Memories

Chapter 6.

Before they even had time to remove the dagger, I had full-body tackled the shorter one, and because both had their hands on the knife, the two of them were knocked off Anakin. I was careful not to injure, but I was interested in detaining. And I knew I would need Ahsoka's help.

I tapped my comm furiously as I wrestled with the surprised men. "Ahsoka, do you copy?" I practically yelled.

"Y-yes, I do," she responded quickly, her concern heard even over the comm. "I'm on my way!"

I couldn't express my enormous gratitude at her intuition, though I hoped she knew it was there.

Within the minute, Ahsoka had joined the fray and switched on one of her twin lightsabers, an action which served to cause the men to freeze.

I detached myself from the tangle, straightening up and tugging my Jedi robes to get them sitting more comfortably. "Forgive me," I began pleasantly. "I hope I haven't damaged either of you."

Still lying on the ground, propped up on their elbows, they watched us wide-eyed. They knew they were in trouble. They hadn't been counting on two Jedi coming to thwart them. Scrambling to their feet, they made a hasty exit back through the door they had just come, shutting it tight behind them.

Ahsoka stepped forwards to follow them, but I stopped her. "Leave them, Little One. We have more important things to worry about."

She nodded, trailing behind me as I went over to Anakin. Dropping to my knees beside him, my stomach turned to see the dagger. It hadn't been removed, which was probably good, as it helped to slow the bleeding.

I only thought for a moment before tearing off the edge of my cloak and then grasping the handle of the black knife. Taking a breath, I yanked it out, trying to ignore the pained gasp that escaped Anakin's lips, then quickly pressed the wad of material against the wound.

"We need to get Anakin somewhere a little safer," I informed Ahsoka calmly, maintaining my cool exterior, despite my pounding heart.

"Take him to my house," a quiet voice from the other end of the street startled us.

I looked up quickly to see the man we had helped earlier standing uncomfortably. As much as I wanted to shout my thanks and acceptance, I forced myself to be civil. "We wouldn't want to trespass on your kindness," I began, but he waved off my pleasantries.

"It's the least I can do. Please. Come." He approached us, doing a double take when he saw Anakin closer. But he shook his head slightly and focused his attention back on me. "Is he well enough to be moved?"

"It'll do him more harm if we leave him here," I said reluctantly, then wrapped a strip of material around Anakin's back and shoulders, keeping pressure on the wad against his wound and tying it securely in front of his chest. Then I sat back on my knees and considered how best we might move him. He was still out cold, barely flinching even when I had pressed firmly against his injury.

"I've got a speeder a few blocks away," the man offered. "If we can carry him there, it should be easy enough getting him to my place." When I nodded, he crouched down and carefully lifted Anakin's shoulders off the ground. He almost dropped him again when he caught sight of the young Knight's face but managed to contain himself, instead glancing across at me. "If you support his right side, the two of us should be able to take him to my speeder."

We each slipped one of Anakin's arms around our shoulders, then stood up with a little difficulty. Anakin was floppy as a doll, and, though unconscious, he still struggled just slightly, making soft moans occasionally.

Ahsoka went in front, keeping a sharp eye out for anyone we didn't want to see and listening for the man's instructions for which direction to head. We exited the dark alley and turned left, squinting against the harsh sunlight that poured onto us. No longer shielded by the tall buildings, the temperature must have doubled in strength, and I couldn't help but see the sense in the man's clothing choice. A loose tunic tucked into a thin belt, and a light, cream-coloured jacket protected him from the blinding heat. He was definitely a local.