The Rise of Skywalker
What if… Anakin had killed Obi-Wan on Mustafar?
-It's over Anakin. I have the high ground.
-You underestimate my power.
-Don't try it.
It all happened in an instant: Obi-Wan hesitated a second too long and he cut him in half. His master gurgled a few words in disbelief before falling backwards. He's two halves rolled in opposite directions, but both ended up disappearing into the river of lava in a cloud of smoke. Obi-Wan was still alive when the white-hot flames licked his body. He watched him writhe and cry in agony, feeling the strength of the Dark Side grew within himself. He felt the desire to continue slashing the master until there was nothing left of him, such was the hatred he felt. Instead he didn't move. Once Obi-wan had become a fire wraith, he was left with nothing. He was still filled with hatred, a hatred that knew no end, but he had no one left to hate. Frustrated, he threw the master's sword into the lava and let out a scream of pain and fury.
The elevator door slid aside with its signature hiss. The two figures that appeared before him were still wearing their battle armor, black and shining, under their large dark cloaks. One was slightly taller than the other, but still below storm trooper standards. They waited for his nod before approaching, moving in coordination; they stood at the foot of his throne, making no sound beyond their breathing, which sounded harsh and heavy from beneath their helmets. The training had paid off.
-My faithful generals- he greeted them -Guards, leave us.
The men, hidden in the shadows of the room, appeared briefly before disappearing, slipping into the ravines of the structure. When he perceived no presence other than his own and that of his two interlocutors, he returned to focusing on them. They bowed, left knee forward and right hand closed in a fist over their heart, and remained motionless for a few seconds.
-Stand up, my generals- he commanded -What gifts have you brought me today?
The two synchronously pulled out two lightsabers from under their heavy cloaks and offered them to him. He held them carefully, studying their shape: those were the weapons of the Jedi master Shaak-ti and her new apprentice, there was no doubt.
-And so, she has finished running away- he smiled, raising from the throne -I'm very proud of you. Your training is now complete.
He activated, with the Force, a secret panel where he kept all the lightsabers of the defeated Jedi. Dozens had now found a place in that gallery.
-Soon we will be able to do without the Inquisitors too...
-There is other news we need to report, my lord- the shorter of the two generals interrupted him, taking a hasty step forward.
-Oh?- he calmly hid the panel again, before slowly approaching the officer -Important news?
-Yes, my master- they continued, bowing their head. Their companion remained perfectly still behind them, not betraying even the slightest change in the regularity of their breathing.
-Then speak freely, my apprentice. What went wrong?
-The rebel leader managed to escape. She eluded our forces and disappeared into hyperspace before we could stop her.
There was a long silence. He remained staring at the two officers and they didn't dare say a word. The shorter one quickened his breathing, betraying his nervousness, but the other remained completely impassive.
-And was the tracing beacon placed on his spaceship before departure?- he asked finally.
-Yes, my master- replied the second officer, in a cold and detached way. The first turned quickly towards their companion, but said nothing else.
-So, let's toast to another victory my children. You can take off your helmets.
The synchronic harmony of the two ended. Luke calmly and without hesitation removed his helmet, showing his cold and impassive face. Leia instead violently tore off her head protection. She immediately gave him an outraged look, highlighted by her heavy breathing and purple cheeks. He could see in her eyes that she felt betrayed by him and his brother, who had kept her in the dark about such an important mission.
-As your teacher, my daughter, I wanted to test you. And you both succeeded .
-But the leader of the rebels...
-Now we know where she is. And by now she will have shown us the location of her base - he explained calmly, signaling her to relax - With a single blow we can finally destroy the entire Rebellion and get rid of their interference once and for all.
-Is it time, father?- Leia expression changed from anger to joy.
-Yes. Finally, we can show the entire galaxy the strength of our battle station - he headed towards the large windows, from which the Death Star could be seen in all its terrifying might, soon joined by his children. He turned to Leia and met her eyes, full of admiration and pride, and smiled at her. He even wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her close with fatherly affection. He also turned to Luke, but the man remained impassive and did not smile back. He didn't like the boy too much, he was too much like his mother. Leia, on the other hand, was just like him and filled him with pride.
-Let's go, my children. It's time to go aboard our creature and witness our triumph.
-Your triumph, father- Leia corrected him -This is your empire. You have finally fulfilled your dream.
-But it is to you that I dedicate it. To both of you - he headed towards the elevators, still hugging his daughter - This will be your empire one day. You helped me build it, now you will help me govern it.
-Do... do you really mean it?
-Of course- he stopped, pulling away from Leia enough to place a hand on both of his children's shoulders -Your training is complete now: your powers are strong, your determination firm, and your mastery of the Dark Side of the Force unparalleled. There is nothing left for me to teach you. You are Sith Lords, just as I am.
-Thank you, father- Luke said, in a neutral tone.
-Thank you so much!- Leia threw herself around his neck, squeezing him tightly. At that moment Anakin felt a tremor in the Force and managed to activate his lightsaber just in time to block Luke's blow.
-My son, you really disappoint me- he sighed, staring at the impassive face of the young man. The boy was too much like his mother: he was patient, honorable and had not learned to hate. No one would have been fooled by such an attack.
Suddenly, another blade ignited, piercing his heart. Even with all his powers he hadn't been able to react.
-And me, father?- said Leia, her voice trembling -Have I disappointed you?
The woman let go of him and he collapsed to his knees, feeling his strength wane. His breathing became hoarse and labored as his body bent to the ground. His childrern crossed their swords under his chin, and forced him to raise his head. The effort required to maintain that position seemed of titanic proportions to him.
-It's just as you said, father- said Leia, vibrant with joy, exchanging a look with her brother Luke -You have built this empire, you have achieved your triumph, and now we will rule it. Together.
He gasped, defeated. He tried three times to speak, but the breath escaped his lips like a hiss. Finally, with great effort, he managed to say -Why?
-Why?- Leia replied -Why? Because, like you said, you taught me everything you knew. Even to rule.
His children prolonged that moment, remaining still. He struggled to even keep his head up, and felt the life slipping away from him little by little. Finally, Luke and Leia took a deep breath and struck with perfect coordination.