Star Wars: The Clone Wars - One Shots

The Dark Forest [pt 1]

A/N I found this unfinished story in my folder and decided to finish it up. Technically it is only the first part of the story, but I may not continue it, depends on how interested I am in continuing it. Well I hope you all enjoy~

~~Into the Forest~~

Obi-wan walked through the forest. He was accompanied by Anakin Skywalker, Anakin's Padawan Ahsoka Tano, and clone Captain Rex. A strange place the forest was, despite it being mid-day, and the sun being high in the sky, the forest they were walking through seemed dark as early evening. It was eerily silent, no birds, no crickets; even the wind seemed forbidden to create a sound.

They were hot on the trail of the two Separatist leaders; Count Dooku, and General Grievous that were last seen retreating into the forest after their most recent defeat. They would have had more backup, but for some reason the rest of the clones were weary of the place, and rebutted their orders to give chase. Even the locals refused to guide them through the forest, dubbing it as 'cursed' and 'unnatural'.

They were even warned of some form of sinister creature that was said to be lurking in the darkest depths of the forest, and that all that entered were doomed to never return again. Even if Kenobi did not believe in such tales, something was causing him a great deal of discomfort. He could sense something, something dark and primal.

"What's the matter Master, scared of a few ghost stories?" Skywalker joked, giving a mocking grin to said master.

Obi-wan, given any other situation, might have laughed at his accusation, but in if truth be told, something was indeed wrong with the place, "You know, you might just be right Anakin." He replied solemnly.

"This place sure gives me the creeps." Rex said, adding his commentary to the mix.

"You two are just overreacting, just 'cause a few clones were too afraid to come with us doesn't mean this place is haunted." Anakin stated, keeping his grin firmly in place.

Ahsoka seemed to think for a moment before responding, "Ugh, Master, it wasn't just a few clones that were too scared to come, it was all of them." The Togruta reminded him, taking the moment to gaze up at him with her blue orbs.

"Indeed, even Kody refused to budge, or send in any of his men." Obi-wan added to Ahsoka's point, slowing his pace to get a clearer look around at their surroundings. He was about to continue his conversation when Rex suddenly froze in place, instinctively drawing his twin blasters in the flash of an eye.

He had obviously heard something. While both Anakin and Ahsoka reached for their lightsabers, ready to activate them at any moment, Obi-wan simply waited, wanting to know what had them all on edge.

He didn't have to wait long. Out of nowhere a white, durasteel blur dived out from behind a thick patch of bushes and began bounding in their direction. It was only when said figure skidded to a halt before them that they realised who it was.

By then both Anakin and Ahsoka had their lightsabers drawn and pointed at General Grievous, as did Rex with his blasters, but there was something rather odd about the cyborg General. Usually he would have been on two legs, like any humanoid, but no, he was crouched to the ground on all six limbs like some large arachnid.

His golden eyes were darting all around, not settling on the one place for more than a comprehendible second. His audio receptors were swivelling madly all around as he occasionally moved his head. He looked just about ready to bolt at any given second, absolutely terror induced.

What in the universe honestly scared General Grievous?

Before anyone else could speak up, Obi-wan took the opportunity to do so, "General?" the Jedi master called, trying to draw the other's attention. In response the General's head snapped in his direction. Now Obi-wan could get a closer look at his now stationary eyes, he could see that the narrow slits were contracted far more than usual.

The cyborg remained silent for what felt like minutes, seeming to be mentally debating whether or not to answer. Finally he responded, "What?" he asked, sounding as though this was regular behaviour and a normal interaction to be having.

"Are you feeling alright? You look a little...spooked." Kenobi asked, trying to word his question appropriately. Never could he have envisioned himself inquiring about the welfare of one of his enemies, but the last rotation had been anything but normal. Now apparently that applied to both sides.

Grievous seemed to have calmed himself down, no longer searching about for possible danger, but it was evident he was still on edge. Gradually he stood back up straight on two legs. Kenobi couldn't distinguish if it was because he was in the presence of the Republicans, or if it was something else concerning the General. "I'm fine, Jed-" he paused mid-sentence, hearing the rustling of bushes.

Within the blink of an eye, Grievous had all four lightsabers activated and poised in an attack position. Yes, he was definitely on edge.

From behind the shrubbery, out stepped Count Dooku. To the immense surprise of Obi-wan, the Sith's usual robes were tattered, torn, and coated in dirt, causing the Jedi master to cock an eyebrow in his direction. However, the Count ignored the Jedi and clone in his presence, turning his frosty glare directly onto the droid General.

"Grievous!" he snapped, scowling in his direction. "What do you think you are doing?" he demanded coming to a halt just in front of the cyborg.

Slowly, ever so slowly, Grievous began lowering his lightsabers, meanwhile giving the Count a disbelieving look. "You didn't see it?" he asked, eyeing the human suspiciously. Dooku only frowned in response. Clearly he had not witnessed whatever it was that had alarmed the Kaleesh.

"Well, that was quick." Ahsoka stated, deactivating her dual lightsabers and crossing her arms over her chest, seeing as neither Grievous nor Dooku were intent on attacking.

Her words caught the Separatists' attention. Grievous gave her a baffled look, "What do you mean quick?" he growled, narrowing his eyes this time in anger, "We've been stuck here for three days!" he exclaimed.

Obi-wan frowned; it had only been a couple of hours since they entered the forest. Perhaps they were delusional. Beside him he heard Anakin chuckle, "Three days? What are you talking about?" the young Jedi master laughed, amused by the concept. Ahsoka evidently couldn't help but give a snicker.

"I mean it's been three days." The General confirmed, easily becoming aggravated by their behaviour surrounding the situation.

This time the Count gave a nod, "He is correct; it has been three rotations since we entered the forest." He stated, frowning at Skywalker and Tano. They ceased their mockery and became serious, both looking over to Obi-wan for support.

"I'm afraid Anakin and Ahsoka are right, it has only been a few hours since you both disappeared." Kenobi countered, crossing one arm over his chest and running a hand through his beard with the other.

Grievous growled at his nemesis, "No." he simply argued, shaking his head.

"Fine, let's just follow the path and get on out of here," Anakin grumbled.

It was then that Obi-wan noticed Ahsoka tap her master on the shoulder, "Ugh, master..." she trailed off, "You might wanna take a look at this." She suggested, sounding slightly worried. She was looking behind them at the path they had followed from the entrance of the forest.

Only there was no path.

"Where in blazes did the path go?" Obi-wan asked no one in particular. The entire landscape had changed, where there was once a mediocre dirt path was now thick brush and tall evergreen trees. The path that led further into the forest remained, but the way out had seemingly vanished.

"That's exactly what I asked three days ago." Grievous muttered under his breath.