CHAPTER 17

Anakin had been brought inside one of the ships where Healers waited to help the wounded. A temporarily mechanical arm had been placed. The physical pain was gone, but emotionally was a bigger struggle. Obi-Wan waited by his side even during the operation and Anakin woke up to see his master meditating, calm and serene within the Force. As soon as Anakin was able to stand up, they left for the base where a war was raging underground. Now ready to face the Storm Troopers, Anakin found that his new arm was very flexible and easy to control. Obi-Wan couldn't help but feel guilty for what had happened. Loosing a limb in battle is one of the risks of being a Jedi, but one of the most painful experiences one can live.

"Master… you've been awfully quiet since we the base. Is something wrong?" Obi-Wan hadn't noticed he had drifted away in his mind again, something he always did when he was troubled. Anakin knew that. "If it's about my arm, don't worry about it. I'll be okay, Obi-Wan." The older Jedi smiled. It was uncanny the way Anakin knew him so much, and the way he could see when something was wrong. It wasn't through the Force they could sense this, but by spending so much time together; instinct in other words.

"I know you will, Anakin." Breathing in deep and letting the energy of the Force guide them, the inseparable duo made their way inside.

"Watch it!" Obi-Wan used the Force to send a piece of shrapnel away from Anakin. Bombs, droids, and other mechanical devices were blowing up everywhere, making it almost impossible to block every piece sent flying their way. At that moment a smaller piece, but very sharp, hit Obi-Wan in his left side. He ducked down, holding onto his wound and pulled out the long, dagger-shaped piece of metal from his side. Blood dripped to his fingers but it wasn't enough to stop the General.

"Master!" Anakin had made his way to him, kneeling down beside him. "Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine. Concentrate on your defence." Anakin nodded and another explosion resounded in the large underground factory.

"Ahhhh!" A hand pressed against his right eye, Anakin was thrown back to the ground.

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan pulled away his hand to inspect the wound. A long, deep slash had appeared above and under his eye, but thankfully the eye hadn't been touched. "It's okay, you're eye is okay. Can you get up?" Anakin moaned; a splitting headache started to pulse. Obi-Wan took a small piece of cloth and pressed against the wound. "It's not bleeding much. The piece that hit you was probably very hot, it burned the skin." Anakin stumbled to his feet with the help of Obi-Wan.

"What about you, Master?" Obi-Wan had a hand pressed against his own injury.

"Not as bad as I thought." They didn't have time to worry one another that more Storm Troopers were coming their way. Obi-Wan told the Jedi soldiers to aim for the head; their only weakness. Their firepower was the same as Droidekas, but their shields were ten times more powerful. Anakin watched Obi-Wan from the corner of his eye; he was amazing. Blocking lasers with incredible speed, moving gracefully, almost effortlessly. Anakin could almost see the Force embrace his former teacher. Watching his master fight made him realise just how powerful Obi-Wan truly was.

"Commander Cody, get Master Windu and go help Shaak Ti's group." The Clone looked over at Obi-Wan.

"Master Windu hasn't returned yet, General" Shocked, Obi-Wan inhaled.

"What do you mean he hasn't returned? Where is he?"

"Last time I saw him, he headed deeper inside the base to help you." If Master Windu hadn't returned yet, it was almost certain something terrible had happened. "General!" Obi-Wan turned to where Cody had pointed. A disgusting half-man, half-droid had appeared not far from where they stood.

"I'll take care of him." Obi-Wan and Grievous stared at each other.

"I hope you will be more of a challenge then your Jedi friend." Grievous ignited two Lightsabers; one of them glowed in purple. Obi-Wan's fear had became true; Master Mace Windu was no more. The Jedi ignited his own saber, waiting for General Grievous to make the first move.

Anakin watched from afar his master and Grievous battle. Two Lightsabers against one, though it didn't seem to affect Obi-Wan's fighting in any way. That is, until Grievous' arms slip and now two more Lightsabers were added to the battle. Obi-Wan smirked, completely unimpressed by the droid. Then, one mechanical arm from Grievous cut off, sending a few sparks flying everywhere. The monster backed away, cursing in pain. The battle kept going for what felt like an eternity. Anakin sent off more troops to clear the area; the Jedi had gained power over the Storm Troopers. He kept watching the impressive battle going on; watching his master's defences lower, watching Grievous gain the advantage.

"He's too powerful…" Anakin worried. He sensed a cold fear pulse in his veins. Anakin grabbed his Lightsaber and started heading for the two battling warriors. Obi-Wan was wounded, tired emotionally and physically, there was no way he could withstand this evil any longer. But before Anakin could reach Obi-Wan, he pushed Grievous with the Force and pulled out his Blaster Pistol. Obi-Wan aimed for the chest, breaking through the thick metal and finally shooting at the droids' heart. Anakin stopped in his tracks, watching Grievous catch on fire and die in a heap of flames.

While watching the duel, Anakin hadn't realised a Storm Trooper was crouched at the second floor, riffle in hand, ready to assassinate the young Skywalker. Obi-Wan sensed it though. Quickly he turned around and looked for the sniper.

"My vision…" Horror struck the older Jedi when he saw the riffle pointed at his former Padawan. Obi-Wan pulled out his gun again. "Anakin! Get down!" Anakin reacted immediately and ducked down on the floor, turning towards where Obi-Wan was aiming his Blaster Pistol. The gunman fired twice and Anakin saw a laser being shot from behind him. He saw the droid who tried to kill him fall down, crashing to the first floor beneath him. A cold chill rushed inside Anakin. Turing around he saw Obi-Wan drop his gun, stumble backwards and slump to the ground.

"NOOOOOOO!"

The next chapter is the last people! Maybe I'll make you wait a little befre I post it.. heheh! Thanks 4 all ur reviews!