The Final Threshold
Summary: When you push someone past the final threshold of their sanity, what happens? Crossing that threshold is the point of no return and only death can bring solace...
Pairings: Anakin/Padme (duh!)
Rating: 14A for violence and stuff...snickers
------------
The Final
Threshold
Truth
The night air was heavy, the heat of the city plus the heat of the sun made for one hot and wet night. Anakin Skywalker was in shock. Having just inadvertently caused the death of one of his mentors, and witnessed the Emperor's deception first hand, he didn't quite know who to believe. He stumbled back from Palpatine and sat down heavily on a cushioned chair.
"Wha-" he began, "What have I done?" he asked no one in particular and Palpatine laughed. Anakin looked up sharply, his blue eyes swirling with confusion at the recent events. Palpatine merely looked at him, and Anakin knelt before the emperor. On his knees as Anakin Skywalker, he became Darth Vader. Palpatine gave him his new name and Vader waited patiently for his first assignment. Siddious' lips curved into a sad smile, somewhat ironic as well.
"What must I do my master?" Anakin asked, worry clouding his eyes now. Siddious turned away from Anakin's kneeling form and began to pace. Anakin watched his new master with growing anxiety until finally, Siddious spoke.
"Your wife, my young apprentice," Siddious began, "she has betrayed you..."
Anakin exploded to his feet, robes billowing around his ankles, "What the hell are you talking about?" he demanded, "Padmé loves me...she would never!" Anakin raged, his eyes flashing angrily and Siddious felt a spike of fear roll through him at the power this young man commanded. A glass vase shattered and the splinters of glass glittered in the fading sunlight. After a moment, calm returned to Anakin's body, and he let out a long breath, "why?" was all he asked.
Siddious shrugged, "I do not know," he said simply and then turned toward Anakin again. Vader's eyes darkened with hate and jealousy. "Anakin, the Sith use their emotions to fuel their abilities, and so must you. Give into your hatred and jealousy, let them help you to defeat your foe..." Siddious' voice was soothing and calm and Vader found himself letting go of the balance he had once so craved.
Vader nodded to his master and then swept out of the Emperor's quarters, robes billowing behind him. Once outside however, Anakin stumbled over an uneven tile and fell to his knees. The hard marble biting into his knees and palms. Anakin let a tear fall, he had loved Padmé, loved her truthfully and completely. What had compelled her to return his love in this manner? Why would she betray him, and who with? Vader's eyes darkened as one name rang through his mind...one more person he thought he could trust.
Obi-Wan Kenobi