Chapter Text
Obi-Wan was panicking. This was supposed to be a simple mission! Only to explore the local fauna! How it turned into a complete disaster?!
Anakin, his sweet young padawan was taken from him by a bunch of gangsters.
Obi-Wan was a knight only for a few months, the pain of losing Qui-Gon still lingered in the back of his mind, a dull ache he could never quite escape. He and Anakin were still trying to figure each other out, to forge a bond amid the uncertainty and grief.
And now this. Obi-Wan felt like an utter failure. He had allowed his padawan, his responsibility, to fall into danger.
The force bond between them was still weak and tenuous, not yet the seamless connection it might one day become. It made pinpointing Anakin’s location more challenging, but that won't stop him.
The Force guided Obi-Wan toward the heart of the bustling city. As he navigated the crowded streets, the sense of Anakin’s presence grew stronger, more distinct.
The boy was only nine, full of curiosity and reckless courage. Too much courage, Obi-Wan thought bitterly. He clenched his fists as guilt churned in his gut.
Obi-Wan picked up his pace, weaving through the throng of beings, determination etched into every line of his face. Then, out of nowhere, he was grabbed from behind in a crushing embrace.
“Ben'ika.”
No, not now.
Obi-Wan’s heart sank as the all-too-familiar voice rumbled in his ear. He really doesn't have time for this.
Obi-Wan turned around.
“Jango,” Obi-Wan attempted to free himself, but Jango refused to let go. “Let me go! I have an urgent matter, that I need to handle immediately,” he snapped, twisting in Jango’s arms.
Jango removed his helmet with a swift, practiced motion, revealing his rugged face and dark, piercing eyes. “Oh, no Ben, I'm not letting you go again. We need to talk about how you've been avoiding me.”
Obi-Wan barely suppressed a frustrated groan.
Suddenly, Obi-Wan felt Anakin's terror through the force. It gripped his chest like a vise, stealing his breath.
“Anakin,” he gasped.
“A who?” Jango asked, his brow furrowing. “Ben we-”
Okay, he's done, he doesn't have time for this. Anakin is in danger.
With a sharp kick to the back of Jango’s knee, he hit the vulnerable gap in the armor. Jango faltered, his grip loosening just enough for Obi-Wan to deliver a hard headbutt.
Jango cursed under his breath as he stumbled back. Obi-Wan didn’t wait to see his reaction. He sprinted down the narrow alleyway, the sound of his boots echoing off the grimy walls.
Obi-Wan ran, as fast as he could, towards where he was feeling Anakin.
He burst into a dilapidated building, smashing the door, the sound echoing through the air.
Inside, a room full of Trandoshans turned to face him, two of them towering over a trembling Anakin.
The sight ignited a cold fury within Obi-Wan. Without hesitation, he raised a hand and force-pushed them into a wall so hard, that he probably broke their spines.
Before the rest of the room could react, Obi-Wan force-pulled Anakin into his arms. The boy clung to him, burying his face in Obi-Wan’s shoulder as muffled sobs escaped him.
“It’s all right, Anakin. I’ve got you,” Obi-Wan murmured, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.
But they weren’t out of danger yet. The remaining Trandoshans roared in anger, raising their weapons.
There were a lot of hostiles for Obi-Wan to fight and protect Anakin at the same time. Retreat was the safer option.
Obi-Wan rushed out of the building, dodging blaster fire. In front of it, he came upon Jango, again, and more Mandalorians.
Obi-Wan calculated them as a safe option, for now, and hid behind Jango.
However, the Trandoshans didn't look like they were going to give up and continued to pursue Obi-Wan.
“Ben'ika, go hide! We'll handle this!” Jango barked, drawing his twin blasters and opening fire on the charging Trandoshans.
Well, if Jango would make it that easy.
Cradling Anakin protectively, he ran toward their ship, weaving through the chaos.
It was time to leave this hellhole of a planet.
Obi-Wan was back at the temple, debating if he should contact Jango. But he at least owed him a thanks, for protecting him and Anakin.
Obi-Wan sighed and prepared to enter a souldream.
“Ben,” Jango said.
“Jango,” Obi-Wan replied, his tone weary but polite. He mentally sighed, let's get this over with.
“I wanted to thank you for protecting Anakin and me a few days back.”
“No debt, ner runi, but you should have told me. I would have helped you save him from the start.”
“Yeah, well, there was no time.”
“Ner runi ... Ben, why do you keep avoiding me? We are soulmates, we're meant to be together.”
Obi-Wan’s shoulders tensed. “We're not compatible.”
“Of course we are! We are soulmates!”
“Yes, but I have no desire to become a Mandalorian, Jango, I have my own culture that I don't intend to leave. Perhaps we could be friends, but to get to that point, you have to put down the bounty on me!”
Jango’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken emotions.
Then Obi-Wan sensed that Anakin is awake and demanding his attention.
"I have to go, Ani needs me. Think about it.”
Without waiting for a response, he severed the connection and left the souldream.