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Chapter Text

Alarms blared up and down the corridors of the Death Star. Distantly, Luke could hear the echoing sound of storm trooper footsteps. The steady  clank of their armor against itself. The empire was aware of their presence on the Death Star. That was  sure.

Luke was headed up the rear of the group. Leia, Han, and Chewbacca were all stampeding in front of him in the direction he desperately hoped was the hangar bay. 

Oxygen was scarce with how quickly they were consuming it. Like it was water back on Tatooine. Every drop felt like a gift, but also a curse not knowing when the next would come.

Luke was by no means unfit. He had lived in the sweltering desert all his life; he was used to walking several miles back and forth between moisturizers.

But that felt like nothing compared to this. The adrenaline coursing through all of their veins had them sweating rivers as their muscles pumped with each step.

Life or death was a terrifying thing, and Luke found that he would much rather live, thank you very much!

The grey and black walls were all terribly similar. It felt as if they were walking in one giant circle, a maze of neverending monochrome.

Luke always dreamed of getting off that planet, but  this certainly wasn't what he was picturing. Had he jumped at the idea of saving a princess like all those old fantasy stories? Yes, yes he had. Had he thought that would involve seeing his aunt and uncle dead? Having to run through sickeningly similar halls like a madman in hopes of escaping most certain death?

Well, perhaps he had thought this mission may include that, but maybe he underestimated what type of feeling that would generate in him.

He did not feel brave. He felt afraid.

Obi-Wan was still out here— somewhere. Luke desperately wanted to find him, but something told him that he’d meet up with them at the ship. It was a gut feeling, really. He couldn't quite describe it if he was asked to.

There was something else there— Luke couldn't quite place it.

He had always been cold since he left his desert planet. Nothing simulated that intense dry heat of twin suns, especially not the cool imperial halls.

But this feeling was something different. It was like… ice. Luke had really only heard of it. The many pirates and smugglers came through with stories of planets  covered in it. A cold that cut so deep it could  kill. Was this what death felt like?

A chill ran through his bones, causing him to shiver. It felt as though they were getting  closer. With every step, the cold dug deeper into his mind.

It started to wrap around his ankles, nearly tripping him. He was far too out of breath to even try and iterate his fear.  Turn back. Danger. Danger!

Suddenly, he slammed into Chewbacca’s back. A mouthful of fur had him coughing and sputtering. “Chewie! What in the—”

His vocal cords froze.

There before them was a blackclad figure. A dark, flowing robe pooled behind it as it stood on thick boots. Luke had to crane his neck slightly to look at it. His eyes met dark, piercing yellow ones. A black mask was fitted onto his face, covering the lower half and leaving only his glowing eyes. Brown hair curled around the side of the mask, framing his face. The whole aesthetic was like looking at a walking shadow. The intention to entirely force one to see only those  eyes. The eyes of a predator. 

There was a steady  krrsh-krooh with each breath. It filled the silent room, forcing the panic to rise in all of them. 

“Vader…” Leia said in quiet horror.

Luke had heard stories about a ‘Vader’ before. They were distant tales of a monster amongst men. They were whispered horrors from pirates and lowly mechanics. 

Something about a figure in all black. The Empire’s Shadow. Some said he wasn't even real, that he was only a legend told to keep children behaved and away from stormtroopers.

Even those who didn't believe it still kept their mouths shut around the empire, just in case.

Some suspected Vader wasn't human. That he was a droid with human eyes stuck in its sockets. A freak of nature that always dropped the room’s temperature down when he entered.

Luke had always been inclined to believe he wasn't real. Part of him couldn't believe it, even after Ben had told him about the monster and what he had done. 

But he could not deny the person standing in front of him. 

A terror and a beast. The man who murdered his father in cold blood. One legends say, they would not walk away from. 

Luke forced his legs to move, muscles cramped and tight as he stomped in front of the group. Leia’s hand gripped the back of his shirt, like she was trying to pull him back, but didn't quite have the strength to do much at all.

“You are outnumbered.” Leia said, her form trembling silently.

The monster tilted its head, something akin to mirth in its eyes.

Han slapped a hand over the princess’s mouth. “Perhaps now is  not the time to antagonize the man.” Han put his hands up slowly, blaster in clear view. “Why don't we just put all this behind us? You have no use for any of us, right? You got what you needed from the princess. I'm just a smuggler and this is just a boy from Tatooine. We are of no threat.”

Luke looked back at Han, brows knitted together. He never took the smuggler as one to plead, but he supposed anyone would do whatever it took to survive. 

“Tatooine, hm? Dreadful planet, really” Vader’s voice was gritty and heavy, filtered through the mask to make it sound  inhuman ; more beastly. It was a strange contrast. To see a monster talk casually about his home planet as if it was nothing more than a dull vacation spot. That voice spoke as if it wasn’t the last thing thousands heard.

“Perhaps that's where this station could be pointed to next.” 

Luke grit his teeth.  Ben, where are you? We need you.

Vader narrowed his eyes at Luke, looking him up and down. Luke licked his lips. They felt oddly dry under the monster’s gaze. “Regardless, you are not leaving here alive. I still have use for the Princess, of course.” The monster said. 

He shoved Leia’s hand off of him, stepping forward. His hands were clammy and slippery as he tried to pull the lightsaber from his belt. The cool metal slid through his fingers as he fumbled to find the switch. 

Where was the button again? Oh, he should have trained with this thing before he got on board!

His thumb found its place, the saber quickly igniting in a loud buzz. 

Vader quirked a brow. “A Jedi? No… You’re too incompetent with that.” He seemed rather unimpressed. Luke tried not to take offense.

Luke was going to train to become a great Jedi! Just like his father before him. He simply needed to trust the force, like Ben always said!

It would guide him, and this weapon would fight in yet another battle against this great beast.

Luke spread his feet, attempting to balance his weight between both. “I am not a Jedi yet, but I will be! And I'll defeat you and avenge my father!”

Vader hummed. “A revenge plot. Has no one taught you that revenge is not the Jedi way?”

No! No one told him anything! He only recently learned his father was  murdered by this monster. Luke was entirely behind on just about every aspect of his life at the moment.

He’d make it out of this, though. He would make it out of this battle station and Ben would train him and he’d defeat the Empire. It wouldn't be easy, but he would succeed! 

He would not die today!

There was a huff, almost like a  laugh from Vader. The man unhooked his own saber, igniting it. Red light filled the room, crackling and hungry as it flickered next to the man’s tall form. “You project your thoughts, young one. How unfortunate, perhaps under different circumstances you could have become an inquisitor.”

The man stalked forward, Luke taking a scared step back.

No! No, he was fighting this! He could not act like a scared dog!

He rushed forward, forcing his legs to move despite the icy chill of terror wrapped around each muscle fiber. He lifted his saber above his head, flinging it down towards Vader. The man blocked with ease, their sabers clashing against one another.

“Entirely barbaric movements.” Vader said cooly, shoving Luke back with a surge forward.

Luke stumbled back, feet slapping against the metal floor as he tried to regain his footing. Before he could, Vader was swinging his saber at him. With wide eyes, Luke thrusted his saber forward, barely blocking it from hitting his face. The sound of their sabers crackling against each other was nearly deafening. Luke couldn't even hear the monster breathing. A kick to the gut sent him to the ground, back hitting the wall. Oxygen was knocked out of his lungs, a pained yowl escaping him as his spine collided with steel.

“Luke!” Han shouted, holding his blaster up. “Get away from the kid!”

A loud zip sounded as Vader threw his saber up. The blaster bolt ricocheted against the saber, bouncing into one of the walls next to Han’s head with a terrifying hiss. The smuggler’s eyes bulged out, gritting his teeth.

“Run!” Luke shouted, arching his saber in a wide attack. Vader reached out a hand, stopping Luke’s arm before it could reach him.

The man scowled at him. “Who trained you? They did so poorly.”

Luke growled, kicking his legs out towards the man’s, only for his foot to collide with durasteel. “Ouch! Are you a droid?!” Luke yelled, only to be thrown into the wall across from him.

The man moved his fingers down with a simple motion, the doors around the hall all sliding shut.

No running now.

Chewie let out a loud growl, holding up his own crossbow blaster. Vader looked only mildly annoyed at the situation. Like this was all some minor inconvenience and not their  lives on the line.

Luke forced himself to his feet, rushing at Vader as he deflected Chewie’s bolts. Vader’s saber clashed against his with a resounding hum, sparks of blue and red bursting from each hit. The lights burned into his retinas, coloring everything in shades of anger and hope. The man spun, knocking the saber from Luke’s hands with a solid hit. Chewie shot another bolt, only for Vader to reflect it back at him. The Wookie howled, gripping his arm as the blaster dropped from his hands.

Panic infected Luke. It was like a virus. It pierced through every part of him, making him itch as his skin crawled and screamed. Icicles formed in his bloodstream and scratched at his insides.

Danger. Danger. You're going to die here.

Luke refused! This could not be how his story ended. Not like this.

He crawled towards his saber, reaching out with the force. It wiggled on the ground, hope igniting in Like as he reached further.

Trust in the Force. It will guide you.

The saber flew off the floor, a smile exploding up Luke’s face.  Yes! He had used the force!

But just as quickly as the excitement came, it drained from him. The sword flew past his head, Luke turning to see it right in Vader’s hand.

The monster inspected it, eyes rolling over the hilt. Slowly, mild annoyance became true  anger. Luke felt his whole body shiver, rage exuding from the man in icy waves. 

“Where. Did you get this?” Vader hissed, eyes snapping back to Luke. 

Even if Luke wanted to answer, he couldn't. Words were trapped in his throat, frozen over like a block of ice in his vocal cords.

Vader growled, stomping towards him. Han fired another blaster bolt, only for the man to  stop it mid air. Vader held a hand out, ripping the blaster from Han’s grasp. The monster rolled his hand into a fist, the blaster groaning before it was broken into hundreds of pieces.

Han simply blinked, jaw dropped in shock.

Luke quickly scrambled backwards as the monster continued its approach. He couldn't get far before the man reached down, twisting his hand into his shirt and slamming him into the wall. The ice in his throat was knocked loose.

The man shoved the hilt in his face.  “ Where.  Did. You. Get.  This?!”

Luke flailed in his grip, hands coming up to claw at the monster’s arm. “Ben— Ben gave it to me!”

Luke groaned as Vader slammed him into the wall again.

“ Who is Ben?!”

Luke felt so terribly  small in Vader’s grasp. Like he was just a child in the hands of the monster under his bed. He found himself spilling all his secrets, some desperate hope that it would let him live for even a second longer. Draw it out, find a way to escape.

“I— I don’t know! He's an old hermit! Leia said something about General Kenobi?! He said he was a Jedi! He was— He was going to train me to be like my dad! That's my dad’s saber!”

Would Vader know? Would he recognize him? Clearly, he knew the lightsaber. Had his dad put up a good fight? What a shame he was, then. The Skywalker line ending so helplessly like this.

Fallen to the same man, by the same blade.

The man’s eyes were bouncing all around his face, eyebrows scrunched together. “What is your name?” It was still demanding. Still  angry… but it was not as harsh as the last question.

Luke tried to pull the man’s fingers from his clothes, but it only severed to make them tighter. “Luke—”

“Full name.”

He gulped. “My name is Luke Skywalker.”

He was unceremoniously dropped to the ground. Vader stumbled a few steps back, eyes wide and disbelieving. “You— You… You’re  alive.”

What game was he playing? Luke thought bitterly. 

Vader’s chest rose and fell quickly as the man gripped his chest where his heart would be.  If he even had one.

His eyes rolled over Luke's form nonstop. Like he was trying to soak in every detail from the size of his feet to the part in his hair.

“Luke.” Vader whispered with a strange hint of  reverence in the name. Luke shivered, watching as the man reached up and clasped the edges of his mask. It fell to the floor with a loud  crack to reveal the face of a… strangely familiar man. Not one he had seen in any holos or news reports from the inner rim. No, someone he’d see in the corner of his eye when he passed by a mirror. A slightly warped reflection that dug up  something inside his brain. The scar along his eye rolled down near his lip. His face was pale and clean shaven. There were a few wrinkles under his eyes and around his cheeks and nose, but he still looked  young.  

The cold around them dissipated slightly. Luke opened his mouth to say something, only for Vader to collapse next to him. The man's arms snaked around him and he squeaked as he was pressed into a firm chest.

“You're alive…” Vader whispered, chin hooked over the top of his head. Luke was stunned, unable to move within the jaws of this beast. There were horrified looks from the others as they watched this unfold.

A hand found its way into his hair, pushing his face further into the monster’s chest.  Desperation leaked from the man.

Luke couldn't hardly breathe. His lungs were stuck, and his body was frozen. What was he supposed to do? What did this all mean? Why was Vader  hugging him?

Was he going to snap his spine? Did this have something to do with his father?

The man leaned into him further, his cape flowing over them and covering the both of them. Like he was trying to merge with the floor. 

The icicles in Luke’s bloodstream began to melt with the warmth of the man’s body. The anger was gone, replaced now with this deep sense of  want.

“I've got you.” Vader whispered. Though, he wasn't quite sure who he was talking to. It hadn't felt fully directed at Luke, more like a silent affirmation to himself.

“The emperor  lied. ” Vader squeezed him tighter.

Luke made a choked sound and the man quickly released him. Vader jumped to his feet, looking towards one of the closed doors. 

“ Obi-Wan. ” Vader  hissed. His lips curled up into a growl.

It was odd. He could see the  humanness of the monster. It wasn't a droid with the skin of a dead man. It was a  person.

He wasn't sure if that was more or less terrifying.

The door slid open, revealing his teacher. 

“Ben!” Luke shouted with excitement. 

He'd save him! He came to rescue them all!  No one could defeat him, Luke was sure. Hoped.

Vader and Kenobi locked eyes, simply staring at each other in silence. The only sound was the buzzing of Vader’s saber. Strangely, Ben did not look ready to fight at all. He had a sad frown on his face, and some deep sense of… regret?

Was that the feeling Luke was getting from him?

Vader raised his saber at the man.  “You knew?”

The man closed his eyes, nodding.

Vader’s grip tightened so firmly Luke was sure he’d crush his own hilt. Vader’s teeth were on full display, grinding against each other so loudly Luke could feel it in his bones.

“You  kept him from me?!”

Kenobi sighed, opening his eyes and tilting his head towards Vader. “I was protecting him.”

What were they talking about?

Vader stomped towards the Jedi, blade nearly meeting his neck. “Do you think for a  moment that I'd hurt him?!”

Why wasn't Ben defending himself?!

A dark look passed over Ben’s face, tilting his chin up at Vader. “It would not be the first time.”

The man growled and shoved Kenobi to the ground. 

Their only hope was going to die! Luke scrambled to his feet, watching as Vader grabbed the man by the shirt just as he had before.

“ That was a mistake. One I will not make again.”

Ben scowled at Vader, making no move to defend himself. “And you expected me to trust that?! Look at where you are! At what you're  doing!”

Vader looked away momentarily, teeth still barred, but he did not have an argument for the Jedi. “You have  no idea what you've done, Kenobi. I will not hurt him,  ever. That, I promise.  You however… I…” Vader hesitated. 

No! No, please! Don't kill Ben. Luke needed him. Luke couldn't have another person he knew die because of him. A tear slipped past his defenses.

Kenobi looked at him, then back to Vader. “You're scaring the boy.”

Vader head snapped towards him, making Luke take a step back. The man frowned. “You never should have brought him here.” Vader said, looking back towards Kenobi. “I shouldn't have known about him.”

Even  Ben looked confused at that.

Vader stood, releasing the man’s robe. The red saber retreated back into his hilt. “But now that I do…” He straightened his back, taking a deep breath. “ That changes things.”

Changes things?! What did that mean! Was he going to torture him to death? What was this about not harming him?

Vader began to pace in a small line, moving back and forth as his cape whipped behind him. He never looked away from Ben. Like he was a predator stalking its prey.

“What are you talking about, Vader?” Ben asked, suspicion laced in each word. “You will not turn him.”

“Of course not!” Vader snapped, the whole room flinching at the noise. The man scowled at Kenobi. “As I said, I will not harm the boy. Now—”

“Can you stop talking about me like I’m not here?!” Luke shouted, immediately regretting it when all heads turned towards him. Leia was uncharacteristically quiet. She was being more calculating with her words. Han and Chewie simply seemed too flabbergasted to speak. 

Vader huffed as he looked to the ground, eyes bouncing between Kenobi and Luke before finally settling on him.

“Luke, what do you know of your father?” He held up the saber, presenting it to him.

Luke looked from the hilt to the man’s face, lips thinning into a line. “His name was Anakin Skywalker, and you killed him.”

Vader stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. Luke froze under the weight, head tilted back to watch the man’s yellow eyes. “No,  I am your father.”

What. 

Luke couldn't breathe. The weight of the hand on his shoulder was suffocating. It crushed him, he could hear the bones snapping.

What?

“No— No, that's  impossible.” Luke said, disgust written in his tone. Vader had the gall to  flinch at the visceral spit. Luke looked to Kenobi, hoping the man would tell the truth.

“Search your feelings, little one, you know it to be true.” Vader said.

Instead he was met with a sorrowful expression.  I’m sorry, young one. The man nodded. The small shake of the man’s head condemned him. 

Vader was Anakin Skywalker.  Vader was his father.

The man –  his father – took a step back, releasing the hold he had on his shoulder. His face smoothed into something expressionless. The man looked to Obi-Wan, nodding his head towards one of the doors. Obi-Wan’s squinted at him. Suspicion and hope both shone in his eyes simultaneously. Hesitantly, he stood to his feet and nodded.

Vader rolled his shoulders with a loud sigh. “Always throwing a wrench into things, Obi-Wan. Does anyone have a knife?” Vader asked suddenly, looking over the room.

Han snorted. “I have one. But why in the  world would I give you a weapon when you were just trying to kill us! This little family reunion is sweet and all but unlike that old hag I don't trust you.”

Vader leveled him with an unimpressed look. “I currently weld two of the most powerful weapons in the galaxy. Your little pocket knife is not something I'd use in battle.” He held his hand out, watching as the knife ripped through Han’s pocket and the smuggler let out an indigent sound.

“Hey! What do you even need a knife for then?”

The knife smacked into Vader’s hands as he quickly clipped the lightsabers onto his belt. “Not that my intentions are of any concern to you, but this requires something much more precise.”

Obi-Wan squinted at him. “What is your plan, Anakin?”

Vader glared at him. “Do not call me that. My name is Vader, you shall address me as such.” Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. “And unfortunately, my previous plan has currently been  uprooted. Which means that my life, for a moment, will be in  your hands.” He shoved a finger into Obi-wan's chest.

“What?!” Obi-Wan asked, near disgust in his tone.

Luke watched as Vader pulled out a commlink. 

Vader. His father? Luke was still processing this revelation.

“Admiral Piett.” 

Was he contacting help? Luke took a step away from the man. 

Kenobi was watching him carefully, observing his quick movements and keeping a small distance away.

Vader turned his back to Kenobi as he spoke. “The plan has been… changed.”

A hand found its way to Kenobi’s lightsaber. Luke watched with bated breath. 

“Sir, do you need to be recovered?” The imperial on the other end asked.

“No. Continue operations as usual, stay undercover for now. Do as the emperor commands. I will need your assistance at another time.”

The emperor? Why would they  not do as he commands? Unless…

Vader’s let out a hefty sigh as he raised a hand to his face, running it down his skin. “Execute order 66.” 

Obi-Wan ignited his saber, getting in a defensive position. “What are you  doing?”

“Are you sure, Sir?! You are not on board! We cannot—” Piett started. 

The man only glanced back at Kenobi.  “Do it.”

The comm cut out and silence fell among them. Vader’s body tensed, his pupils constricting as his jaw set. He almost looked like— he was in pain?

Vader pulled the knife up with stiff muscles, bringing it behind him.

“Ana— Vader, what are you—”

The knife sunk into his skin, Luke gasping at the sight as blood began to trickle down his neck. Was he— killing himself? Cutting out his own spine?!

Obi-Wan sucked in a breath through his teeth.

What? What was happening?! What was Obi-Wan seeing!

The knife clattered to the ground, sweat started to bead down his forehead.  “Get it out.” Vader hissed. 

Obi-Wan dropped his lightsaber, rushing over to the man. There was a terrible  squelch as the Jedi stuck his fingers into the open wound. 

“Anakin, I can’t— I don't have the proper medical equipment for this. If I do it wrong then—”

Vader rolled his eyes, his whole head practically rolling with it as he grit his teeth. “If you do not get this thing out of me  now  I will kill each and every one of you!”

Obi-Wan pulled on  something, Vader’s entire body tensing at that. Whatever  it was did not come out with one pull. 

“Forget it!”  Vader growled, his hand rising into the air. He clinched it into a fist.

“Anakin, don’t—!”

With a sickening  squish a piece of metal was sent  flying out of Vader’s neck. It embedded itself into the wall, fiber optic cables growing from it like some unnatural mimicry of a nervous system. It was coated in bright red blood. Electricity whizzed off of it, the cables jumping and shaking from the energy. They smacked against the wall, like a roaring parasite that sent the blood flying onto the floors.

There was a distinct  smell of burning flesh. It had Leia gagging. 

Luke’s eyes widened in horror as he looked to Vader's face. The man’s jaw was set, eyes thinned into a squint. But he did not flinch. He did not make a sound. 

He knew what that device was. He  recognized it. The main metallic chip. The wires that spread from it in all directions.

That was—

“A slave chip.” Obi-Wan said, terror in his voice. 

A thing built to keep slave’s in line. To… to  control them. By the looks of the one in the wall, it was strung through his whole body. Tied with clips through each of his nerves.

It wasn't  meant to be taken out. At any form of tampering, it was to send an electric shock so intense that it would instantly  fry the entire nervous system.

And yet…

Vader still stood.

Vader let out a slow breath from his nose as his eyes shut. His hands curled into fists at his side. For a moment, there was only silence. Then, the room began to  shake. Leia quickly jumped towards Luke, grabbing onto him as they kept each other on their feet.

Then, it stopped. Vader rolled his shoulders, opening his piercing yellow eyes. “I have severed my bond with Sidious.”

Luke had no clue what that meant. Who was Sidious? What was this  bond?

However, it seemed  Obi-Wan knew what that meant. It seemed the man knew a lot more than he originally let on. Especially that this… man was his  father.

Obi-Wan could only stare at Vader. He had a hand held out halfway, like he wanted to grab him as Vader had grabbed Luke not too long ago.  “Anakin…” he whispered.

Vader scowled but did not correct him. “The emperor will be notifying the station of my betrayal shortly. I suggest that we head to your ship sooner rather than later.”

“You really did it. Just like that?” Obi-Wan breathed.

Vader pinched the bridge of his nose, irritation clear on his features. “Yes. We can discuss the details of this…  truce at another time. For now, we  must get moving.”

“How are you still standing?” Luke asked. Because he truly wanted to know. How was his  father still standing after having his slave chip forcibly ripped out of him?

There were… other implications that the chip held. Things that Luke would have to sit with for a while to think about. He could tell that the others were sitting with that too.

Vader looked at him for a moment. For a second, Luke wasn’t sure he’d answer. But whatever stern, expressionless facade he was wearing fell for just a moment. He looked… sad. Luke’s heart panged as his father’s lips twitched upwards.

“This is not the first time, little one.”

And that was all he said. That is all that needed to be said. Things were slowly piecing together, and he knew whatever sick puzzle they were making would not end up being pretty.

And just like that, his face went blank again. “Now let's  move.”

“We aren't going anywhere with  you!” Leia finally spoke up. “You are a  monster. And what?! You want us to go with you just because you  promised not to hurt your own child?! To be honest I don't even believe that!”

“Leia—” Obi-Wan started, but the young girl ignored him. 

She marched up to the man, jamming a finger into his chest. “I just watched you kill  millions. And you want a pity fest with that little display?! Well, I'm not buying it! If you really did turn against the empire, then  prove it and stay here and rot and die!”

Vader’s lip curled up, hand flying up to grab her wrist. She yelped, trying to pull away but his grip was like  iron.

“Anakin! Don't hurt her.” Obi-Wan snapped. “She is… important.” He hesitated.

There was something more to that, Luke noted. It seemed Vader could tell it too. More than just a  political importance.

Vader looked from the man back to the princess, scanning her face. Her lip curled up, and sweat began to pour down her neck. He leaned closer, inspecting each of her facial features.

There was a distinct ringing in Luke’s ear. Everything around them became muffled aside from that magnetic  pull. It sounded like Han was speaking, but Luke couldn't hear it.

He felt dizzy, nauseous almost. His heartbeat was strangely loud and heavy. 

What was  happening?

Obi-Wan shut his eyes, looking away.

Suddenly, Luke’s ears  popped. The world came flooding back to him as he took a deep breath in.  Had he not been breathing?

Vader let go and Leia stumbled back.

“I’d kill you right now, Kenobi.” Vader said.

“I'm sorry.” Obi-Wan responded. That's all he could say. It seemed entirely genuine.

Sorry for what? What just happened?

Luke rushed over to Leia, gripping her arm as she stumbled on her own feet. Leia gripped her head, feeling her brain pound with each heartbeat. “What— What was  that?”

Vader looked to Obi-Wan. For a moment, it seemed as if they were communicating amongst themselves. Finally, Obi-Wan sighed.

“Leia, I— I’m hesitant to tell you this. And there will be  much to explain later. This is not a story to tell right now. However, I am… fairly confident in Vader’s words. He will not harm either of you. You’re his… children.”

Leia’s teeth were barred, anger flashing across her face in a way that reminded Obi-Wan far too much of Mustafar.

“What?! I  refuse. I am not related to— to that  thing. That  monster! ”

“What are we all related to him or something?!” Han shouted, only to be interrupted by a loud  ‘not now!’ from the twins.

“I am aware this is incredibly unpleasant, Leia.” Obi-Wan said. “I  will explain more of this at another time. I promise it will all make sense then.”

Vader suddenly dropped to one knee before them. The floor shook from his fall as he bowed his head. “I dedicate my life to you both. I will ensure until my last breath, that no harm will come to you by my hand, nor by the hands of any others. Lest I cut them off, and end their lives swiftly.”

Woah. Was all Luke could think. It felt… uncomfortable for anyone to be bowing before him this way. No matter who it was, the idea of it was…

It disturbed him.  His father, no less.

His father?! Luke still couldn't quite wrap his head around it. Forgive him for being a bit repetitive.

Vader raised his head, only for Leia to step forward with a harsh  slap across his face.

The man did not react.

She growled, hands turning to fists. “I  do not accept! I will not have a monster like you on my tail as some— some bodyguard!”

The man stood up, and Luke could  feel the fear creeping up Leia’s back. Yet, she did not shrink back. No, she puffed her chest out, as if ready to die for her disrespect.

Luke understood her— he really did. But he couldn't quite… relate to her anger. Not now. Luke had always  dreamed of meeting his parents. And now… now he had. And his father was  promising to take care of them.

He was conflicted. He couldn't even imagine the horrors this man has done. Yet his eyes always found their way to the chip still in the wall.

How long had he had that?  ‘This isn't the first time.’  Had his father tried to…  free  himself before?

How much of this was him? How much of this was a monster, and how much of this was a slave?

“Frankly, Princess,” Vader started, “your feelings on the matter are of little consequence. My protections are innate. There are things you do not, and will never if I have any say in the matter, understand. You do not have to enjoy my presence, nor do you have to accept the truth of your heritage, but you will have to  tolerate it. If not for your sake, then for your brother's.”

Brother. That was him! He had a sister. Did that make him a prince? No, no it couldn't because Leia was the princess of  Alderaan. She was adopted.

Aw man, being a prince would have been cool!

Leia scowled, nose flaring but she didn't say another word. Vader took that as some form of rough agreement, and began to stalk towards the exit. With a flick of his hand, the door opened to the hanger.

Vader held out his hand, forcing his mask to fly to him. He quickly hooked it on, marching forward. The hangar was  lined with stormtroopers and commanders.

Obi-Wan motioned for them to follow, and with some reluctance, the group followed in the trail of Vader’s cape. 

“Sir.” One of the commanders said, standing in front of the man. 

Vader narrowed his eyes at him. “What is it, Admiral?”

There was a distinct  click as the stormtroopers changed their blasters from stun to kill.

“The emperor has labeled you a traitor to the empire. I see you are attempting to leave with imperial prisoners. I must share my sentiments with the Lord.”

Vader hummed. “Very well, Admiral. The question is not whether or not we make it onto this ship alive. The question is if  you are alive at the end of this. I  strongly suggest that you and your men drop your weapons and allow us to pass through.”

The man swallowed thickly. Vader could  smell the fear from the stormtroopers. He grinned under his mask.

“Decide quickly, Admiral. I am not well known for my patience.”

The man stared at Vader for only a moment longer, before stepping to the side. “Lower your weapons.”

Vader hummed. “A wise choice.” Vader looked back, nodding towards the entrance ramp. Han and Chewie took the opportunity immediately, passing the man and walking up the ramp. With a little push, Leia walked forward with Luke. Vader and Obi-Wan followed closely behind.

Their feet met the metal ramp, echoing in the quiet hanger.

When suddenly a stormtrooper decided to be  brave. Luke did not have time to think, one moment he was looking at the inside of the ship, the next he was covered in a soft darkness. Luke yelped as an arm shoved him backwards, light peeking into the darkness for only a moment.

“That.” He heard his father say above him.  “Was a mistake.”

He was shoved back once again, tumbling out of Vader’s cloak. A red saber roared to life, Vader raising his hand. Luke watched as the troopers began to reach for their necks. But before he could see what happened, Obi-Wan grabbed him and shoved him further into the ship.

But that didn't stop him from hearing the deafening  crack of bone.

Luke rushed towards the cockpit, ignoring the sinking pit in his stomach. Han was already there, flicking switches and turning dials. Only a moment later, Vader marched in behind.

“They will target you as soon as you exit this hanger. Be ready to jump to hyperspace immediately.” Vader said, crossing his arms as he stood in the doorway.

Han leveled him a look. “No back seat flying, please. And yes, I already have everything punched. We just need a bit of distance.”

“I’d be surprised if this ship could even take off.”

Han turned in his seat, pointing at the man. “This baby has completed the Kessel run in 12 parsecs!”

“We know!” Luke and Obi-Wan groaned in unison. The ship let out a  chunk  as it shook. The engines sputtered to life, landing gear slowly inching back into the hull. 

They burst from the hangar, dodging blaster fire as they dove and spun. Within only a moment, they entered hyperspace. The speckles of stars and planets flew past them in colorful streaks as they plunged into the unknown.

Chapter Text

There was a long, tense silence in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. Luke’s eyes bounced between the whole crew, hands tucked together between his legs as he fidgeted with his fingers.

Han had his hands on the steering, picking at the paint that was chipping off. Leia sat behind him, arms crossed and a twitch on her brows. 

Obi-Wan was cautiously leaned in the corner, avoiding the loose wires and panels. He avoided eye contact with the hulking figure in the doorway. 

Vader was… mostly expressionless. His arms were crossed, and his face spoke of a general annoyance. As Luke looked between him and Leia, he found they were pretty similar. There was the smallest twitch in Vader’s eyelid, eyes hardened into a near glare as they watched the stars fly past them.

It was quite discombobulating seeing Vader in such a ship. The Millennium Falcon was a good ship, but it was rather dirty. It was meant for cargo, after all. It did not have the accommodations suiting who was, for all intents and purposes, the second in command to the Empire.

Was he anymore? Did he give that up?

The only dirt Vader would typically be seen in was the remains of his victims. Luke shuddered at the thought. For a moment, Luke saw Vader’s eyes shift to him before they snapped back to the glass. 

He supposed he already knew his father was probably a killer. After all, the Jedi were peacekeepers. And peace could not be kept without blood being spilt. But he had rationalized that— This would take some time to rationalize as well.

If his suspicions about that chip held any merit, that is.

It was Obi-Wan that broke the awkward silence with a feigned cough into his fist. Attention snapped to the elderly man, Obi-Wan giving a wry smile before turning to Vader.

“Well… We have a lot of explaining to do.”

“Yeah.” Leia snapped, shoving herself to her feet as she glared at their father. “You do.”

Luke was glad to not be on the receiving end of the princess’s anger. His sister. He had a sister! 

Would she even… be interested in having a relationship? Luke wouldn't blame her if she did not, but it would sting a little nonetheless.

Vader hummed. “Indeed.” The man turned, walking down the hall without another word. His cape fluttered behind him with each step, a theatrical flare Luke couldn't help but notice.

He supposed it was for intimidation— It probably would have been. The lengthening of the shadow of death. A trail of the grim reaper.

However, Luke found himself seeing two different versions of his father. The man he was now: dark, brooding, and terrifying. The sounds of his breathing had people skittering away like womp rats.

Then, there was the one he was told about so long ago. A quick witted and dramatic man who was known to provoke the enemy with sly smiles and overconfidence. Who would put on an act just to make someone laugh. Luke was told he was a bit like him in that manner.

For a second, that wasn’t the Empire’s shadow, that was just his dad wearing a melodramatic cape. The contrast nearly made Luke laugh. He felt like he was going insane, just a little bit.

The crew followed the man wordlessly. Han truly had no part in this endeavor, but he could tell his interest was piqued. Perhaps if Luke was watching this, it would seem like some form of reality TV show. Some drama that would have had him at the edge of his seat.

The villain turned out to be the hero's father?? What a twist! Not only that, but the princess’s father too! It kept getting better and better.

Except he was notthe observer to a fictional show. This was hisreality. He was following the Darth Vader down messy halls to hear some type of explanation for how this happened. 

Vader led them to the common area, gesturing to the long white couch. Luke eagerly scooted in, settling in the center. Leia sat just at the very edge, nearly falling off. Her arms were crossed and her eyes never left Vader as if he would pounce any minute.

Obi-Wan had his arms crossed as well, though a bit more relaxed than Leia. He raised a brow at Vader as he gestured widely. “The floor is yours.”

Vader opened his mouth, preparing whatever rant and explanation he had in store when there was a loud beep.

Vader’s mouth shut with a click, brows knitting together just slightly as he looked towards the entrance of the room. A loud whirr sounded, wheels spinning rapidly as R2 entered the room.

“R2?” Vader asked incredulously. 

Vader knew about R2?! By the looks of it, R2 recognized Vader.At this point who didn’t know his father? The droid rolled right into Vader’s legs, banging against him repeatedly.

The man glared as R2 released a string of angry noises. Luke had gotten decent at understanding many different droids’ mannerisms and tone, but he could not yet understand the words.

Clearly, however, R2 had a lot to say to the man before them.

“Well, it wasn’t my intention—” Vader started, only to get rammed by the droid again.  “ R2. I did intend to come back to the ship. No—”

Did… did his father understand R2? Fully? What were they possibly talking about? Clearly, they had known each other, but for R2 to act in such a way they'd have to be close. But R2 was Leia's droid, part of the rebellion!

Did R2 know Vader was Anakin Skywalker? Or did he only recognize him now that his mask was off?

R2 jittered from side to side, more furious strings of binary rolling out of the astromech. Luke was fairly certain that whatever that little droid was saying was enough to make even Han blush.

Vader rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t even my fault— it was his.” The man hissed, pointing at Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan raised his hands, a light smile playing on his lips. “I have no idea what you two are discussing.”

“When you—” Vader started, only for R2 to roll directly over his foot. The man deadpanned at the droid, unimpressed despite having his toes crushed by a 100 pound mech. “A futile attempt.” R2 angrily shook back and forth, beeping loudly once again with a loud whine. “Yes. It is metal, a prosthetic.” 

So it was durasteel! That's why it hurt so bad to kick! Luke knew he wasn’t crazy.

Obi-Wan raised a brow, shifting his weight to lean against the wall. “Last time I checked, you had three limbs leftover. Lose more in battle?” He grinned.

Only three?? Luke was severely lacking in context here! And he was just about getting sick of it!

Vader’s jaw set and he barely spared the man a glance. “You could say that.” His voice dropped in an almost imperceptible way. So little it made Luke question if he was making up the change of tone. But one glance at Obi-Wan, and he saw his expression change for only a moment. Like someone had tied the finest silk string to the corners of his lips and ever so slightly tugged. Luke wished he had that type of control over his expressions, but he had always been an open book when it came to his emotions.

He had a feeling his father had been too, before whatever made him… like this. Whatever he lost limbs to.

Before Luke could truly dive into that, a claw popped out from R2’s center. Electricity shot out of it and directly into Vader’s leg. The man’s nose scrunched, taking a step back. 

“Ow.” He said blandly. R2 shocked him again, the man slapping him on the dome. “I'll shut you off. Watch yourself.”

R2 grumbled, clearly having more to say but choosing to refrain. For now.

“Oh, R2! You really must stop running away from me like this!” In came C-3PO, waddling slowly on his stiff legs. 

Vader’s hand flew to his face, slapping across his forehead as he dragged it down slowly, agonizingly.

“You knowC-3PO?” Luke asked, leaning against the table.

Luke was starting to feel like he was possibly the only person in the galaxy who did not know his father! His own dad. First Obi-Wan lied to him about Vader—which they’d need to discuss—and also Leia! And now two rebellion droids knew his father as well!

At least Han and Chewbacca had no idea what was going on. He was glad they were entertained by this spectacle. It was a bit humerous, even Luke had to admit. 

Obi-Wan had the audacity to giggle to himself, like he knew yet another thing Luke did not. That seemed to be once again, a very common factor!!

Vader grimaced, looking the translator up and down. “Unfortunately… I built him.”

Luke immediately sat up, getting on his knees in the booth to give him as much height as possible. He leaned against the flat surface, palms slapping against it and echoing in the quiet room. “You build droids too?!” He couldn't hide the excitementin his tone. It was childish, barely hidden glee.

Leia gave him a disgusted look at the strange show of emotion, and he couldn't really blame her. Childish gleewas not exactly what someone like Vader should incite in someone— Anyone. But well… Luke knew so little about his father! Even the bits and pieces he got from Obi-Wan were only tastes of the complicated person  Anakin Skywalker was.

Or maybe Luke really was just mental for caring at all regardless.

Vader tilted his head at Luke. For a moment, Luke felt something. At the back of his mind. Like someone was poking him inquisitively. Like somebody was trying to see more of him than just his outwardly appearance. He was fairly sure that was Vader. It was a bit cold. As if a chilled finger was pressed onto the back of his neck.

“Do you enjoy building, son?” Vader asked.

Son. He paused, eyes owlish and blinking rapidly. Son, son, son. A title he had heard before in passing. A light pat on the head from friends and family, with a fond ruffle of his hair as they called him son, kid, buddy.

None of that held the emotional weight as the word coming from Vader’s lips. His biological father. It was not a term of endearment. It was a statement: a claim. An ugly and beautiful truth.

Did Vader understand the weight of that word at this very moment? Did it slip past his tongue so easily that he barely felt the power behind it?

Luke watched Vader’s lips press together, looking him right in the eyes. He did. There was a tension there, anticipation and if Luke didn't know better, he would have said the barest hints of hope. It was draining the longer Luke stared. That cold began to retreat, and Luke suddenly felt himself reach out. 

He nodded rapidly. “Yes!” He said before he could think. He did not want to shut his father out— He should. But he does not want to. The finger on his neck warmed, and he couldn't help but smile. “There wasn't much to use back on the farm. But I tinkered with what I could!”

Leia rolled her eyes, leg bouncing almost imperceptibly. “Well, if you are the one who made 3PO, that explains why he is so maddening.”

The touch on the back of Luke’s neck was warm, but the aura radiating from Leia was hot. Every moment they spent together only seemed to strengthen it. Luke could see the way she was grinding her teeth, prepared to snap and growl but just barely holding herself back.

Vader didn't seem bothered by the attack, making Leia’s lip twitch.

“How did 3PO and R2 end up here then? Who is R2 to you?” Luke asked. He wanted to scoot closer to Leia, gently stroke her back and tell her it was alright. Whatever it was in this case. But it felt empty. Nothing felt quite right at the moment. 

Vader hummed. “R2 was originally your mother’s astromech. However, when we wed we exchanged droids. I gave her 3PO as companionship, and she gave me R2 to assist in my missions during the Clone Wars.”

Leia scoffed, a small smile playing at the edge of her lips. It peeled back, revealing the whites of her teeth. Her aura burst from her like a bomb, a charged attack. She found something to say, something Luke imagined would not be pretty.

“For companionship? Is that why she died? You gave her a droid that exasperated her to death?”

The temperature dropped. Luke’s lungs shivered inside his chest, stuttering for a breath as if he was being suffocated. Obi-Wan stood straight, eyeing the behemoth before them. Vader’s lips twitched, eyes hardened into a piercing yellow. The gold inside stilled, focusing on Leia’s feral grin. The princess jutted her chin out, daring the man to say a word. To kill her right then and there.

Han whistled lowly, eyes wide and a smirk on his face. “Whew, princess. Didn't think you had that in you to go so low.”

Leia puffed out her chest, tilting her head innocently. “She's my mother apparently. I have the right to have a laugh, don't I? I don't care if it hurts Vader’s feelings. ”

She did care. She wanted it to hurt.

Luke wondered if Leia thought for a moment that that was his mother too. That maybe he was caught up in the angry vitriol her words held. He couldn't find it in himself to be mad at her, though. Really, he only felt a bit sad for her.

There was silence between them for a beat. 3PO was rattling off about his maker and how he remembered none of this, no one was truly listening to him though.

Watching, waiting for whatever Vader would do at such mockery. He breathed in through his nose, releasing it slowly. The cold chokehold dissipated, and his lips quirked into a thin smile. 

Oh no.

“It seems you've inherited your wit from me.”

Leia flinched back harshly, face pulled back into pure disgust at the mention of their relation. She looked more offended at Vader’s comeback than if he had simply struck her down right then and there.

“Listen here you—” Leia said, face red and hot as she marched towards the man. She jammed finger into his chest, steam practically blowing from her ears. The temperature changes in the room nearly had Luke passing out. “I am nothing like you!” She growled.

Vader tilted his head. “Whatever you say, daughter.”

She looked as if she had been smacked across the cheek. Her mouth opened and eyes wide. Leia wanted a reaction. She wanted him to push her away and yell back. But he didn't, and Leia was not having it.

“Do not call me that! Not ever.” She hissed.

Vader dipped his head. “Very well, Princess.” It did sound genuine. Luke wasn’t sure if Leia could hear anything other than mockery at this point, but he hoped Vader stuck to that promise for as long as Leia wished it.

Obi-Wan ended up stepping in, forcibly putting himself between them and shoving each back. “Now, now. Let's just take a step back, shall we? Frankly, I’d like to hear what he has to say.” Leia reluctantly stepped back, eyes never leaving Vader as she did. Obi-Wan tilted his head at the man. “After all, I never did get to hear why you turned. One moment we were laughing, next I saw you on Mustafar.”

Vader huffed. “I have no desire to explain myself to you, Obi-Wan. But for the sake of them, I will tell them the fullstory. Not just whatever fragmentsyou gave them.”

Obi-Wan seemed unbothered by his theatrics, shaking his head as if to tell him to get on with it. Vader took a breath and looked back towards the two of them, beginning his tale.

“When I was 9 years old, a Jedi by the name of Qui-Gon Jinn visited me and my mother on Tatooine. With him, he brought Obi-Wan and Padmé Amidala, your mother.”

Leia recognized the name, Luke could tell. Her reaction was mixed— Hurt seemed to be the most prevalent, though.

Vader continued, telling snippets and half stories of fighting Separatists and flying ships. Things the man clearly did not deem all that important, but Luke soaked up every bit of it. He would have to ask for more details at another time.

Finally, they reached a story that Luke was familiar with. The one thing he knew that no one else on this ship could possibly know. 

The Tusken Raiders. 

Luke knew this story— or at least how it ended. The grave of his grandmother wasn't something he visited often. He never did get to meet her. She was murdered  first. It was Anakin that brought her body back with a fire in his eyes, and his family no longer dealt with Sand People in their surrounding territory for many, many years. It was one of the few reasons Luke was safe as a child to wander a few hundred meters from the home.

“We began to reach the end of the Clone Wars. During this period, I began to have more nightmares.”

The room was silent. Obi-Wan was staring, eyes locked onto the man with intense interest. Luke was born on Empire day, which meant whatever had come of Anakin Skywalker happened before that. The end of the Clone Wars, and the end of Anakin Skywalker were closely interlinked. 

“This time it was—” Vader paused for a moment. Luke nearly wanted to comfort him. There was a pain in the Force. It ached with Vader, reaching out to every living thing around him regardless of if the man wanted it to. “It was of Padmé’s death.”

Obi-Wan’s hands were clenched, trying to hide the tremble in his fingertips.

“I refused to allow this vision to come true as well.” Vader said. “I began to research and try to find ways to stop it. I went to Yoda, an old Jedi Master, requesting some guidance on the subject.” The temperature dropped, and Luke felt the darkness around this topic. The soreness as Vader forcefully pressed on the old, still bleeding wound. Vader was bleeding out, uncomfortable and vulnerable in a way he wasn't sure anyone else was appreciating enough. Leia was silenced, looking at Vader’s shoes rather than his eyes. Han was merely looking around the room, trying to understand the strange heaviness he could feel but not see.

And Obi-Wan was watching. In a deeper way Luke hoped matched his own view.

“Nothing from the light was capable of preventing this outcome.”

Perhaps it was a bad thing— That Luke could, for a moment, understand where Vader was coming from. The draw towards something that could keep his loved ones safe.

Or maybe it was a good thing he could sympathize. Maybe that empathy was of the light, he did not know. He found he did not particularly care, either.

He wished someone would have held his father’s hand and told him it was alright. Luke’s Aunt Beru used to do that. He’d have scary dreams, even as an adult, and she’d always be there. A calloused hand with grains of sand indented into fingerprints and dry skin, but kind nonetheless. 

For some reason, Luke doubted Anakin Skywalker was met with the same gentle hand. Belatedly, Luke realized he would never get to feel Beru’s hand again.

“As the war was coming to a close…”

Everyone leaned in just slightly. This was it. The final note before the crash. The swell before the Fall.

“It was then that Palpatine revealed to me he was a Sith Lord, and promised if I joined him, I would have the power to defeat death and save Padmé.”

Obi-Wan was tense. Luke could see him bite his cheek, forcing his lips to stay sealed. 

“I had reached out to the temple, and spoke with Mace about this discovery. It was then I made my decision. I needed the power to save Padmé, and pledged myself to Sidious. And to have that, I had to destroy the rising threat of the Jedi.”

There was so little history on the Jedi Order. The empire had wiped out most texts involving the old Order and what they had done. Simply that they had intended to take control of the Republic by force. He supposed, from Vader’s tale, that was somewhat true.

Was it that easy? To slip in between the cracks of wrong and right when there was a bit of truth on both sides? 

Vader closed his eyes. For a moment, Luke could see it. A rounded room with low lighting. He could feel the whipping wind in his hair from somewhere. There was a soft red chair. Cozy and delicate cushions were along his back. He wasn’t sure anyone else could see it. “I agreed to be trained by him, as long as he helped me save Padmé.”

Fire. Fire. It burned him. It was everywhere. It was so hot. Luke couldn't breathe. There was ash in his lungs and it was so dark. Anger rolled inside him like waves. He tried to touch it, to soothe it, but it only boiled at his approach, sending steam into his eyes and burning them.

Luke glanced over at Leia. She seemed frozen, eyes wide and unblinking. Did she see it too?

“He lied.”

Luke grabbed at his chest as he gasped. 

Searing pain in his chest. He was dead— Oh, he was dead. Why was no one there to stop the pain? It hurt.

Everything faded away instantly, leaving them in the cold buzzing common room of the Millenium Falcon.

“I did everything he asked. I destroyed the Jedi Order, I destroyed the enemy army, and I killed anyone who stood in the way between me and my goal. I ended up on a planet called Mustafar, where Padmé came to me. I realize now that…” Vader paused for an uncomfortable amount of time before continuing. “She had not brought Obi-Wan with her. But at the time, I had believed she brought him to kill me.”

The power of the darkside, Luke thought. He watched as a look of disgust appeared on Leia’s face, and watched as Obi-Wan looked away, not daring to look at the man before them.

The darkness, the guilt, the anger. Luke felt it all at once. The all consuming power that crushed whatever remnants of Anakin Skywalker remained, leaving only Vader. The betrayed and the betrayer. Somehow both and neither.

Vader watched Obi-Wan, even as the man refused to make eye contact with his former student. “I had… harmed her. I believed that I had kept her alive, but was told by my master that I had killed her. However I see now, this was another lie, or else they wouldn’t be here.” Vader pointed at the two of them. “So, Obi-Wan, how did she die?”

Obi-Wan’s eyes fluttered shut. The man took a deep breath, voice wet as he spoke. Luke imagined this was a painful experience all around. “We are… unsure. The harm done to her was minimal, and the medical droids said it had no effect on the birth. But her health simply declined.”

Vader’s hands curled into fists, hiding their shaking just as his former teacher did. Did he pick up that habit during their time together? Luke wondered.

Obi-Wan sighed, rubbing his face rapidly. Once again, Luke could feel the tension in the man as he built up the courage to say something. Luke could tell by the way his eyes darted everywhere except Vader that he was weighing his options, trying to find out if it was worth it.

“Her last words were about you, you know?” Obi-Wan said, finally looking the man in the eyes. Green-blue met yellow. Vader said nothing, only raising a brow. 

“She said… That there was still good in you.” There was a layer there. Hope. It was muffled, worn from years of separation between teacher and student: hesitant and unsure.

“A shame to waste on a dead man.” Vader said, unyielding and without hesitation.

The hope in Obi-Wan was snuffed out. The man sighed. “Now my question to  you. How did you survive?”

Vader leveled him with a look.

There was that pain in Luke’s chest again.

“My master restored me, and informed me of my wife’s death. I had… lashed out, as I felt betrayed he wasted his time with me rather than saving Padmé as he had promised. I was subdued, and here we are.” Vader gestured widely around them.

No. No, that was not the full story. What happened after that? How did Palpatine defeat Vader? Was he less powerful then? Did the chip get installed then? What about his missing limbs? There were nearly 20 whole years between the end of that story and here. All of Luke’s existence, Vader was under Palpatine. 

This was only the surface of Darth Vader. Only the worst of Anakin Skywalker. 

“That is not it.” Obi-Wan hissed. “What about the chip? How come you never tried to kill him again? Why did you give up? That is not what the Anakin I knew would do.”

Vader scowled, crossing his arms. “I am not the  Anakin you knew. You know very little about me.”

“Then tell me.” The man shot back. Begging.

“I do not owe you answers to your questions.” Vader unfolded his arms, once again pointing to the two of them. He met each of their eyes, dipping his head slightly. Almost as if he was bowing. “They, however, are free to ask me any questions they desire. I will answer them with full and blunt honesty, regardless of what that might entail.”

Him and Leia blinked rapidly. “Anything?” They asked in unison.

Vader nodded, ignoring the offended look from Obi-Wan. “Whatever you desire to know.”

There were things Vader was leaving out. Importantparts of his story. Luke wanted to know the gritty details of what his father became. He wanted to crack open the ice and dig through each memory and thought process. He wanted to know his father, the elegant and the foul. 

Leia shifted her weight onto one hip, looking the man up and down. “Including Imperial secrets? Outposts? Hideouts? Prisons? Codes?” She listed off.

Vader only nodded again. “Indeed.”

The empire’s second in command at their feet. Luke realized, Vader was not free of his master. Not here. Vader had simply given himself over to them, showing his belly to his own children. Luke imagined they could do whatever they wanted with the man, and he’d never protest.

From Leia’s smile, she was excited at the opportunity. All over again, Luke knew he was the odd one out. Any sane person would be preening at this. The strongest person in the galaxy at their beck and call. Palpatine had it, and look what he did with it.

Now they had it. Luke found himself frowning. He did not want it.

He stood silently. The room was quiet, watching him approach a monster. Vader observed him, eyes locked into his own. Luke stopped only half an arms length away, tilting his chin up to look the man in the eyes. His father. The one he knew so very little about.

“What is…” He began his first question, hesitating for only a moment. Vader dipped his head forward just slightly, showing he was listening and prepared to answer. The others leaned towards them, eyes wide and curious. He had been so quiet this whole time. He was the one who got crushed by a very awkward hug from the man. Luke licked his lips, blinking as he picked up, “your favorite color?”

Vader blinked. Then blinked again. His hardened expression faltered, dipping into something akin to confusion. “My favorite… color?” He asked, tasting each word slowly, as to ensure he did not mishear. 

Luke nodded seriously. “Yes. That was my question.”

Bewildered. That's how Luke would describe Vader’s face. His brows were practically touching, lips parted and eyes scanning his face. “You could ask me anything… And this is what you wished to ask me first? Are you sure you do not wish to ask me something more in line with… Imperial secrets?” Vader questioned.

Luke frowned, pointing at him. His finger was so close to his face, it made Vader’s eyes cross as he looked at the accusing thing. “You promised! Any question I asked, you’d answer in full honesty.”

Vader looked up, glancing around the room like this was some joke. Leia seemed offended, staring at Luke in disgust. Obi-Wan had a hand hovering over his mouth, hiding a large grin that peaked over the skin.

Vader locked eyes with the older man, gesturing towards Luke as if Obi-Wan would have answered. Vader was truly, utterly, deeply, befuddled.

Luke imagined no one had ever asked the Dark Lord what his favorite color was. Sad. 

Obi-Wan shrugged. “He’s your son.” As if that was an explanation for Luke’s actions.

Leia finally spoke. “Luke. You should have asked about anything else. We don't have time for this!”

Luke frowned at her, jutting his lips out. “No. This is important! I have had this question for forever!” He turned back to Vader. “The Empire has a bit of a monochrome, black to grey color pallet. I need to know if you're bound by this or if black is just your favorite color. Is the Dark Lord bound by a color pallet?”

A crack. It was very subtle, but it was there. A crack in the ice as Vader’s lips quirked up. Honestly, Luke may have just been imagining it.

“I have… never really considered my favorite color. I was not the one to choose my uniform.”

Obi-Wan leaned against the wall, the tension in the room loosening. Luke breathed in relief. Just as he planned.

“I'd bet it's red.” Obi-Wan grinned.

Vader glared at the man, letting him take his focus off Luke for only a moment before turning back to his son. “No.” A beat. Perhaps if it was anyone else, Luke would have found the intense eye contact comfortable. But there was something about looking into his father's eyes that Luke found to be… calming. He was seeing something much deeper. There was so much to search through, Luke knew anyone could get lost searching through Vader’s soul.

It was nice to know Vader wouldn't let him, though. 

“It is blue.”

Luke lit up, grinning wildly. “No way! Mine too! I can't help but love it when it's the color of the sky.” Luke reached down, grasping Vader’s hand in his own. The man’s eyes widened, fingers hesitantly curling around his own before he was dragged towards the couch. Luke knew the man let him drag him; there was no way Luke had the strength to make Vader even budge. That much was clear after their fight.

Vader followed after him as Luke sat in the booth, scooching into the middle to give room. Reluctantly, the man sat next to him.

“Can you tell me about mom?” Luke asked, tone dropping into something quieter, sadder.

Vader hummed. “What is it you’d like to know?”

Luke propped his elbow on the table, leaning on his fist. “Everything. What was she like? What did she look like? Do I look like her? Padmé Amidala is not a name I recognize, but I assume that's because I’ve been on Tatooine.”

“You have her eye shape and cheeks.” Vader answered, voice delicate in a way Luke never would have thought possible. “Your hair also appears thick like hers, while mine tends to be more thin. But everything else is from me. Leia looks much more like her.” Vader looked towards the princess, ignoring the way she tensed as he scanned her face. “But she has my nose. And—”

Leia slammed her hands down, growling as she spoke. “I am not going to sit here and act buddy-buddy with Darth Vader while he reminisces on his dead wife. Frankly, the only reason he should be here is to get valuableintelligence from, Luke!”

Luke frowned. “I do find this valuable.”

“And you are an imbecile for sitting so comfortably next to that monster. I'm not wasting my time with this. Let me know when you're done with these pointless questions, and I'll take my turn interrogating him.” She grinned at Vader, peeling her lips back into something more resembling a snarl than a smile as she lowered her voice mockingly. “Maybe, if I'm lucky enough, I’ll find an interrogation droid similar to the one you used on me!”

She turned, storming out of the room without another word. Her shoes clacked against the metal flooring, echoing even after she was out of view.  

Obi-Wan smiled sadly at Luke. “It's alright, take your time. You deserve to have your questions answered too.” He pushed off the wall. “This does appear to be a private conversation, I will leave you two to it.” As the man left, he gripped the back of Han’s shirt, dragging the man away despite his loud protest. The droids followed after, giving father and son a bit of space. 

Obi-Wan seemed to trust Vader enough to leave him alone with Luke. That was a good sign, at least.

“Sorry about that.” Luke said. He wasn't exactly sure why. Vader didn't particularly deserve his sympathy.

The man seemed to agree, shaking his head. “Do not apologize for the actions of another. Especially actions that require no justification. I… did not expect either of you to wish to speak to me. I expect nothing of either of you at all.”

Luke hummed. That… made sense, he supposed. Vader did not, should not, expect anything. But Luke could feel it. Hope.  As soon as it touched his finger tips, his fist closed around it tightly. He was not sure if it was him grabbing on so Vader would not fall, or if it was so Luke wouldn't lose it. Maybe a bit of both. 

“So… What was Mom like?” Luke asked, choosing to ignore previous events for a little while longer.

Once again, the mention of her, that title falling from Luke’s lips seemed to soften the man ever so slightly.

“She was… perfect. Kind and loving, but also stubborn and strong willed. She held a strong sense of justice. You… have her smile.”

Luke grinned at that, his facing lighting up Vader’s with how bright it was. The room was warm.

For a moment, it was father and son. For a moment, it was everything Luke dreamed of.

For a moment…

They were safe. 

-/-/-/-/-/-

The child lived. 

Sidious smiled as he leaned back on his throne. What an interesting development. The bond between him and Vader was shut off, a knife cleaving through it, hot and angry.

But dull. The bond between master and slave was far too grand to be snipped by a single burst of emotion. It lingered there, frayed and broken, but it stoodnonetheless. Easy enough to repair in full with their assured reunion.

Vader’s betrayal was inevitable. It was a game. One Sidious had been playing long before Darth Vader was even born.

Back when the Force was a broken, wounded thing. It snapped back at him, creating a child so far from where he'd ever think to look.

But oh how foolish it was for the Force’s most loyal followers to bring such a valuable treasure right to his hands. They laid the boy into his awaiting palms, and once again the sheer power of the darkside was revealed.

No matter how many times the Force’s child lashed out against him, the Sith had his pieces in play. It was like watching a toddler throw a tantrum at most.

That is all this was. What a delight it was to know there was another piece at play. A new asset for Sidious to use.

Look who his jewel had surrounded himself with? All the things that made him vulnerable. All Vader’s favorite little toys. Easy to pluck out of his hands and dangle before him.

He closed his eyes as visions danced across his mind. They weaved a beautiful tale. One of triumph. One of shadow and darkness and hate.

Vader’s former master in half, laid across the floor with eyes dead in more ways than one. His jewel’s former padawan in Vader’s hands, closing around her throat and squeezing slowly. There was another. The princess, cold and quiet, huddled with the remains of a dirty smuggler.

All while Luke was dead at his feet. The  pain radiating off Vader was delicious. Sidious licked his lips.

History would repeat itself. Vader would fall to his primitive whims of attachment and  love. He’d do whatever Sidious asked. He’d be on his knees, begging, pleading for his favorite thing to be returned to him.

That was the vulnerability Anakin had. It was the one that strung through Vader even now, and Sidious delighted in it. Weak in the way only he could truly exploit.

Perhaps… Sidious hummed to himself. This presented such an excellent opportunity. Something he had been meaning to test for quite some time…

Poor thing. They were pawns in a game they had already lost. How unfortunate.