Sorry it's taken a bit to get this chapter out. I started work again this week with kids on campus for in-class learning so there's been a crazy amount of safety meetings, cleaning trainings, and tons of rules and protocols. In short, I've been exhausted and dead after work everyday. But, I did find time to write in those moments so let's hope it only goes up from here!
I gave you guys a bit of Leia and Iyla interaction last chapter (although Leia was kind of a brat, but she won't always be!) so I decided to include a drabble with Luke and Iyla interactions as well (with Leia mixed in). We see the deep bond and connection that all three of them have and Luke's fierce protectiveness and loyalty to "his Iyla."
There is a bit of prejudice discussed in this chapter towards Mandalorians. I also did research on left-handed Jedi and there's like none, almost all are ambidextrous, and the general consensus is that Sith favor the left hand. Being as lefty myself, I wanted to give Iyla a little taste of lefty issues so I included that here as well. Sorry, Iyla...
Chapter 4: For the Love of Luke
4-year-old Luke Skywalker sat alone in the crèche gardens watching the other children play around him. He could be playing with them, but he often liked to take breaks and rest. Sometimes he got tired of being around so many people. He wasn't like Leia who could be around people constantly. He needed some time away. It was this very need that allowed him to be able to help his cousin with a problem she had and give her the comfort she needed.
He watched as the initiates filed into the garden after their katas class and early saber training. Iyla wasn't with her usual group of friends which Luke thought was weird. Flynn, Shona, and Nari waved to him and he waved back distractedly, craning his head to look for his cousin among the other 8-10s initiates. Shona must have noticed his confusion and came over to him.
"Hey, Luke," she greeted. "Looking for Iyla?"
"Hi, Shona. Uh-huh, why she not wif you?"
Shona looked sad for a second. "She's with Master Alann. He asked her to stay behind after saber training," she explained.
Luke tilted his head in confusion. "Iyla in trouble?" he asked.
"No, not in trouble. She's just having a hard time with the moves and got a little sad. Master Alann's trying to help her feel better."
"She's sad? Maybe I can help her feel better too!" Luke said. "Maybe she needs a hug."
Shona smiled and ruffled his hair. "I'm sure she'd love a hug, kiddo."
Luke nodded resolutely and headed over to the garden door to wait for Iyla who was talking quietly with the Crèche Master by the entrance.
"But…but what if I never get it, Master?" Iyla asked dejectedly.
"Have patience, little one. You've only just begun the saber class. It's only the third session. You're not going to be perfect at it right away, as much as you'd like to be," Master Alann said.
"I know that, but, all the other new Initiates are doing fine. Why is it just me who can't do it?" Iyla growled frustrated.
"It only appears that way, Iyla. Many of the other students struggle as well, only in different areas. You are much too hard on yourself. Seems to be a classic Kenobi trait," he teased.
"I bet Papa never had trouble with saber classes," Iyla muttered.
"I can tell you with confidence that that is not true. Even your father struggled in the beginning. All new Initiates do, little one. I have never known a student to be perfect right away at 8-years-old. Not even your father. He had a hard time as well, but he got it eventually. As will you, little one. I know it."
Luke watched as Iyla sighed heavily and looked at the ground, not seeming to believe Master Alann's words.
"Perhaps you can ask your Papa about his saber training if you don't believe me. I guarantee he will tell you the same thing. Maybe he can help you as well. He's quite the accomplished swordsman now, despite his struggles in the beginning," Master Alann said.
"No way! I can't tell Papa! He'd be disappointed and ashamed. I…I can't…he can't know…" Iyla stuttered out desperately.
"Peace, child," Master Alann said putting a hand on her shoulder and rubbing it slowly. "You do your Papa a disservice by thinking these things. He will not be upset at you, I'm sure of it."
Iyla opened her mouth to retort but Master Alann held up a hand.
"However, I will not tell him of your struggles if you don't want me to…for now. We will continue to work on it and you will improve. I guarantee it. Now, we've spent enough time dwelling on this subject. Go spend some time being a child and playing with your friends, young one," Alann said with a smile.
Iyla gave him a forced smile and nodded. "Yes, Master," she said.
Master Alann watched her walk away with slumped shoulders and shook his head fondly. Kenobis and their perfectionist tendencies.
Iyla was so wrapped up in her frustration and brooding that she walked right past Luke without even noticing that he was there. Luke hurried to catch up to her longer strides and finally came to a stop as she plopped herself down heavily against the trunk of a towering tree. He hung back a bit because she looked angry and was scowling. He knew better than to go to her when she had that look on her face. But the next instant her scowl turned into a trembling lip and teary eyes as she started to sniffle and cry. Luke never liked it when Iyla cried. It always looked wrong to him. Iyla was the strong, smart, and brave older cousin who protected him and comforted him when he needed it. But now, she needed comforting and he knew he was the right person for it. Iyla always told him he was great at giving hugs and at making her happy. And right now, she needed help being happy.
"Iyla?" Luke asked as he approached. "You sad?"
Iyla's head snapped up and turned in his direction. "L-Lukey?" she asked.
"Uh-huh. Why're you cryin'?" he asked as he came to a stop in front of her.
Iyla quickly wiped her eyes and sat up straighter. She forced a smile and shook her head. "It's not important, Lukey. I'm ok," she replied.
"No, you not. You sad. Shona telled me."
Iyla shifted her eyes to the grass. "I'll be alright. I'm just being silly. Don't worry about me. Go back and play with your friends."
"I'm tired of playin'," Luke replied. "Wanna sit wif you," he said then plopped himself right next to her at the base of the tree.
"I really am alright, Luke. You don't have to sit here."
"But I wanna. I'm done playin' and need a break. Too much people time," he said.
Iyla smirked. "Don't I count as 'people'?" she asked.
"No, you not people. You Iyla," he answered as if this was an obvious fact that made perfect sense.
"You're a weird kid," Iyla chuckled.
"I know," Luke smiled.
The two sat in silence for a minute as Iyla got her sniffles under control and closed her eyes to send her negative emotions into the Force. It was proving to be difficult until she felt a weight against her side and two tiny arms wrap around her chest. Immediately she felt another Force presence mixing with her own pushing away the sadness and infusing it with light.
"What are you doing, Luke?" Iyla asked.
"You need a hug, so I gived you one. And you need happy 'motions so I gived you them too," he said next to her ear.
Iyla returned the hug and closed her eyes, smiling and melting into the embrace. "You're pretty amazing, buddy. You know that?"
"I know," Luke replied.
She chuckled and held on for a few seconds longer before letting go. Luke pulled back and put both hands on the side of her face then looked into her eyes seriously.
"No be sad anymore, Iyla, ok? Only smiles cuz you gots a nice smile," he said managing to make it sound like a command with all his 4-year-old authority.
Iyla bit her lip to contain her giggles and nodded seriously at him. "Yes, Mr. Skywalker. Only smiles."
"Good," he said with a firm nod. "You feel better, now?"
"Much better. Thanks, Lukey," she answered.
"Lukey Bear hugs always help," he replied.
"Every time," Iyla agreed.
"Now we go find your fends and Leia. She gives good hugs too!" Luke said standing up and holding out his hand for his cousin.
"Leia does give great hugs," Iyla said, taking his hand and pushing herself to her feet.
"Then we go look for her," he replied pulling her along after him as he walked towards the other children.
They found Leia playing tag and chasing a group of crèchelings around her age, yelling and laughing loudly. Luke let go of Iyla's hand then walked over to Leia and tugged her arm. Leia called for a stop in the game and turned her attention to her brother.
"What's wrong, Lukey?" Leia asked.
"Iyla's sad and needs a hug," he said.
"Why she sad?" Leia asked looking concerned.
"I dunno. Somefing about sabers. But she was cryin' so she needs a hug and happy 'motions," he explained.
"Crying? I not like it when Iyla cry! Where is she? I gots to give her a Leia Bug hug!"
"She's right there," Luke said pointing to Iyla who was now surrounded by her friends. Leia turned to the other kids she was playing with and told them she'd be right back before hurrying over to her cousin and the older kids.
Without any warning or explanation, Leia launched herself at Iyla and wrapped around her middle. Iyla let out a small 'oof' and nearly toppled over but was steadied by Shona.
"Leia, what…?" Iyla asked.
"Lukey said you sad and was cryin' so I gots to give you a Leia Bug hug and happy 'motions!" Leia said taking her head away from Iyla's chest slightly.
Iyla blushed and looked at her friends. She didn't exactly want them to know she'd been crying about saber class like a little baby. Thankfully none of them seemed to pick up on that part of Leia's explanation since they were too busy smiling at the twins and their adorable antics.
"Thanks, Bug," Iyla said. "This really helps."
"You welcome," Leia grinned widely. "You happy now?"
"Yes, I'm happy now. Thanks to my little Bear and Bug," Iyla replied with a big grin of her own, reaching out to draw Luke in to their hug as well.
"Aww, isn't that adorable," a mocking voice said from their left.
Iyla looked up to see Moreck, Odwin, and Arie sauntering towards them with smirks on their overly smug faces.
"Kenobi is spending time with her new agemates. I was wondering when they were going to demote you back to crècheling. Initiate life doesn't seem to be working out so well," Moreck said.
"Shut up, Raff," Flynn said coldly.
"Always the first to defend your little girlfriend, Markus. How sweet," Moreck sneered.
"Iyla's not my girlfriend," Flynn said even as his face colored.
"Keep tellin' yourself that," Odwin laughed.
Shona rolled her eyes and stepped forward. "Was there something you wanted, Moreck, or are you just here to be annoying?" she snapped.
"Oooh, Reave has a bite to her," Moreck smirked. "But, no, I'm not here for any particular reason. Just curious as to whether Kenobi here is going to be allowed at the next saber class. I saw you talking to Master Alann then walk off crying. Did he finally come to his senses and dismiss you? I'm sure it's hard for him to have to slow down the class for a clumsy failure like you."
Iyla's eyes narrowed and she clenched her jaw. "The only thing that is hard for him is dealing with you. I'm sure trying to re-teach a basic kata to a 10-year-old can be very annoying."
Moreck's face contorted in anger. "Brave words from a defective Initiate klutz."
"You mean!" Luke said with a frown, pointing his finger at Moreck.
"Got babies fighting your battles for you now, Kenobi? Well, seeing as you're likely to never use a saber correctly, the babies might be your best bet," Moreck chuckled as Odwin and Arie laughed along.
"We not babies!" Leia shouted indignantly. "You a big mean kid and we gonna tell on you to the Masser!"
"I'm terrified," Moreck said deadpan.
Leia snarled and started forward but Iyla grabbed her back. "Ignore him, Leia. He's not worth it. Take Luke and go play. I'll be fine."
Leia glared at Moreck and his cronies then looked up at Iyla defiantly, clearly wanting to stick around and defend her cousin. Iyla raised her eyebrow and jerked her head toward the other kids. Leia scowled and pulled Luke along with her. She had no intention of going back to play though and instead hid behind a bush to watch the group of initiates. Luke settled next to her and watched as well, both firm in their resolution to defend and help Iyla should the need arise.
"So, did Master Alann kick you out?" Moreck asked again.
"Not that it's any of your business, but no. I haven't been kicked out. He was just telling me to be patient and I'll get it soon. It's only my third class," Iyla said defensively.
"Lots of new Initiates have a hard time in the beginning, Moreck," Nari spoke up. "But they all get over it and end up being really good."
"And what if they don't get over it? What if there's an Initiate so bad that they never end up being able to use a saber?" Moreck asked with a wicked smirk.
"Then they can go be a droid, like they were meant to be all along," Arie cackled, her lekku bouncing as she shook with laughter.
Iyla had heard the droid bit so many times that it barely affected her anymore. "Wow, I haven't heard that one before. Very original. And I thought Togrutas were s'posed to be clever."
"At least I can hold on to my training saber for more than two minutes, Kenoopsie," Arie replied.
Moreck and Odwin erupted in laughter at the new nickname.
"It's not my fault! Master Alann has been teaching the moves with his right hand but I'm more comfortable using my left so it's harder and takes longer for me to fix," Iyla said.
"I didn't know you favored your left hand, Iyla," Nari said.
"I mean, I usually don't. Papa doesn't and I don't think Mama did, but for some reason the saber feels better there. I'm not left-handed in other things though. Just sabers," Iyla shrugged.
"A left-handed saber user?" Moreck asked with wide eyes. "Jedi don't use their left hands for sabers."
"Yes they do, genius, Jedi use both hands for sabers. Right and left. They're equally good with both," Shona said.
"Shut it, Reave. I know that. I'm just saying, Jedi don't favor one hand over another with their sabers. And 'specially not their left hand," Moreck replied.
"I read that only Sith favor their left hands in saber fights," Odwin said.
"Wow, Timms can read. I'm impressed," Flynn teased.
Odwin sneered at him and folded his arms. Arie stepped forward and put her hands on her hips. "I read that too. In fact, I think I even heard a Master talking about it. Maybe Kenobi is actually a Sith."
Iyla's stomach clenched and her breath caught. A Sith? She couldn't be a…Sith, could she? Sith were dark and evil and the opposite of a Jedi. Jedi fight Sith. If she was a Sith then…would her friends have to fight her too?
Shona scoffed. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Iyla's the brightest out of all of us. There's no way she's a Sith. Besides, only a moron believes that old bantha poo. It's just a legend and there's no proof. Stop believing everything you hear, Arie."
Arie shrugged. "Maybe it's true and maybe it's not. But maybe we should also keep an eye on Kenoopsie here just in case she goes dark. Can't have a Sith training with the Jedi."
"Well if she keeps dropping her saber every five minutes we won't have to worry about fighting her. She'll be the easiest Sith to beat, ever," Odwin said.
"Poor defective Sith Initiate Kenoopsie," Moreck said with a fake pouty lip.
Iyla pushed away her anxious thoughts and straightened up. "Get some better insults, Moreck. You sound like a di'kut using the same ones all the time," she replied.
Shona, Flynn, and Nari chuckled behind her which made Moreck mad.
"What? What's so funny? What did you call me? What's a dee-goo?" he asked.
Iyla giggled behind her hand. Moreck's confused and enraged expression sent the four friends into hysterics again. Arie and Odwin shrugged and looked at Moreck helplessly, neither having heard the word before.
"It's dee-koot," Iyla said still giggling. "And it means 'idiot' in Mandalorian."
"Mandalorian? How the Force do you know Mandalorian?" Moreck asked.
"Because my Mama was the Duchess of Mandalore, genius," Iyla replied. "It's part of who I am. My…heratish, or something, Papa said."
"You're part Mandalorian? Like…like from Mandalore?" Arie asked looking shocked and slightly alarmed.
"That's what I just said," Iyla answered with a roll of her eyes.
"The Jedi killers?" Arie swallowed nervously and backed away.
"Jedi killers?" Iyla asked with a head tilt.
"That was thousands of years ago, Arie," Shona cut in before Iyla could ask about it anymore. "The Mandalorians have changed a lot since then. They're not like that anymore."
"What do you mean Jedi killers?" Iyla asked again.
"It doesn't matter," Nari replied. "It was a long time ago."
"What was a long time ago?" Iyla asked nervously.
"You don't know? What kind of Mandalorian are you, anyways? If anyone is gonna know it should be you," Moreck said.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Moreck. Mandalorians aren't Jedi killers," Iyla scoffed.
Flynn cleared his throat awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, actually, they were Jedi killers. We learned about it in history class a few weeks ago."
"We didn't learn that in class," Iyla said. "I woulda remembered."
"Newer Initiates learn different stuff in their history class. Like the Code and such. You don't learn the history of the Order until later," Shona said.
"So the Mandalorians got something to do with the history of the Order?" Iyla asked.
"Yeah, they hunted Jedi for fun. They broke into the temple and killed every Jedi in it. The Mandalorians are monsters," Arie said.
"Were," Shona emphasized. "They were monsters. They aren't anymore. And they don't kill Jedi either."
"But…they did!" Iyla said looking distressed.
"Like a thousand years ago, Iyla, don't worry about it," Nari said. "I'm sure the Mandalorians aren't like that anymore. Your Mama wasn't like that and she was the boss."
"Yeah, Mama wasn't like that, and I don't think Auntie Bo and Korkie are like that, but what if some Mandalorians are still like that? What if they try to kill me and Papa next time we go back?" Iyla asked looking anxious.
"That won't happen," Shona reassured her. "The Mandalorians aren't bad anymore."
But Iyla wasn't listening as her thoughts had quickly moved on. "But what if they are? What if all Mandalorians hate Jedi and wanna kill them? What if I'm bad cuz I got Mandalorian in me?"
"You aren't bad, Iyla," Shona replied, putting a hand on her arm to try to bring her back to the present and calm her down.
"But…"
"So basically, Kenobi is a possible Sith and a Jedi killer? Wow, you're an even bigger failure than I thought. Maybe we should call the Council and tell them you're not safe. They might have to throw you out. You could be dangerous!" Moreck said.
"I…I'm not! I swear! I'd never kill a Jedi. I'm not bad or dangerous," Iyla said biting her lip in fear and to keep it from wobbling and giving away her unstable emotions.
Moreck ignored her though. "I wonder if Master Kenobi knows how dangerous his daughter is."
"I'm not dangerous!" Iyla exclaimed, her breaths coming out in short pants. "I-I'm not!"
"Not yet," Arie said. "But you could be later. And then we're all in trouble."
"Maybe we should tell him," Odwin spoke up. "He might wanna get rid of her before it's too late."
Iyla's eyes were now filling with tears. "Papa would never get rid of me! He promised. He said we'll be together forever and ever and nothin' will change that."
"That was before he knew you're a danger to everyone, including him. He'll prob'ly change his mind when he finds out," Odwin replied.
"Cut it out, Timms," Flynn said glaring at him. "You don't know what you're talking about. Master Kenobi would never kick out Iyla, and she's not a danger!" He looked at Iyla concerned as he saw her starting to wheeze and tears slip down her cheeks.
"Iyla…" Nari said reaching out to comfort her. "Don't listen to them. They're talking crazy. No one thinks you're a danger and no one thinks you're gonna kill Jedi. We know you and your Papa does too."
"Does he though?" Moreck asked now sneering and smirking since he knew he'd worked her up. "Or does he just think he knows you? What happens when he finds out the truth?"
Iyla was now hugging her chest and curling into herself, a shuddering ball of anxiety and fear. She knew her Papa would never throw her out. He'd told her many many times and he always sent her reassurance and love through the Force every time he did. If he was lying, she'd be able to tell. But he didn't know she could be a Sith and kill all the Jedi. Would he change his mind when he found out? Would that be the thing that made him throw her away?
Luke and Leia, still watching from the bush looked at each other concerned.
"We gots to help Iyla," Leia said. "She's really sad and scared."
"That mean boy and his mean fends maked her cry!" Luke growled.
"Lukey we gotta do somefing," Leia replied.
"I know what to do," Luke said standing up and squaring his shoulders.
"What are you gonna do?" Leia asked as she joined him.
Luke didn't answer though and instead started stalking his way to the group of initiates with a fierce scowl and a determined look in his eyes. Leia jogged to catch up with him, not knowing what he had planned but fully supporting anything he was going to do.
Luke kept his gaze firmly on his shaking cousin and her teary face feeling his anger and protectiveness rearing up in his chest. No one made his Iyla cry and got away with it. Those mean kids needed to pay for what they did. He approached the group from the back, Leia hot on his heels and looking ready to strike along with him. As they got closer he could feel Iyla's sadness and fear leaking out into the Force around her. She badly needed a Lukey Bear hug but that could wait for the moment. He had a bully to deal with.
Meanwhile the taunting of the mean kids was still going on. He could hear it as he approached.
"Uh-oh, Moreck, you made the future Sith and Jedi killer cry. I'd watch my back. You'll probably be first on the list when she goes crazy!" Arie teased.
"S-Stop it! I'm n-not cr-crazy!" Iyla sniffled and let out a small hiccup.
Luke watched as Shona and Flynn looked ready to take on Moreck and his cronies right there and Nari put a comforting arm around Iyla and attempted to help her calm down. Iyla was now wheezing and trembling in Nari's arms while the three bullies were smirking. Luke narrowed his eyes and quickened his pace toward the group.
"Hey!" he shouted once he was within range. "You not make my Iyla cry!" he pointed a finger at Moreck.
"L-Luke!" Iyla said surprised. "What are y-you doing?"
"They maked you cry so they gotta be punished," he said.
"And what is a 4-year-old baby gonna do? Run and tell a Master?"
Luke stared him down and balled up his little fists. "No. I'm gonna do this!" he said before launching himself at Moreck and kicking him in the shin hard. Moreck yelped and tried to shake Luke off but his fist connected with the older boy's stomach and he doubled over with a groan.
Iyla stood and stared, shocked and not comprehending what was happening. Luke was never violent and he had never lashed out like this before. She didn't even know her sweet little bear could act this way.
"Luke!" she shouted over Moreck's groans and Luke's growls. "Luke, stop!"
He didn't seem to hear her though, or he didn't care, because he kept hitting and kicking Moreck over and over. A sudden rallying war cry broke out from next to her and she turned to see Leia throw herself at Odwin and Arie, trying to take on both of them at once. Embarrassingly for the Dressellian and Togrutan, she was managing quite well.
"Ahhh!" Odwin screamed. "Get this demon child off of me!"
Leia cackled and continued to kick him while reaching out and slapping Arie's wrist as it moved to grab her.
"Kenobi's been training these little brats to be her apprentices when she goes bad!" Moreck yelled. "They're just as crazy as she is—ughhh!" he shouted taking a kick to his knee.
"What is happening?" Shona asked watching it all with wide eyes.
"Raff, Timms, and Nabor are getting beat up by two crèchelings!" Flynn said with a hint of excitement and glee in his voice.
"We have to stop them!" Iyla said. "They're going to get in trouble!"
"Too late," Nari replied pointing to a running and frantic Master Terrol.
"What in the Force is going on here?" he exclaimed once he reached them.
"These psycho babies just started attacking us for no reason! Kenobi told them to," Moreck said grimacing as a well placed kick nearly connected with a sensitive area.
"No, I didn't!" Iyla protested.
"Yeah, Master! She's crazy!" Odwin said trying to pull Leia off of him before her teeth could make contact with his hand.
"I am not! Master Terrol, you have to believe me, I would never tell Luke and Leia to attack them, honest. They were-"
"She's lying, Master! I saw her talking to them earlier. She was probably telling them to-" Arie was cut off by Master Terrol's command.
"Enough!" he shouted.
All nine children froze at his voice, startled into submission by the normally calm and serene Master.
"Luke and Leia let go of them and come over here right now," he said. "Initiates Raff, Timms, and Nabor go to the crèche nurse. We'll be talking later. Initiates Kenobi, Reave, Markus, and Daval follow me to Master Alann's office. Skywalkers come along as well."
They all scrambled to obey his command quickly and dutifully as the Twi'lek Master stared them all down with his piercing gaze. While Moreck, Odwin, and Arie scampered off to the nurse, the rest of them were left to trail behind Master Terrol like convicts being sent to their cells, resigned to their fate.\
Iyla sat next to Luke and Leia fidgeting and tapping her foot anxiously. Her Papa and Uncle Anakin had gone into Master Alann's office nearly 20 minutes ago and the three of them were left to sit and stew in their apprehension. Although technically Iyla didn't do anything wrong, she still felt nervous about what the grown-ups were talking about. Was Master Alann telling her Papa about how terrible she was with a saber? He said he wouldn't, but maybe he changed his mind after what happened. How would Papa react? Would he be disappointed?
She could feel the fears and worries taking over her mind and drowning out her common sense. Before she could get too overwhelmed, she felt two little hands on either side of her grab her own and hold on tightly. Her cousins had obviously felt her emotions in the Force around her and were trying to anchor her in an effort to curb a complete breakdown. Warmth and light snuck in past her cloudy Force signature and eased her troubled mind. She felt herself relax and she let out a deep breath. Iyla pulled her cousins closer to her side and tucked them under her arms in a half hug then closed her eyes. She sent feelings of gratitude and affection back to them and soon all three of them were much more at ease.
That is until Master Alann's door opened and Anakin and Obi-Wan stepped out. The atmosphere was immediately soured by tension and the children stiffened and pulled away to sit obediently on the bench. Not before their parents saw though and smiled slightly.
"I think we need to have a talk," Obi-Wan started.
"All of us," Anakin finished. "Obi-Wan and Iyla will come back to our quarters and we'll all talk about what happened today. We'd like to hear it from your point of view."
With an obedient nod Iyla quickly stood up from the bench and came to Obi-Wan's side. Luke and Leia, less poised and calm, scrambled down and took Anakin's hands as he led them out of the crèche.
As they walked, Iyla felt her Papa reach out to lightly rub her back and her shoulders in comfort. She released her tension and worries into the Force at his prompting and allowed him to help her calm down. She let herself be pulled to his side and drank in the love and care being sent to her through the Force like a mental kiss to her anxious mind. Her Papa always knew how to bring her back under control and help her find her center like he was now. Cutting off a panic attack at the knees and striking it down before it could begin to rise up. She'd been getting better at her self-calming techniques but some situations were a bit too much for an 8-year-old to handle on her own. Some situations called for Papa's help. And he was always there to keep her grounded.
Obi-Wan kept his hand on her back as he guided her into the Skywalker's quarters and led her to a place on the couch next to her cousins, pausing to run a finger down her cheek affectionately before taking a seat in a chair opposite them.
"First things first," Anakin said turning to the twins. "Did you two attack those older Initiates?" he asked.
"Yes, Daddy," they replied in unison.
Anakin sighed then ran hand down his face and muttered, "At least they're honest."
"Why did you attack them?" Obi-Wan asked.
"They was bein' mean to Iyla, Unca Obi!" Luke replied looking angry.
"Yeah, they maked her cry and breathe bad. We sawed it!" Leia spoke up.
Iyla ducked her head sheepishly and kept her gaze on her lap so she wouldn't be able to see her Papa's disappointment that she'd been crying over a silly crèche argument. Initiates don't cry over stupid baby problems.
Luke continued his explanation. "They said somefing mean 'bout sabers and,"
"And 'bout killing Jedi and a Siv and," Leia continued.
"And bad fings 'bout Mala…Mada…Manla…what Atie Satine was from."
"And they called us babies!" Leia exclaimed indignantly as if that was the worst insult of them all. "Lukey and me not babies!"
"No, you're not," Anakin agreed. "But attacking other kids and hitting, kicking, or biting them is something babies do."
"But we only did it cuz Iyla was sad. They maked my Iyla cry and no one 'sposed to make my Iyla cry!" Luke said with a scowl.
"Perhaps if we knew exactly what was said, we could understand a little better why you reacted the way you did," Obi-Wan said trying to hide his smile at Luke's passionate words and his sweet protectiveness of Iyla. He couldn't encourage violence, but he was grateful for the bond the three of them have.
Luke, Leia, Anakin, and Obi-Wan turned to look at Iyla but her head was down and her eyes were focused on her twisting hands in her lap.
"Darling?" Obi-Wan asked. "Can you tell us what the other Initiates were saying that upset you so much?"
"It's not a big deal. I was just bein' over sensortive," she mumbled. "I know better than to cry at silly words like a little baby."
"They aren't silly words if they make you cry, kiddo. And sometimes words can hurt very badly," Anakin said.
Iyla peered up at him and bit her lip.
"Were they very hurtful words, Iyla?" Anakin asked again.
Iyla's lip trembled and she blinked to get rid of her tears. "Yes, Uncle Anakin," she replied quietly.
"Tell us about it, love," Obi-Wan said softly.
"You…you might be dis'pointed or, or mad when I tell you. And you might wanna get rid of me too," she said.
"Never, my dear," Obi-Wan said firmly.
"But you don't even know what I'm gonna say yet. You're prob'ly gonna change your mind."
"I will be the judge of that, little one. Now, tell us what happened."
"Well, it started in saber class. I was having lots of trouble with the form and how to hold it and I kept on dropping it all the time. I was very fusterated and embarrassed that the whole class had to wait for me cuz I was so bad. Master Alann talked to me after and told me to not be 'scouraged and that I will learn it eventually but I was still upset."
"Did Moreck and the others make fun of you for that, dear?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Well, yeah, but it wasn't only that. There was more," Iyla said.
"Go on, kiddo," Anakin encouraged.
"Moreck c-called me a S-Sith and then Arie s-said I'm a Jedi killer and you and the Council are g-gonna throw me out cuz I'm d-dangerous and I got scared cuz wh-what if they're right?" Iyla sniffled and hiccupped.
"What?" Both Obi-Wan and Anakin asked at the same time.
"Why would they say that?" Obi-Wan asked in confusion.
Iyla hesitated, reluctant to admit her failings and dangerous qualities that could get her sent away and cause her to turn evil. Obi-Wan sensed her anxiety and sent her a wave of reassurance and love to get her to open up.
"I…I think I'm more comfortable using my left hand for my saber and Master Alann keeps showing the moves with his right so that's why I'm bad at it and I'm slow. But Odwin said that he read that only Sith use their left hand for sabers and Arie said she even heard a Master talking about it and if I use my left hand for my saber then I must be a Sith!"
"Darling, that's not true. There is no proof that Sith use their left hand only. It's merely a legend. Plus, every Jedi begins with a favored hand before they learn to be equally good at both. It's natural to favor one hand over another when you're just starting out. It doesn't make you a Sith," Obi-Wan replied.
"But…but why do I favor my left hand? You don't and Mama didn't and I don't with other things. Just sabers. That must mean I'm gonna be a Sith," Iyla insisted.
"You could never be a Sith, love. You're much too bright for that. There's no way my little light can go dark. No way."
"I'm also a Jedi killer, Papa! Cuz I'm a Mandalorian and the Mandalorians are Jedi killers. They hunted Jedi for fun and killed them all. And that's not a legend. Even Shona and Flynn and Nari said it's true. They all learned about it in history class."
"That happened a very long time ago, little one," Anakin said. "The Mandalorians don't hunt Jedi anymore or kill them. That's in the past."
"But what if there's still some like that? Are they gonna kill us when we go back to visit Auntie Bo and Korkie? And what if I decide to kill Jedi cuz I got Mandalorian in me? You said it's my heratish, Papa!"
Iyla's frantic and scared eyes bore into his own and Obi-Wan felt his anger rising that these children would plant the seed of doubt into her mind about her heritage and her family simply because of something they heard in their history class. Iyla was fiercely proud to be Mandalorian and loved the planet almost as much as Satine did. To see her now scared and questioning that pride saddened him greatly. He'd hoped to have the discussion himself with Iyla about Mandalore and their relations to the Jedi after she learned about it in class, but that had been taken from him now and he was left with an anxious and confused little girl who didn't know what to think.
"The Mandalorians and the Jedi have a complicated past, darling. But your Mama worked very hard to change that and Korkie is continuing that work as well. Mandalore is different now. Peaceful and cooperative. There is no need to fear an attack or to be afraid that you might hurt a Jedi simply because of where you were born or what's in your blood. It's very narrow-minded to think this way. I'm sure Master Alann isn't at fault for this but I will be speaking to him tomorrow to make sure he clarifies things with the other Initiates about Mandalore and its people," Obi-Wan replied with a hint of anger in his voice.
"Prejudice has no place among the Jedi," Anakin said equally as angry at the way Iyla was treated simply for being of Mandalorian heritage.
"The mean kids said Iyla gonna kill them and Unca Obi gonna get rid a her cuz she's crazy and dangerish," Leia spoke up.
"They laughed when she cried and said she gonna be a Siv," Luke added angrily.
Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged sad looks as they watched Iyla curl into herself and hug her arms to her chest. Her hurt, confusion, fear, and anxiety were starting to seep into the Force around her despite her efforts to release them. Luke and Leia picked up on the emotions as well and scooted closer to her on the couch.
"It's ok, Iyla," Luke soothed, bringing his hand to her back and rubbing it softly. "You not a Siv or crazy or dangerish. You brave and nice and strong! And I not want you to be sad no more."
Iyla smiled at him and rubbed her wet eyes. Luke reached up and wiped away a tear that was trailing down her cheek then laid his head on her shoulder. Leia joined in on her other side and started petting her hair.
"We give you lotsa Leia Bug and Lukey Bear hugs til you happy 'gain!" she said determinately.
"And give you happy 'motions so you smile too. Cuz you gots a pretty smile and I like it," Luke said, taking his hands and tugging her mouth up at the sides to imitate a smile.
Iyla giggled and playfully opened her mouth to snap at his fingers. Luke shrieked and laughed burying his head in her chest to get away from the chomping teeth.
"You silly!" both twins said at the same time, laughing and smiling brightly.
Iyla grinned and gave one last scrub to her face and cheeks to rid them of her tears.
"You the best Iyla ever," Leia said. "And me and Lukey gonna fight any mean kid who makes you sad!"
"Yeah! We gonna be your pateckders! Cuz you our Iyla and no one hurts our Iyla and gets away wif it!" Luke said sitting up and raising his chin up high.
"Thanks," Iyla smiled happily. "Good to know I always got my Lukey Bear and Leia Bug to keep me safe."
"Yeah and we always love you too! Forever and ever!" Luke shouted excitedly.
"Forever and ever," Leia agreed with a nod.
Iyla pulled them close and hugged them tightly. "Forever and ever," she whispered sending them love and affection.
Anakin turned to Obi-Wan who had a sappy smile on his face. "You know I can't encourage the violence, but I also don't want to discourage their close and protective bond."
"That is a difficult line to draw," Obi-Wan agreed. "Probably best left for Padme to deal with," he grinned impishly.
"Master, are you implying that I shirk my duties and pass on the discipline to my wife?" Anakin smirked.
"That's exactly what I'm implying," Obi-Wan replied with a mischievous smile. "You, my Padawan, have that luxury. Use it to your full advantage."
"I think I just might," Anakin laughed. "But what about you, Master? You don't have that luxury."
"I also don't have little twin imps who have all the fire and insanity of a Skywalker-Amidala," Obi-Wan chuckled.
"True. Just a stubborn and sassy little Kenobi-Kryze of your own," Anakin teased.
"Not sure which is worse, really," Obi-Wan grinned.
Both men turned their attention back to their three little rascals who were now playfully poking and tickling each other while they twisted around on the couch, the drama of the afternoon quickly being overshadowed by their carefree and childish game. The Force around them was bright and warm, their giggles and shrieks filling the air and washing away hurt feelings, anxieties, and sadness. It wouldn't be right to reprimand the twins now. While they shouldn't have resorted to violence, they did the right thing in coming to Iyla's defense. They loved her just as fiercely as she loved them and their loyalty to each other was truly something to marvel at.
Luke and Leia were so in tune with Iyla's emotions and her triggers, often stopping panic attacks and anxiety episodes before they could escalate. Many a shaky breath and trembling lip were cured by a Lukey Bear hug to his much adored Iyla and some form of physical contact. He could anchor her in his own unique way and his sensitive soul could rein her in quickly and easily with a simple emotion sent to her through the Force. Leia, in all her fiery and spirited glory, could call out Iyla's emotions and force her to face them head-on. A much needed practice for the often nervous and hesitant girl who tended to bottle everything up so much that releasing her emotions into the Force was sometimes impossible. Leia's confidence and positive outlook also helped Iyla in her insecurities and "brooding sessions" which she definitely did not get from Obi-Wan no matter what Anakin says. Although they tended to fight and argue constantly like sisters, both girls loved each other just as fiercely as well. The three of them were the perfect trifecta of familial passion, love, and loyalty. Truly a force to be reckoned with.
When the cousins were left breathless, flushed, and grinning from their tickle fight, Obi-Wan called Iyla over and sat her on his lap. Anakin occupied the twins in the kitchen to give the father and daughter some privacy.
"Are you feeling better, my little light?" Obi-Wan asked, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"Yes, Papa," she said, laying her head against his shoulder and tracing a finger along his beard.
"I'm sorry you were upset today. You should never be ashamed to come to me with your problems, little one. I won't think less of you. I don't expect you to be perfect and I will never be disappointed in you for having struggles as long as you are doing your best and learning everything you can. That's all I ask."
"But you're the best saber fighter in the Order. And I can't even hold a saber the right way. I'm too clumsy and stupid. Defective Initiate Kenoopsie who's never gonna be able to use a saber and gonna fail at everything," Iyla said with lowered eyes.
Obi-Wan tipped her chin up with his finger and brushed a few waves of hair from her face. "You are not stupid or a failure, Iyla Kenobi," he said firmly as he looked her in the eyes. "And you are certainly not defective. You mustn't think these things. Because my favorite girl is intelligent, hardworking, kind, bright, and perfect as she is. And who's my favorite girl?" Obi-Wan asked with a teasing smirk.
Iyla brought her hand to her chin and stroked it as if in deep thought. "Mama?" she asked playfully.
Obi-Wan gave her a teasing scowl. "She's one, yes. But there is another."
"Oh, right! Leia!" Iyla grinned wickedly.
"You little rascal," he chuckled and tickled her sides.
Iyla giggled and squirmed away from his attack. "Ok, ok, it's me! I'm your favorite girl!"
Obi-Wan gave her neck one last tickle then hugged her to his chest. "And don't you forget it."
"I won't. But, Papa…" Iyla trailed off.
"Yes, my love?"
"Can...Can you maybe help me with my saber forms? I'm still kinda clumsy. No matter how smart you say I am. I'm still a Kenoopsie."
"I would love to help you, darling. As someone who was once just as clumsy, I have a few techniques up my sleeve to help with awkward limbs. Take it from Oafy-Wan himself," he smirked.
"Oafy-Wan?" Iyla asked.
"A nickname given to me by a fellow crèchemate when I was around your age. Clumsiness seems to be a Kenobi trait. But we get over it eventually. Well, maybe not completely. I still drop my saber sometimes and I lost it constantly during battles. Nearly drove Cody insane," he chuckled.
"So I'm doomed?" Iyla teased.
"Looks like it."
Iyla smiled and giggled. "Maybe I should help you with dinner tonight then. So you don't lose the cooking tools. Cody isn't here to help you find them."
"Sassy brat," Obi-Wan glared playfully.
"Come on, Oafy-Wan, I'm hungry," she said hopping off his lap and jumping away quickly before he could grab her and resume his tickling.
"Watch yourself, Kenoopsie, I know where you sleep."
Iyla laughed and dodged his smack to her head then gave a huge leap and latched herself onto his back. Obi-Wan hooked his arms under her legs and hiked her up higher in a piggy-back style. They said goodbye to Anakin and the twins and promised to spend time with them in the gardens the next day.
Iyla squealed in delight as Obi-Wan pretended to drop her then righted himself and carried her out the door, their laughter and joy lighting up the dim temple hallways.
Thanks for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting! See you all next chapter, which hopefully won't be too long from now! *fingers crossed*
