The Shadows Star: Book 2

41: Everything To Me

C-1 was frantic, his circuits had never been under such stress. His main purpose for the past 16 years had been the care and safety of the girl. His master had made it explicitly clear all those years ago.

C-1's memories replayed in his processor, Master Maul, his piercing yellow eyes locking onto the droid as he delivered his young daughter. In his arms, a four-year-old Sombra clung to a stuffed toy, her innocent eyes wide with uncertainty. As he gently set her down, Maul, in a rare and unexpected moment, knelt to eye level with her. His once-menacing voice softened, revealing a hint of tenderness.

"Sombra," he began, his words strangely gentle, "I want you to be a good girl and listen to C-1. He'll take care of you while I'm away. Remember, be brave, my little shadow."

The four-year-old clutched her stuffed toy tightly, her big golden eyes flickering between Maul and C1 as she nodded in response, unable to fully grasp the complexities of the situation but sensing a warmth in her father's words.

Maul placed a hand on her cheek, an uncharacteristic display of affection, before turning his attention to C-1. His voice, in stark contrast, retained its cold and deadly tone. "Listen carefully, droid. You are to care for this child and protect her from all harm. That is your unwavering priority, from this moment until the end of your existence. She is everything to me and she must be everything to you."

Taken aback by Maul's unusual demeanor, C-1 obediently nodded. "I will, Master Maul."

A sharp intensity grew in his stare, accentuating his menacing appearance. "See that you do, droid," he commanded before vanishing into the shadows, leaving C-1 with the solemn responsibility of safeguarding the young girl.

It had been that way for 6 years until the dreaded day came. Maul had left with the girl as usual, but they never returned. Still, C-1 remained faithful to his programming, diligently maintaining their home and preparing for their return. When she had reappeared after three long years, his circuits practically hummed with the joy of reunion. Even during their infrequent encounters at the temple, he continued to mend her wounds and spoke proudly of her to anyone who would listen.

Now, the opportunity to protect her as he once did, had finally presented itself, and he failed. She was gravely injured, and couldn't even call for help herself. As C-1 flew over the barren landscape, the weight of his responsibility bore down on him, driving him to reach her and fulfill his duty once more.

As the ship touched down in the desolate desert landscape, the sandy winds swirling around the cockpit, he could already hear Anakin's frantic voice calling for help. Anakin, his face etched with panic, was attempting to rouse Sombra, but her pulse was weak, and her breathing shallow.

"Master Anakin, quickly, help your mother into the ship," C-1 urged as he rushed to stabilize Sombra. His mechanical hands worked with precision and desperation.

Anakin assisted his mother into the ship, gently securing her as best he could. With the speeders loaded and Shmi safely inside, Anakin turned to see the droid now speaking to Sombra's lifeless form, a touch of anguish in his metallic voice as he begged for her to live.

"Please, young miss," C-1 implored, his usual mechanical tone cracking with emotion, "you must fight. You cannot leave me."

With the girl in his arms, C-1 hurriedly carried her to the ship, carefully laying her down on a cot. His medical protocols kicked in as he began administering treatment, his mechanical hands working tirelessly to stabilize her condition.

Anakin, his heart heavy with worry for both Sombra and his mother, quickly took control of the ship and initiated the takeoff sequence. With determination in his eyes, he piloted the ship towards the Lars homestead, praying that they would arrive in time.

Gazing down at the girl, the droid grappled with the unsettling realization that he had exhausted all his efforts to aid her. She remained stable but still unconscious, her skin pale and clammy. "Master Maul," he whispered with a heavy heart, consumed by regret, "She means everything to me. But, I have fallen short of caring for her adequately. I permitted her to be harmed. I am sorry."

The ship gently touched down at the home, just as the twin suns painted the horizon. Anakin rushed to his mother, lifting her with care and carrying her out of the ship. Meanwhile, C-1 cradled Sombra, his mind filled with memories of the little curly-headed girl he had once nurtured.

Outside the homestead, a group of anxious family members had gathered, their faces etched with worry. Anakin emerged from the ship, his mother nestled in his arms, and a collective breath was held.

Shmi lifted her head, her voice a fragile whisper. "Cliegg..." she murmured, her determination propelling her out of Anakin's embrace.

The old man gasped, propelling his chair swiftly to her side. "My darling wife!" He enveloped her in a tight, tearful embrace. "I'm so sorry... darling, I'm so sorry..."

"It's not your fault, my love," Shmi whispered tenderly. "I'm here now."

Padmé, initially overjoyed by Shmi's return, felt her mood sour as she noticed a certain absence from the group. Just then, C-1 descended the ship's ramp, Sombra's limp form cradled in his arms.

"Som..." Padmé could hardly muster a whisper. "No... no, Sombra!" She sprinted toward the droid, gently brushing the hair from her little sister's face. "C-1, what's wrong? What happened?!"

"I'm not entirely sure, but she's extremely weak," the droid replied, his gaze unwavering from Sombra. "I've only witnessed this once before, many years ago. I believe she has exhausted herself, but I'm uncertain how. Miss, could you provide a room where I can lay her down, please?"

Beru, her eyes glossy with tears, her voice trembling, replied, "Of course, follow me."

Beru led the way into the home, her heart heavy with concern for the unconscious Sombra. C-1 followed, his mechanical footsteps echoing in the hushed atmosphere. Padmé remained by Sombra's side, unwilling to leave her friend's lifeless form.

As they entered a small, cozy bedroom, C-1 carefully placed Sombra down, his metallic hands trembling with anxiety. "Please, young miss," he implored, his voice filled with emotion, "you must recover. You are all I have left. You are so important, little shadow, to so many."

Padmé, standing by the bedside, brushed a strand of hair away from Sombra's pale face, her eyes filled with worry. "She's strong, but she's exhausted. There must be something we can do."

C-1 nodded, his mechanical features contorted with distress. "I have done everything within my capabilities to assist her, Miss Padmé. But I believe this is a battle she must fight alone."

Beru, her voice quivering, spoke up. "C-1, I know you want to help Sombra, but if there's nothing more to be done, can you assist me with treating Shmi's wounds? Padmé can watch over Som."

Acknowledging Beru's request, C-1 turned his attention to Shmi's condition, ready to provide any assistance he could. Padmé remained by Sombra's side, her unwavering concern evident in her watchful gaze. The room was filled with tension as they faced the uncertainty of the situation.