Anakin's thoughts suddenly cleared as he stared at Count Dooku's terrified expression.
"What am I doing?" He said out loud, recoiling. He deactivated Dooku's lightsaber and looked at Palpatine.
"Kill him Anakin!" The Chancellor prompted, an expression of distain marring his features. "It is no more than he deserves."
Anakin looked back at Dooku. The old man was staring at Palpatine, confusion and terror mixing in his face.
"He's helpless." Anakin replied, taking another step backwards.
"He has killed people who were just as helpless, threatened our Republic, and tried to kill Padme. Kill him, and you free the galaxy from his evil." Palpatine leaned forward. "Kill him and you could finally put an end to this war."
Anakin turned away from both the Count, and the chancellor. He looked over at where Obi-Wan lay in a heap.
"A true friend would never ask me to break the Jedi code." Anakin said softly. "We should capture Dooku and give him an honest trial."
Palpatine laughed darkly. "Death is the only fair punishment for someone like him."
That laugh... Anakin searched for where he had heard it before. The realization dawned on him.
"It's you." Anakin whispered harshly. "You are Darth Sidious. The Sith who haunts my dreams."
An image, Darth Maul and Dooku kneeling before a cloaked figure- Hatred and fear of the Jedi and the Republic- and that evil, haunting laugh-
Palpatine cleared his throat nervously. "I can't hear you, my boy. Speak up."
"I felt it." Anakin turned on the politician, glaring at him. "You lied about everything!"
"You have always been a smart boy Anakin." The Chancellor chuckled again, expression hardening. "You know the power I have promised you. You know that I know you better than the Jedi ever could-"
"I understand now what Master Yoda meant about attachment." Anakin spat, igniting Dooku's saber. "It brings only pain. The people not worth your time or trust can steal your life away from you. I can't always be there to protect the people I love, but I can rid the galaxy of your lies."
Palpatine screamed, struggling at his bonds as Anakin advanced. Dooku's lightsaber sliced off the Chancellor's head easily, leaving the former Sith silenced in his chair.