Chapter Text
Obi-Wan deflects another blaster bolt with his lightsaber, the sparks creating a dazzling display in the dimly lit street. The Death Watch has tracked them down again. He knew that going to that small town was a mistake. A desperate one. He delayed it as long as he could, but they were terribly low on supplies, their rations dwindling to almost nothing, so Obi-Wan couldn't postpone it any longer. And now they're being shot at by the Kyr'tsad.
Obi-Wan force-pushed one death watch member, who got a little too close for his liking, deflected another shot and pulled out his blaster and hit another one's jetpack, causing it to explode.
They need to get out of here before their reinforcements can arrive. But Obi-wan was tired. They've been on the run for eight months, six months without Qui-Gon, who was trying to smooth the political situation in Sundari.
Obi-Wan knew the mandalore mission wasn't going to be what it seemed. That it would be dangerous, for Jedi to step even one foot on that planet. But somehow, it turned into a complete disaster. The negotiation they were supposed to assist with? Never happened. The Duke's family they were supposed to be protecting? The Duke dead, his youngest daughter Bo-Katan missing and he and Satine on an endless run.
Bulky looking mandalorian tackled him to the ground, causing Obi-Wan's breath to be briefly knocked out of him. The warrior pinned him to the ground, his heavy armor crushing his chest. Obi-Wan struggled to catch his breath, his vision blurring around the edges. He felt a surge of adrenaline, the sting of pain pushing back the fading consciousness. He focused on his breathing, forcing himself to regain control. He’d faced worse than this. He did not survive Bandomeer, Melidaan and eight months on the run just to die here. And besides, he's got a job to do, he must protect Satine, and he will.
Obi-Wan summoned his remaining strength, force-pushing the Mandalorian away and leaping to his feet. Obi-Wan, fueled by his desperate need to escape, saw an opportunity. The death watch, his stance unbalanced from the force-push, was still reeling. With a lightning-quick move, Obi-Wan snatched a beskar dagger from the fallen Kyr'tsad, its weight surprisingly heavy in his hand. He lunged, stabbing the dagger deep into the mandalorian's knee. The beskar plunged into the joint with a sickening crunch, the Mandalorian roaring in pain as he fell to the ground. Obi-Wan wasted no time, summoning his lightsaber and deflecting another shots from more death watch members. Alright, time to get the hell out of here.
Summoning the force, he unleashed a powerful push that sent the Death Watch warriors tumbling backward. Seizing the opportunity, Obi-Wan gripped Satine's hand and propelled them both into a desperate flight. Their footsteps pounded against the cobblestones as they dodged through narrow alleys and leapt over low walls. The pursuit was relentless, the Death Watch's angry shouts echoing behind them.
Suddenly a door opened in front of them and Mandalorian with green and red armor peeked out. Not a Death Watch then. “Iviin'yc, K'olar! (Quickly, come here!)” the Mandalorian yelled, his voice strained, a mixture of urgency and caution.
Obi-Wan didn't hesitate. He pulled Satine towards the doorway, his eyes scanning for any sign of danger. The Mandalorian, an older man, his face etched with the stoic features of his people, but his eyes full of a fierce determination, stepped aside, gesturing them inside.
“Vor entye, for your help,” Obi-Wan said, his voice weary but filled with gratitude.
“N'entye, ad,” the Mandalorian shook his head slightly, his voice deep and gravelly. “There is no debt for helping you escape from those dar'manda hut'uuns. Burc'ya vaal burk'yc, burc'ya veman. (A friend during danger is a true friend.)” I'm Torin of clan Idra. Tion gar gai?”
“Ner gai Ben, kaysh Atina,” replied Obi-Wan. He gave him their fake names, even though he has to admit, that the name Ben has grown upon him.
“Jate'urcye gar, Ben, Atina,” Torin nodded his head to each of them. Then he looked towards the door and listened for a moment. “I think they're gone but you should stay at least for a few hours. Ret'lini. (Just in case.)”
They were quiet for a moment, no one knowing what to say. Obi-Wan sensed Satine's worry, her unease at being trapped in this strange, unfamiliar place, surrounded by a silent Mandalorian and the way she was still obviously shaken from their run-in with death watch and obviously not pleased with so much use of Mando'a. He needed to reassure her, to show her he was still in control, but he was so exhausted, and he began to feel pain in his right shoulder and ribs as his adrenaline level dropped.
“Tion gar kadala? (Are you hurt?)” Torin inquired his gaze fixed on Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan forced a smile. “A minor blaster wound and some bruised ribs, nothing serious. It's fine, really.”
Torin narrowed his eyes, studying Obi-Wan closely. Then he sighed and gestured towards a small room at the end of the corridor. “There is a small couch on which you can rest for the night, I'll get some med kit.”
In the small room, Obi-Wan sat on a stool while Satine applied the bacta to his shoulder. The cold, soothing gel seeped into the wound, easing the pain.
“Ben, I'm in two minds about this. I'm not sure if I want to trust him,” she whispered, her voice laced with unease. “All that metal, all those weapons... It's so barbaric and uncivilized”
“I know you're worried, Satine. But remember, he saved our lives.”
“I know, I... just can't help but feel uneasy. What's in it for him?”
Obi-Wan took her hand, his touch gentle and reassuring.” I don't know, but remember, sometimes it is the smallest acts of kindness that made the greatest difference.”
Satine met his eyes, searching for a flicker of hope in their depths. “Perhaps you're right, Ben. But the weight of doubt sits heavy on my heart.”
Well, Obi-Wan supposed that a small progress is still a progress. Satine, whom he met months ago, would not stand the presence of an armored Mandalorian, and she would let him know that loudly. Argue and try to force her pacifist ways on everyone.
At first, when Obi-Wan met her, he admired her. Satine spoke of peace and letting their warrior ways behind them, to use diplomacy to solve everything. He'd been impressed by her eloquence, her passion for peace, her unwavering dedication to her people. As a Jedi, he could identify with that. Obi-Wan thought Mandalore would prosper under her father's rule and later under hers. Well, that was then, before the run, before he experienced mandalorian culture and fell in love with it. See the other point of view. Now he's not so sure.
In the first months on the run, his point of view of Satine changed. Obi-Wan got the impression that Satine wanted to wipe out their entire culture. She scolded everything, the traditions, the way they marry, she condemned their cuisine, and denounced their practice of adopting children. Her criticisms extended even to their language, which she said was based on their barbaric past. Obi-Wan later found out that she wasn't even fluent, that she only knew the basics and refused to use them.
But most of all she criticized their weapons and armor. Those who wore it, she wrinkled her nose at, as if they were nothing more than uncivilized brutes.
Obi-Wan was beginning to think, that she was going to turn Sundari into her little Coruscant. Satine was certainly starting to remind him more and more of the Coruscant politicians, whom he did not like at all.
She also complained about everything. About the lack of proper food, lack of a proper bed, nice clothes. But the most she complained about him using his lightsaber, even if he was just deflecting a shots to save her life! Even that was too barbaric for her. ‘Because even extremists can be reasoned with.’ No matter the fact that the Death Watch will not. His whole jedi patience was being put to use here.
He knew that Satine meant well, but he also knew that her well-intentioned reforms will tear apart the very fabric of their society. But it wasn't his place to decide that, he's a jedi he can't interfere. His place is protecting Satine.
After Qui-Gon left, it got slightly better over time. Maybe because with Qui-Gon gone, Obi-Wan argued with Satine more, he made arguments and tried to make her see things from the others perspective. Such as in the case of the use of Mando'a. Satine was not happy that he was trying to learn it. He reasoned that it would help them blend in better and that they won't be labeled as outsiders so quickly. Also he can eavesdrop on other people's conversations to get better information. Satine didn't mention it after that, but Obi-Wan could tell she still didn't like it when he spoke it.
So Satine listened, but was still very stubborn about a most of things. That's why he gave her the nickname Atina from atin, which means stubborn in Mando'a, which Satine certainly was. And the fact that it pissed her off the first time she heard it. But it stuck to her.
Obi-Wan felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He had been on edge for too long, the tension of the chase, the fear of capture, and the constant threat of danger had taken their toll.
He looked at Satine, her eyes reflecting the same fatigue. She was strong, resilient, but he knew she was hurting. They had both been through so much.
They got up early in the morning to start their journey at sunrise. So that they might still blend with the shadows and escape the deathwatch undetected. Torin provided them with supplies for the road, that they didn't have time to purchase. Obi-Wan wanted to give him some credits, but Torin wouldn't hear of it.
“Vor'e, mhi gedeteya,” Obi-Wan thanked him, bowing his head slightly in gratitude, his voice a whisper in the stillness.
“Elek..., thank you for your hospitality,” said Satine, her voice still sounding tired.
“Naas waadas. (Don’t mention it.) K'oyacyi!” Torin bade them farewell and they were off.
As the sun climbed higher, casting sharp, unforgiving light across the barren landscape, Obi-Wan and Satine trudged onward.
The ground beneath their feet was rocky, which was a nice change from the endless sand. Jagged hills rose up around them, providing better cover.
As they traveled through the day, Obi-Wan felt the fatigue come over him again. The bacta from last night helped, but his injuries were still making themselves known. But he didn't let it slow him down. He wants to get them as far away as possible, from where they were last seen by the Death Watch, before nightfall.
Obi-Wan thoughts drifted back to Torin. A very honorable man, just like all traditionalists Mando'ade, they've met. He grew up with stories, where mandalorians were the bogeymen's, merciless and relentless. In reality, they were quite sincere people. Very straightforward, fiercely loyal to their traditions. Well, if you don't count the Death Watch, and the New Mandalorians don't quite fall into that category either. They were much less willing to have them stay over. At least until they found out who Satine was, then they could overextend themselves to win her favor.
The traditionalists helped them and wanted nothing in return. Even though they didn't know, who they are. But Obi-Wan wondered if they would be so forthcoming if they knew.
The Jedi, their ancient enemy, and after the disaster on Galidraan, not so ancient anymore.
The New Mandalorian duchess, who seeks to eradicate their culture.
Yeah, probably not.
Obi-Wan's musings were interrupted by a strong burning pain in his hand above his wrist.
He hissed, instinctively drawing his hand back. He quickly scanned the surroundings, his eyes darting from one shadowed rock formation to the next. No sign of Death Watch, no tell-tale glint of a blaster. He rolled up his sleeve, revealing his arm.
He peripherally saw, that Satine was also holding her arm. She, too, seemed to have suffered a similar injury.
Obi-Wan took a good look at his arm, and stood in shock with his mouth open.
There was a symbol on his arm that definitely wasn't there before. Some type of tattoo. A skull, pierced by a dagger shrouded in blue smoke, all encased within a circle. It was disturbing, and utterly unfamiliar. He had never seen anything like it before. Very strange indeed.
“Ben! What is that?” Satine asked.
“I don't know,” Obi-Wan breathed, his voice strained. “I've never heard of anything like this happening. I don't even recognize the symbol.”
“But I do,” Satine said, her voice tight with anger. “It's mythosaur skull, one of the traditional symbols of Mandalorian’s. Ugh, what a barbaric symbol! How dare it be tattooed on me! I am New Mandalorian duchess, I cannot carry this uncivilized symbol!” Satine shouted.
“Calm down, Satine,” Obi-Wan sighed. “We need to find out what this means. It's a mandalorian symbol, so have you ever heard of something like this happening?”
Satine shook her head, her eyes wide with uncertainty, “No Ben, I have not.”
Obi-Wan's mind raced, considering the implications of this unusual occurrence. He thought about what he knew about force marks. There were, of course, rituals to obtain markings, but none of them performed by Jedi. And he certainly hasn't heard of a situation where the force just marked someone, just like that. Obi-Wan also hadn't heard that Mandalore had any force traditions of its own.
He's got a bad feeling about this.
Obi-Wan thought about it for a moment and then said, “Six days' walk from here is a city Enceri. Do you have any allies there, Satine?”
“Hmm... oh yes, the Lagos live there,” Satine replied.
“So we go there, and I contact my master from there. I was going to contact him anyway and ask if it was finally safe to return to Sundari. I'm sure he'll have better knowledge than us.”
Satine, nodded in agreement, her face hardened with determination.
As the sun set, they finally stopped to rest for the night. They didn't dare to light a fire, they were still close to the place where they met Death Watch. Maybe tomorrow.
Obi-Wan took the first watch. For a while, he just played with the dagger, he had taken from the dead death watch warrior. He tossed it from hand to hand. It was a really precisely crafted weapon. From beskar, lightsabre resistant metal. Obi-Wan thinks he's gonna keep it, even though Satine and his master will certainly disapprove.
He decided to do a slight meditation, but not too deep, to not sense potential danger. Obi-Wan desperately needs to collect his thoughts. He hopes, that Qui-Gon will have answers to his questions. He can totally hear his voice, a mixture of amusement and exasperation. ‘What kind of mess did you get yourself into this time? Padawan mine.’
The days that followed were a relentless test of their endurance. They navigated treacherous rocky terrain, their bodies battered by the unforgiving elements. The weight of their situation pressed heavily upon them, each step a testament to their unwavering determination.
On the fifth day, after noon had passed, something has changed.
Obi-Wan got only a slight warning from the force, before it happened.
Tremendous white energy hit him out of nowhere. His senses were cut off, he got a terrible headache, everything was spinning. He couldn't even make out anything. And then it stopped.
Obi-Wan quickly jumped back to his feet and switched on his lightsaber, expecting an ambush from Death Watch, after being blinded by some kind of flash bomb.
But what he saw left him completely stunned for the second time in a few days.
The desolate, rocky landscape of Mandalore had vanished. Instead, they found themselves surrounded by a verdant forest, its ancient trees towering overhead and their branches forming a dense canopy that filtered the sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of pine needles and wildflowers, and the sound of birdsong filled the air.
Obi-Wan looked around, his companion equally bewildered. Satine stood nearby, her face etched with a mixture of shock and awe.
“What in the haran...” Satine muttered, unable to finish her sentence.
Obi-Wan reached out with the Force, probing the surrounding environment. The force felt different. Darker in some places but lighter in others? What?! A profound sense of confusion washed over him. What kind of osik is this?! Could it be related to the weird tattoos? He has too many questions, but no answers.
Obi-Wan knew he had a bad feeling.