Hey everyone, well, I'm back at it again. I'd like to apologize for this chapter taking as long as it did. College has had me going non-stop with writing papers and doing fifty other things. But hey, I'm doing well and I try to work on Revelations when I can. I hope you guys can understand. I'm not dropping this story, far from it, but updates will come more slowly while I'm in college itself.
Anyways, enough about me. I hope you guys enjoy this new chapter, and I'm open as always to any and all feedback you guys would like to give. Positive or negative, I want to hear it so I can improve. Also, I'd advise you guys start holding on, I've got a bit of a skip planned after this. Things are about to get interesting.
I can't thank you guys enough for the support you've given to keep writing this. It's absolutely awesome. If I don't get a fresh post up before then, I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving with friends and family.
May the Force be with You.
The smell of freshly brewed caf was more than enough to draw Anakin to life from his place resting on the couch. It was late into the evening to say the least, and barely fifteen minutes ago Senator Chuchi had left the apartment. After quickly dismissing his men back to base, Anakin had settled into the bombardment of questions the senators had sent his way. It'd been nearly endless as he offered up what the Jedi had found along with his wife, but, it had at least paid off for them all. They currently had some very influential senators on their side, ones who would willingly back them when the Jedi moved to arrest that traitor Palpatine. Everything was falling into place, they had the support, the reason… all they needed now was for Obi-Wan to get back from his mission with the information that would incriminate Palpatine.
'Yes… and then we may take the power that is rightfully ours.'
Anakin froze at the voice… it'd been that same one from his vision in the hangar, the same voice he'd heard other times since then. He and Grand Master Yoda had attempted to work on Anakin riding the dark side from himself, and while they'd most certainly limited it, it was never completely gone. He shivered some, tempted to ask the voice… but he could tell… it was gone. Near instinctively his own light side walls had come up, blocking that part away from the rest of him.
It wasn't until the freshly poured cup of caf was set into his hands that he snapped from it. "Is everything okay Ani?" Padme asked softly as she sat down next to him, followed by Ahsoka. Anakin looked at them for a moment, then sighed.
"It's him again… that voice." He said softly. He'd started off trying to hide this from Padme, but his wife had practically pried the information from him in only a way she knew how to do. He took a drink from his caf, then ran a hand through his hair as his wife sat down beside him.
"It's okay Ani. You aren't that… you'll never be that. I know you." She said, placing a hand on his. Anakin gave a small smile at the gesture.
"M..master? What are you talking about? What voice?" Ahsoka asked, watching the exchange.
Anakin sighed, "There's something I haven't told you Ahsoka… something that's been with me for a long while." He said. He reached out to her with the Force and didn't mask the darkness within him. "Since the start of the Clone Wars… I've been tempted by the dark side." He told her. "I… I've had visions Ahsoka… terrible visions." He stared down into the caf.
He heard Ahsoka knelt beside him. "Master… you aren't the only Jedi to have gone through that. I know it." She said. "I want to help you. And I know, you won't turn to the dark side." She said. Anakin nodded.
"Master Yoda and Obi-Wan have been helping me as well. But… I just couldn't move on Ahsoka, I failed you." He looked to her. "I blame myself for what happened to you Snips." He told her.
"That wasn't your fault, Master!" She told him. "The council abandoned me, and they wouldn't listen to you. You did all you could and more, without you, the Senate would've had me executed." Ahsoka told him.
Anakin took a breath, he still wasn't sure, but he nodded. "If you say so." He said. "I'm just glad to have you back." He saw as Padme moved beside his Padawan.
"That makes two of us." Padme chuckled. "Jedi or not, you're family Ahsoka. Nothing's changed that." She smiled, that caring smile that he could get lost in. He watched as she walked over, then pulled Ahsoka into an embrace. He smiled as she had to lean out a bit, she was starting to ever so slightly show in her pregnancy, but her clothes hid it so far. He moved over, placing a hand on both.
"She's right Ahsoka." He said, pushing the problem with his darkness behind him. "You're not just my Padawan, you're family." Anakin smiled some as Ahsoka nodded.
"Well, what's say we ord…" Padme had started a suggestion before Anakin's com beeped. He sighed, picking up his glove and accepting the call.
"Skywalker here."
"Skywalker… why are we seeing HNN Reports of a firefight involving a Republic squad and two Jedi down in the lower levels?" An unpleased sounding Master Windu asked.
Anakin sighed, "I took a squad down there and located Ahsoka, Master Windu. A group of refugees were being attacked by a gang, we decided to intervene."
"Well, your intervention has sparked a new protest here at the temple. People weren't exactly happy when they found out that your mission wasn't planned, they're saying that it's proof that the Jedi are acting above the law. We need you here to explain."
"I take it this can't wait?" He sighed.
"No, the crowd is growing. We need to settle this before it gets out of hand."
"Alright. I'll be over there momentarily." Anakin said.
"I'm coming too. It'll calm people to see a government official there. Plus, you need my airspeeder." Padme interrupted.
"I'll go as well, after all… I'm the reason why this trouble started Master." Ahsoka said.
Anakin wanted to interrupt and say no, but they both looked determined and sighed. Windu settled it.
"Alright, we will see you here shortly." He said before ending the connection.
Master Windu hadn't been lying when he'd said there was a large group outside of the temple, easily around a hundred protesters had gathered at the top of the steps to the temples public entrance, where they were halted by clone troopers and the Temple Guard. Overhead, multiple cam droids hovered, filming it all.
"This doesn't look good," Anakin said as he directed the airspeeder towards the main landing bay. "I've seen protests before, but nothing like this."
"Palpatine has been blaming the Jedi for the war's continuation… There's rarely a meeting in the Senate where he doesn't make that statement." Padme said, shaking her head. "This is the result… people don't trust the Jedi.
"It isn't like we've helped it any. The Jedi are rarely open to explain why we do things." Anakin explained, he noticed how nervous Ahsoka looked. "What's wrong Snips?" He asked, trying to ease the mood.
"Well… I guess I never expected to be back here. At least not so soon Master." She said. "What if they try to get me to rejoin the order?"
"You don't have to Ahsoka. They can't make you, and I won't let them try." Anakin reassured her as they came in to land. He could already see Master Windu, Master Yoda, and Captain Rex waiting for them. He climbed out, helping Padme after him.
"Knight Skywalker, Senator Amidala, Padawan Tano." Master Yoda began. "Good to see all of you it is, exceptionally good it is to see you safe Padawan Tano."
"I'm not a… It's good to see you too, Master Yoda." Ahsoka bowed.
"What's the situation?" Anakin asked, helping his Padawan to avoid the awkward situation for now.
"Your clones are currently the only thing preventing the crowd from pressing on the temple… we don't have enough guards to spare. It's nearly a mob out there, and they're demanding answers." Master Windu explained.
Rex joined in, "I've got Torrent Company set up in front of the crowd, blasters are set to non-lethal settings. Two more set at the entrance itself."
Anakin nodded, "Understood, what do you need us to do?"
"We just need you to try and calm the crowd with an explanation." He said. Anakin nodded.
"Well, let's get to it then." He said before heading for the front entrance.
Master Windu hadn't been lying when he said the crowd was almost a mob. People were shouting, muscling up against the clone troopers and trying to push through. It wasn't hard to read the mood of the crowd.
"Ani… are you sure you can do this? Public speaking isn't your strong suit." Padme said as she walked down the steps with him
"I'll have too. I'm one of the few Jedi that people will listen too, thanks to all the news coverage." He said. "But, I could use your help, you're better at this Padme." She nodded, and Anakin headed for the podium.
"Attention… everyone, please!" He said, trying to gain the crowds attention as his voice was amplified by the speakers. Slowly, the crowd calmed, eyes coming to rest on him. He knew how the people viewed him, as the hero of the Republic. He'd had to decline multiple interviews already. Now he just had to try and put that notoriety to use.
"You're all wanting some answers I'm sure. The squad of clone troopers that was spotted down in the lower levels was being personally led by me. We'd gone in search of my missing Padawan and encountered a series of gang members attacking refugee's down there… As a Jedi, it's my duty to help the people of the Republic. The firefight was initiated by the gang members themselves." He explained.
The crowd remained silenced for a moment, as though taking in this information. Then one man shouted, "It doesn't matter! You Jedi have no right to go around doing as you please! Besides, what are you doing here? If you're the 'Hero of the Republic' then why aren't you out ending this war!"
Anakin scowled, "My men and I are resting and rearming, that's why I am here." He said. "The Jedi are doing all we can to end the war."
The crowd was getting riled up again from the agitator's words. "The Jedi started this war!" He cried out. "You're using this war to gain power over us!"
Anakin could feel his anger rising, and was about to retort before Padme stepped forward. "Please, citizens of the Republic, hear me." She began. "The Jedi are not trying to gain control of the Republic. If they were, the Senate wouldn't allow it. The Republic and its people are meant to be free and decide their own path, hence the Senate. No one man, or group, has the right to control the people of the Republic. I promise you, the Jedi understand that! The Jedi Order wants peace, to end this war, and to find those who would threaten the Republic, so they can be brought to Justice. I understand that many of you are upset with the lack of transparency from the Order, but I promise you that the Jedi are working with the government in the best interests of the Galactic Republic and the people they've sworn to protect. Obtaining power goes against the code of their order, the Jedi only want peace."
Once again, the crowd milled about for a moment, settled by Padme's words. The Jedi had mostly ignored these protests before, but they couldn't this one, it was simply too large, too volatile. They'd only stalled because someone was finally addressing them. Anakin took a slow breath. This was what Palpatine wanted. The people against the Order. Anti-Jedi Sentiment.
"If the Jedi only want peace, then why is one of them leading the Separatists!" A man called out, an instigator in the crowd. "You're nothing but a mouthpiece for the Jedi! Only spouting what they want you to say! If the Jedi wanted peace, then why did one of their own start this blasted war!" Others started to take up his cries, gaining momentum.
It was then that one of the Clones shouted. "Blaster in the crowd!"
Anakin only had the time to react, he saw where the man had pointed and instinct took over. His lightsaber ignited just as the blaster fired at Padme. The bolt reflected against his blade as he stepped in front of Padme, and then back into the crowd. He hadn't had time to deflect it away, he was used to returning them to droids as it was. There was a cry of pain in the crowd, but it was instantly drowned out by the screams of panic. Seeing the blaster bolt arc into the crowd caused instant panic as they fled down the steps away from the temple.
Anakin looked around. The holonet news cameras were all focused on him, lightsaber ignited, standing before Padme in a very protective stance, with a line of clone troopers and a dead assailant on the temple steps. He extinguished his lightsaber, lowering it as his shoulders slumped. His one action had possibly just done far more bad than it did good.
"I… I didn't mean to kill them." He said, shaking his head. "But I had to protect you."
Padme was still partially in surprise from the incident but looked to him. "It's okay Ani, you did what you had to." She said, forcing herself to remain a respectful distance due to the camera presence.
Anakin just nodded, but he felt the presence again. He was there, feeding off the anger he felt at someone trying to hurt Padme. Looking to Master Yoda, Anakin took a slow breath. "I… I can feel it Master. The Dark Side. Please, help." Anakin pleaded, fearful that it would grow stronger. It'd spiked, the feeling of his mother was there as well, the hatred of the sand people and the attempted murderer were one in the same.
"With me, you should all come. Time to meet this darkness it is, Young Skywalker." Yoda said. "Master Windu, alright you will be?"
Mace nodded, "Yes Master. I'll handle things here." He said before belting out some orders to the Clone troopers as he headed off to deal with the news. Anakin followed Master Yoda, feeling Padme and Ahsoka right beside him as he tried to calm the dark side within.
The Grand Master had led them to a quiet section of the temple, a meditation chamber. They'd all settled onto the pillows on the floor, with Padme right beside Anakin, Ahsoka off to one side, and Yoda seated before them all. "Face this darkness, you must Skywalker, but not alone… No. Friends, allies, you shall have. A powerful ally, as always, the force will be for you. Young Skywalker." He said.
Anakin nodded and set his saber before him on the floor. He closed his eyes, settling into meditation. He slowed his breathing and felt each small piece of his lightsaber as he began to take it apart, visualizing it all with his mind. He could feel Ahsoka's presence, strong in the force, off to his right. Next to him directly he could feel the smaller force connections of Padme and his children, growing inside her. Before him was, of course, Master Yoda, who glowed brightly with the light side of the force itself. He took another breath, steadying himself. Finally, feeling his connection to them, Anakin looked to himself, to the darkness within his soul, and the darkness looked back.
Anakin opened his eyes to find himself on the bridge of a Venator in the depths of space. There was no one else around him, the bridge empty. Staring out through the viewports, all he could see was an empty blackness. Not even any stars were shining. Then, he felt the chill at his back.
'You can't resist it. You, can't protect her.' It was that exact same cold mechanical voice, with the breathing. 'You aren't strong enough to save her. You need the power, my power. If you wish to save your family, you will give in to the dark side.' He told Anakin.
"I won't give in, the dark side only leads to suffering." Anakin fired back, staring himself down.
'It was the dark side which allowed you to avenge your mother, your hatred for the sand people gave you power. Do not deny it.' His dark side said.
"I don't deny it!" Anakin shouted. "But… it was power used only to destroy. Power used blindly." Anakin breathed. "I… I don't deny the power the dark side lends me. I've felt it… I've felt what it can do. But I won't let it be used for wanton destruction and death!" He rounded on the darkness. "I won't ever let you out!"
'Fool, you cannot control your desire. Surrender now to the dark side, and I will destroy the Chancellor and take power over the Republic. Give in to your hate.' With that, his dark side unleashed a powerful blast of the force, pushing Anakin back and down to his knees. 'You cannot stop me Anakin. You can't deny what is part of yourself.' He said. Anakin forced both of his hands up, pushing back with the force.
"NO! I won't give in to you!" He roared, pushing back with all he could. He could feel the push of his dark side lessening. He slowly pushed his way up, but was standing on shaky knees from the force of his opponent.
'You cannot defeat me. You know the truth. We are one in the same.' He replied, pushing back against Anakin.
"Maybe not. Maybe I can't. But I won't let you take power!" With that, Anakin pushed back with all he could, not just with the light side of the force, but his inner darkness as well. At least what wasn't manifested as his dark side. The dark being was forced back, across the command walkway of the ship's bridge. Computer screens shattered and cracked from the force of Anakin's push. He stood up, drawing his lightsaber. "I might not be able to defeat you… to get rid of the darkness inside me. But I will control it." With that, the inside of the command bridge flashed blue as his lightsaber sprang to life.
His dark side stood as well, drawing a saber, red joining the glow of his blue. Anakin moved slowly, gauging the stance of his opponent. It was eerily like his, which didn't surprise Anakin, this was his dark side. He struck first, leaping forward with a downward slash. His shadow blocked. Then pushed him back and going in for a quick thrust at the abdomen that Anakin slashed away. Anakin could feel the power behind each attack from his opponent, driving him back, but he was determined to give back what he took.
He parried another strike, before leaping over his opponent and bringing a slash across his back which earned him a grunt of pain from his shadow. The Dark Anakin spun, saber coming down. Rage powering his attack which drove Anakin back and partially cut into his cybernetic arm. A force push hit Anakin. He flew back, slamming into the bulkhead behind him with a cry of pain. His shadow charged him, the sound of those boots on metal creating a roar as feet pounded down. Anakin barely had time to get up and bring his saber about to defend. His shadow crashed down on him with all his might. Anakin struggled from his kneeling position. He was losing ground. The red saber pushing his own towards his neck.
'Do you see? This is true power.' Dark Anakin breathed out through his voice piece. 'This is the power of the dark side of the force. Surrender to me, and it can be yours.'
"I won't! You may be my dark side, but you'll never have complete control! Just as the light side doesn't either!" Anakin growled out, drawing more on that well of power he'd been so afraid of for so long. He felt the power surge into him. Felt it cloaking him, overpowering the light. He pushed back, driving his dark shadow back. Finally, with a scream, he unleashed a force blast, sending the cloaked figure into the viewports of the Venator with a groan, a few cracks appearing from the force.
Anakin could feel the rage wash over him, the hatred for what he'd done, for the loss he'd suffered. The dark side consuming him. He got another force push ready, prepared to send his opponent into the depths of space before the voice reached him.
'Good, unleash your anger, your rage, your hate. It is the only way you'll ever protect her. Join me, let us become one, and we can rule the galaxy.' His dark side said. Anakin froze, the rage threatening to drown him out. Another voice reached him.
'Anakin! Do not give in to the hatred. Find the balance inside you. Remember why you are fighting!' It was Qui Gon's voice, just barely a whisper, but exploding in his mind like a solar flare. Voices flooded him, a deluge of light to fight back the dark, a few, in particular, standing out.
'Master! Please, don't do this!'
'You were my brother Anakin! I loved you!'
'Anakin, you're breaking my heart! You're going down a path I can't follow!'
Then, one last one, one Anakin hadn't heard before, but he felt so familiar to, screamed.
'Father! Please!'
He could feel those presences around him, his friends, his family. Even with Obi-Wan gone, it felt like his closest friend was right beside him. The light flooded in, chasing away much of the darkness. Taking a slow breath, Anakin released his hatred to the force. He felt himself balance out, the darkness not gone, but not overpowered by the light either.
"I won't end you. I won't let you win." He said. "You are a part of me, but you will not control me." He said, stepping forward. "I acknowledge you, and I have power over you!" He said, placing his hand on his dark sides helmeted head. There was a shout from his shadow and a great blast of the force as he disappeared, melting away. Anakin let out a breath, shuddering some as he got ready to bring himself from meditation. Just as he was about to leave, he heard the voice again.
'Do not think this is over, so long as the dark side resides within you, so shall I.' Said that mechanical voice, as everything faded away.
Anakin was greeted by the faces of his wife and Ahsoka, looking down at him concernedly. He could feel his body drenched in sweat. He was winded.
"Oh thank the force." Padme murmured softly. "Master Yoda, he's awake."
"Hmm, consumed by the dark side, he was not." He heard Yoda's voice from across the room.
"I. How long has it been?" He asked, finding his throat dry. He watched as Ahsoka brought some water up. Anakin suddenly found his strength and took the cup from her, downing it greedily.
"Well, that's definitely him." Ahsoka chuckled some. "It's good to have you back, Master." She smiled.
"It's been two hours Ani. You collapsed not long after entering meditation." Padme explained. "I'm glad you're okay." She said, drawing him into an embrace which he happily returned.
Once he could, Anakin looked to Master Yoda, then looked down. "I'm sorry Master… I wasn't able to purge the dark side from me. Only stop it." He said.
"See this I do, Knight Skywalker. Present, the dark side still is, but overwhelming, it is not. Tempered it, you have." Master Yoda commented, seeming to approve to some degree. "Dominant still, the light is within you."
Anakin nodded, "I nearly gave in." He looked down ashamed. "I was so close to letting that power consume me."
"Hmm, alluring, the power of the dark side is. Yet, resist it you have, not once, but twice. Consumed you, the temptation has not." Yoda said with a reassuring look, Anakin nodded in agreement as he took another breath. He felt exhausted.
"Go, rest you should, late it is." Master Yoda said. "Your old quarters are still available. Welcome to them, you all are." And with that, the green Grand Master departed. Anakin managed to stumble to his feet, helped by Padme and Ahsoka as they made for his old quarters.
