Chapter seven: A Longing Heart Fulfilled
They finally arrived in Coruscant, rushing Anakin to the medical center. The wounds were deep, but Padme and Obi-Wan were told that he would heal completely soon enough.
"Thank you so much, for everything Obi-Wan," Padme said, taking his hand in gratitude. "You and Anakin saved my life."
"I wouldn't have it any other way Senator. You are a good friend, and this Republic needs you," he answered, smiling at her, his hand on her shoulder.
Obi-Wan then bowed his head and walked out, taking a transport to the Jedi Temple, cringing at the thought of the consequences of their disobedience. I am a Jedi Knight. I let Anakin get in my head and I acted in an irrational manner. And now he is injured and Dooku is still not arrested! Obi-Wan sighed. But it was for a good reason. Our good friend is now safe.
Obi-Wan was surprised at the reaction of the Jedi Council.
"Found Dooku's layer you have, Master Kenobi. Pleased we are with you and Master Skywalker," Yoda praised.
"But Master, Dooku is still out there. We are still where we started," Obi-Wan responded, confused at the praise he was receiving. Obi-Wan thought it was best to leave out the fact that their soul purpose in this mission was to save Padme, not capture Dooku.
"You may have failed to capture him, but you found an important base with Confederacy information," Mace Windu answered.
"But surely he will know that more Jedi and Clone troopers will be sent there. He would have cleared all data and escaped!" Obi-Wan cried out, distressed at this thought.
"That is where Senator Amidala came in handy. She called into the Jedi Council via Anakin's starfighter to report that she placed a tracking device on Dooku's ship while she was being transported to Hoth," Mace Windu said, his legs crossed as he sat back.
"So the tables have turned on him," Obi-Wan said with a smile on his face.
"Yes, yes they have," Mace Windu smirked.
Meanwhile, in the medical center, Anakin was now conscious. Padme was by his side, holding his hand.
"You'll get better soon, Ani, and as soon as you do, you'll be strong to fight," Padme coaxed. Although she was against the war, she knew that these words would comfort him. Fighting for the Republic was something that Anakin felt strongly for, only in a different way than Padme.
"I know, I know. But hey, I've been through worse," Anakin joked, lifting up his robotic arm.
Padme winced at the thought of how much agony Anakin went through when he lost his arm.
"And once I'm better, I'll be strong enough to be with you," Anakin uttered, pulling her head towards his so that he could kiss her.
"You're with me now," Padme smiled. "I love you Anakin. So much."
"I love you too Padme. And just know," he said, taking hold of her hand, "that I will never lose you. I can promise you that." His face was serious now, thinking back to how his mother's life slipped through his fingers.
They sat together, not speaking a word for a while, just holding each other and enjoying the time they had together until the dreaded day that Anakin would to return to war. These were the moments that Padme would hold dear to her heart. These moments spent with Anakin, so full of love, were the moments that would help get her through being apart from him.
THE END!
