Finally finished this chapter. It's a long one! I feel like I've been saying that every time, lol. Guess I'm incapable of writing small chapters anymore. Too many ideas and scenes often get away from me. I thought about making this 2 chapters but I really couldn't find a good place to cut it, so extra long chapter it is!

This chapter is dedicated to a very special reader, F4Fanatic, who has a birthday soon and requested more Bo and Korkie time. They've been such a faithful and encouraging reader and commenter and I always look forward to reading their thoughts. Thanks so much F4Fanatic for everything and happy early birthday! You rock!

Chapter summary: We head back to Mandalore where Bo and Korkie babysit Iyla for a few days. Iyla makes her first Mando friend and it causes some controversy with the adults involved. Iyla and her friend don't care though and are determined to be friends anyways. It ends with a really bad nightmare for Iyla featuring our resident red Zabrak, and some fluffy comfort from Auntie Bo, cousin Korkie, and later, Papa Obi. (Mando'a translations in the end notes)


Chapter 7: Hope, Unity, and New Beginnings

Bo-Katan was very, very unsure about all of this. You'd never know it by looking at her and she'd never admit it. But she was. She wasn't sure what possessed Kenobi to trust her with his precious little girl for a few days. She tried to keep her internal panic to a minimum as she listened to him explain how to care for Iyla and give her some instructions. Bo willed her mind to calm down as he spoke and was secretly glad that Korkie was there to listen as well while she silently freaked out.

To no one's surprise, Bo-Katan wasn't really a kid person. She didn't dislike kids she just didn't know what to do with them. She was never in Korkie's life, having distanced herself from her family shortly after he was born. It wasn't until Korkie had contacted her about helping Satine that she got the opportunity to get to know him. By that time he was nearly a man. So, being given responsibility of a 5-year-old, a young child dependent on an adult for their basic needs and well-being, was completely terrifying. Why did Kenobi think this was a good idea?

He said Iyla had asked for it actually. He was assigned a mission in a neighboring system and, instead of leaving her on Coruscant in the temple, decided to drop her off on Sundari after Iyla mentioned missing her Mandalorian aunt and cousin. It warmed Bo's heart a bit that Iyla felt comfortable enough to want to stay with her and Korkie, but it also scared her to death. Iyla was precious and innocent and the last link to her sister and she was now in charge of keeping her safe and alive for three days while Kenobi was off doing his Jedi stuff. She didn't think that Iyla would be a problem, but she was a Kryze and she had the Force. Both were enough to make her nervous.

Bo snapped back to reality as Kenobi was discussing bedtime routines and food sensitivities. Korkie, god bless him, was asking questions and hanging on the Jedi's every word. She was incredibly grateful in that moment that she wouldn't be alone and her nephew would be taking care of Iyla with her.

"I have recorded a bedtime story and goodnight message on this holodisk," Kenobi said handing the disk to Korkie. "I'm not sure what my status will be while I'm away and I can't guarantee that I'll be available each night for a bedtime chat. I'm hoping a prerecorded goodnight will be enough."

"I'm sure it will be fine," Korkie said.

"Just as I'm sure you and Bo will be fine as well," Kenobi said giving both of them a knowing look. The damn Jedi could probably sense they were both nervous as hell about this and was trying to put their minds at ease.

Korkie blushed and muttered a "thank you," while Kenobi gave his arm an affectionate squeeze.

Bo turned her attention to the little one standing nearby, a mixture of apprehension and excitement on her face. Bo knew Iyla loved Mandalore already and was proud to be Mandalorian. She often talked to them about how she couldn't wait to come visit again and now that she was here she was brimming with excitement. The only thing was that she'd be staying and Kenobi would be leaving. Hence the apprehension. She'd be without her Papa, her steady constant grown-up, and in a still somewhat unfamiliar place with family she'd only met in person a few times. Bo knew that Iyla loved her and Korkie but staying with them for days was a different story. Yes, Iyla was nervous, that much Bo could tell. But she was doing a valiant job of being brave. Such a strong and resilient one. Just like her mother.

Kenobi had finally finished giving Korkie all of the instructions. Really, how many instructions did one need to take care of a 5-year-old? Feed, clothe, entertain, and put to bed. That was it, right? Iyla was called forward to Kenobi and he took her aside and talked quietly with her for a bit. Bo watched as her big blue eyes grew misty and blinked rapidly while tiny teeth bit down on her bottom lip. A tickle and scratchy kiss from Kenobi cured the tears and nervous biting and Satine's blinding smile appeared on the girl's face. Bo didn't think she'd ever get used to seeing that smile on her niece. It would most likely always stop her in her tracks. Just as it did now.

"I love you, Papa," Iyla said passionately and buried her face in his shoulder as she squeezed his chest.

"I love you too, my little light. Have fun with your Auntie Bo and Korkie. Be good and mind your manners. I'll be back before you know it," Kenobi replied with a kiss to her forehead and a stroke of her cheek.

Iyla nodded and stood back to allow him to stand up. With one last ruffle of her wild curls, Kenobi waved at them all then walked out the door.

Immediately Iyla's shoulders slumped and Bo looked anxiously to Korkie as they heard a few quiet sniffles. Korkie looked back at her and nodded. He knew, of the two of them, he was the best one to offer comfort.

"Ad'ika," he said as he approached her carefully. "Are you ok?" he asked.

"Y-Yes," Iyla replied.

"We're going to have a wonderful time together and Uncle Obi-Wan will be back in no time at all. Don't worry."

"Ok," she sniffed.

"Are you hungry, little one?" Korkie asked.

Iyla nodded and ran an arm over her eyes. "D'ya got peaches?" she asked.

"I just picked a basketfull this morning," Bo replied. "Want to go check them out?"

Iyla smiled and skipped over to Bo enthusiastically. She took her aunt's hand and looked up at her with her sparkling blue eyes. Bo tensed at the touch and was tempted to shrink away but the bright grin kept her hand in place. She wasn't one for physical affection or touches, but she didn't really mind making an exception for the cute little girl chattering excitedly at her hip. Bo figured that she could endure a few days of hand holding and hugs for her sweet little niece with enough warmth and light to break through her cool Mandalorian defenses. Normally she wouldn't allow it, but she was finding that Iyla was the exception to all of her rules and she was just fine with that.


The first day went relatively smoothly. By the time their peaches snack was eaten it was well into late afternoon. Obi-Wan had told them that Iyla would be tired and sleepy for the rest of the day. A combination of ship-lag and a change up in her routine, so they decided to have a quiet afternoon and evening at the estate. Iyla brought some toys and Korkie loved sitting with her on the floor helping her stack blocks and fly toy speeders around.

Bo stood back and watched with amusement. Korkie may be almost 20 but he was still a boy in certain ways. From what she could gather through talking with him, he was often isolated as a child because of his noble status and didn't have many opportunities to play and be a little boy. But here, in the comfort of their home, without the pressures of his impending leadership role, and surrounded by the light and happiness of his cousin, Korkie could be that carefree kid he never had the chance to be the first time around.

Bo smiled and left them to their games then went to go get dinner ready. She returned to the living room to tell them it was time to eat and saw Korkie mercilessly tickling Iyla who was twisting in his arms and kicking him in the shins. Her wheezing laughter and Korkie's pained exclamations filled the room. Bo nearly had to shout to be heard over the all the ruckus which finally ceased at the mention of food. Iyla took off for the 'fresher with Korkie on her heels and Bo watched as her adult nephew pouted at being beaten by a 5-year-old in a foot race.

"Enjoying yourself?" Bo asked as she leaned against a wall.

Korkie blushed and rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Oh, uh, hey Auntie Bo. Just, uh, playing around with Iyla. Uncle Obi-Wan said to keep her entertained and distracted after all, so I figured I'd-"

"It's fine, Korkie. I'm just teasing. It takes a great cousin and great man to endure hours of play with a young child. Especially one so energetic. If you can keep up with Iyla, keeping up with politicians should be easy," she chuckled.

"If only politicians could be so easily swayed by toy speeders and block towers, or subdued by tickle attacks," Korkie scoffed.

"Hey, you never know. They could," Bo said with a smirk.

"I'd rather not find out," Korkie chuckled.

"All done!" Iyla shouted as she exited the 'fresher. "We eat now?"

"Yeah, kiddo. Come help me set the table while Korkie freshens up," Bo waved her hand for Iyla to follow.

"Ok. Make sure you use soap too, Kowkie! Papa says soap and water makes clean hands," Iyla said to her cousin.

"Thanks for the advice, ad'ika," Korkie smiled.

Dinner was quieter than the living room activities which Bo was thankful for. She didn't think she could endure more squeals and loud laughter from her niece and nephew. Korkie may not be a child but his energy sometimes rivaled that of a child's and his enthusiasm for things matched Iyla's. Instead of excited chattering and babbling, Bo led the table in a discussion about what to do for the next two days. Bo and Korkie realized that Iyla had yet to see much of what Mandalore had to offer. She'd spent a lot of time in the estate, courtyard, and gardens, but hadn't experienced the city at all. They made a plan to visit downtown Sundari the next day and introduce Iyla to the Mandalore that her Mama loved so much.

The bedtime routine was completely uncharted territory for both Bo and Korkie. There was so much to remember, but luckily Iyla was pretty conditioned already in her routine and they simply had to oversee her and supervise. Bo was amazed at how well a 5-year-old could remember all the steps to her nightly routine without Kenobi there to help her. Iyla breezed through it easily and was now waiting next to the big bed while Korkie pulled the covers back and fluffed the pillows.

The apprehension from earlier in the day returned and Bo could tell that a simple 'good night' wasn't going to get the girl down easily. She watched as Iyla clutched her stuffed bantha and desperately tried to fight back tears. Kenobi had warned them that bedtimes had proven to be a challenge every time he was away and it seemed that this night was no exception. Korkie gave the girl a kind smile and helped her up into bed then started tucking the covers in around her. He stilled his movements though after Iyla let out a stifled sob. He turned panicked eyes to Bo and silently pleaded with her to do something before a full blown meltdown could happen.

"W-Want P-Papa," Iyla cried.

"It's ok, ad'ika," Korkie soothed awkwardly. "You're alright. Would you like a story?"

Iyla sniffled and hiccupped then nodded.

"Ok, great. Let me pick one out…" Korkie trailed off as he scrambled for the backpack of books and toys.

Bo watched him desperately trying to decide which story to read when she saw a holodisk fall to the ground. Immediately she remembered Kenobi mentioning that he'd recorded a story for Iyla to be played at bedtime in case he wasn't available. She hurried to pick it up and shoved it in Korkie's hands.

"A holodisk? What…" Korkie asked before his eyes lit up in recognition. "Oh, of course! Uncle Obi-Wan's bedtime recording!" he nearly cheered.

"There's a disk player in the library. Go get it quickly while I try and stem the flood," Bo said looking over at the crying 5-year-old hugging her knees to her chest.

She wanted to go comfort her but she honestly had no idea how. She settled for awkwardly coming to stand by the bed and reaching out a hand towards the girl. Iyla immediately took the hand and gripped it tightly while Bo winced and tried to make it look like a reassuring smile. Thankfully Korkie was back quickly with the holodisk player and was getting it set up on the bed so Bo didn't have to endure the painful grip for too long.

"W-What's this, Kowkie?" Iyla asked uncurling and sitting up in curiosity.

"Something your Papa told us to give to you at bedtime. I think you're going to like it," Korkie answered.

Iyla watched as her cousin got the player set up then attached the disk to it and pushed play. A small holographic Obi-Wan appeared over the disk and Iyla's face lit up in a wide smile.

"Papa!" she exclaimed.

The Jedi Master smiled happily and leaned forward in the chair he was sitting in.

"Hello, my darling. If you're watching this, then it means it's bedtime for a certain little one. I hope you remembered every part of your nightly routine including brushing your teeth. Don't want to subject anyone to bad breath," he said making a face.

Iyla giggled and covered her mouth. "Yes, Papa," she said.

"Now, I'm sorry I can't be there in person to tuck you in. I really wish I could be as it's my one of my favorite parts of the day, but I'm hoping that this holovid will make it feel like I am there with you. I hope that watching this will help you be the brave little one that I know you can be. Because you take after your Mama and your Mama was the strongest and bravest woman I know," Obi-Wan said.

"Hear, hear," Bo and Korkie agreed.

"So, my brave and strong little light, lay back and get comfy because I am about to read you one of my favorite books from the crèche. It was one I loved as a youngling and I think you're going to love it too," Obi-Wan said reaching behind him to pull out a book and hold it up to the camera.

Bo and Korkie watched in fascination as Iyla's entire demeanor changed and her tears and apprehension melted away under the soothing accented voice of her father reading a children's story about akk-pups, tooka cats, and flowers. He read with such emotion and character and was sure to show the pictures on every page. Both Kryzes couldn't help but be engaged in the story as well. They smiled at each other as Iyla's wide blue eyes remained totally transfixed on the holovid in front of her as she hung on every word. The gloomy and fearful girl from earlier was now gone and replaced with a content and sleepy child ready to drop off at any moment. Bo was impressed with Kenobi's story telling ability and extremely thankful for his foresight in making the video in the first place.

The story ended just in time as Iyla's head was bobbing and her eyes drooping closed. The holographic Obi-Wan closed the book and set it aside then leaned forward to get closer to the camera.

"Sleep well, dear one. I'll see you again very soon. Remember that Papa loves you so very much, Iyla Satine. Forever and ever," he said with a fond smile and blew her a kiss.

Iyla drowsily reached out to grab the "kiss" and brought it to her lips. "Night night, Papa. Love you. Forever and ever," she said quietly then her head flopped back on the pillow and she curled up on her side with a soft sigh.

Korkie slowly and quietly moved to take the holodisc and player off the bed and set them on a nearby table. He returned to fix Iyla's blankets and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Jate ca, ad'ika. Sweet dreams," he whispered.

"Suum ca'nara," Bo said with a soft smile. She turned on the small nightlight that Iyla brought with her then turned off the main light and shut the door.


Bo woke up the next morning and went to go check on Iyla but nearly had a heart attack when she saw that the bed was empty. She'd been out in the living room and preparing breakfast for the past hour so if the girl was up and about surely she would have seen her. Bo did a sweep of the kitchen, 'fresher, and living room and still came up empty. Now starting to panic, Bo decided to seek out Korkie for help. She didn't care if the kid was still sleeping. He was going to wake up and search every inch of the estate with her. She frantically raced in to his room ready to explain the situation but stopped short at the foot of the bed.

Korkie was sprawled out on his back with one arm hanging off the edge of the bed and one arm around a sleeping Iyla who was curled up next to him, her strawberry-blonde curls spread out over his chest. Bo breathed a sigh of relief that the little one wasn't lost somewhere on the grounds of the estate. Korkie mumbled a bit in his sleep and shifted to pull Iyla closer to himself and Bo smiled and quickly left to go find a holocamera before either of them woke up. Just as she was putting the camera down, Korkie opened his eyes and looked at her blearily.

"A'tie Bo?" he slurred. "Do you need somethin'?"

"Just looking for the little one," Bo said with a nod towards the sleeping 5-year-old. "She wasn't in her bed when I went to go check on her."

"And you freaked out?" Korkie chuckled.

"Maybe a bit," she smirked.

"Iyla snuck in last night at some point. I'm not sure why, but I figured she's used to sleeping with someone since she sleeps with Uncle Obi-Wan back at the temple. I just let her stay because she probably needed the company," Korkie explained.

"Of course you weren't about to kick her out of your bed. You big softie."

"Could you?" Korkie asked defensively.

"No," Bo replied honestly.

"Should we get her up?" Korkie asked.

"Unless you want to skip breakfast because I am not bringing it to you," Bo shrugged.

Korkie's eyes widened at the prospect of not getting fed and he shifted around to rouse Iyla off of his chest. The drowsy blue eyes looked around in confusion and Bo saw a slight tinge of panic starting to creep into the girl's awareness before she relaxed at the sight of her aunt and cousin.

"Good morning, kiddo," Bo greeted.

"Mornin' Auntie Bo," Iyla said rubbing her eyes.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, Kowkie letted me sleep wif him. It was nice," Iyla answered.

"Glad to hear it. Ready for some breakfast?" Bo asked.

Iyla stretched and nodded. "After I go potty," she said as she jumped down from the bed.

"Of course," Bo agreed with a smile as she led Iyla out of Korkie's room and back to the one she was staying in to oversee her morning routine.

After breakfast the three of them piled into Korkie's speeder and took off for downtown Sundari. Iyla sat in the back with Bo and spent the whole ride staring out the window with wide eyes taking every part of the city in.

Sundari was a beautiful city with one of the best market districts on Mandalore which was their first destination of the day. Both Korkie and Bo wore plain civilian clothing with no identifying clan markings and generic accessories. Korkie was more recognizable than Bo, being the future Duke of Mandalore, so he wore a hat while Bo wore her hair tied back. Iyla had yet to be introduced to the public, both Obi-Wan and the Kryzes in no hurry to bring her into the limelight, so there was no risk of tracing her back to Satine or the nobility of the Kryze clan.

Iyla loved going in the various shops and exploring the culture of Mandalore. Her favorite store was the metal and gems store that made fine jewelry. Her eyes sparkled along with the gleam of the precious jewels as she wandered around the store buzzing with wonder and excitement. The 5-year-old was also drawn to the elderly shopkeeper who was immediately taken with the girl and offered to show her around and answer all of her questions. One particular item caught the little one's eye and had both Bo and Korkie sharing a bittersweet smile. It was a turquoise and metal pendant on a thin leather cord. Satine was fond of the stone as well, having many pieces of jewelry with turquoise accents.

"What's this called, Misser?" Iyla asked as she picked up the pendent.

"That is called turquoise. It's very rare and very valuable. You have good taste, little one," the shopkeeper replied.

"It's pretty," Iyla said as she stared down at the stone with a wistful smile on her face.

"I agree," Korkie replied and moved to take out his bag of credits.

"Oh, no, there's no charge, my Lord, Duke, sir," the shopkeeper stumbled.

"Nonsense. I insist," Korkie said with a bow. "What kind of leader would I be if I did not support the economy and the people?"

The shopkeeper smiled and bowed gratefully. "Thank you, sir," he replied.

Korkie handed him the credits then took the pendant and slipped it over Iyla's head. The color of the stone complimented her blue eyes and Satine's smile shone up at him from the little one's face. He felt a pang in his chest at the sight. A quick look at his aunt showed that she was feeling the same way.

The three of them turned to thank the kind man then were off to explore more shops. The weather was nice and the crowds were minimal so they were free to take their time and roam around at their leisure. Iyla was excited to give a street performer a few credits after she stopped to dance along to their music while giggling happily. Bo and Korkie marveled at the carefree innocence of the child and found themselves clapping to the beat as she bounced and pranced around. The musician tipped their hat to the child and bowed respectfully to Korkie and Bo when the song was over.

Korkie's rumbling stomach caused Bo and Iyla to laugh and the young man blushed a bit at the sheer volume of it. They stopped at a sandwich shop which also happened to be attached to a sweet shop and neither aunt nor cousin were a match for the Kenobi-Kryze akk-pup eyes that came out when the little one spotted the pieces of fudge sitting on the counter right at her eye level. The silent negotiations were short, the sparkling blue orbs doing all the talking, and soon they each had a piece of fudge in hand along with their sandwiches.

Iyla did well in eating her sandwich and waited patiently for permission to eat her fudge as well. Bo smiled at her manners and nodded at her when she asked politely if she could 'have bezert now please.' She really was a very sweet, well-behaved, and calm child. But as they both found out quickly, sugar often turned even the calmest of children into buzzing balls of energy. After only a few bites of the fudge, Iyla was chattering incessantly and bouncing in her seat with pent up wiggles. Luckily Korkie spotted a small park across the street perfect for letting energetic little ones play and run themselves ragged. There were a few other children there and Iyla was excited at the prospect of meeting and possibly making friends with some Mandalorian children. All of her friends were Jedi and Bo figured it would do the kid good to have diverse group of friends.

Bo and Korkie found a bench to sit on and made sure Iyla knew where they were before turning her loose. The sugar-high girl raced off to a large sand pile and started scooping it up in her hands. They watched as she tried to build big piles as high as she could but really only succeeded in getting herself covered in dirt and sand particles all over her hair. But she was having fun and getting her energy out so they overlooked the extra cleanup in favor of wearing her out. Satisfied that the little one was content both Bo and Korkie sat back and relaxed, soaking up the pleasant day.

Meanwhile, Iyla was enjoying her sand pile building and had nearly six plies done when a small group of children approached her.

"Those are nice piles," a girl with blonde hair said. "We sawed you working on them from across the park."

"We was wondering if you need any help makin' more?" asked an older dark-haired boy.

Iyla smiled and nodded. "Ok, sure. Fanks!"

"No problem," said a tall sandy-haired girl. "I'm Kellan. This is Orion and Gadry. We go to Sundari Day School. But we never seened you there before."

"I'm Iyla. I don't live on Manlore. I live on Crosant wif my Papa. In a big hugemongous temple wif lots and lots a other people," she told them.

"A temple?" asked a voice from the tree above them. The children looked up to see a little girl with black hair hanging by her legs from one of the limbs. "Like a Jedi temple? I learned about the Jedi from my mommy."

"Yeah. I'm a Jedi and so's my Papa," Iyla said proudly.

"A Jedi?" Gadry asked twisting her blonde hair nervously. "Like…like the ones from the stories?"

"I dunno any stories," Iyla said with a shrug.

"She doesn't look dangerous," Orion said as he raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"Can you move stuff with your brain? I heard all Jedi can move stuff like that," Kellan asked.

"Uh-huh. I gots the Force. Wanna see?" Iyla asked.

The tree climber had now jumped down to stand with the other children and all four of them nodded, some in apprehension and some in excitement.

"Ok. I'm not that good cuz I'm only little still but I can move the sand. Watch," Iyla said then closed her eyes and went still.

The other children gasped and startled as a whirl of sand kicked up from the ground and spun around them in a gritty tornado. Their awe soon turned to fear though as they were enveloped in a ball of dust assaulting their faces. They coughed and covered their eyes to protect themselves and slowly backed away from the little Jedi. Iyla's eyes snapped open at their splutters and immediately the sand fell back to the ground as her concentration was broken.

"Why'd you do that?" Orion asked. "Now I gots sand all in my mouth and nose!"

"Sowwy! I tolded you I'm not that good," Iyla replied.

"Prob'ly did it on purpose," Kellan said and crossed her arms angrily.

"Yeah, like the Jedi in the stories. Dangerous and mean just cuz we're Manlorians!" Gadry agreed.

"I didn't! And I'm not mean. It was an assident! Promise!"

The three children looked at each other skeptically then nodded. With a giant leap they stomped on Iyla's sand towers and kicked up the sand in her face. "We don't play with mean Jedi. Manlorians stick together and defend ourselves 'gainst enemies!" Kellan said.

"But…but I'm not a enemy!" Iyla shouted.

"Come on House Vizsla! Let's leave the Jedi to fix her sand towers alone. Maybe she can use the Force," Orion laughed.

Kellan and Gadry laughed and followed as well but they stopped when the fourth member of their group didn't move from her spot.

"Sabine?" Gadry asked. "Aren't you comin'?"

The dark-haired girl crossed her arms and planted her feet. She stared at the group challengingly and shook her head.

"Sabine, House Vizsla is gonna play somewhere else, we don't wanna be around nasty Jedi," Orion said.

"Well, Clan Wren is stayin' here!" Sabine said stubbornly.

"Clan Wren is part of House Viszla," Kellan scoffed.

Sabine shrugged and stayed planted firmly.

"Fine," Orion replied then stalked off to the other side of the park.

Sabine turned to Iyla and saw the girl coughing and wiping her face of the gritty dirt. Some sand particles clung to her lashes and her cheeks and Sabine could see the wetness of her eyes as she slowly began to gather up her destroyed piles.

"Are you ok?" Sabine asked sitting down across from her.

"Yes," Iyla whispered swiping her sleeve over her eyes to rid them of the sand and tears.

"I'm Sabine," Sabine said holding out her hand.

Iyla looked at it warily and cautiously took it in her own. "I'm Iyla."

"Pleased to meet you Iyla. I liked your trick with the sand. It was super cool."

"But I messed it up. It made the other kids mad cuz I'm so bad at it."

"Who cares what House Vizsla thinks. They're di'kute," Sabine replied.

Iyla giggled. "But they said you're House Veezluh too."

"I'm Clan Wren. We are part a House Vizsla but we not ezacly like them. I like Jedi. My mommy said she meeted some nice Jedi before. And I think you're nice too."

Iyla smiled widely at her. "Fanks. And House Veezluh sounds like big mean di'kute who gots osik mirshese. Esept for you."

Sabine burst out laughing and looked surprised. "You know Mando'a?"

"Yep. The mean kids not letted me finish talkin'. I was gonna say that I'm not a enemy cuz I'm Manlorian too," Iyla replied.

"You're a Manlorian and a Jedi?" Sabine asked with wide eyes.

"Uh-huh. I gots both in me."

"What clan are you?" Sabine asked.

"I dunno what a clan is," Iyla replied.

"It's like your family. Like I'm Clan Wren cuz my last name is Wren."

"Oh, so a clan is the same fing as a last name?"

"I guess. So what's yours?"

"My last name is Kenobi. So maybe I'm Clan Kenobi," Iyla said.

Sabine's eyebrows furrowed and she tilted her head. "I never heard of Clan Kenobi before. But maybe my mommy has. She knows all 'bout clans and houses and stuff. Let's go ask her," Sabine said jumping to her feet.

Iyla hesitated, not quite comfortable around adults she didn't know, and apprehensive about strangers. But, this was Sabine's Mama, not just any old stranger. Mamas were usually nice so maybe Sabine's would be too.

"Ok," Iyla answered and got to her feet as well.

Sabine led Iyla over to a bench in the corner of the park to a dark-haired woman bouncing a baby in her lap.

"Hi, Mommy," Sabine greeted. "Hi, Twistan," she said as she patted the baby's head.

"Sabine, is something wrong, ad'ika?" Ursa Wren asked.

"Iyla and me gots a keschun," Sabine replied.

"Who is Iyla, dear?"

"My new friend. She's a Jedi and a Manlorian but she not know her clan."

"A Mandalorian Jedi?" Ursa asked looking shocked and disbelieving.

"Uh-huh and she not know what her clan is so I thought you could help her, Mommy," Sabine said.

Iyla hovered a few inches behind Sabine wringing her hands and biting her lip. Ursa Wren shifted her eyes to look at the unfamiliar girl and tilted her head in thought much like Sabine had done earlier.

"Is it true you don't know your clan, young one?" she asked.

"Yes, Missus Sabine's Mama," Iyla answered.

Ursa smiled and urged her a bit closer. "You may call me Mrs. Wren, child."

"Ok, Missus Wen."

"Now, why is it that you don't know your clan? Have your parents never talked to you about it?"

"My Mama goed away forever to the Force and Papa and me live wif the other Jedi in the temple. I not even know I was a Manlorian til I comed here when I was four. I'm five now," Iyla said the last bit proudly.

"I'm five too!" Sabine spoke up excitedly.

"Hmm, that does make sense. Well, what is your last name? That will help us figure out your clan," Ursa said.

"She said she Clan Kenobi or somethin' cuz that's her last name but I never heard of a Clan Kenobi before. Have you, Mommy?" Sabine asked.

"Kenobi? No, I don't believe I have. Is Kenobi your father's name? The Jedi?"

"Yes. Papa is a Jedi. He's Obee Kenobi."

"And what about your mother, little one?"

"Mama's name is Satine Kwyze. My Auntie Pamay said she's a Dunjiss or somefing," Iyla shrugged.

"The Duchess?" Ursa asked with wide eyes .

"Yeah. Duchiss."

"Your mother was the Duchess of Mandalore? The Duchess has a child?" Ursa continued to ask with a furrowed eyebrow.

"Yes. But Mama goed to the Force cuz she had a very big hurt that not be fixed. But she still loves me lots and lots forever and ever."

"I'm sure she does child," Ursa replied with a smile.

"So is Iyla Clan Kwyze, Mommy?" Sabine asked.

"Yes, ad'ika. Iyla is Clan Kryze of House Kryze. And I think the correct way to address her would be Lady Iyla Kryze."

Iyla wrinkled her nose. "I'm not a lady. I'm a little girl."

Ursa chuckled. "It is simply a title, young one. Because your mother was a Duchess. The daughter of a Duchess is usually referred to as 'Lady'."

"Oh. It sounds funny," Iyla said.

"It does sound funny," Sabine agreed with a giggle. "Well, now we know your clan let's go play some more. Thanks for helping us, Mommy," she said.

"Yes, Fank you, Missus Wen," Iyla bowed respectfully.

"You are welcome, my Lady," she nodded to Iyla. "Um…Sabine," Ursa said turning to her daughter. "Perhaps it is time that we head home," she said hastily.

"Awww, but Mommy! Iyla and me was just gonna play some more," Sabine whined.

"I'm sorry, ad'ika. I think your brother is ready to leave," Ursa said trying to come up with an excuse.

"But Twistan looks happy. He likes the park. And I wanna play with Iyla. We only just meeted."

"I know, darling, but don't you want to play with your other House mates instead?"

"No," Sabine scowled. "They all meanies and di'kute! They called Iyla a nasty Jedi. But she's not. She's nice and we're friends now."

"But Sabine-"

"Is there a problem here?" a voice asked from behind them.

"Kowkie! This is my new friend Sabine. And her Mama Missus Wen. She was helping me find out my clan. But now I know. I'm Clan Kwyze! Like Mama, and you, and Auntie Bo, right?"

"Yes, ad'ika," Korkie replied with a smile. "And a pleasure to meet you, young Sabine. And Mrs. Wren, was it? Of Clan Wren and House Vizsla?" he asked with an unreadable expression but a simmering fire in his eyes.

"Yes, Countess Wren of House Vizsla, your Grace," Ursa replied standing up straight and schooling her features.

"The same House Vizsla of which Governor Pre Vizsla once belonged? Known leader of Death Watch and traitor to Clan Kryze and New Mandalore? The treasonous saboteur responsible for bringing that hut'uun darjetii to our peaceful planet and destroying everything my aunt worked for?" Korkie asked, his voice rising in volume and intensity with each question.

"I am not my House," Ursa insisted icily.

"No, just the ally of a traitor," Korkie replied.

"Pre Vizsla had Mandalore's best interest at heart. He believed in a stronger and safer Mandalore."

"With himself as the leader! Pre Vizsla only believed in his selfish ideals and quest for power. It's what led him to align with Maul in the first place!"

"Siding with Maul was a mistake. One that Death Watch came to see quickly at which time we corrected our mistake and walked away from his extreme ideas," Ursa said waving her finger at Korkie, not seeming to care that she was arguing with the future Duke in the middle of a park in a now busy market square.

"By which time it was too late! Maul had already wreaked his havoc and it cost my aunt her-"

"I'm sorry, could you two argue any louder? I'm not sure the entire planet heard you," Bo interrupted looking between the two fuming Mandalorians.

"I'm sorry Auntie Bo but I will not allow Iyla to be influenced by traitors."

"I wasn't going to let Sabine play with your Jetii'ika anyway. I was pulling her away when you interrupted us," Ursa replied.

"There is nothing wrong with my cousin and your daughter should be honored to play with her," Korkie said angrily.

"You just said you didn't want her influenced by traitors," Ursa said.

"I didn't mean the child, I meant you."

"I am no traitor!"

"If the beskar'gam fits…" Korkie muttered.

"Stop it!" Bo said harshly. "If Ursa is a traitor then so am I. We both served under Pre Vizsla in Death Watch and we both sided with Maul in the beginning."

"But you came around in the end, Auntie Bo. To help Auntie Satine even if we couldn't save her."

"And so did Ursa. Mistakes were made but we tried to right our wrongs. She deserves your forgiveness just as much as I do. Maul alone is responsible for Satine's death. Not me, not Ursa, not Death Watch. Maul. And arguing, blaming, and fighting isn't going to change anything. Just as you told Kenobi. The past is the past and we must move forward. For Iyla, and Sabine, and all of Mandalore," Bo said firmly.

Korkie pursed his lips and looked away while Ursa crossed her arms and raised her chin. For a moment neither of them spoke.

"Apologies Countess Wren," Korkie relented first. "The loss of my dear Aunt still pains me and I am very protective of my cousin. She is my last link to Auntie Satine and I will not see her harmed or judged unfairly. But I see now that my efforts to shield Iyla from judgment and dissention have resulted in the very things themselves."

Ursa bowed her head. "My apologies as well, Duke. I was quick to anger and defensiveness. I am truly sorry for my part in the Duchess' death and the undoing of Mandalore. It is something I will forever regret. And meeting the little Lady has caused me even more regret. I would never wish harm on a child and I would never want a child involved in the affairs of their parents or guardians. Children are precious and innocent and we must strive to be better for them. Iyla will never be judged or hurt by me because of her House and her family."

"I judged you too hastily, Ursa Wren. Forgive me," Korkie said with a respectful bow.

"Of course, my Lord. Please forgive me as well."

"Forgiveness granted."

"Good. Now that you two are not longer in danger of ripping each other's limbs off, let's call a truce. For the children," Bo spoke up.

"For the children," Korkie and Ursa replied.

"Hear that, ad'ika? You and Sabine are free to play together," Korkie said turning to the spot where the two girls were standing earlier only to find the space empty. "Ad'ika…? Iyla…?"

"Where have they gone?" Ursa asked worriedly setting Tristan on the bench and standing up to look around. "Sabine? Sabine!" she called.

"Haar'chak!" Bo cursed. "They probably ran off when you two were having your shouting contest."

"We must find them, Bo! They are only five! Oh, how could we have let this happen?" Ursa asked now panicking.

"Relax, Ursa. We'll find them. You check the area near the equipment, Korkie will look in the surrounding shops, and I will sweep the perimeter of the park. They can't have gone far," Bo said trying to sound confident and in control but secretly starting to panic right along with Ursa.

Meanwhile, Iyla and Sabine were sitting behind a large sand pile they'd built, talking, playing, and hiding from the grown-ups that didn't want them to be friends.

"But Sabine, your Mama said you gots to go home," Iyla said looking anxious. "Maybe we should go back to the grown-ups."

"No way! You heared them fighting and yelling. They not want us to play and be friends. They di'kute too!" Sabine replied.

"You say everyone is a di'kut," Iyla giggled.

"They are. Esept us," Sabine smiled.

"So what you wanna play?" Iyla asked.

"Wanna draw pishures in the sand?"

"I never drawed in sand before. Is it hard?"

"Not really. I can help you. Watch me do it first, 'k?"

Iyla nodded and gave Sabine her attention. She watched in awe as the girl used her finger to make pictures and shapes in the sand. They were detailed and very advanced for her age and Iyla sat there with big eyes and a wide smile.

"Wow! You draw good! That's a starship, right?"

"Uh-huh! I'm gonna fly starships someday!"

"My Unka Ankin likes to fly starships! He's a flyer. But maybe you can be a drawer too cuz you're very good!"

"My Daddy is a artist. He draws and paints lots and he's the bestest! I like art too but I also like flying. Maybe I can do both!"

"A flyer and a drawer? That sounds fun!" Iyla agreed looking excited.

"Wanna help me draw?" Sabine asked.

"I'm not super good like you," Iyla said shyly.

"I don't care. Just draw with me."

"Ok. What we gonna draw?"

"How 'bout you draw me and I draw you cuz we friends?" Sabine suggested.

Iyla looked hesitant. "But what if I make you look funny cuz I not a good drawer?"

"You'll be fine. You can use your Force powers too!"

"Last time I gotted sand in everyone's face," Iyla said with a raised eyebrow.

"It's ok. Just do your bestest. I not make fun of you. Promise!" Sabine said sticking her pinky out.

Iyla smiled and took the pinky in her own then started on her sand drawing of Sabine. Both girls talked and giggled as they drew, each one turning multiple times to look at each other so they could get their pictures just right. Sabine made funny faces at Iyla trying to get her to draw them on her face but Iyla just laughed and stuck with drawing a smile instead. Once they were both satisfied with their depictions of each other, the 5-year-olds switched places and wrote their names over the drawings of themselves.

"We should draw our hands together. Cuz we're friends and we not care what any grown-ups say!" Sabine said.

"Yeah. We not care 'bout clans and houses. We just care 'bout being friends and playing," Iyla agreed with a fist in the air.

Sabine raised her fist as well. "Burc'yase!"

"What's that?"

"The Mando'a word for friends. Boor-sha-see."

"Oh, ok. Cool! Boor-sha-see!" Iyla replied back enthusiastically.

"I never had a Jedi friend before," Sabine said lying down on her back on the sand with her hands behind her head.

"And I never had a Manlorian friend before," Iyla said copying Sabine's movements.

"I'm glad I gots one now," Sabine said turning her head to smile at Iyla.

"Me too," Iyla smiled back.

Both girls lay side by side in the sand and joined their hands just as their drawn selves did.

"I not care what Kowkie says. I like Clan Wen," Iyla said around a yawn.

"I like Clan Kwyze. Even if Mommy doesn't," Sabine echoed drowsily.

"Who needs grown-ups? They just fight and yell," Iyla whispered.

"Yeah, who needs 'em? We be friends forever no matter what," Sabine replied.

"For'ver and ever?" Iyla asked, eyes now closed and words slurring with sleep.

"Darasuum," Sabine said breathlessly, eyes closed as well.

Both girls fell asleep next to each other in the sand, hands entwined, and smiles on their faces, neither caring one bit about clans, rivalries, traitors, or houses.

When the adults found them ten minutes later, they couldn't help the smiles that came to their faces. They took in the sand drawings and the two dirty little girls sleeping peacefully next to each other and suddenly felt ashamed and silly for their selfish and petty arguing earlier. Iyla and Sabine simply wanted to play and be friends. They didn't ask for their guardians to get involved and complicate things.

"Perhaps we should take a page from the young ones' book and set aside our differences," Ursa spoke up as she looked at the little ones fondly.

"Yes. The events of the past don't need to determine the future. Maybe it takes the innocence of children for broken bonds to be fixed and to see things differently," Korkie agreed.

"A new perspective from the eyes of a child. Unity and hope in the face of healing pain," Bo nodded. She moved to pick up Iyla from the sand and set her on her hip. Korkie was surprised that she initiated contact but smirked to himself at the realization that Iyla was slowly chipping away at Bo's shell.

Ursa set Tristan in his stroller then bent down to pick up Sabine as well. The dark-haired girl stirred in her mother's arms and blinked drowsily.

"M'mmy?"

"Shhh, back to sleep ad'ika. We're heading home now," Ursa replied.

"Where Iyla, Mommy?" Sabine asked looking around.

Ursa moved to show Sabine the now half-awake girl in Bo's arms.

"You leavin' Sabine?" Iyla asked groggily.

"Yeah Mommy says we gots to go," she nodded.

"We still gonna be friends now that the grown-ups are here, right?" Iyla asked looking nervous.

"'Course! Member, we not care what they say."

"And we not care 'bout clans."

"We burc'yase darasuum!" Sabine said emphatically.

"Burc'yase darasuum," Iyla smiled and reached out towards Sabine.

Bo stepped forward to allow Iyla to reach Sabine and both girls leaned over to give each other a hug.

"Bye-bye Iyla! Hope we gets to play again soon!"

"Bye-bye Sabine! Me too! Bye-bye Misuss Wen and Twistan. Pleased to meet you," Iyla replied and gave them a half bow.

Ursa smiled at the adorable and respectful action and bowed as well. "Pleasure, Lady Iyla," she replied then turned to Bo and Korkie. "Lady Bo, Duke Korkie," she bowed.

"Countess Wren," they both said with bows of their own.

Iyla settled back in Bo's arms and leaned her head on her shoulder as her eyes fluttered shut again. Sabine was already passed out and Ursa adjusted her before gripping Tristan's stroller one handed like a pro. She gave them one last smile over her shoulder then turned toward the train station.


Both Kryzes took their charge back to Korkie's speeder and set her down quietly and carefully in the back. They commiserated about the sheer filthiness of the girl and the amount of sand covering her clothes and skin. She'd definitely need a wash later on. Korkie drove them back to the estate so Iyla could finish her nap, even though she had insisted to both of them many times the day before that she was five now and didn't need naps anymore. They both had smiled and nodded not believing a word of it but agreeing that they wouldn't make her take a nap. This didn't count of course as she was the one who had taken a nap on her own. That's what they planned to tell her at least.

Once Iyla woke up and got over the injustice of being allowed to sleep, they decided to make their tour of the newly refurbished palace their last stop of the day. Iyla asked if they could have dinner and a sleepover there and Korkie loved the idea so they all packed their overnight bags and climbed into the speeder once again.

Iyla was buzzing with excitement to see the palace the way her Mama had seen it and lived in it, not the broken one she'd seen the year before. Korkie and Bo were happy that the renovations were done as well as it meant getting back to some semblance of normal. It also signified a new beginning and a fresh start for Mandalore. The ruined building of the past two years had served as a painful reminder for both of them of Satine's death, Maul's destruction, and the complete chaos their world had been thrown into. It was hard to not think of the past and wallow in despair when the walls of the palace still crumbled. But now, with it being strong and gleaming as ever, the feelings of moving on and persevering for Satine came easily and readily. It was time for House Kryze and Mandalore to move forward and start anew. Korkie and Bo vowed to restore the world their sister and aunt loved so much. To make a better future and leave their mistakes behind. For Satine. For Mandalore. And for the generations to come. Including Iyla and Sabine. Two innocent little Mandos unhindered by the past.

It was with this thought that they went about their nightly routine and got Iyla settled into bed. She was thrilled to sleep in her Mama's old bed and kept rubbing her hands over the sheets in awe as if she was touching Satine herself. They played Obi-Wan's holovid and she went down relatively easy. Something they attributed to being in Satine's bed and surrounded by her memory and spirit.

What they didn't think about was the lingering spirit and memory of someone else. Someone with a dark presence and dark intentions. Someone who, while no longer physically there, had permeated the palace with anger, hate, and evil. The Force was filled with it and to a young Force-sensitive with little to no shields and a vulnerable mind, the darkness was overwhelming.


The dream wasn't particularly clear in Iyla's mind. It was mostly just flashes of red, maniacal laughter, chilling temperatures, and angry shouts. But the shouting was intense and it focused on one single word over and over again. Kenobi. Sometimes it would be accompanied by a laugh or a growl but it was still the same name. Someone was angry. And they were angry at her. She didn't know why or even who it was but their constant yells of her name were like nails on a chalkboard. The noise surrounded her and she shivered from the cold feelings in the Force and the grating sound on her nerves.

Then came fear and the overwhelming darkness. Suddenly it was pitch black all around her and deathly quiet. Then flashes of red burned in her eyes and an electric hum replaced the silence. Red. Black. Red. Black. Vibrations and sizzling. Grunts and growls. Fear. Anger. Pain. Hatred. Iyla's senses were on overload and she curled up in a ball to hide away from everything. The voice returned again to laughter and yells but no face emerged from the shadows and no other words spoken except 'Kenobi.'

An icy coldness chilled her veins and surrounded the space. Her breaths coming out in visible puffs and her teeth chattering. The Force felt like a weight on her chest. Pushing down the light within her and pinning her under its dark and stone-cold presence. Tears of fear and terror froze on her face as the frigid air whipped around her and settled in her bones. Iyla hugged herself tighter to warm herself up and tried with all her might to bring light back to her Force signature but the unseen figure and the suppressing emotions were making it nearly impossible. She let out a loud sob and curled tighter into a ball as her mind screamed frantically for her Papa to find her. The laughter became louder, nearly hurting her ears and she looked up to see yellow eyes glowing in the darkness reflecting anger and hate so strong that Iyla felt her breath catch and her heart seize. Her whole body stiffened and seemed to freeze up when the voice gave a low and booming growl of 'Kenobi' once again. Iyla screamed right along with it and choked on her sobs.

Suddenly the space filled with light and a bright figure threw itself in front of the yellow eyes, icy darkness, and choking anger. A shield from the onslaught of emotions and the suffocating Force presence. Warmth flooded to every part of her body, heating up the cold-stiffened limbs and melting the ice that had settled in her chest and her throat. The light, a presence as she could now see, was speaking calmly and softly. A gentle breeze that dried her tears and slowed her breathing. So feather light and not more than a whisper, but enough to drown out the vitriolic tirade of the dark presence behind it.

"K'uur, cyar'ika. Udesiir," the voice said.

Iyla frowned in confusion and shuffled away.

"Do not be afraid, my love. I am here now," the voice said again now taking shape and becoming clearer.

Hints of turquoise, dark blues, and purple. The smell of lily flowers and a kind smile. Blonde flowing locks and shining blue eyes. Mama.

"M-Mama?" Iyla asked.

"Yes, dear one. You're alright now. Mama's here."

"I'm s-scared and c-cold and…and my head h-hurts, Mama," Iyla whimpered.

A warm presence settled around her shoulders and cool fingers massaged her head. Iyla melted into the embrace and buried herself in Satine's arms, breaths shuddering and tears falling freely. Finally her chest slowed its frantic rise and fall and her breaths evened out to normal. Satine's soft voice whispered reassurances and comforting words while her hands rubbed the girl's back, head, and chest. Soft lips peppered kisses to her cheek every so often. All was light and all was warm and a calm that seemed impossible to find moments before flooded Iyla's Force signature and the air around her. She realized then that she could no longer see, hear, or feel the darkness from before and she breathed a sigh of relief. Iyla shifted in Satine's arms then stopped and looked up at her with wide eyes.

"Mama…w-wet," she sniffled. "S-Sowwy," she hiccupped, nearly starting the sobs again.

"Shh, baby girl," Satine replied running a hand through her strawberry-blonde curls. "It's were very very 's not your fault. Mama's not mad. No more tears my little one."

"O-Ok, Mama," Iyla replied as she leaned into Satine's touch.

"You are so brave and strong my little light. But it's time to wake up. You've been causing your aunt and cousin quite a lot of stress. They are very worried and want to see you well. Can you wake up for them, Iyla? They very much want to help you feel better. Go to them, my dear."

"But…b-but 'm wet and sc-scared."

"They will not be upset, darling. And they will soothe your fears. It's time to wake up and let them help you. Can you do that for Mama?"

Iyla bit her lip and swallowed heavily. "Yes, Mama. I'll go."

Satine smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "That's my kotep little one. I love you, Iyla Satine. So much. Darasuum."

"Love you too, Mama. Darasuum," Iyla said reaching up to kiss Satine's cheek.

"Wake up, darling. I'll still be here with you. Always."

Iyla closed her eyes and drank in Satine's presence one last time before everything faded and she heard an anxious voice speaking above her.

"She's waking up! Auntie Bo!"

Hurried footsteps and a hitched breath. "Iyla? Ad'ika? Are you ok?" Bo asked.

Iyla opened her eyes and squinted up at her aunt. "A'tie Bo?"

"Yes, kiddo. Are you alright? Sounded like a pretty intense nightmare."

"It was scary," Iyla whispered.

"I'm sure it was," Korkie said. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"N-Not really."

"It might help," Korkie encouraged.

"Ok, Kowkie. It was cold. And dark. Red and black and lotsa yelling and l-laughing, and screaming somefing."

"What was being screamed? What did they say?" Bo asked taking a seat on the bed next to them.

"A man and he was yellin' my n-name," Iyla said with a trembling lip.

"He said 'Iyla'?" Korkie asked looking confused.

"No, K-Kenobi. And he was very mad and I was cold and scared."

Korkie and Bo shared a significant look.

"Did you see anything?" Bo asked.

"Lotsa red lights and…and lellow eyes," Iyla trembled. "They was mean. I n-not like it."

"I'm sorry, ad'ika. Did you see anything else?" Korkie asked as he rubbed her back.

"No. But I feeled that they was angry and it hurted my head and my heart. Was loud and s-so dark. I not like d-dark. I w-wanted Papa," Iyla sniffled and stifled a sob.

"Hey, hey, it's alright, Iyla. It's ok. It was just a dream," Korkie said putting an arm around her.

"So scary, Kowkie," she said burrowing closer to his side.

"You're safe now, kiddo. Korkie and I are here," Bo replied.

"You keep me safe?" Iyla asked quietly.

"Always, little one," Bo answered with a smile.

"Feel better now, ad'ika?" Korkie asked.

"Yes, but…" Iyla trailed off shyly.

"What?"

"I…I…was so scared and I not know it happened but…I…I had an assident! In Mama's b-bed!" she cried.

Bo and Korkie looked at each other over the girls head uncertainly. Neither of them having experience with this type of thing before. Their hesitance however only made Iyla more anxious and she started to ramble nervously.

"I n-not mean to! S-Sowwy! Please don't be m-mad! I…I gonna clean it! P-Pwomise!"

"No one's mad, ad'ika," Korkie rushed to reassure her. "It was just an accident. You were very scared and that's perfectly understandable. Auntie Bo and I will help you."

"You gonna help me?"

"Of course, kiddo," Bo replied. "And don't worry about your Mama's bed. I'm sure she wouldn't be mad either."

"She not," Iyla said confidently. "She telled me. I sawed her in my dream. Mama taked away the scary man and maked me feel better."

"That sounds like her," Korkie smiled.

"Mama helped me wake up and maked me safe again."

"We'll keep you safe too, Iyla. Just like your Mama," Bo replied.

"I know," Iyla smiled at them both. She turned to Bo and looked up at her shyly. "You help me get clean now, Auntie Bo?" she asked.

"Yeah, little one. Let's go," Bo smiled encouragingly and held out her hand.

Iyla jumped off the bed and took Bo's hand as she led her to the 'fresher. Bo gave Korkie a look and tilted her head to the bed. Korkie nodded and started taking off the sheets.

Twenty minutes later Iyla was clean, the laundry was gathered, and the three of them were lounging in the living room on the couch. Iyla refused to go back to sleep and not even Obi-Wan's holovid could get her settled. At one point she fell asleep but as soon as she felt herself being picked up she cried out and clutched at whoever was carrying her. The only thing that seemed to soothe her was sitting on the couch between both of them wrapped up in her flowered blanket and cuddling Barney. Iyla was fighting sleep like a champ and Korkie looked over at Bo with a knowing smile. Bo nodded discreetly at him.

Iyla looked around curiously as she heard a voice start to sing. Korkie's smooth voice washed over her and soon Bo's joined in as well. Iyla melted back against the couch and closed her eyes as a classic Mandalorian lullaby soothed her anxious mind. She felt herself relax and the Force settled around her like a warm cocoon. She slumped sideways onto Bo's chest and her breathing finally evened out. The Kryzes finished their song, Korkie practically mumbling the last few lines as his own eyes had started to droop. The end of the song was punctuated by a loud snore and Bo looked over to see Korkie's head fall back against the cushions, his mouth wide open. She snorted and shook her head fondly. That lullaby never failed to put a little Kryze to sleep and it appeared that Korkie was no exception.

She felt Iyla shift and burrow deeper into her chest and Bo pulled her closer and settled her arm around the girl. She has never been an affectionate person but leave it to Satine's kid to break through her shell. One of the fiercest warriors in Death Watch, feared by many, and respected by her peers was currently being used as a pillow by a 5-year-old who she'd given a bath to and changed a half hour earlier. She never expected to warm up to the girl so much but as she looked down at the cheek smashed against her and the hand clutching her shirt, she couldn't imagine not having Iyla in her life. She may not like to be thought of as soft, but she wasn't too proud to admit that she loved her niece with all her heart. She knew the responsibility of the two sleeping kids on her couch now fell to her and she knew Kenobi would need to be told about the dream, but for now, huddled on a small sleep couch with her family, Bo-Katan Kryze was happier than she'd been in a very long time.


Obi-Wan anxiously rushed through the palace doorway the next morning, having flown all night to make it back as soon as possible. Bo's comm the night before had unsettled him greatly and he couldn't help the panic that had risen in his chest. He knew Maul was no longer in the palace and he didn't think that he could have access to Iyla's mind, but when it came to his little light he wasn't about to take any chances. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Iyla playing happily on the floor with her toys seemingly unaffected by the nightmare the night before.

"Papa!" she shouted excitedly when she saw him and ran to his arms.

"Hello, darling," he greeted with a smile and a big hug. "I finished my mission and decided to come back early."

"Cuz you missed me so much?" Iyla asked with a cheeky smile.

"Of course! I missed you terribly," he replied.

"I missed you too, Papa," she said rubbing her face against his cheek and giving him a kiss.

"Did you have fun with you aunt and cousin, love?" Obi-Wan asked as he ran a hand through her hair and mentally checked her over for any issues.

"Uh-huh! We eated peaches and goed to the markets and Kowkie buyed me a pretty necklace that gots tork…turg…torgoyze on it. Then I played at a park and I meeted a friend! Her name is Sabine and she's five like me. She's my new Manlorian friend and we friends forever no matter what. We not care 'bout clans or houses or nofing. We just wanna play. And then me and Auntie Bo and Kowkie had dinner and a sleepover here in the new fixed palace. And I sleeped in Mama's bed and…" Iyla trailed off and her smile quickly slipped away from her face.

"Auntie Bo told me about your nightmare, dear. I think we should talk about it," Obi-Wan said gently.

"It was scary," Iyla said in a small voice as she shifted closer to her father. "I wanted you really bad."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there darling, but I'm here now and I want to know about what happened. I think I can fix the bad feelings you had and I want to try to help you. Do you think you can tell me about it?" Obi-Wan asked leading her to the couch and sitting her on his lap.

"Ok, Papa. There was a lotta red and black and it was so very cold and dark. And I heared laughing and yelling and they was sayin' our name, Papa! They was sayin' 'Kenobi' and they sounded super mad. And and the bad feelings maked my head hurt and my heart hurt too and I feeled like my light was gone and the Force was gonna be dark forever. Then there was lellow eyes and more yelling and I was so so scared, Papa! I was crying and screaming and not breathe good and then I had an assident but Mama and Auntie Bo and Kowkie said it's ok cuz I was very scared and it unnerstadable."

"It is understandable, sweetheart. Don't worry about that part. Did you see anything else or talk to anyone in your dream?"

"Just Mama. She comed and taked away the angry man and the bad feelings. She helped me not be scared no more and gived me hugs and kisses and telled me to wake up, so I did," Iyla said.

"Satine came into your dream and blocked out Maul?" he mused aloud.

"What's a Mauld?"

"Nothing you need to worry about, love. Can I look inside your mind for a moment? I want to make sure the angry man didn't hurt it or anything," Obi-Wan asked.

"Like when 'Soka and Masser Koom goed in it? It feeled good."

"In a way, but not as intense. Just a check up to see if you're ok," Obi-Wan explained.

"Ok, Papa," Iyla nodded and closed her eyes. She sat on the ground in a childish imitation of a mediation pose and Obi-Wan smiled at her efforts.

He sat opposite her and closed his eyes as well. He reached out and easily got past her defenses. Which weren't really defenses at all as Iyla was like an open book in her young and inexperienced age. Probably what contributed to the extreme nightmare in the first place. Obi-Wan carefully scanned her mind, pulled out the lingering fear and darkness, and pushed them all away into the Force. It didn't appear that Maul had actually made a connection with Iyla and there was no damage to her Force signature or her mind at all. He concluded that the nightmare and dark feelings must be tied to the lingering presence of Maul in the palace itself and Iyla's unshielded and vulnerable mind had been easy to penetrate. This was extremely good news as it meant Iyla was safe from Maul himself and a quick cleansing of the negative spirit in the palace would take care of it. Before leaving Iyla's mind completely, he sent her a quick wave of love and affection.

He opened his eyes as saw her big blue ones staring back at him.

"Is my brain ok?" she asked.

"Perfectly fine," Obi-Wan smiled.

Iyla cheered and Obi-Wan chuckled. He got her settled back down with some toys then went to find Bo and Korkie to tell them what he found out. Korkie agreed to keep Iyla occupied while Bo and Obi-Wan walked around the palace to find any places that could be affected by Maul's lingering spirit.

Obi-Wan was sure to cleanse every spot he came across, pulling out and tossing away any darkness and anger he could find. He wanted the palace to be a happy place for Iyla, not one associated with fear and pain. When the two of them were satisfied that there was no longer a hint of Maul to be found in the palace, Obi-Wan and Bo returned to the living room and smiled at the sight of Korkie and Iyla working on a puzzle together.

Obi-Wan lowered himself to the ground and sat beside them, putting his arm around Iyla's stomach and pulling her back against him. Iyla giggled and leaned back against his chest. She held up a piece of the puzzle to his face, indicating for him to help her. He noticed she felt lighter and brighter in the Force without the invisible darkness tugging at her Force signature and he sighed in relief knowing that they could finally move forward and leave the nastiness of the Sith behind. He saw Bo give him a grateful look from across the room and he smiled at her.

Later that night, as Iyla slept peacefully in the next room, the two Kryzes and Obi-Wan raised their glasses of wine and toasted to rebuilt palaces, cleansed evils, clan unities, and hope for a stronger and safer Mandalore. This moment marked a turning point for them all and they were ready to welcome the change with open arms.

"To new beginnings," Korkie spoke up then took a sip from his glass.

"New beginnings," Obi-Wan and Bo replied taking sips as well.

"And a bright future ahead," whispered a voice from the Force as the former ruler of Mandalore smiled out at her family.


Thank you all for your faithful reading and commenting! I love hearing from you all and I'm humbled that you still stick around! I hope you all enjoyed meeting Sabine! I've been watching Rebels and I found out that Sabine is the same age as Iyla, so I couldn't resist adding her in. I also hope you enjoyed seeing Mama Satine take out Maul in Iyla's dream. Also soft!Bo and protective Korkie. Next chapter will probably deal with the fallout from the Flynn kiss at the end of Chapter 5. Yep. Everyone finds out and chaos ensues. Mwahaha! Hopefully it won't be too long but life is life and work is work so no promises. Also it's postseason baseball and my Dodgers are still in it so that of course plays a factor in chapter writing time. 😉

Also! Also! I kinda made some really bad photoshop art for this story because I really really had to have a picture of what these two cinnamon rolls looked like together. So if you're interested in seeing my bad art of Papa Obi and his little Iyla, you can go here:

blondeweasel dot tumblr dot com /post/631638958902837248/made-bad-photoshop-art-for-my-story (copy & paste link, remove spaces, change dot coms to .com)

Fun fact: the outfit I put on Iyla is bby!Anakin's outfit from Phantom Menace

Mando'a translations:

Jate ca, ad'ika—goodnight, little one

Suum ca'nara— state of blissful rest and peace

Di'kute—idiots

osik mirshese— dung brains

hut'uun—coward (worst possible insult)

darjetii—Sith (literally dark Jedi)

Jetii'ika—little Jedi

Beskar'gam—armor

Haar'chak—Damn it

Burc'yase— friends

Darasuum—forever

K'uur, cyar'ika—Shhh, my darling

Udesiir—calm down/relax

Kotep—brave