07 | shadows in the starlight


With a jolt that could rival the unexpected ignition of a lightsaber in the dead of night, you shot upright in bed. The galaxy seemed to sway around you, your mind spinning faster than a podracer in the Boonta Eve Classic. "What in the name of the Force?" you murmured, the remnants of a strange dream lingering like the faint scent of ozone after a blaster bolt. The room was still, save for a soft hum—there, on the floor, was young Anakin Skywalker, tinkering with a contraption that looked like it had seen more action than a stormtrooper's blaster.

"Hey, sleepyhead! You okay up there?" His voice chirped with the enthusiasm of a droid freshly oiled, and his wide, curious eyes were brighter than the twin suns of Tatooine.

"I'm fine," you croaked, though your voice had the gravelly edge of a Tatooine sandstorm. Swinging your legs over the side of the bed, you felt the weight of the dream still pressing down, like a shadow cast by a Star Destroyer. "Just... a Force-fueled dream session, I guess."

Anakin tilted his head, his hair standing on end as if he'd been sparring with a static charge. "Force-fueled? Was it like... podracing in your brain?"

"Sure, kid," you muttered, ruffling his hair as you would a loyal droid's dome. "Now, why don't you go back to your tinkering? I need to clear my head." Rising, you strode to the window and gazed out at the endless expanse of desert, the cool night air brushing against your face. Somewhere out there, the Force whispered its secrets, the sands shifting like the echoes of ancient Jedi wisdom.

The rustle of fabric behind you heralded the arrival of Obi-Wan Kenobi, his presence as serene as the tranquil surface of Naboo's lakes. "Anakin said you seemed... perturbed," he said, his voice laced with both concern and the perpetual calm of a Jedi master.

"Perturbed might be an understatement," you replied, your gaze fixed on the horizon. "Let's just say my dreams had more twists than a Sarlacc's digestive system."

Obi-Wan stepped closer, his expression thoughtful. "The Force often chooses strange times to speak. And stranger voices," he added with a faint smirk.

You couldn't help but chuckle, though the image of a fiery woman—Wanda—flashed unbidden in your mind. Her crimson aura, her anguished cries... she didn't belong here, in this galaxy. Yet somehow, she lingered. "Maybe it's the blue milk," you joked, shaking your head. "Or maybe the Force is just having a laugh at my expense."

Kenobi's brow furrowed, his blue eyes probing. "Even so, you carry these visions for a reason. Trust in the Force, but don't hesitate to share the burden. Qui-Gon and I are here."

The night pressed on, heavy with unspoken questions and the vast mystery of the Force. Somewhere, the faint cry of a Tusken Raider punctuated the silence, a reminder of the harshness of this world—and the galaxy beyond.

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The next morning dawned with a brilliance that made Tatooine's suns seem like torches against the infinite backdrop of the galaxy. Amidala stood regal and poised, her departure imminent. Her presence had always carried a weight of elegance, a stark contrast to the dusty, ramshackle surroundings of this desert world. At her side, Anakin stood, his shoulders slumped in a way that made your heart ache.

"You're really leaving," Anakin whispered, his voice barely audible over the soft desert breeze.

Padmé crouched to his level, her expression warm. "I have to, Ani. Naboo needs me. But that doesn't mean I'll forget you."

His lip quivered, and you stepped forward, crouching beside him. "Hey, Ani, you ever thought about taking a ride on the Falcon? Plenty of room for an aspiring podracer and his mom. Besides," you added with a wink, "I hear Naboo's got lakes so clear you can see the stars reflecting in them."

Padmé's eyes sparkled with gratitude, and she nodded. "It's true, Anakin. Your mother could come too. It would be a fresh start."

Anakin hesitated, his hands clenching into small fists. "But... but this is home. Mom can't leave."

As if summoned by the weight of his words, Shmi appeared, her expression calm but resolute. "Anakin, my place is here," she said gently. "This is where I'm needed. But you—" She cupped his cheek, her love for him evident in every word. "You have a destiny far beyond these sands."

Before Anakin could protest, Qui-Gon Jinn strode forward, his presence as commanding as a star cruiser emerging from hyperspace. "Shmi," he said, his deep voice steady, "your safety—and your son's—is paramount. The Force has brought us together for a reason. If you wish to stay, we will ensure your protection. But Anakin's path... it lies beyond this world."

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement, his hand resting reassuringly on Anakin's shoulder. "Your bond is strong. That will never change, no matter where you go."

The suns climbed higher, casting long shadows across the sands. Together, you, Padmé, and the Jedi prepared for the journey ahead, the weight of the galaxy pressing ever heavier. In your heart, you knew this was only the beginning of a story that would span star systems, touch countless lives, and test the very fabric of the Force itself.

The adventure was calling. And in the galaxy far, far away, the Force ensured that no step was ever taken alone.

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