BAAAAACK! I know, I took forever, but so many things have been happening it's not even funny! But here's the next chapter!
Luke, Anakin and the Clones plan an actual rescue, hoping to minimize any possible problems they might run into along the way. But of course, the rescue doesn't go as planned.
-CW-
"It's not looking good!" Anakin mumbled under his breath as he watched the Clones continuously attack the facility. It had been quarantined by the Separatists, but that wasn't particularly good. Their attacks had to be exact and precise, otherwise they would endanger the Clones and themselves. The Separatists still had a cargo load of the virus Obi-Wan had been infected by and there was a possibility that they could hit a laboratory holding the virus. Raking his hands through his hair, Anakin tried to remain calm, but his worry was gnawing at him, distracting Anakin from his task. Luke stood beside him, frowning as he watched the Clones shoot at the base again. None of their attacks seemed to be affecting the facility.
Everything seemed to bounce off of some invisible barrier. Chewing on his lower lip, Luke immediately started thinking up a new plan. "We need to get into that barrier." He thought aloud, staring at the invisible barrier. Anakin looked down at him, nodding his head in agreement.
"The only way to take it down is to blow the generator." The Knight murmured, frowning deeply as he watched the Clones battle. In order to get into the barrier, Anakin would have to leave the Clones to fend for themselves, buying him time to blow the barrier. Luke, as if sensing his hesitation, gave Anakin a comforting smile. One that struck Anakin as very familiar.
"I can go."
Anakin shot him an incredulous look, his lips parting in immediate protest.
"There is no way I am letting you go by yourself!"
"Why not?" Luke asked, calmly crossing his arms and shooting Anakin a defiant glare. Anakin gestured to the hundreds of battle droids swarming the facility, his expression one that stated, it's-pretty-obvious-why. Luke didn't even bat an eye, having seen firsthand just how useless battle droids were. He raised a questioning eyebrow, "And?"
Anakin stared. "You can't be serious."
The kid wasn't fazed at all! Luke resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He'd been through worse! Come on, he infiltrated the Death Star once and had to go undercover in order to rescue the Princess. Not only that, but all of the missions he'd accompanied Lariss on and all of the things they'd had to do...It didn't even compare! Just because he was 'little' now didn't mean he was incapable of doing anything!
"The Separatists don't know I'm here." Luke pointed out to Anakin. "They are expecting you or another Jedi to come and rescue Master B-Kenobi. They have no idea that I'm here and wouldn't expect for you to bring a Jedi Youngling on this kind of mission. I'd be the last thing they'd expect to infiltrate their base. I have the advantage of sneaking in without being spotted or sensed."
Anakin said nothing in reply, feeling a little irritated. Luke was right and had brought up many good points, but that didn't mean Anakin was going to concede.
"And if something were to happen? What then?" He asked the boy. "What if the Separatists find you and take you captive? Or worse?"
"Then I will have no choice but to trust the Force." Luke answered without hesitation.
Anakin snapped his jaw shut. That was a pretty powerful answer, and one he wasn't expecting. Luke dropped his arms to his sides, offering Anakin a lop-sided grin. "The Force will guide. I only have to listen." He calmly added.
Anakin heaved a sigh, hooking his thumbs through his utility belt, turning his gaze to the facility they were attacking. He was reluctant to let Luke go. It was too dangerous for him! He silently evaluated the situation then looked down at Luke, brow furrowing in confusion. Why did he care so much for a boy he had barely even met? Luke was like Obi-Wan. He managed to worm his way into everyone's heart by doing nothing! He could smile, wave, or say just a little 'Hello' and already, he'd have a place in your heart. It was no wonder the Clones were protective of him.
Anakin smirked, recalling a time he had entered the Hangar to find Luke being fiercely lectured by a Temple visitor. What he was being lectured for, Anakin had no idea, but Luke looked like a kicked puppy, his blue orbs burning into the ground as he listened to the visitor shout at him. Anakin had been about to approach the visitor, feeling angered that the man was shouting at the boy, when he saw Rex and a few others Clones enter the Hangar. The five Clones immediately stopped their conversation when they overheard the commotion. Almost at once, Rex, Oddball, Boil, Waxer, and Whiz went over to Luke's side, inquiring as to what the matter was. Anakin noted that Waxer and Boil stood beside Luke while Rex placed himself in front of the boy, forcing the visitor to switch his attention to the Clone. Oddball placed a hand on Luke's shoulder, flashing the kid a comforting grin while Whiz stood off to the side, listening to Rex and the visitor converse back and forth.
The man had made aggravated movements and his expression showed exactly how he felt about the interruption, but Rex would have none of it. The next moment, the man was suddenly flustered and quite embarrassed that he made a hasty escape out of the hangar, leaving the Clones and Luke behind, laughing at whatever it was that Rex had said to embarrass the man. The Clones, Anakin knew, had adopted Luke as a sort of little brother. Luke didn't mind, but he was still wary of the Clones, for reasons Anakin didn't know.
Blinking himself back to the present, Anakin bit his lip, peering down at Luke, who was staring at him expectantly. Shoulders slumping a bit, Anakin gave in.
"Alright," The Knight said, earning an excited look from Luke. "But on one condition." he raised a finger in the air, giving Luke a firm look. Luke innocently returned it, wondering what Anakin's condition was. "You take this," The Jedi handed Luke a wrist-com, placing it onto Luke's gloved hand and turning it on. "And, if I sense anything wrong, I want you to turn back."
Luke made to protest, but Anakin held up a hand. "It's that, or I come in after you."
Luke shut his mouth, deciding it was wise to say nothing. "It won't come to that." He murmured aloud, studying the holographic map the Clones had set up. Anakin eyed him closely.
"We'll see." The Knight approached the map as well, helping Luke to find a way to sneak into the facility without being sighted. After a few minutes, they finally found a passageway. "You should be small enough to fit into the ventilation shafts." Anakin remarked, estimating how big the shafts would be and how small Luke was. Luke frowned at this, repressing the urge to pout, wondering if Anakin was making fun of his small size. He already knew he was pretty tiny for his age, but he didn't need his own Father pointing it out. Anakin, seeing this, ruffled Luke's hair, the corner of his lips twitching upwards in a sideways smirk. Something Luke always noticed about his Father was his constant, all-knowing or arrogant smirk. It was the same smirk Lariss had and the same one he supposedly had, according to Lariss.
Ducking under Anakin's hand, Luke shot him a playful glare, fixing his hair. It had grown longer in the three months he had been there, but Luke hadn't had the time to cut it a couple inches. It was also a bright, white-blonde color, which Anakin found rather familiar. He could have sworn he knew Luke from somewhere, but where?
"Don't worry," Anakin found himself reassuring Luke. "Maybe you'll grow a couple inches by the end of this year."
Luke huffed in reply before he was distracted by the holographic image of Cody popping up.
"General Skywalker!"
Anakin straightened, facing Cody.
"Commander, what is it?Has something happened?"
Cody shook his head, negative. "No, sir, but we believe we may have found General Kenobi's location."
The Commander had Anakin's full attention, the Knight asking for him to continue. Cody dutifully did so.
"We have picked up secret passageways tunneling underneath the facility and even under our position, sir. Some of the radars have also picked up a faint trace of life." The Clone informed Anakin. Luke noted the relief and hope brewing in his Father's blue orbs as Anakin listened intently to the Clone's report.
"Were you able to pinpoint the location?" Anakin asked.
"We're not sure, General Skywalker, but we managed to narrow it down to three passageways." Cody replied, his blue, holographic, image being replaced by the map the Clones had pulled up.
"That's better than nothing." Anakin lowly remarked under his breath, eyes scanning the map. Luke could see the three passageways Cody had mentioned and there were a few red dots flickering here and there. "One of those has to be Obi-Wan. What do you think, Luke?"
Luke looked up at Anakin, wondering why he was asking him before answering,
"Well, I won't be going in blind. I can find a ventilation shaft that connects to those three passageways and find which one Ob- Master Kenobi is in."
"I agree." Anakin nodded, looking back at the map, eyes narrowing on the three passageways. He zoomed in to take a closer look, studying the ventilation shafts. "There is one here," He pointed to a rather large shaft just a floor above the three, "But it splits when it reaches that floor." His finger drifted down to where the vents met the three passageways and went their separate ways. He traced one of the vents and the two found the vents intertwined and cross paths in many different sections of the three floors. It was a maze of sorts, as if the Separatists had installed them in with precaution.
'Wouldn't be surprised...' Anakin thought to himself, thinking of the many times he and Obi-Wan had had to use the vents in order to escape or infiltrate enemy bases. It seemed they were finally learning their lesson.
"You'll have to be careful as to which one you enter." Anakin went on, Luke nodding in agreement, trying to memorize the map. Force, this would be a difficult mission, he found himself thinking.
'Luke,' Leia's voice echoed through their bond, startling him. 'What are you doing?'
'Rescuing Obi-Wan.' He told her, sending brief images about what he had seen, the Separatist facility, and the map he was attempting to memorize. He could sense Leia shaking her head.
'Just be careful, Luke. You have a knack for finding trouble when you're on missions.'
'I do?' Luke incredulously repeated.
'Yes, you. Keep me updated through your rescue, Luke, okay?'
'Of course.'
And the conversation ended, Luke returning his focus on the map. Anakin had been explaining a few routes, he realized, and was now finalizing which one he believed would be best for him to use.
"I would try going through the middle one here," Anakin was saying, his finger pausing in the middle of the vent that split into three. "That-a-way you can check to see if Obi-Wan's there, and if he isn't, you can use these two vents," He indicated to the ventilation shaft that crossed paths with the middle shaft, "To climb up or down and see if Obi-Wan's in any of those passageways. I'm not sure if you'll be able to see anything from those vents, so you might have to climb out of them and scour the perimeter of the floors." Here, he fixed a stern gaze on Luke, pointing a finger at the boy, "Before you do so, check to see if you can sense any Separatists nearby. If you don't, it should be safe. There will most likely be some droids, but they shouldn't be an issue."
"Mhm." Luke hummed, telling Anakin that he would do his best to be as careful as possible. Anakin straightened, crossing his arms, deep in thought.
"Actually, Luke," He said, taking the wrist-com off his glove and putting it back into his bag, "Take this instead." He pulled out a com-link, placing it into Luke's hand. "I'll send the map to you so you can keep track of where you are and don't get lost."
"Oh, thanks." Luke thanked him, tucking the com-link into the pouch attached to his utility belt. "That will be very useful." He commented, checking to make sure he still had his saber. He did. Smoothing the wrinkles in his tunic, Luke waited for Anakin to tell him when to go. Anakin had turned away to check on the Clones, the Knight spotting a new battalion of Droids approaching from behind the shield. He immediately pulled his saber off his utility belt and ignited it, the blue blade sizzling to life. Turning his head slightly, Anakin sharply dipped his chin, signalling for Luke to utilize the distraction he was about to provide to enter the shield.
"May the Force be with you, Master Skywalker!" Luke quietly called. Anakin quirked his lips up at that, repeating the phrase back to Luke before jumping into the middle of the Droids, slashing them to pieces. Luke didn't waste any time in sprinting through the barrier and climbing the cliff that lead to the Separatist facility. He scaled the rocky cliff in record time, much to Anakin's surprise as he watched the boy, and crawled forward with caution, ensuring that if the Separatists had motion sensors, they would not be able to pick up any suspicious movement.
Anakin felt a surge of pride run through him as he watched Luke stealthily sneak past the droids guarding the facility then enter through one of the protruding shafts above the entrance. The boy was amazing, Anakin found. He also found that when he was in Luke's presence, he felt at ease, calm and was never quick to anger. When he was irritated, Luke would somehow manage to make it melt away until Anakin forgot why he had been irritated in the first place. It was odd to him, and Anakin reminded himself to find out as much about Luke as he could. There was something about that boy...something that linked him to the teen and the teen to him.
He felt as if the Force were laughing at him, as if it were telling him that he were missing out on something that should be obvious. Shaking his head, Anakin sternly told himself to focus and wait for Luke's signal.
-CW-
Luke crawled through the vents silently, sensitive to his surroundings. He had expanded his senses by using the Force and kept sending light waves of the Force out to see if there was anyone nearby. So far, nothing had triggered his radar and he hadn't run into any obstacles, which he considered a blessing seeing as he always seemed to have bad luck.
'In my experience,' Luke heard distantly in the back of his mind, 'There's no such thing as luck.'
Smiling slightly, Luke reminisced the times he had spent with Old Ben. That was Ben's favorite saying, and after the Rebellion, it had changed to, 'This weapon is your life.' Luke couldn't count how many times he had been on the receiving end of that lecture after having lost his saber numerous times. Apparently, according to Obi-Wan, he had given Anakin that lecture many times before. It made Luke feel guilty, however, when he recalled how he had lost his Father's saber after the Battle at Bespin. He had treasured that saber, seeing as it was the only thing he had that had belonged to his Father.
Turning a corner, Luke paused, pulling out the com-link and switching it on to check his position. He wasn't even close. Luke sighed, finding that he had to climb down several hundred feet in order to reach the three floors Obi-Wan was believed to be held. Steeling himself, Luke placed one hand firmly against the side of the vent then pressed the other arm against the opposite side of the shaft, planting his feet on the sides in the same manner. Once he was set, Luke allowed himself to slide down the shaft, his boots hardly making any sound as they slid against the metal. He could feel his stomach churning at the sensation of falling but didn't stop until he was halfway down. The Force was coiling in his stomach, warning Luke that there was something wrong nearby.
Holding himself still, Luke prodded the surrounding area with the Force, wondering what could be wrong. Sensing nothing, Luke cautiously continued onward, slipping down several more feet before coming to an abrupt halt.
The sensation had returned, and it was growing stronger. So, Luke mused to himself, he was nearing the source of the disturbance. Waiting a few moments, Luke manipulated the Force so that it would check the surrounding areas and hide his presence. The disturbance was growing more powerful and dark..
'Eh, oh well.' Luke shrugged, dropping himself several feet. He kept sliding until he looked down and screeched to a halt. He flinched, mentally berating himself for making such a tremendous sound. If anyone was nearby, they would be aware of his presence! But, he had to stop!
Glancing back down, Luke found that he had stopped just before the vent split into two different sections. Brow crinkling, Luke whipped out his com-link, flicking it back on to look at the map. The red dot representing him was flashing just above the part of the map Anakin had showed him split into three shafts. Looking back down, he raised an eyebrow.
"Doesn't look like three to me." He muttered to himself, stepping lightly on the middle part of the vents. "Now...Which way to go?" He studiously studied the map, trying to figure out which shaft he should go in. The map didn't offer him much help, seeing as the third shaft that was supposedly supposed to be there wasn't. And that was the shaft he needed to hop into. "Wonderful...What else did I expect?" Luke sarcastically uttered, keeping his voice low as he pondered over his predicament. That was when he recalled the words he had spoken to Anakin,
'The Force will guide.'
"The Force will guide." He repeated to himself. "I only have to listen."
'Alright.' Luke closed his eyes, steadying his breathing as he focused on the Force, asking it to do his will. 'Force...Help me find Obi-Wan.'
Not long after he had called upon the Force, did he receive a soft nudge from it, urging Luke to take the left shaft. Trusting in the Force, Luke instantly leaped down, allowing himself to freefall until he came close to the end. Using the Force, Luke slowed his descent and lightly touched his feet to the metallic covering of the vents before lowering himself down so he could crawl through it. Following the map and the Force, Luke managed to find his way through the maze of vents and down to the middle floor between the three passageways Obi-Wan was possibly being held in. Luke concentrated on listening to the Force, waiting for it to tell him where to go. His answer was to drop down.
Confused, Luke peered out of the shaft, removing a part of it in order to lean out of it. He could see the entire floor was lined with dirty and dank cells, reminding himself of Jabba the Hutt's place. His nose crinkled from the smell as Luke scanned the area for enemies.
There were none. Taking a chance, Luke jumped out of the vent, keeping low as he moved forward to look into every cell. The Force was pulsing around him, urging him to move faster. Hastening his pace, Luke skittered down the damp corridor. Pausing before he reached an intersection, Luke carefully looked around the corner, looking both ways to make sure there were no droids or Separatists waiting to attack him.
Thankfully, there were none. But Luke wasn't taking any chances. He scurried across, his booted feet barely brushing against the ground as he glanced into every cell he passed. So far, there was nothing, not even a sign that Obi-Wan was anywhere nearby. Then he sensed it. A faint Force Signature.
One Luke would recognize anywhere.
"Found him!" Luke ecstatically murmured under his breath, moving quickly to the cell had had felt the signature from. He pressed the blue button on the side and the door hissed open, vanishing as it allowed him entry.
"I told you that you wouldn't be getting any of the answers you want, Ve-" A low voice suddenly greeted Luke before sharply cutting off. Luke looked to find a bearded young man, perhaps no older than thirty, seated in the corner of the dank cell, wearing a dirtied beige tunic and long brown boots. His hair was a chocolaty-reddish orange color, and in disarray. There were many rips and tears in his clothing, as well as many dark stains.
Blood, Luke realized, noting the cuts and bruises decorating the man's face. But despite all this, Luke recognized him at once. Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The man seemed to study Luke for a moment, surprised to find a young boy entering his cell, his watery-blue orbs dancing with curiosity.
"And who would you be?" The man questioned. Luke, who had been standing dazedly in the entrance, immediately moved forward, excitement growing within him. He had found him! He had been reunited with Obi-Wan! Old Ben!
Then the excitement died down. Obi-Wan wouldn't know him. He wouldn't recognize him.
Throwing aside his disappointment, Luke found his voice and answered,
"Luke Solo, and I'm here to help you escape."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yes." Luke bounced on the balls of his feet, looking around the cell in distaste. "Master Skywalker sent me to find you-"
Obi-Wan perked up at this. "Anakin's here?"
Luke nodded, watching, alarmed, as Obi-Wan struggled to stand.
"Take it easy! You're injured!" Luke gently chastised, rushing forward to help him. Obi-Wan shot him a grateful look, placing a hand on Luke's shoulder as the teen helped him balance.
"I'm fine." Obi-Wan automatically replied, earning a disapproving, and unconvinced look from Luke.
"Anytime someone says they're fine, they aren't." He told the Jedi Master as they moved to the door. Obi-Wan stumbled a couple of times, but Luke would steady him and they made it up the few stairs leading up the the cell door. "And Jedi aren't supposed to lie."
"Speaking from experience, are we?" Obi-Wan asked, a little amused and tired. Luke only grinned in response. Oh! If only he could tell Obi-Wan who he was! Tell him everything! But he couldn't... After a few more steps, Obi-Wan suddenly keeled over, his body trembling as he coughed. Luke cringed at the painful wheezing Obi-Wan made after his coughing fit was over. He crouched down and touched Obi-Wan's shoulder, allowing his eyes to close as he focused on using the Force to ease the Master's pain.
Once he was done, Luke reopened his eyes, blinking a moment when his vision went haywire from overexertion, only to find Obi-Wan staring at him intensely. "Master...Kenobi?"
"How did you learn to use the Force that way, child?" Obi-Wan inquired, genuinely curious. Luke didn't answer, helping Obi-Wan to stand once again. This time, because Luke was lending him strength with the Force, the Master was able to stand and walk on his own. Though he would pause every once in a while to catch his breath, they were making good progress. In truth, Luke wasn't very strong in Healing with the Force, but Lariss was. She had taught Luke the basics, knowing Healing wasn't his strongpoint, but she knew it was essential that he learn it. At least, enough that he could heal himself should he ever be injured and far from a med-center.
The feeling that had been plaguing Luke since he had entered the shafts returned twice-fold, telling the young Jedi that there was something coming.
"Do you sense that?" Luke decided to ask Obi-Wan, wondering what it was. Obi-Wan slowly nodded.
"That would be Ventress." He sighed, shaking his head.
"Ven...tress?" Luke tilted his head in question, hoping Obi-Wan would explain to him who this 'Ventress' was. He'd never heard of her! Obi-Wan looked at him in surprise.
"You do not know who Ventress is?"
"No?"
"Ah...Well I do believe you will have the opportunity to meet her soon." Obi-Wan knowingly told him, his gaze moving to look forward. Luke pursed his lips.
"You expect this Ventress to try and cut us off? To keep us from escaping." He stated more than questioned, earning another surprised look from Obi-Wan.
"Very insightful, but yes. Actually, no." Obi-Wan said, with another shake of his head. "I know for a certainty that she will try to cut us off."
Luke smirked at that.
"Try." He repeated, and Obi-Wan turned to look at him, his eyes twinkling.
"Ah, Yoda's famous line of all time." The Master grinned. Luke returned the grin as the two chimed in unison,
"Do or do not, there is no try."
"I take it the Sith have failed to adopt that motto. No wonder they continue to fail." Luke spoke aloud, wincing when he realized who was there to overhear him. Obi-Wan snorted, much to his surprise.
"Indeed." Obi-Wan agreed, eyeing Luke. He frowned deeply, eyes searching for something Luke didn't know. "I'm sorry, but I feel that I know you from somewhere." The Master explained, catching onto the fact that Luke had noticed that he was being analyzed by him. It was true. Obi-Wan had the strangest feeling that he should know the teen from somewhere, but he didn't know where from. He was familiar, and his signature...
Obi-Wan was amazed by the pure light of the Force that surrounded the boy. It seemed to create a protective shell around him, shielding him from the darkness, as a mother would protect her child. His Signature was powerful, nearly as powerful as Anakin's. Actually, Obi-Wan thought, his power could rival that of Anakin's! But where had he met this boy before? Obi-Wan knew that Luke was familiar.
"Wait...When you introduced yourself, you claimed to be Luke Solo."
"Yes..?" Luke affirmed, wondering where this was headed, but Obi-Wan didn't clarify what he was trying to get from that piece of information. The Jedi Master seemed to mull over this, his brow furrowed as he raised a hand to stroke his beard.
"I wonder...Coincidence?" He softly asked himself, confusing Luke. "You also said that Anakin, Master Skywalker was here?"
"Yes, and I think Master Secura and Master Koon are scheduled to arrive soon."
"Who is your Master, Luke? Surely not Anakin." 'Force knows he doesn't want a Padawan who will 'slow him down.'' The Master thought to himself.
"No." Luke shook his head. "I don't have Master."
Obi-Wan blinked, befuddled. "What do you mean?" He asked, peeking around a corner to make sure Ventress wasn't going to come out flying at them. Seeing the coast was clear, he gestured for Luke to follow. "I would have thought that since you are here, you were a Padawan accompanying your Master."
"No." Luke said, sadness lacing his tone. "Both of my Masters are one with the Force."
Obi-Wan started at this, shocked. "I...I am sorry for your loss." He managed to say, feeling guilty for having asked. Luke merely smiled.
"It is alright. I know they are still with me."
"Who were they?" Obi-Wan asked, wondering if he knew any of the boy's Masters. Perhaps that was why he recognized him.
"Master Ben. My other Master, I cannot say."
"You cannot?" Obi-Wan raised a disbelieving eyebrow. Luke only shrugged, telling Obi-Wan that he wasn't going to say anymore. Obi-Wan decided to let it slide, but his suspicions were growing. There was something about Luke...Something off. He could have sworn he knew Luke. It was an odd feeling for Obi-Wan as he gazed down at the boy. He couldn't get a good look at him, however, since there was little to no light where they were. "Then, how did you come to be here?"
"Master Skywalker accidentally brought me aboard."
"He did?"
"He didn't realize I was still on the shuttle we had been fixing and when he did, it was too late to turn back. He'd already jumped into hyperspace."
Obi-Wan wasn't at all surprised by this. "Of course..."
"He was very worried, you know." Luke abruptly spoke up, catching Obi-Wan's attention. "He left right after he'd heard of your disappearance. Wouldn't rest until we had a plan."
"He planned this?" Obi-Wan was so amazed that he almost stumbled over his own feet. "You mean to tell me that Anakin truly took some time to plan an attack?"
Luke laughed softly. "Yes. But I highly doubt he'll stick to the plan."
"Never does." Obi-Wan agreed when he came to an abrupt stop, pulling Luke beside him. Raising a finger to his lips, Obi-Wan gestured towards the intersection with his hand. Luke followed his line of vision to find a squad of Droids marching down the corridor with a Night Sister woman leading them.
'Doesn't she look thrilled.' Luke remarked to himself, watching as the woman barked out orders at the Droids, clearly irritated.
"Find the Jedi!" She spat in agitation, her face darkening in anger. "He couldn't have gotten far!"
"Roger, roger!" The Droids squeaked together, clanking away as the woman turned and headed down their way. Luke nearly recoiled from the darkness spewing from her, but beneath it all, Luke could see a little light smothered by the darkness. So, she wasn't completely lost to the Dark Side. She was confused. It seemed to Luke, that this woman didn't quite understand right from wrong. She didn't know if what she was doing was right because all she had ever known was the Dark Side.
Compassion leaked into his heart as Luke thought about all of the Sith Apprentices. They all lived dangerous lives, and sometimes, it wasn't even by choice. They were forced, or ripped away from their own, peaceful lives and made to serve the Dark. It was the way of the Sith. A path Luke never wanted to go down on. In order to survive, the Apprentice had to work hard and train in order to become more powerful than their own Masters, then kill their Master. A feat that Luke knew was near impossible. It was why there were very few Apprentices. In his life, Luke had only run into a couple of Apprentices. His sister, and another fiery tempered woman.
This would make his third.
"Ventress." Obi-Wan breathed, in order not to be heard. "This could be problematic." He commented, without any true concern. "I don't have my lightsaber."
"They took it?" Luke lowly asked.
"No. I believe Cody has it."
"I have mine and I think..." Luke bit his lip, shuffling through his pouch. "Ha!" He pulled out a smaller saber, one that the Jedi gave Younglings for training. "I knew I kept this somewhere."
"Convenient." Obi-Wan remarked. "May I?"
Luke handed his saber over without question, keeping the training saber in his hand in order to remind himself what it felt like. Obi-Wan looked over the saber he had been given, amazed with how well it had been made. It was definitely well-cared for and powerful. A suitable weapon for its wielder. But...
'The design is almost like mine...And Anakin's.' Obi-Wan realized, turning the saber over again. It was almost an exact replica, in fact. 'Interesting...This child grows even more mysterious by the second.' It reminded Obi-Wan of another child he had met...
"She's getting closer."
"Keep hidden and shield yourself. With any luck, she won't sense us." Obi-Wan whispered. Luke only looked at him.
"I thought there was no such thing as luck?" Obi-Wan raised both his eyebrows at this. Who had told the child this? For as far as he was concerned, Obi-Wan only knew one person who claimed that luck didn't exist, and that was himself.
"In my experience, there isn't."
The two waited, silently, Luke shielding himself as Ventress came closer. Much to his amusement, Ventress passed them without a second glance. Once she was far enough away, they left their hiding spot and made for the doors.
"That was easy."
"It isn't always." Obi-Wan said in his don't-get-to-arrogant kind of way. Luke hummed in reply, opening the doors and entering the elevator after Obi-Wan had. Obi-Wan gave the elevator a bored look. "Another elevator...How I dislike these things."
"What did they ever do to you?" Luke asked, grasping at the railing and leaning against the wall. "I find them quite beneficial." Especially when having to visit the ginormous Senate Buildings in Naboo.
"When they are functioning correctly."
"Ah..."
Obi-Wan took this time to study Luke once again. Now that he could see the child, he took in the bright blonde hair, the shining blue eyes, and the tanned skin he had. He also wore a black Jedi tunic with black leggings and boots. He even had a black utility belt to go with it. Obi-Wan frowned. Why would a bright boy like Luke choose to wear such dark clothing? He knew Anakin preferred dark colors, but even he didn't wear as much black. Perhaps it was symbolic of his past? He had lost two Masters, and from what Obi-Wan could see, Luke had suffered much in his life. How he seemed to draw this out from just meeting the boy, Obi-Wan didn't know. But he felt drawn to him. The boy was a beacon of light, a pure soul. It was very rare to meet a Jedi with such a vibrant Signature.
Time seemed to pass slowly as the elevator crawled up towards the higher grounds. Luke tapped his fingers on the railing, waiting for it to come to a stop.
It continued on. He frowned and glanced over at Obi-Wan.
"Shouldn't we have stopped by now? I know for sure that I didn't fall that many floors below ground."
Obi-Wan tapped his chin, sensing that Luke had a point. The elevator should have stopped long ago.
"I have a feeling it was rigged." He muttered, just loud enough for Luke to hear. "They're bringing us to the top floor."
"Top floor?" Luke repeated, rubbing the back of his neck. That wasn't good...
"What is it?" Obi-Wan asked, wondering what Luke was thinking.
"If I remember correctly, Cody said something about containers of the virus are held up there and the generators. Master Skywalker needs the generators to be blown, but...We can't exactly do that when we're still in the facility."
"Oh." Obi-Wan frowned at this. "That's definitely not good." He leaned back against the wall, arms crossed as he stared at the elevator doors. "Well, that means we will have to find a way out of this place and fast. I have a feeling the Separatists are going to blow this place themselves."
"Really? But, didn't they only just build it?"
Obi-Wan shrugged. "I guess they don't need it anymore. Besides, by the time Anakin's through with his attack, there won't be anything left anyways." He added as an afterthought. "I suppose we could help and set the charges. That would give us enough time to get out of this place."
"Where do we get the charges?"
"Where else?" Obi-Wan smirked as the elevator finally came to a stop. "Just follow my lead." He ignited Luke's saber, studying the emerald blade that came to life. Emerald green...It was a color that fit Luke well, Obi-Wan distantly thought to himself, hearing Luke turn on his training saber. "I must ask, Luke, who helped you to make this saber?"
Luke looked up at him, giving him the look Anakin used to, and still did, give Obi-Wan. The, what-the-heck-are-you-talking-about look. "No one. I did it myself, following the Force's guidance."
Obi-Wan blinked in amazement, looking at the youth in new-found light. "What of your Masters?"
"They were already one with the Force." Luke answered. Obi-Wan shook his head.
'I don't believe it...'
The doors chimed open, and Obi-Wan immediately sprung out from inside the elevator, swinging Luke's saber and chopping several droids in half. Luke followed after him, skillfully weaving through the large group of Droids and cutting through them with practices ease. Obi-Wan watched, stunned, as Luke gracefully leaped here and there, easily deflecting bolts and nimbly dancing out of harm's way, as if it were some regular training session for the boy. The teen was focused and calm, the Force guiding his every movement. He kept close to Obi-Wan, adapting to the Jedi Master's style and protecting his unprotected side.
The Droids were destroyed in no time at all, and Obi-Wan quickly searched for charges to set.
"Hmm.." Obi-Wan hummed, disappointed when he found nothing but spare Droid parts and broken tools. "I can't find any charges..."
"We won't need any charges." Luke's voice drifted over to the distracted Master, earning Obi-Wan's attention. He found Luke fiddling with the control panel, pressing several buttons on the electronic keyboard below it. Obi-Wan stood and walked over, wondering what Luke was doing. "If I can override their password, I can put the facility on lock down and set it to self-destruct." He informed the Master, his fingers skimming over the control pad once again before he jerked one of the levers down.
Obi-Wan looked at the screen to find a map of the facility itself. It was quite large, bigger than any other factory he'd ever visited. Luke had gotten passed the password and was now locking down the entire place, sealing the blaster doors shut. He was about to set it to self-destruct when he hesitated.
"How long will we need to get out of this place?" Luke asked, waiting for Obi-Wan's answer.
"Well..." Obi-Wan stroked his beard, narrowing his eyes on Luke as the boy messed with some wires underneath the panel. He clearly knew what he was doing, and from what he could see, Luke was a mechanical genius...just like Anakin.
The Master's eyes widened.
Anakin!
That was what it was! Luke reminded him of Anakin! That was why Obi-Wan had been so convinced that he knew Luke. The similarities between the two was astonishing. In fact, Obi-Wan couldn't think of any differences between them, except that Luke was much calmer and at ease than Anakin. Anakin was a wound up bundle of energy and the Knight still had yet to learn patience.
"Master Kenobi?"
Obi-Wan was brought back to the present when Luke's soft voice broke into his thoughts and the Jedi found that he had yet to answer the boy. "Do forgive me, Luke." He apologized. "As I was saying, probably no more than five minutes."
"Truly?" Luke raised an eyebrow, his eyes widening marginally.
"Oh, yes."
"How is that possible?"
"We are going to jump." Obi-Wan stated, as if the answer should have been obvious.
"...Jump?" Luke had to make sure he had heard the Jedi correctly, turning his head to glance out the window and all the way down the ground far below. "That's a long drop..."
"I meant over there, Luke." Obi-Wan, amused, pointed to the cliff side across from them. Luke could feel himself flushing in embarrassment.
"O-Oh. I knew that." He stuttered, chuckling in an embarrassed manner, rubbing the back of his neck again. Obi-Wan caught this and was once again struck with how much Luke resembled Anakin. Before he could think more about it, a familiar, agitated presence brushed up against his Signature.
"We don't have much time. Ventress is on her way." Obi-Wan told Luke, quietly urging the boy to work faster. Luke did, flicking many switches on and off then yanking on the red wire under the panel so that no one could stop the facility from self-destructing.
Once through, Luke stood and brushed his hands off, Obi-Wan noting that he wore one glove and left the other bare. He was curious to know why, though he had a sneaking suspicion he knew the answer, Obi-Wan decided to ask about it later.
"Alright. That should be good." Luke said aloud.
"Good. Let's go." Obi-Wan backed up a little, Luke mimicking his moves. "Now!" The Master called just as the blaster doors of the room were blown open. Both Luke and Obi-Wan sprinted towards the window, using the Force to enhance their leap as they broke through the glass and flew over to the cliff. Obi-Wan managed to land atop the cliff with ease, but Luke wasn't as lucky. The teen managed to grab hold of the edge and threw one arm over in order to pull himself up. Obi-Wan winced when pain exploded in his side, but he ignored it as he knelt down and grasped Luke's wrist, pulling the teen up to safety.
"Thanks." Luke murmured, Obi-Wan accepting his thanks with a curt dip of his chin.
"Why don't we meet up with Anakin before the facility blows?"
Luke grinned and trotted after Obi-Wan as they slowly started to descend the cliff side. They didn't get far before the Separatist facility suddenly exploded, a violent tremor rocking the ground they stood on. Luke, having been knocked off balance, surged forward, colliding into the unforgiving ground with a grunt. Obi-Wan stumbled but miraculously remained standing.
"What the...Why is it exploding?" Luke shouted over the sound of more explosions.
"I don't know!" Obi-Wan called back, grabbing hold of the teen's arm and pulling him up. "But what I do know is that we need to get out of here! And fast! "
"Right behind you, Master Kenobi!"
-CW-
Anakin was growing impatient. Not that that was anything new, but his worry was eating at him and the Knight couldn't focus on the battle at hand. He had heard nothing from Luke and anytime he tried to contact him, the call wouldn't go through.
'Something's wrong.' Anakin kept telling himself, before demanding that the small voice in the back of his head shut up. He needed to focus! Who knew what could happen if he allowed himself to get distracted.
"General Skywalker!" Rex's voice sounded from his right, and Anakin looked to find the Clone Captain ducking behind a large boulder beside him. "The shields are faltering! With any luck, we'll be able to press forward in no time!"
"Good! Keep firing at those shields! The faster we get them down, the faster we can reach Obi-Wan!" Anakin shouted over the sound of battle.
"Yes sir!" Rex saluted, using his wrist-com to relay the message to his brothers. The Clones doubled their attacks, bombing the shields at a faster rate. Just as the shields were beginning to fade, the ground violently shook as an explosion sounded.
"What the...?!" Anakin jerked his head around in time to see the Separatist facility self-destructing, bombs detonating left and right. "Oh no..." He whispered in dismay, thinking about Luke and Obi-Wan, trapped inside the facility. His heart sunk as the facility started to crumble before his eyes. "No, no, no! This wasn't supposed to happen!"
Rex said nothing, eyes wide in disbelief, sharing a few looks with Waxer, Boil, Cody, and Whiz.
"Luke?" Waxer murmured. Boil shook his head.
"I don't know, Waxer..."
"I'm sure the Kid made it out." Whiz optimistically told his brothers, unable to wrap his mind around the possibility that Luke hadn't escaped.
"Of course he did." Cody said. "The Kid's a special one. Reminds me of the other Commander..."
"The other Commander?" Rex repeated, giving Cody a questioning look.
"You haven't heard?"
At their blank stares, Cody shrugged. "You'll find out soon enough."
As soon as the facility had collapsed, Anakin issued an order to search for Obi-Wan and Luke. "I didn't feel anything in the Force, so they must be alive." Anakin told them. Whether he was trying to assure himself or tell the Clones that Obi-Wan and Luke were alive, they were unsure.
"Sir!" Cody abruptly cried, pointing upwards. "Up there!"
Everyone followed his line of sight to see two figures trudging down the cliff side towards them.
"Luke! Obi-Wan!" Anakin exhaled deeply in relief, his shoulders slumping as if a huge weight had been lifted from them. The Knight rushed over, checking them both with the Force for injuries. Obi-Wan, he found, had taken a beating from the Separatists holding him captive, but other than that, he didn't seem to have any life threatening wounds. Luke seemed to be fine, his only injuries being the shrapnel wounds reopening in his arms and staining his black sleeves a darker color.
"Anakin." Obi-Wan greeted him, smiling slightly. His eyes drifted over the battlefield, taking in every ruined Droid and Separatist tanks before returning to lock gazes with Anakin.
"Thank the Force you're alright!"
"Oh, I'm fine." Obi-Wan assured him, clasping the Knight's shoulder. Anakin's eyes swam with immense relief then swiveled over to look at Luke.
"Luke, are you okay?" He asked the boy, placing both hands on his shoulders. Luke glanced up at him, flashing him a lop-sided grin.
"Couldn't be better."
"I tried contacting you..."
"You did?" Luke pulled out his com-link and checked it. "I didn't get anything."
"I figured as much."
Obi-Wan watched the exchange with curious eyes. Anakin, he could see, cared for Luke, causing him to wonder how long Luke and Anakin had known each other and when they'd met, for Obi-Wan had never met him before.
"How many casualties?" Obi-Wan asked, studying the Clones scouring the field.
"Not many." Anakin answered, frowning down at Luke as the boy tugged at his glove. "The Droids wouldn't leave the safe-grounds, so all of them were pretty much destroyed when the facility collapsed. What happened to you?"
"All in due time." Obi-Wan responded. "Long story short, I was held for questioning, the Separatists didn't appreciate my answers, then Luke came, and we escaped after setting the facility to self-destruct."
"I see." Anakin glanced back at the factory. "We'd better leave before the Virus started spreading. It won't be long before this entire area's affected."
"Indeed." Obi-Wan wholeheartedly agreed.
"Impatient to leave?" Anakin grinned at him.
"I need to return to Coruscant." Came Obi-Wan's reply.
"Whatever for? Surely you're not that excited to meet with the Council."
"No. I need to go to the Med-Center. The Council can wait."
"Oh?" Anakin grew concerned, scrutinizing his former Master. Had he overlooked some injuries? If Obi-Wan was saying that he needed to visit the Med-Center...
As if reading Anakin's mind, Obi-Wan chuckled, waving a hand in the air to dismiss his concern.
"I left someone there, Anakin, and I promised them I would return two days ago...I am most definitely going to receive an earful when I return."
"Huh?" Anakin raised an eyebrow. "You left someone?"
"You wouldn't know them-" Obi-Wan suddenly cut off, as if he had just remembered something and whipped his head to look down at Luke. "Wait a minute...You...I wonder..." The Master said nothing more, instead turning and heading for the nearest aircraft, leaving behind two very confused Jedi. Anakin looked to Luke, who looked to him.
"I have no idea." Luke shrugged, following after Obi-Wan.
"Who could this person be?" Anakin wondered aloud. Surely Obi-Wan hadn't gotten a new student.
Jealousy flared within Anakin, who quickly squelched it. No...It was impossible.
He abruptly stopped, spinning on his heel and placing his hands on Luke's shoulders again, startling the boy.
"Master Skywalker?"
"Luke! Actually..." Anakin faltered, his brow furrowing and blue eyes showing the internal debate he was having. "We'll talk later, when we're aboard the the Resolute."
-Cw-
Anakin had, as he had said, hunted down Luke once he had boarded the Resolute and made sure Obi-Wan was receiving the medical treatment he needed, finding the teen working in one of the hangars of the cruiser.
"Luke."
"Master Skywalker!" Luke scrambled to his feet, dusting himself off as the Knight approached him. He felt nervous, thoughts of why Anakin wanted to speak with him having plagued his mind during the entire flight to Coruscant. He wondered if he was in trouble, but figured that that couldn't be it. But if that wasn't it, what was it?
A strange look seemed to cross over Anakin's features before he shook his head, as if clearing it. "I know it's only been a few months, but...Well," The Knight paused, as if unsure of how to continue. He also seemed...nervous? Now Luke was feeling even more nervous. "Ah, kriff it." Anakin cursed, straightening, tucking his arms against his sides as he gazed down at the small teen. "Luke, I was wondering if you'd do me the honor of becoming my Padawan." It wasn't a question, but it still caught Luke off guard.
For a moment, Luke only stood there, staring at Anakin in surprise.
"I don't know why, but I feel connected to you, Luke, and when we first met, I felt a bond already forming." Anakin found himself explaining, hoping Luke wouldn't refuse becoming his Padawan. He knew he'd always told Obi-Wan to bug off when his former Master pestered him to take one, telling him he didn't want a Padawan, but after meeting Luke and working with the boy, Anakin found that he enjoyed his presence. It was soothing and the boy shared many of his own interests. Luke also seemed to understand him, but it wasn't only that. There was so much more. "I asked Yoda about it, but you know how the troll is. Cryptic and elusive as ever. There's a lot more I could tell you, but I was hoping you'd become my Padawan."
"Really?" Luke finally managed to utter in barely concealed joy. His Father wanted him to be his Padawan!?
Anakin bit his lip, nodding. "What do you say, Luke? Think you could handle being my Padawan?"
"Force, yes!" Luke burst out in excitement, and without thinking, had thrown his arms around the Jedi Knight. Taken aback by the suddenly embrace, Anakin chuckled and patted the Luke's back. Even though he hadn't chosen to say the customary response, Anakin found he didn't care. In fact, he was happy Luke had decided to answer in his own way.
"Well, Padawan," Anakin said, trying out the title, watching as Luke perked up from it, "I don't know about you, but I'm famished. Once we eat, I'm sure we can work on fixing one of the shuttles."
"Yes, Master!"
-CW-
"Here we are, Master!" Anakin enthusiastically told Obi-Wan once he brought their speeder to a stop on the Med-Center Landing Pad. Obi-Wan took a moment, half his body pressed back against the seat he was in and eyes closed as he willed himself not to lose his lunch. Anakin's flying was insane! Today was even worse, however, with Luke calling out new things for Anakin to try with the Speeder, and Anakin was more than happy to please the teen. Obi-Wan was surprised they had all managed to stay belted in the speeder with how reckless Anakin had been flying. There were many times Obi-Wan could feel himself slipping but miraculously stayed in his seat, Luke laughing the whole time and Anakin smiling widely, pleased.
"You are going to be the death of me, Anakin." Obi-Wan darkly commented, shaking his head. Luke's laughter died down, his expression becoming pained at the words Obi-Wan had spoken. Obi-Wan gave him a concerned look, sensing Luke's sudden change in mood. Anakin didn't seem to notice something was off, busy messing with the controls of the speeder, a look of intense concentration marring his features. "Luke, are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked him, catching Anakin's attention. Anakin sat up, glancing over his shoulder to look at Luke, suddenly sensing the deep-seeded grief the teen was keeping at bay.
Luke seemed to shake himself from whatever daze he was in and smiled widely. "I'm alright." He answered. The two men weren't convinced, but they said nothing. Luke watched Obi-Wan as the Jedi Master slipped out of the speeder and placed himself ten feet away from it, obviously thankful to have his two feet on the ground. Luke's smile slowly faded into a somber frown.
'He doesn't realize just how true his words are.' He sorrowfully thought, opening his door and jumping out. Anakin followed after them, the three heading for the Med-Center connected to the Jedi Temple.
"So, who is it we're going to see, Obi-Wan?" Anakin pestered the man. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at Anakin's persistence. He just wouldn't leave him alone about this mysterious person Obi-Wan was going to visit.
"You will see, former Padawan-mine." Was all he said, walking through the doors that had parted to allow them entrance. Luke bounced in after them, eyeing the place disdainfully. He wondered how the Healers would react to seeing him again.
"Ah, Kenobi!" Vokara Che's voice warmly greeted them, the Twi'leck woman approaching them.
"Master Che," Kenobi returned, tilting his head.
"Come to rescue your poor, tortured friend?" Vokara Che knowingly guessed, earning an affirmative answer from Obi-Wan. Anakin pursed his lips. Who was this 'friend' Che was talking about? He truly wanted to know.
"That I am, Master Che. I'm afraid I am a little late..."
"Ha! A little!" Vokara chortled, her head tails swaying as she shook her head. "I'm going to warn you, Obi-Wan," The Twi'leck called after them as they walked further down the corridor. "She is not very happy at the moment, and it seems she has managed to escape her room!"
"Again?" Obi-Wan shook his head in exasperation. "Why am I not surprised?"
"She?" Luke overheard Anakin mutter under his breath, glancing up to see his Father's gaze burning into Obi-Wan's back. He smothered an amused grin that threatened to rise. He knew Obi-Wan was purposefully not telling Anakin just who they were meeting. They reached the room this 'friend' was supposedly in, and when Obi-Wan opened the door, it was to find that the room was indeed empty.
Luke waited outside in the corridor as Obi-Wan entered the room with Anakin close behind. When Luke made to move to go after them, he was struck with a familiar presence.
His blue eyes widened, his lips parting in surprise.
Could it be..?
The room...The presence was strong in there. Hope rose within Luke, and the Jedi made to run into the room to see if it was who he thought it was.
Right before Luke could enter the room, a shout rang throughout the hallway. It was a melodious voice accompanied with an accent Luke would recognize anywhere. A voice he had been longing to hear ever since his arrival here in the past.
"LUKE!?"
He had no time to react when he was barreled over by a blue blur, arms wrapping tightly around him and squeezing the life out of him. "Luke!" The voice cried out again, muffled from the being's face being buried in the fabric of his tunic, the small body trembling.
Luke couldn't believe it. He was frozen. Neither registered the fact that Obi-Wan and Anakin had stepped out into the hallway to see what the commotion was about.
It felt like forever, but Luke finally gathered his fragmented thoughts together and breathe out a name.
-CW-
There you have it! Another nice, long, chapter! I hope it was worth reading! Next one should be up soon. I promise!