I give nothing away in this chapter.

Thank you for your reviews, I hope to see some for this chapter :D

ENJOOOOOOOYYYYYY!

(Alternate Timeline)

For lengths of time that Anakin had not been able to keep track of, he had been in agony. He'd suffered from a burning fire throughout his entire being endlessly, unable to see or hear, or even scream for help. Somehow, instead of the pain decreasing over time, it had increased.

Then, out of nowhere, there had been a faint prick. At least compared to the pain he had been through it was a simple prick. The sensation that followed seemed to gradually rebuke the flames that had ate away at him and just in time too. He had nearly lost hope that he would live by the time that the prick came.

Slowly the flames had receded, and he could feel again. He could feel the soft bed he was on, could sense himself in general again. He could feel his arms and legs, though he could not find the strength to move them. Nor could he find it in himself to speak.

He'd found peace when he could hear the voices around him every now and then. His sweet Angel that seemed to stay by his side, his darling princess here and there, Obi-Wan reassuring them that he would get better…he even heard Galen and Ahsoka a few times.

He'd been drifting mindlessly, as he did most of the time in his current state, when he had heard Padme's voice. He could feel her hand in his, though could not move to comfort her, which frustrated him.

"Please wake up Ani…" he heard his Angel beg.

He couldn't stand hearing her beg like that, to hear that much pain in her voice. He couldn't stand another moment in this blackness, away from his loved ones. He wouldn't let it hold him back a moment longer.

With a sudden surge of determination, Anakin focused his entire being on the simple act of squeezing her hand.

When he'd been successful, hope swelled in his chest, and he clenched his Angel's hand once more.

"Guys!" he heard her call. Her voice was so sweet, so angelic…he let the voices lead him to the surface of the blackness, sluggishly fighting to break through.

"What is it?" There was Snips, his Padawan that had made him so proud…

"I think he's waking up," his Angel said.

I am Angel, I'm coming, I promise, he tried to call, but to no avail. Still, their voices were becoming clearer by the moment.

"Are you sure?" There was Galen. Always looking for the facts…

"His hand's moved twice now," his Angel spoke again. Anakin moved towards the sound of her voice.

Please Angel, don't stop talking, I'm coming, don't give up on me, I'm here! Don't stop talking, Anakin tried to call. To his elation, he was able to make a sound. It seemed he hadn't been able to make his voice form any words, but he'd still made some sort of sound. It was progress. He felt his head loll to the side as well.

"Anakin?" his Angel asked, squeezing his hand.

Padme, he thought fiercely, using that single thought to break through the last veil of blackness that covered him. Though they felt as heavy as lead, he managed to slowly open his eyes.

The sudden blaze of light burned his eyes, and he squeezed them shut again almost immediately. Slowly he reopened his eyes, letting them adjust to the harsh white light.

Some mysterious weight suddenly pressed down on his chest. For a moment, he was panicking, trying to figure out what was going on.

Until he felt his face fall under a barrage of eager licks.

"Nydri…calm down…stop it…" he murmured with a smile, turning his face away from the eager tuk'ata pup, who resulted to licking him wherever she could reach. He laughed a little, eyes squeezed shut until she stopped licking his face.

His eyes cracked open once more, and the first thing he saw was his Angel. Nydri squirmed off of him as Anakin stared at her. "Padme…" he murmured. He tried to reach for her but found his wrists and ankles were bound to the bed.

Tears welled in his Angel's eyes as she threw her arms around him, sobbing into his shoulder. "Ani! Anakin! You're alright! You're awake!"

"Shh Angel…don't cry, please don't cry," he murmured. Someone out of his range of sight fiddled with his restraints, freeing him. Immediately he pulled Padme into his embrace, feeling her tremble against his chest. "I'm alright Angel…I'm here…" he murmured, relief seeping into his tone.

He spotted Leia beside her, and reached out for her with his other arm. "Leia…"

His daughter practically threw herself into his embrace, and he discovered Leia was crying as well. He held both girls close to him, comforting them as he himself repressed tears of joy. He breathed in the familiar smell of his Angel's hair and brushed the hair from his daughter's face as he pulled them both close to him, kissing the tops of their heads repeatedly.

When he was sure that they wouldn't disappear from his grasp, Anakin looked up to see who else was in the room. His eyes took in Obi-Wan, sagged against the wall in apparent relief, Galen with an odd smile on his face as he stared at the reunion, Han standing awkwardly off to the side, looking like he had just woken up; Ahsoka was smiling at him, tears of relief in her eyes, and Mara Jade lingered in the doorway, watching the reunion with a small smile.

Anakin realized someone was missing. Someone he had been sure wouldn't leave his side during his plight…

Anakin pulled away a little from the girls, eyes scanning the room. "Where's Luke?"

His voice, hoarse from disuse, echoed around the room. It had suddenly gone silent, and no one would look him in the eyes. A pit of dread appeared in his stomach, his throat starting to constrict as he pushed away the fear that suddenly rushed through him. He tried to catch Obi-Wan's eyes, though his Master would not meet his gaze. In his arms, he felt Padme start to tremble from a fresh batch of sobs.

"Where's my son?" he asked, his voice firmer and demanding an answer. Despite himself, a note of fear crept into his voice as well.

Obi-Wan was the one who finally gave him an answer. After he spoke, though, Anakin partially wished no one had answered him.

"He went back to rescue you while Galen came ahead to deliver your message…all we know is he made a deal to save your life…he didn't come back with you," Obi-Wan said shakily.

Just like that, the happiness Anakin had felt, his relief at being alive and holding his family in his arms, evaporated.

Suddenly he wasn't in the hospital room. He was back in the twins room, holding Luke close to his heart when Luke was still just an infant.

"I'll never let anything bad happen to you Luke…not this time…I promise you. You'll never be alone again…" he whispered quietly to the sleeping bundle in his arms. He meant it with all of his heart; he'd never let such harm fall upon his son again.

Anakin was in shock. Obi-Wan's words didn't seem to be registering in his mind. Either that, or he didn't want to believe them.

But he could feel the shift in the Force: he could feel the tilt towards the dark side, the tilt that came when someone powerful joined the dark side. Despair started to settle into his heart as tears started to leak out of his eyes, reality setting in.

No…not Luke…please, not my son, don't let me lose him again. Force, please, don't make me lose him to the dark side…please no…don't…not him…

Sidious' words came back to him.

I'm going to take your precious son from you…

Anakin felt rage build up inside of him at an alarming rate, a rage only kindled by the Vader part of him that called for Sidious' blood for what he'd done. It was with great effort that Anakin managed to get control of himself once more. Emotional agony gnawed away at his insides.

No one said anything. They let Anakin have his moment, let him comfort his wife and daughter, and let him mourn the loss of his son.

A fiery determination settled inside of him as he held his wife and daughter close, a determination that would not be satisfied until Anakin was successful.

He would see Sidious dead. And he would bring his son back to the light.

Even if it was the last thing he did.

(Original Timeline)

Luke…Luke, wake up…

Luke startled awake, staring at the ceiling above him for a few moments as he listened for the voice that had woken him to return.

Luke…

Luke sat up in bed, turning to scan the room. He didn't have to search long to find the blue form that had called for him. To his surprise, though, it was not Ben who had called out to him. Luke stared at the familiar face, the long hair and kind eyes…

"Qui-Gon?" Luke asked, startled.

Qui-Gon smiled at him, coming over to stand beside his bed as Luke situated himself on the edge. "Yes young one, it's me."

Luke shook his head. "Am I dreaming, or…"

Qui-Gon laughed. "No Luke, you are very much awake."

Luke ran his hand through his hair. "I didn't expect to see you again anytime soon."

Qui-Gon smiled. "Yes, well, the line between the times is blurred now, and I found myself able to come through to see you."

Luke nodded. "Alright then…is there…something you wished to tell me?"

Qui-Gon's smile grew, a soft edge gracing his features. Luke was sure that if Qui-Gon was not a Force Ghost, he would clasp a hand on Luke's shoulder. "I came to tell you that your father is awake and healthy. Sidious' poison was not able to claim him; the others found a cure before it could."

Luke sagged in relief. "Thank the Force," he whispered, burying his face in his hands.

"However, the Force is warning of an incoming danger from Eius. It seems Sidious is finally putting him to use," Qui-Gon added gently.

Luke sat up, meeting Qui-Gon's eyes. "Is there any way for me to do anything to help him? Any way to bring him back?"

Qui-Gon smiled a little. "You know him better than anyone else Luke. You two are essentially the same person. I'm sure you know the answer to that question." The smile slipped off of Qui-Gon's face, and a serious air fell over the two. "But you should know that the merge…it's about to happen. That's why the line between the times is so thin in the Force."

Luke stood up sharply. "Already?" He started to pace, repeatedly running his hand through his hair. "What's going to happen to me Qui-Gon? Sidious cut me off: I can't merge like everyone else?"

A cold pit settled in his stomach. "I'm not going to be stuck in limbo or anything, am I?"

Qui-Gon shook his head. "No, I don't think you will be stuck in any form of limbo. I believe that there will be two of you when the times merge, until you can find a way to join with your other self."

"Preferably after he's brought back to the light," Luke mumbled.

Qui-Gon gave Luke a sympathetic smile. "Your father will need you. He's received the news and…he's not taking it well…"

Luke frowned, his worry increasing as he paused in his pacing. "He's not…he's not falling on any Sith habits, is he?"

Qui-Gon shook his head. "No…your father is rather good at keeping that part of him in check if I may say so myself. However, I can tell that he wants revenge on Sidious already…and the situation is only going to get worse with time."

Luke sighed. "We keep finding ourselves with the same problem…"

Qui-Gon inclined his head just slightly. "As I said Luke, your father will need you. I'm sure the two of you will be able to set things right again. Have faith: the Force will be with you."

Luke bowed slightly as Qui-Gon started to fade away. "Thank you Qui-Gon."

(Alternate Timeline)

Anakin stood on a hill in the middle of a rolling field of long, lush grass. The warm breeze brushed lightly against his skin and the crisp air was refreshing and enriching to breathe in. A little ways in the distance, he could see familiar waterfalls tumbling into the lake below. It was all so perfect…

Anakin felt he should look behind him, and as he turned he saw his son, standing a little ways away on a second hill.

Luke, he tried to call, but he was unable to for some reason. Anakin started toward Luke, determined to reach him. After taking the first few steps, he realized that his son was not alone on the hill. With him stood Mara Jade, her blazing red hair unmistakable. Anakin frowned. What was she doing up there with Luke?

As Anakin drew closer he suddenly blushed, realizing that these two were embraced and kissing, oblivious to his presence. He averted his eyes, feeling very awkward. What was going on here?

Feeling he would miss something if he didn't look again, Anakin turned his attention back to the pair on the hill. They pulled away as he approached, and looking down he realized that the two now held a bundle in their arms between them.

Luke and Mara appeared to be oblivious to his presence as he reached them, now close enough to realize that the bundle they held in their arms was in fact a baby boy.

Anakin felt his heart warm at the sight of the tiny, red haired, freckled baby boy in his son's arms. The happiness on the pair's face was evident, and the peace in the air brought a much needed calm to Anakin's troubled heart.

Suddenly the entire scene shifted. The sky grew dark, the air became cold and biting, and Anakin felt chills go down his spine. The natural dark of night shifted to an unnatural dark that Anakin was too familiar with for comfort. A thick black fog that Anakin could not see through crept along the field, swallowing everything in its depths.

As the darkness came closer the baby began to cry, and Anakin felt fear grip at his heart as he took a protective stance in front of his son, Mara, and the child. Yet he also could not think of a way to fight off the darkness at the same time as it circled the hill that they stood on.

Anakin felt a warning race through the air around him, and he spun around just in time to see the child taken by the darkness.

No! He tried to shout, but found he still had no voice. He tried to take a step closer, realizing he could no longer move to help his son. So, he was powerless to do anything to help his son.

The darkness closed in on Luke, circling him, calling to him. The boy shuddered, eyes closed as if in pain.

Get away from him, Anakin tried to scream, frustrated by how powerless he was.

Luke fell to his knees as Mara was yanked away, disappearing into the darkness, and Anakin finally found himself able to move. He stumbled over to Luke, reaching out for his son's shoulder.

Luke's head suddenly snapped up, and Anakin pulled his hand back as quickly as he would have had there been a poisonous serpent in front of him. His son's eyes glowed a molten gold color that burned with fury and anger.

Luke, Luke snap out of it, Anakin tried to shout, but Luke seemed not to hear him. Luke!

"He's mine now Anakin. His future is mine, his life is mine, his soul is MINE!"

Anakin awoke with a start and a cry, bolting up in his bed. As reality settled in, Anakin doubled over, repressing the tears and racking sobs the best that he could. He didn't move to wipe away the tears that slipped through, letting them trail their way down his face.

A gentle hand touched his back, causing him to jump. He relaxed just slightly when he realized that it was just Padme. He must have woken her…

"Ani…what's wrong?" Padme asked quietly, rubbing his back in a soothing motion. Anakin shook his head, his throat clogged with emotion

"Nothing…it was just a dream…"

Padme frowned. "I've heard that one before."

Anakin shrunk guiltily, remembering how he had rebuked her attempts to learn what had been in his nightmares when he had dreamed of her dying in childbirth.

"It was a…vision…a symbolic one…" Anakin murmured, finally wiping the tears from his face.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" Padme asked quietly.

Anakin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I saw Luke…he was with Mara, and they had a child, a little baby boy…they were so happy. But then darkness came and took away everything…"

He trailed off. He didn't want to mention hearing Sidious' voice everywhere around him. His words still echoed in Anakin's head, kindling his rage towards the Sith…

Padme wrapped her arms around Anakin, resting her head on his shoulder. He could sense her sorrow at the loss of her son, and he was sure that the dream only served to remind them both of what was lost with Luke on the dark side.

"I'll bring him back Padme…I promise, Luke will come back…" Anakin said quietly, pulling her in for a tight hug. "I'll do whatever it takes to bring him back…"

Before Padme could respond, they both gasped, Anakin's eyes snapping shut as the Force suddenly shifted all at once. Memories flashed before his eyes…

You're breaking my heart! You're going down a path I can't follow!

I love you!

LIAR! You're with HIM! You brought him here to kill me!

You were my brother Anakin, I loved you!

You are part of the Rebel Alliance, and a traitor! Take her away!

When I left you, I was but the learner. Now, I am the master!

The Force is strong in this one…

I have altered the deal. Pray I do not alter it any further.

The Force is with you young Skywalker…but you are not a Jedi yet.

He told me enough! He told me you killed him!

No, I am your father.

I have accepted that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my father.

I feel the conflict within you, let go of your hate!

You are unwise to lower your defense!

Father, please, help me!

Now go, my son…leave me…

I've got to save you!

You already have Luke…

Father…I won't leave you!

Each memory flooded into Anakin's mind with painful clarity, as if he had…no, he did. He lived each one of them. He had been Darth Vader before his son had saved him, before Luke had helped him return to the light. He really had done every single one of those awful things, things that he could not begin to fix. He had lost everything, paying the price for his horrendous actions.

But yet he also had chosen a different road. He had defeated Sidious and raised his two children with Padme to the best of his abilities and tried to give them the best life possible. And now his son had fallen to the dark side that had claimed Anakin once…

Both timelines made sense; both sets of memories flowed easily through Anakin's mind, as well as the feelings associated with them. Everything was clear and sure even as the Force began to calm around him, realization of what just happened falling over him.

The timelines had finally merged.