Chapter 6

Anakin woke up with a start, his breathing heavy as he looked quickly around the room. He shivered, regardless of the heavy brown comforter that laid on him. He looked out the window beside his bed and saw that it was sill night. Licking dry lips, Anakin got out of bed and walked to the door. The floor felt cold and rough against his bare feet as he walked. He opened the door and saw more darkness. I'm not afraid of the dark. He told himself firmly.

Quietly he made his way to his Master's room and just as softly knocked on the door. When he heard nothing, Anakin knocked again, harder this time. "I can't sleep." Anakin called, breaking the silence.

When no answer was forth coming, Anakin slowly opened the door and peered inside. "Master?" Light from passing speeders momentarily shone upon Obi-Wan's bed, revealing that his Master was not there.

A chill ran down Anakin's spine as he closed the door. Fear clutched at his heart. I'm not scared. Why should I be scared? Biting his lower lip, Anakin headed back to his room.

Anakin stopped walking when he heard a hissing sound. His breath caught in his throat and sweat beaded on his forehead. Releasing a yelp, Anakin ran for the door out of the quarters and a few seconds later found himself running down a dimly lit hallway.

He thought he sensed something chase him and ran even faster. Minutes later he entered one of the many gardens in the Temple. Anakin collapsed in the thick, green grass, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Siri was drinking a cup of tea when she heard knocking at her door. Putting her tea down on the kitchen table, she went and answered the door.

"Have you seen Anakin?"

"Good morning to you too." Siri responded, noticing how bedraggled Obi-Wan still looked. Then, turning serious, she asked, "No I haven't. It's way to early in the morning to be losing your padawan now, Obi-Wan." She added sarcastically.

Obi-Wan groaned and rubbed his eyes. "To early for sarcastic comments, Siri. Could you help me look for him?"

Siri frowned as she sniffed the air near him. "You smell of alcohol." She accused, pushing him out of the doorway. "Go back to bed, I'll look for Anakin."

"Thanks, Siri." Obi-Wan replied, moving in to kiss her.

Siri dogged him and started walking down the hallway. "Not where people can see Obi. Go to bed!"

Stretching out with the Force, Siri searched for Anakin's presence. The Force led her into a garden and a few minutes later, she found Anakin curled up under a low hanging tree that held wonderful smelling, pink colored flowers. "Anakin." She spoke softly, taking care not to startle Anakin.

Anakin shifted in his sleep, and mumbled something unintelligible.

Siri smiled and instead of continuing to try to wake him up, she picked him up in her arms. Your heavy little one. Slowly, careful not to wake him, Siri carried Anakin back to his quarters and into his room. As soon as she laid him on his bed, Anakin woke up, clearly startled to see her. "Sh. It's alright."

Anakin looked at her embarrassed. "I wasn't trying to run away. Really. I got lonely and, well, I'm still getting used to being here…."

Siri chuckled and stroke Anakin's cheek. "Don't worry. You're not in trouble. Were you having trouble sleeping?"

Nodding his head, Anakin answered. "Yes. I miss my mother. Master Obi-Wan wasn't around and…and I got scared."

Siri managed to keep smiling, despite the frown that wanted to make itself known. "Obi-Wan is here safe and sound and sleeping. You don't need to be afraid."

Sitting up, Anakin looked into Siri calm blue eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Yes I am." Siri confirmed. "Now go get washed up and dressed, the day is just beginning."

Anakin nodded and headed over to the refresher, all the while being studied by Siri.