In a lot of fanfiction, a connection to his past self, Anakin Skywalker, is re - established. This could be through a memory triggered by an event or a person. For instance, if he comes across a Padawan in the Empire who reminds him of his own days as a Jedi. Once that connection is made, he begins to fight against the dark side within him and seek redemption. It's a long and difficult process as he has to overcome years of indoctrination into the dark side.
Another common way is through love. He might fall in love with someone who is on the side of the light. This love makes him see the value in the light side again. His love for this person could be so strong that he is willing to risk everything, including his life in the Empire, to become a better person and seek redemption for his past sins.
Typically, Vader's redemption starts with a moment of self - reflection. Maybe he witnesses an act of extreme cruelty by the Empire that makes him question his place. Then he begins to reach out to the Light Side, often through small acts of kindness or defiance against the Emperor.
In some fanfictions, Darth Vader's redemption is linked to his relationship with his daughter, Leia. Maybe he discovers her identity before the events in 'Return of the Jedi' and starts to change his ways in order to protect her and make amends for his past actions. He could start to undermine the Empire from within to ensure her safety.
Ezra's reaction would also depend on his state of mind at the time. If he was feeling confident and strong in the Force, he might be more bold in his approach to Vader. He could try to engage in a battle of wills through the Force, trying to push back against Vader's dark side influence. But if he was already weakened or doubting himself, the sight of Vader could make him feel hopeless and desperate, leading to a more erratic or panicked reaction.
There's a fanfic titled 'Vader's Redemption'. In this story, Vader starts to question his loyalty to the Emperor much sooner, especially after some profound encounters with Luke. It's a great read as it shows the internal struggle of Vader while also exploring the bond between father and son in a new light. It's full of action-packed scenes and deep emotional moments.
Sure, Darth Vader's story is an integral and legitimate part of the Star Wars universe. It's well-developed and adds depth to the overall saga.
He might be shocked by the advanced technology. The Empire's weaponry would seem primitive compared to future tech. He could also be intrigued by the new forms of the Force if they had evolved.
In some fanfiction, their relationship might develop due to shared goals. Let's say they both want to stop a new superweapon being developed by the Empire. Working together towards this common objective forces them to interact more, and they begin to see each other in a new light. Vader might show moments of vulnerability, which Leia starts to pick up on, and she realizes there is more to him than just the menacing Sith Lord. This mutual discovery helps in building a more nuanced relationship between them.
In certain fanfictions, Luke sees Darth Vader's fall symbolically. For example, he might see the destruction that Vader has caused on a planet or to a group of people. This destruction represents Vader's fall from grace. It could be that Vader has ordered the massacre of innocents, and Luke witnesses the aftermath. This makes Luke realize the true nature of the dark side that Vader has embraced and how far he has fallen from being a Jedi.
Darth Vader was once Anakin Skywalker, a Jedi with great potential. But he was lured to the dark side by Palpatine. He became a Sith Lord. Vader was a fearsome figure in a black suit with a red lightsaber. He carried out the Emperor's evil commands, like hunting down Jedi. However, in the end, he redeemed himself by saving his son, Luke Skywalker, from the Emperor's wrath at the cost of his own life.
Darth Vader was once Anakin Skywalker, a Jedi with great potential. He was lured to the dark side by Palpatine. His fall was tragic. He became a Sith Lord, a powerful enforcer for the Empire. He wore the iconic black suit and had a menacing presence. He was involved in many battles, like the destruction of Alderaan. In the end, he redeemed himself by saving his son, Luke Skywalker.