Welcome to a new chapter in this journey through the galaxy, where every decision can change everything.
Today, we dive into a pivotal moment in the story… one where the fate of the Chosen One hangs by a thread.
Time is running out. The slaves of Mos Espa don't have much time left, but the most urgent threat isn't outside… it's inside Anakin.
The boy who will one day bring balance to the Force begins to fade, consumed by a fever that doesn't distinguish whether it's illness, vision… or warning.
And in the midst of delirium, darkness creeps in: a shadow stalking his spirit, his thoughts… his future.
But not all is hopeless. Because even among the pain and confusion, something else emerges.
A forbidden feeling, but a powerful one. A luminous emotion that wraps around him, anchors him to life, calls to him from some corner of the soul with the strength of truth.
Perhaps today it's only a flicker, a moment of comfort. But later… when all seems lost… maybe that love will be the only thing capable of saving him.
Anakin and Padmé Skywalker: Thank you for being here, for reading, for feeling each word.
To everyone else, feel free to leave a comment. It makes me very happy to share this universe with you.
Now, I invite you to continue right where we left off.
The race against time has begun.
The antidote is on its way.
And the hope of everyone, of the entire Galaxy, rests on it arriving before it's too late.
STARS DESTINIES – VOLUME 1
THE AWAKENING OF A HERO – CHAPTER 13
Despite the darkness that wrapped around him in his most vulnerable moment, when the fever consumed him and his body seemed to give in to the poison, something rose from deep within his being. A warm, enveloping presence that began to break through the shadows like a soft yet steady light.
It wasn't power, not as he understood the Force. It was another kind of strength: more human, more intimate… more alive.
It felt like an invisible hand holding him firmly at the edge of the abyss, keeping him from falling. A sensation of belonging, of comfort. Something that not only shielded him from the darkness, but pushed it back, like it had no place in front of that luminous presence. It was hope. It was peace. And, somehow, it was understanding. As if this energy knew everything he felt and didn't judge him for it.
Anakin couldn't name it exactly… but in his heart, he sensed it.
Could this be love?
He didn't know. He had never felt anything like it before. No one had ever held him so strongly without touching him, no emotion had ever been more powerful than his fear, his anger, the uncertainty that had followed him for as long as he could remember.
He only knew one thing: it was saving him.
Not just from the poison or the physical pain.
It was saving him from the darkness.
From fear.
From himself.
And for the first time, without knowing how, he knew he wasn't alone.
In the midst of the burning and trembling of his body, Anakin was taken to another place, warmer in another sense. He was lying in a green field under a beautiful sky, among tall trees whispering in the breeze. Sunlight fell over his face, and the air smelled of sweet flowers. He lay in the grass, hands behind his head… and beside him, laughing, was her.
Padmé.
She wasn't dressed like a queen. She was just herself. In a simple tunic, barefoot, with her eyes shining.
"You're always looking at me like that…" said Padmé, a soft smile lighting her face as she turned toward him.
Her voice had that playful, curious tone she sometimes used when catching him staring a little longer than considered proper.
Anakin blinked, caught off guard. He sat up slightly, nervous, feeling the warmth rise from his neck to his cheeks.
"Like what?" he asked, with a mix of shyness and pride. The blush gave him away, but he didn't look away.
His voice wasn't as deep as it would be in the vision among the lava, when he was already a man, but it no longer carried the full innocence he had now. It was, unmistakably, his teenage voice.
Padmé knelt in front of him on the cool grass, the breeze gently lifting her hair. They were just inches apart. The exact distance where a word, a breath, could become something more.
"Like you're keeping a secret…" she whispered, eyes fixed on his "…a beautiful one."
Anakin held her gaze. He wanted to freeze that moment, carve it into his soul. His heart was pounding, as if each beat pushed him to say what he always kept hidden.
And he said it. Quietly, voice trembling with emotion but steady in its truth.
"Maybe… it's because you are my beautiful secret."
She froze, surprised by the answer, by the way he said it, by the brutally honest tenderness pouring out of him.
He leaned in a bit more. He didn't touch her. He didn't dare. But he was so close, he could feel her breath mingling with his. The not touching was more powerful than any physical contact.
And in the thick silence that surrounded them, Padmé simply closed her eyes for a moment… as if she too was storing that memory inside her.
She looked at him, then looked away, like she didn't know what to say, but something within her had shifted.
As if time moved forward through flashes: he saw her worrying about him during missions, watching over his sleep when he was injured, laughing at his awkward jokes, caressing his face while he slept. Once, she even embraced him while he cried bitterly. And then… her hand found his, fingers intertwining.
"At first, you were just a brave little boy who looked at me like I was queen of the universe" her voice now steady, filled with emotion "Then you were a friend who was always there. And now… now you're everything I look for when I close my eyes."
The vision changed again. Padmé held him tightly, her forehead resting against his. They said nothing. It wasn't a field, nor a palace. It was a feeling. Of belonging. Of connection.
"I love you, Anakin" she whispered "With all my being."
The air was now fresh, salty. The sky held a lavender hue, and before him stretched a cliff over the sea. Waves crashed below, and the breeze caressed his face. Behind him, a soft laugh, one he knew better than his own name, made him turn.
Padmé was beside him. Her dress fluttered in the wind. She walked toward him with a gentle smile, her eyes wide and full of light. Anakin wanted to run to her, but his body still trembled. But she didn't wait. She came to him and hugged him tightly, as if she knew he needed it more than anything.
Anakin closed his eyes, clinging to her with a mix of relief and longing. Her warmth, her scent, her voice… it was all so real it hurt.
"I don't want this to be a dream" he murmured "I don't want to wake up."
She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, her hands still on his face. For a moment, she said nothing. She just gazed at him. And then, slowly, she leaned in and brushed her lips against his.
It was a tender kiss, deep, unhurried. A kiss that spoke of everything left unsaid.
"It's not a dream" she replied "It's what we will become."
More visions wrapped around him: her taking his hand beneath the stars, the two of them laughing by a fire, sharing glances that said what words could not. In one, she embraced him in the rain. In another, she kissed him in silence while he held her close, as if she were his anchor to the world.
"Will you really love me like that one day?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"I already do" Padmé answered "But I don't know it yet. Not fully. But my heart does."
Anakin pressed his forehead to hers, tears streaming down without shame.
His visions guided him to a place that seemed to exist outside of time. Anakin felt the breeze first, it was delicate, perfumed, unlike anything he'd ever known on Tatooine. Then came the light: a golden, flickering cascade, like the sun had shattered into hundreds of tiny candles, trembling in the dimness of a room unknown… or perhaps dreamed.
On the floor, petals from unknown flowers were scattered like a sacred mantle, perfuming the air with a heady fragrance.
He was lying on a large bed, beneath white sheets, and he wasn't alone. Padmé was with him. His Padmé. The girl who filled every corner of his thoughts.
Anakin didn't fully understand what was happening, but he knew, strangely, instinctively, that it was something deeply important. The scene before him wasn't like an ordinary dream. It was vivid, intense, as if the Force itself had laid it before his eyes.
Beneath the sheets, their movements were soft, rhythmic, there was something electric in every touch, every shared breath.
He didn't fully grasp what their bodies were doing beneath the sheets, but he felt they belonged to each other. That in that secret space, they were saying everything they'd never dared to speak aloud.
Their voices were a whisper, a murmur just at the edge of hearing, but he couldn't make out the words. Even so, he knew: they were confessing. Opening their souls. Speaking with their hearts, with their skin, with absolute trust.
And then, the air trembled.
Padmé's voice rose suddenly, not in cries or pain, but with an intensity he had never heard from her. It was a sound charged with pure emotion. Not a single note of fear, only longing, joy, surrender. A mix of feelings so deep it struck Anakin like lightning.
She said his name.
She said it like a prayer, like he belonged to her.
"Anakin…" Padmé breathed, her voice soft and gasping.
And hearing her, his chest swelled, his pulse raced, and warmth flooded him from the center of his being. It was too much. Too beautiful. Too real.
He didn't understand exactly what those sounds and gestures meant… but he knew he wanted that moment to be real. That someday, somewhere in time, that vision would become reality.
Because even though he was just a boy, the soul within him was already learning to love with the force of a forming star.
The way she said his name, it was as if she were discovering it for the first time, as if she spoke it with the certainty that there was no more beautiful word. There was longing in her voice, but also joy, need, emotion… and something else, something he couldn't name, but that shook him sweetly.
No one had ever said his name like that.
No one had ever named him as if he were sacred.
And even though he didn't understand what they were doing, those soft movements beneath the sheets, that secret dance between breaths and kisses, he understood how it made him feel: like he was worthy of love, worthy of belonging, worthy of dreaming.
Those unknown emotions overflowed within him. He didn't understand them yet, couldn't name them, but he liked how they felt. It was as if Padmé's soul was fusing with his in that moment, as if they were no longer two people, but one shared heartbeat.
And just as the dream felt more real than life itself, just as his heart beat to a secret rhythm only they shared… the vision began to fade.
First the light. Then the room. Then her voice.
Anakin was left alone. With the echo of his name on her lips. With her scent still in his memory. With his soul trembling.
After that visión, not one of shadows or uncertain futures, but of love, Anakin felt something inside him had been lit. He had seen, even if just for an instant, what Padmé could come to feel for him.
Perhaps that love was already beginning in both of them, they just needed time to let it grow. Just as they themselves were still forming, that feeling was also germinating, beating soft but steady. And it would grow with them, strengthened by each glance, each shared moment, each day spent together.
It was the purest, most beautiful feeling he had ever known. A warmth that didn't come from fever, but from the heart. He knew, with a certainty stronger than anything he had ever known, that this love would not change, would not fade, would not be given to anyone else. It was unique. It was only hers.
Padmé was everything he had ever wanted, what he had dreamed of even before he understood what longing was. She was peace in the midst of chaos, the light in his darkness, the sigh that filled the deepest silences of his soul.
When he opened his eyes again, his expression had changed. The pain was still there, but something in his face was calmer, more resolute. As if that vision had given him the strength to carry on.
Obi-Wan, who hadn't left his side, leaned in as he saw the boy waking.
"Has Padmé arrived?" Anakin asked weakly, but with hope in his voice.
"Not yet" the young Jedi replied, gently "But she shouldn't be long."
Anakin lowered his gaze, restless.
"I'm worried, Obi-Wan. What if… what if something happens to her? What if she doesn't make it in time?"
"Don't think like that" he answered softly, placing a hand on his shoulder "I'm sure she's very close already."
And he wasn't wrong.
Padmé and Jar Jar were approaching, now visible in the distant horizon, wrapped in the night descending over the desert.
But something was wrong.
With her eyes fixed on the road ahead, Padmé began to feel a slight dizziness that quickly grew stronger. A chill ran through her body, making her shiver. Then came the heat. A fire inside that made her gasp and clouded her mind. Thick drops of sweat slid down her forehead as her vision began to blur.
She knew what was happening: the first symptoms. The poison was beginning to take effect.
She carried the vial of sap in her hands, the remedy they had searched so hard for. But it still needed to be boiled to activate its healing properties, and that could only be done at the Skywalker home… a place that, in that moment, was starting to feel painfully far away.
Her strength faltered. The lever of the sandcrawler slipped beneath her hand, and the vehicle began to slow down, screeching across the sand.
Jar Jar, who had been paying close attention, rushed over in alarm.
"Padmé! Are you alright?"
She didn't answer at first, struggling to maintain control. Then she looked up at him, her eyes shining with fever.
"No... I don't know how much longer I can..."
Her voice broke, but she still held the vial tightly, as if her will alone was keeping everything from falling apart.
And though the poison was advancing, a flame burned in her heart that would not go out: the need to reach Anakin, to save him. Not out of duty. Not because of the mission. But because of something much deeper... something that had begun to take shape within her.
Realizing Padmé no longer had the strength to keep piloting the sandcrawler, Jar Jar took control without hesitation. Driving that enormous, rusted hulk of metal was harder than he'd expected. Every attempt to stabilize it made the vehicle sway, slamming against small dunes with a loud clatter. The jolting was brutal, everything in the cabin shook and bounced violently.
Padmé, already weak, felt her discomfort intensify; her body trembled with each jolt, her hands were slick with sweat, and a constant ringing began to fill her ears.
"Padmé, hang in there" said Jar Jar, not taking his eyes off the path ahead "We're almost there!"
And he was right. The lights of Mos Espa were beginning to appear on the horizon like fireflies in the night. The desert's suffocating heat had started to ease, but the poison still surged quickly through her body.
Once they were close enough to town, the Gungan pressed the button he'd seen his friend use to stop the vehicle. The brakes activated with a high-pitched screech, and once again they were both thrown against the windshield. They ended up sprawled across the dashboard, dazed, with a fresh bump on their heads. Now each had one on opposite sides.
"This mission turned out way harder than I thought..." Padmé muttered, rubbing her forehead with a pained grimace.
"Come on, we've got to get the remedy" said Jar Jar, gently lifting Padmé into his arms.
Despite her dizziness, she still clutched the vial tightly to her chest with the last of her strength.
Moments later, they arrived at the Skywalker home. The door opened immediately.
"Miss Padmé! Mister Binks!" exclaimed Threepio as he saw them enter "Thank the Suns!"
R2 let out a series of cheerful beeps.
"What do you mean, 'I never doubted them'? Weren't you just saying moments ago that we were all doomed?"
Obi-Wan, who had been keeping watch, came to meet them. Upon seeing them, his expression grew serious.
"Padmé! Are you alright?" he asked, carefully taking the vial she held out to him.
"It must be boiled..." she whispered, just before Jar Jar gently set her down in the living room, right next to Anakin.
The boy was pale, drenched in sweat, his eyes barely open. But when he saw her, something in his face lit up.
"Ani..." Padmé whispered, alarmed at how weak he looked "How are you?"
"Better... just knowing you made it back safe" he said softly, offering a faint, exhausted smile.
While the two looked at each other tenderly, Obi-Wan headed for the kitchen. As a Jedi used to surviving missions far from civilization, he knew how to cook, but his experience was limited to makeshift campfires and basic broths. This home kitchen, with all its buttons, pots, and burners, seemed more complex than a starship console.
"No doubt this is going to be a real challenge..." the Jedi muttered to himself.
"Are you sure Obi knows what he's doing?" asked Jar Jar from the doorway, clearly worried.
"No..." replied the Jedi, turning a knob with uncertainty "I'm not. But someone has to do it."
Eventually, after checking several pots and accidentally turning on the extractor fan and the oven light, he found the right saucepan. He carefully poured in the contents of the vial and lit the stove. Slowly, the sap began to heat, releasing a sweet, almost magical aroma that spread through the house like a soothing breeze.
In the living room, Padmé took Anakin's hand.
"I thought I wasn't going to get to see you one last time..." he murmured, his eyes glistening.
"This isn't the last time" she assured him, gently brushing his hair back "You'll see, we'll both be alright soon. We just have to hold on a little longer."
"I don't know if I have any strength left…"
But the scent of the boiling sap was already beginning to take effect. As if the very essence of the plant held some ancient power, the sick ones' lungs began to clear, and the burning fever slowly began to recede. The relief wasn't instant, but it was obvious. They breathed deeper, with less trembling.
Soon, the mixture was ready. Obi-Wan and Jar Jar each carried a spoonful to the patients, and the warm sap touched their lips like liquid life. The effect was nearly miraculous. Anakin and Padmé laid back with greater ease, feeling their bodies begin to truly heal.
"Thank you..." Anakin whispered, half-asleep.
"I'll always come for you..." Padmé replied, her forehead gently touching his.
Obi-Wan and Jar Jar took a dose too and left without wasting time, carrying the remedy with them.
"Please, Master Kenobi, be careful. And don't let Mister Binks spill anything this time" said Threepio from the doorway.
R2 let out a series of quick beeps, almost like laughter.
"That wasn't funny! I'm still cleaning up the last mess!"
That night was long for Obi-Wan and Jar Jar. They went house to house, facing the desperation of the last few patients. But they didn't leave anyone behind.
And when the first light of dawn lit up the dusty streets of Mos Espa, everyone who had been affected was safe.
"Mesa thought we wouldn't make it" said Jar Jar, collapsing onto a stone bench.
"That really was a challenge..." Obi-Wan replied, exhaling with exhaustion "I'm glad we managed to complete it."
"Congratulations to us! We're a great team!"
Obi-Wan smiled, a spark of pride in his eyes.
"And speaking of team... let's go see how the others are doing."
The Force surrounded Anakin Skywalker even in his darkest moments, when his body seemed to give in to pain and his mind slipped into feverish dreams. But in that silent stillness of illness, something within him remained calm. A spark that would not fade.
And it was that spark that began to grow, little by little, until it pulled him out of the abyss.
He recovered faster than anyone else. Faster than his mother, even faster than Padmé, who had never been as gravely ill as he had. But it wasn't just physical resilience: it was the Force, alive within him, pushing him back toward life.
When he opened his eyes, he wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he knew immediately that something was different. He no longer felt that terrible weight on his chest, nor that cold deep in his bones. His strength was returning. And with it, awareness of the world around him.
The first light of dawn was beginning to filter through the crack in the window, soft and golden. Obi-Wan was gone, and so was Jar Jar. The room was so silent, it seemed to guard the sleep of those still resting.
Then he realized he wasn't alone.
Padmé was sleeping beside him.
So close.
Closer than she had ever been before. He could hear the calm of her breathing, that steady rhythm only someone truly at peace could have. Her dark hair fell in soft waves over the shared pillow, almost brushing his shoulder. Even in the quiet, Padmé radiated something warm, serene, something that wrapped around him without touching.
Anakin watched her, not daring to move. He just breathed. She felt so present, so real, so… different. And yet, so much like the Padmé he had seen in his vision.
That vision.
The memory hit him like a silent flame.
That dreamlike place, that room filled with petals and golden light, the movement under the sheets, her voice saying his name with a kind of emotion he'd never heard anywhere else.
And now… she was here, beside him. But different.
The distance between them was barely a few centimeters. And yet, it felt like a chasm.
For a moment, he didn't know if he should move. He didn't want to disturb the moment, as if it were too delicate a dream to be touched.
Then he looked at her. For the first time, he had the chance to really look at her, without rush, without words, without her knowing.
She was sleeping peacefully, deeply surrendered to rest. Her face, at last free of tension and strain, looked serene. Her smooth, fair skin almost glowed under the faint light coming through the window. Her long lashes rested against her cheeks like closed wings, guarding dreams he couldn't know.
Her small, graceful nose fit perfectly with her features. Her lips, slightly parted, looked soft, as if they were about to curl into an unconscious smile at any moment. Her cheeks held a natural blush, as if sleep had preserved her in a state of pure calm.
Everything about her seemed drawn with natural strokes, effortless. A beauty that existed without trying, without seeking attention.
A few loose strands of her hair framed her forehead, giving her a kind of tousled tenderness, as if sleep itself had purposely softened her perfection.
She lay on her side, one hand near her face, the other resting gently on her chest. Her breathing was slow and harmonious, the barely visible movement of her clothes matching its rhythm. Her delicate neck curved toward a collarbone hinted at beneath the fabric. Her arms were relaxed, her hands, small, with long fingers, looked fragile, as if sculpted from calm itself.
She was beautiful, without a doubt. Then, his gaze lowered, unintentionally, but naturally, like one looks at something that moves them without understanding why, to the gentle curves that drew his attention with their harmony. They were natural, honest, as if her body were simply a quiet extension of her being.
The outline of her figure traced elegantly beneath her clothing. The way her delicate breasts, outlined by the fabric, rose and fell gently with her breath. How her waist narrowed with grace, how her hips rested against the seat, her posture curled instinctively. As if her body spoke a secret language, the language of someone who feels safe.
There was nothing calculated in the way she slept. No poses. No awareness of being seen. And that made it all the more intimate. More real.
Anakin wasn't just observing her body. He was seeing her, truly seeing her. The girl he had met amid the heat and danger of Tatooine, the one he had dreamed of for countless nights before even knowing her, the one he had longed to heal for. And somehow, in that silent moment, he saw her completely.
He felt that this moment was unrepeatable. That if he looked away, something inside him would break.
Then, he understood something deeper than admiration or desire: he wanted her. Not as one wants an idea, not as one wants a fantasy… he wanted her. The one sleeping so close, unaware of what she stirred in him.
A warmth wrapped around him. It wasn't wild passion or anxiety. It was something calmer, deeper. A quiet certainty: he would never forget this moment.
So he stayed there, watching her without moving, not daring to break the stillness. Breathing in rhythm with her, keeping her company in her sleep, wishing time would stop, just a little longer.
Because for the first time, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.
Then Obi-Wan and Jar Jar returned, making very little noise. The young Jedi, his clothes still dusty from the road, walked softly to the couch where Anakin rested.
The boy was already awake. Their eyes met instantly, wide and clear, filled with a mix of relief, curiosity… and a shadow of fear. Not for himself, but for what his friend might say.
Obi-Wan stopped in front of him, lowered his voice slightly, and with his usual calm, said:
"Everyone's safe. Out of danger. Recovering well."
Those words, simple and warm, wrapped around him like a balm. Anakin felt the invisible knots in his chest loosen, his breathing grow lighter, less forced. Everyone's okay. That was all he needed to hear.
"Really? Everyone's recovering? How wonderful!" exclaimed Threepio, though he tried not to make too much noise.
R2 let out a cheerful beep.
"Yes, yes, you have permission to be happy! Maybe this time everything didn't end in catastrophe!"
For a few moments, Anakin stayed still. Not just because of the lingering fatigue in his body, but because he didn't want to move. Not yet.
Padmé kept sleeping, her breathing rhythmic and serene, her body leaning gently against his in that unexpected closeness, intimate, and somehow, magical. There were so many things he wanted to ask Obi-Wan, had he found the one responsible? What would happen now? What was he supposed to do? But he didn't want to wake her. He couldn't. And maybe… he didn't want to leave her.
Even so, duty tugged at him.
So, with the utmost care, he began to slowly slide out of the seat.
Each movement was a small farewell.
But no matter how much he tried to keep his distance, his hand, trembling, unsure, brushed, for a moment, the soft curve of one of her breasts, and then, without meaning to, or maybe wanting to more than he would admit, followed the warm, delicate outline, barely perceiving the texture of the fabric, the warmth of her skin beneath it. The touch was brief… but enough to make him tremble.
It was an involuntary contact… but not an innocent one.
His heart pounded. Not from desire, but from the emotional intensity of the moment. From the mix of curiosity and a growing affection he didn't yet know how to name.
At last, he pulled away, step by step, leaving her behind with one last look he tried to etch into his memory forever. He recorded every detail: her calm breath, the peaceful expression on her face, the unconscious tenderness of her posture. And also the way her body seemed to reflect, with honesty and beauty, everything she was on the inside.
He didn't know if Padmé had felt his departure. But he had felt hers, and in silence, he dreamed of the day he would never have to be apart from her again.
He sat up completely, still weak, and made his way toward Obi-Wan, his emotions on edge and the memory of that moment burning in his chest. Not just because of what he had seen, but because of what he had felt.
Because for a moment, so simple yet unrepeatable, she had been close. Truly close.
And that had left a mark.
"Master Anakin! You're awake! Oh, what a relief" exclaimed Threepio.
R2 let out a series of happy beeps, agreeing with the other droid.
"You're telling me" Anakin said, stretching a little "I thought I wasn't going to make it."
"I'm glad you're feeling much better, Anakin" said Obi-Wan, with a faint smile that softened the tension on his face "There's no doubt the Force is strong in you."
The boy looked at him with that signature mix of distrust, curiosity, and confidence, arms crossed as he raised an eyebrow.
"What exactly does that mean?"
"It means you're recovering at an unusual pace… and it's not just because you want to get back on your feet. The Force surrounds you, protects you. It's been the one holding your body together while you slept."
Anakin lowered his arms slightly, but his expression grew serious.
"Do you know anything about who's behind all this?"
Obi-Wan shook his head slowly, his gaze hardening slightly.
"No… but I intend to find out today. I made a deal that, if it goes well, will let me discover who's pulling the strings, and why."
"Why should we care about their reasons?" Anakin shot back, a flash of anger in his eyes "He's a murderer. There's no excuse for that."
"You're right" Obi-Wan responded calmly, yet firmly "But if we only condemn the one who carried out the crime and let the one who ordered or manipulated it walk free… then we've failed. Jedi don't hunt the guilty on impulse. They seek the truth. Always."
Anakin huffed, not entirely convinced.
"Okay… what kind of deal did you make?"
Obi-Wan lowered his voice, as if sharing a secret.
"I'll just say this… I need to get ready for a wedding."
Anakin blinked a couple of times, confused.
"A wedding? Were you invited or something? And what does that have to do with finding the killer? Because honestly… I'm not sure I follow."
Obi-Wan smiled a bit more, amused by the boy's disbelief.
"First of all… patience, Anakin" he said, placing a hand on his shoulder like someone trying to calm a rushing river "I'll explain everything in time. But for now, I need your help."
"My help? With what?"
"Some criminals will be attending the wedding, and it's crucial that we capture them alive. I need you to help me design a system that can be activated during the ceremony… something discreet but effective. Could you build something like that?"
Anakin paused, thoughtful for a few seconds, then a spark lit up in his eyes.
"Maybe… yeah. We could install micro-devices in the ceiling of the venue" he said, his tone growing more confident "They'd use short-range containment fields that, when activated, would form an invisible net between them. Like a horizontal energy cell. If we trigger it when the criminals are inside the designated area… they'd be trapped without being able to escape or use weapons."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, impressed.
"That sounds… pretty effective."
"And classy" Anakin added with a grin "I can adapt the system so it blends in with the decorations. No one will notice until it's too late."
Obi-Wan nodded with satisfaction.
"Perfect. Then let's get to work. Let this wedding be not just elegant… but useful."
"You still haven't told me who's getting married… or why there are criminals at that wedding" said Anakin, narrowing his eyes suspiciously as he sat up straighter, feeling more and more involved.
Obi-Wan let out a light sigh, like he had been waiting for hours for that exact question.
"Let me explain the essential part…" he said with a patient tone "The wedding… is mine."
Anakin's eyes widened in genuine surprise.
"Yours? Seriously? But you said Jedi aren't allowed to…"
Obi-Wan calmly raised a hand, cutting him off before the boy's disbelief could overflow.
"It's a fake wedding" he clarified firmly "It's all part of an operation to get to the man who poisoned the well."
Anakin crossed his arms and tilted his head with a half-smile, clearly enjoying the mental image of his Jedi friend dressed as a groom.
"What kind of mess have you gotten yourself into, Obi-Wan?"
"I'll explain everything… once you finish the system I asked for."
"You're worse than Watto" Anakin grumbled in mock complaint "Working me to the bone even though I'm still recovering."
Obi-Wan chuckled softly.
"But I'm giving you exactly what you love: a challenge, tech, creative traps… and a good cause. Besides, this isn't just any plan. It's the plan. And it'll be used to catch the one responsible for the poison that nearly killed you. Doesn't that deserve your best work?"
Anakin paused, let his guard down a bit… then rolled his eyes with resignation.
"Alright, but next time, let me make the plan. Yours sounds way too… exhausting."
"Perfect" said Obi-Wan with a calm smile "Just try not to be half-unconscious from poisoning next time, and you'll get full credit for the design."
"Deal" Anakin replied with a crooked grin.
Moments later, Anakin was working intently at the table in his room, which was covered in tools and micro-devices. His fingers moved skillfully while Obi-Wan fine-tuned the final adjustments on one of the prototypes. The room was dimly lit, and the soft hum of the gadgets served as background music as they spoke.
"The plan" the Jedi began explaining, without lifting his eyes from his work "Is to attract the attention of that woman's ex-boyfriend. Everything is designed so that he shows up, furious and jealous, to interrupt the wedding… and ends up marrying her himself."
Anakin raised an eyebrow, holding back a laugh.
"Sounds like a very… romantic plan" he said with fake enthusiasm, as he soldered a small component.
"Believe me, this kind of romance is anything but sweet" Obi-Wan replied "The guy is dangerous. Yesterday, as soon as he found out his ex had a serious love interest… he sent someone to kill me."
Anakin lifted his head, now with genuine interest.
"You had a fight and I missed it? Damn, that must've been exciting."
"It was" the Jedi admitted with a small smile "As Jedi, it's good to occasionally remember the thrill of battle."
"I wouldn't know" Anakin replied, lowering his gaze back to his work, his words coming out with apparent nonchalance "Remember, I'm not a Jedi… and I'm not training to be one."
Obi-Wan caught the intent behind those words instantly. It was an accusation disguised as a joke. The boy was still waiting for an answer. A sign. Something. But the Jedi didn't take the bait. Instead of justifying himself, he kept speaking as if nothing had happened, though the slight change in Anakin's expression, from mischievous to disappointed, did not go unnoticed.
"The strangest thing of all" Obi-Wan continued "Is that, to her, what that man did was romantic. She thinks it was a manly gesture, trying to eliminate me for love."
Anakin sighed and shook his head.
"Sounds like they're both completely insane."
"Possibly" Obi-Wan agreed with a crooked smile "But the important thing is, she's expecting him to show up and crash the wedding… and once he's there, marry her."
Anakin blinked, setting his tools aside for a moment. The plan was becoming clearer… though not necessarily more sane.
"So… you're going to marry your 'fake fiancée' just so a criminal can interrupt the ceremony and marry her himself?"
Obi-Wan nodded, his composure intact.
"As crazy as it sounds… yes. That's the plan."
"Well" Anakin said, shrugging "Sounds risky, dramatic, potentially deadly… and with a high chance of disaster."
"Just the way I like my missions" the Jedi replied, patting him on the shoulder as he passed by.
"Hey, you get the girl, the attention, and the enemies. I just get the hard work."
"And the satisfaction of knowing your technical genius will save lives" Obi-Wan added with a sly smile.
Anakin turned back to the device, though this time a faint smile lingered on his lips.
"Next time… I want the dangerous romantic plan."
Obi-Wan laughed at the comment, though deep down he knew Anakin meant it more seriously than he let on. There was a spark in his voice, a mix of longing and challenge. The Force seemed to surround him, pulling at him with unusual intensity, as if claiming him for a greater destiny. And yet, Obi-Wan himself still wasn't entirely sure if he was meant to be the one to guide him down that path.
Once everything was ready, Obi-Wan and Anakin prepared to leave in silence, but not before entrusting the patients to the most capable droids available.
"Oh dear, are we playing nursemaids again?" Threepio asked, a bit concerned.
R2 let out a series of firm beeps.
"You're right, we did an excellent job last time. I'm sure we can handle this" Threepio said, reassured.
Meanwhile, Anakin and Obi-Wan left the house, leaving behind the soft murmurs of the breathing sleepers, wrapped in the warmth of blankets, slowly recovering from the effects of the poison.
Padmé's rest was deep, but not entirely unconscious. There was a warmth surrounding her, a feeling of safety that couldn't be put into words. Though her body remained still, surrendered to sleep, her mind floated in a gentle space, suspended between rest and something more.
In that formless, timeless place, something had spoken to her without words.
It hadn't been a sound. Nor a thought. It was a sensation.
As if a gentle, careful gaze had wrapped around her. A gaze that touched her skin and caressed her soul. A nearby presence, not intrusive, not hurried. Just being… and seeing her.
She didn't know who it had been. She didn't reason it out. But she felt it. As if her heart had known before her mind did.
And in the midst of that lethargy, that perception became sharp. An invisible thread connecting her to the one who had just been watching her.
There was no unease in her, no fear. On the contrary: the feeling that reached her was so pure, so full of tenderness, that her breathing became even calmer, even lighter. As if it filled her from within.
She felt that someone loved her. Not with grand gestures or empty promises.
But with true love.
The kind of love that doesn't need to be spoken to be real. The kind that's born from simply looking at the other and silently thinking: you are enough.
Her chest grew lighter. The heaviness left by the fever began to lift, and though she wasn't fully awake, something within her had grown stronger.
"I'm safe" she thought without thinking "Someone's watching over me. Someone sees me."
She didn't open her eyes. She didn't break the spell of the moment. She simply let that feeling wrap around her, like a soft blanket on a cold night.
And on the edge between sleep and waking, she smiled. Slightly.
Because, without knowing how, she had recognized that gaze.
And she had liked it.
Far more than she would've thought possible.
The afternoon light kissed the walls with a golden glow. Warmth filtered through the windows and touched Padmé's skin like a new caress.
Her eyelids began to stir, still heavy, but slowly responding to the body waking up. She took a deep breath. The faint scent of something sweet, the healing sap, still hung in the air.
Then she opened her eyes.
For a few seconds, she didn't understand where she was. Silence surrounded her like the last sigh of a dream. But there was something more. A strange peace. A warmth she couldn't recall ever feeling quite like this before.
She looked around slowly. Anakin was no longer by her side. The room seemed calm. Everything was quiet.
But she still felt something. As if, during her rest, someone had touched her without touching. Not just physically. Something deeper. Something that had brushed her soul.
She didn't remember a clear dream, but a certainty lingered, hovering at the edge of consciousness and memory: someone had watched her. And that gaze… had been so pure, so sincere, that her body could still feel it.
It was like waking up with a melody you don't remember hearing, but that still echoes in your chest.
She brought a hand to her heart, without knowing why. Closed her eyes for a moment. Something inside her had shifted. Something had changed.
And somehow, she knew she had been seen. Not with curiosity. Not with mere desire. But with tenderness. With admiration. With something that looked a lot like love, even if it hadn't been said out loud.
"Was it real? Or just a beautiful dream?"
She didn't know. But it didn't matter.
Because the trace it left behind was real.
And even though she couldn't explain it, she felt stronger. More alive. Even more beautiful. As if that gaze that touched her in dreams had reminded her of who she was.
And for the first time since that difficult day, she smiled with her soul.
It wasn't long before Shmi woke up too. She opened her eyes slowly, still a bit pale, but relieved to feel that her body no longer trembled as it had before. She sat up with effort, leaning against the edge of the couch.
"Where's Ani?" she asked in a hoarse, still groggy voice.
"I have no idea" Padmé replied, approaching with a glass of juice "When I woke up, neither he nor Obi-Wan were here."
"They probably went looking for clues, to find whoever poisoned the whole community" Shmi commented with a trace of worry.
"Most likely" Padmé handed her the glass with a gentle smile "How are you feeling?"
"Better, thanks to you" Shmi said, accepting the glass with both hands "Though I still feel weak... like I aged ten years in a single night."
"Oh, Miss Padmé! Mrs. Shmi!" said Threepio excitedly "What a relief to see some color back in your cheeks!"
R2 let out a few soft beeps, like a gentle coo.
"Yes, yes, you helped too. No need to rub it in."
Just then, Jar Jar entered the room, dragging his feet, looking dazed, with two large lumps sticking out from his head. Shmi frowned.
"Jar Jar… what happened to you? Why do you have two bumps on your head?"
The Gungan winced and brought a hand to his skull.
"It was that giant thing we drove… really hard to control. When we stopped suddenly, we smashed into the glass. Boom! Now we got these two lumps."
"We?" Shmi repeated, raising an eyebrow "You too, Padmé?"
The young queen blushed slightly but smiled with a bit of resignation. Her dark locks fell gracefully across her forehead, hiding any trace of the accident... until Shmi approached and, with a mother's tenderness, brushed the hair from her face. Her expression changed when she saw the bruises.
"Oh, dear…" she whispered, gently caressing her temple with her fingers "Don't worry, I'll warm some water and prepare towels to help with the swelling. I also have a special ointment for bumps. It works wonders."
"Thank you so much, Shmi" Padmé said sincerely, feeling a warm gratitude for the motherly care "You're always so kind to me. I'm really glad you and Ani are doing better."
Shmi nodded, her eyes slightly misty.
"Oh, yes… for a moment I thought I was going to lose him" she confessed, a knot in her throat "I've never seen him so bad. He turned cold, pale… he wouldn't respond. I felt like my heart stopped."
Padmé gently took her hand.
"The good thing is that we arrived just in time" she said with a comforting smile "And now he's out of danger."
Shmi squeezed her hand gratefully.
"Thank you… to you and everyone who helped him. I don't know how I could go on without him."
Padmé didn't reply right away, but a deep, sad gleam lit up in her eyes. She too knew what Anakin's presence meant… and how hard it would be to walk away when the time came.
Meanwhile, Anakin and Obi-Wan walked through the city streets, when something suddenly crossed the boy's mind and he frowned, visibly distressed.
"Mom and I should be at the shop! And same with you and Jar Jar" he said, a bit panicked.
"Relax" Obi-Wan replied calmly "Last night I talked to our respective bosses and managed to get the day off for everyone."
"Really? And what did you say to Watto to convince him?"
"I told him that if he forced you all to work while still sick, customers would think they could get infected and would stop coming for an entire quarantine. So I asked what he preferred: losing one day of sales… or forty."
Anakin burst into laughter, imagining his master's expression.
"I can totally picture his face! I would've loved to see it."
They both laughed briefly before continuing on their way. It didn't take them long to reach Nyra'lee's shop, where she greeted them with a wide smile.
"And who's this? Your son?" she asked playfully, unaware of the effect that simple question would have.
Anakin's stomach dropped. For a second, he wished with all his heart that Obi-Wan would say yes. And to his surprise, he did.
"That's right. He's my son" Obi-Wan answered, determined not to give too many details.
The response hit the boy's chest like a silent lightning bolt. Even though he knew it wasn't real, he couldn't help the warm emotion that crept into him, as if for a moment, he'd found what he never had.
"Then you're going to be my stepson" Nyra'lee added with affection, ruffling Anakin's hair gently "Oh! Wait till Kejale finds out we're going to be a big happy family…"
"Speaking of him" Obi-Wan interjected, steering the conversation "Is everything ready?"
"All set. I always dreamed of getting married in a cave surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. Everything's waiting for us at the Great Cavern of Veltrun'kaar."
"Perfect. I love making dreams come true" Obi-Wan replied sarcastically, shooting a meaningful glance at Anakin.
He didn't have to say more. As usual between them, the boy understood right away what his friend thought of that couple. And with just a barely contained smile and a hand covering his mouth, Anakin made it clear he agreed… those two were definitely crazy.
Moments later, Anakin, with Obi-Wan's help, was finishing installing the hidden micro-devices throughout the area. That rocky place, with natural stalactite and stalagmite formations, was perfect for hiding the traps so that no one would notice. As unbelievable as it seemed, the cave, naturally dark, had been carefully arranged, adorned with warm lights, hanging fabrics, and decorations that gave it the air of an improvised yet surprisingly elegant event hall.
"With this, we'll keep those criminals from hurting anyone in their attempt to stop the wedding" Obi-Wan said, checking one of the devices while Anakin installed the last one.
"They won't even know what hit them" the boy replied with a proud smile.
The first guests were starting to arrive, and Nyra'lee could hardly hide her excitement. Everyone thought her joy came from finally marrying the mysterious outsider.
And while there was some concern about Kejale's reaction, the idea of a big party with free drinks was an event no one on Tatooine would dare to pass up. Opportunities like that were far too rare in such an arid world.
The ceremony began. Up front, Nyra'lee and Obi-Wan stood before the makeshift altar as the minister began to prepare his words in a ceremonial tone. Off to the side, Anakin watched with curiosity. He'd never been to a wedding like this, the only ones he knew were simple slave unions, with no fancy dresses, music, or decorations.
But beyond the wonder, Anakin stayed alert. His attention was divided between the festive setup and the subtle messages the Force was sending him. He knew that at any moment, the thugs would burst in to ruin the celebration.
As the ceremony proceeded without incident, the boy began to grow restless. The tension was eating away at him. But then he extended his awareness and sensed Obi-Wan's state. The Jedi wasn't nervous. He was focused, calm… and yes, anxious too, but not out of fear—rather, in anticipation of what was to come. Anakin understood: the Force was speaking more clearly to him, and it was telling him the moment was near.
And he wasn't wrong.
Just as the officiant pronounced the iconic words:
"If anyone has any objections, speak now or forever hold your peace…"
An explosion of movement and noise shook the entrance of the cave. Kejale and his men burst into the place, armed to the teeth, shouting and pushing guests aside.
Anakin didn't hesitate. With precise movements, he activated the traps at the exact moment each thug passed near one of the microdevices. The charges deployed flawlessly, ensnaring them in energy nets or electric fields. Within seconds, they were all immobilized… except for Kejale.
The gang leader stood surveying the scene, furious, his eyes burning with rage. All his reinforcements were down. Only he remained.
And then, the duel began.
Obi-Wan stepped forward, brandishing the metal staff and adopting a firm stance. Kejale drew his knives with practiced ease. He was clearly a dangerous opponent. His moves were fast and precise, the result of years of street fights and blood duels.
But no matter how skilled he was, he was no match for a Jedi Knight, even one in disguise.
The fight between them crackled with tension. Their movements were fast and calculated, and Anakin, watching from the sidelines, observed with awe and admiration. Though Obi-Wan couldn't openly use the Force, he made it clear that Jedi training was far more than just wielding a lightsaber.
Just like that night he had seen Obi-Wan fight the Tusken Raiders for the first time, back when they had only known each other for a couple of days, Anakin felt that burning longing within him again. That night, under the moonlight, he had discovered that his mysterious friend was actually a Jedi. Now, watching him fight again, that same desire surged back with renewed strength.
He wanted to be like him.
The way Obi-Wan moved, his unshakable focus, his absolute control over every gesture… it was more than a fight. It was like watching a dance choreographed by the Force itself. Anakin watched, wide-eyed and fascinated, barely breathing. It wasn't just about winning a fight: it was about protecting, about fighting with purpose, with honor.
"One day, I'll be like him" Anakin thought, a mix of admiration, ambition, and hope swelling in his chest.
The battle reached its climax when Obi-Wan, with a swift and precise spin, delivered a strong kick to Kejale's chest, sending him crashing into the wall. The impact disarmed him and knocked the wind from his lungs. Silence fell for a moment. Kejale, panting, blood at the corner of his mouth, looked at the stranger who had defeated him.
And, surprisingly, he smiled in resignation.
"All right, you win, stranger" he said hoarsely, slowly standing "I'll go, knowing the better man won. You better treat her well… and make her really happy, you hear me?"
Instead of answering with pride, Obi-Wan extended his hand calmly and respectfully.
"There's no need for you to go" he said in a serene voice.
But before Kejale could respond, a figure ran toward him, sobbing.
"Kejale, my love!" Nyra'lee cried, throwing herself into his arms, tears sliding down her single eye. She looked at him with a mix of tenderness and desperation "I don't want to marry him. I want you to be my husband. All of this… I did it to see if you still felt something for me. And I see you do."
Kejale, still surprised, looked at her in silence for a moment, then gently placed a hand on her cheek.
"Nyra'lee… would you marry me then?"
"Of course I would."
Obi-Wan, who had been standing near the couple the whole time, smiled softly and stepped back.
"Well, everything was already set. We were just missing the groom" he said with a half-smile, motioning to the officiant to continue before discreetly retreating to the guest area.
One by one, Kejale's men were released, and in a twist no one could have foreseen, the wedding went ahead, this time with the right couple at the altar. The joy radiating from them was contagious. Maybe they were crazy, many thought… but no one could deny they were madly in love.
Even Anakin and Obi-Wan, now simply spectators among the crowd, couldn't help but smile. And when Nyra'lee and Kejale said their final 'I do', they both clapped with genuine joy. That celebration, so strange and chaotic, ended up being a small victory for love in the midst of the chaos and sand of Tatooine.
Once the wedding concluded, and amid cheers and applause, Nyra'lee kept her word. With a solemn expression and the veil still askew over one of her horns, she led Obi-Wan to the small office behind the main stall and gave them full access to her sales records.
"It's all here" she said, handing him a data tablet with a half-guilty smile "Even the unofficial transactions… you know, just in case."
"Excellent" Obi-Wan said "Thank you very much."
"Are you sure you don't want to stay for the party? This wedding wouldn't have happened without your help."
"Thank you, but we have something very important to take care of first."
All the locals had already been warned: under no circumstances should anyone drink water. The supply was still contaminated, and until they found the source of the poison, natural juices were the only safe option.
Soon after, Obi-Wan and Anakin entered Nyra'lee's office, a small space crammed with boxes, floating screens, and the sweet scent of dried fruits.
With a nimble leap, Anakin hopped onto the main counter, settling in naturally as if it were his usual spot. Legs dangling and swinging slightly, he began reviewing the records projected in front of him. Endless lines of data scrolled rapidly past his eyes, and his furrowed brow revealed both concentration and frustration.
"Wow, she really did sell a lot" Anakin muttered, overwhelmed "This list feels like it'll never end…"
"The answer's here somewhere" Obi-Wan replied without taking his eyes off his own screen "We just need to be patient to find it."
Over an hour passed, filled only by the hum of devices and the occasional exclamation from one of them.
Until finally, Anakin stopped.
"Here it is!" he exclaimed, suddenly straightening up.
"What did you find?"
"An unusual purchase, four days ago. Two large sacks of kilian gravel sediment, paid in cash, no prior order. What's odd is the name… Galdo."
Obi-Wan frowned.
"Ring a bell?"
"Yeah" Anakin confirmed, jumping off the counter "He's a merchant who was kicked out of the market a couple of months ago. They caught him selling tampered products. Some even said he used dangerous chemicals to preserve fruit."
Obi-Wan's expression hardened.
"Then it's very likely it's connected to the poison."
"We have to find him" said Anakin with determination.
Obi-Wan nodded, standing up as well and turning off the screen with a wave of his hand.
"Do you know where we might find him?"
Anakin hesitated for just a second, then nodded.
"I think I know where he lives. Near the northern edge, in a shack behind the old spice warehouse."
Obi-Wan gave a faint smile.
"Perfect. Let's pay him a visit."
And without another word, they both left the place, carrying with them the certainty that they were getting closer to uncovering the truth.
Moments later, Obi-Wan and Anakin stood in front of an old, rundown dwelling on the outskirts of the settlement, where the warm breeze carried a scent of rusted metal and fermented spices. The adobe walls were cracked, and the main gate creaked open with just a touch.
Galdo appeared at the threshold, his brow furrowed and hands stained with grime. Upon seeing them, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"What do you want?" he snapped, crossing his arms.
Anakin didn't wait. He stepped forward with clenched fists, impatience shining in his eyes.
"Why did you buy those sacks of Kilian gravel sediment, Galdo?" he confronted him with a firm voice "What were you planning?"
Galdo raised an eyebrow, indignant.
"What are you talking about? I haven't bought anything. Don't come here throwing accusations around without proof."
"Actually" Obi-Wan intervened calmly, but firmly "We do have proof. And it's enough to charge you with a serious crime: the poisoning of the Kurras community well. Homicide, if anyone dies."
Galdo's face tensed for an instant, but he didn't break.
"That's absurd. I haven't poisoned anything. You've got nothing on me."
"We have your signature and your name" said Obi-Wan, showing a recent receipt "Right here, on this purchase order for the sacks containing the chemical. Same day people started getting sick."
Galdo frowned.
"That's not my signature. Someone's framing me!"
Anakin smiled with satisfaction and pulled a small, slightly crumpled receipt from his pocket.
"I figured you'd say that. That's why I brought this" he said, unfolding the paper in front of him "A purchase you made six months ago at Watto's repair shop. Your name, your signature. It's an exact match."
Obi-Wan held it next to the more recent receipt. Even without a scanner, the similarities were obvious.
"This links you directly to the purchase of the contaminant" the young Jedi added "You're not just lying… you're trying to cover up a crime against an entire community."
The tension became palpable. Galdo looked at them both, teeth clenched and breathing heavy. His gaze darted between them and the door, and suddenly, without warning, he shoved them hard.
Anakin, caught off guard, fell backwards onto the dusty ground, while Obi-Wan stumbled two steps, barely keeping his balance.
In a swift move, Galdo slammed the door shut and disappeared toward the back of the house.
"He's going to escape!" Anakin exclaimed, getting to his feet.
Obi-Wan reacted instantly, and with a powerful kick, he broke down the wooden door with a dry crack. He ran inside, reaching a rear window just in time to see Galdo speeding away in a rusty speeder, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"We can't let him get away" said Obi-Wan, rushing out at full speed.
Anakin was right behind him when, at that exact moment, he spotted a familiar figure approaching along the path, it was Cliegg Lars, the man who had been so kind to his mother a few days earlier. He was riding a speeder bike, waving with a carefree smile.
"Hey there, little buddy! Going to the store? I'm headed that way, want a lift?"
Anakin didn't think twice. He approached with a fake smile and climbed on behind him. But as soon as the man started the bike and turned the handlebar, the boy took advantage of the momentum, grabbed Lars around the back, and with a controlled twist, gently rolled him off onto the sand. The man tumbled, confused, as Anakin took control of the bike.
"Sorry! I'll bring it back later!"
He hit the throttle and in seconds caught up with Obi-Wan.
"Get on! We're going after him!"
Obi-Wan didn't hesitate. He jumped agilely onto the speeder bike behind Anakin, and together they shot down the sandy trail, following the trail of the fugitive who still thought he could escape.
Galdo's speeder skidded through the dunes with clumsy speed, weaving and kicking up clouds of dust that made visibility difficult. He wasn't a great driver, but he knew the area well, and that gave him a slight advantage.
Anakin, eyes sharp, maneuvered with precision, dodging rocks and dry roots. The speeder bike he had taken was more agile, but it required his full concentration.
"He's heading toward the canyon's edge" Anakin shouted over the wind.
"Careful, that terrain is unstable" Obi-Wan warned from behind "Don't follow blindly."
Galdo swerved sharply at a dusty junction and entered a rocky area, dotted with stone pillars eroded by time. He was trying to lose them among the natural passages and the canyon's shadows.
"He's trying to box us in!" Anakin growled, forcing the bike into a tight turn.
For a moment, visibility dropped. A herd of eopies crossed the path, startled by the engines' roar. Anakin narrowly avoided the animals, while Obi-Wan raised his arm to shield himself from the dust.
"Left!" Obi-Wan shouted "He's taking the slope."
There, Galdo was already ascending a natural ramp. His speeder groaned from the strain but kept moving. Anakin clenched his jaw, leaned forward, and pushed the accelerator.
"He's not getting away" he muttered with resolve.
At the top, they found that Galdo had stopped the speeder. A few meters ahead, an old abandoned hangar stood among the rocks. The fugitive was running toward it, intent on hiding.
"I've got him" said Obi-Wan, leaping off the bike with a fluid spin.
Galdo had barely opened the hangar door when Obi-Wan pounced. He grabbed him by the arm, twisted him hard, and threw him to the ground, pinning him down.
"You have no right!" Galdo sputtered, struggling.
"You gave up any rights when you decided to poison the water" Obi-Wan replied, pulling a pair of metal cuffs from under his robes "This wasn't a mistake. You meant to do it."
Anakin arrived a second later, stopping the bike with a skid. He got off quickly, still breathing hard from the chase.
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
"Yes" the Jedi replied, fastening the shackles around Galdo's wrists "He's not going anywhere now."
Galdo looked at them with barely contained fury.
"This won't get you anywhere. No one's going to believe it was my fault..."
Anakin leaned toward him, eyes serious.
"Is that what you think? We have your signature, your trail, and an entire community that almost died because of your revenge."
"So what if I did it? Those people took away my livelihood. Now they know what it means to suffer!"
"Because of you, a lot of us nearly died!" Anakin shouted, unable to contain his anger.
Obi-Wan straightened up, still holding Galdo.
"You left your business in Mos Espa, but you had your freedom. Now you've lost it, that was one of the rights you gave up when you committed the crime."
The sun was dipping below the horizon as they took Galdo back. The sky was painted in shades of orange, and for the first time in days, the air felt just a little lighter.
With Galdo in custody, Anakin and Obi-Wan began the journey back to Mos Espa. Obi-Wan was piloting the criminal's own battered speeder, keeping a watchful eye on him as he sat handcuffed in the back seat. Next to them, Anakin rode the speeder bike he had borrowed from Lars, the farmer he still wasn't quite sure how to feel about… or so he thought.
As they moved through the dusty streets of the city, Anakin couldn't help but think about the man. Lars hadn't looked at him with disdain, nor mocked his situation. He had simply been kind to his mother. Too kind. And that, for some reason, had made Anakin dislike him.
"If he reported me for taking the bike without permission, I'm in trouble" he thought "Did he?"
But when they found him, sitting calmly on a stone bench, reading a datapad under the shade of an adobe structure, Anakin felt confused. As they approached, Lars looked up and gave him a wide, genuine smile that disarmed the boy instantly.
"Did you win the race, little buddy?" he asked in a friendly tone, as if nothing had happened.
Anakin stepped down from the speeder bike, slightly embarrassed, eyes dragging over the sand.
"You could say I did… thanks to your speeder bike. It's faster than it looks."
"Of course it is" Lars said, patting the seat "It's got a Skyrex dual-compression engine. Pretty old, but still plenty of life in it. Tuned it myself."
Anakin looked up, curious.
"You know engines?"
"Like any good speed enthusiast. I spent years fixing farm droids and speeder bikes on my homestead. You learn by necessity… and passion."
Anakin couldn't help but smile.
"You like speed?"
"A lot. Though I'm past the age for the wild stunts I used to pull" Lars laughed "But I can see that's something you and I share. You're the most famous racer in all of Mos Espa, aren't you?"
Anakin looked down, shy but flattered.
"I love racing… and mechanics. I'm always fixing or upgrading something."
Lars nodded knowingly.
"Then you know what they say: a good pilot is born with dirty hands and sharp eyes. And you've got both, kid."
For the first time, the man who had once made him uneasy no longer felt like a stranger. Anakin didn't see him as a quiet threat to his mother anymore, but as someone who understood things that truly mattered to him: speed, mechanics… freedom.
He lowered his head, a little ashamed.
"Sorry for taking your bike like that..."
Lars chuckled.
"I figured you had a good reason. And I hope it was worth every scratch."
The boy looked up, grateful.
"I wonder what else you and I have in common" Lars said with a mischievous smile, adjusting his hat to shield himself from the sun "Maybe you also like beautiful girls… dark hair, brown eyes?"
Anakin froze. He blinked several times and felt the desert heat rush to his cheeks, hotter than ever. That was exactly how he'd describe Padmé. His Padmé. The girl who made him daydream. Who showed up in his thoughts uninvited. Who, somehow, had begun to live inside his soul.
He swallowed hard and looked away, trying to seem indifferent. But it was no use. Lars was watching him with a raised eyebrow and a satisfied smile.
"Ah-ha… I knew it" he said, crossing his arms with a knowing air "That look is unmistakable. Believe me, I've seen it before… in my own reflection. Something tells me you and I are going to get along just fine."
Anakin looked down, half embarrassed, half amused. He wasn't used to adults understanding him, much less sharing something so personal. And even less so without judging him.
For the first time, he felt close to him. Not like a stranger, but like someone who might, just maybe, understand more than he let on.
"Maybe" he replied with a slight smile, still blushing.
And inside, something in him softened a little. Lars was no longer just 'the man who was kind to his mother.' He was someone with whom, unknowingly, he had started to build a bridge.
From the speeder, Obi-Wan watched them closely. The connection forming between them did not go unnoticed. Fate, he thought, has curious ways of bringing paths together.
"By the way..." Anakin said, looking at Lars as they walked alongside the still-warm speeder bike from the chase "I was just remembering… among the things you bought from the store, I saw parts for water purification systems. Do you know how to treat water?"
Lars nodded easily.
"Yeah, it's one of the many things I do on the farm. Out here, you don't survive unless you know how to care for your own supply."
Anakin's eyes lit up with a spark of hope.
"So… would you know how to decontaminate a poisoned well?"
Lars looked at him with curiosity, but remained calm. He reached into one of the saddlebags on his speeder and pulled out three small metal canisters with secure lids.
"I actually have three HydraClear-X9 capsules right here. Concentrated purifiers left over from a previous sale. Each one can clean up to a thousand liters of contaminated water."
Anakin smiled, as if he'd just discovered a treasure.
"That's exactly what we need! You can help us clean the well. That way, everyone can drink safely again."
"Of course" Lars replied with a calm smile "I'd be happy to. But tell me, kid… what exactly is going on?"
"I'll explain on the way" Anakin replied, already hopping onto the speeder bike with energy. Then he turned to his Jedi friend "Obi-Wan! Take care of our friend. I'll handle purifying the well water."
Obi-Wan looked at him, nodded with a half-smile, and responded:
"Very well, Anakin. See you later."
With Galdo restrained and tied to the back seat, the young Jedi started the criminal's old speeder and sped off toward the judicial center of Mos Espa.
Meanwhile, Anakin and Cliegg flew toward the contaminated well. During the trip, the boy explained the whole situation: the poison, the investigation in the records, Galdo's betrayal, and how the entire community had nearly fallen ill or died.
Once there, under the scorching Tatooine sun, Lars descended calmly, rolled up his sleeves, and approached the edge of the well. He examined the murky greenish water, with traces of poison still floating like a viscous mist on the surface.
Wasting no time, he opened one of the vials and poured it carefully into the water. A thick bubbling began as soon as the liquid touched the contaminant, and soon the surface of the well began to clear, as if an invisible fog were dissipating under the power of the purifier.
"A couple more minutes" said Lars, adjusting the controls on a small sensor "The compound needs to stabilize."
After the time passed, Anakin lowered a bucket into the well, filled it, and lifted it. He examined the water carefully: clean, clear, with no trace of the sickly green color.
"There's only one way to know if it's really okay" he said, bringing the rim of the bucket to his lips.
Anakin closed his eyes for a moment… and then smiled.
"Just like before" he said with relief "Fresh. No weird taste."
"Thank goodness" Lars replied, chuckling softly "Didn't want to be responsible for another medical case."
Anakin wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and said sincerely:
"Don't worry. We'll pay you for those bottles."
Lars shook his head.
"No need. Consider them a late gift for your victory in the race. You deserve it, champion."
Anakin looked at him, genuinely moved.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Lars."
The farmer observed him a moment longer, with a thoughtful expression.
"I'd like to see your mother… make sure she's okay. And if she needs anything, help however I can."
"That's very kind of you" Anakin replied "I'll take you to her right away."
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, Obi-Wan had handed Galdo over to the authorities. The news spread quickly, and soon several slave owners arrived, furious, demanding punishment, not for the crime itself, but because they had nearly lost what they considered their property.
The complaints piled up. And after reviewing the evidence Obi-Wan had gathered, the records, the signature, the testimonies, and the attempted escape, the local council decided the case should be handed directly to the Hutts.
Hours later, the sentence was declared: forty years of forced labor in the salt mines of the Shuraden Valley. A brutal punishment, even by Tatooine standards.
And so, while justice began to take its course, hope also began to bloom once more in the desert sands.
Thanks to the Force… Anakin is feeling much better.
It's as if something beyond the remedy had surrounded and protected him. As if the Force itself, in its immense wisdom, had leaned over him to sustain him, to heal his body with impossible speed. While others were still recovering from the poison, he was already on his feet… as if a higher will were preparing him for a greater destiny.
And not only that.
Once again, Anakin has acted as a Jedi alongside Obi-Wan. Not as an ordinary boy, but as part of a duo that, despite doubts and differences, has shown the ability to face great dangers together. They've made a team, shared decisions, risks, and victories… and together, they've achieved the unthinkable: stopping the one responsible for the mass poisoning that threatened to take many innocent lives.
The villain will pay for his crimes. And though his cruelty put many in danger, tragedy has been avoided. No one died thanks to the swift action of those who chose to help, even though they owed nothing to that town.
The threat has been contained. Calm is slowly returning to Mos Espa.
And it's all thanks to the bravery of a few outsiders…
And the unbreakable heart of a young slave named Anakin Skywalker.
Also, amidst all this chaos, something else has begun to bloom. An unexpected connection between the young Chosen One and the humble farmer named Cliegg Lars.
Two different souls, two opposite paths… beginning to intertwine with a warmth that, perhaps later on, will have deep consequences.
Because sometimes, the greatest stories are born from the humblest moments.
Thank you for joining me once again on this journey through the brightest and darkest corners of the galaxy.
Leave me your thoughts, your theories, your favorite moment… every comment is one more spark in the constellation we're building together!
See you very son, with new revelations, unexpected challenges… and choices that will shape Anakin's path toward his destiny.