Gates of Hell

Chapter 9 - The Citadel

The Citadel is definitely not a place to which Anakin would ever go if he had a choice. The planet itself feels foreboding in the Force, however that's possible. Well, he doesn't have to be here strictly speaking, he supposes – he doesn't, right? Vader never really gave him many specifics about what exactly their goals are here – but he's not going to leave Vader's side. Lola Sayu is a volcanic planet, and Anakin knows that Vader is decidedly uncomfortable around lava, and after what he endured on Mustafar, how could he not be?

The halls are empty save the battle droid patrols, their footsteps – and Vader's respirator – echoing off the walls as they walk, Anakin at Vader's side the way an apprentice follows his master. But they are far more than master and apprentice. They are two halves of a whole: literally, in many ways. This, this is where Anakin belongs, and he'll never doubt it.

They reach the prison level before long, and Vader stops outside a prison cell, one which contains a vaguely familiar Force signature. Even Piell is in there. "Anakin." Even with the vocoder, Vader's voice somehow sounds serious. It doesn't help that he's suddenly radiating solemnity through their bond. "I want you to kill Piell."

The words don't make sense initially, and all Anakin can do is stare at Vader is disbelief. "What? Why?!" He doesn't mean to sound as hysterical as he does, but it was so unexpected.

"He is carrying valuable information which must not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands," Vader explains, and it's obvious that he's speaking about the Jedi and Republic. "I want you to execute him, because it is important for you to learn how to be ruthless when necessary." His tone is level, inflectionless, matter of fact. Yes, Anakin knew that he was agreeing to join the Dark Side, but this is – he doesn't know if he's ready for this.

"You can do it," Vader assures him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You must do it."

Anakin swallows, throat suddenly dry. Killing people, unarmed defenseless prisoners, is against everything which the Jedi teach, but Vader... does have a point, Anakin supposes. Still, killing a Jedi Master who is on the Council, no less, feels... wrong. This isn't optional, he realizes dismally, and it makes him wonder what exactly Sidious forced Vader to do when he first Fell and joined him. He wants to know, deserves to know, but he won't ask, not right now. Later, when the time is right, he will ask, and he knows that Vader will answer when he does. There are no secrets between them.

Vader seems to sense Anakin's silent acceptance and resolve, so he steps forwards, opening the prison cell and striding resolutely inside, respirator echoing ominously. Anakin moves to the elder's side, standing there and staring at the Jedi Master who is in a forcefield. Piell's expression is defiant as he looks at Vader. "I will tell you nothing," he declares fiercely.

"I know," Vader almost sounds amused, "But that is of no concern to me. I already know the coordinates of the Nexus Route." He turns, pointedly looking at Anakin. "Go ahead. Kill him."

Piell's eye narrows, and Anakin feels a pang of guilt spear through him. "Skywalker?"

"Is my apprentice." Vader is definitely gloating now. He nudges Anakin through their bond, and Anakin inhales shakily, unclipping his lightsaber from his belt as he approaches the restrained Jedi Master.

"You don't need to do this," Piell warns.

Anakin opens his mouth, looking down at his hand, at the hilt clenched in his fist. "You're wrong," he replies as steadily as he can, looking up again. "I do." Vader would not lead him astray purposelessly. He understands far more than Anakin himself does.

Anakin ignites the blade through Piell's chest, flinching away a moment later as the Jedi's Force signature disappears abruptly. The hilt falls from his fingers, clanking to the floor as he takes a step backwards, guilt and despair crashing over him. This isn't something he can go back from. He can't undo the cold-blooded murder – because that is exactly what it was – which he just did. He can't – he can't face Obi-Wan with blood on his hands like this.