Cassius Zandas: Discovery
The Jedi Starfighter came in for a landing in the Jedi Masters clearing with more grace than most could perform. Zandas stood a few meters from it, waiting. He felt the presence within as the cockpit began to open. He knew that presence, but it was somehow different. Darker, more evil. Then he saw it. The creature of darkness rose from the cockpit, his terrifying mask emitting a rather unnerving breathing noise. Vandas realized at once who it was, but how? Why? Why was he so dark in the force? Why was he in that terrifying suit? He spoke carefully.
"Anakin Skywalker. It's good to see you. I hope you've been well." He said stoically, acting as if none of this phased him.
That was when the demon figure spoke through its frightening breathing pattern, it's voice deep and dark. "That name no longer has any meaning to me, Master Zandas." The dark figure leapt down from his cockpit with fluid grace, his cape flowing behind him.
Cassius quirked a brow, "What do you mean? That's your name, Skywalker."
But he already knew what it meant. It all fell into place. He now understood. Anakin had fallen. He had become an agent of evil and was probably responsible for death of countless Jedi. Sadness began to envelop Cassius. Anakin was the chosen one! He was meant to destroy the Sith, not join them. Balance the force, not make it even darker. It just wasn't…
He stammered backwards, breathing heavily. All of this was a bit much on the older Jedi Master. He was one of the few in the order that had never been weary of Anakin. He had always believed in him. The dark figure didn't seem affected. It just stood there, breathing, with it's arms crossed.
"But…why Anakin? Why? I believed in you. You were the chosen one. Why have you done this?"
The figure seemed to think on that for a moment, before answering, "Why do you insist on asking a question you know the answer to, Zandas? The Jedi are evil. They were planning to overthrow the Republic and the Chancellor. Kill the senators. I could not allow that to happen. You are a master, you knew of it all. Stop trying to hide the blatant truth. Stop with your false care and regret, Cassius. It's wasted on me."
Cassius struggles backwards even more, almost tripping. He can't believe it. Anakin Skywalker is dead. This…this thing is all that remains, swallowed in darkness. He reaches into the force, trying to find a trace…a glimmer of the Jedi Knight he knew. There was nothing. That was when he felt it. He was wrong. There was something, but it was hiding. Deep within this monstrosity.
"Anakin, what are you talking about? The Jedi support the Senate we would never…"
But he was interrupted by the ominous figure's hissing voice, "SILENCE. I told you that your words were wasted on me. I know the truth, Zandas. And nothing you say will make me believe your lies and treachery again. Make your peace with the force, Zandas…" His lightsaber suddenly leapt into his hand, igniting in red fury. He twirled it around a couple of times in Djem So fashion, that had always been Anakin's favorite. He twirled his blade into the Djem So ready position. "It's over now."
Cassius couldn't believe it. Anakin Skywalker, the hero without fear, the chosen one…had just drawn a lightsaber on him in anger. This was just too much. But one thing did become clear to Cassius, this was his destiny. He had to face this monstrosity here and now. He reached down and retrieved his lightsaber, igniting the green blade. He too, twirled it in warm up, in Ataro form.
"You don't have to do this, Anakin. I can feel the good in you. I can feel the love. Stop this now. Come back. I can help you. I want to help you."
The dark figure just stood still, always emitting the strange respirator breathing. It was several long moments, as if the figure was actually considering it, before it spoke.
"Apparently, Cassius, you do not listen. Your lies and deceit will not weaken me. There is no love. That died, weeks ago. Nothing you can do will ever bring it back. Anakin Skywalker is dead, you are speaking to Darth Vader. Skywalker died, because the Jedi Order killed him. And now? Now they will pay!"
The figure rushed at Master Zandas, and their sabers clashed. It had begun