Undertaken (#Wattys2015) (Star Wars)

Chapter 13 - Into the Smoke

About an hour later, when master Kenobi was standing on stable ground again, Alpha, him and Bost leaped closer and closer to a possible "droid territory", or so that's how the boy named it. The sun was high above, shining down on them as they've approached the area where Kenobi's irresponsible padawan possibly fought Separatist mechanicals. So far, there were no signs of droid activities, but something in the air could tell the the danger's yet to come.

Bost, seeing that he'd been here even before the Sep's transport, has been chosen as a temporary leader. The boy had his shoulderpads on by Alpha's suggestion, lightsaber clipped on his belt by Obi-Wan's will. Otherwise, he had an ordinary gun, not too different from the clone's weapon, gripped in his right hand.

"Alright, we've entered the droid territory!" He informed the other two in a low voice, in case anything was out there. The Dagobah forest was as quiet as a mouse droid, the only sounds made were their footsteps causing some thinner branches to crack.

"I still cannot believe living forms were wiped out on Dagobah," Obi-Wan whispered, following Bost's example of communicating quietly, "When we get back, please fill me in."

The small team took a few more steps forwards before receiving Highhold's hand signal, which consisted of a raised hand and a fist clench. Signals like this he picked up from Alpha, it was a pretty clear silent presentation of 'stop'. Obi-Wan and the clone got behind him immediately, weapons at hand. Bost drew his eyes into a determined look, firm and steady.

Kneeling down under the shade of several plants, they were hidden from the eyes of mechanical droids. Eyes... more like cameras or something. Honestly, Bost always wished to get his hands on one of these Separatist servants to take it apart, get access to enemy plans, et cetera. Yet he stood here, wondering over the same thing he'd wondered about for an awfully long time; is it a camera device they have?

Either way, the droids were able to see, therefore, Bost shoved the team behind a greater bush to examine the sight. There was a lot to see.

"My estimation is around one-hundred." Alpha studied the field, "That's a nice size of army they've got."

All of a sudden, an erupting sound could be heard from afar, breaking the perfect silence. Smoke and fire filled that certain area. The explosion was so quick, the next thing the team knew earth chunks were closing in as a result of the ground expoding, flying towards their current position.

"Use the Force to slow it down!" Obi-Wan yelled as he extended both of his hands towards the chunks. The sudden command started Bost as even after half an hour of explanation about the way he stopped Kenobi from falling down from the tree house, the boy still had no idea how to use this power they call the Force.

"I've no idea how!"

"Like the way you did before!"

"I don't know!"

"Try!" Obi-Wan shouted over the loud sound of the explosion. The Jedi master focused on the flying earth chunks and used the Force to push them back where they came from, into the flames. He lowered his hands as the natural attack was defeated, his concentrated expression loosened. "Like this."

"What was that?!" Alpha looked into the distance where the smoke came from. "Whatever it was caused by, it wiped this army out."

Bost couldn't help feeling disapproved. He had no idea he needs to be ready to use this Force power any minute. The sudden command of Obi-Wan, which he couldn't accomplish, caught him right when he wasn't prepared. A sigh escaped from him as he studied too the place of the unknown explosion.

Smoke was rising, already disappearing when Alpha began to walk towards the mysterious area to take a glance. Obi-Wan cleared his throat, or coughed thanks to the pollution, either way he followed the clone. They walked cautiously in case another lane of explosives were waiting for them behind the first lane's smoke cover.

Instead of explosives however, something else emerged from behind the smoke. Its tall outlines drew a human shape in front of the two risk-takers, taking them aback. The sight was frightening, really, like a ghost appearing from nowhere.

"Don't shoot yet." Obi-Wan murmured to his accompany under his gritted teeth. Alpha's hand loosened on the trigger, but he hasn't lowered the gun yet. The smoke ghost approached them quick, its steps almost rushing towards their spot. As it got nearer the form gained stronger and more defining outlines and curves. Obi-Wan could bet his life that the person held a closed lightsaber in his hand. It was a human too, a male with short haircut and a single long braid. Sadly, Alpha was less enlighted by the brief sight of him. "Who's there?"

Reaching them, the young Anakin Skywalker gained his visibility for their eyes at last. He clipped his lightaber on his belt with a quick move before flashing an ermous grin, "How was the show?"

"Great job Anakin, but next time, try not to disappear without me knowing about your whereabouts!" Obi-Wan patted his padawan's back with a content smile, "But this 'show' of yours was great."

"Bost?" Alpha looked around.

"Back by the bush, let's go!" Kenobi commanded, "Besides, you missed a lot." He was still talking to Skywalker, who then begged for the master to fill him in about the latest events.

Highhold was soon found near by that large bush Obi-Wan had talked about, apparently holding out his hand towards a damaged beige droid hand. No movement included, the piece lay still on the ground. The boy's eyes were closed as he concentrated and turned all his focus towards a single object, that is the long, mechanical arm piece of a droid. Still, nothing happened.

Anakin, his master and Alpha surrounded him in silence and watched his another attempt of extending his hand and trying to Force push the droid part away. No luck. Yet.