((Alright, I've reposted chapter one because the top of the page was all messge up and it was really bugging me. So enjoy everyone!))

( ... ) - Thinking
"..." - Hearing - (Note: this is suppose to look bold...but it doesn't)

Chapter 1: A Realization

The Sith moved in graceful motions blocking the Jedi's cunning saber techniques from every direction. Both force users were equally skilled in their ability to keep their balance even though the ground was littered with protruding stalagmites and multiple lava pools, whose spurts were becoming more frequent. The cave they had entered was very dark and only minimal light in which to use to their advantage. The cave was not very wide but it was quite long and it was extremely hot, smelling of rotten eggs, which was common for the sulfur and methane found in the molten rock.

Suddenly, Vader took the offensive. And brought his crimson blade down on Obi-Wan's chest. Obi-Wan almost lost his footing with the intensity of the blow. He managed to block it, though, just barely. The Jedi reached down inside himself to find any remnants of a strength reserve he might have left. He knew his strength was faltering and he could not endure this battle too much longer. But, what Obi-Wan found more distressing was that his former padawan seemed to be gaining strength with every moment.

(Is the dark side really so strong?) Obi-Wan found himself uttering. He regained his footing, even while he was not entirely focused his mind was trained never to leave a battle. Obi-Wan flipped over the Sith's head and landed expertly. Obi-Wan took advantage of Vader's momentary surprise to get into an area where he could move more freely. Vader turned to Obi-Wan taking a few steps towards the older man. Vader's face was covered with black ash from the fumes, making the young man look as though he wore a mask. Obi-Wan's eyes stung with a mixture of sweat and steam as they tried to focus on Vader through the smoke.

"Are you having trouble looking at me you broke feeble Jedi and poor excuse for a human?" Vader hissed vehemently. Yes, it was true Obi-Wan had been avoiding steady eye contact with the figure in front of him. He couldn't bear to remember his. Obi-Wan wondered what he would call Anakin when it came right down to it. One word came to mind… Son. Obi-Wan knew that was it, that's how he'd always think of him. But, how could he tell him that now? Would he even care? Obi-Wan doubted it. So once again Obi-Wan decided not to reveal his emotions.

"What exactly am I looking at?" The words had caused Obi-Wan pain even before he spoke them. He had wanted to tell this boy exactly how he felt. Nevertheless, Obi-Wan saw Vader's anger rise again and he knew the damage had been done. Vader, enraged at Kenobi's words, lunged at Obi-Wan full- force. The talented young man swung his blade in several swift saber techniques, leaving Obi-Wan with no choice but to remain defensive. The two danced around the cave both tiring but refusing to show it. Suddenly, Obi- Wan felt a disturbance in the force. He thought Vader must have missed it because he made no response as if to be on alert.

Vader came down on Obi-Wan again and again. He had felt the disturbance but nothing would distract him now. Obi-Wan was near defeat, he could feel it. Obi-Wan blocked again trying both to focus on the battle and on what was happening to the volcano. Obi-Wan looked up to see that with the abrupt shaking of the cave the ceiling would soon collapse, killing them both.

Vader could now feel Anakin warning him urgently that danger was near, but he would not relent on his onslaught. Vader pushed the tormented Anakin back down and fought on. Obi-Wan knew to save them both, or at least Anakin, they needed to get back to the entrance as soon as possible. Obi- Wan began to retreat slowly back towards the entrance. He knew it was only 50 meters or so behind them. Vader didn't realize what was going on, he simply continued to fight. When, Obi-Wan could clearly see the entrance he tried to talk to Vader. "Anakin, listen. We need to--" He was cut off.

"It's Vader you fool! Anakin is dead! And I'm through listening to you or your pathetic Jedi comrades!" Vader swung at Obi-Wan connecting with his legs. It did not manage to slice all the way through because of Obi-Wan's fast reflexes, but Obi-Wan knew instantly that his maneuverability was severely hindered. Vader flipped in the air expecting to land where Obi-Wan had fallen with the killing blow. But, Obi-Wan used the force to push Vader away with all of the strength he could muster. Vader flew through the air and landed tremendously hard into a wall of the cave. So hard that Obi-Wan even heard the boy's spine crack under the pressure. Obi-Wan saw the look of horror, shock and pain in Vader's eyes as he landed. Vader fell to the floor and remained for a moment, surly to absorb the blow. Obi-Wan's heart sank when he saw the young man spit blood onto the molten rock. Then, Vader stood and Obi-Wan breathed a sigh of relief, despite the malicious look Vader sent. But, he knew he could walk. Obi-Wan didn't think he could bear it if he paralyzed or worse killed the boy. Vader walked towards Obi-Wan, who realized Vader would kill him now and that it was over. He began preparing for his death and he forgot about everything, the steam, the heat, the pain, his sweat-soaked cloths, and his exhaustion. Everything except him and Vader. At that moment, like something from a dream, a voice rang in Obi-Wan's ears.

'Do not loose hope, for hope is never truly lost where the force dwells and the force is everywhere.' Obi-Wan heard his master's voice inside him.

"I am trying master." Obi-Wan struggled for words. "But, I care for him so much. I can't bear to loose him, he's...he's all I have left." Obi-Wan finished determined not to let the tears come.

'Then tell him.' The last words were faded but Obi-Wan heard them clearly.

"Now my betrayer." Vader spat. "You and all the Jedi will back for murdering my love and taking away my life." These last words had sparked something in Obi-Wan. And a new realization hit him. Obi-Wan began to understand why Anakin had so suddenly left the order and where he developed such a hate for the people he'd known his whole life. "And you, Obi-Wan Kenobi, will die the most painfully for lying to me, and for taking away the only one who truly cared for me." Vader finished the last words with feeling. Obi-Wan felt a twinge of pain strike his very soul. Never had Anakin used his full name in that manor before.

(Lied to him? How? About what?) Obi-Wan thought. True I had lied to him on certain missions but only small details when I though he would not understand at the time. And true I kept my feelings well guarded, but nothing to make him turn so far from the light. I hope. Obi-Wan tried to contain his confusion. But, Anakin, being his usually perceptive self read his thoughts easily in this tense situation.

"How?" Vader replied cruelly. "You really don't understand, do you?" Vader seemed half annoyed, half amused at his master's stupidity. "You told Anakin that in a Master/Padawan relationship the two beings learn to trust and love one another. Anakin did. He loved you more then you ever realized and trusted you more then anyone. And you didn't care for him at all!" Obi- Wan could tell the question had gotten through to Anakin, and the answer had stung Obi-Wan. He never realized Anakin thought he hated him.

(So Anakin had felt alone! That's why he turned.) Obi-Wan had forgotten how much a little slave boy had probably wanted to feel love and protection and wanted to be needed by someone. Obi-Wan had just seen a potential jedi and a promise to his master.

Obi-Wan and Vader did not realize the volcano that shook violently around them. They were both to intensely focused in the moment. Obi-Wan couldn't believe it. It had been his fault. All this had been his fault. Cause he was to blind to see the little boy who had needed him. He was not only the Chosen One, and the one who was to bring balance to the force. And now no matter what he did it would always be his fault.

'Make one decision. Then make another, because remake one past you cannot.' He heard Yoda's lessons now in his mind. Obi-Wan nodded.

(Then, that's what I'll do.) Obi-Wan would tell Anakin now. Everything, no secrets, no lies, just the truth. "Your wrong Vader!" Obi-Wan began. The young Sith was surprised at his former master's sudden burst of speech.

(Now what?) Vader wondered. (Is he going to beg? I knew he was weak.)

"You mean more to me then anything ever will." Obi-Wan's voice almost cracked, but he refused to cry now.

(What does this mean? Does Obi-Wan still care after all this?) The Anakin part of the man couldn't help but wonder.

"I would do anything for you, I trust you more then I do myself and I love you more then anyone. You are my padawan, my best friend and my son." Their eyes were locked now, even through the smoke, ash, and the darkness. Obi- Wan saw the conflict in Vader's expression. Anakin was trying to break free. Obi-Wan continued. "And Padme lives Anakin! In fact she awaits you now." With those words he saw Anakin reemerged fully for the first time. He saw Anakin's eye's shine through the mask of ash. Not Vader's eyes, the one's scarred with hate, betrayal and despair. But the young vibrant eyes that had loved and trusted him.

"NO!" Vader cried desperately to maintain control. "Lies! All of them!"

"Search for her force-signature Anakin, she'll be there. I swear it." Obi- Wan suggested, not knowing if Vader would allow. But, something told him not even Vader could prevent Anakin from being sure. Obi-Wan unmasked Padme's signature, which he had been hiding from Anakin until now. It was something the Council had made him promise to do. But, he had a good feeling about this, this just felt right. Anakin reached out to search for his wife's life presence and sure enough he found her.

Vader dropped to his knees with tears in his eyes and shook his head in disbelief. Anakin was trying to come back, Obi-Wan felt it. He felt the divergence and the struggle in the force. Vader fought hard to stay in control, but Anakin was winning he felt the light grow once more in the man before him. Obi-Wan then remembered something crucial. "And, Anakin Skywalker, you're going to be a father. Of twins no less!"

(Father?) Anakin heard those words and something forever changed in him. (Me a father?) Anakin no longer had to try to gain control, he just took it. Anakin raised his head, the blue eyes sparkling at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan smiled at the young man knowing that it was indeed Anakin and that he was here to stay. Anakin's eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of the ceiling from where he was. It was falling, right above Obi-Wan! Anakin jumped to his feet and dashed for Obi-Wan. He helped Obi-Wan to his feet and they began walking towards the entrance. Obi-Wan was drained of all his energy now. He could barely breath and didn't walk much on his own. The whole cave was falling now and dozens of rocks were falling on the duo. Anakin caught the random falling boulders with the force and tossed them to the side. But, one hit Anakin square in the middle of his shoulder's causing him to stumble. However, Anakin refused to let Obi-Wan go.

(I will save him. It is not his fate to die this way.) Anakin regained balance and kept walking. Obi-Wan's head lifted slightly to see the determination on Anakin's face. Obi-Wan smiled for the first time in months. Love and gratefulness flooded the force and was sent to Anakin. Anakin felt it and it helped to replenish his spirit. Finally, Anakin saw the full bright of day and he and Obi-Wan stumbled over. But, at that moment a huge mass of the rock fell directly onto the entrance. Anakin had to shove Obi-Wan in the direction of the entrance in order to free his hands to stop the deadly boulder. Obi-Wan barely made it out the door before he collapsed on the grass outside the cave. Anakin's lungs burned for fresh air, his legs and arms were numb with pain, and his soul felt torn. With one final effort he threw the huge boulder to the side and walked out of the cave. He dragged Obi-Wan to some nearby trees and propped him up against one. He covered Obi-Wan with his robe and treated some of Obi-Wan's wounds.

"Anakin" Obi-Wan said weakly. "You could've been killed. You shouldn't have stayed you should've left me and got out." Anakin smiled softly at his master.

"Well, I am a slow learner Master" Anakin had lost himself in the moment and forgot he had no right to call him master. Obi-Wan, despite his overwhelming pain, was also lost in the moment. Anakin had called him master again. A gift he never thought he would hear again or thought he deserved. Obi-Wan's face lit up. He looked up at Anakin's tear streaked face. His boyish features were marked with age that should not be there. Obi-Wan reached up and wiped off a tear on Anakin's cheek and Anakin fell into Obi-Wan's arms for the first time since he was a little boy, missing his home on Tatooine. It was then they both began to cry, dropping all their mental shields in an emotional breakdown. Instantly, all of Obi-Wan's light poured into Anakin. His mind, body, and soul, was filled with it. The light pushed away all of Anakin's fear and darkness. After a few moments they ended their well-needed embrace. Obi-Wan looked into Anakin's gleaming eyes and grinned.

"That you are my padawan. That you are." Obi-Wan laid his head down on the ground and immediately he was asleep. Anakin lied his own robe down on the ground and placed his hands under his head. He couldn't help but feel that there was still a lot more that was going to happen. But, for now he was happy knowing he was once again with the people who loved him. Moments later he let his exhaustion overtake him and fell peacefully asleep.