The Fall of Mandalore

Chapter Two: A New Mission

Jedi masters Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi peacefully walked alongside each other outside the temple. It had been pleasing for the two Jedi to be able to enjoy the tranquil evening, as there weren't many of them since the war started. They both recalled the days from when Anakin had been Obi-Wan's padawan. Of course, Anakin had enjoyed reminding his master of his own heroic feats, making sure that he hadn't missed a single detail. Although Obi-Wan knew that he was stretching the truth, he let Anakin have his fun, for he wanted to enjoy the light moment while it lasted. It had been a while since the two had been in such a cheerful mood.

Anakin clapped a hand on Obi-Wan's back and laughed, "Remember that time on Geonosis when Padme and I came to rescue you from those monsters?"

"Yes, and you did a tremendous job." Obi-Wan replied sarcastically, as he familiarly settled his arm over Anakin's shoulder."

It felt as if they had been laughing for decades before silence finally returned. Anakin broke away from Obi-Wan and turned slowly to face him. "You know Obi-Wan... I think I've finally outgrown you."

Obi-Wan raised one eyebrow, and his eyes turned to meet Anakin's. A smirk formed at the corner of his mouth. "Oh, really?" he asked with a playful tone in his voice. He stood up to Anakin, eyeing both of their heights. He chuckled softly to himself and shook his head as he slowly began to walk away. "Well, you're getting there."

"Getting there!" Anakin scoffed aloud as he started following Obi-Wan. "Very funny."

There was a moment of silence between the two Jedi masters. Anakin sat down, leaned against one of the temple's gargantuan, stone pillars, and closed his eyes. He let out a deep sigh, "For once around here, we actually have some free-time."

Suddenly, as if on cue, the quiet atmosphere was interrupted by a high-pitched chirp that came from Obi-Wan's comlink. Obi-Wan let out a sigh. He pushed a small flashing green button to receive the message.

"Master Kenobi. Speak to you we must. An urgent matter this is. In the temple, you will meet us."

"Of course." The message closed out with a beep and Obi-Wan glanced where Anakin sat comfortably. He made quietly for the stairs that led into the temple. He hadn't made it far before he was suddenly interrupted.

"Where are you going?" Anakin yawned, looking expectantly at Obi-Wan. A weak moan escaped the half-asleep Jedi as he slowly managed to pull himself up. Obi-Wan pinched the bridge of his nose while he slowly turned to face Anakin, who was now jogging towards him.

"Master Yoda has summoned me to the temple. He informed me that it was an urgent matter."

"Then we'd better get going," Anakin replied as he hastily began pushing his former master from behind.

"We?" Obi-Wan turned around, stopping Anakin in his tracks. "I am afraid that I was the one summoned by the Council, Anakin. Not you." Anakin looked shocked at Obi-Wan's response, but he didn't let that discourage his efforts to join him.

"Aww, come on, Master. We don't know what the Council will say! Shouldn't we at least find out before making any assumptions?"

Obi-Wan sighed and rubbed his nose, "Fine. Promise me you will not mention a word of this to the Council."

"Promise."

"Alright then. Let's get going."

The two Jedi walked swiftly through several hallways before finally approaching a tall door. After briefly reminding Anakin to 'not say a word', the door opened to reveal a spacious, dim room. In the center of it was a large table where Jedi Masters Yoda and Mace Windu stood, waiting patiently.