Hopes

Chapter 40.

Anakin's POV

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"There he is! He's right there!"

"General, we're over here!"

"Come on, General, we need you now ...."

"How is he, Cody?"

"He's not brilliant, sir. Our medic was on another transport, but then the kid's condition deteriorated rapidly. We don't know where he's injured or why he's like this, but our ship was damaged and we had to make a hasty landing."

"Okay, and I suppose I shouldn't ask how you ended up here yet."

"That would be correct."

"Fine, I'll ask later. He doesn't look good, does he? Anakin, can you hear me? Oh, my friend, what have you done this time? Hang on a little longer; I'll get you out of here. How about we go back to Mandalore? Would you like that? I'll admit, I'm a bit nervous about taking you there. Why did you leave a month ago? We all wanted to know. But Mandalore has better medical facilities than Endor by a long shot, so I think I'll just have to risk it. Please don't hurt my loved ones, though; I'd be very sad if you did."

"Shall we go to Coruscant, sir? That's where the rest of our team have headed."

"I'd prefer if you and Rex came with me. I'll leave one of Satine's mechanics to help fix your ship, and you can send the rest of your group there. Oh, hello there! I suppose we'll keep the cat, too. She seems keen to stick around Anakin."

The dull and distant voices were accompanied by real feelings: smell, touch, and pain. The sweet scent of pines and salty sap lingered in the air, floating on the cool breeze. Then the pain began to overtake all other senses, and the impression of drifting underwater became stronger. Everything was filtered through a long tunnel, as though coming from far away, except for pain. Jostling and jolting worsened it, sending rolling waves all over, but the touch was gentle and careful. Finally, with an agonizing jerk, everything faded out.

"I'll see you on the other side, my friend. Hang in there."

I opened my eyes slowly, blinking against the brightness that surrounded me. Quiet beeping and the soft whistle of wind surrounded me, cushioned by undertones of low voices and someone's steady breaths. Plush comfort supported me, and the smell of fresh sheets and sour cleaners hung in the air. As I gazed around the small room I found myself in, I was hit by the overwhelming whiteness. Whatever I looked at it, whether it be the sets of drawers, the small bed, the spindly chair, or the clothing of the person that sat in it, everything was white. But better still was the light feeling that meandered through the atmosphere. No longer was I constantly fending off the intrusion of the Dark Side, nor was I battling to keep myself from succumbing. It was simply ... gone. And in its place was the relief, joy, and goodness of the Light Side.

My eyes rested on the one who sat beside me, and it took me a few minutes to realize the warmth in my flesh hand was his own, clasping it. His blue eyes met mine, and for a moment, the rest of the galaxy didn't exist. It was just me, next to my brother, and time could do whatever it wanted because I didn't care. The past was history, the future didn't matter, and the present didn't keep going. Every mistake made, every word spoken, and every action completed were of no consequence. That bridge, once so sturdy and sure, formerly broken and burned, vanished as the gap between us closed. The dark ravine of mistrust, betrayal, and hurt disappeared, filled with the power of love, trust, and forgiveness.

Then he blinked, looking away. As he sat back, the cavern of coolness yawned open again, splitting us apart once more. "Hello," he said quietly, a certain aloofness to his tone sending shivers down my spine. "How are you?"