Summery : Five years after Mustafar, Darth Vader is but a shadow of the powerful Sith Lord he should be. To the point where the emperor must use the apprentice bond to force Vader to act. But why?

Chalk it up to two undaunted women who will not let even death stop them from saving the soul of the man they both loved.

Based on StarWarrior72's "The strength to do for his child"

Author's Note: I'm well aware that Obi-wan is quite out of character for himself in this chapter. However, my reasoning is that it only has been 5 years since the Empire and there's still a lot of bitterness for Obi-wan to fight though himself. Especially since it seems that Anakin's being rewarded for his fall. (not true of course, but it looks that way if you're not listening to the Force.)

We'll have our 'Negotiator' back to normal soon enough.

Force-Speech

*Thoughts*

Disclaimer - I neither own copyright or receive money for anything. I write to improve my ability and for enjoyment.

We all need something to fight for:

Chapter 11: Bitter Souls.

Obi-wan managed to sit down in a chair across from his former padawan and his son. "Well, I certainly didn't mean for this to happen." Even to his own ears, the words sounded petty and cruel. He saw the pain in Anakin's eyes even as the younger man turned away from him. "I hardly deserve such a gift after what I've done, Master," he said after a moment. His voice was low and rough, and sounded if he was seconds away from tears.

Part of Obi-wan wanted to comfort his wayward brother. But a more prominent part wished to berate him for the terrible destruction he had caused. He was far more comfortable in the role of stern mentor and judge, Obi-wan realized. Even if he wanted to, he couldn't seem to stop the flow of disapproving words that tumbled out of his mouth. Frankly, he wasn't sure he did wish to stop it.

"And it certainly took you long enough to realize it. What has your turning to the Dark Side accomplish, hm? Did it bring the 'peace and prosperity' you sought for your new Empire?" Obi-wan snapped waspishly. He took a perverse satisfaction in Anakin's head bowing lower at every word. "You never listen to me or anyone else on the Council, Anakin. It was always about you."

That got a reaction. Anakin shifted Luke of his lap and onto a nearby chair, then stood up and paced. Obi-wan noted mildly enough that his fists were clenched. Finally Anakin whirled and faced his former master, indignation in every limb.

"Oh yes, it was always about me Master. I was always wanting more and you were all 'holding me back'. Did it ever cross your mind that all I cared about was your approval? That I merely wanted to hear someone tell me that I was actually doing the right thing for once! But no, I was always in the wrong. I could never be trusted, never told that my best was good enough. Never told that I had done the right thing by following the Force as I felt it. Even when I had done so and was able to do great things, it was always about the way I had done them that satisfied no one. Especially you!" He turned and started pacing again, gathering his thoughts. "I was never fit to be my own master and I knew it. Not without somebody telling me I was doing right. I knew I wanted power and the only thing keeping it from me was the fact that I'd be letting others down! Especially ... Padme." He choked over her name.

Luke shifted uncomfortably at his father's outburst. He couldn't understand why Ben was being so mean to his father. It wasn't right. Daddy knew he had done 'bad things' but he was sorry. Wasn't that good enough? Or was it because Ben didn't believe him? That had to be it. And Ben was causing his father more pain, trying to prove that Daddy didn't mean he was sorry. Luke came to a quick decision and bolted for the entrance. He knew Ben and Daddy would follow him. He could take them to Nana and she would make things alright.

Anakin and Obi-wan were so intent on one another that Luke leaving the room didn't quite register for a few moments. Anakin noticed it first as he felt his anger growing and knew that his son's soothing presence had withdrawn. Looking around he noticed that his son wasn't in the room. "Where is Luke?" he suddenly asked. Obi-wan merely raised a hand and stroked his bearded chin. "Well I would guess that your emotional uproar has him quite upset. He's probably gone to hide away from you,"he couldn't help adding in a viscous manner.

Anakin glared at his former master, streaks of sulfur marring the clear blue of his eyes. Before he could loose all control, Luke's mental call came to him. Daddy, I'm outside. Please come and bring Ben with you. I know he's being real mean right now but this is impor..important. Anakin growled in irritation but then deflated. Alright Luke, I will be with you in a moment And I will bring 'Ben' as well, but only because you asked me too. He looked back over his shoulder as he walked towards the entrance. "Contrary to what you believe old man, Luke is outside and wants us to join him. The only reason that I mention this is because he asked for me to bring you along. Because I'm not sure how much more of your self-righteous attitude I can take right now without exploding!" Anakin spat as he climbed out into the early desert night.

It wasn't till he was outside and striding towards Luke's star-bright presence in the Force that he calmed down enough to think.

As a gentle breeze caressed his bare face, the full impact of what had just happened smashed into him with the power of a thermal blast. His anger was already cooling on it's own, which left him feeling dizzy. He wanted to savor these first few moments of freedom from that accursed mask. Closing his eyes he let the breeze dance around him, bringing him the sounds and scents of the desert. Lost in the experience he failed to notice Obi-wan finally joining him.

Before Obi-wan spoke he glanced up at the towering form, and wished he hadn't. Anakin's face was one of near-peaceful bliss, despite the ravages of the burns. None of which had been tended to properly, as they were still as red as if Mustafar had been only days ago instead of the five bitter years. It was enough to send another stab of guilt through the older Jedi's soul. One he bitterly resented. Anakin's very presence reminded him how badly he had failed the Order. The fact that his son not only alive, but able to reach the true spirit of Anakin Skywalker only rubbed salt in the wounds.

How could he and Yoda been so wrong? How could the whole council been wrong? Wasn't the man's fall enough proof that attachments were deadly? The shear amount of Darkness that was flowing through Obi-wan at that moment was enough to bring Anakin out of his repose. And look down on his old master in both astonishment and concern. Kenobi certainly didn't notice as he was looking around for Luke. A flimsy excuse not to look on his former padawan's face, but Anakin said nothing. Even when Obi-wan practically snarled out. "Well where is he? Or are you just trying to drag me out here to finish what we started on Mustafar?"

Luke was now at the marker that denoted his grandmother's grave. It wasn't very far from the homestead itself, just not in the direct line-of-sight of the entrance. He could feel the Darkness that was now taking over ol' Ben and didn't like it in the slightest. Hopefully Nana's friend, Qui-gon could help.

"Nana? Qui-gon? Are you there?" he called plaintively as he sat down next to the marker. His answer came swiftly as the desert sand swirled up to form the glowing figure of a long-dead Jedi Knight. Hello young Luke. It's been some time since we spoke last.

Luke smiled up at the ghostly blue form. "Hi Qui-gon. I'm glad you're here." His brow furrowed in a frown as he felt Obi-wan's mounting anger. "Daddy finally came, Qui-gon but now Ben's being mean to him. He doesn't believe Daddy. And I think it's because of the bad man." Qui-gon shook his head in gentle reproof. I sense the Darkness in my former padawan, Luke. A Darkness that has been born of pain and guilt. The 'bad man' is not directing it, but it serves his purpose. I need to speak with him but first you must call your father and Obi-wan over here. Your Nana would like to talk with you and your father as well.

Luke felt himself grow excited. What a day! "Nana's here too?" he asked in glee. Of course I am, my grandson. Qui-gon needed to speak with you first though. Shmi's Force-Shade came to stand by Qui-gon. Now let's have your father and his master come and see us all, hm? "Okay Nana." Luke said joyfully. His happy expression faded as he touched his father's mind. Just in time to hear Obi-wan's spiteful barb at his father. "That's mean! Daddy's trying! Calm yourself, youngling. Do not let the Darkness touch you. Qui-gon said softly. Luke nodded and tuned what Ben was saying out.

At the very same time, Anakin was watching his former master with growing alarm. This was the last thing he had expected to happen. It was if the Darkness he was desperately trying to renounce was now finding a home in the heart of his brother. "Master..." Anakin said softly, but broke off as Obi-wan looked up at him, venom in his eyes. "Master? Since when was I ever your master, Anakin?" Whatever else he was going to say was choked off as a whirlwind of sand suddenly smacked him in the face.

Luke's mental call came to both of them at that moment. Daddy, I'm by Nana's marker. And Ben needs to come, cause there's somebody that wants to talk to him. He's not very happy!