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Two masked figures meet in the lower levels of Coruscant’s less-than-savoury regions. With voices both altered by vocabulators—a security precaution because of the Emperor’s ability to read minds—they began to speak in soft tones.
‘You are certain you want to do this?’ the first cloaked and masked figure spoke. The second just nodded. ‘Things have become that desperate.’
The first one paused in silence as they glanced to the entrance of their meeting place. ‘They say she is like a berserker, there is no telling what she will do or if she won’t turn on our people.’
The second cloaked figure just nodded in reply as a soft sigh escaped their lips. ‘I’m sorry to say but we have no choice. I’m under orders to make contact with the undead now can you contact her or not?’
The first cloaked form just nodded in silence before turning to depart. ‘You will have your answer within the next few hours. Though I must warn you again: be careful, this is a dangerous game all of you are playing.’
Without another word exchanged, the two cloaked forms departed in opposite directions unaware that this meeting was just one small part of many that would ultimately lead to the Empire’s end.
Rising early from bed—as his nerves demanded he got this out of the way and soon—Anakin was careful not to wake up Dormé, though he couldn’t resist kissing her cheek as he disentangled himself fro her arms. Then silently he departed to the fresher where he promptly washed up and prepared to begin his day. Passing by their children’s rooms, the Sith Lord silently peeked in on them to find both were still sleeping. A hint of a smile crept into his features as already he was looking forward to things returning to normal—or so he hoped.
Anakin felt his stomach begin to form knots while his fingers began to fiddle with his utility belt. Speaking of his wish to talk to his brother was one thing, actually doing it was another. Given how things had ended between them in the past—with Anakin’s arrogant assurances that his problems were mended—the Sith Lord couldn’t blame his brother for having doubts about helping again, nevermind the poor treatment he received upon first arriving. Waving a hand at Obi-Wan’s polite bow, Vader reminded his brother that such things weren’t necessary—despite knowing Obi-Wan probably wouldn’t pay heed to his words. Quietly he explained the situation as best he could though for the moment leaving out the matter of his own struggles as he felt there would be time for that later.
Obi-Wan folded his arms in his cloak as he listened to his younger brother’s words. It sounded strange to him, for he had not heard of a youngling losing their powers before. The darkness looming over Coruscant had been so blatantly obvious upon arriving this time, but now it was even more foreboding than ever before. He also sensed another familiar, yet elusive Force signature lurking within the palace, though the location was, as of yet, unknown. As they walked, through the throne room, Obi-Wan’s hand his lightsaber, but not in order to attack his brother, but rather in preparation.
Though Anakin felt a shift in the Force but paid it no heed as with Obi-Wan being a follower of the light side, such changes were inevitable. The Jedi Master however felt differently and was soon pausing in midstep as he warned Anakin of an intruder.
‘Intruder,’ he said.
Almost immediately, Asajj was about to make, but faltered at the sight of Kenobi’s entrance. Cursing her bad luck, she knew that it was too late to back out and decided to wait until the two brothers were parted for whatever reason. But in her distraction, she left her mental guards slip, thus exposing her Force signature to the Jedi Master. Asajj knew it was too late to run or make an escape and thus she drew her own lightsabers—gifts from the late Lord Sidious. She then proceeded to jump from the balconies that overlooked the throne room to the main floor where she swiftly attacked a startled Sith Lord.
Anakin took only a moment to recover and was soon tapping the dark side, ready to kill the threat posed to his family.
Obi-Wan recognised Ventress had her sights set on the Sith Lord. He moved in on the opposite side, calling upon the light side of the Force in order to aid his brother in battle.
Anakin moved swiftly though the shock was evident on his face. It seemed every time he thought he had removed Ventress from the face of the universe, the fallen Padawan would show up once more. Cursing profusely, he continued to duel the Padawan, furious at the fact Ventress would choose now of all times to make herself known.
Asajj had no desire to fight the Jedi Master, for in her mind, he was her saviour. His brother, on the other hand, was another matter entirely. Nevertheless, she touched the light side to aid her in her battle with the Sith Lord. She could only pray that it would end soon as this was hardly going as planned.
Vader found both Obi-Wan’s and Ventress’s use of the light side to be distracting. It only served to irritate him, leaving him to be consumed in the darkness until he all but lost himself in the battle. His movements were vicious and fierce as he had only one goal in mind: to make her suffer. It no longer matter to him that Obi-Wan was witness to this or the fact killing Ventress wasn’t necessary. All that mattered was the powerful kiss of the dark side and the heady rush that came with it, leaving him to feel as though he were a god granted the power to unleash vengeance on his prey.
Obi-Wan did not sense the malice and anger in Ventress. Not only was she disinterested in him, she was also not vengeful in her attacks on Anakin. Stepping back, he saw he was no longer involved in this duel. Anakin took over without remorse, striking and slashing at his opponent, his expression cruel, his eyes sickly yellow. It was stunning and revolting to see in person, yet the worst was yet to come. Obi-Wan shook his head as though he did not know Anakin. This was not the same man he had spoken to a few minutes ago, who had been so concerned about his daughter... Anakin was like a monster in the flesh.
Asajj fought as hard as she could, relying on the tutelage of her first teacher from her days as a Jedi Padawan. This wasn’t about vengeance or hatred but about protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves from the emperor’s madness. Though she was certain the Jedi Master would engage in battle believing she had falling prey to her emotions again the Rattataki woman was relieved to see that Obi-Wan refrained. She could sense he knew of her recovery though she vaguely wondered if he was aware of the fact she only had him to thank for it. Unfortunately, the opportunity for her to tell him would never come. Despite her determination, Asajj wasn’t nearly as trained as Vader and soon, she was prey to the emperor’s vicious attacks.
‘Anakin—’ Obi-Wan tried to yell when he noticed Anakin taking an unnecessary advantage over the battle that did not need to occur. He had already defeated Ventress.
Not caring or even registering his brother’s presence anymore, the Sith Lord. With a dexterous swipe of his crimson lightsaber, the Sith Lord proceeded to remove both of Asajj’s hands before fiercely grabbing her by the throat and tossing her to the ground as he strangled her.
‘Anakin, stop! Look at what you’re doing!’ Obi-Wan shouted when Vader tossed the body. ‘Anakin—’
Vader deactivated his lightsaber and proceeded to repeatedly punch Asajj’s face. It wasn’t long before the Padawan’s struggling form went limp, and soon after there wasn’t much left of her face to even recognize who she once was. Even after she died, Vader continued to beat at her still form as the darkness coursed through his veins.
Obi-Wan used the Force to push his brother away from the remains of the redeemed Ventress.
Instincts took over and immediately his lightsaber returned to his hand as the Sith Lord’s yellowy eyes snapped to his new prey.
‘It’s a shame Laic and Runa aren’t here to see their father in one of his shining moments,’ he remarked, approaching his brother now with extreme caution. Though his own lightsaber was deactivated, his hand was not far from the trigger.
Almost as soon as the lightsaber returned to his hand and was activated, it was decactivated and fell from Anakin’s fingers. This was the second time he had given his brother quite a display—though the last time wasn’t nearly as bad. Vader’s eyes flickered to the now faceless form that was once Asajj as his brother’s statement sunk in. Shame flooded his features and thoughts forcing him to bow his head as he fought back despair.
‘Iquicha you,’ the Sith Lord hoarsely whispered in reply as he struggled to keep from utterly falling apart and further humiliating himself in front of Obi-Wan. Grabbing his lightsaber with shaky hands, he hooked it back to his utility belt before rising to his feet. It was hard to play the role of emperor when there was so much blood on his hands—all over him—even harder when in the presence of one he still looked up to and longed to be. But he did his best and though avoiding Obi-Wan’s gaze, led him to the hall that would take him to the nursery before excusing himself to wash up for obvious reasons.
Dormé ran to greet them, eagerly awaiting the Jedi Master’s arrival ever since she heard the news. But what she saw upon their entrance was more appalling than cheerful. Anakin didn’t even look at her or seem to acknowledge her presence as he muttered he was going to wash up. Dormé escorted Master Kenobi to where Laic and Runa were playing.
Obi-Wan greeted the children pleasantly and Laic latched on to him immediately, feeling a connection with his uncle that he had had since birth. While Obi-Wan was eager to see the new tricks Laic had been practising, he knew that was not the reason for his visit.
After a little prompting, he was able to examine Runa and scan her Force signature. What he found was incredibly disturbing and nothing he would be able to fix. He tried to explain the best he could in laymen’s terms for the empress.
Dormé, as expected, didn’t believe it at first. ‘Anakin wouldn’t—’
‘Maybe not on purpose, but the dark side is ruthless—’
‘She cannot touch the Force and never will regain the ability?’
Obi-Wan shook his head. ‘I’m afraid not.’
‘But she’s healthy. She’s not ill...’
‘She’s perfectly healthy,’ Obi-Wan assured the empress.
Runa played happily, not registering the Jedi and her ama’s shift in moods.
Dormé, while incredibly thankful that their daughter was healthy, was concerned about this Force drain the Jedi Master mentioned. Had Anakin done this deliberately? Certainly, he wouldn’t... ‘Could he drain Laic too without meaning to?’ she asked.
‘It is possible,’ Obi-Wan began. ‘The dark side is very subtle...’
Only in the shower did he allow himself to succumb to his shame and self disgust. Silent sobs wracked his body while the water washed away the blood from his flesh but not his spirit. Just when things were starting to improve, when hope was once more returning he had to go and ruin it all. With despair clinging to his thoughts the Sith Lord eventually departed from the showers—as the hot water had long since run cold. Once dressed he silently departed for their children’s chambers feeling out of sorts and looking a little worst for wear. Though he knew he would have to learn Obi-Wan’s assessment of their daughter, Anakin dreaded to hear the news and thus approached the nurseries with a heavy heart.
Dormé’s eyes fell on her husband and she frowned as though knowing everything. Perhaps her eyes were playing tricks on her, but it seemed as though not all of the blood had washed from his clothes and skin. She didn’t register that her hands were trembling.
Anakin entered in silence and initially avoided Dormé’s gaze as he focussed his attentions solely on Obi-Wan. He couldn’t look at his family now, not with his brother’s words still echoing in his mind. But Dormé’s gaze was a powerful one and it wasn’t long before he stole a glance to her only to promptly look away. She didn’t have to say a word for her expression said it all and it was a struggle to stand his ground upon briefly meeting her gaze. Though Dormé didn’t register her trembling hands Anakin did and this too did little to help.
‘Runa’s healthy, but will never touch the Force, Anakin,’ said Obi-Wan.
The Sith Lord’s expression grew guarded. ‘So there’s nothing that can be done for her?’ he demanded in disbelief and concern. Vader knew he’d have to ask why she lacked sensitivity but already knew—for Dormé’s expression said it all—that the Jedi Master believed it was his fault. Though deep down Anakin knew this to be true it was too painful to accept and thus he continued to surround his thoughts with the lies of the darkness. ‘I’d ask why Runa is no longer sensitive, but it’s plain to see you’re already convinced that I’m the sole reason for it, despite the fact I’ve been damned careful not to use the dark side in the presence of my family!’ Anakin snapped in frustration.
‘I’m sorry,’ Obi-Wan replied grimly. He knew Anakin ought to know better. They had this conversation before when Laic was born, but it was clear the dark side had taken control of him. He witnessed it first hand only a few moments ago. His wife and children were no longer safe here.
Laic watched the adults with guarded concern and stood behind Dormé, clutching her leg.
Dormé turned her attention to Laic, touching his head and back, as though repaying his seeming gesture of comfort or wondering if she was all right.
Anakin glanced away at Obi-Wan’s words his anger now turning to fear and panic. This wasn’t happening, not again, it couldn’t be, not like this, but he knew deep down it was and the thought sent a shiver of fear down his spine. Even so, the darkness still riddled his thoughts and in desperation he clung onto the denials no matter how absurd they were.
Runa, meanwhile, chattered nonsensical to her stuffy, trying to get her brother’s attention, but having little luck.
‘Who else has the ability? Laic?’ demanded Dormé. ‘You think our son was draining Runa?’
The Sith Lord glared at her in disbelief. ‘What, now you’re telling me you believe this nonsense? As if I would purposely harm our children! You know I was careful not to use the dark side around you and our children!’ he snapped in frustration.
‘You want to blame me? Say I’m using the dark side to drain her?!’ Dormé hissed.
Anakin stared at her in disbelief as he shook his head, thinking now that she was just mocking him. ‘When in the blazes did I ever say that I blamed you?!’ he shouted back.
‘You’ve done it before, Anakin!’
‘I was careful, damn it!!’ he screamed finally before adding as his rage and blind defence grew.
‘Aené and then almost Laic—’
The mention of Aené was a delicate matter and it left him floundering for a reply as immediately he drew onto the darkness this time for solace over power.
Tears welled in Dormé’s eyes and she stooped to pick Runa up into her arms. ‘It’s enough! That’s enough...’
‘What in the blazes is that supposed to mean! You think you have control over my powers now?’
‘Urugalshe baraed!’ Dormé cursed. She took Laic’s hand and moved past the two men, too furious to speak. She headed to her own private quarters that she did not allow any of her handmaidens or servants to enter... It was the very same room she first mourned the loss of a child...because of his darkness.
‘That with a flick of your wrist you can just take it away?!’ he screamed in reply though he didn’t follow her for it was as though there was an unseeing barrier that kept him from doing so. Whirling around to Obi-Wan, the Sith Lord felt the need to once more place the blame on anyone but the true culprit, himself shouted at him in reply.‘Thank you for ruining my last chance at mending things with my family! As if I wasn’t doing a fine enough job iquichan things up on my own, you just had to add to it!’ he screamed before storming out of the room after Dormé in a blind rage.
Obi-Wan did not pay any mind to Anakin’s harsh words aimed at him because he was more concerned about the fact that he was drawing on the dark side even now as he spoke. Clearly, the dark side was in control of him and not the other way around. The Jedi Master knew nothing good could come from this and followed the emperor, but from a distance, his hand ready to use his lightsaber to protect his family if necessary.
Storming through the halls, the Sith Lord cared little if anyone was following him or if anyone could see his furious actions. As he approached the doors to the chamber that was one considered sacred to both Dormé and him, Vader—having worked himself into quite a murderous state—used the Force to tear it open. The electronic door normally locked flew open with such force that it caused the supports it slammed against to slightly buckle.
Dormé placed Runa on a nearby couch. Runa began crying because Ama left her stuffy behind in the playroom and she wanted it. Laic had tears running down his cheeks, but it was because he was terrified of his daddy. Never in her life had Dormé been afraid of Anakin, but after everything revealed to her, her fear for her children was at its highest. The fact Anakin blatantly disregarded her attempt at privacy was not only humiliating, in this situation, it was infuriating.
Bursting in with eyes now a sickly shade of yellow, Vader proceeded towards his family in his rage. ‘You think this over, Dormé?! That you can just turn you back on me now?! You’re as much in this as I am and I’ll be damned if I let you play judge and jury on me!!’ he growled in rage.
She jumped when the door flung open with unnatural force and pushed herself in front of the children in order to protect them. ‘Haramu you, Anakin! Haramu you and haramu your dark side. That’s all you care about anyway!’
Anakin paid little heed to her words as his rage had completely blinded him to everything now as he rushed forward his intent no longer clear to even him.
‘Go haramu your dark side of the Force! Leave us the urugal alone!’ She was fierce in her exclamation, though tears ran down her cheeks as well. She swallowed hard as she stared him down.
The Sith Lord continued to draw upon the darkness, wanting nothing more than to silence her, to put Dormé in her place, to remind her that she was no angel herself and had no right to judge him. But no matter how much darkness coursed through his veins or how heady the rush of its poisoned kiss was, the Sith Lord could not raise a finger against her.
In reality, Dormé and their children were about the only things in his life that the dark side held no weight against. As such, he promptly fell silent as the realization of his situation and the truth of it all finally sank in. Staggering back, the Sith Lord glanced away before looking back at her in horrified and shamed silence.
Her warning from years ago returned with a vengeance and in that moment, he knew without question it was over. All of it.
‘Oh Force...What have I done?...’ Anakin hoarsely whispered as he struggled to breathe his eyes now burning with unshed tears. He shook his head in disbelief as he could now feel the terror radiating from Laic, Dormé’s fear for her children’s safety pouring from her, and Runa’s own fear at her parents’ shouts. A shaky hand ran through his hair as he struggled to speak to say something, but no words would come as the emperor felt as though he were watching first hand as his entire universe began to fall apart all around him. Without another word, he silently turned around and departed, brushing past Obi-Wan as he headed down the hallways feeling more lost than he ever had in his life.
Anakin’s horror at his own actions served only to disappoint Dormé. At this moment, she did not feel sorry for him, for she solely blamed him for all that happened. She had yet to realise just how much of an affect she had on him and how much she encouraged the darkness within. Once he left, she turned to her children and did her best to comfort them. She sat on the couch, pulling Runa into her lap, stroking her hair. But staring out that broken door reminded her of what occurred. She couldn’t help breaking down. It could have been disastrous...but they were safe now...
Laic’s tears continued to fall, though he was quiet about it. He slipped his arms around his ama’s neck. She had never cried in front of them before. It was something he could never forget.
‘Daddy’s ill,’ she tried to explain. ‘He’ll get better...it’ll just take some time, so we won’t see him for awhile...’
Such thoughts were hardly useful and did little to help save to add to his shame and guilt. In the bowels of Coruscant’s lower levels, sorrow and misery was abundant, but at the same time, it was soothing for the depressed emperor who went unnoticed by everyone he encountered. There was something almost satisfying about walking amongst the ones that most would regard as criminals and malcontents. Here he didn’t stand out as they were all guilty of one thing or another and here he didn’t have to pretend to be anything other then what he really was, a monster.
As much as being here soothed a little of his shame, it also added to it. He didn’t want to be here. Anakin was tired of staring at his reflection and being sickened by what he saw in the mirror. He was even more tired of the self-loathing brought on by the fact his son was terrified of him, that the young prince would go to such lengths to avoid Anakin. He hated the wall that separated him from his wife who knew him better than he knew himself and the fact that their daughter would never know the Force ever again because of—
A soft sob escaped his lips and broke him from his silent emotionless daze. His hand slipped to his mouth to keep from whimpering as he tried to keep it together. But the tightness in his chest only worsened and his lungs burned as he struggled to breathe. Soon tears were collecting in his eyes once more as the despair clung onto his thoughts filling his mind with the memory of Dormé’s warning, of Obi-Wan’s disappointed remarks, and of Palpatine’s mocking words.
Slipping to a side alleyway, the Sith Lord leaned against a heavily graffitied wall that spelled words of warning about the empire and of gang’s territories. Sliding to the dirty, metal ground, he began to openly weep in sorrow, knowing in that moment, he truly had lost everything that ever meant anything to him. He had no one left to blame but himself for throwing it all away and for not accepting the second chance that he had been given.
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