Azelynn woke up to an empty dwelling, and a note on her bedside table:
Leftovers in the cupboard, see you tonight
-Arrin
It took Azelynn a matter of minutes to pack what few belongings she has. She stared at her books with a frown, wishing she could take them with her.
She admired her room for a moment. She took in all she could, trying to photograph it in her mind. She will never see this room again. It was her comfort-her saving grace when she needed a roof over her head the most. It has seen her laugh and cry, it has kept her warm and protected. Her left wall is nothing but shelves filled with books. All of them have taught her something new, most of them hold the key to learning to fly and how to pilot ships. She's read them all twice.
With a second of sudden courage, Azelynn turned her back on it all and left her room.
Her walk to the front door felt much longer than usual. It might be from the sadness of leaving her home, or it could be the familiar voice in her head that is constantly echoing:
See you tonight,
See you tonight,
See you tonight,
Azelynn could feel her stomach rolling with every syllable. Her heart pounded when she thinks about what she's actually doing, and that she's not even telling her best friend. A friend she might not ever see again. A friend that has moved heaven and earth for her when she needed it.
But she can't focus on Arrin right now. It will weaken her, make her feel like she shouldn't do this and stay. If she told him what she's doing then he would talk her out of it. She needs to find her mother, and not feel held back because of nostalgia and guilt.
Outside, Azelynn gripped the straps of her bag a bit tighter. The double-suns shined brightly overhead, failing to warm the coldness that Azelynn feels. She walked down the path towards the Space Port without even a glance over her shoulder.
It didn't take long to reach the port hangar. Ships flew skyward, and disappeared into the atmosphere. It is one of the more private Ports. Mos Eisley is the main one, but it is too far for her to travel to, so she must settle for the smaller Port.
Besides, it might be safer this way. There are less people to see her sneaking around.
As she got closer, Azelynn bit back her unease about flying in a ship for the first time. This is not to mention she will be on a strange ship, alone.
She remembered a time when she was little, she would run off after her shift with her owner and watch the ships take off into space. It was always so mesmerizing and calming. She told herself that one day she would be on one of those ships, taking her far away from the horrendous sands of Tatooine.
Little did she know her fantasies would end up like this.
Azelynn watched around a corner as two men conversed about something in a foreign language. They are distracted enough to let Azelynn sneak behind them and into a long, narrow pathway that led her to the opposite side of the building. Here, Azelynn found lines of ships of all sorts and sizes. They are stationed outside and sitting idle, the sun danced off of them brightly.
Azelynn briefly wondered if she should just steal a ship but thought better of it. No matter how many books about spacecrafts she read about, no matter how confident she may have come off as to others, she is not prepared to operate a ship without feeling familiar with it first.
Azelynn has her eyes set on a ship that has droids loading cargo into it, she watched for some time to get down their routine, along with the people moving in and out of it. She calculated she has about two minutes where the ship is unoccupied at the door latch. However, inside will be a different story. She'll have to make a run for it, hide beneath the ramp and then determine who is inside...
Azelynn was ready to run when she felt like she is being watched. She had been feeling something is off since she left her home, but she chalked it up to nerves. Now she knows it's something else entirely.
Azelynn tried very desperately to keep clam and casual. She turned her back from her civilization, walked back down the darkened pathway, broke left, and went down another path. She rounded the corner at the end of it, and stopped just to the side of the paths orifice.
She felt the presence follow her the whole way.
As she felt it come closer she prepared herself for a fight. She's never been in a fight but she's seen enough of them to know a few tricks and movements. She ignored the shaking of her hands.
Azelynn listened to the footsteps, and her instincts. The footsteps grew closer and closer until finally they are right where she needs them to be. She quickly moved herself back into the pathway and pushed the stranger forcefully up against the wall. One arm is at his neck against his windpipe, and the other hand is drawn behind her in case he tries to grab at her. The man grunted, and in the heat of the moment Azelynn didn't bother to look and see who might be following her until now.
His blue eyes are lidded looking down at her, and his hands are wrapped around her forearm on his neck. Blond hair fell into his face.
"Mr. Kenobi." Azelynn stated, tension evident in her tone. She did not bother releasing his neck.
"Azel-," Ben attempted to greet her with a strangled grunt, "Do you mind?" He gestured his eyes to her arm pinning him.
Azelynn only pushed harder. "Why are you following me? What do you want?" She questioned him angrily.
He sighed to the best of his ability. He's very calm given his current position. His voice is strangled as he answers, "I'm taking you up on your offer."
Azelynns eyes bored into him and she suddenly released him. Ben doubled-over grasping at his throat as he tried to catch his breath.
"You're what?"
Ben slowly stood up straight and looked at her directly, hands on his hips. "Where did you learn to do that?" He questioned randomly.
Azelynn stared at him in confusion. "The neck-lock," He clarified.
"I've seen it done a few times." Azelynn answered simply, like the topic is completely irrelevant and she wanted to get to the point of the issue.
"You've seen it done?" Ben raised his eyebrows. "Impressive."
Azelynn ignored the way he studied her like he is seeing something she couldn't. It's not the first time he's done it, and she didn't like it. "You're too late." She commented, and turned to leave Ben in the shadows.
He followed her, calm and collected like usual. "Is that right?"
"Yes." She said and stopped at her initial lookout to view the ship she plans to hitch a ride on.
"You found someone else then?" Ben questioned her.
"Not exactly." She didn't look back at him. She was too busy re-studying how long it took for each droid to make their rounds on the ship, and when other passengers boarded.
Ben stayed silent after that, it caught Azelynns attention and she sighed in annoyance. She turned back to look at him.
"You can leave now."
Ben only stood there with his arms across his chest and an expression that could only be described as scolding. Who the kriff does this guy think he is?
"I'm not leaving until you tell me you're not planning on doing something reckless," Ben said stubbornly.
"What do you care?" She narrowed her eyes.
Ben didn't answer straight away. He pursed his lips, and stared out to the ships. He spoke after a moment, "There are dangerous people on this planet, you seem to manage that well. But the people and creatures in the Galaxy? The ongoing war against the Empire? It's all far worse than some silly scavengers here." He looked at her then, eyes deadly stern. He took a step closer to her. "I'm asking you that whatever you're planning to do right now, do not do it."
Azelynn didn't let up, she is just as stubborn as he. "I can take care of myself anywhere in the Galaxy, thanks." She turned back to the ship. It appears ready to take off, both the droids and people are boarding in time with one another. No one is exiting the ship. Now is her chance.
Azelynn made for the ship. However, Ben caught her arm and held her back before she even made it two feet. "Let me go!" She struggled in his grip. He pulled her back into the shadows and got a hand over her mouth to avoid drawing attention.
"Are you really so desperate that you will put your life in jeopardy to hideaway on some ship? Do you even know where it is going?"
Azelynn said nothing, and even if she could she wouldn't. She only glared at him. He has her pinned against the wall with his body, and a hand still covered her mouth. This close, Azelynn noticed the faint creases on his forehead and the sides of his eyes. Wrinkles from days he must've smiled a lot, now it seems he frowns constantly. His beard is trimmed short and clean, and flecks of gray dotted in between the blond. His long hair is more tame than the last time she saw him. Before it was a mess falling around his face, now it's pulled back into a tidy bun. His eyes are a bright blue, reminding Azelynn of the oceans she has never seen.
And never will see if she doesn't get off this planet.
Azelynn broke free from her thoughts when she heard the engines of the ship start up. She looked over, her face pulling from Bens hand, and found that the ship has closed its doors and is about to lift off. At this, she broke free completely from Bens grip, and watched as the ship flew up into the atmosphere and out of sight.
Azelynn grit her teeth and turned to Ben. "This is your fault."
"I'm trying to help you." He said, as she walked past him.
"I thought you didn't have the means to do it." She commented slyly, and with a snarl she didn't realize she wore.
"You know I do." At that, Azelynn stopped. She does know that, she knew it the second she laid eyes on him. She wasn't sure how she knew, but she did.
Azelynn sighed in frustration. She hates giving in, but as he so kindly put it earlier, she is desperate. Slowly, she turned around and inspected him.
"You will help me?"
"Yes." Ben stated. He's telling the truth.
"How?" She questioned.
"I have a ship." He admitted.
"Why?"
Ben frowned. "Why do I have a ship?"
"Why are you deciding to help me?" She clarified. "You know I have nothing to offer."
"I need nothing in return," he stated.
Azelynn narrowed her eyes. "I don't believe you."
Ben gave a humorless smile, and took a few steps forward. "Perhaps then, it's because you remind me of someone."
Azelynn thought on this, a crease still drawn between her brows. She remembered a time when Azelynn helped a shop woman because she looked like her mother. Azelynn wouldn't let the woman pay her, and told her to ask if she ever needed anything else. That woman died years ago, Azelynn tried not to think about it.
She wondered who she reminded Ben of, and with thoughts of that old lady, thought it's better not to ask him.
"Alright," Azelynn nodded. "Lead the way."
They went into town together. Obi-Wan wasn't sure which was worse, going into town or going into town with her. The girl is popular, and liked by everyone. Obi-Wan couldn't make it five feet before he sensed her drifting backâonly to turn around and see her stopped to mingle with someone.
Obi-Wan remembered when he was like that, back home on Coruscant. Well-liked and friendly, always the sociable guy...
Better times he thinks to himself, and cuts-off the train of thought all together. There is no reason to go back down that road.
He feels he can't get mad at the girl for constantly greeting her friends, in fact Obi-Wan thinks she better enjoy it while she can. Obi-Wan never imagined his time to end, yet here he is, living a life he never expected to.
When Obi-Wan started to feel the girl drift back again, he sighed deeply and looked to the Force for patience. Instead, he discovered a slight disturbance there. With a frown, he stopped walking and searched for the source. No, it is not the Force he is feeling the disturbance within, it is the girl. Even after spending the small amount of time he has with her, he is still finding himself surprised that she is so strong with the Force.
Obi-Wan turned around to see what was causing the girl such despair, only to find her missing. He stood in the middle of a walkway, blocking the traffic of now angry patrons. They passed by with grumbled curse words in another language as Obi-Wan walked against the flow of traffic to find the girl. Concern started to bubble up, she is out of sight and is radiating discomfort in her Force Signature.
It wasn't long until he moved away from the people and towards the nearest sales hut, he looked in and out of each shop he passed until he heard voices around the corner of one. He slowly walked up to the edge and listened in.
"-think it's a good idea."
"You're the one who told me to go to him." He heard the irritated voice of Azelynn reply.
"But I didn't think you would be leaving with him." The man stated.
"What, did you expect him to give me a ship and wish me safe travels?" She asked him, every ounce of sarcasm dripping from her tone.
The man sighed, Obi-Wan could picture a male figure rubbing his hand across his forehead in exasperation. He found himself relating, Azelynn can be difficult to speak to.
"Of course not." He said, there was a long pause of silence. Obi-Wan imagined them staring at one another, Azelynn wins in his mind. "Let me come with you." The man says to her.
"No." She says without hesitation, and he can hear her footsteps approach. Obi-Wan backs up, prepared to bolt from his location, but her steps stop when another pair catches up. "Let go." She says calmly.
"Azey, please." He pleads to her. "You're going to get yourself killed."
"Let. Go." She says more firmly. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be, Arrin."
There is another round of silence, and Obi-Wan is ready to intervene when something else happens. All is silent, but he could hear movement, and suddenly a white burst of shock and adrenaline spike into Azelynns Force Signature. Obi-Wan is slightly taken back, but regains his senses quickly and turns around the corner prepared to fight this guy off.
He did not expect what he sees. The man, Arrin, has his hands wrapped around Azelynns face, and is kissing her deeply. Azelynn stood frozen in place, looking shocked and rather uncomfortable. He can feel her coming back to herself, she's feeling a sudden realization... and a slight wrongness to it all. His feelings for her are not reciprocated.
Azelynn pulls back and puts distance between them. Arrin looks at her, his hands slowly dropping to his sides. The silence grew awkward as Arrin realized her feelings. "I understand," He says quietly.
"I-" Azelynn begins.
"No," Arrin interrupts. "Just-" He shakes his head. "Just promise you will come back."
"I will." She replies.
Arrin nods, and with one last longing look at her, he turns and heads in the opposite direction. Azelynn watches him leave, a sense of sadness projecting from her.
Obi-Wan waited until Arrin was gone before he made himself known. He is surprised they didn't notice him sooner, then again, he is only partially visible from the corner. He didn't realize he had tried to hide most of himself from view during their saliva exchange.
When Azelynn started to make her way back to the market, she looked up and froze when her eyes landed on Obi-Wan.
He pressed his lips together in a not-quite smile, his tell-tale sign of a guilt-ridden apology for getting caught.
Azelynn glared at him, she knew instantly he was eavesdropping. "Let's go," She stated and began to lead the way in the direction they were going. Obi-Wan let her lead until she stopped abruptly. He stood beside her and waited.
"I don't know where we are going," She mumbled irritatedly.
Obi-Wan held back a smile, she is so damn proud it is becoming a bit amusing to him.
He led the way without a word until they reached a mechanic shop at the edge of town. It was lucky that Master Yoda has a few connections around these parts, or else Obi-Wan wouldn't have a place to safely hold up his ship.
The two of them walked inside, and Azelynn looked around. "I know this place. I passed by here all the time when I was a slave." She commented. "Never would have thought it to be a place that owns ships." She looked at him incredulously.
"It's not." Obi-Wan answered, just as a large, blue creature comes out from the back.
He looks at Obi-Wan, and then Azelynn, and back again. "I knew this day would come." He says in a gruff, accented voice. He looks to Azelynn. "I see he dragged you into his mess."
Azelynn spoke first. "He didn't drag me." She frowned, Obi-Wan ignored her mental curiousity of dragged me into what mess?
The creature raised an eyebrow, and Obi-Wan heard the other mans thoughts she's willing, foolish girl.
"I see." He says aloud instead, and turns toward the back. "Follow me."
As they walked through the shop, the creature continued to speak. "I must say I wasn't expecting you so soon, Kenobi."
"Well, there's been a slight change of plans." Obi-Wan mumbled. He hadn't expected to need his ship until Luke is old enough to take care of himself.
The blue man spoke lowly for only the two of them to hear. "With the boy?"
"Thankfully, no."
"How is he?"
"Doing well. Still safe." Obi-Wan confirmed confidently. He didn't want to think about that little blond boy he is leaving behind, always so giddy and adventurous. If it didn't hurt Obi-Wan enough that he had to leave Luke, it hurt even more that he couldn't truly be a part of his life.
The other man nodded in affirmation, and then they were outside again, facing a Speeder.
"This will take you to it, I trust you remember where." He spoke to Obi-Wan in a normal-toned voice.
"Of course." Obi-Wan answered and was given the key to the Speeder.
"I want this back in one piece," He scolded.
"You need not worry, Mytork." Obi-Wan reassured confidently.
He nodded and allowed them to climb inside. Obi-Wan took the drivers seat, and Azelynn the passenger.
"You take care of him." Mytork said to Azelynn with a wink.
She smirked, "I will."
"Take this." Mytork said to her, and pulled a metal item from his back. It's a blaster. Azelynns eyes widened as he held it out to her.
"I've never used one before." She said, a bit shocked.
"Easy, point and shoot. There are a lot of dangerous things outside of town, and like I said, I want my Speeder back." Mytork smirked like it's no big deal he is handing a stranger a weapon. Azelynn glanced at Ben, who was busy preparing the controls, and then reached her hand out to take the weapon. It's cold and heavy in her hand. She has never felt such a thrill in her life.
Mytork smiled. "Off you go then," He said and stepped away.
"It was good seeing you, old friend." Obi-Wan called over the Speeder engine as he pulled away.
"As was you, Kenobi." Mytork replied with a nod of the head. And may the Force be with you. He added in Obi-Wans mind.
And you as well. Obi-Wan replied before he sped off into the empty desert.
The second the town was fading into the horizon, Azelynn lit into Obi-Wan with questions.
Who was that?
How do you know him?
How does he have your ship?
What did he mean by 'drag me into your mess'?
Where are we going?
Obi-Wan sighed deeply. He could feel her curiosity radiating off of her since they left his dwelling. It only escalated when they reached the junk shop.
"What were you two whispering about?" She asked yet another question.
"Azelynn," Obi-Wan started with exasperation. "Please."
"Please what?" She asked and looked over to him.
"Mytork and I have a mutual friend. I needed a favor. That friend called it in."
"The favor is your ship?"
"Yes."
"To house it and keep it hidden."
Obi-Wan hesitated but then answered, "Yes."
"Why hide it?"
Obi-Wan knew she would ask this. It is only reasonable to wonder given the information she has received. But there is only so much he can tell her. For his protection, Luke's, and for herself.
He didn't answer but he could hear the thoughts and feelings reeling inside of her. Curious, confused, then something clicked and a wave of understanding hit.
"The same reason you're secluded now." She said with confidence.
"Yes." Obi-Wan said because she's not too far off from the truth.
"And why you don't want to tell me."
"It's not that I don't want to," he said because he truly does, it's been a long time since he's really interacted with someone. And frankly he trusts her for some strange reason. Maybe because he can access her thoughts and know her intentions. Maybe it's the Force within her. Maybe it's because he's lonely. "It's just better that I don't."
"Better for who?" She asked. Obi-Wan glanced over at her, a frown set on her face but eyes glistening with understanding and wonder. Her hair blew in the wind as they drove through the mountainous range.
It was then that they were attacked. Pellets of some sort hit their Speeder, clanking as they hit and bounced off. Obi-Wan and Azelynn looked to see Sand People standing on the high rocks, and heard the chant they voice to make their presence known.
"Sand People!" Azelynn exclaimed to Obi-Wan, he could feel her adrenaline spike, much like his own. She gripped the blaster in her lap absently.
"I'll fix this." Obi-Wan said as he sped up the Speeder.
They didn't go much faster, and the further they got the more Sand People that appeared.
"I'm sorry, I don't recall you mentioning your ship is in Sand People ground zero!" Azelynn snapped, and then ducked as a pellet nearly hits her.
Obi-Wan would've come up with some remark about her sarcasm but he was too busy weaving around rocks and avoid getting hit.
"I'll take care of this." She said and sat up on her knees, blaster in hand.
"Azelynn no!" Obi-Wan protested but was too late. Azelynn already fired and knocked a Sand Person to the ground. She fired again and again not missing a single shot.
"Where did you learn to shoot like that?" Obi-Wan asked in amazement, no longer worried about avoiding the pellets that are becoming more scarce.
"I didn't." She called over her shoulder.
It was then that Obi-Wan became aware of how much stronger the Force is radiating through her. He could feel the power of it inside of her, and she doesn't even realize she's using it.
It was not long before they escaped the Sand People, mostly because Azelynn shot them, but also from their constant movement.
They didn't speak until they were stopped outside a cave. "That was fun, huh?" Azelynn felt adrenaline, and she glowed with it.
Obi-Wan scoffed. "You and I may have a different interpretation to the meaning of fun."
Azelynn smiled. "Is this it?" She asked as they met around the front of the Speeder, facing the dark cavern of the cave.
"Yes, keep a look out." Obi-Wan demanded as he went inside the cave alone. He heard Azelynn try to protest but he was already in the cave and walking towards his destination.
It's been a long time since Obi-Wan has been here. Really, he hasn't been here since he has arrived. He is lucky he has had a place to hide it, its parts would go for some large credits based on the fact alone it is Coruscant technology. These days, Obi-Wan is sure the planet doesn't even exist anymore.
As he approached his ship, he could feel the Force fully around him. His own Force from his past presence. It hurt, like getting hit by a blaster. These are feelings Obi-Wan has buried deep within himself and tried very hard to forget. But he was so pained upon arrival that it lingers in the traces of his ship. He's beginning to wonder if this really is such a good idea afterall.
Obi-Wan reached the drop ramp of the ship and easily maneuvered to open it. It unlocked and slowly fell down with a loud mechanical sound. The pathway lit up and Obi-Wan could see up into the ship he has not touched for years.
He felt a presence behind him, one not of the past.
"Woah," Azelynn voiced from behind him. Certainly he didn't expect her to truly stay put? "Is this," Coruscant technology? Are you a Jedi? Obi-Wan expected her to ask, but instead what came out was "Yours?"
Obi-Wan frowned in surprise. "Of course. I did tell you I have a ship."
"But, this is yours?" She seemed disbelieving.
Obi-Wan, who easily forgot about all the raw emotions sitting within the cave and ship, turned to Azelynn with his arms crossed. "Why is that so shocking?"
Azelynn dipped her head, daring to look bashful. "It's just- it's absolutely stunning." She stumbled out.
Obi-Wan sighed. He wasn't lying when he said she reminds him of someone, and in this moment, with her awe for his ship, it shows more than ever.
"Get inside," Obi-Wan began gently. "I need to move the Speeder somewhere safe." He said, and much to his surprise, she listened. She boarded the ship with much enthusiasm and it put a much needed smile on Obi-Wans face.
Azelynn bounced around giddily, face pressed against the window, asking questions like she does, and touching things that shouldn't be touched.
"What's that do?" She asks about a blue switch and reaches for it curiously.
"Don't touch that!" Obi-Wan exclaimed, and swatted her hand away. "That sends us into light speed. We haven't even lifted off yet."
Azelynn pouted in the co-pilot seat like a child. It amazes Obi-Wan that this suddenly excited and giddy girl had him pinned up against a wall in a choke-hold earlier. Not to mention the anger she gave off in her Force when he met her the day prior.
Now her Force is all excited adrenaline. A smile is on her lips and her eyes are wide staring at the controls.
Obi-Wan flipped a few switches and some buttons until the ship lit up, roared to life, and they were finally lifting off the ground. Azelynn jumped from her seat with glee and pressed her face against the window, leaning over several controls that with one bump could force her into them and cause several problems.
"Azelynn, sit down please. It's not safe to stand until we are at cruising altitude." Of course she didn't listen. Obi-Wan had no choice but to inch the ship forward until they are in open desert. He slowly sped up the ship and angled it directly upwards. Azelynn fell backwards into her seat, a look of terror on her face, but still a smile all the same. She scrambled for her seatbelt and Obi-Wan couldn't help the laugh that escaped his chest as they escaped the atmosphere.
Once they entered open space, Obi-Wan hit a few more controls and leveled out. Azelynn didn't hesitate to break free from her seatbelt and press her face against the window again. But this time, she bounced back.
"It's so cold." She stated, with a frown.
Obi-Wan smirked. "Of course it is, it's space."
Azelynn shook her head like remembering something. "Yes I know that, I just wasn't expecting to feel it so suddenly."
"It's much worse when you're out there."
"I dont want to know what that's like." She mumbled absently.
"You do come from a very warm planet," He reminded her.
Azelynn stared at him. "So do you." She said with a frown, as if to remind him that he is from there. Although he is not, and he is not sure how she could know that. Well of course she doesn't, but the way she stated it made him wonder.
Obi-Wan jumped to change the subject. "Would you like to take us to lightspeed?"
Azelynn lit up at that, previous conversation forgotten to her. "Yes!" She said and lunged for the switch.
"Wait," Obi-Wan stopped her at the wrist. "We're not quite there yet. Give it another few kilometers." They waited silently. Obi-Wan watching the map, Azelynn watching him for the signal.
A simple intake of breath gave Azelynn the okay she needed, he didn't even get to say alright before Azelynn flipped the switch. They were forced back into their seats as they began their journey in lightspeed. Azelynn watched in amazement as the stars flew past them in bright blurs. She's never seen anything more wonderful in her life.
Obi-Wan forced himself not to watch her. "Alright, we are about two hours from the nearest star system. This one holds two habitable planets, and certainly not the safest ones around. You will have to stay close to me while we are there."
Azelynn stared at him. "I told you I will go by myself."
Obi-Wan gave her a pointed look. "It's not safe-"
"You think I don't know that? I can take care of myself." She argued, Obi-Wan could feel the anger in the Force and it worried him. He hasn't felt such strength in a long time. He wondered what her mitochlorian count would be.
"I know you can." He decided to take a different approach. "But there is safety in numbers right? And an extra set of eyes can't hurt." He explained his case which he knows is very valid.
Azelynn considered this for a second with a scowel. "I thought you didn't want involvement?" She questioned his prior words.
"I don't," he didn't hesitate to reply. "But I can't let you walk strange planets alone."
Azelynn didn't like the way that sounded. "I'm not a child." She gritted through her teeth.
"No," He agreed. "you're not."
Azelynn pulled her legs up in her seat and wrapped her arms around herself. She looked incredibly small. She pouted. She really is not doing herself favors by acting so childish.
Obi-Wan sighed. He got up, she didn't look at him as he said "I'll be back." She continued to watch the passing stars. He is surprised she's not getting dizzy from it. Obi-Wan remembered his first lightspeed travel, he could only stare for a few minutes before he needed a bucket to vomit in.
He went to the ships small kitchen and cooked up two servings of tea. It didn't take him long, and when he was on his way back, he used the Force to pull a blanket from the nearby shelf and sling it over his arm.
His predictions were right, Azelynn is shivering when he reaches her. He handed her a cup of tea, set his down on his chair, and then draped the fluffy blanket over her shoulders and around her small frame.
She stared at him oddly. "Thank you," She commented.
"Not a problem." Obi-Wan said. He turned to the thermostat near the door and turned it up a few degrees, he shut the cabin door just to lock in the warmth.
Back at his chair, he picked up his tea and sat down himself, trying to focus on the navigation map and not the dizzying stars outside. He sipped his tea, deep in thought.
He thought of Luke, and how he is doing. He feels like he has been away for days on end, when really it's only been a few hours.
Although Luke is not his child, he feels like he could be. Obi-Wan watches him as such, takes care of him from afar, makes sure no harm comes his way from outside the planet. It's all Obi-Wan has left. It started out as a simple task of bringing him to Tattooine, but he turned into his guardian out of pure guilt. This is his best friends child, it is all he has left of his lost brother, and it's his one chance to not fail him again.
Obi-Wan would have kept Luke for himself if he could have. Before he brought Luke to Owen and Peru, he stood there in the desert staring at the sleeping boy wondering, will this child become as beautiful as his mother? Will this child become as cunning as his Father?
Would he grow to be smart and brave? Would that intelligence and bravery turn into clouded thoughts and angered fear?
There is no way Obi-Wan could know, but he feels he would be able to control it. He could find a way to teach Luke better than he taught his Father.
But, it would not be safe. If Vader came looking for himself, then Luke would be in danger. If Vader found out about Luke, then it is Obi-Wan who is no longer safe.
They are better off apart. Obi-Wan can feel him in the Force. Well, he could feel him in the Force until he left the planet.
Obi-Wan didn't know Luke was Force Sensitive until he turned 2, that is when the Force exposes the Sensitives. He does not know if his sister is the same.
He felt Luke in the Force immediately, like a shock wave hitting him repeatedly. He believes this is because he is so focused on Luke that he linked himself to his presence, and therefore his Force. It's peaceful, giddy even. A feeling so different from his fathers he began to think there is no chance he will be like his Father.
But, as he grew, Luke started to learn. He is smart, brave, and rebellious. Obi-Wan can feel the strength in his Force when he is grounded, or told to do something he wishes not to do. It's frightening. He is so easily set-off, so easily controlled by his emotions, just like his Father.
Luke needs Obi-Wans guidance, and Obi-Wan won't let him down, but not until the boy is ready. It is difficult to teach at an old age, but his aunt and uncle would not have it. Besides, Luke would have to know and understand the dangers of the Force, and their personal relationship.
"Ben?"
Obi-Wan can't leave him entirely defenseless, even if he is on the planet to protect him.
"Ben?" Obi-Wan jumped out of his thoughts, and looked to Azelynn. She's staring at him with concerned eyes, hands wrapped around her mug and still balled up in her blanket. Her hair is slightly disarrayed from it brushing against the headrest.
"Yes?" He responded to her.
"Are you alright?" She asked with a concerned frown. Her concern surprised him, in a pleasant way. Oh, how he didn't realize he desired to have a friendly connection with anyone. Sure he has had to speak with the occasional person in the market, Force spoken to Master Yoda, and he kept a close eye on Luke, but he hasn't had a real connection with someone in years. It's only now that he feels he has it, does he realize he's wanted it.
"Why wouldn't I be?" He asked and sipped his cooling tea.
"I've been talking and you haven't said anything."
Obi-Wan didn't look at her. "Yes, I do that quite often when you talk." Another tea sip. He was shocked at how quickly he jumped to tease her. He could feel her irritation through the Force, although it was only half-hearted. He peaked over to her, she's glaring at him, and he laughed around the rim on his mug. Which made her glare more and scoff as if she is deeply offended.
"Apologizes, Azelynn. I was lost in my thoughts. What were you telling me?" He looked over to her with a straight face.
Azelynn looked away, although Obi-Wan could tell it was to hide a smile. "I was only saying that you have a nice ship. The more I examine it the more I realize I don't see any like this anymore."
Obi-Wan felt uncomfortable with this direction of conversation. "Well, they aren't made anymore."
"Of all the ships I've studied. None were like this."
Obi-Wan decided to deviate the conversation to something that might spark her attention. "Are you saying you can't fly it?"
"Of course I can fly it!" She looked and sounded offended. "I can fly any ship. No matter the make or model. They all still use the same basic technology, no matter how fancy they attempt to make the buttons."
Obi-Wan smiled at her. "I was only kidding." He said to her, staring at her fondly. He's very confident in her abilities to fly any ship. Given her study, and her Force Sensitivity, she will easily be able to guide herself through the motions of flying this ship.
Azelynn grunted. "Well I was not." She turned away from Obi-Wan and sipped more of her tea.
After a moment of silence, and tea sipping, Obi-Wan spoke up. "I don't like flying."
Azelynns head snapped towards him. "Why not?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "I don't know. I never have in all my years. Maybe it's the heights, or the poor experiences I've had with it."
"What experiences?"
"Doesn't matter." Obi-Wan said with finality but without vigor. It must've been convincing because she didn't push for more.
"Then why did you come?"
Obi-Wan smiled, eyes on the controls but thoughts swimming in his head. He was quiet for a moment. Finally, he sighed. "I've told you already," He said. "You remind me of someone."
"A good someone?" She pondered.
Obi-Wan smiled sadly. "Yes, a good someone."
He could tell Azelynn wanted to ask more, the questions swam through her head, but just as suddenly she thought better of it.
"I hope I don't disappoint you." She said, not even realizing she's spoke the words until they're out of her mouth.
Obi-Wan stared at her. "What do you mean?"
Azelynns cheeks turned pink, it was a look Obi-Wan was very much unfamiliar with, but it certainly suited her and he could get use to that. "I'm not a good person."
That was not a sentence he was expecting to hear. Especially with a blush on her cheeks.
"I find that very hard to believe." He said to her, hoping to the Force that it's really not true.
"How could you know?"
"Intuition." Obi-Wan stated smoothly, finishing off his tea.
They were silent for awhile, this time it was Obi-Wan to break the silence. "Who is Arrin?" He questioned her, he's been wanting to ask since he eavesdropped on them.
That got a short laugh out of her, and a shake of her head.
"I don't know anymore." She commented, playing with a strand of her hair.
"Yes you do." Obi-Wan said confidently.
She looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Your intuition tell you that?"
"No," he said amused. "You do."
"Oh?" She raised her eyebrows and adjusted her position in her seat so she is facing him. "Do tell me how."
"The kiss," Azelynn only stared at him, waiting for him to continue. "You were shocked he did it, which means you've decided long ago the two of you are just friends."
"And that tells you where he and I stand?"
"That tells me he will still be your friend," Obi-Wan determined.
Azelynn rolled her eyes and shook her head sadly. "I've rejected him."
"Yes, but if he cares for you he will not go anywhere."
Azelynn thought of this for a moment. Ben could be correct. Arrin wants her to stay safe, and to come back to him-whatever that may actually mean to him.
Obi-Wan got up from his seat. "Let me know when we have reached the System. I'm going to rest for a bit."
"Okay," She said without moving. She isn't shivering anymore, which Obi-Wan took as a good sign.
He made his leave out the door and closed it with the Force when he saw Azelynn wasn't looking.
Obi-Wan laid down in the nearest bed of the small ship. He is not tired, but he feels the need to meditate. It is better that she thinks he is sleeping though. Obi-Wan got comfortable on his back and closed his eyes so he could channel the Force.