Chapter 8: Greatest Change

"Why do you think Lady Galadriel wants to see you?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I have no idea," Anakin answered, finally on his feet. The Elves warned him to take it easy, or he would injure himself again. Reluctantly, he had to move slower and couldn't stretch.

"Maybe you have a secret admirer," Ahsoka joked while setting up her bed. "I hope you don't pull the same stunt you did with that woman on Zygerria, Skyguy."

Anakin raised his hands in defense. "For the record, it was all an act."

Aragorn shook his head while sharpening his sword. "So you led a woman on and left her?"

"Actually, he was trying to free some slaves and take out the slavers," Rex corrected. "We still have scars from the ordeal. General Skywalker, however, felt it prudent to distract said lady."

Suddenly, vocal music filled the city. It came from the Elves, who were singing in Elvish. The song was slow, beautiful, and sad. No one needed to ask why they were singing like that.

"A lament for Gandalf," Legolas explained, stating the obvious.

Everything paused what they were doing, entranced by the Elvish song.

"What do they say about him?" Merry asked.

"I have not the heart to tell you," the Elf answered. "For me, the grief is still too near."

"I bet they don't mention his fireworks," Sam stated. "There should be a verse about them." Just for the heck of it, the Hobbit stood up and began making up a poem
on the spot.

"The finest rockets ever seen
They burst in stars of blue and green
Or after thunder, silver showers
Came falling like a rain of flowers-Oh, that doesn't do them justice by a long road."

"I liked it," Ahsoka said. "Gandalf would be proud."

"It was my fault," a voice whispered.

"What was?" Obi-Wan asked Pippin.

"If I wasn't such a fool back in the mines, the Orcs wouldn't have been warned and that demon wouldn't have shown up."

Rex sighed. "I know how you feel, kid. I've been there."

"When?" the inquisitive Hobbit asked.

"It was about a year ago. We were serving under this horrible General named Pong Krell. He delighted in sending us clones on suicide missions since we, to him, were expendable. Even when we disobeyed orders to save lives, he would always rage on about how we were the soldiers and he was the commanding officer.

"One day, he told us that these rebels had killed our brothers and disguised themselves as clones. Our orders were to eliminate them. I knew something wasn't right, but I decided to follow orders, because that's what clones are bred to do. If they say, 'Jump' we ask, 'How high?' We fought these rebels and killed a good portion of them, until one of the helmets fell off. It turned out that Krell used us to kill each other, for under the mask was a fellow brother. I will never forget the look on their faces, especially the ones I killed.

"It is true that one mistake in war can mean the difference between life and death. We all have made mistakes that have ended in serious consequences."

"I got half my squad killed because I was too stubborn to see reason," Ahsoka said sadly.

"I let my anger control me during a duel and failed to save a fellow Jedi that needed my help," Obi-Wan added.

"I underestimated a Sith Lord and lost my arm," Anakin also said.

"The point is, Pippin," Rex continued, "is that when things like this happen, you can grieve, but you have to move on. Gandalf would not want you to blame yourself for his death for the rest of your life."

The Hobbit nodded. "Thank you, Captain."

Aragorn looked outside to see Boromir sitting alone in front of a tree trunk. He walked over to him and suggested, "Get some rest. These borders are well-protected."

"I will find no rest here," Boromir retorted. "I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, 'Even now, there is hope left,' but I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope."

Aragorn sat down next to him as the Gondorian went on.

"My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing and our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right, and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored. Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver? Its banners caught high in the morning breeze? Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

"I have seen the White City long ago," Aragorn answered.

Boromir smiled. "One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call, 'The Lords of Gondor have returned!'"

When the war is over, he should write poems. Ahsoka thought to herself.

She was finally sympathizing with the captain of Gondor. His own father wants him do everything, and he would do it because he loves him. Ahsoka could only imagine what pressure he must be facing back home. It made her wonder…

"Is that why you want the Ring?" she asked, approaching them. "You seek to please your father with it." It was more of a statement than a question.

Boromir nodded. "You are very insightful, young one. I didn't even want to go to Rivendell, but…"

"But your father wanted you to go," Aragorn finished. "He thought you better of the two."

Ahsoka raised her eyebrows. "Two?"

"My brother, Faramir," he replied. "He seeks my father's approval and never receives it. My father is embarrassed by my brother and gives me all the glory to further ruin my little brother. In my youth, I thought nothing of it, but time after time watching my brother being belittled, I speak up for him, yet my father will hear none of it.

"I love my father. I love my brother. I do not wish to disappoint either."

Ahsoka sat next to him. "The Ring is dangerous, Boromir. Surely you see that. If you bring your father the Ring, all hope will be lost for your world." She put on a hand on his shoulder. "Don't let your desires get in the way of your thinking. Believe me; I have suffered from my own foolishness."

Boromir smirked. "To think that months ago, you were ready to cut off my hands."

She smiled back. "I try to get my point across."

"The hour is late," Aragorn announced. "Get some sleep, Boromir and Lady Ahsoka. Our journey is far from over."

"It is time, Young Skywalker!" Galadriel stated.

Anakin groaned, trying to sleep. "Five more minutes."

"I have all the time in the world. You do not."

Muttering Huttese curses under his breath, the Jedi rose to his feet, putting on his tunic and his lightsaber. He turned to Ahsoka and Obi-Wan, who were fast asleep, and wondered if should wake them up. His answer became clear when he tripped over a canteen and crashed to the ground, rousing not only his friends, but the rest of the Fellowship.

"Are you all right?" Ahsoka asked, rushing to him.

"I'm okay," he groaned, spitting out dirt.

"Watch your feet, lad," Gimli warned before returning to bed.

"Are you going to see her?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin nodded. "She told me that this would be very important. Interested?"

Ahsoka yawned. "I am curious of the event that will change our lives, apparently. Let's see what this 'Lady of Light' wants."

The three Jedi travelled down the stairs towards an altar with a silver bowl on top of it. Galadriel awaited them, a smile on her face.

"Welcome," she said. "It pleases me to see that all three of you have come."

Obi-Wan gave another bow. "Good evening, Lady Galadriel."

"You need not bow in my presence every single time our paths cross, Master Kenobi," she assured.

"It's a force of habit," he replied sheepishly.

Galadriel nodded. "I have summoned Anakin Skywalker to help him on his own quest. You two are his closest friends, and he trusts you more than others. Should he ever fall to darkness, you will bring him out."

"No pressure," Ahsoka said.

"If it were such an easy task, Ahsoka Tano, the darkness would be easily conquered. Sadly, this is not the case."

"So, what's with the bowl and the altar?" Anakin asked. "Is there some ritual I need to perform?"

"Hardly," Galadriel replied before gesturing to the bowl. "This is a mirror. It will show you things that were, things that are, and some things that have not yet come to pass."

"So I will see the future?" Anakin wondered. "The future is always in motion, Lady Galadriel."

"True, but you will find it useful. Be warned: I do not know what fate beholds you inside the mirror, whether it will bring you happiness or horrors beyond your imagination. Will you look into the mirror?"

For once in his life, Anakin hesitated. On the one hand, the mirror could contain things that he doesn't want to see and should he experience them, it would scar him for life. On the other hand, forewarned is forearmed.

He nodded, approaching the altar slowly. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan stayed back, for this was a trial that Anakin must face alone.

The Jedi peered into the bowl and saw his reflection. He reached out to touch the water, but a warning thought from Galadriel stopped him. He stared into the water, not daring to move a muscle.

Then, images began appearing rapidly, but stood around long enough to give him a glimpse. His mother was first of course, when she was telling him how proud she was. The winning of the Podrace came next, followed by Qui-Gon teaching him, Padmé, when the Droid Control Ship exploded courtesy of Anakin, Qui-Gon's funeral and Obi-Wan's promise.

More images of his Jedi life appeared, but the coming image made him cringe. It was his mother's death and his reaction to it. Watching himself killing the Sand People man after woman, after child hurt him deeply. Then, the Geonosis arena, his failed duel with Count Dooku, his marriage to Padmé (such a wonderful day), and the Clone Wars.

Now came the future. Anakin watched as his future self put two lightsabers between Count Dooku's head. Then, another scene of Padmé…wait. Is she pregnant? Anakin saw himself take a seat on the Jedi Council. He must have been granted the rank of Master at long last.

Suddenly, the scene shifted to Anakin slicing off Mace Windu's arm right before the head Jedi Master being blasted by Force Lightning from an unknown assailant. Then, Anakin was kneeling before this Sith Lord, pledging his allegiance. To his horror, he watched himself march into the Jedi Temple, slaughtering the Jedi as he went. Not even the younglings were spared from his wrath. Anakin thought that it couldn't get any worse, but it did.

He was on a lava planet, most likely Mustafar, killing more people. Future Anakin turned to face the real Anakin, and what he saw horrified him. The eyes of this Anakin were completely yellow and soulless. Anakin wanted to turn away from this frightening sight, but it grew ever worse. He saw Padmé being choked by this new Anakin, who wanted to end her life so badly. He saw Obi-Wan and himself fight to the death on this lava planet. He saw himself burning at the stake, wanting nothing more than to rip out Obi-Wan's heart.

"NOOOOOO!" Anakin yelled, releasing himself from these visions.

Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Galadriel were blasted back by a powerful Force Repulse. They were very fortunate that it did not kill them. The altar, however, was completely obliterated, leaving nothing behind but a smoking crater. In the middle of the crater lay Anakin, curled up in a fetal position, sobbing.

The Elves and the Fellowship were about to run over to the scene, but Galadriel telepathically told them to stay where they were.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM!?" Ahsoka shrieked, pointing her lightsaber at Galadriel.

"I, myself, had no control over his actions," she answered calmly. "Yet, I did not expect this."

Obi-Wan ran to Anakin, but he was blasted back by a Force Push.

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Anakin shouted. "YOU MUST STAY AWAY!"

"Anakin, I can help you!" Obi-Wan protested. "We all can."

"No one can!" the Jedi shot back. "You have no idea what I will do to you."

This is Mortis all over again. Ahsoka thought, deactivating her lightsaber. "Master, please. Don't send us away."

"I killed them," Anakin whispered. "I killed them all. Not just the men, but the women and the children too. They were innocent and I slaughtered them like animals."

Slowly this time, Obi-Wan approached his former Padawan. "Anakin, we are here for you. We care for you."

He looked at Obi-Wan through tear-streaked eyes. "I-I-I killed every single Jedi, Master. No one was spared, not even the younglings. Their innocent eyes turned to frightened ones as I…"

"It hasn't happened, Anakin," Ahsoka pointed.

"It will!" he exclaimed. "I killed everyone! I murdered my wife! I tried to kill Obi-Wan! I burned alive! You should kill me now! You'll save a lot a lives!"

Obi-Wan staggered back in horror. "I will NOT kill you, Anakin! How can you ask me, your friend, to do such a thing!?" Just in case, Obi-Wan used the Force to snatch Anakin's lightsaber away. "You cannot ask me or Ahsoka or anyone else to kill you! I won't let you take your life, either."

"What did he see?" Ahsoka asked Galadriel.

"What he saw was what must be prevented," she answered. "Darkness seeks to take hold of the Chosen One and corrupt him for its own purposes. He must know that if he does not remain vigilant, it will consume him. He must know that he can trust you two with his life…and his secrets."

"She's my angel, and I killed her," he sobbed.

Obi-Wan knelt down next to Anakin and spoke as calmly as he could. "You're married to Senator Amidala, aren't you? How long?"

"Three years," he answered. "I love her, and I killed her. I'll become a monster."

"No, you won't!" the Jedi Master affirmed. "You will not kill the Jedi, you will not become a monster, and you most certainly will not kill your wife." He knelt down next to him. "You're my brother, Anakin. I will not let you fall. I would even go through hell and back to keep you safe."

"Neither will I," Ahsoka added. "We have your backs, Skyguy."

A small smile appeared on Anakin's face. He brushed away the tears on his face. "Thank you."

"This needed to happen, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano," Galadriel stated. "Should Anakin fall, all of which you hold dear will perish. Do not speak to him of what I have said."

Galadriel started talking to Anakin. "You are the Chosen One, Anakin Skywalker. You will bring balance. If you do not trust the ones closest to you, who will you place your trust in? Know that you will not stand alone in the dark days that is to come now."

Anakin turned to her, realizing what was going on. "This is why we have come here, isn't it? To warn me of what I will do should I fall." Great! Their speech is rubbing off of me.

"You have been warned once, a year ago, but the purpose then was to manipulate you into joining the Darkness. You have been warned now because the Force you serve deemed it the right time."

Anakin nodded, but a thought occurred to him. "Master, are you planning on reporting me to the Council when we return."

"Even though you have broken the Code, Anakin, I will not tell the Council," Obi-Wan assured. "I just wish you could have come to me with this sooner."

"A Code that calls us to something greater than our individual desires deserves all honor," Galadriel said, "But great peril exists when that code begins to make selfish demands of those sworn to its service. A code applied without genuine justice will soon turn into dogma. An altar on which all that is valued by the code, and those sworn to uphold it, will be sacrificed. Qui-Gon Jinn understood this."

"Qui-Gon!?" Obi-Wan and Anakin exclaimed. "You know Qui-Gon!?"

"He came to me shortly after your arrival to Middle-Earth, explaining to me what must happen when you reached this city. The Force granted me visions of the history that has happened in your worlds. For if I was to help you, I must understand the past."

"Why come here, though?" Ahsoka asked. "If the Force wanted Anakin to be warned of the Dark Side, why not give him a vision of the future back where we come from?"

"There is a darkness on this planet, one that is not Sauron," Galadriel answered. "One from your world that would shape his destiny into his favor should the Ring fall into his hand. He is patient, cunning, and evil. You three and the soldier must defeat him, or he will conquer this world."

Cryptic. Ahsoka thought. It's gotta be a Sith. This is going to be interesting.

Anakin rose to his feet. "Lady Galadriel, I thank you for this. And I am sorry for destroying your altar."

She smiled. "It is better for the relic to be destroyed than for you to be." Galadriel, then, spoke telepathically. "Do not let these visions haunt you. Do not forget, but do not let them consume you. Rest now, for it has passed. You have a long journey ahead of you."

Obi-Wan bowed again. "Thank you, Lady Galadriel. From what it sounds like, you have saved a lot of lives."

She raised her hand. "I, myself, only nudged you in the right direction. It was the Chosen One's decision on whether or not to gaze into the mirror."

Ahsoka and Obi-Wan headed back to their sleeping arrangements, but Anakin stayed behind.

"I wish I could do something to repay you for the kindness that you have shown me," he said. "I also ask to you forgive me for not trusting you beforehand."

"Think nothing of it," Galadriel replied. "You give the Ringbearer hope, Anakin, for he too is burdened. If he chooses to travel a different path, know that it is for the good of everyone."

"Because everyone, save for us, is tempted by the Ring," he inferred. "Removing such a temptation would be the wisest thing to do. Should I accompany him?"

"That is for you to decide. I cannot choose your path; I can only show you the path."

He nodded, but before he left, a mischievous thought crossed his mind. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to do me a favor?"

PHEW! This was, by far, one of the most complicated things I have ever written. Longest chapter, too. My compliments to Dr. Manhattan for giving me insight concerning Galadriel on this chapter. What I had planned beforehand wasn't nearly as epic and thought-provoking.

I hope this was a good chapter. I think so, but I'm kind of biased since I wrote it. If you guys think otherwise, PLEASE criticize nicely. If you like it, let me know via reviews. My goal is 100 reviews one day, so, the more reviews the better. Take guesses on dark guy, but I have a feeling you all know who it is. Also, VOTE! Only two whole people have voted. Need more. If you are wondering when the fight will happen, it will happen in Return of the King. Have fun reading and reviewing.

Next chapter: Present time from Galadriel! Fellowship sets off in the boats! Uruk-hai a-comin'.