Author's Note: Well, I have become rather inspired today I think! I have written about 8 chapters in one day! I think I'd better write some chapters for my other story tomorrow! Thank you to "The Watcher" who has reviewed my work so far, your comments are appreciated…stay tuned for more soon!
Chapter Eight – Two unexpected reunions
Jedi Healer An-Paj found a much unexpected patient being brought into the emergency wing of the aid tent. Anakin Skywalker, a frequent visitor to the infirmary in his younger years, lay unmoving on a hard palette surrounded by bustling healers.
Rolling his sleeves up, An-Paj waded into the madness.
Several hours later…
Padme dashed into the Jedi infirmary, searching frantically for the whereabouts of her husband. Hours of travel showed on her exhausted face, and her hair hung in damp clumps to her drenched skin. A Jedi bustled past her in the direction of the wards. The young woman jumped in front of him, blocking his entrance.
"Excuse me; have you treated a Jedi named Anakin Skywalker? He was brought in early this morning I believe?"
The Jedi raised his eyebrows, obviously curious as to whom this stranger was, and what relationship she was to a Jedi padawan.
"Yes, I believe he is in the ICU tent under the care of Master Healer An-Paj."
The woman offered him a grateful smile and darted off in the direction the Jedi had gestured to.
Stepping inside the ICU ward Padme searched for the figure of her husband. Tentatively she walked past numerous rows of beds. All were occupied by a Jedi casualty, some in worse condition than others. Many just lay there; eyes open gazing listlessly into the distance. Some were reading, some meditating, but all had this terrible empty look in their eyes. The air stank of antiseptic and illness. Coughs and splutters came from every direction.
A figure at the far end of the room caught the young politician's eye.
"Anakin…" she breathed, rushing to his bedside. Her husband lay unmoving in a dark recess of the tent.
Tears threatened to spill as Padme reached out to touch his pale face. One eye stared blankly into the distance, the other was so swollen he could barely open it. The young Jedi looked worse than when he had been brought in. The gashes on his bare chest were red and garish.
"Anakin", she sobbed, fighting back tears. She grasped his hand tightly, stroking his knuckles with her thumb. Closing her eyes, she bent down and kissed each one slowly and tenderly. His breathing was wheezy, slow and so faint Padme had to check his chest was rising and falling to know he was still alive.
//Hold on Skywalker, I need you…we need you//
A slight twitch in his hand made Padme sit up. Anakin's icy blue eyes opened to meet those of his wife. He smiled weakly, recognition crossing his pale features.
"Anakin" whispered Padme, her heart leaping in joy.
He opened his mouth and began to speak when Padme pressed a finger to his lips.
"Don't speak", she instructed leaning in to kiss him.
Then Anakin did something that made her heart melt. He sent her a message through the Force. It was very faint, but she could tell what he meant.
//I love you Padme Amidala Skywalker//
Padme could not hold them in any longer, and the tears spilled down her cheeks.
//Stay with me while I sleep//
Padme blinked back tears.
//Of course. I'll be here when you wake up//
He smiled again, closing his eyes as best as he could with the swelling. Within a few minutes his breathing had slowed and he was asleep. Pulling her chair closer to the bed, she rested her head next to Anakin's. She lay like that for a long time, letting tears of relief fall silently until exhaustion set in and she fell into the blissful unawareness of sleep.
Author's Note: All reviews welcome! Tell me what you think! And check out my other story too – "Ultimate Betrayal".
