Rated T for language, violence, and suggestive themes (nothing graphic)

"How could you do this?!" Padme's voice was full of pain, hurt, and disappointment. "Everything you did, everything you said…it was all a lie?!"

Anakin remained silent, watching, trying to shove back the sudden regret that filled his gut. This was my mission, he told himself. I did the right thing – the Jedi are evil. But the feeling didn't go away.

Obi-Wan watched as Padme was dragged out of the arena, then looked up to glare at Anakin. "I trusted you!" he shouted angrily. "You lied! You deceived all of us! You've led us to our deaths!"

Quite unlike his torn apprentice, Sidious's expression was one of carelessness and even enjoyment. "Do not listen to the Jedi, Vader," he said simply. "He will be silent soon enough. You did well." After saying that, the Emperor rose from his chair and approached the microphone. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, for treason against the Imperial Empire, you have been sentenced to death in front of this Imperial audience."

Obi-Wan scowled. "And how will my execution be, Emperor?" He spoke the title with such hatred it made Anakin's skin crawl.

"You will fight to the death with my apprentice, Darth Vader."

Both Obi-Wan's and Anakin's faces revealed the same amount of shock. "Master," Anakin whispered. "I don't know if…"

"I fear your time with the Jedi may have hindered your training, Vader," Sidious hissed. "Prove me wrong – fight and kill the Jedi." He narrowed his eyes. "If you don't, you may find yourself receiving the same sentence as him."

Reluctantly, Anakin exited the balcony, descended the stairs, and reached the large, sandy arena. Obi-Wan remained standing in the center, his surprise quickly morphing into hatred. Anakin had never seen him this angry.

"You're a traitor," the Jedi spat, glaring at him.

Anakin slowly ignited his lightsaber, the blade glowing the familiar blue color he had been using. "I never joined your Order; thus, how could I betray it," he replied. "You shouldn't have gotten involved. You might have been spared all this."

"You gained all our trust! You played with me…and with Padme! You've hurt her more than you could imagine." A lightsaber came flying from the balcony, and Obi-Wan caught it with one hand, never taking his eyes off his opponent. The blade shot out of the handle, glowing the same color as Anakin's. "But that doesn't matter to you, does it? You're just a Sith – a wild animal that kills for sport!"

Anakin felt his anger rising. "Chose your words carefully, Obi-Wan," he said through clenched teeth. "They'll be the last you ever say."

Slowly, the two began circling around the arena as the crowds began cheering. On the balcony, Sidious smiled. "Kill him, Vader," he called out. "Show him the consequences of being a Jedi scum."

"I will never forgive you for this," Obi-Wan spat. "And neither will Padme. The Empire is finished! The Jedi are growing stronger – strike me down, and I'll become more powerful than you can ever imagine."

"Fine words from a man sworn to humility and selflessness," Anakin taunted. "Did you learn nothing from that old Master of yours?"

That did it. Obi-Wan's eyes seemed to flash red as he made a low, growl-like sound. Anakin braced himself as the Jedi charged…