Anakin and Vader, Jedi Knight and Sith Lord
A Star Wars short, Life Day 2016
The dark figure towered above Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight and General of the Grand Army of the Republic, like a specter from hell itself. The black skull-shaped mask, the intimidating countenance, and the shadowy cape all gave this menace a diabolic presence that, when combined with its sinister aura in the Force, could only be described as pure evil.
Anakin gripped his lightsaber tighter, but did not ignite it. Yet.
"Who are you?" He growled. "Identify yourself."
"We meet again, Skywalker," The hulking juggernaut of darkness stated, its voice a fearsome mechanical baritone. "Your fear betrayed you. It is your greatest asset-and weakness."
Thumbing his lightsaber to life, Anakin held his azure blade in the classic Form V opening stance. He had a sinking feeling, deep in his heart, that this terror knew more about him than anyone ever did, no matter how impossible it sounded. "You don't know anything about me…"
"That remains to be seen, Jedi," The figure said, and a glowing beam of crimson sprung to life in one of its gloved hand.
"You're a Sith Lord," Anakin seethed in barely contained hatred.
"I am Lord Vader." The Sith supplied for him. "And you, young Skywalker, will become my protégé."
"NOOOO!" Anakin screamed, moving and striking out with his weapon.
The Dark lord easily parried the first attack, forcing Anakin to reorient himself and go on the offensive. Every blow became enhanced with strength from the Force, every counterattack an extension of Anakin's very core. He rammed his blue blade at the Sith's red using all physical power he could muster. Vader, on the other hand, did not even falter. Trying a new tactic, Anakin pushed out with a powerful burst of the Force, sending Vader back a step and a half, which was all he needed.
He slashed fast with his lightsaber, cleaving the Sith Lord's chest control panel in half, before plunging his blade right into the leathery black that made up the monstrosity's torso. Vader immediately fell to his knees, his red-bladed lightsaber falling deactivated to the floor. Anakin picked it up and briefly surveyed the vaguely familiar design, then turned his attention to the defeated Dark Lord of the Sith.
"If you execute me, Skywalker, you will execute yourself," Vader warned as Anakin lit the former's lightsaber to life and held his own blade, in addition to that of the Sith's, in a lock, preparing to decapitate Vader at a moment's notice.
Then the face staring up at him was no longer masked. It was a young man in his early twenties, with blonde hair and a light scar on his head.
His own face stared back, pale skin blistering with corruption and unnaturally yellow eyes shining with malice.
"I am you…"