Kneel

Author's Note: I saw the prompt list for Sith Obi-Wan week and got inspired last minute. XD

~ Amina Gila

It has been so long since the times before the Empire that Anakin no longer remembers what life used to be like. Or no, that is not entirely true. His life as a Jedi is so far removed from what he has become now that it does not feel as though it belongs to him. He doesn't know how or when he could ever have been… something else.

Someone else.

But this is his place as Obi- – as Master always tells him. As he's telling him now.

Anakin exhales an almost inaudible shuttering breath as he feels the fingers carding through his hair. He's on his knees next to Master's throne as he always is when Master is listening to reports and dealing with the galaxy. This is his place.

"What do you think, Anakin?" Master murmurs. "Do you think we should listen to Senator Organa's pleas to step in and enforce the ban against sentient trafficking in the Outer Rim?"

Anakin swallows, lifting his head to look at Master's yellow eyes. He doesn't answer. It's not his place. Master doesn't want to hear Anakin's opinions, not spoken aloud. He can feel all of Anakin's thoughts and feelings through their bond. It blazes between them now, something so strong and solid that they can freely communicate even when on other sides of the galaxy.

"Wouldn't you like to use your skills again, dear one?" Master continues, lips curling into a dark, almost cruel smile.

This is where Anakin belongs, kneeling at Master's feet, obeying his every whim.

There is no other life for him.

"Your wish is my command, Master," Anakin replies softly, and Master's hand moves to cup his cheek.

"Good boy."

The words are fond and gentle, and Anakin leans into the freely offered touch. He knows better than to resist whatever Master tells him now. He was foolish and stubborn at the beginning, but Master is right. He is always right. He knew that the Dark Side was the better choice for both of them, and Anakin had resisted. Stupidly. He doesn't deserve to be here. He doesn't deserve… this. Any of this.

Sometimes, he doesn't know how Master ever forgave him for betraying him.

"This is your place," Master whispers. His hand is warm on Anakin's cheek. "You will kill whoever I tell you to kill. You will torture whoever I tell you to torture. Isn't that right, Anakin?"

Anakin lowers his head. "My life is yours, Master."

He knows now that Master knows best.

Master hates hurting him, but sometimes, pain is the only language Anakin understands. Pain if he does wrong. A gentle touch if he does good. Master only hurts him because he knows that Anakin needs it so knows what to do and what not to do. Pain makes sense. It's how he was raised. It's… easier. When he listens to Master's orders, everything is simpler. He doesn't need to wrestle with all the complexities of what's right versus wrong. Master knows.

And Anakin listens.

"Dismissed," orders Master, voice echoing throughout the room, cutting off Senator Organa mid-sentence. No one argues. They know better.

The room is cleared within minutes, and Master rises from his throne, gesturing to Anakin to stand as well. He stays there quietly, waiting. Master unclips Anakin's lightsaber from its place next to his own and holds it out.

"The time has come once again," Master tells him, eyes blazing. "I need you to be my sword. Go to the Outer Rim, to Tatooine. Locate the rebel cells hiding there and destroy them. I know you will not let me down."

Anakin takes the lightsaber, clipping it to his belt. "Never again, Master," he vows.

Master touches his shoulder, giving Anakin the soft, fond smile reserved just for him. "I know. Now go and bring freedom to my Empire."

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