Anakin slowly opened his eyes. He was surprised to see that he wasn't in an infirmary. The white light was not as harsh, but seemed to glow around him. He slowly sat up. He raised both his hands and rubbed his eyes. He suddenly jumped, surprised to see that he had both of his hands. He was even more surprised to see that his right arm was pure flesh and blood. His wounds were gone, he was in no pain. He felt at peace with this place, where ever it was.
"Anakin," that familiar voice called out to him, much louder and stronger than the faint whisper he heard on Mustafar. Anakin stood up and turned around, looking for the source of the voice. After making a full circle, he found Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn standing before him.
"Master!? Is it really you?" Anakin said in awe. He stumbled back. Qui-Gon smiled.
"Yes, my boy, it is." he replied, placing a hand on Anakin's shoulder.
"But... how?" Anakin asked.
"I needed to see you, Anakin. I must speak with you." Anakin looked up, confused.
"Master," he started, a concerned look painting his face, "Am I dead?" Qui-Gon laughed at the question. Anakin smiled, and chuckled himself.
"No, my boy, you are not dead. You are in between life and death, however life seems to be in your favor today. Technically speaking, you are lying in the med bay of your wife's ship." Anakin's smile dissappeared.
"You know?" He asked. Qui-Gon nodded.
"But that is not of importance as of now. That is something to be taken up with the council later on." Qui-Gon said, a small smile remaining. He began to walk forward, gesturing for Anakin to follow him.
"Anakin, do you remember why, all those years ago, I set out to make you a Jedi?" Qui-Gon continued, looking at Anakin.
"Yes, Master," Anakin replied, "On Tatooine, you spoke to the others of how you were convinced I was the Chosen One. You knew I would bring balance. You stood by me, fought for me, even when the council told you I was not to be trained."
"Good. Anakin, the reason you are here is because I need you to know that you are the Chosen One. Today, in that small command center, you fulfilled the prophesy set before you. You killed this Darth Sidious and his apprentice; you have ended this war orchestrated by the Sith; and you have proven to all Jedi that you are more than capable of doing just about anything. You have become very strong. But I need you to know this; I need you to remember what you have learned. You're not done learning yet, so don't become ignorant. Pride will be your undoing. Be wary, my friend. Balance may be restored, but danger lurks."
Anakin nodded, taking a breath and running his hands through his hair. He looked over to Qui-Gon, who had stopped walking. Qui-Gon smiled.
"Don't worry, Anakin. I believe in you, and I know many others believe in you as well. You will not fail so long as you trust in those around you." Qui-Gon stopped, and looked away, as if he saw something that Anakin couldn't.
"I believe it is time for you to return. The others are beginning to miss you." Qui-Gon said thoughtfully. Anakin looked at him, cocking an eyebrow.
"Before you go, know that I am very proud of you... Ani." Qui-Gon stated, placing his hand on Anakin's shoulder again. He waved his hand across Anakin's face, causing Anakin to fall down and back into sleep.
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][]
"I will rest when General Skywalker wakes!" Padme stated firmly to Obi-Wan. For hours, Obi-Wan had been trying to convince the senator to tend to her wounds, but she stubbornly refused to leave Anakin's bedside.
"Oh, come now Padme. I know you're in more pain than you care to admit. Soon enough that wound will be infected, and you'll be off worse than before. Anakin will still be here when you get back." Obi-Wan replied, exasperated. He looked over to his friend. Medically, Anakin was close enough to stable. He had been taken off life support shortly after the jump to hyperspace. He laid on the medical bed, his chest slowly rising and lowering with each breath. He was still injured, scars will definitely be forming on his back from electrowhips and lightsaber burns. Anakin's upper arm was connected to a device meant to keep his wound clean and uninfected.
"No. I need to be here. Anakin's bandages must be changed soon, and-" she started, getting cut off by Obi-Wan.
"And we have a medical droid to take care of that. Now, let me direct to you to-" It was Obi-Wan's turn to be cut off. The door slid open and Captain Rex took a step in.
"General. You are needed in the cockpit." he said. He looked around the room, seeing that he had probably walked in at the wrong time. "Am I interrupting something, sir?"
"No, Rex. I'll be right there." He groaned. He looked back at Padme as Rex walked out.
"Why do I even try anymore?" he sighed. "I'll be back." he said, walking out of the medbay. Padme smiled to herself then turned back to Anakin. She reached over and grabbed her husband's remaining hand. There was a knock on the door. Come back for more, Obi-Wan? She looked back at the door, letting Anakin's hand go.
"Come in!" she said. The door slid open and Ahsoka walked in. "Oh! Ahsoka! Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, just a minor issue with the NaviComputer. We're back on course. I came to check on Master Skywalker." she said. She pulled up a chair by Anakin's feet.
"Padme, I need to ask you something." Ahsoka said, looking at the Senator. Padme looked up, heaving a sigh, knowing what was about to be said.
"Yes." she said, answering the unasked question.
"But I didn't-" Ahsoka started.
"I know," Padme interrupted, "I heard him say it, in the command center, I mean."
"So you and Master Skywalker are... Married? How is that possible? I knew he snuck out to see you a lot, but I never thought it was that serious." She replied, shock showing on her face. Padme laughed at her friend.
"It is true, Ahsoka. I was hoping you wouldn't have found out this way, any way really. You must understand that no one else knows, not even Obi-Wan. In the end it is your choice, but I implore you. Please don't tell the Order. Being a Jedi is Anakin's life, I don't know what he'd do if..." she trailed off. Ahsoka smiled.
"You think I would sell out my own Master?" she chuckled. "Padme, I do like Obi-Wan, but I wouldn't want him to train me. Master Skywalker has taught me so much, he's like a big brother to me. He's saved my skin a few times. Don't you worry: your secret is safe with me."
"Well that's good to hear, Snips." a voice from behind croaked. Anakin slowly opened his eyes.
"Master!" Ahsoka exclaimed, jumping up from her chair. Padme quickly turned her gaze to Anakin, a smile growing.
"Anakin!" Padme said softly. Anakin grunted as he tried to sit up. He quickly laid back down, gasping in pain. Padme laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Careful. You're a bit battered up. Your back is..." Padme stopped, seeing the pain in Anakin's eyes, and something else. Of all things, however, Anakin grinned.
"I've been through much worse, Padme." Anakin said, looking over at Ahsoka, who laughed.
"More than you care to admit, Skyguy." she smiled, slyly. Anakin rolled his eyes. The door suddenly slid open, revealing Obi-Wan.
"Oh! Anakin! You're awake!" Obi-Wan said, surprised. "Well, now that you're awake, Padme perhaps it's time for you to get someone to check out your wounds." he continued, glancing at Padme. Padme huffed, standing up.
"I suppose you're right, Kenobi," she replied, "I will be in my chambers." She turned and smiled at Anakin, which Anakin returned. She then turned and left the room.
"Finally." Obi-Wan sighed, shaking his head. He looked back and smiled at Anakin.
"How are you, Anakin? Your wounds?" He asked.
"Well, besides the fact that I'm missing an arm, I think I'm alright." Anakin replied, chuckling lightly. Obi-Wan's smile remained, but something troubled him.
"And how do you feel? You've had such a long day, a long week!" Obi-Wan said, looking serious now. Anakin sighed. Anakin looked back at his padawan.
"Ahsoka, could I speak with Obi-Wan in private for a minute or two?"
"Yes, Master." Ahsoka replied, trying to hide the fact that she was both hurt and curious. She got up and left the room. Anakin looked back at Obi-Wan.
"What is it?" Obi-Wan asked, looking concerned.
"Obi-Wan, I... I had a dream." Anakin started. "It was... Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan stopped. The thought of his former master still stung.
"What did you see?" Obi-Wan asked, taking a seat.
"He, uh," Anakin started, "He told me I'm the Chosen One, and that I just brought balance to the Force."