Hello there!
It's me!
First of all, I want to thank for reviews, it means a lot to me :)
Secondly, I'm sorry if there are some mistakes (especially in grammar), I did my best but this chapter was really hard to translate :P
Now, now, I hope you enjoy it :)
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
~~~Chapter 4~~~
"A strong friendship doesn't need daily conversation or being together. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends never part"
~ Anonymous
~~~~~~~~~~~~
'Anakin!' he shouted but nobody answered him.
The feeling of worry and emptiness again haunted him. His heart was beating really fast, he's lost the connection with the Jedi. His fear wrapped him like a toxic ivy, hurting even the strongest mind. He closed his eyes, clenched fists and gazed around again, to take a fresh look on the situation. He was trying to calm his breath and clear his mind.
Clues, traces, anything, where could they be? His friend needed help, urgently. His strength was fading. Although he didn't sense him throughout the Force, he could feel his strong pain. It wasn't just a pain, no. It was an agony. And when Anakin shouts, Obi-Wan shouts as well.
Another hour passed on searching. He was lead by the Force but it wasn't helping much.
He guessed that anyone who took Anakin, took away also his connection with the Force. And if they were Dooku and Kimo, they surely know how to deal with a Jedi. Cutting a Jedi off the Force is the worst possible way to torture.
The sun was slowly reaching the top of the sky. Calm, warm breeze was relaxing him a little somehow.
He felt terrible. No matter how much he was trying, there was no clue, even the smallest one. He needed more traces.
"Captain Rex, search these woods." he pointed to the trees near them. "Concentrate on everything seeming to be out of place." he ordered, his voice was firm and calm, but it was supposed to hide his desperation.
"Yes, sir!" responded Rex, saluting.
He took five clones with him and walked into the thicket of green woods and bushes, disappearing from Obi-Wan's sight.
He, together with the rest, was looking around rocks where he had seen dragging marks before. Of course they were still there and they probably belonged to his beloved, former Padawan.
'A sign, Anakin. I'm begging you, give me a sign.' he said through the Force hoping the Jedi is able to hear, and moreover, answer him.
He closed his eyes and concentrated on his every thought. If he was focused enough, he could see Anakin and where he is being held. He only needs silence and peace. Right... peace.
"Stay here, I'll be back in a minute." he ordered and hid behind one of rocks. He went ahead, a few meters further, where nobody will disturb him, where there is no civilisation.
He sat on the ground and started meditating. Nerves were making this difficult for him. He started to get what 'no emotions' means but he wasn't able to stop them at all. He took a breath in and out. He needed a few seconds to adjust to the neighbourhood and calm himself down.
~~~*o*~~~
He saw a dark room and in the corner a person, hanging down in a red restraining force field. It wasn't anyone else but Anakin. His eyes were closed, but he was awake. His breath was slow and shallow, but at least was there.
"Skywalker!" he heard a voice, voice of Kimo who he considered a friend and an ally yet this morning.
His Padawan opened his eyes slowly but not fully.
"What do you want, snake?" he asked with hoarse and weak voice. He had enough. Everything around started to irritate him more and more.
"Ah, no, nothing. Let me just enjoy this moment..." he smiled. "Poor, abandoned, little Knight, oh..." his stupid face was sad but cocky and malicious.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm not going to give you any satisfaction. You won't break me, Obi-Wan will find me."
"Yeah, I'm sure he will." he said sarcastically and snorted. "It's obvious he doesn't give a hoot. Think about it, he's finally free from you. Finally nobody fails him. He isn't ashamed. He lives like you wouldn't exist..."
Anakin shook his head. He was boiling from anger, hate took over him. He couldn't believe Obi-Wan would leave him. He wouldn't do such a thing, right? He felt him even now.
"You're wrong. My Master would never leave me. Especially not because of... a person like you!" he sneered. "He isn't like other Jedi."
He was feeling him, yes, he was. He felt very pleased his Master hasn't abandoned him, although he'd given him many reasons to do so.
"Are you sure of that? Because I can't see him anywhere... as if he wouldn't even be here..."
Anakin only smirked lightly. He shook his head. Anger was giving him strength and power and this was filling him with hope for survival. He knew he shouldn't let himself listen to it, but it was helpful sometimes. It was changing him, but not only on worse.
"That's nothing surprising, you've always been too stupid to see such things." he snorted, but still needed more strength.
"And who is saying that? The biggest outsider and loser who lives in this galaxy." he chuckled amused. "Do you know why nobody liked you?"
"Because you turned them against me and they were too blind to see it?" he asked cockily. Always when he started to get on with somebody, Kimo had to ruin it. First, he just thought they were fools who don't deserve his friendship. From the certain point of view, he was right. He knew he was. But still, it was painful, living with the knowledge almost everyone hates you.
"No. Because you were and still are worse. You are just a child of slavery, just like your mother. You don't deserve a title of a Jedi Knight."
Anakin felt like something stabbed his heart, the middle of it. He hates when someone mentions his past, especially in that way. He had no rights to call his mother 'a slave'. Now, he truly dreamt about slaining him, cutting him in half.
"Soon, my Master will find me. And when he does and I'm free, you'll be regretting that you even come into this world, scum" he growled. He wasn't sure, but he probably told him the truth. If he had a chance... he would kill him without a word, without hesitation.
"Hahaha! I'm sorry, I just can't... Your naivety... you've always believed in impossible. You've believed someone cares about you, or even loves you! Kenobi trained you because he'd promised. If not that, you'd still be there, serving as a toy on this blasted desert, which you call your home." he hissed. In Anakin's eyes formed tears but he stopped them from falling.
He shook his head.
"You're starting to repeat yourself. Your babbling annoys me, be silent for a minute, can you?" he snapped. Despite the pain caused by Kimo's insults, he still could be strong. He won't fall that low to give in to him.
Shortly thereafter he felt another wave of piercing pain. He cried out, ashamed of giving in while Obi-Wan is looking. His body was trembling from weakness and coldness, which he could feel in the room very clearly. He dropped a tear, hoping it won't be noticed.
"I hate you..." he whispered hoarsly, weakly, when the pain stopped a little, and closed his eyes.
~~~o*o~~~
Obi-Wan opened his eyes. He was furious with Kimo but mostly with himself. How could he be that blind to never see this? Other Padawans were harassing him and he's never noticed. He understood Anakin wasn't only a moody teenager. He was just abandoned. By him and everyone around. A guilt squeezed his heart tightly, hardly letting him remain calm.
'Obi-Wan will find me'
'My Master would never leave me.'
These words were echoing in his head, not giving him a chance to calm down. Now, he felt obliged to find Anakin. He still believes, he knows his Master will rescue him. And he is right, he will. He won't fail him, not again.
He focused on one thing - the building where Anakin is. He has been there before, even not a long ago.
He closed his eyes and saw it. Yes, undoubtedly he's been there.
He quickly jumped out from the bushes to his clones, hoping for a better course of the mission.
"Rex, I know where to look, come on." he ordered quickly, turning on his com. link as he approached his small army.
"Right away, sir."
Obi-Wan nodded and stood next to Fives. He sighed, stroking his beard. He didn't know how it is possible to change that quickly. Yet yesterday, when someone would have told him that he will put attachments and feelings above the Code or even anything else, he would laugh and shake his head. But now, he accepted these changes. He was just afraid they won't bring any good.
"What happened, sir?" asked him Fives quietly.
"I think I know where we can find Anakin..." he smiled with relief in his heart and looked towards Rex when he heard his voice.
"General, we found a piece of black metal. It looks like it is damaged by a lightsaber." stated the Captain as soon as he came out of bushes.
Obi-Wan frowned once again. Right now, he was more than sure. In the tower where they were fighting, he saw the same kind of metal pieces. He noticed them suddenly, by an accident but fortunately he did. He thought for a moment how such a little thing can change the course of the day.
"We need to go, Captain. Tell your men to be careful. We'll probably meet Dooku and his apprentice." he said and rushed ahead. Determination, this was pushing him to action.
~~~o*o~~~
He got lost in time. He didn't know if it's a day or night. He could see only darkness. Blackness and dullness of the room where he has been another hour. After he had sensed Obi-Wan, they beat him mercilessly. Blood from his lips was rolling down the face, painting it red. He couldn't feel his own body and when he was trying to straighten himself, agony was taking over. He felt like this restraining field was giving him an extra pain. He was glad nobody has come here by now, because he knew his voice would fail.
He heard many voices around him but they weren't clear. He wasn't able to open his eyes fully. If he hadn't got any pride left, he would be crying and hoping Obi-Wan is on his way here. However he hasn't arrived yet. Anakin was sure he will come, that he won't abandon him, not ever, he trusts his Master, he knew he needed time. After their recent talk, he felt much better. But still, he isn't here...
~~~*o*~~~
They got to the tower 30 standard minutes later. Obi-Wan could only hope he isn't too late and he will find his Padawan inside alive.
"Captain Rex, take your men and surround the building. It's better for you not to go there with me." he said to the clone, turning his head to him.
"Are you sure it is a good idea? Do you really want to go there alone?"
"I've never been so sure about anything, Rex. This is between me and Anakin, and Dooku and his apprentice." frowning, he clenched his fists. Half of his feelings he gave to the Force but it wasn't enough this time.
"Of course, sir." saluted Captain and came back to the rest.
Obi-Wan sighed and using the Force opened the door. There weren't any droids inside like the last time. He looked around cautiously. The area was safe so he stepped in, clutching his lightsaber. He was ready to overcome many things just to see Anakin and hear his voice.
He felt the Darkside very strongly. He didn't sense Dooku, but did sense Kimo. He looked up. The last time he was here, the tower seemed to be so empty, there were even no stairs. And now, it had everything, it changed.
Then, all of a sudden he heard a voice from the first floor. Lifting his head he quickly rushed to the sound.
He hid behind a wall and started to listen carefully, hoping he will stay unnoticed.
"See? Your beloved Master hasn't come. He abandoned you. I'm not surprised, I'd do the same thing if I were him... But I must admit, your faith in him is strong. As well as your power, or at least Count Dooku says that. He wants you to join us."
"Y-you are... a f-freak." he heard a quiet, painful whisper and has known already his friend is alive. But his voice was weak, hoarse. He didn't sound like Anakin he has known for many years.
He felt a relief thinking about taking him as far from here as it's possible but he also felt grief hidden deep inside him. He wasn't sure if he wants to see the state of his former apprentice.
"At least I have a Master. And, well, I think the control of you too." he spoke arrogantly and there was a moment of silence.
"Wh-what are y-you doing? No! Get... away..." he again heard a voice belonging to Anakin.
He listened to his Padawan becoming weaker and weaker with his each word. His ears caught also sounds of begging, what clearly scared him. Anakin must have been in desperation. Obi-Wan had never heard him begging anyone for anything before.
"No one is here to save you. You've lost, Skywalker. Neither you, nor anyone else is able to win with me."
"Are we taking a bet?" asked Obi-Wan, jumping out, activating his lightsaber. He couldn't let Anakin suffer. Not anymore.
He saw Kimo with a chip in his hands. It looked like something to control the mind. He was trying to put this on Anakin.
"M-Master..." whispered his friend with a weak, quiet and hoarse voice. He had to fight to stay with his eyes open.
Obi-Wan seeing the situation which his Padawan found himself in, he felt only anger, rage. If he came a few minutes later... he didn't even want to think about it.
He smiled at him lightly but his worry he couldn't hide.
"Anakin..." he whispered and nodded as if he wanted to relax him.
"Hmm, I guess someone cares about you after all." stated Kimo, sighing.
"Get away from my friend." he hissed and pointed to him with his saber.
Kimo muttered something and smirked mysteriously.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked and took out from his pocket a small, red button. When he pressed it, it electrocuted Anakin, forcing him to cry out. But with time, his shouts turned to quiet, broken whispers which were hurting Obi-Wan's heart even more.
The younger Jedi gritted his jaw to minimise the noise. His limp body was shaking mercilessly.
Obi-Wan cursed under his nose, trying to control his rage. He heard his Padawan, he saw him suffering. Thinking about it, knowing it's only his fault didn't make him feel any better.
Kimo let go of the button only to press him again. Anakin wasn't even shouting, he had no strength left. He was only making weak moans. Obi-Wan had a feeling that the younger Jedi's face turned into a grimace.
"You will regret that." he growled. Now, he wasn't even trying to calm down.
"No, I don't think so. See? One step more and he will die." he said, nodding at the emotionless body of Anakin. "Give me your weapon."
For a moment, Obi-Wan didn't know what to do. He looked at limp Anakin hanging in the restraining field. His head was turned to the floor but he either had hallucinations, or the Jedi's eyes were looking at him. He was in agony.
"3... 2..."
"Wait... Fine, you've won." he whispered quietly. He had to make up a quick plan. If only he could think out of schemes like Anakin.
The laugh of Kimo filled the room and he took Obi-Wan's lightsaber but he seemed not to notice Anakin's, which the older Jedi quickly hid in the sleeve.
"Weren't you thinking I'll be able to lose such a chance and let him go, were you?" asked the young Sith, getting his finger closer to the button.
"No!" shouted Obi-Wan, using the Force to throw it out of his hands. It flied across the room and landed in the corner. The Jedi activated Anakin's saber and his own, grabbing it.
Kimo managed to turn his on and when weapons of them both hit one another, the echo filled the room. Kimo made the first move but his attack was weak and not really accurate. Obi-Wan blocked it easily. He also noticed the fallen Knight doesn't put his feet evenly, he totters after a direct attack.
"Nice show-off, Kimo. But I'll disappoint you, you're too weak to fight against the Jedi Master." he bugged him. He wanted to provoke him, forcing him to attack.
"I'm better than that fool who would be dead by now if you weren't here, Master Kenobi." he hissed. "Oh but... wait... it wasn't you who always criticised and punished him not even listening to his words of defence?" his tone was very arrogant. Obi-Wan wasn't sure if his enemy knows his strategy or just likes to annoy others. Both options were likely true.
But what pained him the most, he was right. He punished his apprentice, his brother, for everything not giving him a chance to defence. He has been blind for many years.
"Wasn't it you, who didn't care, while others were harassing him?"
"With you on the top?'
"With me... not with me... does it matter? It was you who has never heard him out. Who knows, maybe if you did it, none of us would be here today..." he grinned.
"You're right. I made a mistake. But unlike you, I can admit it." he snarled and made a quick move.
He jumped on him. His attack was very strong and accurate. Kimo blocked it with some problems but answered him with the same. In one moment the strategy of them both changed on more offensive. They were hitting the saber with the saber, avoiding and swinging. Finally, awaited moment came - Kimo's direct attack. The young Sith rushed on him. Obi-Wan pivoted, blocked it and made a final move.
He tripped him up. Kimo fell on his back and the lightsaber swiped out of his hand.
"I think you're a loser now." he stated with satisfaction and turned on his com. link. "Captain Rex, you can come in, you will take out some garbage." he said and grinned, not taking the blade away from the fallen Jedi's neck.
"We're on the way, General." responded the clone calmly.
He wanted to run up to Anakin immediately but he knew he must wait for Rex and look after the prisoner. He kept his calm. Peace and control, it matters now. He was only wondering where is Dooku. He sensed his presence before but right now he wasn't even on this planet. He wasn't crying due to that, because at the moment only Anakin was his main priority.
Clones arrived quickly, taking Kimo with them. He was struggling yet a moment but he stopped when one soldier threatened him with his blaster.
As he could leave him, he immediately ran up to Anakin and destroyed the field. The young man fell into his trembling arms. He heard his weak, filled with pain moan which he definitely wasn't supposed to hear.
"Anakin..." he whispered, his voice was trembling more than he wanted to.
"M... ahh... M-Master..." he answered quietly, almost silently. "I-I knew you would come..." he smiled lightly, his voice was even weaker than a moment ago. He closed his exhausted eyes.
"Shh, Anakin. I'm taking you away from here..." gently he touched his bruised cheek and looked around.
He wrapped the friend's arm around his neck, willing not to add him an extra pain. The boy was trying to stop his moans and pained sobs but he wasn't aware of every sound he was making. And that was breaking Obi-Wan's heart.
"D-Dooku... he..." began the young Jedi. His every word, every breath seemed to be heavy, preventing his lungs from catching air.
"Hush, Anakin. You'll tell me everything when we get out of here." he ordered him calmly and gently.
He didn't hear an answer what was better for them both. Anakin in his current state shouldn't speak much. He needs to rest.
They haven't met Dooku yet. This must have meant the Sith either escape, leaving his apprentice alone what sounded like him, or set a trap for them. But still he didn't sense him neither here, nor on the planet.
~~~o*o~~~
They got outside. The sun was still high on the sky and every white cloud disappeared. The air seemed to be hot or even suffocating.
Anakin closed his squinted eyes when unseen for very long time sun welcomed him. He felt like his legs slowly rejected to help him walking. He was wobbling. If Obi-Wan wasn't here, he would fall on his face not even trying to lift the body. His view was blurred more and more, he saw black dots everywhere but he was fighting as much as he could to stay conscious.
Winnowing wind accompanied him but he felt only pain all over his body.
When glaring sun stopped blinding him and he felt like he was laid down by gentle hands, he smiled softly. He opened light, blue eyes to see the worried face of his Master. The Master who has always been there. The Master who hasn't failed him. The Master who cares about him like about his own family...
T.B.C
I'm so awful in describing battles I know, sorry ;p
