Undertaken (#Wattys2015) (Star Wars)

Chapter 17 - Trembling Throwback

I need to stop what I'm doing. Right now.

Bost Highhold lay awake in his sleeping bag in the middle of the night. Everyone did, meaning they lay in their own sleeping bags, but not quite awake. The team was exhausted.

If I keep "impressing" them with these weird Force abilities I'll end up getting used. They'd totally use me, like...

He turned to his side, staring into the darkness. Instant memories flashed into his mind even against his will. Specials always end up getting used. He frowned and placed his hands agains his forehead.

Just when he had enough flashbacks and visions, he was yet back in the past again. More specifically, it was a darker alley near his former school which he remembered back to, only that he wasn't attending the school yet at this time. He was just six years old with his black hair being cut in a childish mushroom style, loosely hanging into his forehead. His kindergarden friends weren't around, instead he was surrounded by a different group of kids chanting his name.

"Whoo, go for it, Bost!"

"Punch it!"

"Bost! Bost, hit it!"

These were little children whose voices echoed in the alleyway. They all stood a few steps behind the boy, in front of them stood other kids their age chanting a different name. Altogether they formed a circle with Bost and a nasty-looking Mandalorian boy twice his height standing in the middle. Previously, the children on Bost's side filled the boy in about this "new kid" in the neighbourhood who believed he's the best fighter around town, and so they've challenged the mando to face their best man to prove his claim was wrong. Except, there was no brave fighter in their violent group. Therefore, they decided to rely on the already known Bost Highhold, best kid in Physical Education class. They promised to help him, and together they would take the Mandalorian down with a simple fist-fight.
Bost was a smiley kid at that time, small and enthusiastic. He didn't exactly agree on this fighting, he hated first impressions and he couldn't introduce himself to the Mandalorian yet.

"Whooo, punch!"

He refused. He stood on his feet, staring into the Mando's eyes motionlessly. Man, he was tall, probably not a kindergarden child anymore. His face didn't exactly seem friendly. Bost tried to stick his benevolent vibe on him, but it certainly hasn't worked. In the next moment the Mandalorian clenched his fists and raised his right arm, swinging it right into the boy's face, shoving him backwards until he fell to his back. The crowd on the newbie's side burst out laughing as little Bost sat up, covering the bruise he'd received with his tiny hand. The group behind him quietened and took a few steps backwards.
The boy got on his feet, looking at the Mando without a word. The silence lasted until the attacker ran for his small target again, left fist clenched and in the air. However, he didn't hit anything as he swang down. Opening his eyes confused, he scanned around to see no one in front of him. He span around to find Bost smiling behind him. Rage took over the Mando as he swang his fist towards Highhold's new position, only to see the boy getting away from him again. He cried out in frustration and attempted to punch him once again and failing hilariously.
The boys on Bost's side began to cheer loudly as their 'best man' avoided all addressed blows and drove the newbie insane. Bost kept shining as he bent away from punches or rolled to the side to avoid it all. It worked, the boy really thanked his great reflexes for being so active.

"THAT'S enough." The Mandalorian shouted after getting tricked for the hundreth time. He turned around to face his annoying opponent and reached into his armour, yes, armour at this age already, to drive out a fine blade as sharp as a Zillo's tooth. The air suddenly froze as the blade reflected some sunshine, glittering in the sunny day. The kids on Bost's side began to back away slowly, then all at once. Bost glanced back to see them running away as quickly as possible, leaving him in an ugly situation. The boys on the Mando's side crowded around him, closing the circle of the two so called fighters.