"Elements of Silver and Iron."

How long have I drifted?

"Foundation of stone and the archduke of pacts."

How long have I known this void?

"The color bestowed is Red."

He stared down at his reflection in the pool of crimson liquid and the soulless black mask that stared back up at him.

"A wall for descending winds."

His gaze swept over the crimson landscape, only to find it was as empty as the last time he had looked.

"Close the gates of the four sides."

Where was this voice coming from?

"Come forth from the crown and follow the forked road leading to the kingdom."

They called for him? Very well.

"Behold, my will creates your body and your sword, my destiny."

He felt his current form melt away, the durasteel of his limbs giving way to flesh under black fabric.

"If you heed the Grail's call and obey my will and reason then answer my call!"

He could feel it now. He could actually feel!

"I hereby swear that I shall be all the good in the world and that I shall defeat all the evil in the world."

Perhaps she would, perhaps she wouldn't.

"Thou Seventh Heaven, clad in the great words of power, bring forth, Guardian of the Scales!"

Red light filled his vision and he knelt as the blood-filled land around him disappeared.

---

The bright red faded and he saw carpet beneath his feet. The rasp of his respirator filled the air as he flexed his hands. He smiled beneath his mask when he noticed the small feet in front of him. "In accordance with your summons, I have arrived. I am a Servant of Red, Class Saber. My destiny is clad together with that of the Republic, therefore my sword is as well." He looked up and his eyes widened.

Brown curls framed a familiar face set with eyes the color of chocolate and a familiar pendant hung at her neck. Padme Amidala stared down at him, a hint of trepidation in her eyes as she considered his kneeling form.

He shook himself from his musings as he stood, but kept his frame in a bow. "I ask of you, are you my Master?"

Snap-hiss.

The signature sound of a lightsaber ignition was as much of a warning to him as the scream through the Force. The face behind the blade gave him pause, as it was one that he knew very well. He had seen it every time he had been with Padme. Before this wretched suit.

"Sith."

"Skywalker."

Thus did Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker lock blades for the first time in the physical realm.