Chapter 5:

Eliza glanced at Anakin. His eyes were glued to the figure of General Grievous and they were slowly narrowing. Eliza shifted her weight as they continued to kneel.

'Master,' she breathed heavily. 'What should we do?'

'Let's move away before we're spotted,' said Anakin quickly.

He moved swiftly from their position and Eliza paused for a moment before following. They put a good distance between themselves and the large canyon before speaking. Eliza looked at Anakin but he was looking into the distance, deep in thought.

'So, what should we do?' she asked, repeating her previous question.

Anakin took a moment before answering the question. 'I think we should explore a little.'

'Shouldn't we tell the Council that Grievous is here?' asked Eliza.

'Not yet, all we know is that he is here,' said Anakin, now looking at her. 'Other than that we have nothing to tell them.' Anakin paused again, his eyes lingering upon Eliza. 'Do you argue this much with Master Fisto?'

Anakin didn't wait for an answer. He walked back towards the large canyon. Eliza stayed in the same spot as she took a deep breath and shook her head. So that's his problem with her. He knew about what happened on Iridonia, though she was unsure if Anakin was there. Eliza realised that Anakin's opinions on her must have been pretty low.

She walked to where Anakin stood and she silently looked to him. Anakin viewed his options and he looked down to see the depths of the canyon. 'Follow me.'

Eliza followed him to the side of the canyon and he jumped down onto a ledge not far from the top. Eliza followed and landed safely onto the ledge. They jumped down a few more until they were one above Grievous. Eliza was relieved that their presence had not yet been noticed and she only hoped that it remained that way.

They walked along a small ledge near them and crouched down as they listened to the voices and people below.

'This is what Count Dooku wishes,' said a deep, almost calming voice. 'And it's what shall be done.'

'But we do not have the resources and....'

'I do not care for your excuses!' the deep voice shouted. 'You will all do as you are told. There will be no second chances for anyone.'

The voices continued to talk but they were slowly getting fainter. Anakin looked at Eliza. 'Stay here. I'm going to have a small look around. If I'm not back within an hour, contact the Council.'

Eliza was about to argue but the look on Anakin's face changed and she closed her mouth and nodded. He left swiftly and Eliza sighed and moved into a corner near the spot they had been crouching. She brought her knees up to her chest and placed her arms around them.

One problem with being a Jedi was all the waiting. Eliza knew she wasn't the most patient person but she was trying. On this mission she was determined to listen to Anakin and to try not to argue with him. On her last mission she didn't listen to her Master and it cost her much. This time was going to be different. She was going to make sure of it.

After an hour Eliza was still waiting for Anakin. She moved and went to the ledge of rock above her. She scanned the other ones that she could see but there was no way for her to leave. She wouldn't be able to contact the Council just yet. Eliza swore under her breath and a small amount of panic set in. What was she going to do now?

She secured her lightsaber and went back to the hiding place they used. She checked the area below and jumped off when it was clear. The place down here on this level definitely looked like it belong to the Sith. Eliza walked towards the door closest to her and she felt for a presence on the other side. She could only feel a couple. She used the Force to pull the door open and moved away from it.

'What was that?' asked a guard.

She could hear footsteps coming towards her. She took her lightsaber off her belt and ignited it. Once the guards came through the door she took care of them. She searched them for a key or something but found nothing. She moved inside the room and quickly realised her mistake.

An alarm rang out throughout the small complex, alerting everyone to her presence. Eliza shook her head, hating her own stupidity and ran through the only other door in the room. She killed the guards within before several more came through the door. She fought against them but she stopped when they suddenly stopped firing and backed away from her.

She frowned but kept her lightsaber at the ready. A cold and cruel sounding laugh then filled the space of the room. It sent a small chill down Eliza's spine. She knew she wasn't going to like what was coming. She watched as a figure cloaked in a black robe walked towards her and stopped. The guards moved around the person.

'I knew there would be another one,' the figure said.

Eliza's eyes widened a little. It was the same deep voice they had heard earlier. Eliza remained quiet and the person laughed again. He removed his robe to reveal himself. It was a tall, male Togruta. His red skin seemed to glow a blood red and his eyes were a deep, cruel yellow.

'Allow me to introduce myself,' he said, almost politely. 'I am Darth Desaevio and welcome to my hideout which you have discovered. You have the look of a Padawan about you but the Jedi you're with ... I'm guessing you are not his Padawan.'

'Where is he?' asked Eliza, eventually gaining the courage to speak.

'Oh, he is safe,' said Darth Desaevio. 'But for how long, depends on you.'

'I don't understand,' said Eliza quietly.

Desaevio's face twisted into an evil smile as he removed his lightsaber and igniting it. It was a double bladed saber and it glowed a bright red. 'Want to surrender?' he asked smugly.

'Never,' said Eliza defiantly.

Desaevio laughed and engaged Eliza into combat. Their lightsabers met several times fiercely and Eliza gradually struggled to keep up with him. Desaevio kicked Eliza in the side and she fell heavily to the ground, gasping as she went. She managed to get up and face him again. A smile played across his lips as he watched her valiant effort.

'You're a brave one,' he commented slyly.

Eliza panted and she tried to get her breath back quickly. She remained quiet and kept her eyes on him. Desaevio's smile widened slowly. 'Ahhh.... I can sense its mark now,' he said unhurriedly. 'It left you feeling empty and alone.'

'What are you talking about?' asked Eliza frowning.

'I'm talking about your longing, your wanting to be on my side of the Force,' he said, answering her question. 'I feel its presence on you strongly. The acts of the past have left their mark, the loss of a mentor, a loved one and now loneliness, wondering and fear.'

How could he know that?

Eliza's eyes narrowed distrustfully. She held her lightsaber up again and Desaevio laughed. 'You cannot hide your feelings from me, little Jedi,' he said mockingly. 'I sense your concern and worry right now and you fear of dying at my hand.'

'I do not fear you,' said Eliza quietly.

'Keep lying to yourself, little Jedi, they will do you no good.'

Desaevio moved swiftly and connected his lightsaber to Eliza's once again. Desaevio pushed hard against Eliza and she gave way. She fell backwards, her lightsaber flung from her hands and landed near one of the open doorways. Desaevio laughed again, quite amused as he watched her.

'At least the other Jedi put up a fight,' he said lightly. 'I wouldn't call this much of a fight. I win too easily.'

Eliza panicked and she looked around, desperate to find something to help her right now. Quickly, she spotted a loose looking vent on the opposite side. Desaevio walked towards her, unknown to what she was looking at. Eliza acted quickly and used the Force to pull part of the vent off the wall and flung it towards Desaevio. He avoided it, cutting it with his lightsaber but within the vent lay steam which burst out and filled the room.

Eliza moved hastily and ran towards the doorway where her lightsaber lay. She retrieved it and ran from the room while using the Force again to take Anakin's lightsaber from Desaevio. She ran from the room and put a few rooms between them. The one she was now in was empty. She deactivated her lightsaber and placed it back onto her belt.

Eliza knew she couldn't stay where she was so she continued to look around, making sure not to go back in the direction she just left. After several minutes Eliza found a wall terminal. She locked on and managed to slice it open. She found the map and brought in onto the screen. She quickly learnt she wasn't far from the holding cells. She made a memory of where to go and logged out of the terminal. She swapped the lightsabers, taking hold of her own and placing Anakin's on her belt and set off towards the holding cells.

When Eliza knew she was half-way there she stopped. She could hear more voices and they were coming her way. She backed herself against the walls and eventually two shadows crept along the wall towards her. Silently, Eliza moved and striked the guards down quickly before continuing towards the holding cells.

She eventually made it to the holding cells and she deactivated the lock on the door. It swished open and Eliza entered. Her eyes found Anakin instantly. He lifted his head and looked at her. A look of surprise passed over his face as Eliza approached him and cut the chains holding him with her lightsaber. Anakin rubbed his wrists and accepted his lightsaber back from Eliza with a head nod.

'How did you get here?'

'I ran,' said Eliza sheepishly.

'Did you meet our new friend?' he asked as they walked towards the door.

Eliza nodded. 'I fought him but I knew I couldn't win. So I made a distraction and ran off, grabbing your lightsaber on the way.'

Anakin gave her another surprised look but said nothing. 'Did you contact the Council?'

'No,' said Eliza simply.

'No? What do you mean no?' asked Anakin crossly.

'It's the first thing I attempted to do when you didn't come back,' said Eliza quickly. 'But I wasn't able to get back up there. There were too many guards blocking my way so I figured this might have been the easier option.'

'And was it?' asked Anakin, raising an eyebrow.

'I'm not sure yet,' said Eliza honestly.

'Come on then,' said Anakin. 'We have to get out of here.'

'What about the Sith Lord?' asked Eliza worriedly.

'We can't do anything about it now,' replied Anakin. 'Let's worry about getting out of here first and then dealing with the Sith Lord.'

Eliza nodded and once again took the role of following him. They walked back down the way Eliza had arrived there and continued until they reached the outside of the complex. Anakin stopped and Eliza stopped suddenly, almost running into him. She looked at him. His facial expression was one of deep concentration.

'He's here,' Anakin whispered.

The same laugh as before filled Eliza's ears. She almost felt her heart stop and the only thing that kept it going was the knowledge that Anakin was now here with her. She wouldn't have to face him alone again. He walked out, showing himself to them again, the smile still present on his face.

'Not you again,' said Anakin playfully.

'Don't get arrogant now Jedi,' said Desaevio. 'You lost to me as did the little Jedi.'

'Yes, but that was both of us separately. Why not take us together?' said Anakin, a challenging smile appearing on his face.

'Would be my pleasure,' said Desaevio, his smile slowly fading as his eyes narrowed.

Without warning Anakin rushed forwards and engaged Desaevio in battle quickly. Eliza wasn't far behind. Together they fought against him, slashing their lightsabers in an attempted to hit him. Within minutes Eliza was kicked in the stomach and Force pushed away while Anakin continued to fight him. He turned to her when possible while still fighting.

'Get back to the ship!' he yelled.

Eliza hesitated but obeyed his order. He was in charge and Eliza had no plan to disobey another person. Eliza jumped her way to the top of the canyon, killing any troops or guards in her path. When she reached the top she looked back down to where Anakin was. He was still engaging Desaevio in battle.

Eliza clipped her lightsaber back onto her belt and ran towards the ship. Half-way there she came to an abrupt halt. There were many Entymals standing in front of her. She didn't reach for her lightsaber knowing it could trigger a hostile event. After several moments, none of them had yet moved but C-3PO slowly walked over to her and she couldn't help but notice the queen was following.

They both stopped near her. Eliza wondered what they could want. C-3PO stood between them and looked to Eliza as he spoke. 'The exalted queen would like to know why the Sith have not been executed.'

'We have found a Sith Lord in a secret base on the planet,' said Eliza steadily, though her breathing was hard. 'I have been instructed to contact the Jedi Council. We are still going to help you but we are going to need more assistance.'

C-3PO relayed the message but the response did not seem promising. 'The queen says that the Jedi should already be capable of getting rid of them without bringing more of you to their planet.'

Eliza sighed under her breath. 'The threat is greater than you know,' said Eliza as politely as possible. 'Please, just let us do what is needed and we will leave peacefully.'

The next reply was a little better. 'The queen requests that you be gone by the next sundown,' said C-3PO gently.

'Tell her we shall try.'

The message was given and Eliza was allowed to pass through them although she moved carefully as they continued to surround her. She eventually made it back to Anakin's ship and boarded. She turned the communications on and it was answered by Luminara Unduli.

'Padawan,' she said instantly. 'What has happened?'

'We're still on Endex,' replied Eliza. 'Master Skywalker and I found a secret hideout and we're currently in a little trouble. There is a Sith Lord on this planet as well as General Grievous. Master Skywalker told me to return and send a message though I am unsure of what he wanted me to say.'

Luminara seemed slightly shaken but she quickly regained her composure and nodded to Eliza. 'I shall inform the others at once. Wait where you are,' she ordered.

Eliza nodded and the silvery figure of Luminara disappeared. Eliza walked back down the ramp and looked out into the distance. There was no sign of Anakin. Eliza felt a little panicky but she breathed deeply several times in an attempt to calm herself down. Eliza hoped that Anakin was alright. She felt a little conflicted. Part of her wanted to go and help but she had two orders and both were telling her to stay where she was.

Several minutes passed and Eliza's feelings of panic escalated. She was about to leave the ship before hearing the communication system beep and she ran towards it. It came alive instantly and Mace Windu appeared before her.

'Young Padawan,' he started, getting straight to the point. 'You are to remain where you are until Master Kenobi arrives. He is near the sector you are in. Wait for him before you do anything more.'

'Yes, Master,' said Eliza quietly.

Mace Windu disappeared and Eliza sighed. The same panicky feeling was returning along with a sense of helplessness. She wanted to help Anakin. Anything could have happened to him by now, though she did know that he was more competent to deal with this threat than she was. She stepped through the ship softly and sat down in the passenger seat.

She stared blankly outside the view window and sighed again. She placed her hands on her abdomen one on top of the other. Her lips were thin as she pressed them together tightly. She was nervous. She leaned her head back within seconds of relaxing flashes of memories passed through her mind.

It began with her first Master. He was becoming an unusual presence in her mind though the reminder of his death no longer seemed that bad. Of course, she still thought about it. How could she not? But the feelings of thinking about it were changing, though very slowly.

A thought of Master Fisto flashed within her mind. A small frown appeared on her face as she concentrated on him. Compared to other Masters, Kit did seem different and Eliza didn't just mean his species. His overall demeanour as a Jedi seemed different to other Jedi that she had met. Her first Master was a tough Mentor, though Eliza learnt well from his teachings.

But with Kit, the teachings with Lestin, seemed pointless now. Kit seemed to be teaching her things she should have already known. It made her feel as though she had failed in some way. Was Lestin's teaching methods wrong or did she misinterpret them?

Eliza's mind then turned to Anakin. Coming on this mission didn't seem like a big deal but she quickly learnt that Anakin didn't seem to have much of an opinion of her. Eliza had hoped to change it but for some reason it seemed unlikely. She continually wondered why he didn't seem to like her.

Eliza was jerked from her thoughts as a footstep echoed around the ship behind her. She jumped from her seat and whipped out her lightsaber, igniting it and moving to an attack position. She quickly deactivated it when realising her mistake. It was only Obi-Wan Kenobi. He gave her a small smile.

'I didn't mean to startle you,' he said with a wry smile. 'I'm surprised you didn't sense me coming.'

'I'm sorry, Master Kenobi,' said Eliza, embarrassed. 'I was lost in my thoughts.'

'Try not to make a habit of it,' said Obi-Wan, his smile still present.

Eliza returned the small smile and nodded. Quickly, Obi-Wan's face turned serious. He looked around. 'So, Anakin isn't with you I see.'

'The last time I saw him he was duelling with Darth Desaevio,' said Eliza.

'Start from the beginning,' said Obi-Wan, his blue eyes fixed upon her.

Eliza nodded and breathed deeply. 'We arrived and we went to meet with the Entymals, the indigenous people, straight away and the queen told us there were Sith on the planet and that they were towards the south. We began walking in that direction and eventually came across a large canyon. Immediately we heard voices and it was of the Sith Lord. We also could see General Grievous although we haven't seen him since that first time. Master Skywalker went into the facility to have a look and said that if he wasn't back within an hour then I should contact the Jedi.

'He didn't come back and on my way back to the ship I saw countless of guards in my path and I thought the easier option would be to look for Master Skywalker myself. I ran into Darth Desaevio and managed to get away with Master Skywalker's lightsaber. I found him in the holding cells and released him. We were then making our way back to the ship when we met Desaevio again, together. We both attacked, though I was quickly pushed away and Master Skywalker told me to go to the ship and send a message.'

Eliza took another deep breath and waited. Obi-Wan seemed impressed for some reason but the look quickly disappeared. Obi-Wan paced the ship lightly and frowned as he thought. Eliza patiently watched as he ran a hand through his beard. She opened her mouth but closed it, knowing that the decision of what to do was not up to her.

'Want to say something?' asked Obi-Wan. Her look of hesitation and her open mouth didn't go unnoticed.

Eliza hesitated again, wondering if she was in her right to express her thoughts on what they should do right now. 'Master, I just wonder if this is something that shouldn't be dealt with now.'

'What do you mean?' asked Obi-Wan, moving a little closer to her.

'I mean, I think we should go in there, get Master Skywalker and leave. I believe that ... another plan is in order. I don't think this could be dealt with here, on this planet, though it makes me unsure about what we would say to the indigenous people. They want the Sith gone and if we don't do that then ... well, I don't know what would happen.'

Obi-Wan seemed to think her words over. He crossed his arms over his chest and thought for another moment before nodding his head slowly. 'Lead the way,' he said eventually.

Eliza nodded and they left the ship together. Eliza glanced to her left and noticed Obi-Wan's ship sitting not far was Anakin's. They walked side by side, in step together. 'So, what's the plan, Master Kenobi,' asked Eliza, breaking the uncomfortable silence she felt.

'To get Anakin out of there,' he said summarily.

'Right,' Eliza muttered under her breath.

Once reaching the canyon Eliza made sure it was clear before taking Obi-Wan down to the level she and Anakin ended up one the first time. They went to the small corner and could now see down near the entrance of the facility. 'It appears unguarded.'

'Don't assume anything, Padawan,' said Obi-Wan quickly. 'That's what they could be counting on.'

Eliza nodded and they stayed where they were as they waited for something, anything to give them a clue as to what was going on but nothing seemed to happen. 'Is there a main room inside the facility?' asked Obi-Wan.

Eliza shrugged. 'I didn't really pay much attention to anything last time. I was mainly focused on how to get out of there.'

A small amused smile appeared on Obi-Wan's face as he looked at Eliza. 'Then I suggest we have a look,' he said quickly but before moving Eliza knew he had more to say. 'Alright, once inside, we'll find out where everyone is and once established you'll go to the holding cell and see if Anakin is once again there. I will distract the Sith Lord and Grievous, if he's around, and I'll meet you back at the ships.'

Eliza nodded and Obi-Wan left the corner and Eliza followed. They both removed their lightsabers and entered the facility. The first few rooms they searched, there was no one around. It appeared deserted. They continued through many rooms and instantly stopped once voices were heard. They approached the voices and they both listened.

'This is taking too long,' said General Grievous. 'Count Dooku demands progress and keeping this one Jedi here alive is not moving things forward.'

'I am his apprentice,' said Darth Desaevio dangerously. 'I decide what is to be done here. There is still another Jedi out there, a Padawan, and I will not let her escape.'

'What if she already has?' asked Grievous.

'She won't leave without permission,' said Desaevio knowingly. 'She will contact the Jedi and they will likely send someone else to assist her. We are to wait for them and take them prisoner too. Why have one Jedi when you can have three?'

Grievous growled low in his throat and stalked from the room. Desaevio smiled triumphantly as he watched. It tasted like victory, sweet and pleasurable. He couldn't wait to catch the other two Jedi.

Eliza glanced at Obi-Wan though he was already looking at her. They moved away from the door and into the next empty room. Eliza gripped her lightsaber tightly, the back of her hand turned whiter than normal. 'Now is the time,' said Obi-Wan quickly. 'I'll go in there and face Desaevio. You find Anakin and head straight for the ships.'

'What about the Entymals and the queen?' asked Eliza rapidly.

'There's nothing we can do about that now,' said Obi-Wan quickly. 'Let's go.'

Eliza nodded and ran towards the holding cells. She remembered the way there and opened the door. She entered the room and found Anakin. He was in the same place as before. She ran over and released him from his bonds. Anakin's face showed slight embarrassment. They walked to the door but Eliza suddenly stopped.

'Master,' she whispered to Anakin. 'Do you hear that?'

Anakin stopped his movements and listened. 'Yes, I do,' he said quietly. 'It sounds like one of those creatures.'

'Maybe if we free it, the queen would be grateful,' said Eliza, hopefully.

'That's just what I was thinking although ... it still may not be good enough.'

They headed towards the sound. It was coming from beyond another door within the holding cell. 'Give me your lightsaber,' said Anakin roughly.

Eliza handed it over and Anakin used it to make a hole in the door. The large piece fell through and Anakin stepped inside. Eliza looked inside but didn't move. Eliza could see one of the Entymals. It was being held against the wall crudely and judging from the squealing it made, Eliza guessed it was in pain. Anakin cut the chains holding the creature and it appeared to fall to the ground unconscious. Anakin sighed in annoyance and he threw Eliza's lightsaber back to her and scooped the creature into his arms.

They left the holding cells and left the facility. 'How did you get back here?' asked Anakin once they were outside.

'I sent a message to the Council and they sent Master Kenobi here,' replied Eliza. 'They said he was in a sector close to us. He's here now. He told me to get you and go straight back to the ships.'

'Then let's go back to the ships,' said Anakin.

They made their way towards the top of the canyon and then began to run towards the ships. Eliza could hear Anakin panting. She was breathing heavily also but she knew it was a bit easier for her. She wasn't carrying any extra weight whereas Anakin was.

They reached the ship and Anakin set the creature down onto the ground. It appeared to be breathing but otherwise it did not move. Eliza glanced around, feeling slightly panicky but within minutes, Obi-Wan came into sight, running towards them. Anakin moved forwards and met his old Master half-way and walked back to the ship with him.

Obi-Wan glanced down at the creature on the ground. 'What is that?' he asked looking at Anakin.

'One of the locals,' Anakin replied.

'An Entymal,' said Eliza quietly. 'He was in a room off the holding cell.'

'Well, I'm sure the queen will be pleased,' said Obi-Wan happily.

'Not if they find out that we haven't done as they asked,' said Anakin pessimistically. 'So, what happened down there?'

'Well, he is definitely a Sith Lord and a well trained one too,' said Obi-Wan exasperatedly. 'I'm guessing he's definitely Count Dooku's new apprentice. The fighting style was similar. We have to go back to the Council and tell them what has happened and that we have a new threat.'

'Master Yoda will be thrilled,' said Anakin sarcastically.

'No doubt,' said Obi-Wan. 'I think we should get this one home first.'

'And pick up C-3PO on the way,' added Anakin.

Anakin picked up the creature again and they began walking and Eliza gradually followed. She knew Obi-Wan was once Anakin's teacher and that they clicked well but seeing it was a different thing to hearing about it. She shook her head. She felt a little left out. Now both together they seemed to have everything under control. She walked behind both of them as they walked towards the caves.

They walked down the same long path and ended up before the queen again. C-3PO was standing in the same position in which they left him. Anakin stepped forwards and placed the Entymal before the queen. Eliza remained behind them and watched. The queen appeared outraged.

'C-3PO, tell the queen that we found him within a holding cell in the facility,' said Anakin in a strong voice.

He relayed the message and the reply came swiftly. C-3PO turned to them. 'The high exalted queen offers her thanks in the rescue of her son and wants to know if the Sith have been taken care of.'

Anakin hesitated and he looked to Obi-Wan who then stepped forwards. 'No, the Sith are still on the planet. They are too strong for us right now. This is not the most opportune moment. I have faith they will be leaving this planet soon anyway since we all know they are here.'

The queen again replied quickly. 'The queen wished to know who you are,' said C-3PO.

'I am Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Council asked me to assist. I apologise for any confusion.'

C-3PO relayed the message but this time, the queen paused. 'The queen will have her people keep an eye out for the Sith and if they remain you will be contacted once again. And she thanks you again for the rescue of her son.'

All three of them bowed to the queen and they were able to leave, taking C-3PO with them. They reached the ships again and stopped.

'Why didn't the queen mention having a missing son in the first place?' asked Anakin suddenly.

'Perhaps she already thought him dead,' said Obi-Wan trying to offer some insight. 'We don't know much about their society and way of doing things. I think we should count ourselves lucky on this one. Things could have gotten very bad if the Entymals weren't in an agreeing mood.'

Eliza nodded in agreement but said nothing. Anakin only grunted in return looking almost uninterested in the affairs of the Entymals. 'Let's get back to the Council and tell them of the situation,' said Obi-Wan.

Both Eliza and Anakin nodded and they entered their respective ships and left the planet of Endex.