Arani Jakal was not ready to be stranded on an unfamiliar planet, causing her whole life to change. But in the chaos, a friend or two popped up - seemingly from nowhere - wishing to help. Ari gladly accepted and quickly became part of a small town...
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ARANI KNEW WHAT THE LIVING WATERS looked like before they were halfway through the Mines. The faint trickling of water and the damp air increased with every step. The place was a large cavern with a massive body of calm water. Among the rubble were two pillars marking the start of a set of stairs that vanished into the fathomless pond.
The four left the comfort of the corridor and walked to the Waters, Din leading the way with Grogu by his side. They stopped at the very edge of the steps, peering down into the pool. It was difficult to guess how deep it truly was.
Ari slipped next to Din, and the Mandalorian grasped her hand and gently squeezed it. The action was the only indication of how he felt at the moment. A simple glance from the girl was all it took for him to know she understood. Even when wearing his helmet, he was an open book.
"Are you sure this is safe," Ari muttered to no one in particular.
Haro shrugged. "Only one way to find out."
She glared at him but she knew he was right. Din dropped her hand and she watched him as he stepped away. Reaching up, he untied his cape and dropped it to the ground, then started to unload his weapons.
"Should I, uh, turn around?" stumbled Haro. "Should you turn around? I'm confused, what is happening here?"
"Haro," Ari huffed, not bothering to glance at him. "Shut up before I push you in, then we'll know if it's safe."
The pilot shied away and the cavern slipped into silence as they turned back to Din. He had now waded into the Living Waters, stepping slowly as he recited the Mandalorian Creed.
"I swear on my name . . . And the names of the ancestors, that I shall walk the way of the Manda'lor . . ."
Ari's chest tightened with each word. She knew there was a chance she may see Din's face again, but it required her to take the Creed as well. To not just be a part of Din's clan by words but by law as well. She did not know in all honesty if she - or even Din - was ready for that. So, she quietly fought her internal battle, fists white from suppressing the want to pull Din from the pool.
Now, waist deep, Din finished reciting. "And the words of the creed shall be forever forged in my heart." Not a second passed when Din fell into the depths, being pulled down by some unknown force.
"Din!" shouted Haro and Ari at once and bolted into the water. Arani shot an arm out, stopping her friend from moving forward. She shook her head frantically and he involuntarily paused. "Stay here," she ordered.
"Ari-"
But Haro's short plea was lost to her. Ari removed her blaster from her belt, tossing it with Din's. She then snatched the torch from Grogu's pram and marched back to the stairs. "Watch the kid," she told him and dove into the pitch water.
