The Shadows Star: Book 2

9: Appearances

As Sombra and Padmé reached the senator's apartment, a sense of familiarity and warmth enveloped them. Despite the opulence of the surroundings, their genuine connection stood out. They settled into comfortable chairs in the living area. "So, spill it Maé. You came out of that meeting looking furious."

"Ugh, don't even remind me. They're sending another Jedi to join you since Master Plo is busy. It's just incredibly annoying. We have a system that works well, mainly due to your willingness to break the rules. I was protected but not restricted. But what if these new Jedi don't approve? I can already picture them marching in, all serious and devoid of emotion, disrupting everything."

Som smirked at the outburst. "Well, it's true, most Jedi aren't as considerate and amazing as I am. But not all of them have a stick up their shebs like Mundi. Do you know who it is? Maybe I know them."

Padmé smiled with a knowing glint. "It's a surprise."

"A surprise? Why? Oh no, don't tell me it's Mundi. I can't handle that again. Please, Maé, at least tell me it's not him!"

Padmé laughed heartily. "Alright, alright! Don't get your lightsaber twisted. I can promise it's not Master Mundi. But I want it to be a surprise. Have you worked with many other Jedi besides your master?"

Som started to play with a floating ball in the air, tracing patterns. "A few, not many Jedi do undercover work, so most missions were just me and the old man. But whenever he was occupied, I'd train under other masters. It helped me develop many crucial skills that I wouldn't have built otherwise. For instance, Mace taught me to master the darkness without succumbing to it. Kit helped refine my dueling, and Yoda taught me to heal myself and others."

As Som shared her experiences with Padmé, her disastrous week with Master Mundi, the time she became friends with a pirate captain on Florrum and even her favorite foods from various planets, the two engaged in a lively conversation for an hour. Eventually, Jar Jar Binks entered to inform Padmé that Bail Organa had arrived. Padmé excused herself, instructing Som to settle into her room.

Som collected her knapsack containing a few belongings, making her way to the room. She unpacked her clothes, the credits she'd earned on Naboo, and the book she carried. The closet revealed an array of dresses and outfits tailored to her. As she browsed through them, her thoughts drifted to the Force—a sensation, a subtle pull, tugging at her consciousness. She paused, her golden eyes narrowing, as she focused on this beckoning sensation.

Without a word, she abandoned her belongings and stepped out onto the balcony, lured by the force she sensed in the air. The cool breeze brushed against her skin as she gazed over Coruscant's cityscape, lost in thought.

The initial flicker in the Force now pulsed like a heartbeat, echoing her own. It was an indescribable feeling—a connection almost forgotten. But as the pulse intensified, it became undeniable, enveloping her in warmth, comfort, and a sense of wholeness she hadn't felt in years.

With astonishment and excitement, recognition dawned on Sombra. The pieces fell into place, and she realized what this sensation meant. It was him—Anakin Skywalker, her old friend, her other half. The one she had missed, yearned for, and kept in her heart all these years. She knew he had to be on the planet, as she hadn't felt him this strongly since they'd met.

The Force pulsed between them, a silent dialogue that transcended space and time. At that moment, Sombra felt the connection deepen, growing stronger as if it had never been severed. She whispered his name, her voice carrying longing, love, and excitement. "Ani..."

The Force responded, echoing her feelings in a way words never could. A reunion of souls, an affirmation of a bond untouched by time and distance. Sombra's heart raced, overwhelmed by the sensation of feeling whole once more.

Inside the apartment, Padmé continued her conversation with Bail Organa, unaware of the powerful Force connection unfolding beyond the balcony doors. For Sombra, the Force consumed her, and she surrendered to it, basking in the presence of her dearest friend, her kindred spirit.

As her excitement grew, Padmé notified her that the Jedi would arrive soon. Sombra nodded but remained where she was, lost in a world all her own. Padmé rolled her eyes, poking Sombra's shoulder. "I know you're not concerned about appearances, but you're still wearing clothes from the explosion, your hair's a mess, and you smell like fuel and smoke. Maybe head to the fresher and clean up?"

Sombra took a moment to inspect herself and realized she did look rather disheveled. "Oh, fine. You just want an excuse to doll me up."

With that, she headed for the fresher, taking a hot shower and carefully washing her hair. Although the wound was closed, there were still bruises. Stepping out, she jumped back and let out a startled scream, "Kriffing hell, Padme! Are you just standing there?"

Padmé burst into laughter, poking fun, "You said it yourself, Som. I want to doll you up a bit. Now, come on, we've got work to do."

Padmé guided Sombra to her wardrobe, selecting a sleek ensemble. The black leggings clung to her like a second skin, and the blood-red cropped long-sleeve paired perfectly, revealing a tattoo that dipped into her abdomen. Gold cuffs adorned her arms, and a delicate string of beads encircled her waist.

As Sombra fastened her belt, Padmé applied a light touch of makeup that enhanced her features without masking her natural beauty, emphasizing Sombra's striking golden eyes.

The final touch was a braided hairstyle—two long braids bound by the yellow ribbons Sombra had cherished, a gift from Shmi.

As Sombra admired herself in the mirror, a newfound confidence radiated from her. The snug outfit showcased her athletic form while allowing her to move with grace. The ensemble perfectly embodied the person she'd become—a fierce warrior unafraid to embrace her femininity. "Thank you, Padmé... you've truly outdone yourself this time."

Padmé grinned with a smug look, raising an eyebrow. "I know, I'm just that talented. A true miracle worker."

Sombra rolled her eyes, "Okay, take it easy. I don't need your ego any bigger, milady."

Amid giggles, R2-D2 entered, informing Padmé that the captain wanted to speak with her. Som remained in the room with R2, trying to meditate without success. While she waited for the Jedi's arrival, she found herself drawn to R2-D2, an entertaining presence in her life. Engaging in conversation with the droid, she absentmindedly used tools from her belt to tinker with R2, channeling her nervous energy into something productive.