it isn't it?" Ferus said, smiling . "Vader wishes to return." Anakin lowered his head. He could respond afraid of what his anger would do and also not sure how to reply to that, besides the shame in hearing his 'sith' name stopped any retort he might have had. Obi-Wan on the other hand had, had enough of this foolishness however, this was not the time for vendettas. However, two others beat him to it. They came to either side of Anakin and leaned against him, heads peering over his shoulders.

"Well, you know Ferus, if you're that worried about Anakin's fighting ability." The male said, trailing off.

"You could always have a little saber duel before Master Kenobi and Anakin go. Only this time we'll give you two sabers, don't want a shut out like last time." The female smirked, bringing up the pairs last duel. Anakin's anger vanished in a second and the scowl that was on Anakin's face moments ago now spread over Ferus'.

"Ah…the trio of chaos back together again." Ferus said in annoyance. "Come to welcome back the traitor?" He questioned. However, pitted again 4 Jedi now, Ferus decided it was time to part. "Sorry to disappoint but I must leave now." Ferus announced.

"Another time then Olin?" Anakin challenged. Ferus nodded, his serene look plastered on his face once again.

"Count on it." The finality in Ferus' voice sent a shiver up Anakin's spine, but he was feeling to happy to mind Ferus' stubborn attitude. But yet another call of his name broke Anakin out of his thoughts once more.

"Anakin!" The female voice cried happily. Anakin's eyes focused on his two best friends, Darra Thel-Tanis and Tru Veld. "Your back! I never would've believed it if I hadn't heard it from Garen's mouth."

"Yeah, even it if was rather mumbled." Tru added with a grin. Anakin was overjoyed to see his two friends, but his mind hadn't even formed a response before Darra wrapped her arms around him.

"I knew you didn't mean what you said when you left." She said, looking up with happy tears forming in her eyes. Anakin gave her a sympathetic look. His last day in the temple flooded back to him now.

"I'm sorry Darra. I should never have said that to you." He smiled apologetically. "You either." He added, looking at Tru. "You've both been my friend for as long as I have remember and I treated you so badly. I don't deserve your friendship. "Darra pulled away and slapped his arm playfully.

"Oh please." Tru said with a sigh. "Yoda has worse mood swings." He smiled, though in reality both of them knew it had been one of the most terrible days they'd ever experienced.

"But honestly, it'll take more that to get rid of us." The red haired woman retorted, trying to show her strength over her fear and concern. Her feelings for Anakin were significantly more than everyone expected, though she wouldn't trade anything for their friendship. But the thought of losing Anakin to filled her with a sharp pain that she fought to suppress.

"And for that I'm glad." Anakin replied, happily looking between his two friends. "But right now I have to do something. I have unfinished business to take care of." Anakin told them, he could sense Obi-Wan urging him more and more.

"You have to leave already?" Tru asked, his tone searching for an explanation.

"Yeah, 'fraid so. I'll give you answers to everything when I come back. Soon as I settle in at the temple again. But I really have to go." He told them both. Darra and Tru nodded in understanding and nodded in farewell.

"Saving the universe and all that stuff again?" Tru said, teasingly. Anakin gave him a lopsided grin.

"Yeah something like that." He answered in an ironic tone.

"Just make sure you come back this time." Darra ordered him. Anakin saw her joking expression but her seriousness was radiating from her emotions. All three knew the seriousness of everything that had happened and it would take a long time to bridge the gap that had been mad. But for now they were together again and that was all they needed.

"Don't worry. I will." He reassured her. Obi-Wan was waiting patiently even if he wanted to yank the boy away. He was standing in the lift just watching with a happy smile. Anakin finally turned and, taking a deep breath, entered the lift as well. He looked up to see his friend one last time as the metal doors slid shut as he and Obi-Wan slid towards the hanger bay.

((OMG! That's right! An update! This is for all those people who actually E-Mailed and IM'ed me to update this story! I know it took me a long time...but here it is! Chapter 8 is pretty much typed out and now I just need to beta it and I'll have that up as well! w00t! ))