Summary: 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"

Force-Speech

*Thoughts*

Disclaimer - I neither own copyright nor receive money for anything. I write to improve my ability and for enjoyment.

We all need something to fight for:

Chapter 14: Secondary Reconnection - Brothers

Padme had been listening in from where she was on Alderaan keeping watch over Leia, but when Obi-wan started on his hate filled rant, she could no longer stand it. Besides, there were now two among the mortal plain that could watch over her little princess on her adopted home world. So she gathered herself and shifted to Tatooine. She had simply wanted to have Obi-wan see the situation from her perspective and Anakin's.

However, with the Force completely out of balance and darkened beyond belief, even the shades that could reach the living could be touched. She was so furious when she arrived that she lashed out in rage at Obi-wan's attempt to denounce her beloved husband. After all he had suffered, all he had tried to accomplish already because of their precious son.

It was far too much for Padme to take.

Padme had always been a truly compassionate soul and when she realized how badly she had over-burdened Kenobi, she was horrified. His scream of aguish cut deeply at her, so much so that she wanted to flee. Unable to stand Obi-wan's torment, made worse by the scenes played out in his mind, she could only project herself to Qui-gon. The Jedi knight's Force-Shade had knelt down next to his former padawan with grief written over his features. Yet he could not reach out to Obi-wan even mentally. The self inflicted Darkness in Kenobi's heart was far too great.

Qui-gon, what have I done? I didn't mean for Obi-wan to suffer like this! Padme cried, feeling herself weaken. Kenobi's pain was fast becoming her own and she was suffering with him. I know Padme you only meant to open his eyes to another perspective. Unfortunately he was not ready. Yet this is the will of the Force. Anakin is the only one of us who can reach him now and it is necessary if they are ever able to work together as brothers again. Qui-gon then looked up with relief on his face as a blinding storm of protective and concerned Light came rushing towards them. It will be alright Padme. Do not let Anakin see you yet, for he will be distracted. But let him feel you love for him, for it will aid him now.

Shmi's Grave:

"Mother, I.. I failed you. I failed you and I failed everyone else. I don't deserve your forgiveness." Anakin finally croaked out, tear welling in his eyes. Shmi frowned and reached up to catch his chin. It was only the lightest of pressure, yet Anakin could feel her touch. Anakin Luke Skywalker, you listen to me and listen well. You have NOT failed me, and you will not fail me unless you reject the gifts given to you to aid you, she said sternly. Then her features softened into tender affection. Look at me Ahni. There is nothing for me to forgive you for. You must forgive yourself for the pain you have caused others.

Anakin looked down at his mother and sighed softly. "I've missed you Mom. I've missed your guidance and that you were the only one besides Ashoka and.. my Angel not to fear me. Who needed me for who I really was, not some stupid 'prophecy' or my abilities." Shmi smiled and let go of his chin to tousle Luke's hair. The young one didn't even notice for he had fallen asleep from the eventful day. And now you have your son for that, Ahni.

You must learn not to fear yourself Ahni. Your power is and has always been a gift of the Force to aid you. You can be so much more, if you only can respect the power you hold, not fear it. When you truly have learned this, the Darkness shall never trouble you again. In this, the Order as a whole failed you. You have nothing to fear from yourself. For as much evil that you may have already done, you can do far more and greater good.

If for no one else Anakin, do it for my grandson's sake.

"I will Mom, I'll do it for Luke," Anakin replied. Before he could say anything else though a horrific wailing rent the night air. Luke jerked awake with wide eyes and instantly cuddled closer to his father. "It's Ben, Daddy. He's in so much pain!" Leave Luke with me and go to your brother Jedi, my son. Nothing shall touch Luke while I watch. And your brother is in terrible danger. Shmi said quietly.

"Luke, stay here. I will be back, I promise you. But Obi-wan needs my help. As I will need his soon enough," Anakin told his son as he sat him down. Luke bit his lip lightly but nodded and said. "Yes Father. I'll stay. Please hurry!" Anakin turned without another word and ignoring the instant flash of pain from his maladjusted prosthetics began to run back the way he came. His eyes closed, he followed the Force to where it coiled and recoiled around a once bright beacon in his life.

Always soothing, the greatest source of wisdom and calm, it was now a terrible jagged tempest.

Anakin was so intent on reaching his former master and brother that he nearly tripped over Obi-wan's fallen body.
Only a seemingly distant cry of -Anakin!-brought him back to his senses in time to crash down on the sands next to Obi-wan. He looked around in bewilderment even as he moved grab his mentor into a tight embrace. Only to pause as he spotted yet another flickering blue form. "Master Qui-gon?"

The Force Shade nodded at him. Yes Ani, I am here. The Force decided to show Obi-wan another perspective, but he was unable to handle the vision without this suffering. And now he cannot even hear me. Please Anakin, bring him back to us. You are the only one who can now, for it was about your fall that he saw.

Anakin winched and quickly gathered his strength. After finding Luke here, safely under Obi-wan's careful if distant guardianship, he would not wish anymore suffering on his master, ever! And this seemed to be far worse. It was threatening to tear the older Jedi completely apart and break him forever. *Not this time Sidious! You managed to break me, you will not do the same to my brother!* Anakin thought fiercely as he pulled his mentor into a tight embrace.

Obi-wan fought back, struggling wildly as his cries continued. But his inability to gather his thoughts and concentrate, along with the tempest raging within him, prevented him from breaking Anakin's hold. He was finally reduced to beating his fists against the sable armor as Anakin felt his own eyes mist over again. How much more suffering could he cause? Shaking away the negative thought, Anakin closed his eyes and reached for the tiny strained and frayed mental thread that still bound them together.

Master! Master, please! Don't do this to yourself. I've already forgiven you! Don't let HIM win! I can't fight HIM without you, my brother! Come back to me Master, I love you! OBI-WAN! My Brother! Anakin cried through the Force as he felt his brother's soul shattering.

Brother I love you! Don't leave me!

For a timeless moment there seemed to be nothing. As if Obi-wan had ceased to exist. Anakin started to pull back, his heart breaking again. *Why am I always too late?* he cried to himself. - A-na-kin? - came the weak answer. Weak and at the distant mental 'edge', but still held together.

Unbound relief blasted though the younger man and passed on to Obi-wan, so strong that it pulled the older man back further from the mental abyss. Master! I thought I had been too late, that I had lost you! Anakin sent joyfully and tearfully. Better that you had, Anakin. I was truly right in saying I had failed you. Only now do I see how deeply. Obi-wan's mental reply reduced his former padawan to tears. NO! I won't lose you my brother! Not to this! Anakin's cry was angry yet grief-stricken. Along with the avalanche of feeling he poured into the Force.

It caught Obi-wan's attention as nothing else could. All of Anakin's shields had dropped as he strained to project his feelings toward Obi-wan, his master, brother, best friend. And it pulled Obi-wan back fully from the edge and back to reality. Even as Anakin became aware of his surroundings he heard the deep, choked sobs. Obi-wan was crying almost in silence, but with a passion never witnessed by the younger man.

Even Qui-gon's death had not set Obi-wan into this deep of a torrent of weeping. Anakin said nothing, just held the older man as he finally was able to find release from the mental torment. After what seemed an eternity Obi-wan's shaking slowed and he started to pull away from Anakin's hold. Anakin let him, but did not let go of his brother entirely, choosing to keep his hand on Obi-wan's shoulder.

Obi-wan flushed with shame and could not look his former padawan in the eye. To practically attack him and try to undo all that Anakin had already accomplished. Then to have the younger man risk his own sanity and fragile state to keep Kenobi from destruction. Only to have the older man cry like a hysterical child on his shoulder?

Don't be ridiculous Obi-wan. You needed that release as much as giving your feelings to the Force. We are only human after all. Qui-gon's voice echoed in his mind. Obi-wan looked up to see his former master standing in front of both Anakin and himself. The Force-Shade's face looked weary and stressed but the glow it projected was almost brilliant.

Obi-wan turned back to Anakin and was about to speak when the younger man shook his head. You don't have to say anything Master. And before you even protest, I told you when I was knighted that you will always be my master. I'm just grateful that I can call you Brother as well.

Obi-wan managed the slightest of smiles at that. And I too feel privileged to call you brother, Anakin. His smile widened as he had to add, the most headstrong, annoying, and reckless little brother there ever was, but all the more special for all of that.

Anakin looked indignant for a moment, only to chuckle a moment later. "You're probably right about that, Master."

Sitting in the sand, leaning against each other, the two brothers by the Force simply let their feelings flow freely though their original training bond. Now made stronger than ever by the trial they had gone through.

The team of 'The Negotiator' and 'The Hero with No Fear' was back. And the Dark Side quailed.

Author's note:

Yes so the 'brothers' have reconnected finally, though not without a lot of pain. Look out Sidious, the team is BACK!

And now they've got two more Jedi to help them out. Any guesses? Please let me know who you think they are. Hint: one of them is male and it isn't Mace Windu! I dislike the Korun Master with a passion! So let me know and I'll post your names in the next chapter.. Promise!

May the Force be with You all!