Obi-Wan
He did his best to quash the fear rising in his stomach. Jedi were supposed to remain calm and serene, not fear for attachments.
Don't let go yet
He had to hurry. He hadn't felt his presence in time, and now he had to hurry before more damage was done. He could feel the child, but he was weakening, tiring.
Don't let go yet
Keep walking! he thought. He had failed the boy's father once before - he would not fail again. He had to find him before the child gave up.
Don't let go yet
The poor, sweet, innocent boy. He hadn't felt anything amiss until his terror had rung through the Force, so powerful and overbearing, that it had brought him to his knees. Oh yes, he had failed once - but he would make it up to him now by finding him.
Don't let go yet
He knew Luke had just witnessed more trauma than any innocent boy should ever. However, he had only felt it when Luke did. He hung his head - if only he had been able to come faster. He was pushing as hard as he could.
Don't let go yet
The suns were setting and the chill was creeping over the high dunes. Soon it would be dark. Luckily he didn't need light to see, for he had the Force. He could only hope it wasn't too late.
Don't let go yet
No, no, no. Don't lie down - keep walking. He felt the boy's terror, sadness, and sorrow emanating through the Force, felt his weariness and despair. Don't stop.
Don't let go yet
He jumped out of the speeder and knelt next to the boy lying on the sand. His shoulders were shaking with sobs. He touched the boy gently on his sandy-blonde head, and the clear blue eyes, rimmed in red from tears, snapped up to meet his face.
Don't let go yet
He gently gathered the boy in his arms and brought him back to the speeder, fear suddenly squeezing at his heart. Vader was near.
Don't let go yet
He flew over the dunes in the darkness with surprising speed, ironically feeling like a child running from a hounding monster. The Force had an odd sense of humor, he thought wryly.
Don't let go yet
He noticed the boy next to him drying his tears. He laid a hand gently on the child's knee in a gesture of reassurance, doing his best to rearrange his expression to one of encouragement.
Don't let go yet
He wasn't about to give up. Luke now needed him more than ever before. He glanced again at the small boy.
Don't let go yet
He had prepared a hiding place for the event that this would ever happen. Now, as the carried the child to safety, he was thankful he had prepared.
Don't let go yet
But his heart was still heavy as he held Luke, his arms enfolding him in protection.
Don't let go yet
How had it come to this?
