The Force cried out its warnings all about them as Master Windu quickly and systematically ushered the padawans out of the area. One padawan, however, did not respond to his command. The little girl named Riven instead ran the opposite way.
Stones showered down upon them as Obi-Wan urged Padmé away from the monument. He used the Force and his agility to guide his way and side step the larger boulders that plummeted to the ground, but he knew that once the Great Monument came down, there would be no escape. Its massive structure and numerous stones would cover every centimeter of ground there was.
His eyes darted to the narrow passage amidst the showering debris, and between the columns he could see Anakin standing there, his face twisted with an unimaginable rage.
Riven jumped and twisted around the falling stones as dust filled the air. She could see her friend just ahead and cried out to him frantically.
"Anakin!"
But the boy didn't move. Until she managed to reach him and grab onto his arm.
"Anakin! We've gotta get outta here!"
Riven flinched back in shock as his head turned and she saw deep lines etching his young face. His eyes nearly glowed in a yellowish hue.
"Anakin!" She screamed out once more. And suddenly his face transformed once more into the friend that she knew, his eyes again the bright blue of the sky.
The young padawan turned his horrified expression back toward the Serenity of Service area just as a thundering crash was heard, which sounded much like an explosion, and he cried out in terror.
"Master!"
Anakin struggled against the abrupt grip around his waist as two strong arms lifted he and Padawan Suln up and safely away.
Master Windu set the two down in the hallway outside of the Gardens, barking orders to the knights and masters who had come rushing to the scene.
"Take your padawans to a secure location! The Temple has been compromised. There is Darkness here."
The council member helped many young students find their masters before turning around to see a very distraught Anakin Skywalker. Tears were rolling down the lad's cheeks.
"What is it boy?" Mace asked firmly.
"It's all my fault." The words stuttered out between sobs.
"What are you talking about?" The older man insisted.
"My Master and Padmé!" Anakin shrieked. "They're inside!"
A grave expression crossed the Jedi Master's face as he looked into the gardens to view the complete destruction. No one could have survived that.
"Go find Master Yoda." He instructed, his voice now much softer. He turned to watch as the devastated youth fled down the hall.
AN: Sorry, this chapter was a short, little teaser. I'm outta time tonight. Chapter 14 coming tomorrow! (probably)