Chronicles of a Jedi Master

Monday, September 24, 2007

Saving the younglings

I almost stepped on the form that emerged from the top of the steps. A few quick movements and he were silenced. "Thank you Anakin." I muttered utterly embarrassed to have missed this.

Anakin looked at me with a concerned expression most likely wondering what was wrong with me. "Master, are you sure you can do this. I sense you're not yourself," He whispered.

"I can do it alone," Anakin said with sincerity. "I think."

"I am fine, Anakin. Let's just see where the younglings are hidden. " I reached out with the Force to see if I could sense their signatures. "I think they are down the hall."

"I am grateful for your concern though." I added.

He nodded and looked away. We rushed down one of the dimly lit hallways. There was a funny smell. Anakin passed a door, stopped, and looked back. Placing a hand on the door, I noticed him reaching out with the Force. "They are in here."

"I don't like the look of this and the smell is something we might want to be careful with." I warned him. "I stand on this side and you on the other side of the door. On three...."

Anakin held his hand up. "Wasn't you that told me to try the lock first?"

"I know." I must have forgotten what I told him earlier.

He shook my head. "This isn't going to work, Obi-Wan. You can't even think, focus. You are going to get yourself killed. I can't have that."

"There is nothing wrong with me. Just do as I tell you." I regretted my words as soon as I had spoken them. "I haven't had much sleep." I said in a more agreeable tone.

Anakin narrowed my eyes anyway and then looked away. He jabbed the door lock and the door slid open and the lights flashed on. A little girl with brown eyes blinked at me. "Master Skywalker?" then ran into my arms.

I stepped up behind him finding myself hugged by the other two, a girl and a boy. "It's alright, you are safe now." Large eyes looked up at me still doubtful but with more hope.

Anakin brushed the matted hair from the little girls face. "I need you be strong. I have something very important for you." I handed her my cloned beacon. "Take this, and keep it with you. We are going to lead you to the sewers and once we are there you run, and keep running until you reach the shoot going up. Stay there and wait for us. Can you do that for me?"
She nodded.

I went down on one knee in order for them to see my face closer. "You can do it. Trust in yourselves and the Force. Follow her and stay together at any time. Find a place to hide until you see us coming." I touched their small shoulders quickly. "May the Force be with you."

Anakin sat the girl down. She clutched the beacon and my hand. "Let's get them back to the stairs and fast."

I took the other two by the hand while trying to let some of my strength penetrate their fragile minds and bodies. I had never felt completely comfortable around the many younglings in the temple and even now I had that same awkward reaction. We made it to the stairs without problems.

Anakin knelt before the girl. "You ready?" She nodded and he with a smile he said. "Go."

"Follow her, quickly." I said sending them off. A look at Anakin and we were ready to continue.

He watched them disappear. "They should be alright."

"I hope so." I looked down the slimy floor. "Are you ready?"

Anakin gave me a penetrating stare. "I'm always ready. Question is are you?"

"Of course I am. What makes you think otherwise?" I returned his stare.

"Do you have to ask why?" He shook his head.

"Anakin let's let it go for now please." I asked him. "We can talk after all this is over."

Hurt and angry, My young friend waved his hand and turned to walk off. "Fine, come on then."

There was just no way to ever find the right tone with him. I followed him, sensing his anger and hurt. "We have too little time to discuss my mental state."

"Well if you state gets us both killed, it won’t matter will it?" Anakin snapped over his shoulder in a harsh whisper.

Posted by Master Obi-Wan :: 8:52 PM :: 12 comments