Arthur's note: For anyone who has a problem with Vader rn, he's practically Batman from Dark Knight Rises. He has lost everything and is living with survivor's guilt. He doesn't want to grow attach with people, fearing that he would lose control over himself like on Mustafar, and keep in mind he'd killed millions of innocent beings, and have hurt both of his own children emotionally and physical. This is because of PTSD. While this is not going to be all angsty, Vader is still afraid of himself at this point and tries to be distant because he wants to keep people safety. Things take time to heal. This is a grounded in reality Vader, not one too dark nor too light, but very reserved yet possessing good intentions...

Chapter 4

"Maybe Qui-Gon should have left you at Watto's junk shop."

Those had been words that Obi-Wan said many decades ago - a bad joke in perhaps a poor attempt at levity. He knew that the Jedi Master didn't mean it at the time but those words... hurt at the time and now in his older mentality acknowledge that perhaps that low barb rang true.

Without him, Master Windu would have stopped Sidious and the Jedi Order would have preserved. It wouldn't have been that simple, but things would have been better off and millions who had been murdered would have been spared.

Most of all, Obi-Wan wouldn't have suffered as much. For years, Vader had wondered how things could have been different between them, and even now he still does when his thoughts strayed to his old Jedi Master. There's no doubt about it; their Master and Padawan duo were extremely toxic, adding to his horrid years growing up in the Jedi Temple, and his time as a slave. The Jedi didn't understand how to raise him.

To give credit where credit was due, Obi-Wan tried within his willpower to make Anakin felt accustomed to the Jedi, but at that age, he found himself sneaking out of the Temple to watch a pod race in the underworld.

It was precisely why he was less strict with Ahsoka than Obi-Wan had been with him and would have been with the girl. Obi-Wan was a good Jedi and underwent his own amount of suffering, especially with Qui-Gon not wanting to accept Obi-Wan as his Apprentice at one point, but he was by no means ready to take on a Padawan.

Their duo was one of the most toxic on both parts, perhaps the worse Jedi pairing until the Clone Wars forced them to forge a new connection. In a sane galaxy, the two would have never been paired together...

...And perhaps that would have to be done in this timeline. He would hate to deprive his younger self of the good times he himself had with Obi-Wan but the bad overshadowed the good and he couldn't allow anyone to interfere with young Anakin's own growth, not when it could drive him into the hands of Sidious or any other Dark Sider the boy encountered throughout his lifetime.

He'd known that Obi-Wan's years under Qui-Gon as a young man was hellish because it took a long time for the two men to set along due to their differences. That was quite typical with pairing Masters and Padawans together which Vader could definitely understand. The Jedi Council was under the assumption that they would work better together with time, yet had the Clone Wars never occurred, Anakin and Obi-Wan may have been separated as soon as the former was knighted. Had Qui-Gon survived, perhaps the same could have been said for Obi-Wan.

Yet, despite their arguments, they often did find themselves coming together in constant battles. The 501st and 212th in particular. Very few could have stood against them together in the war.

Vader felt guilty for thinking Obi-Wan didn't care about him as well as some anger directed to Qui-Gon, surprisingly an overprotective source. Had he not stopped to think how Obi-Wan must have felt? Had he never considered that the boy never had any experience before? Then again, he too was guilty of the same jumping to conclusions just as Obi-Wan were to him.

Sithspit, why was he thinking about Obi-Wan a lot? It was only driving forth a bigger dagger through his heart. Perhaps because of the irony of his current predicament. In another lifetime, it would have been Obi-Wan assuming the title of "Old Ben" who watched Luke in the deserts of Tatooine, ensuring that the boy doesn't get himself killed. Now, Vader has assumed more or less the same role, still having to keep the Skywalkers safe.

Vader couldn't help but cursed himself for the walking disaster he is. He'd realized quickly in order to protect Anakin and Shmi that he had to retaught himself to accustomed to his life outside of the suit. So he committed himself to physical workouts in the morning, even taking the initiative to remove his cloak and shirt every time, despite how... depriving that felt at first.

As always, in the middle of the desert, Vader gripped his lightsabers and activated them before beginning another hour of training. Prior to his transformation, Anakin was known for his aggressive and acrobatic lightsaber style, which was based on Djem So. However, with the limitations of his life-support suit, Vader had to adjust his fighting style to make up for his reduced mobility and flexibility. He also began to rely more heavily on the Force in combat.

He hated to admit it but losing the last of his limbs had been what finally persuaded him that constantly trying to overwhelm his opponents with his lightsaber wasn't always the best way to approach a fight. He made much better use of his full range of abilities, particularly Force based attacks, and when he does rely on his lightsaber, he's not exhausting himself like he would as a younger man.

One of the key changes to Vader's lightsaber fighting style was the incorporation of Shien. This variation of Form V focused on redirecting blaster fire and incorporating defensive techniques, which was especially useful for Vader as he often faced multiple opponents and blaster wielders in his battles against non-Force Users.

In addition to Shien, Vader also incorporated elements of Soresu. By using Soresu's defensive techniques, Vader was able to better defend himself against attacks while waiting for an opportunity to strike back with his powerful strikes.

Overall, Vader's lightsaber fighting style became more efficient and focused on ending fights quickly, reflecting his ruthless nature and mastery of the Dark Side of the Force. Despite his physical limitations, he remained a formidable opponent and one of the most skilled lightsaber wielders in the galaxy.

Now, with his mobility and agility retained as well as using the Light Side again for the first time in decades, Vader had to begin learning how to balance himself with what he had learned as both Jedi and Sith.

Force, despite how long it would take for him to adapt to his younger body, it felt so refreshing to unleash himself with his training.

As always, Vader returned to the shop, shirt in hand as sweat goes down his body, concealing his lightsabers in his boots. There were already customers, though they outwardly did an impressive show of hiding their thought of his naked form. To be honest, he cared little for what they thought about his physical appearance as he gone to the back shop and grabbed a nearby rag to clear himself.

After a few minutes of swiping off the sand and sweat, he placed his shirt on and walked out. He gave a nod to the two Falleen couple at the front and asked them for their orders. It seemed like today was going to be another common day, the way Vader preferred if he was to be frank.

As it turned out, this was not going to last long, as a flapping Toydarian approached with several others, along with a familiar Dug. Vader recognized him as Sebulba, the ever-damnable individual sending a chill of annoyance down his spine.

"You there!" Watto spat out, anger spiking his voice as he pointed a small index finger at him. "I wish to have a conversation with you!"

Vader folded his hands behind his back. "If you have nothing to purchase, there's no point to conversate," he said pointedly, recalling the many decades ago when this sniveling Toydarian held him by his chains.

"I will not be forced away! My shop is gaining less business and will be shut down thanks to this one!" The Toydarian continued to point at him with his small finger.

Vader's face was still more controlled than ever. "I do fail to see where that is my problem." There was no sincerity in his tone, but rather a cold type, gripped with an overwhelming amount of sarcasm. "I know of your type, Watto, your business has been crumbling since you built it. Your prices and products have always been unsatisfying. It was only a matter of time before an installment better took your place."

"You dare insult me!" Watto growled, coming closer, trying to intimidate him. As far as glares goes, it wasn't that impressive. The Inquisitors and the Emperor's Hands could do better...

"Insult? No. This is simply as we say," Vader allowed a fake chuckle, "reality." He deliberately made sure to draw the word out, sensing the slight tremor shooting down the worm's body. "Your customers have made it clear that deep down they are not impressed with how you run your shop, and instead of realizing that you can improve, you come here and make threats towards me."

Not even acknowledging that fact, the Toydarian retorted darkly. "You watch yourself here on Tatooine. Accidents can happen."

"Everyone is expandable here on Tatooine," Sebulba added in that ever-annoying voice. Even now, as a redeemed Sith Lord, the Dug still had a way to grate on his nerves. Perhaps it was due to the antics he'd often pulled off such as sabotaging him and other pod racers.

"The Hutts can be bribed to look the other way." One of the humanoid thugs said, a sneer on his lips. "Watto, I'm telling you buddy we can take from this pathetic shop, advertise it..."

Control be damned, they would not take over his shop.

"Hey, err, does it feel cold all of the sudden?" The third one standing behind, a Weequay, asked.

Had it been the Hutts or someone of importance, Vader would have given the act of being intimidated.

"That is death looking you straight in the eye," he responded ominously. "Do you wish to know the feeling of your entire body ripped to shreds? A sword embedded in your gut? Flames aching throughout your body as you beg for the death that long hounded you?"

Instead of crushing their windpipes as he desperately craved, Vader made sure to push into their minds that amplification of that fear through the Force, subtly knowing that their foolishness could lead to them attacking him anyway.

All previous condensation and arrogance were gone, their weak-minds not able to put together anything as of now.

Good.

Let them bathe in that fear and pay for their insolence. These were not helpless individuals. These were lowlifes who likely have other deaths on their hands, and Vader was not inclined to care about them. They are bigger matters to worry about.

Vader came forward, walking around the Toydarian who now was completely incapable of movement. Unlike those times where he was in control and Skywalker had to pick himself up for those endless days and nights, Vader was the one holding the cards now, the one who decides life and death.

"Continue to test my patience and I will show you every aching sensation and more," he continued darkly, enjoying the eyes of a frozen Toydarian brought back to the cruel reality of it all. "You have no idea of the things I have seen, all the gruesome ways that taught me that they are some fates far worse than death. When I am finished with you, you will be nothing but a shell of what you currently are."

Watto gasped but found himself unable to formulate words. Looking into those angry eyes, Watto the Toydarian knew that he made a grave mistake coming here.

For a few lingering seconds, his suffering was prolonged, before he was able of movement yet again, though his eyes were still glued on him.

Vader's gaze lingered on him before he found himself moving. "I have spent enough time with you. Leave if you wish to still have your tongues intact."

The lackeys reached for the blasters on their holsters, only to find out that they were not there.

They looked at one another before noticing Vader was standing across from them, their sidearms in hand.

"These blasters are mine now," he stated, holding out the small blaster pistols for them to get a closer look. "If you wish to avoid having them turn against you, I will not tell you again: Leave now."

They each looked at him as if they wanted to charge forward and wish their luck, but Vader simply sat on the nearby chair, giving them an impassive glare. The fools walked away, giving him sharp glares whilst doing so.

"You have not heard the last of me!" Watto swung his fist forward.

"Oh, I'm certain of that," Vader responded, truthfully uncaring.

After they leave, Vader contemplated, admitting that he'd wanted to kill them right then and there. Damn it, he couldn't help but respect Sidious yet again for being able to keep his mask intact. Did the old bastard ever get frustrated or was he beyond that?

Suffice to say, his patience was ill after that. Fortunately, the day was more or less normal after that; customers purchasing products, and Vader filling each of their needs. The shop had been growing at a rapid pace, more parts becoming available through time, which even allured the attention of spacers who needed to fix up their means of transportation.

Of course, eventually, Cliegg Lars had to visit Vader's shop as always. Ever since they met, the two formed some strange friendship that Vader admittedly didn't see coming. He would never tell the bastard that the man was pleasant company. The man may be at times insufferable, but his nature was strangely reassuring, and his loyalty to family overall was something to be commended.

"Hey, buddy! Your favorite customer is here!" The man was beaming at him, a shit-eating grin across his face.

"My favorite annoyance," Vader said as if correcting him, rolling his blue eyes.

"Ouch... feeling grouchy today, are we?" Cliegg asked, pretending to be insulted.

Unfortunately, Vader's not in the mood for him right now. Despite his distractions throughout the hours, the arrival of Watto and Sebulba tipped his mood to the negative, to the point where he would have to meditate in order to place his emotions back under control. They reminded him of unfavorable times throughout childhood, a time when he had been completely helpless.

It had been only due to the Force itself that Anakin Skywalker was kept protected from Sebulba's cheating habits. Had the Dug got what he'd wanted, Anakin would never have become a Jedi, let alone even lived to see the age of nine.

And Watto, that kriffing bastard use to beat him quite frequently, but Anakin still had the rebellion to never shed tears in front of him. That did earn the Toydarian's twisted respect, but those days when he'd caused his mother and himself to go on without any sort of food...

Kark him...

Kark all of them...

"What do you want now, Lars?" Vader demanded, turning away from the man, knowing that Cliegg had bigger pride in himself than that, "Aside from testing my patience."

"Oh, come on, Vader, surely you don't like being alone all the time," Lars replied.

"If I did not prefer so, I would have hired workers," Vader declared, staring pointedly at him.

Cliegg frowned. "You seem angrier than usual. What's going on? Got a stuck-up customer? Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?"

Vader sighed in defeat. "Watto took it upon himself to visit me today," he told him pointedly, not even concealing the bitterness out of his tone, "with that slime, Sebulba, and the rest of his lowlife friends." His eyes widened at that. "I chased them away."

"You chased them away... by yourself?" Cliegg asked, disbelieving.

Vader's tone was mocking, though not as great as it was earlier when targeted to the slimy thugs. "There's many things that you don't know about me, Cliegg Lars, perhaps I will be able to show you these attributes if an event occurs that you need my assistance." His tone became stoic yet again. "But not to worry, the matter has been resolved."

"I have a feeling that they would come back," Cliegg replied, still seeming like he wanted a detailed explanation about how Vader could have chased away such individuals on Tatooine, "and next time they would have more friends. This planet is not full of people with grudges. I'm telling you, man, I'm pretty sure there is no one in this galaxy without a grudge."

Recalling those years during the Dark Times era where he killed countless Jedi just to find Obi-Wan and make him pay for what he has done on Mustafar along with Anakin holding Dooku in dark regard for chopping his arm off on Geonosis, Vader could definitely agree to that. Even now, he still wished to make Sidious pay. He could forgive the man for manipulating him for years perhaps, but he would never forgive anyone for torturing his own flesh and blood. Obi-Wan and Yoda may had been flawed men who deceived Luke and Leia, yet they wanted the best for them and the galaxy as a whole, whereas one shivered to think what would have happened if Sidious had discovered his children when they were young and vulnerable...

"I have no time for petty affairs. Should that Toydarian scum make moves to threaten me again, the results would end just as unfavorably for him and his friends." Vader replied coldly. He could imagine the thought of him revealing his lightsabers, their shocked looks... the pleads of the pathetic...

Vader soothed the dragon, not willing to allow himself to lose control.

"Still, you should arm yourself with a blaster," Cliegg protested pathetically.

"Oh, I possess one," Vader replied with a roll of his eyes, pulling under his counter and placing the DL-18 blaster pistol on the table, "but I see no reason to utilize it. There are other weapons that one can have."

No matter how many lowlifes try to prove the contrary, their words, weapons, and threats would be insignificant next to the power of the Force...

Cliegg sighed but took his defeat in stride. "Look, if you believe you are safe, Vader, that's on you. I just hope that you don't end up dead because you refuse to take threats on this planet seriously."

The man had no idea of what he was capable of, of the fact that even most of the Jedi sans Master Yoda and perhaps Windu couldn't stand against him...

But granted, this was Tatooine and Vader couldn't blame him for his concern. Jedi are heard of in legends, yet few had been seen in the Outer Rim.

After all, the only one who knew about his capabilities of the Force currently was Shmi Skywalker, and Vader had already taught her how to implant barriers so Force users wouldn't be able to read her mind lightly.

"You need not worry about me," Vader retorted, feeling his heart softening for some reason towards the man at the borderline fear that he has for him. "My training in physical arts is beneficial as well as my survival instincts. I have ways to protect myself."

Cliegg Lars assumed a joking demeanor, grinning slightly. "Well, how about you teach me these so-called teachings in physical arts someday unless you are afraid to be knocked off on your ass, shop owner?"

Vader looked at him, registering... amusement flaring within him. "You are going to regret your short-sightedness, Lars. Stay here. I have another hour before we can go to the desert unless your assumptions for me are true for yourself."

Cliegg's lips curled up into a smirk. "Oh oh oh you're on!"

Suffice to say, a certain farmer would soon learn the hard way that Vader was not one to be beaten.

Arthur's note: For any Obi-Wan's fans who may be reading this, I'm not bashing Obi-Wan. He's one of my favorite Star Wars characters despite his many flaws and I am one of his defenders in the Phantom Menace disliking how cruel Qui-Gon was to him. He was too young and still mentally developing so I feel like Qui-Gon was ignoring how he felt. He's very flawed like all humans and has dark tendencies. I also don't try to paint Vaderkin as too much of a victim. I sympathize with his younger years as a slave and growing up in the Temple but the deeds he'd committed are not going to just be forgotten and shrugged under the rug.

Additionally, despite how I was just a few months ago, I don't identify myself as an Anakin Apologist as I once did and would never refer to myself as a Kenobist. There are rude and disrespectful people on both sides, these people often biased of these characters, and they can't get over themselves aside from thinking that they know the characters best and don't respect other people's interpretations. That said, there are validities on both sides and good people too, even though they are so far and in between imo. I'm just a SW fan and follow what I like and have a life outside of the fandom. Sorry for the mini rant, but I want to make it clear that even if I disagree with a character, they would be treated respectfully to how they were established first to the best of my ability.

May the Force be with you all always.