The Power to Save Her
Chapter 27
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
Important Note: I will not follow comics/legends characters or concepts closely, if at all. My knowledge is strictly on the that of the movies and a more mainstream knowledge of Star Wars. Though I may reference events and things outside of the movies, I do not claim to know the material on a deeper level.
The planet of Dagobah appeared before him its green surface covered by a seemingly eternal fog. As Luke approached, he was better able to navigate its treacherous atmosphere and lean on the Force to guide him to Yoda. As he got closer, he could sense the dark side, knowing that its source was a hidden musty cave. Luke only shuddered slightly at the sensation but continued guiding his ship forward. Behind the veil of such evil was the presence of someone familiar. Though there were many lifeforms on the planet, he was able to find the one he sought.
Artoo beeped as they continued through the fog, narrowly missing trees, until they were at last in a familiar clearing. Across the way, Luke spotted the dome house, its windows glowing with flickering fire light. The fog wisped in the air around him as he jumped from the cockpit.
"Artoo, stay here.", Luke informed the droid, who was only too happy to avoid the muddy landscape of Yoda's home. The moment he touched down, he knew that Yoda sensed him, though thought it strange that he didn't come out to meet him.
Luke approached the house, briefly pausing at the entrance before deciding to enter. Inside Yoda had his back turned to him and was tending to a mystery meal over the fire. Though he didn't acknowledge Luke right away, he knew that the master was more than aware of his proximity. The only external sign that he showed he was aware was the slight lifting of his green ears.
"Ah Skywalker.", he spoke before turning around. Luke met the eyes of the older master. "Returned, have you?"
"Yes master, and I came to ask you something.", Luke responded, keeping his voice even and respectful. The last time he'd seen Yoda was when he'd run off to save his friends on Bespin, directly disobeying the grandmaster.
"Shifted, the Force has.", Yoda said, not acknowledging Luke's statement, while continuing to stir the food. "Much explaining have you, young Skywalker."
"It's my father.", Luke began, knowing that there'd be much to say. He shifted in a more comfortable position to avoid the low ceiling. "He's turned away from the dark side."
"Heard this, I have, but see him here, I do not.", Yoda said at last turning to face Luke fully. The young Jedi grew surprised by the fact that Yoda was aware before remembering Obi-Wan could speak with the old master.
"You have been in hiding.", Luke explained earnestly, mind going back to when he'd meditated with his father and almost divulged too much. "I didn't want to compromise your home without your express permission."
"Unnecessary, that is.", Yoda replied with slight humor in his demeanor. There was no accusation in the grandmaster's voice as he continued, "Your Father, knows he does, of my existence."
"I'm sorry.", Luke replied, trying to convey his sincerity. He ran a hand through his hair, adverting his gaze slightly. "Though he does know you're alive, he's not aware that you're on this planet."
Yoda made a slight humming noise but did not appear concerned by this.
"Mysterious, the Force is.", Yoda commented, seeming to accept the situation easily. "Moves in ways we do not understand, it does."
"You mean he was destined to find out about you?", Luke asked, creasing his brows slightly.
"Always in motion the future is.", Yoda stated with a slight shake of his head. "Where the Force moves, determined it is by our choices."
"The Living Force.", Luke muttered, and Yoda nodded sharply.
"Yes, yes.", nodded the older Jedi. "Taught you, your father has?"
"I have been taught a little of lightsaber forms," Luke acknowledged, placing his hands on his knees. "Though I do not think he trusts himself to teach me of the Force itself."
"Fearful of the dark side, he is.", Yoda commented, voice tinted with resignation.
"Yes, though I can't blame him.", Luke stated, knowing he'd feel the same way. "He had been taught, we had been taught, that one could never come back from the dark side."
"Mysterious, the Force is.", repeated Yoda, offering him some of his food, to which Luke reluctantly partook in. "Come, have I, to realize that more, there is, to understand."
"Is it possible for anyone else to turn?"
"Possible, it clearly is." Yoda replied, then continued, with a slight shake of his head. "But careful one must be, in all aspects, when to the dark side, it comes."
There was some silence before at last Luke had to speak the question he'd desired to ask since landing on Dagobah.
"Are you willing to testify to the Rebel Alliance for my father?", Luke queried, tensing himself while waiting for the answer. Yoda seemed to sense his uneasiness, and deliberately took his time answering. The grandmaster sipped a spoonful of soup slowly, before setting the utensil back in the clay bowl.
At last he opened his mouth to speak.
"Willing, I am, but to your father, I must speak.", Yoda replied, seeming to have decided already. Luke raised his eyebrows but felt relief, his shoulders sagging slightly.
"He's waiting at a rendezvous point for me, but I will summon him here.", Luke replied, almost eagerly, and Yoda nodded slowly, once.
"Do that you will, but while waiting for their arrival, more training, you will have.", Yoda stated, and Luke felt a little resignation come over him. He glanced out the opening window of his master's hut.
Already it was pouring outside.
Anakin was in the cockpit of the shuttle now, while Solo was putting the coordinates that Luke had provided. Next to him Padmé was standing, watching the viewport, though she glanced over to him briefly. He could feel tension at the prospect of meeting Yoda, while also surprised that he'd been invited by the grandmaster directly. Anakin didn't know what to feel other than a sense of rising shame. Yoda had every right to demand answers after what he'd done to the Jedi Order and he'd comply. These were only the beginnings of the consequences he'd yet to reap, but it was a responsibility he had to take.
They traveled through hyperspace for hours, while Anakin contemplated the impending reunion with his son and the grandmaster. Luke hadn't been forthcoming about Yoda before, but now that he had been given permission, he seemed all too eager for them to arrive. Their conversation with Luke had been quick and filled with static, as it seemed wherever the boy was a place blocked by disturbances.
When the ship finally dropped out of hyperspace, he could understand why.
Dagobah, Anakin recognized, though he also felt the pull of something else as they got closer. Anakin shuddered at the familiar sensation, and Padmé glanced over to him with worry. He waved her off however, keeping silent about the matter. Something dark resided there. It called to him with soft voices, only growing louder the closer the shuttle got to the foggy atmosphere.
"Kriff.", Han muttered as the ship rocked and swayed with the clouds.
Anakin knew that Solo was an excellent pilot, but even he could not navigate this mess without being Force sensitive. Without permission, he reached over the smuggler and shifted the vessel to the right sharply before they nearly collided with a tree. Solo let out a breath, while Anakin could feel the anxiousness from the whole group. From that point on, he controlled the landing of the ship, though Solo didn't object. The fog was heavy, and the machines going haywire with the disturbances, but Anakin didn't feel any fear. While flying the shuttle, he focused on the presence of Luke, using it as a beacon.
"There's Luke's X-Wing!", Leia called out, pointing at the shape of it through the fog.
Finally, the ship touched down on the muddy ground next to Luke's ship, and Anakin could no longer ignore the dark side presence as well as the presence of Yoda. While they descended the ramp onto the surface of the humid planet, he could hear the distant cries of various reptilian animals. The planet absolutely reeked though he tried to ignore it in favor of finding solid ground. He noted the distaste on the smuggler's face as well but decided to focus on guiding the group towards the lone hut in the middle of the swampy planet.
Before they even got there, Luke was exiting the small entrance of the hut, and greeted them. Behind him, came the short figure of a once great master, his hobbling even more pronounced after the years. Yoda was watching him closely, and not knowing what else to do, Anakin bowed in the customary respect given to all Jedi Masters.
"Master Yoda.", he greeted, keeping his gaze on the ground. Anakin waited in tense silence, expecting the harsh words to begin.
"Distaste, I sense Skywalker.", Yoda stated, and Anakin glanced up at him in confusion. "Ah yes, my home, displeases you, it does."
Anakin looked around, acknowledging this fact, though he felt it had little importance on the matter at hand.
"No matter. Much to discuss with you, have I.", Yoda continued, much to his surprise before turning his gaze away from the fallen Jedi. Anakin watched as the grandmaster hobbled up to Padmé. "Good to see you again, it is."
"As it is you, Master Yoda.", she greeted, a genuine smile on her face. Though the humidity was frizzing her hair and causing sweat on her brow, she seemed happy to see the familiar face.
"Changed your fate, the Force has.", Yoda declared, before fully turning his gaze to Leia. "The other Skywalker, you are."
Leia, not having met the master before nodded, not knowing what to say. Yoda seeming to decide he'd said all that was needed to be said, hobbled over to the smuggler. Solo, who was looking decidedly less enamored with the planet with each passing moment, didn't notice the approaching Jedi master. He was busy observing the swampy grounds when the Jedi master poked him in the legs with his cane. Solo glanced down sharply at Yoda, apparent surprise in his gaze.
"A lifelong friend Chewbacca has found in you.", Yoda said, before laughing and hobbling back towards the hut. Solo glanced over to Luke, with a very bewildered expression, to which Luke only smiled. The Jedi master paused before the entrance to his home and turned back to Anakin. "To the elder Skywalker, must I speak."
With an exhale, Anakin stepped forward, readying himself for whatever it was the master had to say to him. On his way inside he had a harder time getting through the entrance of the hut than his shorter son. Once through the cramped doorway, he noted that the ceiling forced him to bend his head at an almost ninety-degree angle. While trying to get comfortable, Yoda seemed to find some amusement in his predicament. Anakin grimaced when he bumped his head but didn't say another word. Instead, he waited for Yoda to speak.
"Much less anger, I sense in you.", Yoda stated, his face growing a little more serious. "Changed you, your family has."
"Yes.", he acknowledged, though it was strange to admit to Yoda himself.
"Used your attachment, Sidious did." Yoda stated, sitting down on a cushion across from him. "But your attachments, bring you back, they did."
"Compassionate love.", he revealed, having at long last understood the difference. "I never lusted for power until Sidious promised to save the life of my loved one. A selfish attachment turned me down the dark path."
"And yet, fear the dark side still, you do?" Yoda queried, digging right to the heart of the issue.
"Yes, and I know that fear is a path to the dark side." Anakin replied, his tone dry.
"Hmm, yes.", Yoda acknowledged, bringing a clawed finger up to his face. "But no longer consider yourself a Jedi, do you?"
"I lost that right.", he replied, almost angrily. Yoda raised his ears slightly and angled a finger towards him.
"Anger at yourself, I sense.", Yoda surmised. "Let go of that, you must."
"I will do anything to avoid the dark path.", Anakin stated, with a shake of his head. "It cost me everything."
"Avoid the dark side, you can't.", Yoda interjected, his gaze shifting to the middle distance. "Confront your fear, acknowledge it, you must."
"Haven't we always been taught to stay away?", Anakin asked, confounded by the contradictions of the master. "The dark side clouds everything."
"Manipulative it is, but only through experiencing it, have you uncovered the truth for yourself.", Yoda replied, seeming to have a confidence in him.
"What is this dark presence I feel here?", Anakin asked, feeling chills as soon as he acknowledged it.
"A vergence in the Force.", Yoda revealed, some graveness to his voice. "Visions of moments in time, it contains."
"Even the future.", Anakin stated, not liking where this lead. Knowing the future had only brought him disaster. "Why would you place yourself next to a dark side power like this?"
"My presence it conceals.", Yoda revealed with some trepidation. "But brings clarity, it does."
"You want me to go into this place.", Anakin surmised, noticing at once that Yoda was nodding.
"Reveal to you, a part of yourself it might.", the master replied, being vague.
"You never had questions for me. You just wanted me to experience this." Anakin realized, looking down at the aged Jedi. "You already had them answered by Obi-Wan."
Yoda only giggled, causing Anakin to arch an eyebrow. Clearly the decades on this planet had done strange things to the master. Nonetheless, he decided to obey the master, following him back out the cramped door.
The group looked at him as he exited, though he looked way. Deciding to get it over with, he headed straight for the dark side presence. Only Luke seemed to know where he was going and sent a question through the Force. Anakin quieted his son's fears, only briefly trying to placate him.
As he walked away from the group, the swamp grew darker and quieter. The only sounds were that of various lifeforms slithering in the soggy underbrush. Then, in the ground, there appeared a limestone cave. The mouth of it was pitch black, and the call of its power undeniable. Clear voices instead of whispers now sounded in his ears. The fine hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and something cold settled all over him. Though he had every instinct to run, he decided to listen to Yoda, plunging himself once more into the dark place.
Despite his fear, he couldn't deny that it was easier to listen to its call.
Once inside, he could hear crying, soft, but discernable. As he approached, it grew louder. He knew the voice at once and recognized the form to which it belonged. Something pretending to be her was clinging to the body of someone he could not see. Behind her, standing above them, was a very mirror image of himself. He was unmasked and held his lightsaber ablaze. His mirror-self tried to reach out a hand for Padmé, only to have her push it away in fury. Instead of continuing to try comforting her, the other version of himself sharply glanced his way. Anakin tensed at this, and immediately, his mirror-self began marching towards him with fury. Only now did he realize that the eyes of his nightmare-self were yellow.
Despite his fear, Anakin stood his ground, knowing that this was a vision.
The other him halted.
Then came a twisted smile, even as the crying ceased and the vision of Padmé's form disappeared.
His mirror-self stepped to the side, revealing yet another vision. Behind it, were a line of bodies. The mass of his victims continued back into the cave, before stretching even further into the darkness. The other version of himself didn't say anything, but Anakin knew that these were people he killed in the past. He had seen them in his nightmares. With growing despair, Anakin turned around, and froze at yet another sight. Behind him was another line of bodies, several he recognized immediately. The faces of these people were Rebels he'd glimpsed while with their fleet and even some Imperials, including Piett. For just a moment, he felt a claustrophobic sense of inevitability, but forced himself to cease this line of thinking. It was in that moment that he realized something very important. Something that he would have to actively remember.
This was only what could be.
Almost immediately the smile disappeared from his mirror-self, and the vision fueled presence turned way, walking back into the cave. As it went, Anakin noticed that the bodies scattered around the cave disappeared, one by one. Anakin let out a breath, feeling only a small sense of relief.
However, the dark presence couldn't help but mock him one last time.
As Anakin turned to leave, there on the ground appeared the bodies of his family, their faces ashen. They were impaled by lightsaber marks, and Anakin knew that this would be the work of Sidious. His first instinct was to reach out, but before touching Padmé's face, he curled his hand back.
This isn't real.
Anakin chose to walk past the trick, climbing towards the exit of the cave.
With some quickness, he pulled himself out of the hole, falling to his knees once outside. For a brief moment, he sat there breathing heavily, his knees getting wet with the muddy ground, feeling his heart thump rapidly. Only when there was a sound next to him, did he raise his eyes. Luke was there, waiting for him, face solemn, showing a certain amount of understanding. The vision, fresh on his mind, caused him rise to his feet and take two quick strides up to the boy. He placed his hands on his son's shoulders, not really understanding why.
"Luke?", he asked, a certain vulnerability to his voice.
"Yes?", replied his son, who appeared worried.
"Nothing… I just had to be sure it was you.", he replied, releasing his grip.
Luke only nodded.
Without another word, they headed back to Yoda, his presence just on the edge of the tainted part of the swamp. He was waiting for them, sitting on a root with a cane in his green hands. Anakin felt some realization coming over him at finally being away from the dark place. The clarity which Yoda claimed the cave provided was apparent. The old master looked on him with a vague sense of approval.
"Seen the dark visions you have, and rejected their lies, you did.", Yoda declared, emphasizing each point with a thump of his cane.
"It was a test.", Anakin stated, though there was no venom in his voice.
"A test, yes.", replied the master. "Which failed, you have not."
Anakin felt some relief at Yoda's words, not begrudging him for his decision. Now satisfied by what had transpired the green Jedi slid off the root and started leading them back to the hut where the others were gathered. Anakin noted Yoda's labored breathing but did not comment upon it.
"Old am I, Skywalker.", replied Yoda and only now did Anakin remember to hide his mind. Then the small master turned to the both of them. "Ready, you are, to confront Sidious."
"There is much training I have to do.", Luke stated, clearly having little confidence in himself.
"Little training you require, yes, but not from myself.", Yoda responded, motioning to Anakin. "Ready he is, to guide you."
"Are you certain?", Anakin asked, he too feeling less assured.
"Certain, am I.", Yoda declared, thumping his cane into the ground sharply. His decision in the cave seemed to convince the old master. "On each other, you must rely."
Without another word the old master turned again and continued forward, determined to reach his home. They were there in minutes, though the progress was much slower with the grandmaster. Upon their arrival, the other three stopped talking.
"To the rebel fleet, must I go.", declared Yoda immediately, before making his way to Luke's X-Wing.
Suddenly feeling that he hadn't said all he needed to Anakin stepped forward.
"Master.", he stated, causing Yoda to turn. "I have much to answer for. Too much."
"Skywalker, much have you to do, but focus on the past, we cannot.", Yoda replied, seeming to understand the gist of what he was trying to say.
"Despite everything I've done, you'll still speak on my behalf?", Anakin asked, not understanding the grandmaster.
"Do this, I will, for the good of the galaxy.", Yoda replied evenly, and Anakin nodded, understanding the logic. Then the grandmaster continued, adding something with a gentle smile, "Trust in you, I also do."
Anakin shifted his gaze to the Jedi Master, a strange feeling of gratitude coming over him.
He watched as the Jedi master turned towards the X-Wing. Luke followed a moment later, opening the hatch to his fighter. Somehow, Yoda climbed up into the cockpit, his legs dangling over the too-large seat. Artoo beeped, somewhat alarmed, but Luke quickly shushed him.
"Artoo will fly you there.", Luke informed the Jedi Master who nodded.
"To all, farewell." Yoda stated, and then the hatch closed over him.
They watched quietly as the roar of the engines started, and the ship began to levitate. Slowly, the X-Wing soared into the foggy sky, disappearing altogether in the haze. Artoo would certainly have easier time escaping the swamp than entering it.
Soon it was just them and the creatures of this place. Briefly, Anakin glanced back at the now dark hut that was formerly Yoda's home. Then as one, the odd group entered their shuttle. They were quiet as the ship lifted off into the atmosphere, Han being left alone to fly it off of the planet. When they finally broke away from the foggy world, they could see that Yoda with Luke's X-Wing had already disappeared into hyperspace.
With a sigh, Anakin walked over to the communications terminal and entered in a secret code that no one but he himself knew. The others watched silently as he established communications with the Executor. For a moment it crackled with static and then the image of Piett appeared on the holoprojector.
"Who is this?", demanded the admiral sharply before fully recognizing him. "Lord Vader, I apologize. Your signal is coming from a foreign source."
"That is because my ship was destroyed.", he replied calmly, though the admiral grew alarmed.
"Destroyed? By whom?", he asked, his face ashen.
"A common enemy, I assure you.", Anakin replied, not wishing to speak of the Emperor openly. "I'm contacting you to ask that you clear my private hanger and prepare for certain amenities."
Piett was silent a moment, but didn't ask, for which Anakin was grateful.
"Yes, Lord Vader, and I shall inform the bridge crew that this is your shuttle.", replied Piett before the signal died out shortly.
Anakin turned to the others who'd been listening to the conversation.
"This Admiral Piett… he's on our side?", Solo asked, glancing away from the flight panel.
"He is.", Padmé answered for him easily.
"When we arrive, I assume he'll be providing disguises.", Solo surmised easily, while flipping some of the shuttle's switches.
"Seeing as your faces are widely known across the galaxy, and especially on the Executor, yes.", Anakin answered before taking one of the seats behind the pilot's chair.
"That does make sense.", Solo commented, but didn't push the matter any further.
"Your job will be to lie low and report back whatever you wish to your Rebel Alliance.", Anakin continued, his voice even. "It will have to be through a secure channel."
"Yoda will help your case.", Luke stated, with a slight shake of his head. "Reporting to the Alliance won't be necessary other than Leia's scheduled messages."
"Which makes our main job to be learning Imperial protocols.", sighed Leia who didn't look too overjoyed by this idea.
"It's strict, very strict.", replied Solo, seeming to have distaste in his voice.
"Which is why you be part of my elite TIE fighter division.", Anakin stated, his arms crossed. "This gives you the excuse to have your private quarters."
"TIE fighter pilots?", Solo asked, a slight chuckle at this idea.
"It's what you wanted when you were an Imperial.", asked Anakin, knowing this from the Empire's records on Solo.
"Is there a reason you know my backstory so well?", Solo asked, his tone derisive, though he kept his eyes forward.
"I made it my business to know everyone Luke was connected to.", Anakin stated, though he offered no apology for it. Solo made a slight face but chose not to comment.
"While there, I hope to get further training.", Luke spoke up trying to move away from a line of talking that could lead to arguments.
"Of course, Luke.", Anakin replied easily, before glancing over to Leia. "Every chance should be taken before confronting the Emperor."
At the mention of that threat, all grew contemplative. Luke, as always, radiated some anxiety about the man, and Anakin could sense his thoughts on his first confrontation with the Sith. Anakin still didn't like the idea of taking Luke with him but knew that they stood a better chance together. He glanced over to his daughter, knowing that if they died, she would be the galaxy's last hope. She seemed to understand this, as she was hugging herself slightly. Her mind instinctively knew how to hide her thoughts in the Force, telling him that she had great potential in the Force itself besides lightsaber forms. She glanced over to him, a slight crease in her brow, pursing her lips together. There seemed to be conflict in her eyes as she looked at him, though he didn't comment on this.
Our days are limited, he projected in the Force, knowing she'd hear him.
She closed her eyes and sighed, her shoulders losing some tenseness. Briefly she looked over to the smuggler, who had noticed her silence, and then turned fully back to Anakin. The air was tense, while he waited for her to decide.
"I will train with you."
A/N: Hey guys! I'm so sorry for yet another delay in my story. I don't really have an excuse for it this time, but I will endeavor to get updates out faster next time!
Special shoutout to RyanSquad, ichigo urahara Shihoin, MMM73181, westerns never die, Jeda31, (Guest), and Reconzilla117 for reviewing! A big thank you to those who favorited and followed my story! And we're at over 30,000 views to this story, which is amazing! Thank you all for continuing to read and I'm happy that you're finding enjoyment out of this. If you have any thoughts on this chapter, let me know :)