Ch. 25 Do We Dare

He could hardly believe his eyes as he watched the black mask and helmet fall from the towering black figure's head. It was as if in his heart he knew it was true, but when face with the reality of it, the Force and his own perception working together like clockwork, all he could feel was that of a large rock dropping to the pit of his stomach.

Obi-Wan still could not comprehend how… just, how? How could he feel Anakin, how could he see the young man, and even more, how – HOW could he be dressed in the robes and masks of a man who he held responsible for all the terror in the galaxy.

He watched as the young man across the way stared at the ground for a moment, and then suddenly, lifted his head and locked eyes with him. He had seen those eyes before, so brilliant, and right now, so clear that he could be mistaken for the padawan he had raised. The swirling red and gold of the dark side he had seen on Mustafar was taken over by the ocean of piercing blue. His stomach dropped even more, and tears began welling in his eyes.

He wished he could sit down, close his eyes, and begin meditating again. He had no options as to what to do now. He had made a bond with himself that he would never, ever raise his hand to his beloved apprentice when he was young. He had broken that promise on that terrible planet of lava and flames, and broken his heart that day as well. He knew that even if this was a trap, he couldn't defend himself against the visage of this man again. If he were to be killed or taken by the Empire and tortured, he would endure it.

He was the last of a small few who had saved themselves after order to kill all jedi had been issued by Sidious. He was not in hiding from the Empire. He would never hide, he was a master jedi. And over the last few years, he had learned some amazing things about the living force and learned to communicate over long distances through meditation with Master Yoda, as well as his deceased Master Qui-Gon Jinn. He had learned that some day would be his time to join Master Jinn in the light of the Force, but never assumed that it would come from his former apprentice.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was still trying to understand the fact that he was alive, and apparently well, and staring him in the eyes that very moment.

They stood across from each other, perfectly still, as if in a match of wills, who would make the first move.

In fact, neither of them had a clue as to what would happen next.

The dual suns seemed to be quickly setting as their gazes held each others. Vader could see on the face of Obi-Wan all of the surprise, the hurt, the wonder, and even his resolve. He could tell that Obi-Wan would not fight him again. Now, if only he could find a way to relay to his former master that he was not there to hurt him. As a matter of fact, he had come upon him as if by the will of the Force. He had been in a lighter spot recently, one that had sent him reeling for answers to questions that he had yet to ask. Questions that he now yearned to ask as the shadows played across the sandscape.

Neither of them moved an inch. Neither of them were ever known to be indecisive. Neither of them ever expected to be in this particular situation.

Slowly, Vader began to move towards the man, who stood like a statue dressed in rags on the top of the cliff. As he moved, he began removing the pieces of his disguise. First the large gauntlet like gloves on his hands, then the large chest piece which he unbuckled from under his cloak. He let these items fall to the ground unceremoniously as the warm air of Tatooine began to touch his flesh and seep through his uncovered robes. As piece by piece was removed and littered on the ground, it was as if a great weight, not just that of the suit itself, but a weight on his mind and soul were being lifted. It felt liberating. He felt as if he could do anything.

And what he wanted to do most of all was run, run to the man on the plateau and bow down to his former master, and beg for the truth.

Shock and Awe was all that could describe Obi-Wan Kenobi's emotions as he watched the advancing figure remove his suit, which was rumored to be on that sustained his life. He forced himself to breathe deep and evenly to calm himself as the figure dropped more and more of the black suit to reveal simple black robes; much like those Anakin wore before turning. The closer and closer he got, the more and more he was left motionless and speechless, perhaps even thoughtless at what was happening.

When the man finally removed the last of his enclosures, he was close enough to clearly see his face, and for his own face to be seen. He was close enough that if he spoke in a regular tone, the other would hear it clearly.

Again, when Obi-Wan reached out into the Force, he felt no danger. What he did feel was great, deep sadness, remorse, grief, and slight anger. Anger which was not pointed at him; but someone far, far away.

He felt the need to finally move and reach out. If this really was what the Force was telling him, he really didn't know how to handle it. But he couldn't not face it. So, as the presumed Anakin came closer and closer, Obi-wan made his way down the hill to his small home.

It was there, some few standard meters from the front door that they both came to a stop, looking each other in the eyes.

It was hard for Obi-Wan not to notice the swelling of tears in his eyes, it was even harder not to notice the wateryness of the eyes of the man standing mere feet from him. Both of them had thrown up their shields; so strongly that their heads began to ache at the effort it took to just let all of the emotion each of them felt come rushing out. It was sure to be enough to overwhelm each of them.

He just stared. Stared into those blue eyes that he had once known so well and held so beloved to him. It was then that a sound startled him. That voice.

"It is me, Obi-Wan."