Hey guys sorry for the late update. I was at a big St. Patrick's day parade. I'm trying to make the chapters. Always, if you have any questions PM me and also review.- Kiera

CHAPTER 8

Light. A blinding light was sweeping through the force. It swirled around Obi wan, blanketing him in love and warmth. Something had changed. He had never felt this much light. There were faint wisps of the Dark, like tiny ink spills. Though, the vast majority was overwhelming light. He opened his eyes and got to his feet. His legs ached from hours of intense meditation. The Force surrounding him had a certain spark to it, like thousands of fireflies were gathered around him. Obi wan knew that a marvelous thing had happened. He closed his eyes once more, determined to find the root of the light. Waves of happiness and love were emanating from a very familiar force signature.

"It can't be," he gasped, "it's impossible." No one could return from the darkness, yet he could feel his former padawan's presence clear as day. Best to keep it to yourself. You should investigate this matter privately, most people here would be glad to see Anakin's head on a spike. Exiting his chambers, Obi wan stepped into the bustling hallway. The rebels were constantly trying to stay one step ahead of the Empire. This subterranean base was responsible for the creation of rebel codes, as well as a safe haven for Jedi fugitives and assorted rebels.

So far, Obi wan was the only one who managed to find this place. It grew lonely being the only Force sensitive in the Sullustian base, but it beat rotting in the Citadel. Suddenly, Obi wan's comlink went off and a tiny image of Bail Organa appeared in his gauntlet.

"Obi wan," he said, "I need you to do me a favor. It seems that Senator Amidala has escaped Vader and is looking to join the Rebellion. Unfortunately, I can't make the trip to Espirion to retrieve her. I know you were friends, and I was hoping if you could do it." Of course, Anakin must be traveling with Padmé, those two seemed to be conjoined at the hip.

"Anything to aide the Rebellion, sir," nodded Obi wan.

"Good, I will be here when you arrive with Padmé. Make sure she is not injured. She's been through too much already." With that, Bail's image flickered and dissappeared. Obi wan made his way to the hangar, he had a job to do.

After many hours, Obi wan finally arrived at Espirion. It looked like a glass orb with stripes of blue and purple encircling it. From what he had heard, the people were very accepting and open to all beings. Obi wan's rusty, old space freighter touched down in the capital city and he was blown away. Towers made of some crystalline material that sparkled in iridescent light. Hundreds of domed areas supported countless alien races. It seemed to be a utopia. A sparkling kingdom surrounded by greed and hatred.

The only downside was the throngs of people made it very difficult to find two people in a sea of faces. He would have to rely on his Force sense. It lead him down several side streets and he found himself facing a quaint cafe nestled in a peaceful corner. Even from a distance he could see three figures, one with orange skin and montrals, one with chocolate hair and soft features, and another completely covered in a cloak, fawning over two adorable babies. Grinning, he casually strode up to them.

Anakin was sipping his lukewarm caf when another cloaked figure approached them. Warily, he craned his head to see the person's face. He was surprised to be looking into the eyes of his old master.

"Anakin?" He whispered. Anakin nodded and straightened in his seat.

"But, I thought that you fell." Tears glistening in his eyes, Anakin rose .

"I did and I regret every moment of it. Look, Obi wan, I know it doesn't mean much, but I want to apologize for Mustafar. I know you were as hurt as I was. I'm ..." Before Anakin could finish, Obi wan swept him into a tight hug.

"I thought you were lost. I thought that I'd only see you on the battlefield." Anakin didn't know how to respond, Obi wan rarely expressed his feelings like this.

"Okay, okay, save the bromance stuff for later. I assume you are here to take us to the Rebels," snipped Ahsoka.

After returning to Obi wan's ship, he entered the coordinates to Sullust and they were off. Ahsoka gazed at the bluish blur of hyperspace. She wondered if maybe, just maybe, Lux had joined the rebels. This stuff seemed to be right up his alley. Sleep began to overwhelm her and her eyelids drooped. These thoughts would have to wait for tomorrow.

Padmé stared anxiously at the surface of Sullust. In a few short minutes she would be a part of the Rebellion. She heard Anakin approach her and wrap her in a firm, one armed hug. It was odd, the former second in command of the Empire and his housebound wife joining the rebel ranks. As they descended into a secluded cave, Padmé was greeted with the blaring lights of holoscreens and the monotone hum of machinery. Frantic people sprinted from one area to the next. She hadn't seen this much commotion in a place.

A form she recognized as Bail shifted impatiently on his heels. She could feel Anakin's hug tighten. Kriff, she forgot, she was bringing the iron fist of the Empire into one of the rebellions most crucial bases. Hopefully, Bail would remain stoic and see reason. He would be the last person that she would expect to do something brash. She would find that she was sorely mistaken.

The first person off the freighter was Ahsoka. She was strapped to what looked like a makeshift baby carrier made from scraps Anakin repurposed. Her eyes scanned the crowd, her face fell when she saw no sign of Lux. Obi wan followed her, giving Bail a curt nod. He was not one for grand entrances, unlike some of the more dramatic people on the ship. Then came Padmé in a striking violet gown, gold cords wrapped around her stomach, and a gauzy shawl adorning her shoulders. Finally, Anakin cautiously exited the craft. He wished his stature and striking features didn't attract so much attention. He felt the entire base's anxiety and suspicion. All he wanted was for them to hear him out.

Anakin really wanted to prove that he was back on their side. Maybe, this could help him repent for his prior mistakes. But, a look of pure disgust and anger crossed Bail's face, and everyone began to subsequently open fire on him. He tried his best not to retaliate, opting to nimbly dodge the bullets. Okay, maybe not so gracefully, he thought as a blast caught his shoulder. A blur of orange stepped in front of him. The blur ignited her swords and deflected the fire. Meanwhile, Obi wan and Padmé were futilely attempting to convince Bail to call off this attack.

"Bail, this is insanity. You know Anakin has returned. He hasn't attacked anyone here. Look at him Bail, he isn't even trying to defend himself. Don't you trust me." Padmé wailed.

"What you are experiencing is Stockholm Syndrome. I don't know about Obi wan and Ahsoka, but I'm sure they have been brainwashed or forced into this. Do you know how many people he has killed? How many bases just like these he has destroyed ? I've seen entire cities razed because of him. His crimes against the galaxy are inexcusable. He must face justice." Bail retorted.

Ahsoka, momentarily distracted by the commotion around Bail, yelped in pain. A blast had singed her hand, causing her to drop one of her sabers in surprise. Another caught her in her right knee and she collapsed. The rebels didn't cease fire, they continued to shoot. At this rate, Ahsoka didn't have much time left. Desperately, Anakin tried to move towards her. Reaching into the Force, he could feel her anguish. Righteous fury coursed through him and he let out a Force blast. The tremor caused most of the rebels to fly backwards. Though the battle had momentarily ceased, Anakin's inner turmoil did not. He clutched his head and a low moan emanated from his throat .

Padmé ran over to him in dismay, her face right with worry. Gently, she put her arm around him in a comforting gesture. Recognizing, this action Anakin met her eyes and she cried out in horror. His eyes were once again a sickly amber. As if registering the magnitude of his Force blast, pure misery radiated off him in waves. Tears formed in his eyes as he buried his face in Padmé's lap. Suddenly, his head snapped up like prey that realized it had been cornered. The end of a small pistol was held against his temple. Bail Organa stood over him, giving him a somber look.

"Darth Vader, for your crimes, I hereby condemn you to your rightful sentence. Death." Padmé was desperately trying to breath. After all her hard work, her future was being ripped away from her in an instant. Not today, she thought, as she silently began to creep her hand toward's Bail's wrist. Perhaps she could disarm him.

Just as she was about to strike, a regal vote cry could be heard across the hangar.

Apparently, Obi wan had successfully located Mon Mothma within the base. There she stood, she held herself with pride and was followed by a small entourage. Mon's close cut auburn hair was unadorned, and she wore a simple white tunic. She began to slowly walk towards her disillusioned coworker, if one could call him that. She placed her hand on the pistol, signally for him to lay down arms.

A cry escaped from one of her entourage as he broke away from the group and cradled Ahsoka's limp body. Lux Bonteri's tears splashed onto Ahsoka's face. A weak grin crossed Ahsoka's face before her eyes rolled to the back of her head.

"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Mothma. " A Jedi has been seriously injured because your emotions clouded your judgment. From what I have witnessed and heard Anakin has not outwardly attacked any of us. Obi wan believes that the light in him overpowers the dark and Padmé obviously agrees. Can't we resolve this diplomatically? I tire of bloodshed." Bail , though looking at Anakin in distaste, agreed.

"Very well, since Vader has not shown any form of aggression we will allow him to stay, but guards will be posted around his living area. Also, Master Kenobi will act as his supervisor, so to speak, and he will keep him out of trouble."

" May I suggest that I help purge the majority of the Dark side from Anakin. He will forever bear its mark, but this procedure will prevent incidents like this from happening again." chimed Obi wan.

"I suppose." said Mon Mothma. "Now, that that matter has been settled, I need to speak with Padmé in private."