The Shadows Star: Book 2

3: Look Who's Back

26 BBY - 4 years before Episode II

Sombra, now 15, sat comfortably at the barstool of Dex's diner, her Jedi robes replaced with a more casual attire that allowed her to blend in with the bustling crowd of Coruscant. Her golden eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the busy establishment.

She took a sip of her Jawa juice, savoring the sweet and tangy flavor as she leaned against the counter. Her attention turned to the portly Besalisk cook, who was busy attending to other customers. Eventually, Dex noticed her and made his way over, wiping his hands on his apron.

"Well, well, look who's back," Dex boomed with a hearty laugh. "Haven't seen you around these parts in a while, kiddo. What brings you back to my humble diner?"

Sombra offered a warm smile as she leaned closer to the counter. "Just needed a change of scenery, Dex. Master Plo is caught up in council meetings all day, and I thought I'd take the opportunity to explore."

Dex chuckled, "Ah, the life of a Jedi, huh? Always busy with something important. Well, you're always welcome here, you know that squirt."

"Thanks, Dex," Sombra replied, her eyes sparkling with genuine appreciation. "You know what would go great with my drink? The tales of an old pirate. Please Dex? Just a quick one?"

Dex's eyes twinkled with nostalgia as he leaned on the counter, his attention solely on Sombra. "Ah, you want to hear about the old days, do ya? Well, let me tell you, kid, it was a life full of adventure and danger. You never knew what was waiting for you out there in the galaxy."

Sombra leaned in, captivated by his words. "Tell me everything."

Dex grinned, his voice taking on a storyteller's tone as he recounted one of his past escapades. The story was filled with daring heists, narrow escapes, and encounters with some of the galaxy's most colorful characters. As his stories continued to flow, Sombra found herself immersed in the tales, a sense of excitement and wonder bubbling within her. It was a brief respite from her duties as a Jedi, a chance to experience the ordinary lives of those who lived in the bustling city.

After Dex finished, Sombra let out a laugh. "Well, Dex, there is no longer any doubt. You've certainly led an adventurous life."

Dex chuckled heartily. "That I have, kiddo. But enough about me. What's the latest scoop with you and the Jedi? Any exciting tales of your own?"

Sombra's smile softened as she leaned back, her gaze distant for a moment. "Well, I've been training hard with Master Plo, learning a lot about the Force and how to be a Jedi. But sometimes, I can't help but feel like something is missing."

Dex nodded knowingly. "We all search for something, Som. Just remember, life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it."

Sombra looked at Dex, her eyes filled with curiosity. "You think so?"

Dex winked and patted her shoulder. "I've seen enough in my time to believe it, little'un. Now, how 'bout we get you another Jawa juice and you can tell me more about what you've been up to?"

Sombra was engrossed in her conversation with Dex when suddenly, she felt someone take a seat beside her. She paid no mind until she felt them tap her shoulder. She turned her head to give the stranger a look, but her annoyance melted away when she saw a handsome boy with scruffy black hair and dimples that made her heart skip a beat.

He grinned mischievously and leaned in, using a playful tone. "Are you a star? Because you just made my galaxy light up."

Sombra couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the line, her annoyance giving way to amusement. She turned to face him fully and arched an eyebrow. "Seriously? You're going with that one?"

The young man laughed, his dimples deepening. "Hey, I had to give it a shot, right?"

Sombra's lips curved into a half-smile as she shook her head. "You got me there. But I've heard better. Do I know you?"

He raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "You don't recognize me? I'm hurt. I thought my charm was unforgettable."

Sombra's curiosity was piqued, and she examined his features more closely. Suddenly, her eyes landed on the ring hanging on a chain around his neck, identical to her own. Her breath caught in her throat as realization dawned on her. "Salvador?"

He beamed at her, his eyes lighting up with recognition. "Bingo! Looks like you haven't forgotten me after all, my angel."

Without hesitation, Sombra leaped from her stool and threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. Salvador chuckled warmly as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. It was as if no time had passed.

"I can't believe it's really you," Sombra murmured, her voice muffled by his shoulder.

Salvador pulled back slightly to look at her, filled with affection. "I promised I'd find you again, didn't I? And here I am."

Sombra's eyes glistened with emotion as she smiled up at him. "You have no idea how much I've missed you."

He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle. "I've missed you too, angel."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, she felt a sense of completeness that she hadn't realized was missing from her life.

Dex, watching the scene unfold from behind the counter, smiled knowingly as he continued to serve other customers.

As they reunited, it was as if the years apart melted away, leaving them lost in each other's presence. His eyes held a mixture of wonder and adoration as he gazed at the girl before him, while she couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth spreading across her cheeks at the intensity of his attention.

"Wow," Salvador breathed, his voice a mix of awe and sincerity. "You've grown even more beautiful."

Sombra laughed softly, feeling a delightful flutter in her chest. "You haven't changed a bit, Salva. Still as charming as ever."

He grinned, his dimples making an appearance. "And still as modest as ever, I see."

She playfully rolled her eyes before her smile turned a bit shy. "So, what have you been up to all these years?"

His expression became animated as he spoke. "Well, I've become a pilot in my dad's crew. I've been traveling to different planets, and seeing all sorts of amazing things." Salvador's voice softened as he continued, "So, what do you say we forget about everything for a night and just have some fun?"

Sombra met his gaze once more, her curiosity piqued. "What do you have in mind?"

Salvador's grin returned, mischievous and alluring. "Dancing, sightseeing, and maybe even a little rebellion. How does that sound?"

Sombra couldn't help but feel a thrill at the idea. "Sounds like an adventure."

And an adventure it was. They danced under the starry Coruscant sky, laughed as they explored hidden corners of the city, and felt the rush of excitement as they got matching marks – the spires of Batuu, the place they first met.

As the night turned into dawn, they found themselves on top of a building. They watched as the sun's first rays painted the sky with hues of gold and pink and amid the breathtaking scenery, Salvador turned to Sombra.

His eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense and unwavering. "Sombra, there's something I've wanted to ask you."

Sombra's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. "What is it?"

Salvador took a deep breath, his voice a mixture of seriousness and raw emotion. "Would you run away with me? The way we planned when we were kids? I'll get us a ship and we can be free together. We can go anywhere in the galaxy."

Sombra's eyes widened in surprise, her heart pounding in her chest. But as she looked at him, she saw the love and hope shining in his eyes, and a sad smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Salvador," she whispered, her voice filled with affection, "I can't promise the future, I'm a Jedi and my path is different. But I can promise my heart, I can promise that it will always be with you."

His smile was soft as he leaned in, their foreheads touching gently. "That's more than enough."