Author's Note: Thanks to all who have reviewed! It is much appreciated! The next chapter will be updated tomorrow, when I get home from work!
Chapter Twelve- Awkward Meetings
Padme jumped and turned in the direction of the voice.
Obi-Wan Kenobi stood before her, his face set in stone. His clothes were torn and dishevelled, and he looked like he had just woken up from a very long sleep.
"Obi-Wan!"
The young politician tried to contain her relief and joy at seeing Anakin's Master.
Obi-Wan stood deadly still just staring at his apprentice. The sight of Anakin, who was always so full of energy and life lying so still really pained the older man.
"Anakin", he whispered.
How could this have happened?
Padme reached out her hand and grasped that of Obi-Wan, pulling him closer to Anakin.
"Please."
Obi-Wan stared just past the young woman, a blank but puzzled look in his eyes.
"He needs you."
Very slowly he leant over and placed a hand on Anakin's forehead. After a couple of seconds he withdrew, his head shaking.
"How long has he been like this?"
"Around two days. He's getting worse, or so one of the Master Healers says." She paused, afraid to reveal the worst to him.
"He said Anakin will-
"I know, I know… the Force can be very blunt at times", he continued, glancing at his sick apprentice.
"Master Obi-Wan. Unexpected this is", spoke a wise voice. Master Yoda stepped into the circle forming around Anakin's bed. His eyes glanced at everyone in the room, pausing for longer on Padme than perhaps necessary. The politician shrunk away from his stare.
"Unexpected, but not unwelcome."
"Master, I-
"Absences can be explained later Master Kenobi, focus on the present you must", he advised, pointing his gimmer stick at Anakin.
"Track down the Sith who did this, find the antidote you must."
Obi-Wan nodded dutifully.
"The Dark Side clouds everything, it grows stronger with each passing day. Be wary you must, or suffer your padwan's fate you will."
Obi-Wan swallowed hard.
"Yes Master."
"May the Force be with you", Yoda offered, shuffling slowly from the room, leaving the Jedi and Senator alone once again.
There was a long silence before either spoke. Obi-Wan continued to stare in disbelief at his young apprentice. Padme silently stood up and brushed past Obi-Wan in the direction of the exit. The Jedi Knight was snapped out of his trance.
"Why are you here?" he blurted out.
Padme froze in her tracks. Another long silence ensued. At last, she turned to face the Jedi.
"Because you weren't", she replied, her eyes not daring to make contact with his. She turned, wrapping her cloak further around herself, and walked from the ward.
Obi-Wan nodded. Padme and Anakin's growing relationship was beginning to become a cause for concern. Anakin's outburst on the Jedi starship when she had fallen out onto the dunes rang clear in his mind. The young Jedi had been quite willing there and then to sacrifice all he had worked ten years to build, for this woman, this Senator from Naboo. A sharp beeping noise from one of Anakin's monitors brought him back to his senses.
Not now. There will be no relationship at all if you don't find a cure. The council can deal with this when I get back.
The Jedi turned to his apprentice. Grasping Anakin's hand he bent in closer to the young man.
//I will be back soon Anakin, I promise. Be strong//
Releasing the cold and clammy hand he stepped back took one last look at his apprentice and left the ward.
Author's Note: Well, what do you think? Honest opinions! I wasn't too pleased with it to be honest, but the next chapter is much better! Please review as well!
