Welcome back, dear readers!
Before diving into this new chapter, I want to thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you enjoy every moment as much as I enjoy writing it.
Don't forget to share your thoughts and theories in the comments; your opinions enrich this adventure and motivate me to continue exploring the Star Wars universe from new perspectives.
After Obi-Wan's discovery, the young Jedi begins to connect the threads of destiny that seem intertwined with this extraordinary child. The promise he made to his late master takes on a new meaning: his duty is not just to guide a Padawan, but to watch over someone who might be the Chosen One himself. If he still had doubts, Anakin's extraordinary midichlorian count dispels them completely. It becomes increasingly evident that the fate of the galaxy is tied to this boy from Tatooine.
Meanwhile, Anakin and Padmé are about to face an experience that will be equally embarrassing, unsettling, and profoundly revealing. Between discomfort and confusion, emotions awaken that are just beginning to bloom. For Anakin, his feelings are becoming more evident: there is no confusion in his heart, only absolute devotion to the young queen. But for Padmé, the situation is different. Her mind struggles between the fascination Anakin awakens in her and the disconcerting sensation that something within her has begun to change ever since he appeared in her life.
At the same time, the podrace draws near. The preparations are set, the bets are placed, but Anakin Skywalker is not only facing the challenge of the track… He is also battling the whirlwind of emotions that shake him with overwhelming intensity for his age. It's not the fear of losing that unsettles him, but rather the experience he just had with Padmé, the tremor in his chest when he looks at her, the certainty that something inside him has changed forever.
Luckily, Obi-Wan is there. Though he doesn't have all the answers, his presence is an anchor, a guiding force amidst Anakin's emotional chaos. Perhaps, with his help, the boy will manage to clear his mind… even if his heart continues to move in a completely different direction.
anakin and padme skywalker: Yes, this moment completely changes Obi-Wan's perspective on Anakin, and now he has a lot to think about. And Padmé, as always, proves that her determination and bravery go far beyond the halls of power. I'm so glad you liked it!
I invite everyone to share their thoughts as well, I would love to read them!
Now, without further ado, let's continue!
STARS DESTINIES – VOLUME 1
THE AWAKENING OF A HERO – CHAPTER 8
Anakin, still nervous about Obi-Wan's reaction to analyzing his blood, rushed to the bathroom. His mind was too occupied processing what had just happened to remember that he should knock before entering.
On the other side of the door, unaware of everything happening outside, Padmé was enjoying a moment of tranquility. Submerged in the small tub, eyes closed, she let the warm water ease the day's tension.
Then, the door swung open.
Padmé's eyes fluttered open, startled by the noise, only to lock onto Anakin's wide-eyed, stunned expression as he stepped into the room.
For an eternal instant, they both froze.
Anakin's thoughts went blank. The scene before him didn't make sense; his brain took a second to put the pieces together. The oil. The bath. Padmé!
She was the first to react.
"Anakin!" she gasped, immediately sinking into the water, crossing her arms over her breasts "Get out of here!"
Her scream jolted Anakin as if struck by lightning.
"Oh, stars! I'm sorry!" his face turned a shade of red brighter than Tatooine's sunsets "I forgot you were here"
"Out. Now!" Padmé interrupted, her cheeks burning, her voice firm yet trembling with embarrassment.
Anakin, utterly horrified, stumbled backward and slammed the door shut so hard that the sound echoed through the entire house.
From the kitchen, where she was preparing dinner, Shmi looked up with a mixture of concern and exasperation. Seeing her son rush out, eyes wide and face blazing, she crossed her arms.
"Ani, what did you do now?"
The boy, still as red as an overheated reactor, stammered with a nervous smile.
"Nothing! Nothing bad! Definitely nothing involving Padmé taking a bath!"
From the living room, Obi-Wan, still processing Anakin's astonishing midichlorian count, raised an eyebrow at the boy's declaration.
"Anakin Skywalker, don't tell me you just walked into the bathroom…" Shmi said in a tone that needed no confirmation.
Anakin lowered his head, still feeling his cheeks burn.
"It wasn't on purpose…" he muttered in defeat.
Avoiding everyone's gaze, he trudged back to the living room and dropped onto a seat, crossing his arms and staring at the floor.
His face was still burning… and his mind was spinning, unable to process what had just happened.
"I can't believe it! I saw Padmé…!"
The mere thought made him shudder. He hadn't meant to spy on her or disrespect her, but his clumsiness had landed him in a monumental mess.
His heart was pounding so hard it felt like he had already run the entire podrace before it had even begun.
"She probably hates me now! I'm such an idiot! I should have knocked!"
He tried to force his mind to think of something else, anything else, but it was useless.
Padmé… In the tub…
Her dark hair floating gently in the water.
Her skin glowing under the soft lamplight.
Her wide, startled eyes meeting his.
The way she instantly sank into the water, arms crossing over her breasts, as she shouted at him in indignation.
"Why can't I stop thinking about this?"
It wasn't the first time he had found her beautiful. In fact, from the moment he first saw her, he had thought she was the most beautiful being in the universe. But this had been different. A vision as unexpected as it was breathtaking.
A strange, new sensation stirred inside him, something he didn't fully understand yet, but couldn't ignore.
He felt embarrassed, yes. But at the same time… excited.
"No, no! I shouldn't feel this way. It was an accident. I didn't do it on purpose."
But the truth was, he couldn't forget the expression on her face before she kicked him out. And worse still, the way his heart had flipped at the sight of her.
He placed a hand on his chest, where his heart was still pounding.
The overwhelming mix of emotions left him unsure of how to react. He was nervous, embarrassed… but also, as strange as it seemed, excited.
Because despite everything, he had been one step away from seeing Padmé… truly.
"If it weren't for the water… The water ruined everything."
It had been a unique moment, something that had never happened before and would probably never happen again. And though he had seen more than he ever could have imagined, it wasn't as much as he had truly wanted.
The irregular reflections on the water's surface and the subtle movement of the ripples had conspired against him, hiding details he wished he could have burned into his memory with greater clarity. The image in his mind, though beautiful, felt incomplete, as if he had been given a fleeting glimpse of a treasure only to have the door slammed shut before he could fully take it in.
He tried to convince himself that it had been enough, that it was already more than he ever would have expected, but he couldn't help wishing the water had been a little clearer… or that she had been just a little more exposed.
That thought made him swallow hard. Yes, he had seen her in the tub, but with the water covering her almost completely. He hadn't been able to admire her the way, deep down, he also would have wanted.
"I shouldn't be thinking this!"
But he couldn't help it.
Since the moment he met her, Padmé had been an angel in his life, someone who made him feel special, someone he wanted to impress. He had always thought she was beautiful, but this was the first time he realized just how much he wanted to see her in a different way.
His traitorous mind imagined for a second how it would have been if the water hadn't covered her so much… if she hadn't reacted so quickly… if he had had just a few more seconds before she chased him out…
He shook his head violently, trying to push those thoughts away.
"No, no, no! I have to stop thinking about this!"
And though he tried to push the thoughts aside, though he tried to focus on the race the next day, on his mother, on the problem he had to solve… his mind kept going back to that moment.
He knew he would never forget it.
Despite this, Anakin took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. The last thing he wanted was for Obi-Wan or his mother to notice how shaken he was.
Inside the bathroom, Padmé let out a deep sigh, sinking lower into the water. That had been… incredibly embarrassing.
After a few seconds, when she finally remembered she was alone, she let out another sigh and moved her hands away from her breasts.
"I can't believe it! Ani just saw me naked!"
But she didn't want to think about it. She tried to convince herself that, with some luck, Anakin might not have seen much detail. Maybe the water had covered her enough, maybe the dim light in the bathroom had prevented her silhouette from being fully visible. Maybe everything had happened too quickly for the boy to really take in what he was seeing.
But despite her attempts to cling to that idea, a shadow of doubt crept into her mind. What if he had seen her? What if, in those moments when his gaze was locked on her, he had observed more than he should have? The mere possibility sent a shiver down her spine.
And the worst part… the part that unsettled her the most… was that a small, tiny part of her wasn't entirely uncomfortable with that possibility.
On the contrary, something inside her, a strange and unfamiliar feeling, hoped that he had seen her in detail. That he had admired her.
That thought unsettled her even more. Why would a part of her, no matter how small, find some thrill in Anakin having seen her? It was absurd. Illogical.
But no matter how much she tried to ignore it, she couldn't deny it was there. And the worst part was that this tiny part of her didn't just hope Anakin had seen her in detail, it wanted him to have liked what he saw.
It wanted him to have found her beautiful.
The thought made her press her lips together and avert her gaze, feeling an unexpected warmth in her face. She didn't understand why she cared so much about the opinion of a boy, but she couldn't deny that something inside her wanted Anakin to have looked at her with admiration.
To have burned her image into his mind as something beautiful, something that took his breath away, even if only for an instant.
It was a strange, almost absurd feeling, but it was there, tangled in her chest, making her more nervous than she already was.
With those thoughts swirling in her mind, she sank a little deeper into the water, as if she were still trying to hide, even though she was completely alone. Her heart pounded, and the confusion wouldn't leave her alone.
She wasn't angry, not really. She had been startled, of course, and instinct had made her react immediately, but deep down, she knew it had been an accident. Anakin hadn't meant any harm. If anything was clear, it was how embarrassed he had been. His red face, his clumsy retreat, his nervous, stammering apology, it was almost… endearing.
She smiled slightly without realizing it.
"He's so innocent…"
And yet, something inside her felt different. A slight shiver ran down her skin, but not from the cold, rather from the strange sensation the incident had left her with.
It was true that she had always seen Anakin as a sweet and charming boy, someone who made her smile with his antics and overwhelming confidence.
But this was the first time she felt that he… saw her in another way.
"No, that's not it. He wasn't looking at me like that… was he?"
She bit her lip, trying to analyze what had just happened.
Her reaction had been immediate, instinctive, but now, recalling the way he had frozen for a second before running away, something inside her stirred.
"Surely, for him, this was the strangest thing that has ever happened in his life too."
She sighed and rested her head against the edge of the tub, trying to clear her mind.
"There's no point thinking about this. It was an accident, nothing more."
But for some reason, as the warm water surrounded her, the image of Anakin with his flushed cheeks, stammering and fleeing as if he had seen a ghost, kept lingering in her mind.
And though she would never admit it out loud… she found it kind of adorable.
In the room, Obi-Wan alternated his gaze between the midichlorian meter, now completely useless, and the young boy in front of him.
Anakin's face was still flushed, a mix of embarrassment, nervousness, and something else he himself didn't fully understand. He avoided looking at the Jedi at all costs, focusing on anything else in the room, but the weight of Obi-Wan's stare was inescapable.
The young Jedi observed him carefully, though he feigned indifference. He didn't need the Force to sense the storm of emotions swirling inside the boy. Anakin was like an open book to him, and their growing connection allowed him to perceive even the subtlest details in his expression.
Obi-Wan sighed in resignation. He had heard countless stories about the Chosen One, about how the Force would guide his destiny, but he had never imagined it would include situations like this. Not only had Anakin been granted immense power, but the Force itself seemed to favor him, deliberately placing him in circumstances that brought him closer to the girl he was clearly in love with.
The Jedi wasn't sure how much Anakin had actually seen, too little or too much, but the look on his face gave him a clue. The embarrassment was obvious, but at the same time, an intense emotion burned in his eyes: excitement, joy, a kind of restrained euphoria… and yet, also a hint of disappointment.
"Ah, so he didn't see much after all."
The Force had given him the opportunity to be there, but not to fully appreciate what had captivated him so much. It was as if it were tempting him while testing him at the same time.
Obi-Wan allowed himself the faintest of smiles.
The Force certainly had a peculiar sense of humor.
Once again, Obi-Wan glanced at the broken meter, a phenomenon unprecedented in the history of the Jedi Order. It was a clear sign that Anakin was no ordinary boy. But when he looked back at him, all the weight of destiny and prophecy faded for a moment.
Anakin was finally daring to meet his gaze, and his face clearly reflected all his emotions: lingering embarrassment, overwhelming excitement, and that slight frustration that confirmed he hadn't seen as much as he would have liked.
Obi-Wan sighed inwardly. Perhaps, in his role as mentor, he shouldn't assume a paternal figure that might confuse the boy. However, it was his responsibility to guide him, especially when the Force itself had placed him at his side. The most important duty of a Jedi was to help those in need, and it was clear that Anakin needed him at that moment. His expression, saturated with emotions and doubts, made it more than evident.
He had never seen him this nervous before. Not when they faced the sandstorm together, nor when he learned of the life-threatening risks he would face in the podrace the next day. That kind of danger he could understand, he could process. But what had just happened… that was something entirely different.
It wasn't just about seeing a girl naked, or rather, almost naked, but the fact that it was the young woman who made him feel things he probably didn't even understand yet. And at his young age, facing such powerful emotions with no preparation was surely overwhelming and confusing for him.
Obi-Wan understood it in that instant. Anakin didn't need scolding or a lecture. He needed guidance, someone to ease the weight on his shoulders, to give him clarity and peace so he could focus on what lay ahead.
And Obi-Wan would make sure to provide it.
After all, if Anakin truly was the Chosen One, his destiny would not only affect him but the entire galaxy.
Obi-Wan approached him calmly, his presence radiating a serenity that contrasted with the turmoil still visible on Anakin's face. He leaned slightly to be at his level, observing up close the emotions he had already sensed from afar but could now read with greater clarity.
"Would you like to take a walk?" he asked in a steady voice, not rushing him. It wasn't just a suggestion; it was an invitation to step out of the tense atmosphere and give the boy a moment to collect his thoughts "Dinner isn't ready yet, and some fresh air would do us both some good."
Anakin didn't respond immediately. His face was still burning, and although Obi-Wan's words sounded kind, he couldn't help but fear that this was the prelude to a lectura, a scolding disguised as concern.
Even so, he nodded. His voice got stuck in his throat, too nervous to say anything. He stood up, lowering his gaze and mentally preparing for whatever Obi-Wan was about to say.
Moments later, Obi-Wan walked beside him calmly, noticing how Anakin kept his fists clenched and his jaw tight, as if bracing for an attack at any moment. His emotions were a whirlwind of embarrassment, confusion, and the firm determination to justify himself if necessary.
Once outside the house, under the starry sky of Tatooine, the boy looked up at his friend, ready to defend himself.
"It was an accident" he blurted out. "I didn't mean to… well, not exactly… I mean, it wasn't on purpose."
Obi-Wan crossed his arms with a serene expression.
"I know, Anakin."
"You're the one at fault" he accused, as if trying to divert the conversation before it got more complicated.
The Jedi raised an eyebrow.
"Me? Did I tell you to walk into the bathroom without knocking and see Padmé while she was bathing?"
Anakin felt a shiver run down his spine. His ears burned, and his face turned red instantly.
"Don't say it like that… please."
"Why not? That's what happened."
The boy gritted his teeth.
"But it was because you started acting weird after messing with your device. You confused me, you worried me, and I got distracted."
Obi-Wan smiled faintly, amused.
"Are you nervous about what I saw in the device?"
Anakin let out a sharp breath and looked away.
"Well, of course. Because it's a medical device, and when medical things shock people, it's never good."
Obi-Wan sighed, understanding his reasoning.
"There's nothing wrong with you, Anakin. You don't need to worry. I'm sorry if I made you feel scared with my reaction. I assure you, it has nothing to do with your health."
Anakin lowered his head and kicked a small rock on the ground.
"Well… but there's no need to scold me. I keep telling you, it wasn't on purpose."
"I'm not going to scold you, Anakin" Obi-Wan said gently "On the contrary. I want to help you feel better."
Anakin looked up at him with slight suspicion.
"How?"
Obi-Wan gazed at the sky for a few moments, as if searching for the right words. Then, he placed a hand gently on the boy's shoulder.
For a while, he simply observed Anakin patiently, feeling the disturbance in the Force that surrounded him. The boy was restless, embarrassed, and at the same time filled with a confusion he was only beginning to grasp.
"Let's talk a little about what's happening to you. About what you're feeling."
Anakin frowned and looked away.
"What I'm feeling right now?"
"If you want" Obi-Wan replied in a calm, unpressured tone.
The boy took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts.
"Well… I… I've never been through anything like this before."
Obi-Wan nodded slightly.
"I suppose not. At your age, it's unlikely you've had many chances to see girls that way."
Anakin shuddered in discomfort.
"It's just… I didn't see her clearly… the water covered her… I didn't really see her, I swear. It wasn't like people might think."
Obi-Wan kept his expression neutral.
"And how does that make you feel?"
Anakin blinked and eyed him suspiciously.
"What if I don't want to tell you?"
"Then don't" Obi-Wan said calmly "But don't lie to me either, because I'll know. The Force will tell me."
Anakin swallowed.
"The truth?"
"Yes, the truth."
The boy kicked at the sand beneath his feet, uncomfortable.
"Why do you want to know?"
"To help you."
The silence between them stretched for a moment. Finally, Anakin sighed and began to speak, his voice slightly hesitant.
"I feel nervous... because even though I didn't see her clearly, I could have seen her, and even though it didn't happen... it makes me nervous. Also, I saw more than I ever had before, and that makes me nervous too... and I think she might be mad at me."
Obi-Wan tilted his head, thoughtful.
"We'll see about that. But tell me, what else do you feel?"
Anakin hesitated for a moment, as if evaluating his own emotions. Finally, he murmured:
"The truth is... I liked seeing her like that... a lot."
Obi-Wan didn't react immediately, allowing the boy to finish expressing himself.
"Is that wrong?" Anakin asked with a certain urgency, as if he desperately needed an answer to reassure him.
Obi-Wan shook his head.
"No. It's very normal for a boy your age. You're just beginning to discover the world, to understand yourself."
Anakin lowered his head but then spoke again in a softer tone, almost a whisper.
"But I would have liked..."
He stopped abruptly, as if he had just realized he was about to say something problematic.
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow.
"What would you have liked, Anakin?"
The boy remained silent. His fists clenched slightly at his sides, and his face turned red again.
"I assure you, I won't scold you, nor will I tell anyone" Obi-Wan said calmly.
Anakin swallowed.
"I would have liked... to really see her. She is very beautiful, and... I would have wanted to see her."
Obi-Wan didn't judge him or show surprise.
"That's not wrong either, Anakin. Like I said, it's normal. You're growing up. You feel curious about what surrounds you, especially about what you don't understand or what you haven't experienced."
Anakin nodded slowly, though his confusion didn't completely fade. What he was feeling still overwhelmed him, but at least now he was certain that he wasn't broken or wrong. It was just... part of growing up.
Anakin played with a small mound of sand between his fingers before daring to look at Obi-Wan.
"Did you ever go through something like this?" he finally asked, a hint of shyness in his voice.
The young Jedi observed him closely before answering.
"Not exactly the same... but I know what you mean, and the answer is yes."
Anakin frowned.
"I just can't stop thinking about it, about how nice it felt."
Obi-Wan nodded with understanding.
"That's normal. It's very recent, and as you said, it was something you really enjoyed."
"Yeah... a lot" Anakin admitted with a sigh "A part of me even wants it to happen again... I'm sorry, I can't help it."
"There's no need to apologize" Obi-Wan reassured him "As I said, it's perfectly normal."
Anakin lowered his gaze, playing with a handful of sand.
"My mom might not think it's okay..."
Obi-Wan smiled gently.
"Women think differently about these things. But I assure you, she isn't mad at you either. Everyone knows it was just an accident, without intention."
The boy lifted his head suddenly, a bit of anxiety in his eyes.
"Even Padmé?"
Obi-Wan nodded firmly.
"I'm sure of it."
Anakin remained silent for a few seconds before murmuring:
"You know... before, I wasn't that interested in girls, but since I met her… I can't help feeling this way. And that's why, if I had wanted to see her… I would like to see her like that someday."
Obi-Wan kept his expression calm, without judging him.
"Those feelings are very normal, Anakin" he said patiently "But you must be careful with them. Don't let desire cloud your judgment. Just because you're thinking about something like this, don't intrude on someone's privacy."
Anakin let out a long sigh, as if he were finally releasing the tension that had been building in his chest. He felt better, but not entirely. There was something else inside him, something he couldn't ignore.
Obi-Wan sensed the shift in the Force, the mix of relief and… was that disappointment?
The boy looked at him with an emotion he couldn't hide. Sometimes, he saw Obi-Wan as a friend, someone he could share moments of joy and trust with. But in moments like this… he felt that Obi-Wan guided him, that he protected him, that he watched over him in a way that went beyond duty. Like a father would for his son.
A father…
It was a strange idea and, at the same time, painfully natural. Obi-Wan wasn't his father, he never would be. And yet, for a child who had grown up without a father figure, that sense of care and guidance awakened a deep longing inside him, one he hadn't even been able to put into words.
A father… something he had never had. But something he had always needed.
And yet, the warmth he felt toward Obi-Wan was tinged with sadness.
Because he knew that, no matter how much he wanted it, Obi-Wan couldn't be that for him. Because Jedi didn't have families, they didn't form those kinds of bonds. Because even though his friend cared for him, even though in his actions Anakin could feel glimpses of an affection that resembled a father's, the invisible barrier of the Order would always be there.
There would always be a limit.
And Anakin hated limits.
"Obi-Wan… if you weren't a Jedi, would you have liked to have children?"
The Jedi Knight remained silent, surprised by the question.
"Anakin, I have always been a Jedi" he answered gently.
The boy pressed his lips together and lowered his gaze before asking another question, this time with a more pained tone.
"If we're not your friends… then what are we to you?"
Obi-Wan observed him seriously, reflecting in silence. He didn't have an answer. Or at least, not one that would comfort him.
It was clear that they were his responsibility.
Protecting Padmé had been entrusted to him by his master, and his duty as a Jedi required him to ensure her safety. But he knew, deep down, that his concern for her went beyond the mission, and that he protected her with a feeling that exceeded mere Jedi duty. It wasn't just an assignment. He truly cared for her, beyond obligation.
The same was true for Jar Jar. Anyone could see him as a nuisance, a clumsy and naïve being, but Obi-Wan saw something more. There was no doubt that he was more than just a traveling companion. In him, Obi-Wan saw a noble soul, someone who deserved to be heard. Someone with genuine kindness and unwavering loyalty. He had no obligation to keep him close, and yet, he did.
Shmi… she wasn't just the woman who had given them shelter. She wasn't just the mother of the boy who might be the Chosen One. She was a person who didn't deserve to be trapped in such a cruel fate. And Obi-Wan knew that he would do anything to help her, even if he had no right to interfere. Because it wasn't just compassion he felt, nor mere gratitude. He truly cared about her.
And Anakin…
Anakin was more than a possible prophecy to be fulfilled, more than the last wish of Qui-Gon. He was a boy who, despite his confidence and bravery, had a fragile heart. A child who longed for affection, who sought answers, who looked at him with a mix of admiration and hope. And there he was, guiding him, helping him understand what he felt, making sure he didn't feel alone or ashamed. This boy was someone he cared about, someone he tried to guide, even when he didn't have all the answers.
But what did that really mean?
Obi-Wan took a deep breath. There was much more to all of this than he could comprehend. And he wasn't sure what.
He wasn't just a Jedi fulfilling his duty. He wasn't just a Knight following the Order's directives.
But he didn't know what it was.
And perhaps, for that reason, he didn't have an answer for Anakin.
So instead, he offered him a warm smile and gestured toward the house.
"We should go back inside."
The answer fell on Anakin like a heavy weight. He felt a knot in his throat but said nothing. He simply nodded and followed his friend back to the house, with the feeling that, no matter how many questions he asked… some answers would never come.
Once inside, Obi-Wan noticed Shmi's expression. Her smile was soft, grateful. There was no need for words; it was clear that she appreciated the Jedi's gesture of taking the time to talk to her son. She knew Anakin better than anyone, and although she saw him enter with a slightly shadowed expression, she immediately understood that it wasn't because of a scolding. His gaze did not reflect guilt or fear, but something more subtle… perhaps confusion, perhaps disappointment, but also a hint of relief.
As they took their seats, Jar Jar wasted no time and eagerly approached Anakin, settling beside him with the energy of someone about to unleash a barrage of questions. His large eyes blinked with curiosity, and Anakin immediately knew uncomfortable moments were ahead.
"Hey, Ani! Me thinking you…"
But before he could continue, both he and his chair began to rise slowly off the ground. Jar Jar flailed his arms, surprised, while Obi-Wan maintained an impassive expression, guiding him with the Force until he was placed at a reasonable distance from Anakin.
"Table no like me, ruin my mood" Jar Jar pouted.
Anakin let out a sigh and looked away.
"Where's Padmé?" he asked, still somewhat nervous.
"She's getting ready" Shmi replied as she placed dishes on the table "She shouldn't be long."
"Just who me wanted to talk about..." Jar Jar began, a mischievous smile on his face.
But before he could continue, Shmi placed a piece of fruit in his mouth with the same calmness with which she handled the rest of the preparations.
"Eat it with confidence" she said with unwavering sweetness "It's completely safe."
The Gungan blinked, then shrugged and began chewing, resigned.
Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile just a little. Shmi was a wise woman. She knew when to offer words of comfort and when to cut off a conversation before it took an unfortunate turn.
Meanwhile, in Anakin's room, his temporary space during his stay at the house, Padmé was finishing drying her hair with a towel, running her fingers through the damp strands in an attempt to shape them. The fabric of her bathrobe rested lightly against her skin, and the cool night air from the open window sent a slight shiver down her arms.
"At least I don't smell like oil anymore…"
Her face was still slightly flushed from what had happened in the bathroom. She couldn't believe Anakin had walked in like that, without warning. Of course, she knew he hadn't meant any harm, but the embarrassment she had felt in that moment still made her shudder.
She sat in front of a mirror she had brought in her luggage, gazing at her reflection with a thoughtful expression. Her hands moved slowly over her face and hair, as if trying to understand exactly what Anakin saw in her when he looked at her with such absolute devotion.
Beside her, on the bed, lay a dress she had chosen for dinner. It was elegant, like all the ones she had brought, but lighter and simpler, perfect for a family evening. Family… the word wrapped around her with an unexpected warmth. She never would have imagined that these people, Shmi, even Jar Jar and Obi-Wan, would come to feel like her family. And then there was Anakin… Ani, her Ani. That wonderful boy who had changed her world in ways she was only beginning to understand.
A sigh escaped her lips. No matter how much she tried to ignore it, the doubt lingered. Had Anakin truly seen her in that awkward moment? Had his innocent gaze picked up on something more? And most unsettling of all… why was there a part of her that didn't entirely dislike that idea?
Shaking off those thoughts, Padmé took an adorned ribbon and placed it over her head, securing her still-damp hair in a simple style, letting the strands naturally frame her face. She had never been vain, never needed to be, but when she looked at her reflection again, she noticed something different.
Her skin had a natural glow, her lips a softness that needed no color, and her eyes… her eyes reflected an emotion she couldn't quite name. She looked beautiful, without makeup, without elaborate hairstyles, just herself.
And suddenly, she understood.
No wonder Anakin was so captivated by her.
The delicious aroma of food pulled her from her thoughts, bringing her back to reality with a gentle reminder of her hunger. She realized she hadn't eaten since breakfast, and her stomach, until now overshadowed by the whirlwind of the day, seemed to demand attention.
She had spent hours occupied with negotiations with Ronian, trying to secure the necessary aid without compromising too much. Then, she had stayed with Anakin and the others while they worked on the podracer, though her participation had been mostly passive. As much as she wanted to help, mechanics were a world foreign to her, so in the end, she had simply observed and listened.
And then… then came the incident with the oil, a clumsy and almost laughable moment that, nevertheless, had triggered something much more complex. Because what followed, the moment in the bathroom with Anakin, had been more than just a simple misunderstanding. It had awakened a new restlessness in her, one she still didn't know how to handle.
The doubt lingered, an unshakable echo of what had happened. But the most confusing part was that it didn't just unsettle her… it also thrilled her in a way she couldn't quite define.
As she brushed her hair, Padmé couldn't stop her thoughts from drifting toward the next day. Ani's race. A crucial, exhausting, and risky event. She knew he was excited, but she was also aware of the real danger involved. The tension, the speed, the very real possibility that something could go wrong… all of it weighed on her more than she wanted to admit.
But then, almost against her will, her mind returned to the incident in the bathroom. Maybe, in some unexpected way, that moment had helped Anakin feel more at ease. Perhaps, amid all the pressure of the race, that different, sweeter, and more intimate emotion would give him a brief respite. A pleasant memory in the midst of uncertainty, something to help him face the danger with greater determination.
And there it was again. That thought that unsettled her just as much as it made her smile deep inside: the hope that Ani had truly seen her, that he had truly appreciated her. She shouldn't feel this way, but she couldn't help it. Because, even though logic told her it had all been an accident, a part of her was glad it had happened.
She shook her head and decided not to dwell on it any longer. It was time for dinner, and the last thing she wanted was for everyone to notice she was distracted.
With steady steps, she left the room and headed to the dining area, where the aroma of food filled the air with comforting warmth.
When her eyes met Anakin's, she felt him stiffen instantly.
He had been idly playing with his fork, but upon seeing her enter, his hand tensed, and he dropped the utensil with a small metallic sound. His cheeks flushed red immediately, and he averted his gaze almost automatically.
Padmé felt a pang of tenderness. He looked so nervous, as if afraid she would scold him in front of everyone.
She decided not to say anything about it. She didn't want to make him feel worse than he probably already did.
"Smells delicious" she said with a kind smile, taking a seat next to Shmi.
"I hope you like it" the woman replied warmly "It's not a royal feast, but it's made with love."
"That's what matters most" Padmé assured her.
Anakin glanced at her from the corner of his eye, trying to figure out if she was still upset with him. But when she simply smiled and took her glass of water as if nothing had happened, he felt immense relief.
Maybe… maybe she wasn't that angry after all.
Obi-Wan, who had been silently observing the whole interaction, couldn't help but smile slightly.
"This boy is definitely going to be an interesting case…"
Dinner unfolded with the warmth and familiarity that had developed over the past few days between the guests and the Skywalker family. After several nights staying in their home, Padmé had already grown accustomed to the routine of that humble household. Though the space was small, there was a cozy and hospitable atmosphere that made her feel comfortable.
However, even though Anakin knew that Padmé wasn't upset with him, every time their eyes met, the boy quickly looked away and focused back on his food.
Padmé also noticed that he was quieter than usual. She immediately assumed he was still embarrassed about what had happened in the bathroom.
But what caught her attention the most was the small wound on his arm.
"Anakin" she said softly "What happened to you? What's that cut?"
The boy, distracted by his plate, blinked and then looked at his arm as if only now remembering the injury.
"Oh, it's nothing" he replied, shrugging.
Padmé frowned.
"It doesn't look like 'nothing.' You could have cleaned it better. We don't want it to get infected."
Anakin swallowed hard. Now he had two reasons to feel uncomfortable.
"It's just… when I went into the bathroom… I just wanted to wash up… but…" he mumbled, feeling his face burn with embarrassment again.
Padmé felt a slight warmth in her cheeks at the memory of the incident, but she focused on what was important.
"Come with me" she said suddenly, standing up.
Anakin looked at her, surprised.
"Where?"
"To your room. I have something that will help with this."
Without giving him time to protest, Padmé headed to the bedroom. The boy followed her cautiously, feeling a strange mix of nerves and curiosity.
Padmé rummaged through her bags until she found a cylindrical bottle with a nozzle at the top.
"It's a healing spray" she explained, holding it up "It's a common formula in Naboo; it helps clean and close wounds faster."
Anakin watched the bottle with fascination.
"Really?"
"Yes. Come on, give me your arm."
He hesitated for a moment but then extended his wounded arm.
Padmé brought the spray closer and pressed the nozzle. A cool, transparent mist covered the cut, and Anakin felt a slight tingling sensation.
"Does it hurt?" Padmé asked, watching his expression.
"No… It feels weird, but it doesn't hurt" the boy replied, watching as the liquid began to take effect.
"It'll dry in a bit, and it'll be much better" she assured him with a smile.
Anakin lowered his gaze, a little embarrassed.
"Thanks, Padmé."
She smiled more warmly.
"That's what friends are for, right?"
The boy looked at her, and for the first time since the incident in the bathroom, he felt completely at ease.
The tension between them disappeared.
Padmé put the bottle away and said:
"Come on, let's finish dinner before Jar Jar eats our portions too."
Anakin chuckled and followed her back to the dining room, feeling like before, as if nothing had changed between them. And for the first time all night, when their eyes met, he no longer looked away.
That night, in his dreams, Anakin relived the incident in the bathroom over and over again. At first, his mind replayed the moment exactly as it had happened: the way the water slid over her skin, the softness of her hair floating like a dark veil, the gentle curves of her body emerging just beneath the water's surface. It had been a fleeting moment, but it had etched itself into his memory with astonishing clarity.
But then, the dreams began to change. In them, Padmé didn't discover him right away. There was no startled gasp, no nervous exclamations, no hurried orders for him to leave. Instead, he could observe her longer, take in more details, as if fate itself had granted him the forbidden wish of holding onto that moment.
In another version of his dream, she didn't even notice his presence. Anakin could watch her freely, without fear of being caught, marveling at the perfection of her smooth, luminous skin, the delicate curve of her neck, the subtle movements she made as the water enveloped her.
And so the night passed, wrapped in pleasant dreams that kept him immersed in a sense of peace and satisfaction. There was no distress, no sudden awakenings, no nightmares lurking in the darkness. On the contrary, his sleep was deep and restful.
Just as Padmé had secretly hoped, that unexpected accident had had a positive effect on him. Anakin woke up feeling more relaxed than he had in days, ready to face the day ahead without the tension that had weighed on him until then.
But Anakin wasn't the only one who relived the incident in his dreams. Padmé also found herself trapped in that memory, her mind replaying it again and again as if trying to understand it from different angles.
Sometimes, the dream unfolded exactly as it had happened: the moment she discovered him, the surprise reflected in his eyes, her own shock, and the way she had instinctively thrown him out of the bathroom. But in other instances, the details changed. Anakin didn't leave immediately. He stayed there, frozen for a moment longer, his eyes locked on her with that mixture of awe and innocent devotion that had unsettled her so much.
In some versions of the dream, she hesitated to react, as if she wasn't in such a hurry to send him away. In others, when she finally found her voice, her words came out with less firmness, softer, almost hesitant. And there were dreams in which Anakin, instead of remaining silent, said something about it. The tone of his voice and the way he looked at her sent an unfamiliar shiver down her spine.
A tingling sensation ran through her body more than once, waking her in the middle of the night with her heart pounding. She couldn't say for sure what that feeling was. Nervousness? Embarrassment? Or perhaps… excitement? The uncertainty unsettled her, though she tried to ignore it.
In the end, when the dawn began to paint the sky in warm hues, Padmé decided that it had all been just a natural consequence of what had happened, a completely normal reaction. And yet, as she prepared to face the new day, she couldn't help but wonder why her mind had chosen to replay that moment in so many different ways.
Meanwhile, excitement surged through Anakin, who was now fully awake.
"Today's the big day, Mom!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.
His enthusiasm wasn't just because of the race he was about to face, but also due to the wonderful dreams that had accompanied him through the night.
Shmi offered a small smile, though worry and uncertainty still danced in her eyes.
"I know, Ani…" she replied softly "And honestly, I don't know what to do. Should I leave with Ronian, as Watto told me to, or… should I wait for the race's outcome?"
Anakin shook his head, determined.
"Come with me to the race" he insisted "I promise I'm going to win. Besides, as long as the bet is still on, I guess that whole thing with Ronian is on hold, don't you think?"
Shmi gazed at him tenderly, weighing his words. Anakin was right—until the race was over, nothing was decided.
"You might be right…" she whispered, feeling a glimmer of hope.
"If I want to win, I'll need your support, Mom. I want to see you there, among the crowd, cheering for me."
"Then you will" Shmi assured him, placing a loving hand on his cheek "We'll worry about everything else later."
Mother and son embraced warmly. To Shmi, Anakin would always be her little boy, but in moments like this, when he spoke with such confidence and conviction, she couldn't help but see the brave and determined young man he was becoming.
"Now, let's go! I don't want to be late for the race!" Anakin said, bursting with energy as he hurriedly began changing clothes.
Shmi smiled at his impatience.
"Don't worry, we'll have breakfast first, then we'll leave" she assured him, heading toward the dining area.
At the table, the others were already gathering. A mix of nervousness and anticipation filled the air, not just because of Anakin's race, but also due to the uncertain fate awaiting Shmi. However, when they saw Anakin enter, radiating excitement, his wide grin and bright eyes filled with enthusiasm, the atmosphere shifted. The tension slowly faded, making way for a spark of optimism.
Moments later, Anakin and Obi-Wan were walking through the sandy streets of Mos Espa, heading to Watto's shop to pick up the podracer. The others had already gone ahead to the circuit.
"Have you ever been in a race like this, Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked, unable to contain his curiosity.
The young Jedi shook his head.
"No, but I've heard about the races on Malastare. They're extremely dangerous."
Anakin grinned proudly.
"Did you know I'm the only human who can do it?"
Obi-Wan raised an intrigued eyebrow.
"You must have Jedi reflexes. I have no doubt about it."
Anakin looked at him slyly.
"Like the reflexes you used when I was about to grab your lightsaber?"
Obi-Wan let out a faint smile.
"Exactly. Those reflexes are enhanced by the Force."
Anakin's eyes immediately lit up with excitement.
"Do you think I have something like that too, even though I'm not a Jedi?"
Obi-Wan observed him carefully before answering.
"The Force doesn't just speak to Jedi, but to anyone who is sensitive enough to perceive and manipulate it" he explained calmly "Jedi training helps us refine those abilities, but it doesn't give them to us. They've been within us all along. We simply learn how to channel them better."
Anakin felt his heart race.
"So, do you think I'm Force-sensitive?"
Obi-Wan nodded slowly.
"It's possible. Highly likely, even."
"Why do you say that?"
"You said it yourself, you're the only human who can race in these events. And when we went out into the sandstorm, we worked together naturally, as if you knew what I was going to do before I did it. That's something only those with the Force on their side can do."
Anakin's eyes widened in amazement.
"You felt me using the Force?"
"I noticed because we completed the mission as one. That's how Jedi fight together, guided by the Force."
Obi-Wan's words ignited something within Anakin. His dream of becoming a Jedi had always felt like a distant fantasy, but now, hearing an actual Jedi Knight tell him he had potential, that maybe the Force was guiding him too, filled him with an indescribable emotion.
As they walked through the dusty streets, his mind began to wander. He imagined himself wearing the brown Jedi robes, wielding a lightsaber, fighting against evil, saving entire planets with his courage. He saw himself among the stars, facing impossible challenges and emerging victorious.
It was an intoxicating thought. A dream that, suddenly, felt closer than ever.
Moments later, the noise of the racetrack surrounded them. The wind kicked up the sand, and the scorching sun bore down on the eager crowd gathered to witness the race. The scent of burnt oil and hot metal filled the air as mechanics and racers made their final adjustments to their podracers.
Watto came buzzing through the crowd, his usual sour expression and gruff voice laced with demands.
"You better win, kid" he grumbled, his gaze both threatening and expectant "I want to see the look on those idiots' faces when they have to eat their words."
But Anakin barely listened. He was used to Watto's bad temper and never let his words affect him before a race. At that moment, his mind was focused on something far more important, victory.
Without wasting any time, he ran towards his pod, where Kitster was waiting for him. The boy looked around nervously, as if he feared someone might catch him at any moment.
"What's wrong with you?" Anakin asked while expertly checking his pod's controls.
"I'm just hoping I don't run into your friend" Kitster muttered, lowering his voice "She's probably still furious about the oil."
Anakin burst into laughter as he tested the accelerator and made sure everything was in order.
"You know how your girl does resemble a dragon girl?" Kitster continued, leaning in slightly "Her furious eyes."
"That's because you've never seen her eyes when she smiles" Anakin replied with a smirk, keeping his gaze on his pod.
"Oh yeah? And she's not here today, is she?" Kitster asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Are you talking about me?" came a voice from behind them.
Kitster nearly jumped out of his skin. He turned slowly, and there stood Padmé, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised. The intensity of her gaze made it clear she had heard enough.
Anakin smiled, amused by his friend's reaction.
"I didn't know you still had imaginary friends" Padmé said, giving Kitster a half-smile.
Kitster frowned, confused.
"What are you talking about?"
"I heard you mention a 'dragon girl'… or am I mistaken?" Padmé replied.
Kitster swallowed hard, glancing at Anakin out of the corner of his eye.
"I… I was talking about you…"
Padmé's expression shifted in an instant. Though she had decided to try to get along better with Anakin's friend, she couldn't stop the irritation from rising at his comment.
Anakin, watching the scene with amusement, realized that getting these two to get along was going to be harder than he thought.
Kitster, noticing Padmé's sharp glare, quickly tried to correct himself.
"I mean… that didn't come out right."
"You can bet it didn't" Padmé replied dryly.
"I meant… I thought you were a dragon girl…"
Padmé's fury only grew.
"There's no doubt that you and Ani are completely different. When we met, he told me I looked like an angel."
Kitster stared at her for a second and, to his misfortune, let out a chuckle, which only served to infuriate Padmé further.
"How could he think that?"
Padmé's brow furrowed instantly.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, nothing… it's just that… well…" Kitster paused, desperately looking for a way out "It's just… you don't exactly look like an angel when you're angry. Because… well, you know… you can be… a little intimidating."
"Oh, really?" Padmé tilted her head. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
Kitster swallowed hard.
"Well, um… the other day, with the oil incident, you were furious. And your eyes… well, they looked more like a dragon girl's than an angel's."
"Oh, how considerate of you" Padmé said sarcastically, crossing her arms "And tell me, how do I look when I'm not angry?"
Kitster fell silent, unsure of what to say.
"Well… I…"
Seeing the conversation heading into dangerous territory for his friend, Anakin decided to intervene before Kitster got himself into even more trouble.
"I think this is a great time to talk about the race" Anakin interjected quickly "Kitster, do you know if Sebulba is racing?"
Kitster, grateful for the distraction, turned to Anakin.
"Oh, yeah. I saw him just a moment ago."
"Who's this Sebulba?" Padmé asked, still annoyed with Kitster but letting the matter drop.
"You could say he's the champion of the races" Kitster explained "Because he almost always wins."
"But he doesn't play fair" Anakin added "He always tries to sabotage the others."
Kitster patted him on the back.
"Don't worry, Ani. This time, you'll do it."
Padmé frowned.
"Do what?"
"Finish the race, of course" Kitster replied as if it were obvious.
Padmé looked at Anakin in surprise.
"You've never won a race?"
Anakin gave a nervous smile.
"Well… I wouldn't say it exactly like that…"
"You've never even finished a race?" Padmé asked, incredulous.
"He already said it" Anakin answered with determination, wrapping an arm around Kitster "I will this time."
And though Padmé still seemed unsettled by the risk he was taking, she couldn't help but smile slightly at the confidence in Anakin's voice.
"I'll get you the best spot on the starting line, you'll see, Ani" Kitster said with a confident grin before running off into the crowd.
Anakin watched him go and shook his head in amusement.
"He's a good guy, despite everything" he told Padmé.
She smiled. Deep down, she appreciated Kitster's honesty. As a former queen, she was used to people agreeing with her without question, but Kitster had no problem challenging her. In a way, she found it amusing.
"And now, all that's left is for me to tell you to race with all your heart, Ani… I'll be there waiting for you at the finish line… I know you'll make it" Padmé said with a soft smile, her expression filled with confidence and warmth.
Anakin felt her words settle in his heart like a warm echo, filling him with an indescribable emotion. It wasn't just the hope of winning, there was something deeper. She believed in him without hesitation, and that simple fact gave him more strength than any pep talk ever could.
And then, without warning, he felt the brush of her lips against his cheek. It was a fleeting touch, but to Anakin, it was as if the entire galaxy had frozen. A warm shiver ran through his skin, and his heart pounded furiously. The brief contact of her lips left a burning sensation on his cheek, as if a spark had ignited something deep within him.
He felt his heart skip a beat, and his mind went blank. Had that really just happened?
Anakin closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the lingering warmth on his skin. He would've wanted it to be on his lips, but even so, that simple gesture had been magical, giving him a surge of energy more powerful than any engine in his pod.
She pulled away with a smile, unaware of the storm she had just set off inside him. Anakin could barely breathe. He lifted a hand to his cheek, feeling the lingering warmth. For years, he had dreamed of being a hero, of winning his freedom, of becoming a Jedi… but he had never imagined that a single gesture could make him feel so invincible.
He watched her walk away, and though his body remained where it was, his mind was still trapped in that moment. Then he looked at the other racers, surrounded by their companions, sharing affectionate moments before the big race. For so long, he had been alone in these competitions. But now, Padmé was here with him.
It didn't matter what anyone else said. It didn't matter if no one else believed in him. She did.
And that was all he needed.
Smiling to himself, his heart pounding and renewed energy coursing through him, he tightened the bindings on the loyal R2, who beeped and guided his pod to the starting line. Anakin took a deep breath, feeling the rush of excitement and adrenaline mix inside him.
Today wasn't just a race.
Today, he wasn't racing just to win. He was racing because she would be waiting for him at the finish line. And at that moment, with the engines roaring in the air and the sand swirling around him, Anakin felt like nothing in the universe could stop him.
As Padmé walked firmly across the hot sand, making her way to where the others were gathered, the noise around her was deafening, mechanics adjusting the final details on the podracers, racers testing their engines, and spectators positioning themselves strategically to not miss a single second of the race.
She could still feel a slight tingling on her lips, as if the echo of the kiss she had given Anakin lingered there. It hadn't been planned; it had simply… felt natural. He had looked at her with those eyes full of dreams and courage, and in that moment, she had wanted to give him something more than words.
Anakin was unlike any other boy she had ever met. He wasn't a suitor from the court, nor an arrogant young man trying to impress her. He was just a child, yes, but with a determination and fire in his gaze that made her forget his age.
She couldn't stop replaying his expression after the Kiss, the astonishment, the contained happiness, the way he had brought his hand to his cheek as if trying to capture the moment and keep it forever. It touched her more than she would like to admit.
It wasn't strange that she had felt the need to do that. Anakin wasn't just Racing, he was risking his life and his mother's future. And Padmé wanted him to know he wasn't alone. That someone, in the midst of that enormous crowd, truly believed in him.
Lost in her thoughts, Padmé barely noticed the movement around her until, suddenly, a podracer reversed at an alarming speed. She quickly stepped aside to avoid it, but in her haste, she collided straight into someone.
A cold, sticky liquid spilled over the person, soaking their tunic.
Padmé blinked, dazed by the impact, and looked up with an apology on her lips.
"A thousand apologies! I didn't mean to…" she began.
But her voice trailed off as she recognized the face of the person she had run into: Ronian.
He looked at her with a sly smile, shaking off his soaked shirt without much concern.
"Well, well, gorgeous, it's been a while."
"Shame it hasn't been longer" she replied coldly, crossing her arms instinctively, as if she needed a barrier between herself and his shameless scrutiny.
Ronian laughed, amused by her attitude.
"I was just telling the guys about our little arrangement" he said mockingly, glancing at the spectators around him "What can I say? She's a tough girl… and with beautiful curves."
The men around him chuckled and exchanged knowing looks. A shiver of disgust ran down Padmé's spine, but she refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing her affected.
"If you'd like, you can watch the race with us" Ronian continued, gesturing toward an elevated spot with a perfect view "Right at the most dangerous turn. From there, we'll see everything in detail."
Padmé felt a knot in her stomach. The way he said it, so indifferent, so devoid of humanity. To them, the racers were nothing more than fleeting entertainment. Their lives meant nothing compared to the thrill of witnessing a brutal crash.
Ronian studied her expression, and his grin widened.
"You turned a little pale, gorgeous. Looks like you need a seat… and maybe a drink."
Padmé quickly recovered and met his gaze firmly.
"No, thank you. I'm fine."
Ronian raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, she continued:
"And as for your offer, I'm not interested. I already have an excellent spot to watch Anakin cross the finish line."
A murmur of confusion spread through the group.
"Who's she talking about?" one of them asked.
Ronian smirked, waiting for Padmé's answer.
"I'm talking about the little slave racing today" she said clearly and defiantly "So scum like you can have something to entertain yourselves with in your pathetic, empty lives."
The mocking laughter around them died instantly. Ronian clicked his tongue and shook his head, as if dealing with a fascinating yet exasperating creature.
"See? Didn't I tell you she's intense?" he remarked to the others with a twisted smile "Oh, how I wish you had accepted my other offer… that way, no one would have to get hurt."
Padmé remained unfazed.
"If someone gets hurt, it will be because of you and your kind, not me."
Without waiting for a reply, Padmé turned on her heel and walked away with firm steps, still feeling the intensity of the confrontation in her chest. The desert's hot air caressed her face, but the disgust and anger Ronian had left in her were far more scorching.
She recalled Kitster's words and couldn't help but smile wryly. Dragon girl eyes, he had said. Well, surely now everyone present had seen them in their full glory. She hadn't hidden her fury, hadn't softened her words. She had stood before them with the same determination she used to face corrupt politicians and manipulative senators.
But this was different. This wasn't about debates or diplomatic strategies. Here, Anakin's life, and the lives of other racers, was at stake. And what enraged her most was how lightly they spoke of it, as if the possibility of someone dying was just part of the spectacle.
She paused for a moment and looked toward the horizon, at the starting line where Anakin was preparing. He wasn't afraid. He didn't hesitate. And that filled her with pride and renewed determination.
One thing was certain, she wouldn't let scum like Ronian steal the excitement of this day. Anakin was going to race, he was going to defy the odds… and she would be there to watch him win.
The big day has arrived. The race is about to begin, and although many doubt Anakin's abilities, his family and friends continue to believe in him. They don't just trust his skills as a pilot but also his unbreakable determination to win and everything that victory represents. It's not just about winning a competition, it's about proving he can defy expectations, change his fate, and that of those around him.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Kitster and Padmé is far from harmonious. Their first encounter wasn't exactly friendly, ensuring plenty of tense moments and, at the same time, quite a few comedic scenes between them. Their personalities clash, but in the end, will they find common ground, or will they continue their constant disagreements?
We also witnessed an embarrassing moment between Anakin and Padmé, an unexpected situation that caught them off guard and left them confused. However, as strange as it may seem, this incident doesn't push them apart; instead, it strengthens their bond even more. They are young, they don't fully understand what they feel yet, but it's inevitable that each day will bring them one step closer to the fate that awaits them, a love that, despite its challenges, will be unconditional.
On his part, Obi-Wan remains immersed in doubt. His mind tells him he shouldn't get too involved, that his duty is to be Anakin's mentor, not the father figure the boy never had. But the Force has placed Anakin in his path for a reason, and as long as their destinies remain intertwined, he will do everything he can to guide, protect, and support him. However, will he be able to maintain the distance he tries so hard to enforce, or will his feelings ultimately win the battle?
The challenges are just beginning, and each of our protagonists is about to face their own trial.
Thank you for reading! I truly appreciate every visit and comment. Your support is what motivates me to keep writing and sharing this story with you.
What did you think of this chapter? I'd love to hear your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments.
See you in the comments and in the next chapter!
