The Shadows Star: Book 2

43: Fighting Through It

After four hours that felt like an eternity, Sombra's eyes fluttered open. She woke with a start, disoriented and trapped in the remnants of her memories that still clung to her consciousness. For a fleeting moment, the suffocating heat of the dune sea and the haunting cries of Tusken Raiders seemed all too real. Panic surged through her, and she struggled to sit up.
However, before her fear could escalate, soothing words and gentle, metallic hands held her in place. "Easy, young miss. You're safe now," C-1's calming voice reassured her. "We're in the Lars residence."
Gradually, her breathing slowed, and her racing heart steadied. The room around her came into focus, no longer the harsh canvas of a Tusken tent but instead the familiar warmth of a bedroom. Her gaze locked onto C-1, and confusion etched across her face. "C-1? What... what happened?"
The droid let out a relieved whir. "You left without informing me, Miss Sombra. You were hurt and exhausted. But you're awake now, and I'm so proud of you for fighting through it."
In the kitchen, the family had gathered around the table, savoring a hearty breakfast. Anakin's eyes were frequently drawn to an empty chair, a visible longing in his expression. He couldn't help but feel helpless and furious at himself. He had not stopped cursing himself for letting his rage get so out of hand that Sombra had to step in and exhaust herself to stop him.
As if in response to his unspoken wish, C-1 walked in with Sombra supporting herself on his arm. "Please tell me you have hot chocolate on this planet." She teasingly raised an eyebrow, her wit fully intact despite her recent ordeal.
As she entered the kitchen, Anakin's eyes widened with pure joy. It was as if the missing piece of his soul had just fallen back into place. Without hesitation, he rushed towards her, sweeping her up into a warm, tightly held embrace. His grip on her was almost as if he feared she might disappear again at any moment.
"I was so worried about you," Anakin whispered to her, his voice filled with both relief and love.
She nestled into his arms, savoring the sense of safety and belonging he provided. In that intimate moment, their eyes met, and the world seemed to fade away. It was as if there were only the two of them, sharing a connection that transcended words.
Shmi, who had been observing the reunion with a knowing smile, couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart. She was beyond thrilled that the bond they had once shared had not been lost, and she cherished the happiness they found in each other's presence. As a mother, she hoped for nothing more than her son's happiness, and in that moment, seeing them together, she knew they had found something truly special.
Padmé couldn't contain her excitement as she rushed forward to her friends. She gently released Sombra from his grasp and enveloped her in a warm, tight hug of her own. "Som, you have no idea how worried we were. I'm so glad you're awake," she exclaimed with genuine relief in her voice.
With gentle insistence, Padmé guided Sombra to a chair at the table and placed a plate of food in front of her. "Now, sit down and relax. You must eat and get your strength back."
She couldn't help but smile at Padmé's sisterly concern. She nodded and picked up her utensils, taking a few bites of the meal before her. Though the food was delicious, her persisting weakness and exhaustion made eating a tedious process. Every bite and sip was a small struggle, even with C-1's help.
Anakin's heart sank as he observed her state. Her hands shook to pick up a spoon and her skin had lost its warmth. He once again cursed himself; his actions had not only put her in danger, but hurt her, and his anger only grew.
The room echoed with laughter and shared tales, but Anakin remained silent and distant. The weight of his own mistakes bore heavily on his shoulders, and he found it increasingly difficult to be a part of the joyous moments around him. Sombra sensed his inner turmoil and sent him a reassuring smile, but his frown only deepened, his troubled thoughts holding him captive.
"So, Sombra," Owen began, "I hear you've been all over the galaxy. Is that true?"
She shifted her attention from Anakin to Owen, offering a nod. "Yes, my father and Master made sure I would be familiar with many different species and cultures."
Cliegg perked up at that. "Your father? I thought Jedi didn't know their families."
"For the most part, that's true. But I was an orphan on Coruscant. My father rescued me when I was 3 and raised me. After he died, I was taken in by the Jedi and assigned to my master," she offered a tired smile to the group and Shmi reached over to hold her hand. "I'm lucky to have been raised by the two strongest men this galaxy has ever seen. They took me everywhere and made me who I am."
"Any favorite places so far?" Owen asked.
"There's a lot to choose from, Naboo, Alderaan, Endor..." Her face softened as she recalled distant memories. "I'd have to choose Batuu, where I was brought up. I still remember the way the flowers bloomed under the moonlight, the lush forests, and tower spires."
"It sounds beautiful, Sombra," Shmi said with a kind smile.
"Well whenever you'd like to visit, just let me know. I'd love to repay you all for your kind hospitality." Sombra's excitement grew and she started speaking faster. "I have plenty of spare rooms, and the food from the village is the best in my opinion. In fact—" her words were cut short by a fit of coughing.
Anakin pushed his chair back, rising abruptly. The silence that followed his departure was deafening. Padmé, concern etched on her face, glanced at Sombra, who now looked up. "...Ani—" her coughs cut her off again.
C-1 immediately began rubbing her back and offering her water. "Perhaps you should rest longer, young miss. We still are unsure what exactly happened to you."
Padmé stood up and chased after him.
"Anakin?" She called after him, but he didn't respond. His footsteps echoed in the hallway, each one a heavy beat against the festive rhythm of the evening. She caught up to him and turned him around by his arm.
"Anakin what's wrong?"
He sighed, a heavy weight on his shoulders.
"It's everything, Padmé. Every time I look at her, I see her lifeless and pale... so weak. She could have died, and I..." He yanked his arm away. "I need to be alone."
Padmé watched him walk away, her heart heavy with the weight of his pain. She rubbed her temples, feeling the stress of the week settle in. After a moment, she turned around and went back to the kitchen.