The Shadows Star: Book 2

21: Restless

A few hours into the journey, the ship had calmed down and they each settled into their thoughts. Padmé couldn't shake her preoccupation with the Military Creation Act, hoping fervently that Jar Jar would fare well. Sombra, on her part, worried endlessly about her friend's safety, praying that Naboo would prove to be a peaceful refuge and that Padmé would find solace at home. Anakin was sound asleep and had found a comfortable spot nestled into Sombra's shoulder. Even in his sleep, he was restless, his dreams turning quickly into nightmares, his face screwed into a frown.

Observing the silent stress on their faces, C-1 wondered how he could assist. "Well, it appears they're serving food, and considering the stress you must be under, I'm certain none of you have eaten. R2-D2, come with me. Do any of you have dietary restrictions?"

Sombra couldn't help but smile at C-1's nurturing programming. "Thank you, C-1. Padmé has no allergies, but she hates nuna eggs. As for me, no icefish, please. I don't remember Anakin having any restrictions, but if they happen to have Pallie fruits, could you grab a few? He loves those."

"Certainly, young miss. We'll be back promptly," C-1 responded with kindness as he turned to walk away, conversing with R2.

Padmé, curious, asked, "So, how did you and C-1 meet?"

Sombra's smile held fondness as she began to recount, "Well, he was my father's droid. Father always said that C-1 was at our home on Batuu, and he had him repaired to assist with household chores. When I came into the picture, C-1's modified his programming to include nuturing and education protocols. He became my teacher and caregiver throughout most of my childhood. When I found him again, Plo allowed me to bring him to the temple, where he lends a hand wherever he can. But he's more than just a droid; he's all I have left of my family." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but her smile remained resolute.

Padmé reached across the table and held the younger girl's hand. "I'm glad you have him, Som. I can tell he cares a lot for you."

"Yeah, he really does, huh? I think I'm his favorite, but he never admits it," she giggles.

Just then, Anakin's restless sleep worsens. He begins murmuring and seems to be having a nightmare. His arms hug around Sombra's torso and tighten. "No, no, Mom, no..."

Sombra sees the sweat forming on his brow and pats his forehead with a cloth. She can feel his panic setting in and feels the need to enter his mind and see for herself. She stops herself realizing that, just as she needs boundaries, so does he. Instead, she places her hand on his shoulder. "Anakin? Wake up."

He shoots awake with a start, his eyes seemingly glazed over and darting around. He stares confused at Som and Padmé's worried expressions. "What?"

"You seemed to be having a nightmare," Padmé responds.

Anakin's face falls into a different type of panic as he looks at Sombra. His worry returns twofold when he realizes that Som may have seen his nightmare. "Did you...?"

"No, Anakin. I didn't look. I promise, I just felt your panic. Are you alright?" Sombra's eyes soften and she rubs shapes into his shoulder.

Their eyes lock, their pure care and genuine worry for each other on display. Padmé looks on with a knowing smile at the two clearly infatuated Padawans. His lips quirked up in a smile and he leaned into her touch, "I'll be fine, thank you Sombra."

"Well, that droid was very rude! We have returned with sustenance! Who is hungry?" C-1's voice breaks their enchanting moment. The droid places three bowls of food before them. "I apologize Miss Sombra, but they did not have any pallie fruits for the young Sir."

"That's alright, C-1. Thanks for checking anyway. You can power down for a bit if you'd like. I'll wake you when we arrive," Sombra responds.

"Of course, young miss. Please wake me should you need anything at all," C-1 replies before switching off.

Anakin looks quizzically at Som, "Pallie fruit? You remembered?"

Her face heats up, "Sure I did, you told me they were your favorites," she clears her throat, "Anyway, it'll be nice to go back to Naboo. I've only been gone a few days but I miss all the green."

Padmé chuckles, "Is it the green you miss, or is it sneaking out to Theed to gamble and dance the night away?"

Som lets out a faked gasp, "Maé you wound me! I simply wanted to learn more about your culture!" The two stare at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Alright, I'll admit I do miss the nightlife, but I am excited to see everyone again. What about you Anakin? Have you visited Naboo?"

"I haven't visited since we left ten years ago. But I look forward to seeing Naboo again. I've thought about it every day since I left. It's by far the most beautiful place I've ever seen..."

Sombra hums in agreement, once again taking notice of the intensity of his gaze. "It is. But it may not be as you remember it. Time changes perception."

Anakin doesn't falter, "Sometimes it does... Sometimes for the better."

"It must be difficult having sworn your life to the Jedi," Padmé adds. "Not being able to visit the places you like...or do the things you like."

Anakin's gaze never leaves Sombra, "Or be with the people I love."

Padmé, ecstatic at the direction of the conversation chooses to ask, "Are you allowed to love? I thought it was forbidden for a Jedi."

Sombra straightens up and recites, "Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion—"

Anakin interrupts, "—which I would define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi's life," a grin breaks out on his face, "So you might say we're encouraged to love."

Padmé hums in understanding. Sombra takes a bite of her food and gives him a strange look. "You have changed so much."

"Ah, but you haven't changed a bit. You're exactly the way I remember you in my dreams."

Sombra chuckled softly at Anakin's comment, a hint of color rising to her cheeks. "Well, dreams can be deceiving, Anakin. We've all grown and evolved in our ways."

Anakin's gaze remained locked onto her as he replied, "True, but some things stay the same. Like the way, your eyes light up when you're passionate about something. Or that rebellious streak of yours."

Padmé couldn't help but tease further, a playful smile on her lips. "So, Sombra, any secret rebellions lately?"

Sombra grinned in response, her golden eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and nostalgia. "Oh, I've had my moments. But nothing too scandalous, I promise."