Judgment Day

Chapter 17 - To Face A Sith

Luke doesn't think he's hated red – no thanks to the ray shield – this much in his entire life. Or the absolute unbearable quiet of his prison cell, beyond the occasional sound of guards moving outside, or when he gets food. But what he thinks is worst is the stillness of the Force. The cell is built to contain Force-sensitives, so there's very little of the Force he can feel beyond the walls.

He has no idea how long he's been locked in here either, and that makes it worse. There's nothing but endless waiting, and it's becoming increasingly unbearable. It makes him even angrier knowing that's Sidious' point. He's an expert at manipulation and intentionally leaving them here, just wondering what's going to happen, is a part of it.

He doesn't know what happened to Anakin. What is Sidious doing to him? Is he okay? Even if he is now – locked up the same way Luke is – Luke knows that it isn't going to last. Sidious wants him at his side, and after all this time he fought to keep Anakin away, he's back here again anyway.

Why did he ever ask for that meeting? He should have known Sidious would realize something was going on. Was the Death Star a trap? Did Sidious know he was going to do this? He doesn't think he's ever hated the Sith so much in his life, but even through that, his fear is practically suffocating him. (Is this how Vader felt all the time?) He already knows far too personally, thank you very much, what it's like when Sidious is angry about a failure.

And this is so much worse. He betrayed him. Sidious probably always knew he was going to do that, but this is... He can already feel, in his mind, the electricity burning into him, and he really, really just wants to – He doesn't even know. He wants out of this. He just wants it to be over, and it's worse that, this time, no version of his father will be able to help him.

And thinking about what Sidious might do to Anakin is even worse. He watched his father die once. He can't watch that a second time. He can't.

He was supported to save him, fix all of this, but he failed. And now, they're back with Sidious. Anakin nearly Fell last time, and there might not be the threat of Padme dying hanging over his head, but that doesn't mean anything.

Anakin's screams echo through his mind, as Sidious electrocuted him while all Luke could do was watch. He can't go through that again either. He can't. Why did he ever get them in this mess? He should have been more patient.

Should have...

Something.

He doesn't know, but it's too late for regrets.

Everything is on the line, and it feels like they're about to lose it all.

***

Anakin isn't sure if he should be grateful or worried that the others will be looking for him. It will more than likely only get them hurt in the long run, and that's what he's afraid of. It means he won't be trapped here forever, but would it be worth it?

If they come here, anything could happen to them. Coruscant – assuming that's even where they are – has the strongest security of anywhere. They failed last time when they had Yoda with them. The same could easily happen again. Obi-Wan is already permanently injured from what happened. This time could be worse. Anyone could – No, he can't let himself think that.

He is not ready to confront Sidious, and nor will he ever be. He hates how he feels so... conflicted. There should be nothing for him to question, but he does not want to have to kill him. He doesn't know if he'll be able to even if he has the chance. That's what makes this even worse and so much harder. He needs to do it, no questions asked, but the thought floods him with panic. Palpatine was his friend, but for as many times as he reminds himself that was in the past, he can't accept it.