Gates of Hell

Chapter 11 - Duel

Anakin is at Vader's right side, hood pulled up over his head, eyes glowing yellow from the Dark Side coursing within him. The Jedi turn instantly, and the clones raise their blasters when they see them. In truth, the trap was planned perfectly, though Anakin has to wonder why Vader even allowed the retinue to get inside the Citadel. Would it not have been easier to capture them while they were still in carbonite? Vader hadn't explained, and Anakin hadn't asked either, content to let the elder handle it.

But now, he wishes he had asked. He isn't ready to face Obi-Wan or Ahsoka again, and worse yet, Windu is here too. It was one thing to run off with Vader when he didn't expect to encounter the Jedi face-to-face while ending the war and destroying Sidious. It is quite another to have to fight them, much less Windu himself. Anakin has always been driven by the yearning to prove himself to them, but if anything, he's only proved why they should never have agreed to train him in the first place.

The clones open fire, but before Anakin can reach for his lightsaber, Vader is stepping forwards, respirator cycling faster than normal in anticipation of the coming duel, holding out a hand. A Force shield blocks the blaster bolts, and Anakin can only gape at him in shock and awe. This is what he'll be capable of in the future. This, and so much more. The blaster bolts fly harmlessly into the durasteel walls, and with a sharp twist of Vader's wrist, all of the clones' blaster are ripped from their hands and hurled down the hallway behind them. There is no way the clones can get their weapons back without passing them and the droids will ensure that doesn't happen.

Anakin reaches out with the Force as well, shoving the clones to the side, slamming them into the durasteel blast doors on either side as he clears a path to the Jedi. Their lightsabers are already ignited, but Vader does not move for his own blade. Nor does Anakin. They share a look, and Anakin takes that as his cue to speak.

"You should surrender," he informs the Jedi pleasantly, ignoring the way Obi-Wan and Ahsoka are glaring at him. "You are impossibly outnumbered. You will be defeated if you choose to fight."

"I think not," Obi-Wan retorts sharply, spinning his blue blade. "There are only two of you." He hesitates before stepping forwards, though not to attack. "You don't have to do this, Anakin," he urges. "You can come back. We can defeat Vader together if we try."

A hysterical laugh escapes him before he can stop it. He himself has no idea what Vader is capable of, but he is more than a match for every single person in this room, including him. If he truly wanted, he could kill them all. He won't, but he could. "You underestimate his power, Obi-Wan, if you really believe that," Anakin refutes, shaking his head. "No, my place is at Vader's side, and that is where I will remain."

Anakin senses a flicker of amusement from Vader which is mingled with warmth and affection. The Dark Side might be wreathing around him, waiting for him to command it to attack, but he is still very capable of experiencing positive emotions. Vader reaches out to Anakin through their bond, though he's careful to keep his presence shielded so no one recognizes him. Anakin lowers his own shielding slightly, entangling his Force signature with that of the Sith next to him. They'll be stronger like this, drawing from each other's power, anticipating each other's moves. It hurts, in a way, because this is what he and Obi-Wan have always done in the past when facing Dooku or other Dark Siders. Except this time, they're on opposite sides.

Obi-Wan's expression darkens almost imperceptibly, but it's all Anakin needs to see to know what is about to come. Without hesitation, he pushes back his hood, letting the Jedi see his yellow eyes as he tosses his robe aside, unclipping his lightsaber from his belt. The red blade hisses to life in tandem with Vader's. Everyone reacts, as Anakin knew they would.

Ahsoka's eyes widen slightly, lips parting soundlessly. Windu's eyes narrow, something threatening flickering across his face. Obi-Wan's grip on his lightsaber tightens, his disapproval and dismay clear to Anakin – and Vader. Vos's lips turn down into a frown as he looks decidedly displeased.