Chapter 88: Ghosts of Mortis
He who seeks to control fate shall never find peace.
Recap: Stranded! Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Twilight Sparkle, Storm, and Padawan Ahsoka Tano are caught in the middle of a treacherous battle between good and evil. The scales now tipped toward the dark side, and our five warriors must guard against attack as they plan their escape. A great weight has been placed on Anakin's shoulders, for it is now that he must face who he really is.
"Easy," said Twilight as she put some ointment on Storm's side as the boy had his upper body exposed.
"You don't have to do this, Sparky," said the boy.
"It's my fault you got bruised; the least I can do is make sure you're okay," said Twilight as she put more ointment on her partner's side. "As brave as you were, you're also an idiot."
"Just part of my natural charm," joked Storm as Twilight rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"If you keep pulling stunts like this, you're not gonna live to see the end of this war," said Twilight.
"Well, stop getting captured, so I don't have to keep rescuing you," Storm said as both teens laughed.
Twilight had finished rubbing the ointment on the boy's side as her hands began to move on their own. The girl's mind was on autopilot as she found them moving upwards to feel Storm's right arm; both teens saw where the princess' hands were as she felt the muscles on the boy.
The princess then fell into Storm's lap as her body moved on its own. Storm was now directly holding the girl as his hands were placed on her waist; Twilight's face was a few centimeters above Storm's as her hands grabbed the sides of his face.
"Storm..."
"Princess..."
The boy felt the girl's hot breath as she looked directly into his eyes. Twilight slowly moved her head as she let her mind do the talking.
"I..."
"Yeah..." responded Storm as he felt Twilight getting dangerously close.
"I... want..."
"Yeah..."
"I want... you..."
The girl closed her eyes, as did Storm, as Twilight's lips were inches hanging above Storm's mouth. All the princess had to do was seal the small distance between the pair, and they would make contact. One simple contact would be filled with emotions, letting her true feelings out. She so desperately wanted to do it, to let her lips fall on his, but at the last second, she stopped herself.
Twilight was so lost in the moment that her brain went on autopilot. However, she soon stopped herself as a thought ran through her mind.
"YOU ARE A PRINCESS! DO NOT THROW AWAY OUR BLOODLINE FOR SOME BOY!" echoed the words of her father.
Twilight immediately pulled back as she knew if she went through with her own selfish desires, she would bring shame and dishonor to her lineage. The girl had her head turned as she still held Storm's face; the Jedi Knight looked at the girl as he continued to hold onto her.
"Thanks," said the girl as she removed her hands, got up from Storm's lap, and exited the room.
Once he put his Jedi robes on, Twilight was with Ahsoka as the pair were trying to see if they could get the ship up and running. Storm made his way to where his pals were as Obi-wan talked with Anakin as they stood outside the shuttle.
"I'm getting a little tired of how unreliable the weather is here," said Obi-wan.
"Some might say that's part of the appeal," responded Anakin.
"Says who!" stated Storm.
"You did well, Anakin. You as well, Storm. How do you both feel?" asked the Jedi Master to his pals as he knew they had to go to great lengths to get the girls back.
"Tired, not gonna lie," responded Storm.
"I'm not sure we're doing the right thing by leaving. The Son is consumed by the dark side," said Anakin as he sighed.
"And if we stay, we may be used to the dark side's advantage," responded Obi-wan.
"Well, you want the bad news... Or the really bad news?" asked Ahsoka as her head popped out from the hatch as she wore goggles.
"Does it matter?" stated Storm, as it seemed neither were good.
"Well, let's try the bad news, laced with a little optimism," said Obi-wan.
"We've got two cracked shilo pins, a busted power converter, the engines should be fired twice to dump debris, and the backup vents need charging!" said Ahsoka.
"Sounds terribly downbeat," responded the Jedi Master. "Can it be fixed?"
"Uh, maybe. We can reroute the primary initiator, weld the dampening vents, and that might give us enough power to leave the atmosphere!" echoed Twilight's voice as she was down in the hatch.
"After that, we have no guarantees she'll hold together," added Ahsoka as she jumped back down into the hatch to help Twilight.
"We'll take our chances. Better than staying here," said Obi-wan to both girls as they got to work. The Jedi Master then walked down the ramp as he saw Anakin getting a speeder.
"Where are you going?" asked Storm.
"To see the Father. I'm not convinced that the Son will be contained here without our help. Perhaps we should make a stand."
"Anakin..." said Obi-wan as he tried to warn his student.
"If I don't get the Father's blessing, it'll haunt me forever," said Anakin as he took off.
The Father was shown entering a crypt. He approached his Daughter, who had the dagger, and put it in her hands.
"Forgive me, Daughter. I am an old fool who believed he could control the future. Now you are gone... And all is lost." said the Father. "Sleep well, my child. Sleep free."
The Father waved his hand to close the lid over his Daughter as she was laid to rest. He exited and sealed the crypt when he sensed someone.
"You should have left by now."
"Our ship needs repairs," said Anakin as he appeared.
"Do not underestimate my son. He will seek your ship to escape our isolation and sow terror through the universe. And while you are here, he will use you to do it." said the Father to the Jedi Knight.
"What will you do, now that he's given himself over to the dark side?" asked Anakin.
"It is my actions that have unleashed great danger on the universe. I must kill him," said the Father with grief in his voice.
"But he's too powerful for you alone," said Anakin.
"Hmm, perhaps, perhaps not. The Force will decide," responded the Father.
"I can help you," stated Anakin.
"The choice is no longer yours to make. Both our destinies are clouded. This place is strong with the Force. Darkness has no hold here. Go." said the Father as he pointed in a direction. "Ask, and you will know what to do."
Anakin nodded as he began to walk and leave the Father. As the Jedi Knight was walking, he soon heard a voice.
"You have grown strong and powerful, just as I imagined," said the voice as a ghostly apparition of Qui-gon appeared. The Jedi Master was standing atop a hill as he looked at the Jedi Knight.
"Master," said Anakin as he saw the late great Jedi, who was his first mentor when he was a kid.
"Do you believe you are the Chosen One?" asked Qui-Gon.
"How can I know?" asked Anakin, almost as if he was pleading with Qui-Gon to tell him the answer.
"I can tell you what I believe. I believe you will bring balance to the Force, that you will face your demon," responded Qui-Gon.
"And-and this creature of the dark side? Do I leave, or do I stay and kill him?" asked the Jedi Knight.
"Neither. Look deeper. You will find another way." responded Qui-Gon.
"I don't understand," sighed Anakin as he looked to Qui-Gon for guidance.
"Not far from here, there is a place which is strong in the dark side of the Force. You must go there," said Qui-Gon.
"And destroy the Son?" asked the Jedi.
"Remember your training, Anakin. Trust your instincts," said Qui-Gon as he began to disappear.
"Master. Master!" shouted Anakin as soon the spirit was gone.
Back at the ship, things were progressing somewhat slowly. Ahsoka had told Twilight to take a break as the princess had been working nonstop in repairing the ship. The princess was reluctant as she wanted to get their ship ready, but soon a yawn escaped her lips. Seeing that, Twilight had no choice but to listen to Ashoka as he went off to their cabin. The girl decided to just shut her eyes for a few minutes as she soon fell into a deep slumber.
A shadow loomed over her as a hand appeared and was placed on her face. Storm saw Twilight sleeping as he could see how tired the girl was; the boy placed his hand over the princess' forehead as Twilight had a smile. He was about to leave when suddenly his hand was grabbed. The boy turned to see that Twilight had gotten a hold of him as she looked at her partner.
"I was just leaving," spoke Storm softly.
"Stay with me," responded Twilight.
"Huh?"
"Please... just... stay with me for a bit."
The Jedi Knight looked at the princess as he stared his brown eyes into her deep blues. Soon the boy began to move toward the bed as Twilight scooted over and allowed Storm to lay beside her as the teens kept their eyes on each other. Storm brought his hand up as he moved it upwards from Twilight's shoulder to her cheek, with the girl letting out a blissful moan.
Twilight put her hand to touch Storm's cheek as the girl smiled. Right now, at this moment, nothing else mattered. They were inches apart; they could feel the hot breath of the other.
"Hold me," said Twilight as she closed the distance and placed her head under Storm's chin as she nuzzled into his chest.
"As tight as I can," whispered the boy softly and soothingly in her ear.
The princess closed her eyes as she sighed. Storm wrapped his arms around Twilight's body as he held the girl tightly as if he were protecting her with his life. Storm's nose caught Twilight's scent of lavender as he sniffed her hair and closed his eyes. Both teens soon fell asleep in each other's arms as they were happy.
Sometime later, Storm awoke. What seemed like an hour was actually only 20 minutes. The boy blinked as he saw Twilight still cuddling him. The sight of the princess napping peacefully warmed his heart. Even sleeping, Twilight was beautiful. Storm carefully removed his arms around Twilight's body as he quietly got out of bed and covered the princess with the blanket.
"Sweet dreams, Sparky," muttered Storm as he looked to let the girl get some much-needed rest.
The Jedi Knight made a bold move as he leaned to Twilight's forehead and planted a quick kiss on it as he moved back. The girl got even happier as she had a pleasant dream. Storm exited the ship as he decided to take a quick stroll to clear his mind. Upon exiting, he saw that Ahsoka had fallen asleep in the hatch as Obi-wan was nowhere to be seen.
The boy was walking a few meters from the ship when he sensed something.
"I see Luna's training has taught you well," said a voice.
"Huh?" said Storm as he looked around.
"To see you have grown into a fine young man; she must be very proud of you," spoke the voice.
Storm looked in the direction of where the voice was coming from as above him on a hill was the spirit of Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master appeared before the boy.
"Master Qui-Gon," muttered Storm.
The boy immediately fell to his knees and bowed before the great Jedi Master to show the proper respect. For Storm, he was but a very young kid when he saw Qui-Gon roam the halls of the Jedi Temple. In fact, he had a very vague memory of meeting the Jedi Master when Luna introduced him as her student.
"Rise, young Storm. Luna has done an excellent job in training you. You've grown strong, disciplined, and courageous." said Qui-Gon as he sensed how much Storm had changed from a little kid to a teenager.
"Thank you, Master. I've done my best to uphold her ideals and listen to her," said Storm as he kept his head bowing down and dared not lift it unless the late great Jedi Master asked to.
"And yet, I sense uncertainty in you. Involving Celestia's pupil," said Qui-Gon. "You fear that if you lose her, you'll let down those who you promised. Tell me, do you care for her?"
"I... Y-yes," said Storm as he hesitated on answering. "I... I just... want to keep her safe. And make sure she's happy."
"And how do you feel when she's happy?" asked Qui-Gon.
"Like... it's warm... and the way Twilight smiles brighten up my day," replied the boy.
"Answer me this, Storm. Do you see a future involving Twilight?" asked Qui-Gon.
"Master... that's... a thought that I cannot answer. It is forbidden for Jedi to form attachments. Even if I were to give an answer, it would be meaningless. An imaginary reality." answered Storm.
"Your focus determines your reality," replied Qui-Gon to the Jedi Knight.
"But is it worth the risk?!" asked Storm as he was now looking to the Jedi Master for some answers.
"There are many realities in the universe, some of them quite harsh. One reality that is inescapable is that there is nothing more valuable than a friend. More than food, more than shelter, and more than weaponry, an ally can save your life."
Storm took in the words of wisdom that Qui-Gon spoke as he was now thinking long and hard. He thought about Twilight and what their future would be should he decide to act on certain feelings he was holding.
"Let me ask you: What do you want for Twilight and her future?"
Storm reached to clutch the pendant that was around his neck. The boy looked at the item the girl gave him as a gift. He closed his eyes and recalled all his moments with the princess. The Jedi Knight was concentrating as he pictured Twilight and her smiling.
"I... want her to be happy. Even if that means I have to sacrifice my happiness," Storm answered. "But, Master... how can I deal with this?"
"That is something only you can answer," responded Qui-Gon.
"But what if I can't?! Please, Master, I need guidance. Tell me what I should do!" pleaded Storm as he was on his knees, asking Qui-Gon for some advice.
"Remember your training, Storm. Concentrate on the moment. Feel, don't think. Use your instincts." said Qui-Gon as he began to disappear.
"Master? Master!" said Storm as he was hoping to talk with Qui-Gon some more, but the spirit was now gone. "Remember my training."
Storm took a moment to close his eyes and take a deep breath. The Jedi Knight got up from his knees and turned as he began to head back to the ship.
Ahsoka was shown in the hatch as the girl was lying down; she had decided to catch some rest after working on the ship for a while. The Padawan merely closed her eyes as she also unintentionally fell asleep.
"Might I suggest less sleeping and a little more work?" said Obi-wan as he appeared with the girl opening her eyes and standing up inside the hatch.
"Sorry, Master Kenobi," apologized Ahsoka as she groaned.
"Here. This should help," said Obi-wan as he bent down to hand the girl a drink to keep her energized.
At that moment, Twilight had awoken from her little nap. The girl was hoping to find Storm beside her but was shocked that he was gone. The princess exited her room as she saw the Padawan and Jedi Master.
"Did I miss anything?" asked Twilight as Obi-wan handed her a mug.
"We need to change plans. You and Twilight must focus on the firing drives. Disengage them." stated the Jedi Master.
"But I'm almost finished putting this junk heap back together, and now..."
"Just do as I say. We don't have much time," said Obi-wan as he cut off Ahsoka and turned to leave.
"Well, you're the boss," said Ahsoka as she put her goggles down and began to get back to work as Twilight also jumped into the hatch.
The Jedi Master was pulling out a spare speeder as Storm was waiting for him. The pair were about to get on when the Father appeared.
"Where's Anakin?" asked Obi-wan.
"He came to me for guidance, but at the crossroad, only he can choose. The Force will be his guide now," said the Father.
"I don't like this. What have you done?" stated Kenobi.
"I have done nothing. I am merely letting the will of the Force take shape," said the Father.
"Where has he gone?" asked the Jedi Master.
"To the Well of the Dark Side," answered the Father.
"Oh, shit!" muttered Storm.
Anakin was shown on his speeder as he zoomed across the planet. The Jedi Knight was approaching his destination as his senses told him where to go. He soon came to the well as he descended into it. It was a deep well as the bottom was shown being surrounded by molten lava with a piece of rock on it with a symbol. The Jedi docked as he got off his transport and began to look around.
"Welcome. I believe there has been a misunderstanding. We really don't have to be enemies." said the Son as he appeared before the Jedi.
"You murdered your sister. The Force is out of balance. I have to stop you." stated Anakin.
"Must you?" asked the Son with a smug smile as Anakin turned on his lightsaber.
At the same time...
"Anakin has gone to confront your son, hasn't he?" said Obi-wan.
"Deep within this planet, all that is dark is channeled," answered the Father.
"And how do we get there?" asked Storm.
"You cannot interfere," said the Father as he tried to tell the pair that they shouldn't get in the way of destiny.
"The way I see it, if we were not supposed to interfere, none of us wouldn't be here in the first place!" stated Obi-wan to the Father as he gestured to all of them with the girls exiting the ship to see what the commotion was about.
"Look after the ship. We're going to find Anakin," said Storm to the girls before looking at the Father. "I told you before, you old bastard. The only destiny is the one we make."
Storm and Obi-wan took off as destiny or not, they were going to help Anakin 'cause he was their friend. The girls turned back to enter the ship as the Father watched the Jedi head toward their friend.
Back with Anakin and the Son...
"There is no use for such crude implements here. I have a gift for you," said the Son to the Jedi as he stuck his hand out and easily stripped Anakin of his weapon.
"I've had enough of your trickery," stated Anakin, as he wasn't going to fall for it.
"Oh, but you'll like this one. I promise. What if I could show you the future?" said the Son as he circled the Jedi.
At that moment, Anakin began to wobble as he felt his mind in pain. The Jedi Knight put his hands to his head as he felt the Son's power in what he was trying to do.
"No! No! Stop it!" shouted Anakin as he tried to fight back.
"Know yourself. Know what you will become!" stated the Son as he stepped back as mist began to form and circle the Jedi.
The mist surrounded the Jedi as the Son was now revealing future events. The sounds of groans and moaning as heard as Anakin struggled with his mind.
"I will not look!" stated Anakin as he closed his eyes and tried to block out everything.
However, try as he might, the Dark Side of the Force was as strong as all around the Jedi; he began seeing upcoming events in his mind.
"The Force is strong with you!" said Sidious as it showed him shooting out a Force Lightning.
The next image showed a Jedi youngling as Anakin turned on his lightsaber.
"Anakin, please!" pleaded Padme as it showed her being choked out.
"You were my brother, Anakin!" shouted Obi-wan as it showed the Jedi Master swinging his lightsaber at the Jedi Knight.
"YOU SON OF BITCH! YOU BETRAYED US!" yelled Storm as he was pissed off and also was shown slashing with his lightsaber.
"A powerful sith you will become," stated Sidious as it showed him accepting Anakin as his new apprentice.
"I hate you!" shouted Anakin as it showed Alderaan being blown up.
"No. No. No!" shouted the Jedi Knight as he fell to his knees with his arms out. Above the Jedi, an image was shown as it was a black helmet/mask as mechanical breathing was heard.
The mist and clouds soon ended as they disappeared. The Jedi Knight was now on his hands and knees; he was taking in all the events he foresaw as he panted heavily. The Son began to approach the Jedi as he sensed Anakin's emotions after seeing what was to come.
"I will do such terrible things," said Anakin as he saw his fate and felt guilty.
"Yes. But it doesn't have to be that way. The choice is still yours to make." said the Son
"How?" asked Anakin.
"The future by its nature can be changed. Join me, and together we will destroy this Emperor you see in your visions. Then we shall end war, corruption, and suffering throughout the galaxy." said the Son.
"Will we bring peace?" asked Anakin, as that was what he wanted.
"Of course," answered the Son as he presented Anakin with his lightsaber. The Jedi took it as he began to follow the Son.
With the girls, they had just managed to finish the repairs to the ship. They were now in the cockpit, hoping to see if they could send a distress signal.
"Finally!" said Twilight as she managed to get a connection.
"This is Jedi shuttle 634, calling on all secure channels for help. Do you read? I repeat: We are stranded and need immediate evac. Come in, please!" said Ahsoka as she spoke on the comm channel.
Meanwhile, Storm and Obi-wan were heading toward the Well of the Dark Side. They arrived at the place as they descended into the well. The pair landed as they saw the speeder of Anakin; they got off and began to look around. Soon they saw their friend approach them.
"Anakin, are you all right?" asked Obi-wan.
"There has been a change of plans," said Anakin as his eyes were different.
The Jedi Knight pushed both of their speeders into the lava.
"Sorry. You will not understand what I have to do to end the Clone War," said Anakin to his pals.
Both were stunned by seeing their friend under the influence of the Son.
"You will try to stop me," said the Jedi Knight.
Before either could take a step, the Son appeared, hovering behind them as he shocked both. He threw both to the side as they tumbled and groaned in pain.
"Anakin, why?" asked Obi-wan to his student.
"I'm sorry. I have seen that it is the Jedi who will stand in the way of peace," spoke the Jedi Knight as he got on his speeder.
"What are you talking about? Anakin!" shouted Storm.
Anakin took off as he was heading back to the ship.
"He's mine now," cackled the Son maniacally as he turned into his gargoyle form and took off.
The pair looked up as they saw their friend and the Son leave the well.
"This should be the last piece," said Twilight as she handed the thing to Ahsoka, who wrenched it into place.
"Ahsoka, come in, please. Can you hear me? Ahsoka!" said Obi-wan as he contacted the girls on his comlink.
"Yes, Master. Any success with Anakin?" asked Ahsoka.
"No, quite the opposite," responded Obi-wan.
"Master... What are you saying?" said Twilight.
"Anakin has joined with the Son. Do not engage him!" stated Obi-wan to the girls as they were shocked to hear that.
"But..."
"Just do as I say. Listen to me. You have to disable the ship." said Obi-wan as he cut off Ahsoka.
"But we just finished putting it back together," said Twilight.
"Ahsoka, Twilight, please listen. We have to prevent Anakin and the Son from leaving," said Kenobi.
"Yes, Master," responded the girls in unison.
"Sparky, please get out of there before he shows up. I don't want you to get hurt or worst if you confront Anakin. If that happens, well... you don't want to see what I'll do to him." said Storm.
"I will. Stay there; we're coming to get you," spoke Twilight.
Anakin was zooming across the plains as the ship was in sight. He approached it and got off quickly as he looked to take off. The girls hid on the shuttle's roof as Anakin didn't notice them. The pair quietly jumped down and exited the ramp. Ahsoka got on the speeder Anakin used as Twilight got the last one they had in the shuttle, and the pair began to head off to where their friends were.
Anakin entered the cockpit as he was trying to start up the engines. However, the girls did what Obi-wan asked as they managed to shut off the power systems and take the single piece needed to turn them back on.
"Ahsoka, what have you done? Ahsoka!" shouted Anakin as he grunted. He quickly rushed out of the shuttle and saw the girls riding off into the distance.
Back with Obi-wan and Storm, after informing the girls, they began to climb out of the well. The Jedi were doing their best to climb as one slip would send them into the lava below. Obi-wan reached to grab a ledge when it suddenly broke off as the Jedi Master lost his grip. Storm looked down as he saw his friend dangling a bit before finding his footing. At that moment, the pair heard something as the girls entered the well.
"Hmm, nice job," said Ahsoka as she saw the pair trying to climb and how far they had made it.
"What took you so long?" complained Obi-wan as he nearly fell to death.
The pair soon got on the girl's speeders as Twilight let Storm sit up front to drive it.
"Here. We did as you said," stated Ahsoka as she gave the piece of the shuttle to Obi-wan.
"The shuttle's going nowhere without that," confirmed Twilight.
"That's my girl," smiled Storm at the princess holding onto him.
"Good, that gives us some time to rescue Anakin," stated Obi-wan as they all zoomed to go to the Father for some help.
Back at the ship, Anakin was conferring with the Son.
"I can't make contact with anybody. I don't think anyone will hear my signal," said Anakin, as that part of the ship was still not working when the girls finished putting it back together.
"My father still has hold over this realm, but I will be able to draw any ship here soon," stated the Son.
"If I know my old master, and friend, they, too, will try to stop us. Together with your father, they would be a formidable opponent," said Anakin to the Son.
"I can turn the tide. Stay here," responded the Son.
He turned into his gargoyle form as he took to the sky. As Anakin watched him leave, he was soon confronted by someone.
"What did he show you?" said the Father as he appeared before the Jedi Knight.
"I've seen what I become, and I cannot let that happen," responded Anakin as he wanted to prevent all the horrible things he would do.
"And for this, you join him?" asked the Father as he couldn't believe Anakin would team up with his son to prevent what he saw. "Your destiny can change just as quickly as the love in one's heart can fade. Nothing is set in stone."
"But I will cause so much pain," responded Anakin.
"If there is to be balance, what you have seen must be forgotten," replied the Father as he knew what he had to do. He put his fingers to Anakin's forehead and tapped it. The Jedi Knight fell under his spell as he collapsed to the ground, but more importantly, the Father had wiped Anakin of his memory of what he saw.
The Son had made his way to the crypt where his sister lay. He opened the entrance as he entered. He came to the tomb, opened it, and saw his sister. The person he had killed as it pained him. The Son put his hand to his sister's cheek as he grazed it.
"So cold. It's ironic, my sister. You were the only one I truly loved." responded the Son with a genuinely sad look. He was still haunted by the guilt of what he did as it pained him. He soon removed the dagger from her hands and closed the lid to let his sister rest in peace.
At the monastery, Anakin was shown opening his eyes. The Jedi Knight groaned as he sat up and placed a hand on his head.
"Where am I?" asked the Jedi.
"I have brought you back to my monastery," answered the Father as he was shown sitting next to the Jedi.
"What happened?" sighed Anakin.
"My son broke the laws of time and showed you what you should never have seen," stated the Father.
"I don't... remember," replied Anakin truthfully.
"I have erased that time. We shall never know," said the Father.
"Master!" called out Ahsoka.
At that moment, the rest of Anakin's friends showed up as they entered through the top and set their speeders down.
"Are you all right?" asked Obi-wan as they all got off.
"I think so, but we must stop the Son once and for all," stated Anakin as he stood up.
"We have little time, and you'll get only one chance. You know what you must do," said the Father as he looked at the Jedi.
"How quaint, my own personal send-off," stated the Son as he appeared before the group.
"I ask you one last time. Do not leave, my son," pleaded the Father as he tried to convince his child to not go through with his plan.
"You have no power to keep me, old man. You must understand by now this planet is not my destiny," said the Son.
"What you will do will destroy all that is good. I beg you, restrain yourself and stay," said the Father, trying to reach his child.
"I cannot," replied the Son.
"And then it shall be," said the Father as he could see there was no way of changing his son's mind. "I love you, my son."
"Do you?" taunted the Son as Anakin turned on his lightsaber and pointed at him.
Anakin swung as the Son blocked his strikes with his arms as the lightsaber didn't hurt him. He then grabbed the Jedi by his neck and lifted him. Obi-wan and Ahsoka turned on their lightsabers as they looked to help their friend. The Son threw Anakin over his head as he landed; the Son stuck his hand out as he took away Obi-wan and Ahsoka's lightsabers before thrusting his other hand out and pushing them back.
Storm and Twilight then charged ahead as they took their opportunity. The pair swung their lightsabers as the Son was taking steps back to avoid their swings. Twilight went for a downward slash as the Son caught it with his bare hands; Storm tried for an attack, but his blade was also caught. With one push, he shoved the teens back. Twilight was flung into Storm's arms mid-air as the teens hit the floor and tumbled.
The Father looked at his Son as he saw the dagger on his side. He stuck his hand out as the dagger flew into his grip.
"What?" chuckled the Son as he saw his father holding the weapon. "You're going to kill me now?"
"I held hope that you could resist the dark side. But I see now there is no going back," said the Father as he turned the dagger to face him.
"Father," said the Son as he looked at him.
With one quick motion, the Father dove the dagger into him as he grunted.
"No!" shouted the Son, clutching his heart too. "What have you done? It did not have to be this way." The Son then pulled the dagger from his Father.
"Yes, my child, it did. You and I are tied together, and your strength runs through me. This way, I take your power." said the Father.
"Please, don't die," said the Son as he legit cried at seeing his Father.
"I always knew there was good in you," said the Father as he pulled his son in for a hug.
The Father lifted his head to look at Anakin, who was up. He nodded as the Jedi Knight turned on his lightsaber as the Son heard the hum. Before he could pull away, Anakin ran his blade through the Son as it also left a hole through the Father.
"And so you have betrayed me, Father," spoke the Son with his dying breath.
"It is done. And now I die, my heart broken, but knowing the role... you will play," said the Father, hunching over his son's body while addressing Anakin.
"And what is that?" asked the Jedi Knight.
"You are the Chosen One. You have brought balance to this world. Stay on this path, and you will do it again for the galaxy. But beware your... Heart. " said the Father as he took one last breath. He then began to fall on his side to the ground as he lay there.
Everyone saw the Father as soon his body began to disappear as only his hat and robes remained. And just like that, with the death of the Father, the Force that permeated Mortis dissipated. Everything was fading into existence; a falling crystal was shown as it shattered on the tip of the monastery. The Jedi saw the light that was created as they looked at it. It exploded and began to spread out and glow even brighter. The Jedi kept looking at it as soon it enveloped them all in a blinding flash.
Everything was white. Soon the light faded as there was Anakin. The Jedi Knight was slumped over the shuttle's control as he started to stir. All around, everyone else was fast asleep. Soon a voice was heard as the transmission came on.
"General Skywalker, come in!" said the hologram of Rex.
"General Storm, are you there?!" responded Sark as he, too, was trying to contact the Jedi.
The Jedi heard the clones as they began to stir. They all blinked and looked around and at each other.
"We read you, Rex. Can you hear me?" asked Anakin.
"Yes, sir, standing by," responded Rex.
"We were worried. You were off the scopes there for a moment," said Sark.
"A moment?" said Storm as he knew they were gone for at least a few days.
"We've been gone more than a moment, Rex," chuckled Anakin to his clone commander.
"Sir, I don't understand. You'll need to explain," said Rex as he didn't comprehend what his general and pals were saying.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you. We're coming in now," smiled Anakin to his pals.
The Jedi Knight began to pilot their shuttle ahead as the Republic Cruiser was waiting for them.
Author's Notes: And so we've reached the conclusion of this arc. Throughout this whole adventure, it's all been a test to see if Anakin is truly the Chosen One. And it seems that's true with how he was able to bring balance back. Now the question that the Father spoke before he disappeared is can he do it again? Of course, he was shown glimpses of the future before his memory was wiped. But the biggest thing from that is hearing Storm's voice and what he said to his friend shows how he's going to act when the ultimate betrayal happens. Not to mention, the small conversation Storm had with Qui-Gon as the Jedi Master was giving the teen some advice. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts on this chapter and this story arc.