Chapter Text
The echoes of battle surrounded Anakin.
Once streaks of colours signifying fatality now danced across his vision in an intricate dance; he was mesmerised.
The heavy thump of each beat of his heart forced more air out of his lungs. He should be panicked, fighting to get up, but Anakin was tired. Tired of this war. Tired of the anguish that came with it. Tired of those he loved leaving him.
First it was Qui-gon, a beacon of hope, only to be extinguished as Anakin celebrated his victory. Next was his Mother, Shmi’s last words not even having the privilege to leave her cracked lips. Not even in death could she be Free with her son. Next was Obi-wan, once Anakin’s rock only now to be the quakes crumpling his very foundations of trust to dust. Finally was Ahsoka. His light and his pride gone with the setting sun.
He was drowning, not even the strength to kick his feet for a sliver of air. If Ahsoka had been here she would’ve covered him. So used to his firecracker dodging and blocking the rapid fire of the enemy in a whirlwind of green at his flank he had not considered to watch himself in her absence.
Perhaps this was for the best.
As Anakin lay in the sinking ground of whatever boggy hell they were stationed on his blue eyes drifting to the atmosphere he couldn’t help but be glad for the rest. Despite the air becoming thinner and his limbs progressively getting more numb Anakin was content and calm for the first time in a very long time. The world grew still, the familiar sounds of war fading away, Anakin exhaled. Floating to the stars beyond he finally felt Fr-
Agony.
A stream of liquid fire pulled at his body until he was shocked back to reality. Choking out a scream of pain he panted and squirmed, trying to escape the flames licking at his abdomen, making quick work of touching every inch of his body.
Still slightly muffled he thought he heard an urgent voice, words not discernible but its panic was obvious.
He cried out once more as more pressure made the fire rear its head and dig deeper. Tears snaked their way down his cheeks, frantic gasps were all he could hear as his heart pounded against his ribcage. Try as he may to escape he was held still by his failing body and the fire. Moans of pain continued to escape him but the world began to sharpen slightly.
The blaster fire was slowing, the ground no longer shook from artillery fire but the frantic voices became clearer.
“Where is med evac?”
“-losing too much blood.”
“Hand me more gauze.”
“Sir can you hear me?”
“-access gained.”
“General I need you to talk to me.”
That he understood. Maybe they could help him extinguish the fire.
“Fire.”
He managed to choke out as he continued to squirm. Hands grabbed at his limbs as he successfully pulled an arm free to swipe at the flames licking his chest.
“General I need you to hold still, we’re just trying to help.”
He arched his head back, sinking slightly into the damp moss underneath him. Why wouldn’t they help him? Trying to pull out of the tight grips he cried out in frustration and pain.
“General please work with us here, can you open your eyes?”
With all his might he continued to shift but as time dragged on he gained no ground. Out of pure spite to curse off his adversaries he opened his eyes only to lock on to Rex. Oh.
He knelt by the downed General’s head, holding him steady as he continued to shift as the 501st medics worked to stabilise him.
Blood continued to pour out of the large gash across Anakin’s stomach, threatening to spill out more than just blood. Anakin’s eyes were frantic, glazed over from the onslaught of pain.
Rex had been the one to notice the lack of General on the field. Upon a quick search as the battle slowed down he saw the silhouette of his General behind a Seppie assault vehicle, a sea of commando droids surrounding him. The source of the injury was not hard to guess and unfortunately the lack of stubbornness to continue fighting was not lost on the captain.
They all felt the loss of their Commander, Rex keenly so, but Anakin was her Master. They fought like siblings, bantered like age old friends and loved like father and daughter. Her loss had withered his spirit and without the trust in his Master the clones at witnessed him slowly crack at the seems, lost on what to do when he separated himself and became even more reckless than the Hero with No Fear was known for.
Anakin finally managed to recognise Rex, his movements slowed minutely and the medics were quick to resume their work. Rex stayed put, resting a hand on the General’s shoulder, leaving a bloody handprint in his wake, as he panted against the agony he was surely in.
Anakin went to speak once more but a hypo straight in the neck cut it into a hiss of surprise as Kix drew back and with no acknowledgement to the captain went back to administering the other rescue meds he had on hand. Time was short and if this med evac didn’t hurry they’d have a lot more problems.
Anakin’s eyes began drooping but he valiantly fought to keep them open.
“Rex?”
He croaked as his eyes dropped once more. Rex couldn’t help a bitter smile working its way onto his face. He squeezed Anakin’s shoulder and said in a soft but firm voice,
“Easy Sir. You’re alright, we’ve got you.”
And as his General’s eyes drifted closed and remained he stayed. His General wasn’t alone, as much as he may think he is.