Title: Loyalties Divided

Author: LemonZinger

Summary: When Anakin recieves the order to kill Dooku, the former Jedi realizes Darth Sidious has betrayed him. In desperation, his loyalties switch back to the Jedi. Nothing will be the same. This chapter is short, but it takes me forever to do the research on this. I don't own ROTS, so I had to watch the clip over and over on youtube to add in the detail. This is in third person, but after this I'll switch between POV's. Yes, I realize this chapter has nothing you haven't seen in the movies, but the next chapter is totally AU.

Prologue

Three blades of light, two blue and one red, streaked in midair as the opponents battled one another. A common observer might think it was very pretty, but the combatants knew just how deadly those weapons could be. One of them knew better than the others. His hand had been shorn off by the very same man he was fighting now. Though the severed limb had been replaced by a mechno-arm that was custom made, it would never quite be the same.

Older and wiser now, Anakin fought at his Master's side with a far more mature manner. His prowess had been refined by long months of war. Scars now healed had taught him new skills and lessons as he expanded his training beyond his apprenticeship. Obi-Wan had taught him well, but as the conflict continued to rampage across the galaxy Jedi were finding that they had to learn new techniques. Sadly, there was no room in war for simple mistakes. It cost too many lives to be hesitant or meek, just as it did to be impulsive and reckless.

Anakin had sought to find a balance, and the result was a noted military leader that was respected by his comrades and enemies alike. The mechno-arm had not hindered his ability to redefine greatness, but he was still keen to defeat this opponent.

Dooku. Who was his former Master's former Master's master.

To think a Jedi could ever join the ranks of those responsible for the death of his Padawan was disgusting. Even more than that, Dooku now seemed very intent on killing the legacy that Qui-Gon had left in Obi-Wan and Anakin. Anakin hadn't known Qui-Gon long, but he longed to be like the dignified and powerful Jedi Master.

Somehow, Obi-Wan had gotten behind Dooku, but the older man expertly maneuvered to face them both again. With a face that almost held a smile, he informed them that he had been waiting for this moment with enthusiasm. There was no doubt in either Jedi's mind that Dooku expected to win this fight and finish what he had started in their last encounter, before Yoda had interrupted their execution.

Anakin couldn't resist informing the Sith that his powers had gotten stronger since their battle on Geonosis, to which the Count replied, "Twice the pride, double the fall." It was true that Anakin's pride and impulsiveness had been the cause of his last defeat, but he refused to let it interfere with his victory now.

Obi-Wan, surprisingly enough, was the first to lash out at Dooku in response. Perhaps he did feel some pride in Anakin's accomplishments after all, though the younger man had doubted it for many months. Ignoring the emotions those thoughts stirred, Anakin struck out only a second behind his former master, and the duel started again.

Dooku used the Force to push Obi-Wan away and started leading Anakin up the stairs. Obi-Wan was quick to follow, and cut through the super battle droids that were in his path like they were toys. When Obi-Wan reached Dooku and Anakin, he was held in the air for a second while Dooku kicked back and sent Anakin flying into a corner. His momentary concern for his former Padawan was cut short.

Obi-Wan was flung against the railing opposite and left to fall hard against the floor. Anakin was not quick enough to stop Dooku from then bringing the entire platform down on Obi-Wan. Flying through the air at Dooku, Anakin surprised the Sith with a kick that forced Dooku to flip off the edge of the platform. Anakin joined him on the ground and the lightsabers whirled as the two were locked in combat.

"I sense great fear in you Skywalker. You have hate, you have anger, but you do not use them." Dooku sneared. He remembered similar words spoken to him once upon a time, but hurried to throw those memories aside. Though as a Sith he would use emotions to his advantage, he refused to let that unsorted torrent come out here.

Anakin responded by lashing out at the Sith. He was suddenly on the offensive, and very aggressive as he pushed Dooku back. Though he was concerned for his Master and worried that the mission might fail, he struggled to contain his emotions and allow the Force to guide his movements, rather than reacting emotionally as Dooku wanted. He knew that would precipitate his defeat. With a startling move, Anakin moved to one side as Dooku thrust out his saber and grabbed the hilt as he lopped off both of Dooku's hands.

Two for one, and Dooku, with a look of horror, sank quivering to his knees. Anakin caught Dooku's saber and crossed the blades across Dooku's neck. The victory was so sweet and quick that it took a moment for the realization to sink in. Anakin could not believe he had defeated a Sith, and an infamous leader of the separatist movement.

"Good, Anakin, good." Called the Chancellor from where he was still bound in the chair in front of the large window. Anakin was warmed by the praise from his friend, but the next words made him pause. "Kill him."

TBC...

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