Chapter Text
Qui-Gon wishes he were reassured by the relatively small number of pirates in front of him. But how can he be when he can see them heading in the direction his padawan fled?
He can’t afford to get distracted so he focuses on drawing as much attention as possible. Each pirate that can’t find an opening to leave is another that can’t regroup to harass his padawan and their temporary charge.
He draws on the force and asks for its help.
-
Obi-Wan can’t retreat any farther. He’s standing his ground the best he can and Solan is certainly helping, taking pot shots with their blaster whenever they get the chance.
Their chances are becoming more and more common as Obi-Wan’s stamina runs out and he makes more and more mistakes.
The distraction of Solan’s shots on top of the deflected bolts Obi-Wan is sending back are probably the only reason they’re still standing and unharmed.
There’s a moment of anticipation. It’s too quick to parse out further and Obi-Wan can only hope that it’s good.
Suddenly the man shouting orders falls, face first, a blaster bolt clean through his head.
No one moves.
Obi-Wan struggles to keep his guard up.
He pushes a curious Solan back behind cover and waits.
-
The Jedi… a young one, a Padawan he thinks they’re called, falters, catching their breath and nearly stumbling.
It must have been a difficult battle.
He strides forward and continues to eliminate the pirates that dared come near his child.
It’s too dark and he’s not close enough for the Padawan to see him. It must be frightening to see their enemies eliminated without knowing the intentions of their savior.
He tilts his head and watches them blow out a long breath and steady themself. He approves, such a brave thing, this one.
“Hello?”
He holsters his blaster and steps forward.
“Hello-”
“BUIR!”
The Padawan reaches a hand to try and stop them from running but isn’t quite quick enough to stop Solan from darting out from their hiding place. He feels the tension of the last hours drain out as his child jumps into his arms, nearly knocking him over.
“You’re getting too big for that, Sol’ika.” He says fondly and tips his buy'ce to meet their forehead gently. He revels in the feeling for a moment before turning back to the Padawan. “I must thank you for protecting them.”
“Oh, well, we could not allow a child to be hurt if we could help it.”
He nods in acknowledgement, any being with honor would.
“Still, you have done me a great service-”
“Obi-Wan!”
They’re interrupted by what must be the Padawan’s teacher? Master? Probably Master rushing over from his own battle. There’s also a large bird? Jedi certainly are strange creatures.
“Master!”
He allows them a moment to reunite and check one another over before continuing.
“As I said, you have done me a great service by protecting my child when I could not.”
The Master nods in acknowledgement, knowing he isn’t finished.
“I do not wish to have debt between us, so, I found the one who lied to you in my search for Solan.” He adjusts his grip and squeezes them tighter. “It was the mayor and his deputy, they won’t bother you anymore.” He tosses a datachip of evidence to the older Jedi. “That scum is the leader of the pirates.” He points at a body behind him.
The padawan looks like they might protest but a quick glance from their master has them slightly chastened.
“...Thank you for your assistance.”
He nods, quick and decisive.
His debt is paid and his child is safe, he has no reason or desire to stay on this cursed planet any longer.
He dips his head towards where Solan is burying themself in his shoulder.
“Do you want to say goodbye?”
-
Obi-Wan is grateful for the sunrise finally allowing him to see.
Solan clings to their buir’s hand and glances up at them from behind fluffy locks.
They hardly knew each other but Obi-Wan will be missing them. For all the danger and close calls of the past, has it really only been a day? He enjoyed spending time with them.
“Ret'urcye mhi… Maybe we’ll meet again.”
It’s a nice sentiment, perhaps they will. The galaxy is massive but the Force is mysterious, it brought them together in the first place after all. Obi-Wan likes the idea of meeting again, he just hopes if they do it’s under better circumstances. He would rather not repeat this adventure any time soon.
“Ret'urcye mhi Solan and, Eno Dai veshah keelel mellu im tamah foh veshah keelel, may the Force be with you.”
They scrunch up their nose and valiantly attempt to repeat the Dai Bendu before scowling and changing course. “May the Force be with you too.”
He hardly notices Qui-Gon and the Mandalorian’s continued discussion as Solan darts forward and gives him a tight hug. Almost as soon as he returns it they run back to their buir and are back to clinging.
Qui-Gon doesn’t get a hug but rather a very professional salute and goodbye, almost like a business partner. Obi-Wan doesn’t know much about Mandalorians but he suspects from the tilt of his helmet their buir is very amused.
Qui-Gon plays along and returns their goodbye with his own bow and farewell, specifically the one usually reserved for Jedi of equal standing who want to keep things professional. Obi-Wan has to stop from rolling his eyes at his Master’s indulgent smirk.
Once they’ve left his Master turns to him and smiles. “What did I tell you, Padawan? All is as the force wills.”
Obi-Wan refrains from kicking him, or making a comment about how it isn't the Jedi way to rely on vengeful Mandalorian parents to solve your problems by murdering local government officials. “As you say Master.”
“Now, have you done any beast control training yet?”
Obi-Wan eyes the bird they’ve been steadfastly ignoring with trepidation and sighs.
“No, Master, I have not.”