The Unseen

Chapter 17 - Remade

The surgery had been a success, and Ahsoka couldn't even express how relieved she was that her former master would be alright, that he could be human again. After four more long weeks, he was finally able to leave the medical wing of the palace and return to one of the guest suites, able to live as a normal person would. For now, at least, he'll be sharing a two-bedroom suite with Obi-Wan and Ahsoka. They wanted to remain near him initially in the unlikely event that something were to happen to him during the night.

Vader – Anakin actually, because without the armor, Ahsoka finds that she can no longer use his Sith name – moves slowly down the hallway. He's obviously still weak and in pain, but he's getting better, and that's what counts most. She studies him as they step through the doorway into the suite. He looks much more like the man she remembers, though his face is still pale and the scars prominent. Some hair is finally beginning to grow on his head, and she imagines in another month or so, he'll be much the same as he used to be, on the outside that is.

On the inside? That's a whole other story. She won't say he's better, but she can tentatively admit that he's improving. Maybe. Hopefully. She'll choose to remain optimistic. He's still very bitter and cynical, but with the unyielding support from herself and Obi-Wan, and the selfless love from his children, he seems less hopeless. He'll never be the same, but she doesn't care. She only wants him to be happy, whatever path he chooses.

And as for Luke and Leia... The twins have become almost inseparable, going everywhere together, and doing everything as though they're one person. Luke has been attending Leia's classes, and in turn, Leia has been coming when Anakin instructs Luke about the basics of the Force, something which Obi-Wan had somehow cajoled him into doing.

Obi-Wan greets them inside the apartment, eyes flicking worriedly over Anakin. "I am fine," he snaps, and Ahsoka still finds it jarring to hear his natural voice after all this time. It doesn't help that he's continued speaking with the same style that he used as Vader. She doesn't really know why and when he began employing so much formality, but she doesn't exactly want to ask him either. It probably wouldn't help.

He claims to be fine, but no one misses how he sinks onto the couch, striving to hide his exhaustion. Obi-Wan motions to her, and she slips into the kitchen area to prepare a cup of tea for all of them. They could use something to drink while they talk – or sit there. It's not easy to introduce Anakin back into society and normal human life, but they'll eventually manage, whether he wants them to or not.

It's hard to believe that only ten years could change someone so much. His interactions with others are often somewhat awkward, and he acts as though he's unsure how to behave. They'll fix that to, by staying with him and attempting to treat him normally, while not acting as though he's about to break.

"So," Obi-Wan states cheerfully after Ahsoka hands each of them a glass and settles down in the living room, "I was thinking that we can start working on helping you get used to fighting again next week now that you won't need a life support suit."

There's a pause. "That would be acceptable," Anakin concedes, staring down into his mug. His blue eyes are dull, and Ahsoka has noticed a faint, almost invisible sheen of yellow lurking within them. They'll have to work on that also, and the best way to do that is by making him want to live again.

"Bail has set aside a room we can use," Ahsoka adds. "The doctor is adamant that we start gradually so your new lungs can get used to the strain and so that you don't stress yourself too much when you're still recovering."

Anakin snorts mirthlessly. "Rest assured that I have endured much worse than this and still been in perfect condition to fight."

Obi-Wan's gaze is sad as he looks as his former Padawan. "But you shouldn't have to," he murmurs gently.