An-Paj left Yoda's office and strode down the narrow hallway, contemplating what he had just said to the Jedi Master. He had always had a particular fondness for Anakin, ever since his first of many visits to the infirmary back at the Temple. There had been a certain sparkle and endless energy that radiated off the young boy that seemed to affect everyone he met. His endless mischief and curiosity often got him involved in "adventures" he shouldn't have been. He reminded him of himself when he was younger in many ways, always in trouble but always determined to better himself and prove his worth. Still, he did tend to let his emotions run away with him sometimes - his last visit was a testament to that. After ignoring orders from Obi-Wan he had consequently had his arm amputated clean off by Count Dooku's lightsaber. How Obi-Wan had coped for a decade he did not know.
That man must have the patience of a saint.
"Master Jedi?"
An-Paj turned his head to be greeted by the Senator from Naboo.
"My-lady."
The young woman smiled uncertainly, lowering her head.
"I suppose you wish to know why I was sat with Anakin."
The kindly Jedi reached out with his hand and tilted Padme's chin up level with his face. His eyes smiled warmly.
"My-lady, it does not concern me in the slightest. Anakin needs as much support as possible with his Master absent."
Padme nodded gratefully.
"Is he going to be okay?" she asked, her eyes pleading for an honest answer.
An-Paj shook his head grimly.
"M-lady, he was badly wounded by those slashes. They contain a Dark Side poison of some kind, something that we have not come into contact with before. This poison is gradually making his condition worsen, attacking his immune system, even-"
The Jedi Master paused, seeing how distressed the young woman was getting. Padme's face flushed red as the tears began to fall for the second time that day.
He reached out for her trembling hand and stared her straight in the eye.
"If we do not find a cure, he will die within a week."
Padme gasped, as if shocked to hear him be so bluntly honest to her.
"Thank you… for…for your honesty", she stuttered before rushing off in tears.
Still sobbing Padme ran back down the hall of the infirmary to her husband, who looked decidedly worse than the day before. His skin had turned a sickly yellow colour and the cuts looked incredibly raw. A tube attached to a respirator parted Anakin's pale lips, helping him to breathe. It was the only sound in the room and was painfully loud to Padme's ears. The illness made him look so much younger than his years. A cold sweat had formed on his forehead, so Padme brushed his long blonde hair out of his face and placed a wet compress on his face.
"Oh Anakin" she whispered, laying gentle kisses on his forehead. He moaned softly under her touch, moving his head slightly in the direction of her voice.
"Please open you eyes Anakin." Padme begged, caressing his cheek with the palm of her hand.
He did not move again.
Padme lent back in her chair, exhaustion and constant tears taking their toll on the young woman.
//If only Obi-Wan were here//
"You might just be in luck, Senator Amidala" spoke a very familiar voice.
Author's Note: Not too happy with this chapter to be honest, still…all opinions are welcome!
