Anakin and Padmé were standing together near the viewport of the living room.

Padmé asked, "So what are your plans for the galaxy?"

Anakin said, "After I kill Palpatine, I intend to take the throne, and make things the way they should be."

Padmé looked at him with disappointment and said, "One dictator for another? Will this cycle of tyranny not end?"

Anakin said, "Padmé, I don't agree with democracy, at least not the system we had earlier. It's a senate full of corrupt senators who do nothing but bicker all day long, and many of them like Orn Free Taa just want to fill their pockets."

Padmé said, "At least one has the rights, the freedom to raise their voice in a democracy, but that freedom is gone when one has absolute power. Look at how Palpatine has enslaved several people, killed many innocents, all in the name of power. Is this what you want Anakin?"

Anakin replied, "Until you told me the truth, I might have wanted to be one like him, but now, I don't want to be one like him. I will never allow slavery like he does! And I'm not going to be alone in this."

Padmé asked him, "What do you mean?"

Anakin turned to Padmé and said, "The people need someone wise to lead them, the politicians need someone wise to lead them, and you in my opinion are the only person who is fit for that position. Padmé, please, I'm asking you to join me. We can make things the way we want, you can rule by my side. Padmé, please join me."

Padmé looked at him and backed away saying, "No, I can't do this. I will not be an Empress. I'd never be myself again if I were to become Empress. I can't! That kind of power could corrupt me, and then I'd end up becoming what I've sworn to destroy, just like you."

Anger flared up in Anakin at that last sentence and he cried out, "After all I've done, you'd refuse to take what I could give you, you ungrateful…"

And then, he stopped himself, realizing what he had just said.

And then, he looked up and saw Padmé in tears.

Padmé cried out, "I lost a friend for years, and when I found you, you were a completely different person with so much hate, darkness, evil, and when I thought I'd gotten you back, after you've told me you love me, you'd dare to say this to me?!"

Anakin felt ashamed at what he had said and tried to speak but Padmé wouldn't let him and she cried out, "I don't want power, all I want is your love, but if you won't leave this obsession with power, then you're going down a path I can't follow. But that's what you want isn't it? Go on, take it, do whatever you like, but your mother will be heartbroken to hear what you did, I will be heartbroken and Ahsoka will be heartbroken, that you would become someone with no regard for freedom, no regard for anyone except yourself, someone who can only think of dominating everyone! I don't know how to make you understand if you're going to just call me ungrateful for trying to tell you why I can't accept that power you want for me! What do you really want more, my love or your power? It's power you want, isn't it?!"

And with that, she turned and went into the bedroom.

Anakin, horrified as he was, went and sat on the sofa before burying his face in his hands.

He couldn't believe what he had done.

Padmé loved him.

And he had shouted at her in anger and labeled her ungrateful.

He had not meant to call Padmé ungrateful the way he had.

But he had done it anyway.

He couldn't tell what was wrong with him.

He clenched his fists in frustration with himself, not knowing what to do.

He stood like that by the viewport for a few minutes, wishing he could have said something else.

And then, suddenly, a thought came to him.

What if Padmé didn't want him anymore?

Horror coursed through his blood as the possibility of it dawned on his mind.

He wished he could tell someone, but whom could he turn to?

Would Qui Gon help him?

He so wished he could tell him. He found himself wishing Qui Gon was alive.

Qui Gon would know what to do.

After a few minutes, he suddenly heard a soft voice gently calling out, "I know you are frustrated, and I can understand why, but working yourself up like this will not help."

Anakin relaxed as he recognized the voice to be that of Qui Gon.

He turned around and saw Qui Gon's force ghost.

He asked, "Qui Gon, I'm just so messed up. I'm just crap, a monster. Padmé loved me, and now I've ruined everything. What am I supposed to do?"

Qui Gon asked, "What is it exactly that you seek, Anakin?"

Anakin replied, "I want to overthrow Palpatine, for what he did to me, and then I want to take the throne and make things my own way."

Qui Gon asked, "Would that make you any better than him? Hasn't he made things his own way?"

Anakin said, "I won't do it alone. That's why I wish Padmé would listen to me and join me."

Qui Gon asked, "Why do you want Padmé by your side?"

Anakin replied, "I love Padmé. Padmé's wise, beautiful, and she'd do what is right."

Qui Gon added, "Even if it meant going against what you seek if it were the right thing to do, isn't it?"

Anakin said, "But surely, there are things we both want."

Qui Gon asked, "And is power one of them?"

Anakin replied, "No."

Qui Gon explained, "You say Padmé is wise and compassionate. But even if she were to accept your offer, would that last forever? And furthermore, can you guarantee that your successor will do what is right?"

Anakin replied, "Of course, there are ways to ensure that it happens."

Qui Gon looked a little sternly at him.

Anakin's face fell as he realized the truth.

He slowly said, "No, you're right. If Palpatine could take everything from the people like how he did, then someone else could, even if I were to become Emperor and appoint an honorable successor."

Qui Gon asked, "And what would you do as Emperor? Would you propagate the way of the Sith?"
Anakin replied, "I would not be like Palpatine. But for sure, even if I were to help the Jedi, they would never forgive me."

Qui Gon asked, "And Palpatine would?"

Anakin replied, "No. He's far more vengeful and cruel than even Mace Windu could possibly be."

He suddenly stopped short, realizing what he had just said.

Qui Gon said, "True enough young one. And besides, even if you were to rule over the entire galaxy at your calling, with your men at your beck and call, with power at your fingertips to do as you wish, would you be happy?"

Anakin said, "I need power. Power is what will help me to do what needs to be done, bring proper order, end slavery…"

But Qui Gon did not say anything. He just looked at Anakin patiently, but a little sternly.

And Anakin found himself stopping at that.

Qui Gon said, "I did not ask for an immediate answer on why you feel you need power. I asked if you would be truly happy with what you seek. Think carefully. You know what I am referring to."

Anakin turned around and looked at the door to the bedroom where Padmé was no doubt crying.

Padmé would never accept such power. She hated the very idea of what he intended.

And the same horrible realization that had come to his mind now felt stronger, like a fire burning him from the inside.

If he continued down this path, Padmé would not show any affection to him or love him as he wanted.

She probably would want nothing to do with him.

The horror of it grew stronger with each and every passing moment.

He couldn't live without Padmé's love.

He couldn't.

And with that, he turned back to Qui Gon and said, "No. Padmé will never love me for wanting that kind of power."

Qui Gon asked, "Why do you think so? Why would she not want that?"

Anakin just stared, not knowing what to say.

Qui Gon then said, "Palpatine may be a cruel deceiver and a tyrant, but sometimes, even the words of an enemy contain great value. Do you not remember what he once told you when you were good friends, that 'All those who gain power are afraid to lose it'?"

Anakin nodded.

Qui Gon explained, "Palpatine has finally obtained what he wants, power over the galaxy, but look at what he has been doing, the atrocities he commits, the Jedi being hunted down, people being slaughtered mercilessly, such monstrous acts; all for what?"

Anakin replied, "To make sure none oppose his rule."

Qui Gon replied, "Exactly, and look what happened to Padmé because she tried to point out his mistakes."

Anakin knew what Qui Gon was trying to tell him.

Qui Gon explained, "There is good within you, and if you can realize your mistakes and feel remorse for your dark deeds, there is still hope for you. But if you continue down this path, seeking power for its own sake, it will drive you mad. Hasn't the desire for revenge that pulled you to the dark side already driven you mad enough?"

Anakin realized how right Qui Gon was.

After all, even if Mace Windu had actually murdered his mother, that did not justify slaughtering the entire Jedi Order, even the younglings, did it?

Again, something he had come to regret after hearing about the truth about his mother.

He said, "I wanted revenge for my mother, and I wanted power for it, and I went so mad that I killed children."

Qui Gon said, "And Padmé was simply trying to point out why she cannot accept such power. Now do you understand why she did not accept your offer?"

Anakin nodded, "She's afraid of becoming a monster, like I did."

Qui Gon added, "And more than that, she fears for you to slip back into darkness. She cares about you and wants to help you fight the darkness within you, and what do you do?"

Anakin was filled with an intense feeling of shame, shame that he had wrongly labeled his beloved Padmé 'ungrateful', simply because he would not just give up his obsession with power.

Qui Gon further said, "You do not need dictatorial power. In fact, if you choose this path, you will be silencing the voices of billions of people, and they will not even dare to voice their concerns for fear of death. So many of them would also want to raise their voices against corruption, slavery, just like you, and they wouldn't even be able to voice their opinions. Is this what you want?"

Anakin replied, "No."

He then said, "I can live without power, but I cannot live without love."

Qui Gon said, "Then you have understood. You know what you must do."

And with that, he disappeared.

Anakin stood there, comprehending what had transpired when suddenly, he heard a female voice call out, "Anakin, who were you talking to?"

He turned around and saw Ahsoka.

He replied, "Qui Gon."

Ahsoka asked, "Qui Gon Jinn? Obi Wan Kenobi's Master? But he's dead, isn't he?"

Anakin replied, "It was actually a force ghost of him. He was Obi Wan's master and the one who found me on Tatooine when I was nine."

Ahsoka was surprised and said, "How could it be him if he's dead?"

Anakin explained, "Somehow, he is able to communicate with me, but only at certain times when the force allows him to. He somehow managed to retain his consciousness after death. He has always been a follower of the living force."

Ahsoka then said, "Whatever it was, Master Qui Gon is certainly right."

Anakin turned to Ahsoka and confessed, "Ahsoka, I admit, I am still a dark person in many ways, and I've done things that I shouldn't have done. And just now, simply because Padmé didn't accept my offer, I yelled at her that she was ungrateful, and now I'm afraid she'll hate me or something. I'm just so, what to say, messed up!"

Ahsoka listened to him patiently and said, "Master Koon always used to say you were very honest at least in some cases. And if he were here right now, I think he'd want to help you. But more than that, Qui Gon is right. I feel Padmé doesn't want power because she feels it will corrupt her, and more than that, she doesn't want it to drive you mad. If you don't mind me saying so, there are quite a lot of people like that. Tarkin for instance. He was always cruel. When he was an admiral and I was being tried, he prosecuted me and saw to it that I was sentenced to death. After he was made grand moff, he started showing his true colors more and more. He's killed people for nothing. The Ghorman massacre was his doing. But right now, Padmé's really upset."

Anakin asked, "What should I do?"

Ahsoka said, "Just give her a little time to calm down. Then definitely go talk to her. Remember to listen and be patient. It's the only way you can resolve things right now."

Anakin smiled a little and said, "I'll do as you say. Thanks Snips."

Ahsoka smiled mischievously and replied, "Anytime Skyguy."


A little while later…

Padmé was sitting on the bed, facing the wall, with her back turned towards the door, lost in thought.

However, she soon became aware of footsteps coming in closer, soft, slow, but surely close.

She did not even look back.

Not even when she heard a sigh.

Not even when she heard a soft male voice call out, "Padmé."

Knowing who it was, she maintained her posture, ignoring the one who had called her.

Anakin who was standing right behind her knelt at the foot of the bed and pleaded, "Padmé, please."

Padmé just whispered a little harshly, "Go away."

Anakin pleaded, "Padmé, please, just listen to me."

Padmé replied a little sharply, "Just go away."

Anakin knew that mere pleading would be of no use.

So he said, "Padmé, I know you're angry with me for what I said back there, and I want you to know, I'm sorry for what I did. The truth is, I'm so messed up. One moment, I seem to know what's right, and the next moment, all I can think of is my own gain. I have been very selfish, and I still am. I'm not the perfect person that I should be, and no matter how much I try, a part of me will always be Vader. I made my choices back then, and I can't escape from being Vader. But I also know that no matter how much power I have, I can't live without your love. Angel, please turn around and look at me."

Padmé turned around and giving Anakin a cold glare, she said, "You can try impressing me with your flowery words, but that doesn't prove anything."

Anakin said, "You're right. The truth is, I wasn't thinking properly. I should have really thought about this beforehand, but maybe I needed this to happen to understand where I was going wrong. And please, believe me when I say what I've come to realize."

Padmé asked, "What have you realized?"

Anakin declared, "I can live without the power of an Emperor, but I cannot live without your love."

Padmé's eyes teared up and she said, "Anakin, all I want is your love, and I don't want to lose you to darkness again. I lost you once, I can't lose you again."

Anakin's eyes teared up too and he said, "Padmé, I can't live without your love. You're the one that brought me back to life, and I can't lose you."

With that, he sat on the bed and the two embraced each other.

They sat there for a few minutes, just holding each other.

Finally, Padmé said, "I'm sorry too Ani."

Anakin asked, "For what?"

Padmé replied, "I should have asked you more on why you wanted power. I don't want to lose you to darkness, but I want to help you. I admit, I feel so frustrated that most of the senators just want money. But if this rebellion you're planning wins and I become Chancellor, or if someone like Bail or Mon or even Garm becomes Chancellor, or even otherwise, I will help you stop slavery on Tatooine and in the galaxy."

Anakin pulled her into a hug and whispered, "Thank you Angel, thank you", even as he released his pent up emotions and sobbed into her shoulder.

After he had calmed down a few minutes later, Padmé kissed Anakin and whispered, "I love you Anakin, and I want you to stay good, because that's what I love most about you."

Anakin whispered, "I need to make it up to you. I think I deserve to be punished. I'm all yours."

Padmé was perplexed and started, "Ani.." but before she could say anything else, he was already lying down on her lap.

He said, "I'm yours to kill Padmé."

Padmé asked, "Ani what are you doing?"

Anakin smiled and said, "Turning myself over to you for you to savagely maul me and devour me."

Padmé looked at him and slowly, a mischievous smile crept itself across her face and she began to laugh out loudly.

She pretended to laugh evilly and said, "I am going to tear you apart and devour you. You are mine!"

And with that, she made a scary sound and began to draw her nails across his stomach and chest, gently but firmly too.

When she was done 'mauling' him. She pretended to take a bite from his chest.

She then moved over to his head, and couldn't help being amused by his closed eyes and his smug smile.

She leaned over and kissed him.

Anakin whispered, "You're beautiful even when you're angry."

Padmé cooed, "Oh you think so? Well, you look cute especially when you're this way."

Anakin playfully frowned and scoffed, "Cute? I'm twenty years old."

Padmé replied, "You may be twenty years old, but you're still a cute little boy to tickle and eat."

Anakin said, "What about you Padmé?"

And with that, he shot up and suddenly began to tickle her.

"Anakin", Padmé cried out, "Stop it! Ahsoka, help me!"

Even as Anakin continued tickling her, Ahsoka burst into the room. Upon seeing the sight before her eyes, she smiled mischievously and joined Anakin in tickling Padmé.

"No," Padmé cried out, "Traitor! I'll get you for this Ahsoka!"

Ahsoka simply grinned wickedly even as Padmé continued to cry out in between peals of laughter.

Anakin stopped and said, "Ahsoka, I think it's time to let Padmé rest for a while. Besides, she needs her energy to see what's coming."

Padmé shot up and asked, "What is that?"

Anakin replied, "Well, to make up for all I've done to you, I think it's time I returned what belongs to you."

He then turned behind and said, "Come on in now."

He stood off the bed and moved to the side.

And Padmé was astonished and happy to see a familiar blue and white astromech droid roll its way in.

"Artoo," Padmé cried out, "You're okay!"

Anakin said, "He was not harmed in any way. Just watched over."

He then got down on one knee and said, "Artoo-Deetoo, I am extremely sorry for my rude behavior and threats against you to keep you from doing anything. You have been a faithful friend to Padmé and for that I am grateful."

Artoo beeped a series of 'annoyed' signals at once.

Anakin replied, "Yeah, I can understand if you have a grudge against me, but I want to make it up to you. Plus, it's been years since we last saw each other, and we do have some catching up to do."

Artoo beeped in agreement with the last statement.

Padmé started laughing at Anakin, and Ahsoka joined in.

Ahsoka said, "I know the purpose of this is just to make Padmé love you more and more."

Anakin blushed in embarrassment at Ahsoka's comment, even as Artoo beeped a series of 'shocked' signals.

And so that was the rekindling of Anakin's friendship with R2-D2.


A few standard days later…

Rex, dressed in civilian attire, was standing in one of Bespin's gambling and drinking depots, waiting for someone.

Even as a few aliens passed by him, he kept scanning the crowd for any sign of a fellow clone brother.

He was just about to find a booth for himself when he suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder and turned round to find himself looking at Commander Cody of the 212th legion, also dressed in civvies.

"Hey Rex", Cody greeted, "Good to see you again brother."

Rex shook Cody's hand and gave him a hug saying, "Good to see you again too. Let's go find ourselves a nice booth, away from all those girls of course."

"Not to mention," Cody added, "Those chain smokers. Can't stand their smoke."

They went to what could be called the most remote section of the place and luckily found a booth there.

They sat down there and ordered a few drinks and food items before turning to each other for the main topic of discussion.

"So, remind me," Cody spoke first, "You called me over saying you wanted to talk to me about something."

Rex replied, "Yes, it may seem questionable what I'm going to have to talk to you about, but it is the right thing."

Cody nodded and said, "Go ahead."

Rex asked, "What do you honestly think about the Empire?"

Cody looked horrified at the question and said, "I've recently started to question the Empire's motives. Barely a few days ago, we were told to execute some protesters simply because they were, well, protesters. All that we've been made to do since Order 66, I can't believe I even did it. I can't do this. I'm right now considering leaving the Empire."

Rex said, "I had a feeling you'd say something like this. If I were to rebel and I asked you to join me, would you?"

Cody replied without any hesitation, "I would."

Rex said, "That means I can trust you. What if the rebellion were to be led by someone who is supposed to be a dangerous figure in the Empire?"

Cody asked, "Like who, Vader perhaps?"

Rex replied, "Exactly."

Cody said, "I can't say how exactly I feel about this, but if he were to 'not' massacre civilians, then perhaps I would."

Rex then said, "Then can you swear on our brotherhood not to reveal what I am about to tell you to anyone who supports Palpatine?"

Cody replied, "I swear on our brotherhood to keep it secret, unless you do want me to tell someone of course."

Rex then explained, "So here's the thing. Darth Vader was once a Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker. Anakin was framed three years ago and the Emperor wrongly sentenced him to death. Actually, the Emperor kidnapped Anakin and tortured him physically and psychically for a whole year before showing fake evidence that the Jedi killed his mother. He couldn't take it anymore and he broke. It was after that that he became Vader. Recently, he learned the truth. It turns out, the Jedi never ever made a move on his mother. In fact, Palpatine was the one who tried to have Anakin's mother killed, and it was a Jedi that saved her life, twice. He realized everything he had done was all over a lie and now he wants to make things right. In fact, even as we speak, he is currently trying to get a Kaminoan scientist called Dr. Nala Se to do research to provide a way to stop our accelerated aging. He's also going to talk to Senator Organa of Alderaan for help. He's starting a rebellion. The time to fight has not come just yet, but we need our brothers together, and I really feel you would be of great help to us. Now, will you and your legion help us?"

Cody was shell shocked at the story of how Anakin Skywalker had become Darth Vader and he exclaimed, "How could the Emperor do that to him?! Palpatine is truly a vile man who cares about no one but himself! Not that it excuses what Vader has done, but I can't believe it!"

Rex said, "And one more thing. There's something you need to know. When we were made, in each and every one of us, a biochip was implemented to control us. So when Order 66 was given, we were made to follow it."

Cody gasped in horror and exclaimed, "No wonder I just followed it and executed General Tiplee! And I didn't even realize what I had done till later!"

Rex said, "We need to get that chip removed from your head. Anakin did it for Fives and I already, and the same is being done for clones of the 501st as we speak."

Cody said, "I'm in for it. I want this thing out of my head, and I'm pretty sure my boys will be glad to join in."

Rex stood up and said, "Then let's get you to my ship. Anakin provided me with a medical droid to get your chip out. Then, next step, your legion."

Cody stood up and said, "The sooner we do this, the better. I've heard the transition from clones to humans for our legion is scheduled to take place in two months from today. We have to start before we get decommissioned."

Rex replied, "We will for sure. I'll make sure to tell Anakin. And after we get your chip out, you need to get the 212th legion on our side. I'll talk to Commanders Bly and Wolffe and see if they will provide support. I have a good feeling they will."


A standard day later, on Alderaan…

Bail Organa was nervous as he watched an imperial shuttle containing Vader landing on a landing pad of the royal palace of Alderaan. He had been informed that Vader would be paying him a visit and was now beginning to fear that he would take Mara away from him.

A few minutes later, Vader was sitting in his office across him on either side of a table.

Vader looked at the guards and said, "Leave us. I wish to speak to Senator Organa alone."

Bail motioned to his guards to comply, which they did.

As soon as they left and the doors were closed, Bail said nervously, "Lord Vader, please tell me you have not come to take away Mara."

Vader replied, "I'm not here to take Mara away from you or harm your family or people in any way. On the contrary, I am here for an entirely different purpose."

He then said, "First of all, I must tell you that I was a Jedi Padawan once, who was framed and sentenced to death three years ago, that I was lied to about my mother's death supposedly at the hands of the Jedi, and that I have recently been told the truth."

Bail looked at him in confusion and asked, "You mean Anakin Skywalker? But isn't he dead? What do you mean?"

Vader then said, "He was dead from a certain point of view until recently. And by the way, in regard to all this, I have come to you for one thing."

He then took of his helmet and mask, laid the on the table, revealing his human face with long hair, and said in his real voice, "Bail Organa, I need your help."

A little while later, after Anakin had told his whole story to Bail, the latter was shocked to say the least and said, "I'm honestly not surprised to hear that Palpatine lied to you like that. He's a monster who would do anything for power. But this is still horrifying to say the least. Palpatine is truly a heartless monster that needs to be stopped."

Anakin replied, "Yes, and I am in the process of building a rebellion. I believe you are involved in forming those rebel cells out there, and need you to have them cease their activities for a while. I don't want to end up having to destroy any more rebels until I can say my rebellion is ready and I'm ready to openly betray Darth Sidious."

Bail said, "I understand. I will get into contact with the other rebel leaders and tell them to remain low for a while. After that, we can join our forces and strike back against the Sith."

Anakin said, "I doubt any of them will accept me, but thank you Bail. I really appreciate it. And one more thing. Tell Mara that her Aunty Padmé and Uncle Ani love her."

Bail smiled and said, "I sure will. And I will help you in any way possible. If Padmé believes in you, then I will help her by helping you in any way I can, for Padmé and for Mara."

"Thank you Bail," Anakin replied.

"And one more thing," Bail said, "Please take care of her. I love her like a daughter and a sister, and I want her to be safe."

Anakin replied, "You have my word. I love Padmé for who she is, and I will lay my life down for her, if need be."

Bail nodded in acknowledgement and said, "Good luck Anakin."

Anakin replied, "Thank You."


Meanwhile on Naboo…

Naboo was a planet known for its natural beauty, given its humongous meadows, waterfalls, forest, mountains and much more varied flora and fauna.

Another special thing about Naboo was that Nubians were generally very good-hearted.

And Naboo had many special areas where it was remote and peaceful.

Varykino was one such place.

The lake house was a beautiful place to say the least.

And more than that, it was a good place for hiding.

It was nighttime, and somewhere close to the lake house, near the beach, a ginger-haired man with a beard sat in meditation.

His hair was long, and there was a look of sadness in his face, one which he had had for a very long time.

Attached to his side was a lightsaber.

A breeze began to flow, picking up dry leaves with it, some of which flew past the man's face.

The man had to move his hand to remove a leaf from his face.

And it was at that moment that he heard a voice, a male voice.

"Obi Wan Kenobi," the voice spoke, "The time has come to leave."

Obi Wan Kenobi's head perked up at the familiarity of the voice and he asked, "Qui Gon? Is it time now? What of Anakin? Is he alive?"

The force ghost of Qui Gon Jinn materialized before him and said, "From a certain point of view, he has been dead for two years. However, now, he is alive and preparing to fight against the Emperor. He will need your help, both against the Emperor, and against his inner darkness. But no matter what, you must not judge him. He needs your help if he is to come to terms with everything he has done."

"What do you mean Master?" Obi Wan asked.

Qui Gon replied, "It will be revealed to you in good time. However, you must leave Naboo now. Go to Corellia and start fighting for the rebellion. Eventually, Anakin will find you."

Obi Wan asked, "But what of Anakin's mother and her family?"

Qui Gon replied, "Trust in the force. All will be well."

With that, he disappeared.

Obi Wan stood up from his spot.

It had been two whole years since he had been living on Naboo, keeping watch over Anakin Skywalker's mother, Shmi Skywalker and her family who were hiding in the lake house, provided by Padmé's family.

He himself had been staying there with them to keep them safe.

He had believed Anakin to be dead until the spirit of Qui Gon Jinn had told him that something terrible had happened to him and that the force would not permit him to reveal it.

However, that had also given him a small hope that Anakin may yet be alive, he had begun to have some hope that Anakin may yet be alive.

Recently, that spark of hope had begun to grow.

And now, that hope had been confirmed.

He was brought out of his train of thought by a female voice softly calling out, "Obi Wan, are you alright?"

He turned around to see the woman who had spoken, middle aged, with black hair, and brown clothes, simple but beautiful due to her character.

He said, "Shmi, it seems things are taking a turn for the better."

Shmi asked, "What could it be?"

Obi Wan replied, "Anakin is alive."

Shmi gasped in amazement and tears of joy sprang to her eyes.

She asked, "Where is he?"

Obi Wan explained, "Apparently, he has been dead for two years from a certain point of view, but now he is alive and preparing to fight the Empire, or so it seems. The time has come for me to leave Naboo and fight against the empire. I must meet Anakin and help him in his fight."

Shmi slowly said with tears in her eyes, "Obi Wan, please do something for me. When you find him, bring him home. Please Obi Wan, sooner or later, bring him home."

Obi Wan stood up and hugged Shmi saying, "I promise, I will help him and bring him home. I promise."