Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Remembering a time before the mines was hard, being constantly surrounded by the stench of burnt flesh and the musk for hundreds of bodies clumped together in a small space. A space definitely not big enough for how many people were in here. It had been such a long time since Obi-Wan Kenobi, child of no one, no clan, had seen the sun. Felt air on his cheeks, or felt anything from the force.

He didn't know how long it had been, he had nothing to reference from to know what time it was. Being kicked out of the order at twelve was hard, just seeing and feeling the Master's disappointment had made it hard to breathe. Even now, stuck in the mines of Bandomeer, Obi-Wan tried not to think about it. Couldn't think about how he had failed, always failed no matter what he did. When those little thoughts trickled into his dreams, when he did dream, it was always the what-ifs. What could he have done better if he could go back, if he could go back to a time when he didn't have a bomb collar strapped to his neck, go back to a time when his stomach didn’t cramp from the lack of food. If he had just worked harder on every test, even if it cost him his sleep. Because at least he still would have been in the temple. Not stuck on some backwater planet, forced to mine at granite all day, just to go hungry when they were given a break.

—---------

Being brought out of a fitful sleep by a kick in the side was not his favorite way to wake up. When he didn't get up quick enough he felt a little zap go down his spine, he flinched. Trying to stifle any noises, he had learned early on that noises just brought more pain, he scrambled up.

Keeping his head down, as to not anger them more, he was pulled along towards the door of his cell. Blinking his eyes as bright lights passed by, he was dragged by a hand in his hair. Down too many hallways and through too many doors, they finally stopped in front of a door. Blinking, Obi-Wan tried to catch a glimpse of something, a name, anything. But too soon he was pulled through the door and into an opulent office, shelves stacked to the ceiling, covered in artifacts and bones.

Before he can react, Obi-Wan is pushed to his knees. They were already bruised, so the pain had worsened. Mind reeling, Obi-Wan pulls himself up, sitting back on his feet. He looks up to see Xa- The Master. He freezes. no not again please not again i already told you everything plea-. Obi-Wan feels a hot pain spread through his face, his head pulled to the side by the force of it. The Master had slapped him. Obi-Wan tries not to react outwardly. He makes his face blank, his eyes lose focus as he stares into space. Just don't react it doesn't hurt if you don't react.

—---------

Jaster woke up to his komrke beeping, sitting up to grab it. He flipped it over and turned it on. The message was from Kal Skirata: Jaster you better get your shebs to the bridge. We have an incoming transmission from Jettise’yaim. Jaster got up more quickly at that. The Jettise? What did they want with us? He rushed to put on his armor, feeling the urgency in his bones.

By the time he got to the bridge, all of his commandos were in the room. Some looked like they had just woken up, others looked like they were about to fall asleep. As Jaster walked into the room, the conversations lulled, everyone turning to him and raising their fists to their bes’karta. “At ease, verd’e. Kal” The man jolted when his name was said. “Bring up the message.” He reached for the holotable, bringing up the message from the Jetiise.

The holo came up with a dark-skinned man. He open his mouth, “Mand’alor Mereel, I am Jedi Master Mace Windu of the Jedi Order on Coruscant. I am calling for your aid in helping one of our own. One of our younglings by the name of Obi-Wan Kenobi, has been taken by a darksider. We only have so many resources to find him, and we fear that it will not be enough to save him. Please, get back to us as soon as you can. Use this number to contact me.” The Jedi, Mace Windu, signed off with a bow. The transmission blinked out, and the room was silent.

Obi-Wan Kenobi, what a terrible name for a child. What the ad must think of that name. “What will you have us do, alor?” Walon Vau spoke up, the rage in his voice barely tampered. Jaster thought for a moment, at a loss for words really. Why did the Jetiise need our help? Jaster ran a hand through his hair, sighing. “Let me contact this Jetii Master Windu, find out what other information he has on the ad.”

—--------

When the comm connected, Mace Windu was surprised to see a Mandalorian. He thought it would at least be a little while before he heard from anyone in the Mandalorian sector. “Jetii Master Mace Windu, I have received your message. I was surprised that you had reached out, knowing our peoples' long history with each other."

The man, Jaster Mereel, had his helmet off. Revealing a scarred face, a crooked nose from being broken too many times, and kind eyes. He is actually quite attractive. “Yes, I understand it is quite a shock but I have been left with no other options.” Mereel’s face hardened. “My fellow council members refuse to acknowledge that Obi-Wan is even a slave. My hands are tied, legally.” Mace sighed, his headache had been getting worse since Obi-Wan had been kicked out. 

Mereel was quiet for a moment before he spoke, “I am inclined to believe you, despite what are peoples’ have done to each other in the past. I have always strived for a better Mandalore and that includes better relations with the Jettise. What other information do you have on the ad?” Mereel’s harden face had softened some as the conversation had transitioned to the Initiate. “Obi-Wan is 13 years standard, his birth planet is Stewjon. He has bright red hair and blue eyes.” Mace closed his eyes for a moment. “I know, based on my own research, that Stewjoni are highly sought after by slavers. To leave him to the wolves would be a tragedy that I cannot let pass.” Yoda and his meddling have gone too far. “To endanger a child is not our way, just as I know it is not yours, Manda’lor.” Mereel’s face had hardened over the course of the conversation, he looked down-right murderous now. Though he had every right to be.

“Thank you for the information, Master Windu. We will see to it that Obi-Wan is found and brought to safety. If he chooses not to return to your order, we will gladly have him adopted into the Haat’Mando’Ade.” Mace felt relief wash over him, to know that Obi-Wan will have a place to go if he does not wish to return to the Order. He felt a pang of sadness at that thought, that one of their brightest students in the classroom and in the force, would not wish to come back. “I thank you Manda’lor, I had hoped that you would be kind enough to not just receive this message but be willing to help one of our own.” Mace gives a nod and a slight smile to the leader of the True Mandalorians. “ I will leave this comm link open if you have any questions or updates on the situation. Please do, by the way, keep me informed on the situation. I feel that my involvement in this will be crucial in the future.” Mereel nods, a smirk on his face. “We will definitely keep you updated, Jetti. To good hunting, Mereel out. Oya.” 

And so it begins.

Chapter Text

Obi-wan shivered as he looked around his cell, not for the first time he wished he could just end it. The cold floors were helping to center him from the ache in his very soul.  

Please, give me some sort of sign, i'm tired. i'm really tired. He started, not for the first time today, sobbing. Bone crushing, shoulder jerking sobbing. Gods he was so tired. 

The collar around his neck felt more heavy than it ever had. His skin felt so raw from how long it had sat, rubbing against his nape. 

The Master had not been to his cell in a while but he could still remember the lashings against his back and the feeling of his leg snapping. Not the first time that has happened, The Master loved to use bacta on the broken bones just to break them again. Just the sight of the smirk on his face made the sobs worse. 

Sobbing made his ribs hurt, at least one was broken. There could be more, he honestly couldn't remember much after the electric had coursed through his veins. Gods please let this end.

Obi-Wan’s ribs hurt really badly. The tunic he was using for his chest, as small as it was, was the only thing keeping his sanity intact.

—-----

Sitting in hyper space was never fun, there was only so much rereading the poor ad’s file and sparing with Kal that could be done before Jaster’s head exploded. The anticipation was almost too much to bear, almost. 

In his plight to find something to do, he messaged Jetii Mace Windu’s comm. The attractive Jetii and him had been in contact during the long down that Jaster had before they got to Bandomeer. Stop thinking of him as the attractive jetii, Jaster. He mentally berated himself. 

Kal had taken to laughing at him every time he smiles down at his comm. And every time Jaster just glares at him. 

Ever since Jaster and Kal had started their courtship, it wouldn't be surprising to find them huddled into a dark corner of the ship whispering sweet things to each other. If you asked anyone on the ship they would say that they were disgustingly in love with one another. 

“I don't know why you don't just ask him out already,” Kal sighs, from their shared bed. Jaster had been messaging him well into the night cycle on the ship. It was the final night before they would reach Bandomeer and then whatever they find there. 

Jaster glances over at his riduur, “I’m not going to ask him out.” He says firmly “We are here for the kid, not to find another partner. Plus he’s a Jetii, don’t they have some sort of code that will not let them pursue romantic relationships?” He looks almost sad at that, he had grown rather fond of Mace. 

Kal pulls him into a hug, taking his comm unit out of his hand and putting it on the table next to their bed. Jaster lays his head on his husband's chest, staying quiet for a moment. Just listening to his heartbeat. “You don't know that for sure, if you think you'll be happier with him i will understand,” Kals voice sounded thick with emotion, like he was close to tears. 

“Just because I want to be with him doesn't mean that I'm going to leave you behind.” Jaster took his riduur's crying face into his hand. “Hey, look at me,” Kal glanced up before looking away again. “I'm not leaving you for him, you know I would never do that to you. Ni kar'tayl. You are my husband, I didn't marry you just to cast you aside when I'm slightly attracted to someone else.” Kal gave him an incredulous look. “Ok, maybe a little more than slightly. But that's beside the point. I'm not going to leave you, cyare.” 

“I'm sorry, I'm so emotional at the moment, it's just been weighing on my mind. Watching you talk with him... it hurts,” Kal sniffed, wrapping his arms back around Jaster. He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. 

Jaster was quiet for a moment, before speaking softly. “I love you with all of my heart. cyare, I'm not leaving you for some Jetii. If you would like me to stop pursuing him I will. Ni kar’tayl darasuum.” 

“I can see the appeal of the Jetii, you don't have to stop pursuing him. Just keep me in the loop, I might try my chances as well.” Kal smirked. Jaster snorted. Before too long they were both drifting off to sleep.

When they both woke up the next morning to their alarm going off. They both felt the ship come out of hyperspace. Grumbling, they shifted up and over to their armor stands, putting on their beskar’gam. Mentally preparing for what they might find on the planet. 

Chapter Text

As Jaster and Kal got down to the surface of Bandomeer, they couldn't help but feel confused. This looked like a very normal industrialized planet. But that couldn't be right, from what Windu said, this planet was riddled with slavers and scum. Kal thought. He voiced these thoughts to Jaster, and he agreed with him. 

They headed towards the biggest facility, as they walked up two guards stopped them. The first spoke. Their hand raised, “State your business, mercenary.” 

“We would like to meet with your boss. Important business, if you catch my drift” Jaster spoke, bringing out his sleazy bounty hunter voice. Kal had to stifle a snort, choosing to cross his arms over his chest instead. The armor he was wearing was cheaply made and bent easily. They both chose to wear the cheap durasteel instead of their normal beskar’gam. It chafed in all the wrong places and made Kal feel exposed.

The first guard gestured to the second, who then raised their hand to where Kal assumed their internal commlink was. There was faint chattering for a minute before they spoke aloud. “The boss will see you now.” And stepped back hitting a button which opened the door. 

As Jaster and Kal crossed through the threshold, the hallway could only be described as opulent and garish. High ceilings and red carpet lined the floor under their boots. Gold lined trim could be found almost everywhere. Kal scoffed, the difference between the outside which was desolate and barren at best to this disgusting display of money and power was horrendous.

“At least we seem to be in the right place,” Jaster jokes. 

“Let's get this over with. I don't want to stay in this place more than I have to.” Kal shot back. They both strode towards the door at the end of the hall

—--------

The Master just found out he was wrapping his chest. Kark no nononononoplease no. He scrambled out of Masters hands, choking back tears as he dragged himself towards the corner of his cell. 

Hands reached out for ankles dragging him back towards his worst nightmare. Towards the thing that lingered in his dreams, turning them dark and cold. There was a hard yank on his injured leg, and he screamed. 

Pain bursting through his body, The Master loved to torment him. But this was worse. He didn't need the force to feel the rage and anger roiling off of the being above him.

He forced his muscles to relax, closing his eyes and waiting for the hits to come. 

They never did. Obi-Wan could faintly make out a comm beeping. He peaked an eye open, watching as The Master straightened up. “What is it?” He said, his voice making Obi-Wan flinch. 

“Sir, there are two mercenaries who would like to speak to you” The other voice said.

“Can it not wait? I'm busy playing with my pet.” Master glanced back at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan tried to stop himself from shivering, pulling his arms to his now bare chest. 

“It cannot, sir. They say it is important business.” The voice spoke up again. Causing The Master to growl. 

“I will be there soon, just send them to my office.” The Master said, the anger in his voice causing Obi-Wan to grow smaller on himself. Shrinking his shoulders in and pulling his knees in, even when it moved his bad knee. The poor joint would probably never be the same again.

“Yes, sir” The being said. And the comm cut off.

“You should be glad these bounty hunters showed up, slut. I was about to have so much fun with you, now that I know your little secret. Pet.” The Master stood up fully and strode out of the room. The door shut behind him and leaving Obi-Wan in complete darkness again. 

Obi-Wan started to sob. Knowing that the next time he saw Master he wouldn't survive. That would be the end.

—----

Jaster and Kal stood in front of the door, hitting the chime on the door for the third time. Kal huffed in irritation. “ Where is this ‘boss’ anyways?” He grumbles.

Just then the door opens up to reveal and even worse office. Complete with its own gold plated desk. Sitting behind it was a younger man, with dusty brown hair and a smirk on his face. 

“Come in and sit. I don't have all day.” The man spoke. Gesturing for them to come in, they both stepped through the door. It shut automatically behind them. 

They both stayed standing behind the two velvet chairs. Kal kept his arms crossed while Jaster kept a hand on the blaster on his belt. 

“Alright then,” The man narrowed his eyes, “What can I do for you gentlemen?” He sat back in his chair, playing with a knife that had been laying on the table. 

“We are looking for some fresh meat. If you know what I mean.” Jaster spoke, the sleazy voice making a reappearance. 

“And why come here? Zygerria always has the best bodies on the market.” The man paused, before speaking up again. “Or is it that your looking for something special, because lucky for you I have many in stock at the moment.”

“What kind?” Kal finally speaking up. Was he really about to show his hand that easily? 

“What kind are you looking for? Something young? Something rare?” The man smirked, teeth sparkling in the light.

“Something young for sure.” Kal felt sick just saying it. He swallowed hard. 

“He likes ‘em young, red hair if you've got it.” Jaster spoke, laying on the charm thick. All they needed was for the man to turn around and then they would burn this whole place down. 

“Oh, I've got a redhead alright. But that one is my personal helper. So it will cost you extra.” The man spoke.

“ Would we be able to see the product, before deciding on the purchase?” Jaster asked, his grip tightening minutely on his blaster. Kal thought he was going to throw up, this sounded worse and worse by the minute. 

“Of course, if you’ll follow me.” The man got up and walked over to a door on the side of the room, putting in a code. 

Both Kal and Jaster followed the man closely. Following him down copious amounts of hallways and through lots of doors before stopping in front of a random door. Putting in a code that opened up into a tiny dark room. 

That was when Kal stepped close behind the man, pulling the knife out man’s hand and stabbing him in the gut. He let out a gurgle before dropping in a heap, blood pooling onto the floor. They heard a scream and Kal’s head snapped up. Grey meeting bright blue.

Chapter Text

Obi-Wan had been stuck in his head ever since Master left, leaving Obi-Wan to the infinite silence and cold of his cell. Too caught up in his grief, in his almost guaranteed death. The world was not known to be kind but this was too much. 

The words felt stuck in his head, stuck on loop. You will die here. No one cares. He will kill you. You will die here.. No one cares.. He will kill you… If only he could feel the warm embrace of the force one more time. Feel its light and sweet comfort. 

And then the door opened. The bright lights of the hallway outside were shining in little crack around the person standing in the doorway. He squinted his eyes trying to see who it was only to recognize the face of his nightmare once again back to torment his every waking moment. He could never get a second of reprieve from this monster. 

Just then an arm came out of nowhere grabbing the knife that Obi-Wan just noticed was in The Masters hand. The arm pulled it out of his grip and shoved it into his chest. Obi-Wan watched as the man gurgled as the knife was moved and made another hole in The Master’s chest. 

He watched as the man fell forward and collapse in a pool of his own blood. And Obi-Wan screamed.

—-----

Of course Kal couldn't wait until they got the kid out of the way. Jaster thought as he watched the man twitch, pool of blood growing larger. 

A scream from inside made his head shoot up. 

In the corner of the room sat a small ad. The kid couldn’t be more than ten, by the size of them. They had a shock of what could be red hair, if it wasn't for the dirt that matted it. Speaking of dirt, the ad was covered in it. The rags that used to be clothes were barely on their tiny frame. A nasty bruise could be seen on the ad’s face, taking over most of the freckled skin of their cheek. 

Rage took over his brain. He was seeing red. Who would dare to hurt a child, to leave a bruise on a child so bad that the bone under it has to have been broken. It was unthinkable to hurt an ad. To hurt a child was punishable by death. Good thing Kal already took care of the demagolka.  

The poor kid looked terrified, their little body trembling against the walls that they were pressed up against. 

“Is your name Obi-Wan Kenobi, ad’ika?” Jaster spoke up first, carefully keeping the rage out of his voice. It took a lot of energy to stop it from trembling. 

The ad’s eyes widened, face crumbling as they tried to move even more into the corner. There was no more space. Jaster caught a glimpse of something on their neck, a collar. They nodded their head slightly, their arms tightening around their chest. 

“Thats good to hear, the Jedi sent us.” Kal finally spoke up, dropping the knife with a clang, he showed both of his hands. 

The ad’s face brightened. “R- Really? I th- thought they didn’t want me a- anymore.. I’m already twelve, n- no master would take m- me” The ad’s voice was rough and scratchy from disuse, they kept stuttering over simple words. 

Twelve 

The ad was twelve, or so they said. But they are so small. Jaster thought, a noise escaping his throat. The ad’s- Obi-Wan’s - lip was trembling. They tried moving their right leg only for them to give up on that, a wince coming over their face. More injuries then.  

“You need medical attention, ad’ika.” Kal said gently. Moving a little closer to Obi-Wan. 

The ad nodded, “Will you be there?” 

“Do you want us to be there?” Jaster spoke up, taking off the cheep helmet that he had been wearing. 

The ad was quiet for a moment, seemingly deciding if they could trust these two armored strangers. Making up their mind, they shifted forward and started to pulled themself across the dirty concrete. 

“Can you not stand on your leg, ad’ika?” Kal asked, stepping closer to the struggling child.

Obi-Wan grunted as they pulled themself closer to Jaster and Kal, legs dragging behind them. “No, The Master broke it a while ago. I don't know how long ago it was. I just know that it hurts.”

“Could I pick you up, Obi-Wan?” Jaster asked, kneeling down in front of them. They stopped struggling, pulling themself up on their forearms. 

“Could you?” The child asked gently. A pleading look in their eyes. 

“C'mere” Jaster said, pulling Obi-Wan into his arms and standing up. The ad was way to light for their age. Jaster made a mental note to tell Mij. 

Speaking of, he looked over at Kal. Giving him a silent look to call the medic and tell them they were coming in with the kid. 

And so they started the long journey back to the ship and to Mij.

Chapter Text

The ad- Obi-Wan, fell into a fitful sleep almost as soon as they walked back out into the hallway. Their red-haired head resting on his riduur’s red pauldron. The scrawny ad twitched in their sleep randomly, like they were having a nightmare or flinching away from an invisible touch. 

“Cyare, if you see anyone shoot on sight. Obi-Wan needs medical attention as soon as possible and anymore time I spend in here is going to send me into a rage.” Jaster spoke through their internal comms, his voice rough and sharp. 

Kal glanced at his husband, taking in the shaking hands and tense shoulders. He stopped, turning to his riduur, “Jaster take a deep breath for me,” Jaster let his shoulders drop. Obi-Wan’s head rolled to the side, though he didn't wake up, thankfully. Jaster took a deep breath, “Thank you, love. Let's get this ad to Mij.”

Jaster nodded, turning and starting to walk down the hallway again. Kal following close behind him. 

—-------

As they came up on the ship, Obi-Wan shifted. Blinking blearly, they reached for their shirt pulling it back up over their boney shoulder. They huddled closer to Jaster and he couldn't help but look down with soft eyes at the ad’s sleepy expression.

Once they reached the ramp up to the ship, Jaster looked to see Mij jogging down the ramp towards them. 

“So this is the ad,” Mij said, his helmet off so Jaster could see his expression. He looked worried. “Come, lets get them to the medbay.” Mij stated, turning around and marching back up the ramp, Jaster and Kal following close behind him. 

As soon as they entered the medbay, Mij motioned them over, pointing to an empty bed in front of them. “Put the kid down there, and then get out.” 

Just then Obi-Wan squirmed, trying to escape Jaster’s grip. They whimpered, clawing at Jaster’s hands. “Please, let me go! No more. You promised I would be safe!” The kid sobbed, squirming harder. 

Mij moved closer, hand reaching out to the terrified kid in Jaster’s arms. As soon as Mij’s hand got close to Obi-Wan’s shoulder, they reacted. Lurching towards Mij’s hand, mouth snapping around his hand.

Mij cursed, pulling back his bleeding hand. “Ad, biting people is not polite.” He turned away, grabbing a bacta patch and wrapping it around his still bleeding hand. “Jaster put them down on the bed, please.” 

Jaster walked over to the bed, slowly leaning down to put the ad on the bed. “No! You promised! Please, not again. Please never again, please! You promised that you wouldn't hurt me!” The child clawed at Jaster again, thin fingers digging in between his chest plate and his kute. Legs wrapping even tighter around his waist.

“Ad, you need to let go. Mij is not here to hurt you. Hes here to help you so then you can go back to the Jetiise. I need you to let go of my armor, so that Mij can make sure your ok. Alright?” Jaster spoke softly to the sobbing child, the poor thing was terrified. Body jolting with the strength of their tears.

“Please ad, Jaster is telling the truth. His word is true, no harm will come to you while you are with us.” Kal spoke up, voice calm and gentle. 

At first it seemed like Obi-Wan had not heard them. But after a couple of minutes had gone by Obi-Wan started to calm. Their shoulders started to fall and their body going limp. Tears still streamed down their face but they stopped squirming so Jaster took it as a win. 

Carefully he placed them down on the cot, backing away from them slowly. The ad arms came up immediately around their torso, they held their knee at a weird angle that had to have hurt. 

“Thank you Jaster, now if you could leave me with my patient that would be most helpful.” He turned to Obi-Wan. “If it makes you feel better ad, they will be right outside the door.” Mij said, face softening. 

Jaster nodded, “Me and Kal will be right outside, now be nice to Mij, he's sensitive.” That got a tiny crack of a smile on their bruised face.

Chapter Text

Obi-Wan sniffed. His leg really hurt, the joint was throbbing. Obi-Wan had not taken his eyes off the door since the two Mandalorians had left through it. The Mandalorian they had left him with was still bandaging his hand up. 

Obi-Wan felt a bit bad about biting the mans hand. For a second he had almost feared he would be hit for it, but weirdly enough, no one seemed to do that. It was strange, after so long of being hit for fighting back. To not be hit was both relieving and worrying, because maybe the punishments will be worse. 

Obi-Wan tried not to think about that, about the sting of skin meeting skin. He was then pulled out of his thoughts by the man he had bitten pulling up a hover chair and sitting down in it. 

“My name is Mij Gilamar, can you tell me your name?” The man, Mij, said. His voice was almost soothing reminding Obi-Wan of his old creche master. His voice reminded him of a light airy breeze on a field full of flowers. There was still a toughness to it, like the earth underneath those soft flowers. All the Mandalorians seemed to have that toughness even if they tried to hide it. 

“Ad?”, The man spoke again, making Obi-Wan flinch. 

“Yes?” Obi-Wan said quietly. 

“Can you tell me your name?” Mij asked. 

“Obi-Wan,” Obi-Wan’s hands shook as he said it. It felt like the nerves in them were on fire. He felt that fire shoot up his arms. He tried to hold back a wince. 

“Thank you Obi-Wan, can you tell me how old you are?” 

“I know I’m twelve. I don't know how long it has been since I left.” Obi-Wan said sadly. 

“Thats ok, obi’ika. Is it ok if i start examining you?” Mij asked, holding up a scanner.

Obi-Wan nods and Mij gets to work, moving the scanner up and down and around his body. “What hurts the most?” Mij asks gently. 

Obi-Wan thought for a sec, brief flashes of pain and hurt crossed over his mind. “My right knee” He says with as much conviction as he can muster. 

“What happened to it?” 

“The Master broke it when i tried to run away from him.” Obi-Wan wanted to puke, badly.

“Let’s get it looked at alright?” Mij waited until Obi-Wan gave him a nod, and then he got to work. 

Mij gently placed a hand of Obi-Wan’s knee, pulling aside his tattered pants. This was the first good look Obi-Wan had gotten of his knee since it happened, but it looked bad. It looked like the twisted roots from one of the trees in the Room of a Thousand Fountains.

It almost looked comforting in a sick way. 

—------

Mij had a feeling as soon as he saw the kid in jaster’s arms, that there would be something special about them. Even with their dirty reddish hair, and their bruise covered face. They would bring greatness upon all that they touched. Maybe the kara was whispering things into his ears again.

But now, as he held this poor ad’s mangled knee in his rough hands, he knew the kara was right. 

He swallowed harshly, “Im going to use the scanner on your knee, but i think we both know that it is broken.” 

The ad looked crushed but nodded. 

Mij pressed the button on the side of the scanner and it started the process of x-raying Obi-Wan’s knee. The test results came back unsurprising, broken kneecap and surrounding bones. Multiple breaks from the looks of it. 

Mij sighed, placing the scanner back on his belt. “You are going to have to have surgery on this.” 

Obi-Wan nodded. Mij look up at the ad’s tattered clothes covering their chest. They seemed to be breathing weird, almost like it was hard for them.

“What happened to your chest, obi’ika? Does it hurt there too?” Mij asked. 

The change in demeanor is immediate, Obi-Wan’s face hardens and he pulls back as far as their knee will allow. They bared their teeth at him. Mij moved back swiftly, not wishing to startle the little jetii. 

“No more. I want the man with the red armor.”

Chapter Text

Jaster and Kal had been sipping on some caf when Jaster had gotten the message. His comm had started blinking. His husband had noticed it first and had nudged him in the side, Jaster startled awake, rubbing his eyes before speaking. 

“Yes cyare?” 

“Your comm is blinking, and I’m going to make a pretty good guess and say it from the baar’ur.” Kal said.

Jaster never got used to looking into his lovers eyes. They always reminded him of the living waters below Keldabe, he always got lost in their depths. 

Jaster didn't even notice as Kal reached over and plucked the comm off of Jaster’s vambrace and pulled it to his mouth. 

“This is Kal”

Mij answered back, “You and your riduur better get down here, the ad is getting more distressed by the minute. He keeps asking for Jaster.”

“Ok thank you, Mij. We are headed your way now.” Jaster answered, after pulling himself out of his husband’s eyes. 

The comm shuts off, as Jaster and Kal quickly make their way to the baar’ur’s den. 

—-------

Obi-Wan couldn't stop crying, the world was caving in again. He had pulled himself under the medical bed, away from the monsters and away from the pain. It was all consuming, pulling his mind away from the present. Pulling it down and down and down. Into the waves. 

He could hear the doctors voice echoing, but he couldn't make out what the man was saying. His throat hurt, almost like he was screaming. That was unbecoming of Jedi. A dark thought crossed over his mind.

  But you're not a Jedi are you, little one.

 It was like his mind was taunting him. It felt like when bruck died.

You killed him. 

You know what you did. 

“Im sorry” He sobbed. 

Pulling what was left of his tattered robes towards himself. Trying desperately to cover his chest. No one can know, no one can see. 

Just then, he saw a face. Then he saw the armor, he knew that armor. This was Jaster, and Jaster said the he wouldn't hurt Obi-Wan. 

Obi-Wan sniffed, wiping his snot covered nose on his arm. 

“Obi-Wan. Can you come out of there? We want to make sure your knee is ok.” Jaster looked calm and safe. A safe person. 

Obi-Wan pulled himself closer to Jaster, into his waiting arms. And Obi-Wan cried. 

—------

Jaster pulled the sobbing kid into his lap, being sure to watch their knee. 

He had seen the way they pulled their clothes closer, ever closer to their chest. Like they were trying to cover it. 

He looked up at his husband, motioning to the blanket that was on the bed. Kal pulled it off the bed and gave it to him. Jaster then pulled it around the ad’s shoulders, making sure it was fully covering their shaking body. 

“What is wrong, ad’ika?” 

“No one is supposed to see.” They croaked. 

“No one is supposed to see what?” 

“Me” They closed their eyes tightly. 

“Did something happen to your chest?” 

The ad shook their head quickly, curling up tighter. 

“We need to make sure your chest is ok. Would you rather just show me and have the other leave?” 

The ad paused, obviously mulling it over. It took a little bit before they nodded. 

Jaster nodded looking to Kal and Mij. They both looked a bit concerned but nodded, making their way out of the room. The door shutting behind them with a click. 

“Mij and Kal left, its just us in the room. Can you show me where it hurts?”

Obi-Wan moved pulling up their shirt to show bruised and very broken ribs. You could see their shaky breathing. 

“I’m…. I’m trans.” Obi-Wan sounded almost… scared.

Jaster breathed in quickly. “Ok, thank you for telling me. What are your preferred pronouns, ad?” 

“He and him.” Obi-Wan says quietly. 

Jaster suddenly pulls the boy into a soft hug.

Chapter Text

Being on the Mandalorians ship was peaceful. No one was yelling at him to keep digging, no one was threatening to blow him up. And everyone was calling him a boy, they were actually listening to him! 

The Mandalorian, Jaster, was apparently their leader, which worried Obi-Wan. Why would the leader of the Mandalorians come to get him? Nothing made sense anymore. 

Jaster had told him that they were a day out from Coruscant. Obi-Wan had mixed feelings about that, did the Jedi even want to see him? That thought made a lump form in Obi-Wan’s throat. He tried not to stray to those thoughts. A knock on the door pulled Obi-Wan out of his thoughts. 

“Come in.” Obi-Wan says.

Jaster pokes his head in, “Can me and Kal come in? We wanted to talk to you about something.” 

Obi-Wan nods. Watching as they both walked in and closed the door behind them. Obi-Wan started getting nervous. What did they need to talk about? 

Kal stayed close to the door, he was fidgeting with his gauntlet. He seemed to be trying to hide it too. Jaster had moved to sit in the chair that was next to Obi-Wan’s bed. He seemed nervous too. 

“Ad. We know the Jedi haven't exactly been treating you well, and if you ever feel like you dont belong there we want you to know you will always have a place with us. We wanted to formally ask you if you would like to be our child?” Jaster rambles. He looks hopeful and scared. Kal swallows hard. 

They were asking him to their child? Why him? Not even the Jedi wanted him, no master would take him on as a padawan. “Why me?” Obi-Wan says a loud. 

“Well for one ad, you have shown lots of strength in areas most children would have crumbled. Plus, if we don't, Mij has already said he would.” Kal states, earning a kick in the shin from Jaster.

“If you would rather be with him or someone else just tell us to kark off, we will respect your decision no matter what it is.” Jaster says, with a nod.

Obi-Wan didn't know what to do, on one hand he always wanted parents. But on the other hand if he said yes to the adoption does that mean he can't be a Jedi anymore? He still wanted to be a Jedi when they took him back. If they took him back.  

He then realized he hadn't made a response in a good time, so he just nodded. He refocused on the men in front of him. Jaster looked like he was barely holding his emotions in check. Kal looked very hopeful.

“Will I still be able to be a Jedi?” Obi-Wan hoped they would say yes, that was his only purpose.

“If you wish, Whatever you would like you can have, young one.” Jaster says, his voice thick with emotion. 

“Then yes, I would like to be your child.” 

Then, at lightning fast speed they both dropped to their knees in front of the cot Obi-Wan had been sleeping on. They each took one of his bandaged hands, being oh so gentle with the healing joints. They both looked at him with adoration and awe. Three sets of blue eyes stared at each other for a moment. Then in tandem the two men spoke. 

“Ni kyr’tayl gai sa’ad- Obi-Wan. We know your name as our child.” 

Oh.

Obi-Wan felt something wet hit his hand, he went to rub his face of the tears that he knew were falling. But then Kal reached up and swiped some of them away. Jaster and Kal both had tears streaming down their faces too. 

“It’s ok ad’ika, let it out.” Jaster says, his voice cracking from the tears. “You're safe.”

And for the first time in a long time, Obi-Wan did indeed feel safe.

Chapter Text

Obi-Wan could hear arguing in the Council Chamber. Many different voices were shouting, though Obi-Wan didn't know what they were saying. It was too muffled to pick up from a bench next to the desk that a senior padawan was typing away on a data pad on. They did not seem fazed by the shouting but that did nothing to ease Obi-Wan’s anxiety. 

The shouting had started a little bit ago. He didn't know why they were arguing but it probably had something to do with him. He had always been a topic that was argued about. 

Thinking back on it now, he could remember when he was really young and his Creche Master was arguing with someone outside of his door. His door was not as thick as the council's door so he could hear their whole conversation. 

“She is getting more angry by the day.” His Creche Master, Aniel, says.

“She is young, all children are angry at that age.” The other person says.

“I know, I am holding out hope that she will smooth out as she gets older.” Master Aniel says. Her voice sounds angry. 

“Keep reporting to me on her behavior.” The other person orders. 

He had been four when that happened, it wouldn't be until two standard years later that he realized he wasn't a girl. Most people had been supportive but some of his age mates still called him by his deadname. Then the arguing continued, it always did. Obi-Wan was always seen as something to laugh and get angry at. He could never do anything right. 

The arguing stopped. That made Obi-Wan worry more. Were they going to kick him out? Send him away and back into the hands of slavers?

He wasn't a good candidate as a padawan anymore, he had seen too much, felt too much. He was scarred. He could bet all of his belongings that he looked terrible right now. Maybe they were arguing that Jaster and Kal couldn't be his dads. Maybe they would take him away from them, he hoped that wasn't the case. He had always wanted to be close to someone, he didn't want to lose them so quickly. 

—------

On one hand, Jaster was happy to finally meet Mace in person. On the other hand, Jaster really wanted to punch someone. Half of the council seemed adamant on returning Obi-Wan to Jinn’s care, while the other half couldn't stop bringing up the fact that Jaster and Kal had adopted Obi-Wan. 

“Why are you trying to send Obi-Wan to someone that does not seem to care about him? I have not met this Jetti Jinn but it seems like he is not fit to train Obi-Wan.” Kal speaks up over the shouts. The makes the room go silent. 

“Bring Obi-Wan in, we shall. The truth, from him, I would like to hear.” 

The doors open revealing the tiny boy, fidgeting with his fingers. 

“Step forward, young Kenobi. We would like some things clarified.” Mace says. His voice sounds strained, almost like he has a headache. 

Obi-Wan walks forward until he's standing right in front of Kal and Jaster. He bows to them before lowering his head, looking at the ground. He’s shaking slightly.  

“Could you recount what happened when you left the temple with Master Jinn?” 

The boy hesitated before nodding. Then he began recounting what happened. Telling the Jetti about how this Jinn would ignore him, saying how he had own mission to focus on and that Obi-Wan needed to prepare himself to join the Agricorps. How they had been attacked by pirates, and then Obi-Wan was then subsequently taken by the pirates and sold into slavery. 

How Xanatos had gotten ahold of him and seemed to make Obi-Wan his personal slave. Working him hard in the mines and then starving and beating him. The list of things that the man did to Obi-Wan went on and on. Obi-Wan seemed to get more and more choked up as went on about what The Master had done to him. He said that the man had found out that he was covering his chest and threatened to do terrible things to this child. But that was when Jaster and Kal had shown up and taken him away from that awful place. Letting Mij take care of him and Jaster and Kal adopting him. Obi-Wan kept repeating that he was really happy that they had adopted him. By the end of his recounting of the events he had tears rolling down his cheeks. 

Jaster pulled Obi-Wan into a hug, reassuring him that he was safe and that he would never go back to that place. Obi-Wan didn't give an answer but he seemed to relax into Jaster’s arms. Jaster looked up to everyone’s eyes on them. He only met Mace’s eyes, he seemed beyond saddened by the events that Obi-Wan just told them. Mace glanced at Master Jetti Yoda, his eyes hardened. It was obvious that Yoda had something to do with all of this, though Jaster didn't know how. 

“Thank you for sharing that with us, young one. We will retire for the moment to think on what you have said and what the best course of action will be.” The Kel Dor Master says, bowing his head to the three of them. 

Jaster nodded his head standing back up to his full height, still holding Obi-Wan’s hand. He glances at Kal, nodding to him. The three make their way towards the door, slow because Obi-Wan still has a limp. He may have one for the rest of his life. 

Jaster doesn't know what will happen, but as long as Obi-Wan is happy it doesn't matter. 

Chapter Text

Life at the Jetii temple was peaceful. Children were laughing and things were not at all like what Kal had been led to believe. None of the emotionless beings most of the galaxy thought the Jetii to be. Obi-Wan seemed to be at peace here, sitting with his friends at midmeal and reading books in the library. That was his riduur’s favorite part. He would wander off into the great unknown, coming back with mountains of datapads and actual paper books. 

Kal was content to sit back and listen to Obi-Wan and Jaster argue on whether or not one thing was better than the other. They seemed to genuinely like doing it so Kal hasn't interfered yet. 

There was also the head librarian, Madame Nu. If Kal didnt know for sure that Jaster was only after men he would've thought Jaster had a crush on the woman. The way he would talk about some subjects made Kal know he had chosen the right person, he would get so excited about some subjects, just light up with it. 

Kal had been doing a lot of thinking, mostly about the Jedi that had snuck his way into both his and Jaster’s hearts. Just seeing him in person for the first time made it all become more real. He wanted to be able to talk to the man, hopefully the crush was reciprocated. 

Obi-Wan let out a shriek, Jaster seemed to be holding a tome away from the boy. He was smiling, that was such a rare thing from him. It made his entire face light up like the sun on a summer’s day. His sun. His son. 

—-----

Mace had a headache. On one hand, the things that Obi-Wan had admitted to were worrying. That counted with the fact that Jinn had not been answering his comm. On the other hand, seeing Jaster and Kal in person for the first time was exhilarating. Both men were beautiful, Jaster was taller and leaner, while Kal was shorter and more stocky. Kal’s armor was gold and red lined while Jaster’s was black and red lined. One of each of their gauntlets was switched out for their partner’s. Maybe it was to signify a relationship? Mace hoped not. He wanted to be with them. 

The meeting was coming to an end, everyone’s faces read as exhausted and needing a nap. All Mace wanted to do was find those two beautiful men. As soon as the meeting was officially over, Mace walked calmly out of the council chamber. Calmly meaning, at a brisk pace. He pinpointed Obi-Wan’s force signature. As he came up to the library doors, he honestly wasn't shocked that they were in there. 

Mace took a moment to straighten out his robes, taking a calming breath as he walked in. He could hear laughter and saw Madame Nu’s flat expression and knew the laughter was coming from Obi-Wan.  

He made his way over to the corner where the small family was sitting. They all froze. The scene made Mace want to burst out laughing. Jaster had an old tome in one of his hands while the other one was holding Obi-Wan by the face. The Obi-Wan in question was reaching out for said tome. Kal was looking at Mace with an odd look. 

“Causing trouble, Mand’alor?” Mace says, trying to keep a straight face.

“Never.” Jaster replies. 

Mace snorts, not fully able to keep the smile off his face. “Obi-Wan, Quinlan Vos just got back from his mission with Master Tholme. I would head him off now before he tries to rip someone's head off.”

Obi-Wan looks hopeful and gets up from his seat, saying what must be goodbye in the Mandalorian language. Nodding to Mace, he leaves. Jaster looks a bit nervous watching Obi-Wan limp out of the hall. 

“He looks different.” Mace muses.

“What do you mean?” Kal speaks up.

“He’s not the same kid that I watched grow up. It’s nice to see him smiling again. I believe you guys will do right by him.” Mace looks at them.

“We will.” Jaster says with so much conviction that Mace feels it in his bones. 

Mace looked at both of them in turn, just wishing he could let them know he loved them. I Love You Both. 

“Your eyes are very… bright, Kal.” Mace stuttered out. Fuck. He stood up, making his way towards the exit. Needing to escape the embarrassment he had just endured. Shit, he just flirted with the Mand’alor’s second. In front of his other crush no less. Leave. You need to leave. 

—----

Jaster sat still for a moment. Had Mace just complimented Kal? This is what they had wanted! Kark, and he was running away from them. Jaster looked at Kal, meeting his eyes before standing and making chase after the Jetii Ba’jur. 

They needed to catch up to him before he disappeared into the maze that was this temple. Kal got to him first, grabbing him by the wrist and pulling him into a side hallway. Somewhere that was kind of isolated and private. 

“Mace, wait. We need to talk about this. Please.” Kal pleads, pressing Mace in the stone wall. Distantly, Jaster was surprised that Kal said please. The man wasn't known for his niceties. 

Mace was quiet for a moment, not meeting either man’s eyes. “Let's move this to my quarters.” He sounded almost resigned, defeated. He started walking away, making a motion for Jaster and Kal to follow. 

Jaster’s heart sped up. They were going to get to see Mace’s private quarters. They followed the man through many corridors, many other Jetii greeted the man as he passed. They soon stopped in front of a indscript door. Except for the plaque on the middle of the door, though Jaster didn't recognize the language it was in he had to assume it was Mace’s name. Mace waved his hand over the keyboard and the door slid open.

All three men walked into the space, Jaster took in how lovely it was. One wall was just a bookshelf full of books. By the window there were vine plants and flowers growing in pots. This karyai was well loved and lived in. Kal cleared his throat, pulling Jaster out of his thoughts. Mace was in the kitchen area fiddling with something. Kal motioned toward the comfy looking couch. They both placed their helmets on the table in front of the couch and sat back. Watching Mace bring over a tea kettle and three cups. He placed them on the table, sitting in a chair on the other side of the table. 

“Help yourself. It's chamomile.” Mace says quickly, his hands look like they are shaking. 

Jaster leaned forward, pouring himself a cup before sitting back again. 

“So what did you need to talk about?” Mace breaks the silence after a couple minutes. 

“It's about us.” Jaster speaks up. 

“What Jaster is trying to say is that we care for you deeply and we need to know if you feel the same. Jaster and I are already in a relationship and have been for a while. But that doesn't change the way we both feel about you.”

“I think I love you both too” Mace says quickly, the timber in his voice making it gravely and rough. 

Kal gets up from his seat, moving around the table and grabbing Mace’s face. “Please tell me you want this too.” He says desperately. 

Mace just nods, allowing Kal to kiss him hard. But just as quickly as it had started it ended. Kal whispered something Jaster didn't hear to Mace. Mace nods, standing up and moving to stand in front of Jaster. Jaster stands up, looking Mace in his honey colored eyes. Mace places a shaky hand onto Jaster’s right cheek. He slowly pulls Jaster’s face into his. Their lips touch and suddenly the world is ok for a little while. 

Chapter Text

“Qui-gon’s padawan, you will be.” Those words echoed in Obi-Wan’s mind. His buir’s had to leave for an emergency, leaving him alone in the Council Chamber. All he felt was numbness, he felt hardly anything at all. Obi-Wan then realized he had taken too long to respond. 

“Yes, Master.” He bowed. Keeping his head down. Just don't say anything wrong. They are doing you a favor by letting you be a padawan. Obi-Wan takes a deep breath. Keeping his hands behind himself so no one could see them tremble. 

He could hear someone talking but couldn't make out the words in this state. He just wanted to sleep, and meditate. Yes, meditating would help. 

“Master’s, could I be excused to go meditate?” He asks, quietly. 

“Yes, you may, Obi-Wan.” Master Windu responds. 

Obi-Wan bows and turns to leave the room. Making his way towards the dorms, he feels eyes on him. He pulls his shoulders into himself. He hated the eyes on him. The whispers that followed him all the way to his room. Once the door shut he breathed a sigh of relief. 

He walks over to his bed, sitting down on it. He pulls his knees under himself, and takes a few calming breaths as he falls into meditation. He thinks of the numbness and tries to throw it into the force, moving on to the other emotions that he felt standing in front of the Council. I miss my dads. 

—---------

Mace had to hold his tongue so as not to snap at Yoda. Pushing the poor boy back onto a master who was not even here was so aggravating. He watched as Obi-Wan walked out of the room. The boy looked so sad, but he put on a good front for his fellow councilors. 

“Master Yoda, with all due respect, you knew I wanted to take Obi-Wan on as my padawan. So why didn't you give Obi-Wan the chance to make his own decision.” What he didn't say was how underhanded it was to wait until the boy’s fathers left. They should have been in on the conversation seeing as they were the leaders of the Mandalorian empire and could be slighted by this transgression. 

“Qui-gon’s padawan, Obi-Wan is to be. The will of the force, it is.” Yoda responds. 

“Obi-Wan was given no options for his own future, he is not a toy. He is a human boy, who has his own thoughts and opinions.” Mace can feel the anger creep up on his mind. He swiftly pushes it away and takes a deep breath. 

“Careful of your emotions, you should be. Don't let them cloud your judgement, hrmp. Too close to this, you are.” Yoda looks down his nose. 

Mace sighs, “There is nothing to be done now, all we can do is hope Qui-gon will answer us. Let us move on to the recent outbreak in the Nimiodia system.” 

—--------

Kal had had a bad feeling as soon as they had left the Jetii Temple, and he told Jaster as much. 

“I understand you did not want to leave him there, but Kyr’tsad was sighted on Concord Dawn. This could be our chance to take them down.” Jaster responded. 

“I know, we had just finally gotten him to smile. Plus, Mace is very new in this relationship. I didn't want to have to leave so soon.” Kal felt frustrated. Kyr’tsad had the worst timing. 

……….

As it turned out the sightings were true. Kal mused from the safe house they were in. Kyr’tsad had been bombing settlements to get their attention. Stealing children and burning crops. Jaster was not in the best of moods, all things considered. But the clan they were with right now had been very accommodating. Clan Fett had been one of the fiercer clans helping in their cause. They had been pledged to the Mand’alor for a while now, so they stepped up to bring in more smaller clans to help with the fighting. And today was the day. 

“Mereel! This ends now. Come out with your hands up, and kneel before me!” Tor could be heard yelling from outside. Jaster looked over at Kal. Gave him a look that said I love you and pulled his buy’ce on. Kal stood up too, this would end today. Only one person would come out alive from this fight. Kal prayed that it would be his husband. 

The door opened and Jaster went first followed closely by Kal and the Fetts. Westar-30s raised at Kyr’tsad’s leader Jaster yelled out. 

“You will die for what you've done, Killing children is not our way of life! Dar’manda! Demagolka.” 

So the battle began, Kal and the older Fetts taking pot shots at the surrounding warriors while Jaster faced off with Tor Vizsla. There was a cry, and Kal looked over to see Jaster go down hard. Kal wanted to scream. Kal redirected his fire at Tor, trying desperately to distract him. And it worked. He gave his riduur enough time to pull at Tor’s leg. Bringing him down onto the ground and they started grappling. 

Kal turned just in time to see one of the older Fetts go down and he mourned that loss. The battle was almost over. Over the blaster fire and smoke you could hear a great cry as Jaster sunk his knife, his kal. Into the neck of Kyr’tsad’s leader. He was dead before he even hit the ground. 

Jaster raised up his knife, blood and dirt drenched his hand. “Your leader is dead, for those who wish to flee now, do it. We will not be kind to you, for those who wish to stay you will either make amends or have your armor stripped from you. That is my deal.” 

All Kal could feel was relief and no small amount of attraction to his Riduur.

Chapter Text

Obi-Wan had a bad feeling as soon as they exited hyperspace. Well, really when his master had told him of their mission. It sounded rather simple, even if the force kept poking at him that something wasn't right. As they made their descent onto the planet known as Melida/daan, Obi-Wan couldn't help but give Master Qui-gon a worried look. The state of the planet was not good. Buildings that once were probably skyscrapers laid as rubble across the ground. As Master Qui-Gon turned the ship towards their landing site, Obi-Wan couldn't help but feel his heart beating faster. Something was wrong.

“I have a bad feeling, Master.” Obi-Wan finally speaks up after Master Qui-Gon lands the ship.

“You need to stay in the here and now, Padawan. Focus on the present.” Master Qui-Gon says sternly in return. Obi-Wan can see the scowl on his face even from the seat behind him. He feels his heart drop. It had been like this for the past 4 months. Obi-Wan would bring up his feelings on the matter and Master Qui-Gon would shoot them down. Telling him that if he focused half as much on the ‘real’ world instead of his ‘feelings’ he might've gotten picked by a Master. There was always a tone of frustration that came along with those words. 

Obi-Wan was pulled out of his thoughts by the landing bay opening up. He hurried to grab his robe and follow his master out of the ship. His master seemed to be talking to the leader of the planet. He resisted the urge to start fiddling with the small braid that he had. There was only one bead, but he had only been a padawan for 4 months. It's not like he had many achievements. Obi-Wan knew he should be more grateful for Master Qui-gon agreeing to take him on. No one else wanted to train him. He knew he was emotional, but he had gotten better. Master Qui-gon had even given him a book as a late birthday present.

“Padawan come. The leader of Melida has welcomed us to stay in his palace.” Qui-Gon doesn't even give a glance in his direction. 

Obi-Wan nods, following quickly behind his master. Keeping his head down. He didn't trust the man they were following. He acted like the slavers, all high and mighty. Like he expected everything to be given to him with the snap of a finger. 

This place seemed too quiet, Obi-Wan mused. As they walked through the halls of this lavish building, which could have been a town hall in a past life, Obi-Wan couldn't help but notice there were no children anywhere. No teenagers. If this war had really been going on for so long then where were the new recruits? Obi-Wan made a note to bring up his thoughts to his master. 

They followed the man into what had to be a war room, there were a lot of people in here. He could feel their eyes on him. Obi-Wan pulled himself closer to his master, he didn't like the eyes. Obi-Wan kept his head on a swivel, letting his eyes run over all the boarded up windows and all the possible exits. Just in case. 

“Thank you for agreeing to help us. We hope to rescue our fellow Jedi from the rebel insurgents.” Master Qui-Gon says in his normal timber. 

“We are more than welcome to help, plus it helps to have extra hands against the Daan.” Obi-Wan couldn't help the grimace at the mans expression, it looked hopeful in a way that always meant bad things for people the man thought lesser than him. 

“As long as we are able to get our jedi out, we will do what we can to help you with your cause.” Master Qui-Gon says in return.

And so they were off to the edge of Melida’s territory. Off in front of Obi-Wan was no-man's land. So much wreckage and destruction. How many lives had been lost for the force to feel this oppressive and heavy. The sky that once was a beautiful blue was gray from smoke and ash. 

It was quiet one minute, then the next there were people yelling to take cover. Obi-Wan pulled himself behind a broken down stone wall as the ground shook from the explosions. Obi-Wan coughed at the dust that was sprayed everywhere.

“Master! M-Master Qui-Gon.” He croaks out. Obi-Wan had to find him. Had to make sure he was ok. Just as Obi-Wan made to pull himself out of his hiding place another explosion happened right next to him. Throwing him backwards into a metal pipe. Obi-Wan’s back hit it with a crack, and he cried out. His ribs hurt, he put his hand around where it hurt and tried to pull himself up. Force, his back had just healed from the lashings. Master Che was going to be so mad. 

Obi-Wan started to cough again, which jostled his probably cracked ribs. He reached out for the metal pipe that had caused all of his problems in the first place to help him stand up. It was a struggle, but he finally managed to pull himself to standing. He bit back a whimper as he took a slow deep breath. 

Obi-Wan looked around at his surroundings, taking in the smoke and rubble that made the already destroyed land look even worse. He saw movement out of the corner of eye. Obi-Wan snapped his head towards it. 

“W-Who’s there? Master Qui-Gon?” Obi-Wan tried desperately to see in the dark of the evening light, the counted with the smoke made it almost impossible to see anything clearly. The figure took a step towards Obi-Wan and he knew it wasn't his master. Too short and small. The figure was more Obi-Wan’s height than anything substantial. 

“Who’s side are you on stranger?” The figure spoke, their voice trying to hide the fact that it sounded young. 

“No one’s side. I’m here with my Master.” Obi-Wan tried to keep his voice from shaking. Force be, the pain was getting too much to handle.

“You a slave?”

“N-no? I-I mean no. I'm a Jedi.” Obi-Wan coughs.

“My name's Mawat, what's yours?” The figure, Mawat says. 

“Obi-Wan.” 

“Well Obi-Wan, it's not safe here, come with me.” The boy turns and starts going off towards another broken building. 

Obi-Wan makes to follow, though it's slow going. Breathing is getting harder and harder as they go on. His vision starts going spotty at the edges and the last thought Obi-Wan has before passing out is that he hopes his parents are ok.

Chapter Text

“Jas I've got a bad feeling. It sits right under my ribs, this gnawing feeling that something terrible is going to happen.” Kal tried to keep his voice down. Jango was in their bedroom getting some much needed rest, so Kal didn't want to wake him up. The feeling felt very instinctual, like knowing that you were going to die, just not when.

Jas and him had been in keldabe for a couple weeks, resting after finally bringing Kyr’tsad to its knees. It was a good feeling. Along with finding another traumatized ad, things had been going fairly smoothly. All things considered. To be able to rest after a rough five months was just what he and his Riduur needed. Taking out demagolka would do that.

Jaster was quiet for a moment before leaning in closer, “ I will admit it has been a quiet couple weeks other than having to deal with paperwork and the counsel, but we have been resting, cyare. Do you think your anxiety is coming from the fact that we haven't done a lot since landing except for taking care of our new ad?” He paused a moment before looking like he had an idea, “Maybe we could try calling Obi-Wan? I got his master’s comm from Mace a while back, we could check in to see how he is settling in?” That honestly sounded like a wonderful idea to Kal. Gods, had it really been that long since they'd had the chance to speak to their first? Yes technically Jango was older than Obi-Wan, they still adopted Obi first. He would always be their first.

Kal nodded, “Lets do it,” He could feel a smile tugging at his lips.

“Let me send a message to Mace asking if they are at the temple.” Jas responds in turn. He pulls out his comm sending a message to their third half. Gods, he missed both his son and the Jetii that had stolen their hearts. They had brought it up to Jango, about the fact that he had a third buir on coruscant. That he wouldn't be able to visit all the time, but that they would call as much as they could. They had yet to find a time where both parties weren't busy, unfortunately. 

“It looks like they went on a mission about a month ago, though Mace is unaware if they are back yet given the late hour there. He said we are welcome to contact this Master Jinn though.” Jaster fiddled with his comm bringing up the comm number and dialing it. It rang for a moment before someone answered. A haggard man, probably late 30s. With long hair pulled back out of his face. His face was drawn, like he hadn't had much sleep. He had an odd expression on his face, and took a moment before answering. 

“Who is this?” The man's voice was deep and rough. 

“ This is Jaster and Kal Mereel. We were calling to inquire about our son, Obi-Wan Kenobi-Mereel? We were hoping to speak to him, though we had forgotten about the time difference.” 

“Obi-Wan? No, Obi-Wan is no longer in my care. He left the order for some girl, he attacked me when I tried to make him leave. So, if you’ll excuse me, a dear friend of mine is in the medical wing.” And the comm shut off. Leaving the room darker than it had been before when the light of the commlink had shone. 

“What did he mean no longer in his care? Obi-Wan attacking him? That doesn't sound like our son.Where is our ad, Jaster?” Kal felt close to tears, could feel them stinging his eyes and making it hard to breathe. 

Jaster pulled him into his chest, “We will figure this out, cyare. Let me call Mace, hopefully he can shed some light on this.” He pulled away, but only just slightly because Kal was gripping his arm very tightly. 

Not a minute later, Mace's beautiful brown eyes were staring back into his tearfilled blue ones. 

“Mace, where is our son?”

……….

Mace felt like his heart had skipped a beat before it started hammering in his chest. 

“What do you mean where is our son? Jas… Kal…? What happened?” Mace could hear all the what-ifs start playing in his brain, all the possibilities of what could have possibly happened to young, sweet, caring Obi-Wan. 

“Master Jinn had said that Obi-Wan was no longer in his care, that Obi had attacked the man.” Jaster sounded close to tears as well, though he was trying to hold it together for his panicking Riduur. 

“As far as I know they had gone on their first mission together about a month ago. I had made it mandatory so that Obi-Wan could get put on hormone blockers. So they were not allowed to leave the temple for 4 months. As far as I am aware they were both still on that mission. It seemed to be a simple negotiation mission. Though it became less simple when we had learned from Qui-Gon that another master had been taken hostage there. That was all the knowledge we had been given. I hadn't heard from him since then.” Mace felt so lost, like standing on the edge of a pier and not knowing which was the better option: jump off and face drowning or get eaten by the wolves growling behind him. 

“I will figure out what happened, my loves. I will get back to you as soon as I can, I promise. Haat, ijaa, haa’it.” And he disconnected the call. Putting a hand over his face and taking a deep breath, stealing himself. Force, what had happened? 

………..

Obi-Wan felt disgusting, the sewers had seeped into his clothes long ago. The stench of rotting flesh and waste mixing into something that burned your nose and left a foul taste in your mouth that could never be completely washed out with the water they had to ration out. By the time it went through all the young ones there wasn't much left for him or the other ‘leaders’. Obi-Wan had been nominated along with the two other oldest ones, their names being Nield and Cerasi. Cerasi had more of a strawberry red to her hair while Nield was almost a white blond. Both had dull blue eyes. So much dirt caked against everyone's skin. It used to leave a bad taste in his mouth to see even the youngest of them dirty, though he was more used to it now. 

Life hadn't been the same since Master Qui-Gon had left with Master Tahl, who had been in critical condition when they had left over two weeks ago. Leaving Obi-Wan without his lightsaber and without a place to go back to. For his parents would certainly not take him back after they had heard of his transgressions. It made him feel numb, like the emotions got stuck behind a barrier. He just wanted to see them one more time, even if it meant it would be his last in their presence. Just to hear their voices and see their smiles and feel the warmth of their hugs. Just once more. 

“Obi-Wan, we need to get moving. If we don't do it now we will lose our chance at food for a couple weeks at least.” That was Nield, ever steady Nield. He kept Obi-Wan from losing himself to his head. He had helped patch up Obi-Wan when he had run off in desperation to find something to eat for the youngest of them. The littles didn't deserve to starve, none of them did. Such a waste of life, to lose it so young. To feel them wither away in the cleanest stop they could find. Which meant sleeping next to kids that would never feel the sun on their skin again. 

Life had become so stagnant while also going at the speed of hyperspace. Obi-Wan couldn't stop for a moment or they might lose more of those precious lights. Obi-Wan wouldn't let that happen. So as he stood up, he told himself this. He would not let those adults kill more of their children.

Chapter Text

Is this what it feels like to die? Obi-Wan had always thought it was like in the movies, where your life flashes before your eyes. Every regret playing out in perfect symphony with the despair that only comes with hindsight. Watching the choices you make shape you into who you become. Obi-Wan knew he wouldn't have made it very far but he would at least have liked to see his fathers once more. Even if it was disdain and disappointment in their eyes. Just one last time. 

If only he had just listened to Master Qui-Gon, if only he had gotten on the transport instead of lighting his kyber in a desperate attempt to prove that the innocent souls that will be forever trapped here were worth saving. No, he does not regret staying, even if it turns out to be his death, he will not regret it. He only regrets the people he will not get to say goodbye to. He will not even get to say goodbye to his kyber, that precious little light that was stolen out of his hands just to prove a point. 

He remembers watching it walk up that ramp in his not-anymore masters hand. He was only doing what he thought was right. At the time, he was thinking about damning the consequences. Now he's not so sure that was the best idea. 

Another boot to his poor, already cracked ribs, brings him out of his thoughts. He cries out, that's the only sign of life he can give to his captures. The raid on the food storage building had been unsuccessful, Obi-Wan had made sure everyone had been able to get out. He had not been so lucky. It had seemed like the force was no longer with him. His connection to it had already seemed weak, now it was like it was no longer there.  

-

It had been days? Weeks? He wasn't completely sure of how much time had passed. Only that the guards kept coming into his cell to do whatever pleased them the most. Usually it was finding new ways to make him scream and cry out. He tried holding the noises back at first. Though that just seemed to make their wrath worse. Then came the day they had pulled his chest wrappings off, Obi-Wan couldn't remember what happened that day, just that everything seemed to hurt even worse.  

 -

So in short, he will probably die on this war-torn rock. Bleeding out on cold duracrete. But at least he got to have a family, even if it was only for a little while… 

—-------

Mace Windu is usually known for his patience and wisdom. Always willing to hear both sides out to find a resolution to the conflict at hand. But not this day. First Mace had woken up with a blistering headache, then to get a frantic call from his two not-so-secret boyfriends, one being the ruler of an entire system, and one being the right-hand of the ruler. The call had been short but informative, for Mace was already half out the door before they could even say some semblance of goodbye to each other. 

Making his way down the hallways had been much easier than usual, probably because he had been exuding a sense of barely controlled rage. No one stopped him on his way to the Halls of Healing. Once he made his way inside, he steeled his anger. Trying his best to release it, before the already vulnerable minds in these halls got a sense for what was going through his head. He made sure his shields were up tight before going up to the reception desk and asking after what room Qui-Gon Jinn and his charge were in. After getting the room number, Mace had to physically stop himself from speed walking down the corridor. Once he gets to the room, he gives one knock before opening it, not waiting for an answer. 

Inside Qui-gon could be seen holding the hand of one Master Tahl. Master Tahl was wrapped in bacta-covered bandages, though the most visible could be seen around her eyes. She looked to be sedated. Qui-Gon seemed to already be looking up once Mace was in the door. He quietly shut it behind him. Taking a deep breath he starts. 

“What gave you the right to leave your padawan on a dangerous planet full of people you knew would go after him?” Mace could feel the anger coming back. 

“No pleasantries, I see. Well if you must know, he refused to come with me. Saying things like how ‘he must stay to help these children’. When i told him we were leaving he pulled his lightsaber on me. So i told that he can stay there, never to be a Jedi of he can come home. And that was that, he refused. So I left.” His tone seemed lilty and flippant like he was describing his morning tea and not the fact that he left his charge on a planet that had been at war for centuries. 

“So, Master Jinn, you decided the best course of action was to just leave, instead of doing what you could to help the boy?” Mace could feel the rage simmering just under his skin. Ready to burst out of the already thin control Mace had on it. 

“Well, yes. What else was a supposed to do? The child tried to kill me, proving my point that he was too angry. I told you all that he would fall in a matter of years. None of you believed me. So, if that is all, Master Windu.” Qui-Gon looked about two seconds from shouting. His eyes seemed to have narrowed over the course of the conversation. 

“That is all, for now. Do not think there wont be repercussions for your actions.” And with that he left. Leaving the source of his problems sitting at the bedside of Master Tahl. 

Chapter Text

Jaster Mereel is a man of action, so to have no action is like something is missing. Obi-Wan had not had any contact with either Jaster, Kal, or Mace in over 6 months. It was starting to affect their relationship. Jaster hadn't slept in the same bed as his riduur in far too long. Kal blamed him for not being able to find their son. Mace hadn't been answering their calls, which could mean a multiple of things. Jaster had been left in the dark, and in that darkness he felt stuck. Stuck in the meaningless darkness he could not escape, and to not have his riduur by his side was getting to him. 

He barely slept, trying to reach Mace almost constantly. His council had been leaving him be, knowing he was going through something akin to grief over the loss of his family. Kal refused to talk to him and Jango, his traumatized boy, didn't understand why his parents wouldn't speak to each other. Kal must've been tell him to stay away from Jaster because he hadn't seen the boy in about a week. 

Jaster could feel the exhaustion in his bones. Despite everything, he couldn't find Obi-Wan. He even had slicers try to get through the Jetiis encryptions, nothing. He tried not to think about what his Obi-Wan was going through, it just brought the panic and despair back into his heart. 

It was probably a month later before something new came through, a ship coming through Mandalore’s atmosphere. When they were told to identify themselves, all they said was that it was an emergency. Jaster had decided he would go down to the landing platform himself, much to his council's objections about assassins. So here he was watching the nondescript ship land, a whole company of guards at his back. He watched as the landing ramp came down and out ran a figure, a streak of brown robes before the figure was pulling him into a bone-crushing hug.

Mace. His second love. He had thought something terrible had happened to him. To hear nothing for months after their very short call. It was a relief to see him ok, to see him alive and well, to smell the soap he used as Jaster buried his head into the side of the larger man's neck. 

“Cyare, where have you been? It's been months of nothing but voicemails and radio silence.” Jaster could feel and hear his voice breaking under the weight of everything that had gone wrong. 

“Ni ceta, ankai’a. I am so sorry, I had been barred from speaking with you while an investigation had been done into what happened on Obi-Wan’s mission. Jas, I know where Obi-Wan is, my love. Let me take over for you, you feel exhausted. Let me take that weight off your shoulders. I will go get our son.”

“...please. Kal wont even talk to me, I've barely seen him since our call.” Jaster was definitely trying not to cry. Stars, he was so tired.  

—------

To see Jaster this upset, it made something break in Mace’s already broken soul. To know that this powerful man could break like this was scary. Force, it was hard not to break down along with his partner. Eventually he pulled away from the man’s embrace. Holding him by his shoulders and looking at his uncovered head. Feeling the despair was one thing, but seeing it clear as day on his face was another thing entirely. 

“I will get our son, ankai’a. Haat, ijaa, haa’it. I swear it.” He pushed all of his earnesty and conviction towards a man he knew couldn’t feel it. “Go to your husband, I can feel his self pity and despair from here.”

With that he pulled away completely, which seemed to pull Jaster out of his thoughts too. He nodded toward a Mandalorian in black armor. “This is Walon Vau, my third in command behind my husband. He will help you.” Jaster’s voice was very groggy. He had stop several times to sniff back his tears. 

“Well met, Walon Vau. I am Jedi Master Mace Windu.”

“I know who you are, Jetii. Jaster and Kal dont shut up about you. Now we should be moving as quickly as possible.”

“Yes of course. Ret’urcye mhi, ankai’a. I will be back with our ad.” So Mace made his way back to his ship but not before being pulled into a kov’nyn by Jaster. Force, give him strength.