"He's not here, over" reported Luminara Unduli, who was diving with ease in and out of the undergrowth in search of a missing apprentice. No one had heard anything from either Master Obi-Wan or his apprentice since yesterday morning. It was now early afternoon the next day, and their disappearance was beginning to cause concern among the Jedi Masters.
A call through the Force from her own padawan Barriss, brought the young Jedi back to her senses.
Master. I've found Anakin. He's in a bad way.
Luminara sprinted in the direction of her apprentice. A terrible sight greeted her fearful eyes.
Anakin lay sprawled unconscious on the ground, a com-link lying just out of his reach. Blood had congealed over his eye, forming a sort of red pool over his eyelid. There were numerous deep slashes across his chest, and he was barely able to breathe for himself. Barriss was already trying to help, placing small emergency bacta pads on several open wounds on Anakin's chest.
The older Jedi leapt nimbly to her apprentice's side speaking into her intercom at the same time.
"This is Jedi knight Unduli. We've found padawan Skywalker, repeat we've found Anakin. He's badly injured; we need a transport here right away."
Barriss worked with calm, quick precision, her tiny fingers gently tending to her friend. Her skills as a Healer had improved significantly in the last couple of years, and her Master was glad for it. She reached out and placed a hand on the young man's forehead, feeling for his Force signature. It was there, but it was very faint and rapidly dimming.
"How is he doing?"
Barriss replied without taking her eyes away from her work.
"He's very weak. These slashes across his chest, well they appear to contain some sort of poison. This is what is making his condition worsen. If these were just cuts, I'm sure he would have been able to summon enough strength to at least call for help."
She shook her head sadly.
"The weather conditions haven't helped either. He's been lying in the cold for hours, he could have pneumonia."
Who could do such a thing?
She did not want to see her friend die like this.
Not here, like this. You are meant for great things Anakin.
"Young Anakin is strong in the Force, my apprentice. I'm sure he'll pull through", Luminara offered, trying to reassure her padawan. Her thoughts turned to Obi-Wan. Where are you? You have to be okay…Anakin needs you.
A low rumble brought both Jedi's heads turning. A Jedi starship appeared overhead, with the barely distinguishable figure of Mace Windu leaning out and peering at the scene below him.
Seconds later, the ship had landed, the trees around them moving ferociously in the artificial wind. Dust flew around them, encircling the two Jedi. Mace appeared over the brow of the hill.
"Anakin!?" he exclaimed, evidently knocked off his guard by the sight in front of him.
Before he could say anymore several Jedi Healers raced past him, laden with equipment. Barriss stepped back, glad to leave Anakin in the hands of those more experienced than her. Overcome by delayed emotion she clung to her Master for support. Luminara froze, startled by the physical contact, almost embarrassed by this unusual show of affection. Uncertainly, she began to pat her padawan's head.
"You have done best my young apprentice. Anakin's fate is now in the hands of the Force… there is nothing more you can do".
Author's Note: What do you think? All reviews are greatly appreciated! I do take you requests into account J
