A/N: Part 3 is here lovlies! I’m sorry it took a while but there has been a lot going on in my life as of currently but I still wanted to make time for you guys so I hope you enjoy!
Summary: You’re a dangerous wanted fugitive with a hefty price on your head who escaped your home planet from persecution and picked up the job of being a bounty hunter. To keep yourself away from the eyes of those after you, you were currently hiding out in a small planet mostly ran by outlaws and bandits, that is until another certain bounty hunter lands on your trail.
Warnings: violence and language
The sun was starting to set on the planet casting a glow across the landscape. And what usually would have been a warm sight for you to gaze upon like the brushstrokes of a painting, was now cold and even hostile. You found yourself in a large spacious room, darkened by the night sky that could be seen from the large glass windows. Looking around, you had recognized the room from the few details that you could make out. You had been here before. There were only a few sounds that could be heard within your ability, divided between your breathing and the beating of your heart, and the sound of blasters going off in the distance. But as you listened closely, you heard the soft whimpers of children hidden in the shadows of the room, their voices laced with fear.
“Hello?” You called out, your eyes scanning over the direction from where those voices came. “Is anyone there? It’s alright. I’m not going to hurt you.” You held your hands out before you, desperate to reach for something in the hidden depths of the room in an attempt to find and help those frightful children, yet all you could feel was air between your fingers. The more your searched, the more you came to find nothing, just the stillness of the room and the contours hidden in it. You felt a sudden shift in the space behind you and in the air that hovered there, the appearance of a shadowed figure. You had sensed their presence the moment they stepped into the room, and it was someone that you were familiar with, someone you knew well. Turning around, you looked towards the little light that had slipped through the entrance of the area, noticing a cloaked figure standing at the doorway, his tall frame casting a shadow upon the floor.
“Y-you?” You squinted your eyes, making out what you could of the details of their face that was hidden underneath their hood. “Thank goodness you’re here.” You stepped up to them with a relieved expression, the small smile that had been on your lips shifting into a frown once you received a closer look at them. Their face had lost that kindness that you had once knew, and their eyes, you couldn’t seem to forget the appearance of their eyes. The warmth that was once filled within those orbs was now filled with something much more, a fire that was devoid of any form of comfort. You called out their name with furrowed brows, your voice laced with concern, but they did not mutter a single word in response. You knew the signs, yet you couldn’t believe it, you didn’t want to believe it. And then came that sharp sound you were much too familiar with as the glow of an object other than the dim lights outside casted the room in this haunting glow.
“So this is it then?” You shook your head at the figure with tears threatening to spill in your eyes. “Is this what it has come too?” You looked into their eyes, searching their depths for any sign of hope, only to see there wasn’t a single ounce of empathy in them. There was a pain slowly building in your chest, the feeling of every fiber in your being being ripped apart from the heartbreak. “Don’t make me do this. Please.” But the figure only moved towards you menacingly, holding their weapon out before them in an attempt to strike you down. And as you slowly reached towards your hip, that’s when you felt it, that searing hot pain that filled your side as a choked gasp escaped your throat. With widened eyes and gradual loss of feeling in your limbs, you looked up to your attacker with betrayal and written across your features, desperate to see anything, anything that could be a reminder of who they used to be. But you were met with none of that, only to see that there was not a single ounce of remorse behind their eyes. With choked gasps as you struggled to breathe, your eyes darted across their face before noticing a lone tear escape from their eye, slowly trailing down their cheek. And as you reached a hand out to wipe away their tear, as you had done many times before, the world around you blackened as you collapsed to the floor.
You jolted awake from your dream, the crying of the children and the sound of the weapon that had struck you echoing in your ears. Your face was wet with tears underneath your helmet as you breathed out in small pants, finding yourself back in the Mandalorian’s ship instead of the place of your nightmare. The pain was still there, that burning sensation that you had felt that exact night, as if you had been impaled just now. You squeezed your eyes shut against the feeling, concentrating on anything but it and forcing it to die down. To this day, you had no idea why it still flared up whenever you had that particular dream.
You glanced towards the Mandalorian, glaring at the back of his shiny ass helmet. “So. You gonna tell me who you’re taking me to or am I gonna find out when I get there.” You sighed, throwing your head back at the silence from the lack of his response and complete ignorance to your existence. “Right, I forgot. You don’t know how to formulate sentences, or words for that matter. I wonder how many of your bounties had died on the journey of their transportation just by being stuck with your very….lively presence. Bored to death, quite literally.”
You craned your head back, looking back to find the child and seeing him cuddled up in a makeshift bed, fast asleep. Pursing your lips in thought, you turned your head back around. You still pondered why a Mandalorian bounty hunter such as him would be in possession of a child, especially a child that was sensitive to the one thing you had come to forget. It had been so long since you had felt anything like that and you thought you would never come across it ever again. And the more you thought about it, the more you came to speculate that the only reason the bounty hunter had him would be that the child held value, value that would be sought out by those that had an agenda. One thing was for certain, you needed to find out more. Turning your head back around, you stared at the sleeping form of the youngling, quietly calling out to him. “Psst. Psst.”
The small green child sleepily opened his eyes, staring back at you with big brown orbs, muttering out a small blabber while tilting his head at you.
“Hello there little one.” You whispered with a kind smile.
“Hey.” The Mandalorian spoke up upon hearing your voice. “I thought I told you-”
“I’m not talking to you.” You cut him off before focusing on the child. “What does this pile of junk want with you? Is he selling you?”
“I said-wait what?”
The child muttered out a few noises that you could make out.
“Friend?” You quirked a brow. “Is he-is he your protector?”
Another babble of noncoherent words.
So the Mandalorian was protecting him. It had to be against those who were attempting to rebuild the empire, right?
“Wait, so the child is under your care?” You turned back to the Mandalorian to see him stare at you through his helmet briefly before speaking up.
“What business is it to you?”
“What business it is to me is frankly none of your business.” You rolled your eyes. You didn’t have to see his eyes to feel his glare. “Listen, tin man, I’m not going to hurt him if that’s what you’re thinking. You can ask him yourself if you don’t believe me, pretty sure the kid knows the difference between the good guys from the bad guys.”
The bounty hunter stared a moment longer in your direction before turning back around, focusing his attention on the controls in front of him and attempting to land the ship. Wait, had you already reached your destination? You watched as the Mandalorian got up from his seat and walked over to where you sat, crouching down to unshackle your ankles from the chair. “Whatever they are offering you, I’ll pay double.”
Silence.
“What is it that you want? Name your price and I can offer it to you, I have some influential friends. I can get you a much better ship if that’s what you are looking for. Hell, you could use a better ship.” You scoffed before letting out a wince from the way the Mandalorian grabbed you roughly by your arm and pulled you up. “Ow. Watch your grip will ya. Please tell me you don’t handle the poor child like he’s some sort of stuffed animal. Cause if you do, I feel sorry for him.”
“Walk.” The Mandalorian pushed you forward with his blaster pointed at your back.
“Is that really necessary?”
“Move.”
“Alright. Geez.” You rolled your eyes. You had half a mind to disarm him right then and there and flee for your life, but something told you that now was not the right time, that by fighting him once more would only give him more reason to go after you. With your eyes lowered in thought and your hands cuffed in front of you, you walked out the exit of his ship to find yourself in a familiar place, recognizing the same metallic buildings surrounded you. It was a place that you had seen many times before but had not visited in a long time. “Seriously? Coruscant? I’m guessing you want me to walk into that building there?” You turned around to face the bounty hunter with a raised brow, not knowing why you even bothered to talk to him at this point, as if he had anything to say to you.
The Mandalorian stared at you, his expression most likely identical to the helmet he wore. Blank. And for a moment you found yourself wondering what he looked like under that shiny bucket of his. “Move.” He spoke more firmly, using his blaster to push you forward.
“You really need to develop some social skills.”
The streets of Coruscant were bustling with life, with movement in every direction you looked. Speeders zoomed far over your head with a large whistling sound as you glanced around at the area before landing your eyes on a particular spot in the distance, a place that once held a large building of a great importance to you and many others before being burned down. The ends of your lips dropped at the sight, a heavy feeling now settling in your chest as you found yourself yearning for the time you once knew along with the faces that once warmed your every day each time you strolled those halls. You tore your eyes away from the skeleton of the place, returning your eyes to the front as the two of you headed over to the entrance of the building where two guards who stood at front blocked you from entering.
“What business do you have here?” One of the guards asked you, squinting his eyes at you and the Mandalorian in a poor attempt to see through the visors of your helmet.
“Tell the mayor I have his bounty.” The Mandalorian gestured to you with his gun.
Mayor? You scrunched your nose at the thought. What would a mayor have to do with you? You began to think back on when you might have upset a local mayor on one of your many little missions, but none came to mind. Your reputation was well known here, especially in the years before, and the more you thought about it, the more you hoped that you would not be recognized.
The guard gave the Mandalorian a look of consideration before finally stepping aside to let the two of you enter. “Follow me.”
You watched quietly as the metal doors slid open to reveal a decent sized and fashionable lounge, and immediately you were met with the cool air of the conditioned room and the sound of the soft jazz-like music playing in the background to liven up the area. The place was filled with a few local officials including a couple of security standing nearby to scan the area for any nearby threats. Great, this would be a bit of a hassle to get out of, you thought to yourself as you surveyed the area including all the exits. And it didn’t help that the Mandalorian had confiscated your blasters and your knives.
You could feel the gaze of those around you, their pupils tracing your armor as they stared curiously as to who the two new armored strangers could be, though their gaze lingered on the glint of the Mandalorian’s armor. The guard led the two of you into a separate room where in the center lay a boxy cushioned chair where a Rodian sat on top it, chatting away with another individual to his right.
“Ahem.” The guard cleared his throat, positioning himself upright at the mayor’s presence. “Sir. The Mandalorian has your bounty as requested.”
The Rodian stopped at the words of the guard, turning his head to face you with an amused sneer as he straightened out his robes, placing his teal fingers on the armrests of his chair while he leaned back.
“I see you have captured my bounty Mandalorian. I thank you.” The Rodian nodded his head in thanks before turning to one of his advisors, “Give him his credits.”
You slyly twisted your hand together uncomfortably, feeling the cool metal sliding around the skin of your wrists as you tried to break out of your cuffs in a poor and useless attempt, as if you could in any way tear through the metal. You let out a huff of irritation, your eyes following the other Rodian who was most likely his advisor, pull out a pouch of credits from his pocket before handing it over to the Mandalorian.
“You can count it to make sure.” The mayor gestured to the credits. “I assure you it’s all there.”
“So are you just gonna have me stand here or…” You cleared your throat, staring straight into the puzzled expression of the mayor.
“You’re a-you’re a girl?”
“Surprise.” You let out in a mocking tone.
“Impossible. You, mandalorian, you’ve brought me the wrong person.”
“Oh no,” You shook your head, “you’ve got the right person alright. Crik Madon is it? Yeah, I think I remember you now. I ran into your little "organization” back on Tatooine.“
The Rodian who you know came to recognize as Crik Madon, a small mayor of a small sector of Tatooine, sneered at your attitude. His tendril like green fingers clutched the arm rests of his chair before nodding to one of his guards who in turn jabbed you in the back of your knees, the force causing you to fall down to your knees. "Guard, remove her helmet. I want to see the face of the person that behind all this trouble.”
Your eyes widened, your breath trapped in your throat as the guard approached you, his gnarly hands reaching for your helmet in an impending manner. You tried to squirm away, refusing to let your identity be revealed, but the other guards held you back with their claws digging into your arms. The loose strands of your hair fell down to the front of your face from the bun you had put up and the darkness of the inside of your helmet was replaced with the lights of the room as you now found yourself squinting against them.
The Mandalorian had tilted his head ever so slightly at your appearance, his helmet masking the look of surprise that now sat on his face. You definitely weren’t what he had pictured. You were much more prettier than he had imagined, and something about you had set off this suspicion that you were a woman born into a high class.
“Impossible. You.” Crik pointed his finger at you, his large black eyes lost in thought. “I’ve seen you before.”
“I highly doubt that.” You gave a forced smile, yanking your arms away from the harsh grip of the guards.
“No. I know that face. You’re………y/n, you’re from Naboo aren’t you. Yes, and I believe you’re someone of importance. You’ve made quite the enemies with your little diplomatic missions. I wonder how much they’re willing to pay for you.”
Shit. You thought. Him knowing who you were was not a good thing.
“You gonna sell me off like one of your many slaves?” You spat, smirking at the look that he gave you. “Oh I know everything about your little trade. You know, I wonder what’ll happen if I make word of it. Like you said, I’m someone of importance.”
Crik sprung towards you in a fury, striking you across the face with the back of his hand. “You’ve got quite the tongue, though I must say I’m not surprised. I’m sure you’ve done many speeches in the past, senator.”
Senator? The mandalorian looked up at you from under his helmet, a quizzical look on his brow as he was questioning whether he heard that correctly. You, a senator of Naboo? Impossible. What in the worlds was a senator doing out being a bounty hunter?
“You won’t get away with this.” You spat out the blood from your mouth, the crimson color staining your lips.
“Oh?” Crik turned to face you after pacing about the room. “Last I heard. Your duties as senator have long been neglected. And besides,” he stepped closer to you, placing his slimy fingers under your chin to force your face towards him. “Pretty face like yours, I’m sure I can make quite the fortune off you.”
You clenched your jaw at his words, your nostrils flaring as you glared right into his insect-like eyes. “If you value your life, I suggest killing me off right now.”
Crik stared at you in anger for a moment longer, his eye twitching before nodding at one his guards and walking back to his seat. The guard who had led you into the room lifted up his baton before jabbing you violently in the ribs, knocking the air out of your lungs as you collapsed. You laid on your side in a pained mess, your hair matted against your face while every intake of air felt like knives slicing through your chest as your struggled to breathe.
“If you’re done counting your credits Mandalorian, you’re good to go.” Crik sat back in his chair, pleased with himself at seeing you in pain.
The Mandalorian had lifted his gaze from where you writhed on the floor, his hands just barely tightening around the pouch of credits that sat in his palm. “What’s gonna happen to her?”
“You know, it’s unlike a bounty hunter to ask questions.” Crik turned towards him. “But don’t worry. She’s in good hands. You can leave now.”
The Mandoalorian glanced once more in your direction before walking himself out, the sliding doors shutting behind him in a sharp low whistle.
You let out a choked cough, finally regaining your breath as you struggled to push yourself up despite having your hands bound together. You had to find a way to escape. It was now or never.
“Follow the Mandalorian.” Crik leaned over to whisper to one of his guards, his voice reaching your ears as you brought yourself up to a seated position. “Kill him and make sure no one else is on that ship and then destroy it.”
Your eyes widened at his orders, your thoughts now focused on the child as you watched the appointed guard leave the room with a blaster in hand. It was now or never y/n. You could take them all out now with brute force, but it would not be easy. And who’s to say you would succeed in time. You knew what you had to do. Squeezing your eyes shut in concentration, you focused on the one thing that you once knew, the one thing that was your life and purpose of being, the only thing that you had been out of touch with after the events. With your jaw clenched against the strain you were putting yourself through, a ringing started to form in your ears, a ringing that gradually started to form into vibrations that you were able to sense around you. Then there came the sound of the unclicking of a clasp and suddenly your hands were met with a solid cold metal object. Snapping your eyes open from the sensation, your looked down at your hands with relief to see the blaster that you had focused all your attention on, sitting perfectly between your palms. Huh, so you still got it.
“What the-” Crik looked at you in bewilderment, staring at the blaster that was now in your hands before turning to his guards to stop you only to be silenced with your blaster shooting straight through his chest.
The guards stared at their dead mayor in shock before taking out their weapons and pointing them at you with their teeth bared in anger. You dodged the red lasers of their blasters, rolling over to duck behind a pillar as their blasters went off, hitting the wall in front of you. You winced, hissing between your clenched teeth as one of the lasers had managed to graze your shoulder, leaving a tear in the fabric of your sleeve and a burned wound in it’s place. You pressed your back against the pillar, the blaster clenched firmly in your hands as you held it up to you, breathing in a deep breath before turning around just enough to get a good angle. With a few precise and quick pulls of the trigger, you killed off the rest of the guards. Scanning the room to make sure there was no one else of threat, you got up from your position before hurrying out the door.
Panting, you searched around for the Mandalorian only to see him turn the corner with the guard following close behind. Carefully, you sprinted up to them, lifting the blaster in your hands and shooting the guard right in the back. The Mandalorian swiftly turned at the sound of firing, his hand on his blaster as he watched the former guard fall limply to the floor only to reveal you standing right on the other side.
“Relax.” You stopped the man right as you caught him trying to slip his blaster out from its holster. “I’m not going to shoot you.”
“Did you….”
“Did I just save your ass? Yes.” You stepped over the dead guard to walk up to him, blowing the loose strands of your hair out of your face.
“That’s not what I-”
“Yeah sure. I didn’t do it for you. I did it for the kid.” You rolled your eyes before holding up your cuffed wrists. “Now would you mind returning the favor and getting these pesky things off?”
The Mandalorian stared blankly at you, and though you could not see his face beneath that obnoxious helmet of his, you knew exactly what was going through his thoughts.
“Look. If I wanted to kill you, you’d already be dead with your buddy there.”
You watched with a smirk on your blood coated lips as the Mandalorian pulled out the key from his pocket before unlocking the metal cuffs around your wrists.
You couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief, rubbing your wrists to relieve them after being restrained for so long. “Thanks.”
“How did you-” the helmeted man eyed the blaster in your hands that he was sure about not being on you since he had removed all your weapons before looking up towards where you had come from.
“Doesn’t matter.” You stretched out your arms before pressing the button on the wall to open the doors that led into the main room. “Now can we please go before someone notices the mess I left behind?”
You walked past the stunned Mandalorian with a scoff, throwing the blaster down near the dead guard before leaving the hallway. The Mandalorian stared at the corner that led into the room in which you were just held and down at the dead guard before following you out into the main room. To your luck, everyone was much too preoccupied at the moment with their drinks and the jazz band that had now played a newer and more upbeat tone, allowing the two of you to escape the premises without drawing much attention to yourselves. Once outside, you squinted your eyes against the sunlight after having spent your days under a helmet, bringing your hand up to block the sun’s rays from your face. You stopped for a second, turning around to stare back at the same place that had caught your attention not too long ago, that same heavy feeling creeping in your chest before you returned your thoughts to the events of the present as you followed the Mandalorian back to his ship, back to who knows what else would be in store for you.
A/N: Part 2 is here lovelies! I hope you all enjoy, and as always feedback and reblogs are much appreciated! Let me know if you would like to be added to the taglist! Have a beautiful day!
Summary: You’re a dangerous wanted fugitive with a hefty price on your head who escaped your home planet from persecution and picked up the job of being a bounty hunter. To keep yourself away from the eyes of those after you, you were currently hiding out in a small planet mostly ran by outlaws and bandits, that is until another certain bounty hunter lands on your trail.
You had just left the cantina much quicker than you had wanted and your mind was racing with the thoughts of what had gone down just inside. Right when you had arrived on this planet in hopes of keeping low and staying away from the eyes of those who wanted your head, those thugs had managed to ruin your plans and exposed not only your presence but also what you were capable of, which caused your stay here to be at risk. You just hoped that your little fight didn’t reach anyone outside the cantina.
It was a hot day and the air was dry, and the aroma of spices, sweet fruits, and roasted nuts from the street vendors filled the air, perfect for the desert-like climate. You wished you could rip your helmet off, indulge in the exotic smells this market had to offer and enjoy some sunlight and breeze on your skin for once. But you had your regular getup on, or your bounty hunter uniform, as you like to call it. And though the pieces of armor provided you with secrecy and protection, adding some bulk to your frame to make yourself look more masculine to conceal your feminine features, it was also a bit of a cage, confining you from the natural perception of the world. The dusty wind blew against your frame when you had stepped out on the street, making you clutch your cloak closer to you and pray that the wind didn’t pick up on speed in fear of it snatching away the helmet and revealing your face for the whole town to see. You were making your way to the edge of the town where you had parked your ship on the outskirts, your boots kicking up the sand around you with each step you took while the hem of your cloak blew behind you. A few of the townsfolk had glanced in your direction, paying no mind before going back to their business. Their town always had outsiders crossing through to the point they had become accustomed to seeing a new face or a new helmet. And as long as you weren’t causing any trouble, they did not seem to pay much mind, if anything it was more curiosity towards the travelers.
You had been focused on the path in front of you, your back straight and your head held straight forward and avoiding any type of eye contact with anyone until this uneasy sense came that someone was following you. To avoid making it known, you stopped by the nearest vendor, glancing down at the fruit laid out on the table before ever so slightly turning your head to see a glint of metal shrouded just barely behind the mass of people that walked the streets. Your eyes widened behind your helmet. You could recognize that armor from anywhere. What was a Mandalorian doing all the way here? More importantly, why was he following you and who sent him?
You cursed under your breath at the sight, turning around and thinking of the different possible strategies. You couldn’t outrun him no, as much as you would like to avoid tangling with a Mandalorian you had heard so much about, you couldn’t just run away, he’d catch up with you somehow. No. You would have to fight him, at least keep him held back while you revised a new escape plan and disappeared into a new planet. You continued to mutter fowl words under your breath, your eyes darting around trying to search for an alleyway to disappear into. You finally caught sight of one just a couple feet away, gradually picking up your pace as you headed straight towards it, sensing the Mandalorian doing the same. Some muttering of the locals had erupted around you as you pushed past them before reaching the alley. With the sound of the sand crunching beneath the soles of your feet, you made a sharp turn right around the corner, pressing on the cloaking button on your belt that made your cloak camouflage with your surroundings. Your appearance shifted in a flurry of pixelated tones before matching the colors around you, allowing you to disappear into your background. You jumped up and grabbed the nearest ledge on the wall, using a window frame to hoist yourself up on it, pressing your back flat against the wall while your feet barely balanced on the beam.
The Mandalorian had turned the corner not long after before stopping abruptly at the emptiness of the area, the positioning of the buildings blocking some of the sun’s rays and casting a shadow over him. Your eyes caught the glint of his blaster held tightly in his hand as he edged closer with careful steps, staring out at the dead end of the alley. A small curse escaped under his breath through the helmet as he scanned over the area to figure where you might’ve gone. You followed the darkness of his visor right as it passed right over you, the action making your breath hitch in your throat. You knew your cloaking device made you invisible, but for a moment you swore you felt his helmet burning right through you. Your heart was pounding in your chest from what felt to be hours as he went further into the alley, looking out for any possible place you might be hiding. From how hard your heart was beating in your chest, you feared he would hear it as he passed by in front of you.
Oh come on. Now is no time to be a coward. Fry him. You thought with your eyes closed shut as you desperately struggled to grip the sandy wall behind you in order to keep yourself from falling over.
Carefully keeping your balance, you slipped your revolver blaster out of your holster, your palms sweating beneath the leather fabric that covered them as your fingers closed tightly around the grip, making sure to be as silent as possible as you pointed it at the back of his head. You could taste the salt on your lips from the few drops of sweat that fell down from your forehead as you lowered your aim to the small opening just below his helmet where the fabric of his cloak covered the back area of his neck. Just one shot. It would be simple. Just one shot and he would no longer be a problem for you to worry about.
No, this wasn’t right. You still had some dignity left in you and shooting a Mandalorian in the back would be a cowardly move. If anything, he deserved a fair fight. But despite that, deep down, a part of you was convinced to let him go free. He was a bounty hunter, doing his job just as you were. And from the stories you heard, sure he was merciless towards his enemies and an excellent fighter at that, but he never harmed those that were innocent.
With a clenched jaw, you slipped your blaster back in your holster. You didn’t have to heart to kill him. Damn your sentiment, it was the one thing that always kept you from achieving whatever it is you could want. Sure, you weren’t going to kill him, but you were willing to knock him out, maybe even tie him down somewhere and threaten him a little to get him to back off your trail. Taking in a deep and steady breath, you jumped off the ledge and tackled the Mandalorian from behind, knocking him down to the dirt before standing back up on your feet. Luckily, you managed to catch him off guard and from the way he reacted, you could tell he was trying to figure out what the hell had just happened as he scrambled back to his feet. You watched him hold his blaster straight out, twisting his body around and pointing it at every direction but you. If this situation wasn’t threatening on your safety, you would have found this to be quite amusing and your snicker would’ve gave you away and gotten you shot on the spot. You’d bet your credits he was confused as shit under that bucket.
You could just walk away and leave, get yourself a new disguise and he would never be able to find you. But a part of you deep down wanted to fight him, test his abilities even. A part of you even found this entertaining, an amusement that you had once been told would one day get you killed.
There was an uneasy silence amongst the bustle of the town, the breeze blowing through the crevices in the building in low whistles until you felt the heat of the sun’s rays against your back, lighting up the alleyway that was once in hidden in shadow.
Oh no.
Your skin went cold as you caught sight of the Mandalorian looking down at the sand, following his gaze to find your shadow on full display at your feet. Shit. You had forgotten that the cloak was only able to camouflage instead of wiping out your solid form and making you entirely invisible, thus making you susceptible to certain factors that gave you away, like light hitting against you or dust being thrown at you.
The Mandalorian stalled for a moment, processing what he was seeing before lifting his blaster and shooting straight at you. You had managed to jump out of the way just barely in time, but not soon enough as a sharp burning sensation cut through the side of your arm. You swung your fist at him, making sure to aim under his ribs and avoid his chestplate in order to hit soft tissue instead of solid Beskar. Your opponent let out a grunt in response much to your satisfaction, but it seemed as if luck was on his side as he grabbed your outstretched arm just in time before slamming you to the ground, knocking the wind out of you. You laid there on your back for a quick second, stunned and coughing from the twisting pain in your chest until a slight static sound caught your attention, looking down to see that your cloaking device was malfunctioning, leaving you entirely visible after a short series of pixelated glitches. Not only that, but the force in which he slammed you had managed to detach your chestplate, the piece of olive green painted metal now lying a few feet away from you, leaving you in just your tunic and the soft padded vest you had on top to separate the roughness of the metal from your clothes.
You muttered a small curse under your breath, pressing a firm hand to your torso as you tried to regain your breath, twisting your body around with a grunt in a struggle to get yourself up until a pair of brown leather boots placed themselves right beside your head. Turning your head towards the sky, you were met with his blaster pointed right at you, the dark hole of the barrel staring right into your soul
“I can bring you in warm, or I can bring you in cold.”
“How about neither.” You snarked, your voice coming out in a low tone through your helmet’s speaker before swiftly propping up on your elbows and twisting yourself against the dirt, kicking his legs out from underneath him and making him fall. You tried to get up but failed as you were once again met with the rough sand as he grabbed the fabric of your tunic and slammed you down on the ground again, pressing his forearm against your chest in order to get you to stay down. The latter action made you widen your eyes in horror. You didn’t have your chestplate on and now there was nothing to conceal the flesh there. You noticed that this had confused the Mandalorian as well from the way he sat back for a moment and tilted his head.
“What the-you’re a-” He breathed out before getting cut off by the bottom of your boot slamming into his head and knocking him back.
You took this chance as a means to escape, twisting yourself around and pushing yourself up with your hands until another pair of hands yanked at your ankles, causing you to fall face first into the dirt. “Ow! son of a-” A pained grunt escaped your lips and you almost could’ve sworn your nose had been broken from the sharp pain that spread through the center of your face. The Mandalorian pulled at your legs, dragging you across the dirt while you thrashed around, feeling his knee press down on your back. Another grunt escaped between your clenched teeth, your breaths coming out in aggravated huffs as you tried to break yourself from his hold once you felt his hands wrap around your wrists and pull your arms back behind you. There was the sound of a click and a small beep, and the skin left exposed on your wrists underneath your sleeves were met with the feeling of cold metal as a pair of handcuffs locked itself around them.
Great, just great.
You rolled your eyes from underneath your helmet as you felt him grab you by your bicep and pull you up to your feet.
“Let go of me!” You huffed as he pushed you, squirming around in his grip while he refused to let go of your arm after the resistance you put up. You noticed that your voice was no longer distorted into a lower tone, which meant that the fall had somehow damaged the distorter you had set up in there, now causing you to sound like your normal self. Could your day get any worse?
“Cut it out.” You heard him order from behind you.
A scowl appeared on your lips as his grip around your bicep tightened, your eyes drifting to the ground and spotting your chestplate laying on the side up ahead. “Can I at least get my chestplate?” You let out a huff as you were only met with silence. “Oh come on. It took me a while to make that you know. Besides, I’m kinda bare right now and I feel naked without it so I really need it. I don’t know if you noticed back there but-”
“Quiet.” He cut you off, causing your nostrils to flare until you noticed him pick your chest armor off the ground, the slight action making a small smirk appear on your lips despite being handcuffed and taken in for your bounty. Of course, you weren’t to going to accept defeat that quick. You had to devise an escape plan quick and wait for the right opportune moment. Though now wasn’t it.
The watchful eyes of the locals were now trained on the shiny armor of your captor, their eyes following the two of you curiously as you went, the Mandalorian and his freshly caught bounty. You were glad you wore a helmet, relieved they couldn’t see the look of embarrassment written across your features.
It wasn’t long before you arrived at a vessel that was parked on the outskirts of town, what seemed to be most likely his ship.
“Wow. What a piece of junk.” You made a snide comment, looking up at the big junk of metal as he as opened the entrance to his ship before shoving you inside, causing you to glare at him through the visor of your helmet. “Hey, don’t manhandle me alright.”
“Keep moving.” You felt him push you forward with his hand on your back.
You took in your new surroundings, glancing around at the dullness of the interior with a distasteful look on your face. “Yikes. You could use some major redecorating, liven the place up a bit. No wonder you’re so grim.”
Silence.
“My point exactly.” You muttered under your breath.
“Sit down.” You felt him place his hand on your shoulder to try to push you down on the chair in his cockpit but you refused to budge.
“Can I at least put my armor back on?”
The Mandalorian stood quiet for a moment and you could almost feel him glaring at you through the slit in his helmet before turning you around and shoving you against the wall with your back facing him.
“Easy there will ya.” You hissed as he fumbled with the lock on the handcuffs. “Geez, is this how you treat all the ladies you bring in here?” A short second later, you felt the handcuffs around your wrist loosen up with a click after the sound of the beep went off.
“Any sudden moves and I shoot.” You heard him say beside your ear before stepping back
“Alright.” You lifted your hands up to your head, slowly turning around to see him standing a few feet away from you with his blaster pointed at you. “No need to be hasty, I’m just going to strap on my armor and that’s it.” You grabbed your chestplate that had been lying on the back of the chair before slinging the leather straps over your shoulder and fastening them, making sure that the metal covered the areas that needed protection. “Before you uh, handcuff me back up, would you mind letting me keep my arms in front of me. It’s kinda you know, uncomfortable having your hands tied behind you while you’re sitting in a chair.
There was another moment of silence, the lack of reply from the Mandalorian causing you to unconsciously shift on your feet before he finally stepped up to you and handcuffed your arms in front of you.
"Thank you for your consideration.” You smiled sarcastically even though he could not see a single inch of your expression.
“Sit down.” He directed in a monotone voice with his blaster still pointed at you, to which you plopped down on the seat in exaggeration.
You let out a scoff and a roll of your eyes as the Mandalorian lowered himself to the ground to tie your ankles to the bottom of the chair so you wouldn’t try to pull anything else. “You distrust me that much huh. Fair enough.” You leaned back in your set, twisting your body around and adjusting to make yourself comfortable as you watched him go over to his seat and start up the aircraft before taking off. You sniffled through the stuffiness in your nose, scrunching up your face from the smell of the blood that had dried up inside. Well it didn’t feel broken, and you have had broken noses before, though your body ached from your fight with the Mandalorian and the quarrel you had with the previous bounty you were after who just happened to be 8 feet tall and full of muscle. Let’s just say you didn’t like being tossed around like you were some stuffed animal. You were positive you had formed new bruises and reopened up the wounds you had just stitched earlier today from the way that some areas felt sore and tender.
“So uh….” You tried to make conversation while looking around for anything that just might help you break free and escape. You had to find a way out, one way or another, and it didn’t help that you were leaving the planet and your own ship behind. “Where we heading?” No answer. “You know, I’d like to know where I’m being sent and just who it is I am being sent off to.” Still no answer. Maybe, just maybe, if you annoyed him enough he might give up and set you free, that trick had worked once a long time ago. But sweet talking would definitely not work on him. “That’s some uh, pretty neat armor you got there. What is it, Beskar? So like how many hours do you spend polishing it?……………………….Okaayyyy then. I see you’re not much of a talker.” You nodded your head awkwardly before looking around again, edging a bit off your seat to get a better look at things.
“Quit moving around back there.”
“Oh. So you do talk, not much I presume. But you talk. I mean, you’ve gotta have said more than a few words in your lifetime, otherwise……….my goodness. Oh and by the way, you kinda messed up my gear, my voice distorter and my cloaking device are broken because of you and I believe I should receive some kind of compensation.” Ah yes more silence. You hated him already. I mean, you respected him, you’ll give him that. You just hated being with him, tied down to a chair with nothing but the sound of the aircraft and your own voice. A part of you even prayed that you would reach your destination quicker just so that you would not have to be stuck with him for who knows how long. And the fact that he wasn’t budging was pissing you off. There was one last thing you could do, one last trick. “Well then! If you don’t mind, I’d like to liven up this extremely dreadful atmosphere by singing some tunes. Maybe it’ll…..I don’t know……lift your spirits.” You cleared your throat before singing a tune you had once heard, making sure to be as exaggerated as possible.
“Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go Oh I want to take you down to Kokomo, we’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow That’s where we want to go, way down in Kokomo……………
Tell everybody, I’m on my way! New friends and new places to see! With blue skies ahead, yes I’m on my way! And there’s nowhere else that I’d rather be!!!” You belted out before stopping at the sudden feeling of something touching your leg. “AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!” You jumped in your seat, your scream even startling the Mandalorian himself. “Yo! What the-” You looked down at your feet with a pale face to see what had grabbed you and being met with a pair of big brown eyes staring up at you, eyes belonging to a small green child with large pointy ears that reminded you of someone you once knew long before. “Oh. Hello there.”
“Grogu?” You heard the Mandalorian speak before turning his head around to face the small child that stood by your feet. “What are you doing there? Stay away from her. Go back to bed.”
The child tiled his head and let out a small blabber, his tiny fingers clutching around the fabric of your pants.
“He uh……he likes my singing.” You muttered out in sheer disbelief of there being a youngling aboard the ship, and not just any youngling. Something about him felt different, but you couldn’t quite figure it out.
“He what?” The Mandalorian now looked up to you. “You……understand him?”
“………Kind of?”
“Grogu. She’s dangerous. Go back to bed okay?”
The small child lowered his head in disappointment before waddling off as you watched him go with a softened and thoughtful look in your eyes. You tried to remember where you had seen him, if you had anyways. He reminded you so much of a mentor you once had, and you were saddened by the thought.
“What is he doing here?” You questioned before turning to stare at the back of the Mandalorian’s helmet, your reflection only staring back at you. “What purpose do you have with a youngling?” You leaned back in your seat when he provided no answer, the frown on your lips only deepening as you stared out at the stars that blanketed all around from the view outside the window. You had to find out why he had the child with him, whether it was for a bounty or whether he was just under his care, you did not know. And when you do, once you found an escape, you’d take him with you.
A/N: I was working on this story a long time ago and thought I’d start on it again. Hope y’all enjoy! Reblogs and feedback are much appreciated and let me know if you would like to be added to the tag list.
Summary: You’re a dangerous wanted fugitive with a hefty price on your head who escaped your home planet from persecution and picked up the job of being a bounty hunter. To keep yourself away from the eyes of those after you, you were currently hiding out in a small planet mostly ran by outlaws and bandits, that is until another certain bounty hunter lands on your trail.
You were always the lone wolf, a ranger who wandered planets, a person without a destination. Your occupation was your own, you worked for yourself and no one else, and you preferred it that way. Due to your line of work, you lived plentiful off of bounties and even some quests that were offered to you. But most of it came from assassinations, which was one thing you never admitted to being proud of. You were an excellent marksman, if not one of the best, but your morals meant more than the money and caused you to be very selective over what hits you were willing to take, choosing to only go after the truly guilty ones. Because of this, you refused to be part of the Guild and turned down many requests in the past offering a great sum of money. You weren’t exactly very popular with the Guild since they considered you to be an undisciplined rogue who ignored the rules and had no right doing what you did, so you stayed on the low and made an effort to avoid running into any of their members.
Due to your distant past, you’ve felt that being invisible was better than being seen. Which is another reason why you did what you did and avoided as much interactions as possible. Knowing people and forming relationships was just a way to tie you down and keep you in a cage, an obligation and somewhat a burden. Acquaintances were fine but heavens forbid that formed into an actual relationship. People have expectations and you wanted none of it, not again at least. Not to mention you were severely betrayed by people you were supposed to trust. If there was another thing you were known for, it was for being a charmer, you knew just what words and tone to use to get yourself out of any situation. But you were also known for your ruthlessness. And if the time came where words did not work, your blasters did most of the talking. But ever since being on the run and escaping the planet you once called home, your life drastically changed and it had never been the same since.
You were sitting by yourself at a local cantina, at a table in the farthest and darkest corner of the tasteless place, away from the rest of its occupants. You had just finished tackling a bounty and it wasn’t an easy one, the bastard had left a few bruises and scrapes so you felt like winding down. Thankfully, you were lucky enough to come at a time where the place wasn’t so rowdy and filled with egotistical idiots making a mess and fighting each other for petty and immature reasons.
You had your head propped up lazily by your gloved hand as you stared down at your glass of liquor, swirling it around and watching the ice mix with the contents and clinking every time it hit the edge. You were starting to wonder why you even came here in the first place. You weren’t much of a drinker and you never liked the bitter taste but something about it made you always reach for a glass. In all honesty, you were just ready to go back to your ship and pass out on your bed. One thing was for certain and it was the fact that you were bored and exhausted beyond your mind. You tried to focus on the cantina music in the background, hoping it would help keep you awake while forcing to keep your eyes open. But the warmth of the cantina and your cloak that was draped around your shoulders, falling over your arms and torso to provide extra comfort, was not helping.
You rarely ever let your guard down like this and this was not a good thing. The place was already sketchy as it was with all the bandits and thugs that would come through.
A group of footsteps were heard approaching your table, each one in a different tempo than the rest, the sound making you snap yourself back into a conscious state. You straightened up against the leather seat once you caught sight of a thug walking up to you, followed by his pathetic little gang of 4.
Ugh, what now? You thought to yourself, rolling your eyes behind your helmet.
You watched carefully for a moment as one of his men made an unwanted advance towards one of the waitresses, grabbing her bottom and turning her around to try and force a kiss on her. The waitress shrieked at the act and squirmed in his grip, pushing away at his chest to escape. The thug laughed at her before loosening his grip, his reptile-like eyes following her as she freed herself from him with tears in her eyes, humiliated, before rushing off to the side in fear where the other workers were.
Why that little shit. You just got to this planet and you already had to deal with assholes.
The leader stopped at the edge of your table, glaring at you while his goons surrounded your booth, blocking off all forms of an exit. Slyly, you slipped your hand down underneath the table, gripping your blaster that sat at your hip with your finger hovering over the trigger, ready for any sign of attack.
“You’re in my seat.” The leader grunted at you with his burly arms crossed across his chest, a scowl on his face as he bared his yellowed, troll like teeth against his grimy scaley green skin.
During this exact moment, you thanked the maker you were wearing a mask so you wouldn’t have to smell the rancid stench coming off from him. The last thing you wanted was to puke in your own helmet. Who knows who long it had been since the asshole and his goons had bathed.
“Really?” You snarked, your voice distorted through your modulator to make you sound like a man, your voice low and gruff. You adjusted your cape so that it was not covering your arms anymore as you leaned back in the leather cushion, putting your free arm up on the back of the seat while kicking your feet up on the table. “I don’t see your name on it.”
The thug eyed your boots, his eye twitching as he watched the caked up dirt from your soles fall onto the table, the small action infuriating him even more. You were slightly amused at his reaction despite being irritated that he had disturbed your space. Who knew dirt on a table would so much as upset someone that probably hadn’t bathed in moons.
“Listen here you little brat.” The man slammed his clawed hands down on the table, causing everyone in the cantina to look over to see what was causing all the ruckus. “Move, or else I’ll break every little bone in your bounty hunter body before picking my teeth with it.”
His goons laughed at the statement, their laughs echoed against the stilled silence of the cantina as they enjoyed the opportunity to bully yet another person around, reveling in the moment and obviously getting off on this sort of attention. The ring leader stared you down with a smug smirk on his face, thinking he scared you shitless and that you might succumb to this sort of threat.
“………..no.” You let out, your voice matching the same stoicism in the details of your helmet.
The goons’ laughter died down from hearing your answer, each of them intently watching their boss’s face contort into anger and anticipating what his next move will be.
“That’s it!” The leader growled between gritted teeth before lunging out at you.
Swiftly, you grabbed his bulky arm with your left hand, twisting it to a certain angle and breaking his elbow, the move making him let out a pained scream. With your right hand you grabbed your blaster and shot him in the head in a quick blast of orange before tossing him to the floor. You glanced over to see that one of the goons had pulled out his blaster and blasted him before he could even pull the trigger at you. After watching their members fall down dead, the rest of the gang tried to charge you, their eyes flared and their teeth gritted in rage. You kicked the table over, making them back up while you jumped over it. One of the goons tried to grab you so you kneed him in the groin before grabbing his head and snapping it. You shot another one and while the last remaining one tried to run away you used your free hand to pull out your knife from your thigh strap and throw it at him, lodging it right in his knee and making him fall to the floor.
All eyes of the local civilians in the cantina were glued to you as you stepped over the bodies, casually walking over to the goon you threw your knife at. You stood there and tilted your head at him, recognizing him as the one who assaulted the woman while you watched him crawling on the ground, leaving a trail of blood on the floor from his wound as he went, unaware of your presence.
Pathetic.
A sigh escaped your lips as you crouched down next to him to grab his attention. The man took one look at you being so close and gasped in fear before struggling to move faster.
You wrapped your fingers around the hilt of your knife, twisting it in the flesh of his knee before yanking it out. The goon screamed at your action before his limbs finally gave away, laying there, trembling in pain.
No one dared to interfere you now. Not when you had taken out 4, soon to be 5 men twice your size.
“You shouldn’t have done that to the poor woman.” You spoke, now you were the one looking down at him.
The man turned to look at you, laughing while he did it and flashed his blood stained teeth. He glared up at you with a disgusting grin that made your stomach turn. “Aye, and I enjoyed every second of it.”
Your blood boiled at his remark, your knuckles turning white underneath your glove from gripping your blade.
How dare he.
He laughed again, knowing he got under your skin from the way you clenched your weapon and started breathing. The air around you at the moment was visibly tense as everyone lingered quietly in their seats, waiting to see what you would do next. You’ve had enough of him.
The man let out a hiss as you grabbed a fistful of his hair between your gloved fingers, lifting his head up so you could speak to him in his ear.
“And now you’ll die for it.” You whispered through clenched teeth before shoving your knife in his head.
Taking your knife back out of his skull, you wiped the blood off on his clothes before sticking it back in your strap while standing back up.
The occupants of the cantina looked away and returned to their food and conversations, not wanting to meet the visor of your helmet as if you could shoot lasers through it. They thought that the simple act of even looking in the direction of this strange outsider would be considered an offense after the way you took care of the local gang. Some of them even had disgust written on their faces from the way you handled the thugs while others had a faint hint of a smile that exhibited their relief.
You walked over to the owner of the cantina who stood behind the counter, his eyes glued to the glass he was wiping in his hands.
“You uh, you handled yourself pretty well over there.” The old man laughed uneasily, not seeming to meet your eyes as if he were afraid to offend you while he followed your movements, wondering what in the worlds you were about to do.
You didn’t respond to the statement as you fished into the pocket of your pants, pulling out some credits from the small suede pouch you had and placing them in front of him.
The owner looked at the credits laid out on the table for him, obviously confused from the way his brows knit together before looking up at you.
“But, but you already paid for your drink.”
“I know. It’s for the mess I made.” You gestured to the dead bodies that were still spread out on the ground.
The owner followed your gesture before looking back up you, relief painting his features once he realized you meant no harm. “Oh. But please sir, it’s not necessary. In fact, I should be the one thanking you. Ever since that gang showed up here in our small town, it’s been near chaos. Please, keep your credits. In fact…”
You watched him with a raised brow as he grabbed a pouch from his pocket and tried to hand you some credits. “Take this as well.”
You eyed the credits in his outstretched palm, pursing your lips before letting out a sigh. “I can’t take this. You didn’t hire me.”
“Please sir, take it. As a token of our gratitude. You saved our little town that I’m afraid no one cares about.”
“Yeah well you need it more than me.” You expressed. “I only accept credits for jobs I am hired to do.”
You kept your own pouch in your hand, nodding a farewell at the old man before making your way over to the waitress who was assaulted. You saw her hiding away in a corner, her small frame held in the arms of her friend as tears ran down her cheeks while her coworkers tried to comfort her.
The workers glanced up at you standing nearby before moving away, allowing you to approach closer. You stood there carefully, looking down at her fragile frame and gently placing a hand on her shoulder. The poor woman jerked in reaction before looking up you, her teary eyed filled with confusion.
“It’s okay.” You tried to say softly, hoping it would come out sounding compassionate but your helmet didn’t help much with how you conveyed your tone. Instead, your voice came out sounding less loud. “It’s alright.”
The young woman looked behind you, her eyes glancing at her attacker that was now dead before looking up at you with a weak smile. “Thank you.” She sniffled as she wiped her nose with a handkerchief. “Thank you for getting rid of them.”
“Here.” You held your hand out to her and placed some of your credits in her palm. “Take this. Buy yourself something, food or anything. Preferably something to protect yourself with…..and uh…..learn how to use it.”
The woman stood there in shock, staring down at the credits that now sat on the blue skin of her palm. She cracked a small smile, holding back more tears. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Keep your chin up.” You muttered, pressing your fingers delicately under her chin before she caught you by surprise by wrapping her arms around your torso. Your body tensed up at her reaction as you stood there, not really knowing how to react before giving her an awkward pat on the back. She pulled away from the hug and smiled timidly at you, her cheeks tinted as she placed a tender kiss to the side of your helmet. The action made you widen your eyes, feeling your cheeks heat up inside your helmet to the point where you swore they would melt through the metal.
You shook off the feeling and the nerves, nodding at her and saying a polite goodbye before walking out of the cantina, ready to go back to your ship and wash the sweat off your face and escape the presence of everyone. Due to your quick haste to get out, you failed to notice a shadow, a silhouette of a person hidden behind a suit of armor that sat at the back of the cantina tucked away in the other corner. Nor did you catch the glint of the metal helmet that sat on his head, of the Mandalorian that had been watching your every move ever since you stepped foot into the building.
Title:Stepwise Pairing:Din Djarin x Female Reader Rating:E, 18+ Word Count:5.1k Warnings:explicit smut (fingering, blowjob, unprotected p-in-v, cum eating, cum play, mention of ass play), touch-starved Din, possessive Din, somewhat inexperienced Din, soft feelings, references to canon-typical violence Summary: Requests for both soft and smutty touch-starved head canons spiraled out of control and became this.
Din Djarin knows some touch.
He’s versed in violent touch, in touch made heavy by duty. He’s comfortable with the tangled chaos of hand-to-hand combat, the brutal embrace of wrestling a quarry to the ground, the dead weight of a body slung over his shoulder, the strange intimacy of towing someone by their bound wrists from the moment of capture all the way to the carbonite chamber.
This is so perfect. Incoherent screaming under cut
[inhales] AAAAAAHAHAAAAaaah. This is so good. How do you write him so perfectly you wizard - this is really our mans. The way you describe his swings from vulnerable and soft to desperate and starving - this is the way seriously I got goosebumps. The flashbacks to his childhood! Also kudos for the patient, empathetic reader. love love love this. Thank you for sharing your masterpieces with us.
“Based on my drawing of Mando having a Mandalorian gf, so expect many parts”
***
The Mandalorian still didn’t trust you.
You’d broken into his ship and attacked him in the middle of the night five months ago. He still remembers the feeling of the vibroblade against his neck, how the sudden sensation had jolted him awake where he slept in the crest, where he thought he was safe.
He knew that you had hesitated in that moment, because if you hadn’t he wouldn’t be alive now. When he thinks about that night, he can vividly remember the way your eyes looked down at him, removing the blade from his throat, backing away in the dark like a shadow blending into the hull of the crest.
He knew you, just as much as you knew him. Remembers seeing you back in the sewers of Nevarro. You looked different now of course, clad in a new set of armor, but he could never forget you, not back then and certainly not now. It took him longer than it took you to figure out who he was, you remembered his breathing, memorized it even. You couldn’t mistake him for anyone else under a different helmet. He could change every aspect of his being and you wouldn’t be able to forget Din Djarin.
You revealed to him in fragments how you’d broken the creed, and how you worked as a bounty hunter to earn a living now, not much different than him. With shame you looked at him in the dark, explaining how you where sent by the empire on commission to kill him and take the “asset.”
“Why?” He asked, standing a fair distance away from you, while moving closer towards the child. “I needed the credits-” “That’s not what I’m asking.” He tilted his helmet up, using its contoured outlines to point at your own head. You knew what he was asking, and a part of you wished you could lie to him like you’d lied to everyone else with ease. But he always knew the truth. He could always tell when you where lying, and it’s something you’d never be able to hide from him, no matter how hard you tried.
“A foundling,” you paused, looking at the wrapped up green creature sleeping on a little orb, it’s wrinkled face turning away from your voice. “Not much bigger than the asset, fell into a river and I jumped in after him, I took off my helmet before going into the water, and one of the others saw me do it.” You inhaled sharply, shrugging like it didn’t matter anymore. “I couldn’t just let it die.”
***
After that night you’d stayed. Said you’d help him with the foundling as a way to repay him for the previous night. Which he refused at first but quickly realized he wasn’t getting any younger, and the child wasn’t any safer with just him anymore. So he agreed and let you stay, for five months where you’d proven time and time again that you wouldn’t betray his trust.
Yet he refused to let himself trust you.
No matter how close you’d hold the child to you during a battle, shielding him with your body, instead of worrying about your own safety. Or how you’d risked your own life for him several times, watching his back and reducing the amount of wounds he’d normally endure during fights. Mando couldn’t trust you. Not even when you would patch him up when he did get injured, making sure he ate his rations during every meal, helping him fix the crest. He shouldn’t trust you, but he slowly starts to.
At first it starts with the way you take care of the kid when he’s away during a hunt. Then slowly he realizes his eyes linger on you when you cradle the child in your arms, letting him fall asleep there while you’re barely able to stay on your feet. Sometimes he catches you singing to the kid when you think he’s not listening, and he pretends he’s unbothered when he walks in on you to listen closer. Sometimes the singing isn’t singing, but rather you telling stories in Mando'a, about mythosaurs and strills.
Then he realizes he’s stopped being cautious around you. Let’s his guard down when he lets you leave with the kid into a particularly crowded town with a half hearted warning. He nearly breaks into a full sprint to meet you on the ramp of the crest when he realizes you do come back.
And then he realizes something else. In the moment it takes for you to tell him about the things you’ve bought in town, about how lucky it was to find decent fuel around these parts, he lets his mind chase a thought. It’s something that’s always been there. Something he tried to forget about years ago, when he would spend more time away on hunts than in Nevarro to avoid you. He realizes he likes you.
It was almost mockingly infuriating the effect you had on his body. Like for the first time in his life your eyes held a more binding effect on him than the beskar did. He’d experience these emotions in the past. Had almost given in to a few of them, those past and futile attempts for a quick distraction. But every time it would end the same and he’d use his creed as an excuse to run away. Like some sort of wildfire he was trying to outrun, afraid that if it caught up to him, it would eat him up and burn him alive, only leaving his armor behind in its tempest. But with you? he wanted to run straight towards it.
He doesn’t remember when he first realized he had feelings for you, maybe they where always there, ever since you first approached him in the sewers back in the covert. And it’s slowly starting to consume him from the inside out. He was always open with you, probably the only person he really let get close to him in the covert, up until he left. And now he hardly speaks to you.
He wondered what it was like for you. Not being able to stay in the creed that is. He wonders if seeing him walking around with the helmet on makes you feel remorseful somehow. And sometimes he catches you staring. Eyes trained on him the same way they where on that night. Like they’re asking him if he’s really still the same in there, under the beskar.
Then it’s your turn to realize your feelings. You where never oblivious to the way Din only ever spoke to you when you where in Nevarro, and while it wasn’t much it still somehow made you feel special. That for the first time you didn’t blend into the background of his story and he gave you importance above the others. Never quite affectionate, instead it was something else, something that made it feel like he was ashamed for even considering being affectionate.
But now he was different. In a good way, for the better. You think it has something to do with the child. Maybe something happened that gave him a reason to care again, there’s more color in his voice when he speaks now. It’s no longer singular words punched out like a machine spiting back it’s coded messages.
Things are fine the way they are now. You’ve built up mutual trust again and it seems like neither one of you refuses to break that. To ignore the evident attraction and instead replacing it with something to avoid unconformity. Things are fine the way they are. You’re both simply aware of each other without having to say anything about your obvious feelings for one another. After all this is the way, this is how things are supposed to be between you, and not even you could change the way Din Djarin felt about the creed.
***
It was simple. The bounty was in Trandosha in the Mytaranor sector, when Mando had told you about needing help on this job you’d half assumed you where going to Kashyyyk. “It’s unusual of you to ask me for help during one of your hunts,” you paused strapping yourself in your armor and reloading all of your weapons. “It’s unusual of you to ask me for help with anything really.”
“I just need you to cover me.” Truth is he knew how dangerous this bounty was, a rogue bounty hunter he saw twice in Nevarro. Carga never liked him for the ongoing rumor that he sold the bounty he supposedly “killed” as slaves to the empire, and Mando didn’t like him because he knew he’d try to come for you and the kid the moment he left the crest. To simply put it he was paranoid and figured having you close as opposed to out of reach meant he wouldn’t have to worry about the two of you being in danger.
Of course he didn’t want to say that to you. Not only would you remind him just how capable you where with a blaster, but he’d also openly admit he cared about you just as much as he cared about the kid. He grabbed his rifle, and started walking down the ramp with you next to him and if he was any smarter he would have turned back and set a course someplace else. Someplace familiar. Far away from danger.
This was a thick jungle with humidity that fogged up his visor and crawled up inside his suit until it made him feel ten pounds heavier. Only a few miles away from the crest and he was already dreading the location almost as much as his initial idea of having you come along with the kid. “-then I fly up to one of the trees and cover you from the canopy,” you trailed off, watching as Mando silently walked on what looked like autopilot through the jungle, practically dragging his feet. “Have you been listening to a word I’ve said?”
“Yes.” If he was an inch closer you would have elbowed him. “Don’t lie to me, you’re bad at it you know.” He huffed inside the helmet, a little breathy sound you’d learned was his way of laughing. “You’re not yourself today, you’re distracted.” He looked at you from his peripheral, meeting the tinted visor on your helmet where he expected to see your eyes. Mando sometimes forgot you where like him, in moments like this when you wore the full armor and turned into the skilled mandalorian he knew you where. He could almost laugh at the mocking way the helmet looked at him, like it was telling him it stole you away.
“Are you worried?” He didn’t even have to say it, you picked up on the subtle hint that he knew you where worried about him, but he still forced himself to ask. Like you hadn’t seen him come back from a hunt with exhaustion he pretended wasn’t there. “About you? No, I’m mostly worried about the kid running off to look for some strange bugs to eat.” He gave you a small nod, like a part of him wanted to believe you really where worried about him, despite you knowing he could handle himself. He knew he didn’t need you worrying about him, but in a way it’s what reminded him he was still human.
“And of course you know I’m worried about-” the blast hit you in the chest so hard it sent you flying back into the ground. The ringing in your ears muted out something Mando was asking you as you struggled to refocus your vision. In a rushed move you kicked the child away behind one of the trees and pointed your blaster in the direction you felt the blast came from. You could feel the burning heat of the plasma lingering on your armor, and even when you tried steadying your breathing, Mando picked up on it.
“Take the kid and go back to the ship.” You kept your eyes on the trees around you, everything covered in vines and moss that blended into an unhelpful blurred mess. If you where any smarter you would have gone back to the ship to keep the kid safe there, but you didn’t want to leave Mando. “Seems like he’s been following us since we arrived, he probably even knows where to find us, and if I go back he comes after the kid.”
You hear a noise from behind you, and in the moment it took for you to see the figure coming out of the bushes Mando had moved you of the way, taking the blast on his back. You felt cold sweats rolling down your body when his body fell forward, limp and unmoving. You didn’t have time to kneel down to check his pulse, only blocking his body with your own as you pointed the blaster at the man in front of you.
You lunged forward and he aimed a blast to your shoulder. Dodging the upcoming blasts you reached for his wrist to disarm him. He stood there, taking a knife out of his pocket while you grabbed two of your own. It took you a solid five minutes of struggling and two deep cuts on your shoulder before you stabbed the bounty through his hand and knocked him out with a kick to the head. Your muscles where on fire, the heat from the blood gushing out of your body was making your vision blurry, but that didn’t matter. “Mando?”
You dragged your feet over to where Mando laid unconscious. Feeling for any sort of injury the blaster might have caused, where you found none. “Mando,” you paused, reaching his neck to check for a pulse. “Din?” You felt the steady beat under your touch, saw the slow rise and fall of his chest as he slowly turned over, and you immediately relaxed. At least he wasn’t dead. “Are you alright, you took quite the hit.”
“You remembered my name.” He slowly sat up, bringing his hand to his chest as he tried to fill his lungs with air again. “Maker, you get knocked out and that’s what you’re concerned about?” His helmet twitched to the side, and in the second it took for his arm to come up and pull the trigger You feel the blast graze against the side of your helmet. And realize he was aiming behind you. The body of the bounty dropped just next to you, the smoke of the blaster faintly leaving his dead body. “You didn’t kill him?”
“You know what, that actually didn’t cross my mind,” You paused, standing up to look for the child. “I mean it’s not like I was busy trying to save your ass or anything, honestly I should have just left you here on the floor.” He groaned as he stood up, rolling his shoulders back with a hiss, as he straightened his back out. You started walking off, to hell with it, he could deal with carrying the bounty back to the ship as if you’d help him- “Thank you.”
“You’re,“ As far as ‘thanks’ went between you two the most you ever got out of him was, well, silence. And even that was better than the passive aggressive 'hmm’ he’d let out when you helped him with anything. So hearing him verbally thank you shouldn’t have been that big of a deal. It shouldn’t have made your throat dry up and your hands feel sweaty. It shouldn’t have made the "welcome.” Come out so squeaky and muted under the helmet. But it did.
Mando would be the type to give his cyar'ika a Keldabe kiss
I would have colored it but I couldn’t come up with a color scheme for her
Okay but this got me thinking about Mando having a Mandalorian gf, which would include:
-She’s not from the children of the watch so she’s more comfortable with removing her helmet, and in a way it helps Din be more open to the idea of removing his
- They’d know just how the other one feels about carrying the armor
“my neck is killing me”
“Helmet pains?”
Because they both know just how much the armor can put a strain on the body, something someone else wouldn’t understand.
- Being comfortable with each other’s silence, Mandalorians are for the most part reserved (from what we’ve seen), so not being much of a talker wouldn’t make the silence awkward but rather familiar.
- Understanding each other’s culture and speaking to each other in Mando’a, which could also apply to a battle where you both have secret codes you exchange without the enemy knowing.
- Fighting together would be almost perfectly coordinated, you both know your styles and how to adapt to how the other one moves, working in synchronized harmony, aka power couple goals.
-Din wouldn’t be good at expressing his feelings the way someone normally would, but you understand him, so when he gifts you with his signet it might as well be a wedding proposal.
-Speaking of affection, since he won’t remove his helmet in front of you (yet), his way of kissing you becomes the Keldabe kiss, at least when the lights are on and you both aren’t in private.
“It’s hot.” You’d woken up some time after Mando came back this morning. Completely drenched in sweat, and unable to fall asleep again with the heat making the floor of the crest uncomfortably warm. You decided getting up and heading outside for some fresh air would be better than staying in the ship, only problem was the sun seemed to cut through the shade making it unbearable to stay outside. Almost as bad as being inside.
Sometime around last night the crest’s cooling systems broke down, conveniently on the same day that Endor decided to reach its peak on the highest recorded temperature of the year. Even more so conveniently both you and Mando where covered in layers of confining, none breathable fabric. As long as you didn’t move much it was bearable, but Mando had to keep moving in order to fix the crest. Which just made the minutes he spent working in the ship and fixing the cooling system drag on and feel dreadful.
Grogu didn’t seem to mind it much. In fact he went outside to run around in the forest for over an hour. And at some point managed to tire himself out after chasing dragonflies, only to comfortably take a nap moments later in his own secluded little sphere. Lucky kid, at least he was enjoying himself. You on the other hand had never hated your clothes more than you did now. Secretly cursing every Jedi in the afterlife down to the bastard who decided on this thick material for the robes. “You know what, screw this.”
You stood up from where you sat in the ramp, the only place air seemed to enter the crest, and began unceremoniously stripping yourself down. You removed your boots, the extra armor, all your belts and straps, the top layer of your robes, the long tunic underneath, down to the worn out wool pants and the thin sleeveless dress that clung tightly to your sweat slicked skin. “Ah that’s better.”
Mando had seen you do it. Much to his half hearted attempts to avert his eyes and focus on fixing what needed to be fixed. He found it rather difficult to willingly look away, his gaze practically stuck to you like glue with every new layer you took off. In a way he was jealous. His suit was designed to keep everything in, to insulate, but it wasn’t very breathable. And with the beskar practically locking the heat in, not allowing the ocasional cool breeze to pass through the fabric, this was torture. “Hey Mando, why don’t you take off your boots that might help?”
You walked closer to him, the heat coming from you sending sweat running down his back. “Or maybe even your armor, I can’t imagine how hot it must feel under all of that-” Your fingers touched his shoulder pauldron and for a moment it almost felt unreal under your touch. It was cold. It felt like touching ice, even with the sun beaming down on him for hours, the armor felt cold, and remained that way the longer you kept your finger there. “Mando can you stand up for a moment,”
He had been working on his knees mostly, from the inside of the ship underneath the floors of the crest, and he might have involuntarily stood up faster than usual because of that. Because his back hurt and his knees where getting tired, that’s why. Even so he didn’t expect you to press your face to his chest, letting out a moan as both of your hands came up to join your head on either side. “This is great, you’re like a walking block of ice.”
His body actually became so hot he felt dizzy from it. How where you this warm? Your body was like a furnace, melting through his armor until it joined the heat clinging to his own skin. It felt too hot, but he also didn’t want to push you away. Not when you where breathing against him like that, with your face this close to his panicked heart beat. “It feels so good Mando.”
He blames his knees. Yeah that’s what caused him to stumble backwards until he slipped on one of the tools he left out and fell to the floor with you on top of him. “Are you alright,” “Yeah sorry.” You sat up and the position this left you on was with you practically straddling his thigh, your hands pressed against his chest, while you looked down at him with sweat trickling down your collarbone. He swallowed. Dry and thick and humid like the air around him, imagining what you’d taste like right now.
“Maybe I should run into town, see if they have nectrose freeze-” he jolted upwards, bringing his thigh up to collide against your heated core. “Ah!” Your thighs squeezed around him, trapping his own thigh in between them while your hands clutched to the smooth expanse of his chest armor. “That’s… cold.” He could have kept his eyes focused on your mouth, or your eyes, the way they widened while you looked down at him in shock at his own actions. But instead they traveled down, only to find your nipples hardened, and your hips struggling to stay still.
“Sorry,” he trailed off, not moving, only watching you waiting to see what you’d do. You both kept looking at the other for an indication of what to do, to see who’d move away first, but you both knew getting up was the furthest thing from either of your minds. “Mando I’m-” He brought his hand up, slowly, only to let it rest against your thigh without saying a word.
This made you slide down against him, moving forward until his thumb was pressed against your hipbone. You repeated the motion again, the friction suddenly making your body feel hotter than it did under all those layers. It felt good, despite the heat. The cold sensation of the armor underneath your heated core, while his thigh jolted every now and then, felt better than anything you’d experienced on your own before. “I should stop,”
You rolled your hips against him, every muscle in your body ignoring your mind while you practically dry humped yourself on the mandalorian. “But it,” you felt his thumb running circles on your hip, urging you to move forward while you struggled to remember why this was wrong. “It feels so good.”
Mando could only watch. At some point he got hard in his pants. Clenching his jaw hard enough that his teeth hurt when he tried to stop himself from doing something about it. Holding back from pulling himself out of his pants to rub himself against your lower belly every time you moved forward. But his self control was slowly slipping away, specially with how your body moved against him. The way your hips rotated, and how your eyebrows furrowed in concentration while you chased your release. He wondered what you’d look like without anything on, your bare skin slick with sweat while you rode his thigh like this, exactly like this.
He started playing with the fabric of your dress, toying with it until he brought it up to expose your skin to him. His fingers went underneath the fabric, and he didn’t have to take his gloves off to feel your skin shiver at his touch. They kept moving up, until they reached the base of your breasts and he gave them a gentle squeeze, before playing with your nipples until he could see them harden again underneath the thin fabric.
The sight of his own hands playing with your breast beneath that thin wall of fabric made him wonder what would happen if he ran his mouth over them. Would the fabric be thin enough to be see through? “M-Mando you’re hard.” He didn’t trust his own voice so he settled for a silent nod, watching your eyes turn a dark shade of lust while your lips parted when you saw him move his hips upwards. An action which caused his tip to painfully rub against the zipper of his trousers, but seeing you bite your lip in an attempt to suppress a moan at his movement was worth it. “Can I…”
You trailed off, but he didn’t have to guess what you where asking for before he was letting the “yes” leave his lips, filtered under the modulator and needy. Your movements stopped while you focused to pull him out of his pants. Hands trembling while they moved his belt aside to unbutton them. It wasn’t until you let out a gasp that he realized you’d pulled him out of his underwear, your hands hot against his shaft.
You almost whimpered at the sight. For one he was human, flesh and carnal desire evident on your hand while your hips resumed their movements. Secondly it was the obvious, he was huge. You didn’t have much to go off but you also weren’t blind, for one he barely fit in your hands, and you found your mouth watering at the sight. He noticed the way your lips parted, could see the glint in your eyes and feel your hips speed up the longer you held him in your hands.
Eventually when you did start moving your hands he had to remind himself to breathe again. No matter how much air filled his lungs it was suffocating to breathe under the helmet. His visor would fog up with each deep exhale and he never wanted to take his helmet off more. If only to be able to see the face you made when you reached inside your own pants to touch yourself directly.
“Feels so good I’ve- I’ve never felt this good before, feels so good Mando.” Your voice was shaky, and sounded an octave higher than it did normally. He could tell you where close, your movements where getting sloppy and your hand was barely moving around him. So he sat up, the hand that was resting on your hip moved back to rest on your spine. He angled himself a certain way until his cock was pressed against your stomach, and then he moved down.
He grabbed your thigh to slowly bring you down with him until his hips where pressing into your ass while your knees came up to your chest. “Wait Mando I’m-“ “Hold on.” His hand came down lower to the waistband of your pants and he pulled them up over your ass until they where stuck on your knees. He removed his gloves until his fingers came in contact with you underwear. And he didn’t try to suppress the groan that left his lips when he felt how wet you where through your underwear.
“You’re so wet for me cyar’ika.” He rubbed his index finger against your folds through the fabric, and then hooked his thumb on the waistband before stopping himself. “Are you alright with this?” You’d be the biggest liar in the galaxy if you said you weren’t. But you where struggling to remember basic. Let alone decide if you wanted him to take you here on the floor of his ship. But one wrong word could meant he would completely back off and probably never touch you again. So you had to be careful and answer him fast, because the longer you took to answer the more he probably saw it as rejection.
And although every rule you knew about the Jedi and the monastic regime you upheld practically told you to refuse him you still said “yes.” But Mando caught the small hesitation, and while he continued taking your underwear off he made no effort to prep you for him yet. Instead bringing his hardened length in between your thighs while he put both your ankles over his shoulder. And then, he slowly started moving against your folds.
He groaned deeply, his left arm holding your legs in place while the right one found leverage on the floor next to your waist. Then he started moving faster. The soft little gasps you let out when the head of his cock rubbed against your clit encouraging him to ignore the seat rolling down his forehead. “Ah, Mando I’m, I’m gonna cum-“
Both his hands where on your thighs in an instant. His forearms curling around them while he pushed your knees to your chest and moved his hips in downward brutal strokes. It didn’t take long for you to arch your back off the ground while your hands grabbed onto the floor as your climax hit you like a pound of bricks. It wasn’t the way your thighs clenched around him that made Mando shoot hot strings of cum on your thighs, it was the sound you made when you came down from your high.
It was somewhere between a moan and his name, a breathy little sound caught in your throat while you practically sunk into the durasteel of his ship. He sort of stayed like this for a moment, letting his brain catch up to his actions while he let his head rest against your legs. “Mando,” he hummed out a response, watching you bring your forearm up to your brow bone to wipe at the sweat droplets there. “I still want that nectrose freeze.”
“I need you to watch the kid for a few hours.” Mando had moved the crest further away from the forest, and much closer to civilization with a nearby town within viewing distance. Which you thought was strange at first, but now it made sense since he was leaving. You let Grogu down, who up until this point had been sleeping in your arms while you watched as Mando strapped himself with an arsenal of weapons, shoving a tracking beacon into one of his pockets. “You’re going on a hunt?”
“I’m low on fuel, and we need more supplies,” Mando knew you’d be staying. Not because you owed it to him but because the kid needed you, and in a way you needed the kid. So he figured taking on a few nearby bounties could be enough to last for a few weeks, without needing to worry much about the expenses of having two extra mouths to feed, at least until you settled to train Grogu. “I could come with you, even be of assistance to you.”
He hadn’t worked alone in a while. In fact Mando couldn’t remember the last time he was completely alone on a hunt, which almost tempted him to have you tag along. He knew you where useful, that much was true. Had seen you fight yesterday, and knew you could handle yourself without being in the way. But with the kid around it was still dangerous, and up until now he didn’t have much of a choice but to take the kid with him on hunts. Mando just didn’t want to risk it. “No I need you to stay here, keep the kid safe while I’m gone.”
You where slightly disappointed, not because you wanted to go with him but rather because you hadn’t stretched your legs in decades, and you would have liked to feel useful after all this time stuck frozen in carbonite. But if Mando needed you to watch over Grogu you couldn’t argue with him there. “I will, and if anyone even thinks about getting close to the crest I’ll slice them in half with-”
“You can’t use your laser swords-”
“Lightsabers.”
“Just, don’t use them.” He was already halfway down the ramp before you’d caught up to him blocking him from leaving. “Hold on, why not?” He shook his head lightly, reaching behind him for one of his blasters, before handing it to you. “Not everyone has one of those, it’ll draw attention.” You looked down at the blaster in your hand, it was heavier than your lightsabers by a fraction, but much smaller. New and unfamiliar. “Mando I don’t know how to use this.”
“What?” Mando didn’t mean to sound as shocked as he did. But hearing you say that made the words feel so out of place, he half expected you’d say it was a joke. “I’ve never had the need for it alright, it just, it was never part of my training.” I mean you had to be kidding. Considering he landed flat on his ass yesterday after a sparring session with you, it was hard to believe you didn’t even know how to hold a blaster.
“It’s alright,” he paused, looking down at where you awkwardly held it in your hands, tempted to reach for it and tell you to forget about it. But then he had an idea. “I could teach you.” He didn’t know what to expect but laughter was the last thing he expected to hear coming from you. “Look that’s nice and all but, I can’t even, I mean where do the bullets even come from this thing?”
“There’s no bullets,” you looked down at the blaster in your hand, touching it with your fingers as your brows furrowed in concentration. “See Mando now that’s a problem, it’s a complete design flaw.” He reached to grab it out of your hands, aiming for a nearby tree stump, and hitting it perfectly in the center, sending bark flying out in every direction and leaving a charred black imprint on the wood. “It fires bolts of intense plasma, similar to that of a laser.”
“That doesn’t make any sense, where does it store everything?” He had grown used to being around more people recently, most of which kept their distance even after knowing him for a while. You’d only just met him and disregarded personal space completely, touching the blaster with your free hand as the other one grabbed at the expanse of his shoulders. “Where does all this energy come from?”
Even so he didn’t mind it. There was something familiar about your presence, and he’d quickly grown accustomed to it in the short time you’d been around, much like he did with the kid. So he didn’t say anything about it, just let you ramble on about how a blaster didn’t make any sense. “And how come it doesn’t run out of whatever powers it?”
“How does your lightsaber work then?” You paused, reaching down for one of your lightsabers and unhooking it. He watched you open a small hatch at the bottom, pulling out a little stone while you held it up for him to see. “Well it’s a plasma blade powered by a kyber crystal, but the force also enhances its power so-“ you stopped in your tracks. Almost realizing what you said basically meant the same thing he said about blasters. Lazer and Lightsaber even started with an L too. You looked at the blaster again, and then back at him. “Mando I can’t.”
“Yes you can, stand over there.” You did as he asked, moving in a sluggish motion while you practically dragged your feet behind you. He handed you the blaster again, this time grabbing your fingers to maneuver them into the correct position. “Hold it with both of your hands first, it shouldn’t recoil much but make sure to shift your body to absorb the impact after you shoot it.” He stepped back, pointing at the same tree stump he hit, and you took that as a hint to use it as your target. “That seems easy enough-“
“You can’t cheat, you know what I mean.” You groaned, holding the weapon up and leaning your body forward like you where pointing a sword. The first shot missed by a few meters, going anywhere but near its target. The next seven where just as bad, and you could have sworn you heard Mando laughing behind you at some point. But it also might have been your frustration and shame making it up. “This is ridiculous I’ll just stick to my weapons-“
“You’re just standing wrong.” He walked over to you, placing his hands at your hips and pulling them back until they lined up against his own. You couldn’t help the shudder that ran down your spine at the simple action. And you couldn’t have avoided the gasp that left your lips when one of him hands pulled your shoulders back, while the other one ran down your spine. “Straighten yourself out.”
“Okay.” You blamed your sweat sticking to the blaster for being in your hands too long, suddenly feeling the hot sun over your head much hotter than it was a few seconds ago. “-your legs.” You couldn’t hear the first part, and you found it hard to focus on his words. “What?” The unfamiliar feeling of his thigh parting your legs nearly made your knees give out. The strange and foreign cold sensation of his thigh armor cooling down your heated skin through layers of clothing made it feel all the more real. “I said, it helps if you spread your legs, leaning back on your dominant foot can help you absorb the momentum.”
“Right.” Where you really this repressed? Would that even be the correct word to use right now considering the circumstances? Repressed enough to feel your skin heat up, and your heart beat run laps inside your rib cage, from just a small glimpse of contact with another person. That person being a Mandalorian covered from head to toe in beskar armor without a single patch of flesh exposed. Mando had known you for less than a week, from what you could tell he was mostly human under the helmet, but even so. This was Mando after all.
You where just, repressed, and possibly pent up. Yeah let’s go with that. Because there was no way he was doing that intentionally. “Again.” He stepped back, his presence leaving you while you let out a shaky breath to clear your mind. But you couldn’t shake the thought. It simply grew in your head and expanded while you struggled to remember what you where supposed to be doing with the blaster in your hand.
Would his hair be light or dark? You had no way of guessing for sure but you’d bet it was as dark as the trees in the forest. And what about his eyes? Would they be as intense as he was? You even wondered what his skin would look like, what it would feel like too. Would it feel rough with any battle scars, or soft and warm like his voice sounded like without his helmet. Your hand involuntarily gripped the blaster, then you looked down at its shape again. The way the handle curved, how the metal parts shined under sunlight when you tilted it a certain way. Almost like him.
“Are you going to shoot it?” You jumped a bit at the sound of his voice, accidentally gripping the blaster too tight and pulling the trigger. “Yeah, I was just,” you paused, wiping your hand on your pants, flexing your fingers a few time before grabbing hold of the blaster again. “I’ll try again.” You lifted the blaster again, this time holding it like you where pointing at the tree stump.
The though inside your head kept bouncing around and this time instead of letting it expand and formulate more ideas, you decided on pining it to the marking Mando left on the side of the tree stump. You envisioned it hitting it. Shooting right through the idea, even making a little bet with yourself that you’d stop these thoughts completely if you hit the target. But you missed. Not by much this time, it actually barely skimmed the top of the tree stump, but you still missed. “Sorry, I’ll try again.”
He walked over to you, grabbing the blaster out of your hands without saying anything. For a moment you thought that was it. He had enough of you wasting his time aiming at nothing and getting his blaster dirty with your sweaty hands. But then he handed you something bigger. This time it was his rifle. “This one has a scope, it should be earlier to use.”
Mando had seen your mind drift off somewhere at some point, and in a way he felt like he’d forced this on you. It wouldn’t really matter if you used your lightsabers, after all you knew what you where doing. He let guilt linger over him as he saw you lift up the rifle while you gave him a toothy grin. “Oh this feels much better.” You definitely felt more confident holding this one. There was so much more room to grab onto, and the length reminded you of your lightsaber, which felt just right in your hand. You nearly forgot you couldn’t shoot and confidently pulled the trigger, prepared for it to miss while you practiced an apology.
Only it didn’t miss. In fact it completely destroyed the tree stump. You had to blink a few times to make sure it really wasn’t there, and surely enough it was gone. Reduced to a pile of ashes on the ground. Mando was just as shocked as you where. He hadn’t even seen you aim, but he knew you where distracted enough to cheat and use your powers, but all he could muster to say was, “Good job.”
“Can I keep this?” You aimed again, this time further away at a fallen tree, rotting away into the forest. You shot it and it split in half perfectly down the center. “Oh I really like this one Mando.” You where struggling just moments ago to even hold a blaster, and now you didn’t even need to use the scope on his rifle. He almost wished he could stay. Just to let you shoot any of his weapons, see how good you could get, how fast you could improve. But he had to go, he knew that.
“You can practice some more with it when I get back, in the meantime,” he handed you the other small blaster, the one you couldn’t even hold properly. “Practice with this, I should be back later.” You handed him back the rifle, which was almost as tall as you. He turned around getting ready to walk off before you tapped his shoulder. He didn’t say anything, but he tilted his head slightly as if he was asking you “what is it?” You cleared your throat, moving your hand back quickly. “Be safe.”
“Unbelievable.” You truly loved your ship. It was a one of a kind dynamic class freighter, with an outstandingly overpowered drive system. Which made it incredibly difficult to maintain with all its little quirks. And Mando had left you to fix it while he went on a hunt without you. Said something about “splitting up the work”, which really meant you had to do all of it since he still wasn’t back.
He left nine hours ago. Giving you enough time to clean all 24 meters your ship, well technically his, all while meticulously fixing every little problem. You fixed the hyperdrive, the sublight drive, the deflector shield generators, and even hardwired the navigation computer to fix the aim on the twin turbo laser turrets. Something unnecessary since you never missed and rarely got into a situation where you needed them, but well, you where bored.
So bored you found yourself on the floor in the main hold cleaning your weapons. Taking them apart only to put them back together. It wasn’t until you had individually cleaned every bolt on your MWC-35c repeating cannon blaster that you heard footsteps coming up the ramp. You where used to the silence Mando carried with him, but you found yourself clutching to the blaster after the footsteps stooped before they reached the main hold.
“Mando?” There wasn’t a response. Not that he ever really gave you one anyways. So you moved around the corner to get a better look, nearly colliding with beskar as he came into full view. “You scared me,” you took a step back, watching his body freeze up like a statue. “Why didn’t you answer?”
He didn’t say anything. He didn’t even move. And for a moment you wondered if he was even breathing. He just kept standing there, his visor pointed in your direction as his shoulders tensed when you walked forward. “Are you alright you don’t look so-” “I’m fine.” He paused, letting out a shaky breath as his chest rattled with the gesture. “You sure, because you-”
“Stop talking.” Your lips practically glued themselves shut. Because he’d never spoken to you like this. Not back when you tried to kill him, or when you blew up the speeder, never once did he sound so… angry. He was monotone and intimidating yes, but you hadn’t seen him angry yet, and it made you wonder what exactly caused it. Was it something you did?
“Did I do something I wasn’t supposed to?” You could practically hear him grinding his teeth under the helmet as he spat out a “No.” you cleared your throat, suddenly feeling your voice grow small in his presence. “Then what is it?” He started walking towards you, in short steps you barely noticed at first until his chest was nearly pressed against yours. “I’m,” He clenched his fists so hard at the side you could hear the leather gloves straining at the pressure. “Frustrated.”
“What happened?” He shook his head lightly, like he was shaking away the though completely while he pushed past you. Only he didn’t look where he was going, and he kicked into a can of oil, which spilled all over the weapons you’d just cleaned. Perfect. “Hey what’s your problem?”
He stopped dead in his tracks. Not bothering to turn to look at you, and quite literally giving you the cold shoulder. “Look I know you don’t like me, it’s unfortunate I know, but you can’t just walk into my ship with an attitude kicking things around.” He turned towards you again, this time not bothering to keep his distance as he all but pressed his chest against yours. “So you think I don’t like you?”
Something in the filtered modulated tone made a shiver go down your spine. Maybe you shouldn’t have pushed it. Maybe you should have just stopped talking and cleaned up the mess he made on the floor ignoring his uncharacteristically bad attitude. But instead you pressed your hand against his chest, and pushed him back. “Back off Mando.”
He stood his ground. Unmoving while you glared at him, feeling your jaw clench so tight you feared your teeth would break. “I should have left you to die back in Hoth.” You used your index finger to poke at the beskar chest plate, moving so close to him you could hear his controlled breathing. “It sure would have save me a lot of trouble, not to mention I never even got a thank you.”
You probably should have stopped there. Probably let the tension diffuse and ignore it completely until you could pay off the debt. But you threw caution to the wind and decided to push it further. See how angry you could get an already pissed off mandalorian. “Oh and it’s not my fault that you’re pent up either.”
Pent up? He didn’t know why that irritated him more than it should have. But he didn’t have time to correct you because you moved your hand down to the hem of his pants, trailing your fingers against the waistband. “Maybe this can get you to stop being an asshole,” your fingers dipped into his pants, setting his skin on fire with every little touch, and he blamed that feeling on his delayed reaction time. “Stop.”
“What?” Your hands reached his cock, warm and heavy on your hands and already half hard. “This doesn’t look pent up to you?” His hips involuntary thrusted into your hand, and he inhaled sharply at the sensation. He hated how good it felt. To have your fingers gently wrapped around his length while you slowly stroked him. But mostly he hated how he was letting this happen. “Stop that.”
No matter how threatening he sounded you couldn’t stop. It was like something possessed you to keep going, to see how far you could go with his hips willingly thrusting up to meet your hand. “If you really want me to stop, I will,” you paused, and his head dropped down in surprise. “But if you want me to keep going,” you looked at his visor, where you assumed his eyes where, and started to move your hand away. “I can take away your frustration.”
You could tell his resolve shattered then and there. He grabbed your hand out of his pants with such force it made you fall forward. Keeping his hand around your wrist as he held you in place, while his other hand came up to rub at your bottom lip, before he angled your chin down. And you took the hint. Dropping down to your knees to press your nose against his zipper, bringing your mouth up to grab it with your teeth and then pulling it downwards.
You made a show to keep eye contact the entire time, bringing your hand to pull him out of his pants and momentarily breaking away to look at his sheer size. Your mouth practically watered when you saw how hard he was for you, and slowly you worked him into your mouth, wrapping your hands around what you couldn’t fit. And Mando? Well his eyes never left you.
He reached down to grab at your hair, at first only playing with it to keep himself grounded and then sharply tugging at it when your teeth grazed against his skin. It felt so good. He hadn’t experience this in so long and he selfishly allowed himself the opportunity. His hips slowly moved to meet your tongue and when you moaned around him he unintentionally thrusted forward, hitting the back of your throat only to earn another moan. “So good.”
You noticed Mando had started using the hand in your hair to push you down his length, shuddering every time you took him further and giving you a particularly hard thrust afterwards. He’d start massaging your scalp in apology while he talked absolute filth to encourage you to take him deeper. “Your mouth looks,” he paused when you swallowed around him, “looks so pretty around me,” his hand reached behind your head, and his hips started thrusting into you so hard you felt tears build up at the corner of your eyes. “Taking me in so good.”
You moaned around him, drool dripping down your chin while your body started to feel his arousal rub off on you. “You like that?” You nodded, looking up at him while your hands reached down towards your body, enjoying the groan he let out when your hand went inside your pants to touch yourself, your own hips matching his own movements.
He used his other hand to press it against your bottom lip, collecting the spit and watching his own cock disappear into your mouth with each thrust, your nose practically touching the base of his stomach every time. It was all too much. And he didn’t have time to warn you before he spilled inside your throat, his body shuddering and convulsing as his hips jolted in spasming little thrusts.
He pulled away, still dazed from the aftermath. And you took the opportunity to quickly get up, heading towards the bathroom to clean yourself up before he stopped you. “What are-” His thumb had reached up to press against your mouth, swiping at his own cum on your lips, before dipping his finger inside. “Suck on it.” All the while he was slowly backing you into a wall, the cold surface came in contact with your shoulders just as his knee parted your thighs, rubbing up against your core in slow circles.
He kept his finger in your mouth and trailed his other hand down to your pants, pulling them down until they fell down your legs and pooled at your ankles. You kicked them off, and he took this opportunity to grab at your hips and spin you around. The wet contact between his slicked fingers and your entrance made your legs tremble, your knees hitting against each other with such force you nearly fell over. But Mando had a tight grip on you.
He didn’t let go of you while he rubbed circles on your clit, the cold surface of his helmet pressing against the back of your thigh as he started to work in his other fingers. “Mando-” “Relax for me.” He started moving his fingers faster, scissoring them inside you while you rolled your hips as much as he’d let you. “Mando please-”
The hard slap that came in contact with your skin made you clench around his fingers, letting out a sinful moan that only made his fingers curl upwards. “Relax.” You pushed your hips back, until you felt your climax nearly reach its peak while you practically robe his hand. You where so close, sweat building at your palms making the cold metal hot under your touch. So close. “That’s it’s good girl.”
That sent you over the edge. Your body curling forward as your orgasm slammed into your body so hard it nearly blinded you. And Mando was there with you, rubbing slow circles over your over stimulated clit with his thumb. His fingers pulled away, and you practically collapsed on the floor without him grounding you in place, not caring that your bare ass was in display. “Clean yourself up I’ll,”
He paused to look at you. Seeing your legs spread wide for him with your slick folds inviting him closer. I’d be so easy. To slip himself inside you and pound your cunt until he completely forgot about his encounter with the lowlife who tried to forcibly remove his helmet today. But he pushed the thought away as soon as it came, turning around to head towards the cockpit. “I’ll clean up the mess on the floor.”
He got your ship running. Go figure. You knew the mandalorian was capable but you didn’t think he’d fix your ship and get it in the air before sunrise. You even teased him about being a Mon Calamari for his quick work on the engines. He’d gotten his jet pack at some point during takeoff, leaving the ship momentarily to retrieve it from the cave and coming back before you even thought about making it up to the cockpit.
He stopped in front of you after closing the hatch. Reaching down for your wrists, which you took the time to remove the cuffs off while he worked on the engine. His touch hesitated for a moment before he placed a new set of cuffs on them, tugging on them for you to follow him to the cockpit.
He barely made it out of the atmosphere before your ship shut down and stayed unmoving right outside of Hoth. He sighed leaning back on the pilot seat before turning to you with an irritated scowl that was practically visible through the helmet. “It’s a simple wiring sequence, my ship doesn’t go anywhere without me.” You lifted your hands so he’d uncuff you, nudging at him to get out of your seat. Only he stayed silent and unmoving.
"Then I guess we won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.” you propped your feet up on the control panel , leaning back in your own seat and resting your hands on your lap. He got up. With a quickness you didn’t anticipate, because by the time you saw him in front of you his hands where pulling at your restraints quickly uncuffing one hand. He all but lifted you out of your seat, only to shove you back into the pilots chair while cuffing you to the handle.
“Right then, Nevarro it is.”
-
When you landed in Nevarro you half expected the place to be the same dump it used to be. But it looked different. Nothing like the filthy mud hole you remembered before you left, but still crawling with bounty hunters in every corner, all of which parted ways when they saw you. Mando had a tight grip on your restraints, and if he didn’t know any better it felt like you weren’t wearing them at all. Something felt off.
You didn’t seem worried. Not like the other bounty he’d captured, some of which begged and bargain in their last minutes before being turned over to Karga. No you looked like you wanted to be here. And he only truly realized it when one of the bounty hunters outside of Greef Kargas office greeted you formally. “Good to see you back.”
You didn’t say anything. Only walked in to see Karga standing behind a desk with a smile plastered on his face. “You truly surprise me Mando, didn’t expect to see you back s-“ “Before you congratulate him I’d like to negotiate.”
This surprised both of them. Honestly your plan was to kill the mandalorian in Hoth and be done with it, but you where tired of running. And while you walked through Nevarro a plan began to formulate. “Let me work off my debt, all ten million credits.” Karga burst into laughter, shaking his head before stopping momentarily to offer you a seat. “This ought to be good.”
“You know I can pay you back, all I’d need is your guarantee that the bounty on my head gets cleared.” He shook his head lightly, mostly thinking to himself than actually denying your offer. “Unfortunately the new republic and the empire have their own bounties on your head,” he paused, waving his finger mid air as if he was pointing to a thought, “what I could do is erase your records.”
Erasing records meant the value on your head would be less credible, without any proof of your worth other bounty hunters would simply back off and neither the empire or the new republic would have the time to personally look for you individually. This could work. “Then it’s settled-“ “on one condition.”
“What?” He gestured towards the mandalorian, who up until now silently watched the exchange. “You work with Mando, and he gets a portion of the ten million credits as payment for monitoring you.” Mando didn’t like that idea. But he’d also be stupid not to consider it. Money without having to constantly be on the run, he wouldn’t need to worry about fuel either, keeping all the money from a hunt for himself. So even he was surprised when he said, “Works for me.”
-
You where fuming as you left Nevarro. The little agreement practically turned your rented freedom into house arrest. Mando would have a tracker on you at all times. He would monitor you on hunts and ensure you wouldn’t get too far if you had to go alone. He’d also keep your ship. Which you didn’t like at first until Karga said you’d still get to drive it.
He seemed all but content as he walked to his new ship, and it truly felt more like you where wearing the cuffs now that you didn’t have them on.
You held the bounty pucks Karga had given you as your first job, looking down at them and accepting this is how things where now. It’s not like it was that bad anyways. You had a somewhat clean slate, you where back in the guild, and you had something you didn’t have in a while. Protection. You knew no one would be stupid enough to come after you at this point, the target on your back all but vanished the moment you got back into the guild.
There was only one problem, Mando. You’d practically be working for him too since he worked for Karga. I’d be fine if he wasn’t such a hard ass. He hadn’t said a word to you about the agreement either, which only made your anger boil over by the time you reached your ship. Or rather, his ship.
You both silently went up towards the cockpit, before you grabbed his arm to hold him in place. “Why would you do that?” Mando looked at you for a moment, he could tell you where upset that things didn’t work out in your favor. But he also felt sorry for you. “You helped me back in Hoth, I owed you,”
“You do realize you’re practically stuck babysitting me until I pay off my debt right?” You let go of his arm, clenching your fists in frustration at how calm he was about the whole thing. He moved closer, maybe not in a threatening way but it sure felt like it was. “Then let’s hope you’re as good as they say.” Anyone else would have seen it as teasing, but you could tell by his tone he was being serious. This wasn’t a warning, it was a threat, and if you didn’t hurry to quickly work off your debt you wondered how long his tolerance for you would last.
Warnings:Gambling, strip Sabacc, nudity, wagers on sex, oral sex (female receiving), vaginal sex
Comments: A Mandalorian sits down at your Sabacc table on Canto Bight, wanting to play for the ship you have offered up as collateral. Except you decide that you won’t play for money, you’ll play for clothes.
Co-written with @storiesofthefandomlovers
ClickKeep Reading only if you have read the Rating and Warnings and understand the warnings may not be complete to avoid listing spoilers. As AO3 says ’creator chooses not to use warnings’. You also agree that you’re the right age to be consuming anything here.
It wasn’t often that you spent much time in one of the gambling dens on Canto Bight. Often the atmosphere was too much, or the table too rich, but this was interesting. When the Mandalorian had sat down at the table, several were concerned that the obvious bounty hunter had pucks on them. It was clear by the way they quickly gathered their credits and scattered to the four winds. You had been annoyed at that, seeing the potential profit you had been betting on slip through your fingers. Instead, he hadn’t got up to go after one of them or pull out a puck for anyone still seated. He pulled out a pouch of credits and tossed them down, obviously wanting to play. You raise a brow and toss down your latest hand, forfeit since so many left the table. “You’re gonna play, Mando?” You ask in disbelief.
Din tilts his helmet, glad for the visor which makes it easier for him to bluff. “I heard from others that you are betting a ship. I need one. Let’s play.” He orders, gesturing for the dealer to cut the deck. You hum, picking up your drink to take a sip, the others warily looking at each other, unsure of whether they wish to play a Mandalorian. If he loses, he could decide to kill them then and there. Once Din has his cards, he is careful to make sure they are not reflected in his visor as he eyes his hand.
Inside an abattoir, where animal flesh hangs, there were several Klatooinians that were walking around and cutting up meat, just doing their jobs. But they didn’t realize that they were soon gonna have some company.
Among the chatter and clatter, they didn’t notice two figures approaching the doorway with the long plastic flaps. The two figures, one a male and the other female, stop in front of the flaps and the male figure begins to push the flaps away, revealing the Mandalorian and his partner.
A few Klatooinians stopped and took notice as Mando, Din Djarin, and his partner, (y/n) (l/n), look around the room before they see another flapped door ahead of them, the sounds of laughter and chatter could be heard. The two walk up to the next set of flaps and enter the next room to see several Klatooinians inside, one of them sitting behind a table.
“You look lost.” he said after he took notice of the bounty hunters. “We're here for Kaba Baiz.” Din replied, firmly. "What makes you think he’s here? What do you want of him?“ the main Klatooinian asked and Din holds up a tracking fob, that was blinking red. "He owes someone important money.” (y/n) replied.
“Who?” the Klatooinian asked. “That’s not our business. We're here to bring him in.” Din tells him. “Well, if I see him, I’ll let him know.” the Klatooinian said and the bounty hunters stare at him before (y/n) pulls out a puck from her pocket. “We see him right now.” She said, plainly, as she sets the device down and opens up a holographic image of the Klatooinian that has been talking to them.
Kaba then chuckles in disbelief. “That’s not me. That doesn’t even look like me.” he said, playing dumb. “We're gonna give the rest of you the opportunity to walk out that door. We have no quarrel with you.” Din warns the other Klatooinians that were starting to linger closer to the hunters.
“They’re not going anywhere.” Kaba said then he smiles as he notices the slight nervous look (y/n) showed as his men started to get closer. “Looks to me like you’re surrounded. But you look like the practical type. Let’s discuss our options.” Kaba said and the two hunters continue to stare down Kaba before Din speaks up.
“We can bring you in warm, or we can bring you in cold.” he threatens as he slowly reaches for his blaster on his holster. (Y/n) was about to reach for her blaster when one of the Klatooinians jumps up and bites (y/n)’s right hand.
She lets out a scream then punches the Klatooinian that bit her while Din turns to another Klatooinian that was coming at him and tried to swing his blade at Din. He kicks the blade out of the Klatooinian’s hand then punches the creature. Din grabs the creature by the wrist and throws him aside until another Klatooinian shoots at him and he turns his back, blocking the blaster shots
.
Meanwhile, another Klatooinian comes at (y/n) and she punches and pulls out a small blade and stabs him in the chest. Another Klatooinian comes at her from behind and she quickly turns around and holds her hand out, making her use the Force to push the Klatooinian back and slam into the wall.
Din pulls out the Darksaber and slices at the Klatooinian's blaster then kicks another one after it shoots at his helmet. A third Klatooinian shoots at him and Din turns and punches him in the face. He drags the blade of the saber, like it was heavy, across the floor before bringing it up to slice at another Klatooinian and the hanging meat near it.
(Y/n) was beating up a couple of Klatooinians on her own as Din turned around and stabbed one in the stomach. He pulls the blade back and accidentally brings the blade down and hit his thigh
He lets out a pained scream and goes down on one knee. (Y/n) turns to see him and panics as she starts to run towards him but a couple more Klatooinians come up and grab her. She struggles in their grip as Kaba starts to get up from his chair.
Kaba starts to fire at Din as he gets up while (y/n) flips the small blade in her hand and thrust her right hand backwards, making the blade insert in the Klatooinian’s, that was holding her right hand, neck. She elbows him back then moved her right arm around and hold her hand out, Force pushing the second Klatooinian away from her.
Din gets up, pulls out his small blade and stabs Kaba in the chest then shoved him towards his desk and laid him on it. Then with an angry, frustrated yell, he raises the Darksaber up and then brings it down on Kaba, slicing him in half.
Din pants, heavily, as (y/n) hears a noise behind her. She turns and sees a Klatooinian getting up and run out of the room before she runs over to Din. “Hey, you okay?” She asked him, softly, as she places a hand on his shoulder. He nods, slightly, before he goes and decapitates Kaba then wraps it up in a cloth. The two hunters go and walk out of the room and see a group of Klatooinians, all of them staring at the hunters in a mixture of shock and fear.
“Your boss is dead. My partner and I are here to collect on his bounty. We have no trouble with any of you. There’s a pile of New Republic credits in there that we have no right to. If you do us the honor of letting us pass, you all can help yourselves to whatever you think you deserve from your former employer.” Din tells them. The Klatooinians look around at each other before they start to make their way into the room.
Din sighs with relief and he starts to limp his way out of their, (y/n) goes up next to him and places her hand on his back and helps guide him out of the abattoir.
“Din, you sure you’re okay?” (Y/n) asked him as they walk through the streets of Glavis, a large ringworld megastructure. “I’m fine, cyar'ika.” he said then he lets out a pained groan as he continues to limp. “If you would just let me…” she started to say. “I said I’m fine!” Din said, raising his voice. (Y/n) stops walking and gives him a disapproving look as she folds her arms across her chest.
Din stares at her and immediately regretted raising his voice at her. He never raised his voice at her or to her. It’s just the many emotions going around in his head was getting to him a bit.
“I’m sorry.” Din said, apologetically, as he lowers head. (Y/n) stares at him for a few moments before she un-crossed her arms. “We’re almost there. Once we drop this bounty off, I’ll let you look at it.” Din said as he gestures to his leg and (y/n) sighs. “Fine, but I’m helping you walk. You look pathetic limping along like a wounded animal.” She said as she takes arm and leads him to a turbolift, where a Caskadag was residing inside.
Once inside the lift, (y/n) takes Din over to the banister and leads over to the bars. “Here, lean against this.” She instructs him and he places his hand on the bar and leans against it. The Caskadag looks at the hunters, shocked, but quickly turns away when (y/n) looks at him.
The door opens and (y/n) helps Din out into a hallway, which leads to a meeting room where an Ishi Tib was sitting at a table with other alien creatures.
“That was fast. You two are good hunters.” The Ishi Tib said in Huttese. “We’d like our reward and the information you promised.” (Y/n) demands and the Ishi Tib was taken aback by this. “Why are you two rushing business?” he asked. "Our business is our own. Where is it?“ Din asked him but the Ishi Tib gestures to his table.
”Sit and enjoy a meal with us.“ he said but the hunters don’t move and (y/n) braces her hands on the table and glares at the Ishi Tib. "Where is the closest access shaft to the substrata?” She asked in a low voice. “Sit and feast with us or I will tell you nothing.” the Ishi Tib said and (y/n) stands up, straighter. “You can keep your reward. There’s a bounty on this Klatooinian. If you won’t give us the information, someone else will.” Din said as he holds up the cloth bag that held Kaba’s head.
They were about to leave but the Ishi Tib speaks up. “It’s down Kolzoc Alley by the heat vent towers.” he said and they turn to him and Din sighs. “Please sit. I have another job for you two.” the Ishi Tib said and Din tosses the bag on the table. “I’d put that on ice if I were you.” He said and the two hunters leave and head back into the turbolift.
They get back inside of the lift and once the doors shut, Din winces in pain and leans against the banisters. “Here…let me look.” (Y/n) said as she squats down and Din moves his injured leg towards her. There, she could see the large burned gash on the side of his thigh and she frowns at this.
“Oh, Din…” she mutters, sympathetic, and she digs in her satchel bag, looking for something. Then she found a bacta spray in her bag and starts to apply it on his wound, making him wince at this. “Udesii.” she mutters and finished applying the spray. This felt like déjà vu to Din and he smiles to himself.
“Okay, should be good now.” She said as she stands up. “Well, just as long as I don’t bleed to death.” He said before he chuckles a bit and she raises an eyebrow at him. “Again, doubting my skills…think you would’ve learned by now.” She said but a bit of smirk appears on her lips and she hears a chuckle from him. “Hell…Don’t you have enough battle scars already?” she asked him. Din shakes his head and brushes off the question just as the door of the lift opens and they walk out of it.
The two walk under a railway bridge as Din activates his built-in scanner. Through the ultraviolet scanner in his helmet, he finds that the walls are lined with several hidden mythosaur markings. Following the trail, Din enters a hatch which leads down a stairwell beneath Glavis. "You think they’ll be okay with me being with you?” (Y/n) asked him. “I don’t think they’ll do anything as long as you’re with me. Trust me.” Din said and he starts to climb down the stairs.
But then he slips and grabs onto the ladder and (y/n) looks down. “You okay?” She asked. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He said and he goes down the ladder and she follows him.
Eventually, they make their way down and see the Armorer, who was sitting on her knees. Din limps a bit and as he walks down the steps but (y/n) helps him down. “Do you need tending to?” The Armorer asked, not looking at them. “No, (y/n) took care of it. Just still recovering.” Din replied just as Paz Vizsla comes up.
“I didn’t know if I would ever see you again.” he said to Din. “Thank you for saving us on Nevarro. I am sorry for your sacrifice.” Din said to him. “As do I.” (Y/n) said. “There are three of us now.” Paz said then he looks over at (y/n). “And this apostate.” Paz sneered and (y/n) glares at him. “She’s helped and saved me several times. I trust her.” Din said and Paz scoffs a bit.
“Well…We’ll put you to work soon enough.” he said. “What weapon caused such a wound?” the Armorer asked. “This.” Din said and he grabs the Darksaber and holds it up. Paz stares at it and (y/n) could tell by his body language that he was shocked and in awe with the weapon.
“Paz Vizsla, bring it to me.” The Armorer said and Paz takes the saber from Din, holding it like it was a sacred piece, and walks over to the Armorer as she stands up and turns to him. She takes the saber and looks it over. “All this talk of the Empire, and they lasted less than 30 years. Mandalorians have existed 10,000.” She said and she activates the blade.
“What do you know of this blade?” She asked the two hunters. “We were told it is the Darksaber.” (y/n) replied. “Indeed. Do you two understand its significance?” she asked. "Whoever wields it can lead all of Mandalore.“ Din replied.
"If it is won by Creed in battle. It is said, one warrior will defeat 20, and the multitudes will fall before it. If, however, it is not won in combat and falls into the hands of the undeserving, it will be a curse unto the nation. Mandalore will be laid to waste and its people scattered to the four winds.” the Armorer replied then she retracts the blade.
“The hilt is of a quality of beskar I have never seen before.” Din said. “It was forged over 1,000 years ago by the Mandalore Tarre Vizsla. He was both Mandalorian and Jedi.” The Armorer said and (y/n) looks over at Paz and now it made sense why Paz seemed shocked about the saber.
“We have met Jedi.” Din said. “Then you have completed your quest.” She said and Din nods. “I have.” Din replied. “Then you may join our covert as we rebuild.” The Armorer said then Paz shoves (y/n). “And what of this apostate?” He asked and she turns and glares at Paz.
“Look, if you don’t want me around, I can leave. I’ll just wait for him.” (Y/n) said as she nods towards Din. “She is also still part of my clan.” Din said as the Armorer looks between them. “Fine. You can stay here…” the Armorer said but then she takes a step forwards towards (y/n). “But you will never be a part of us.” She said and (y/n) stands her ground.
“This is the way.” the Armorer said.
“This is the way.” Paz said.
“This is the way.” Din said and (y/n) just nods at them.
“Where did you come upon the Darksaber?” Paz asked Din as they moved some machinery. “I defeated Moff Gideon.” Din said. “Did you kill him?” Paz asked him. “No. But he was sent off to the New Republic for interrogation, and he will face justice for his crimes.” Din replied. “Death would have been justice for his atrocities.” Paz said with disdain.
“This is true. The blood of millions of our kind is on his hands.” The Armorer said as she walks up to them. “Then he will be executed for his crimes by the New Republic Tribunal.” (Y/n) said and the Armorer turns her head to her and looks her over for a few moments. “We shall see.” She said and they continue on to rebuilding the smelter.
“The songs of eons past foretold of the Mythosaur rising up to herald a new age of Mandalore. Sadly, it only exists in legends.” The Armorer said as she goes to a cabinet and opens it, revealing several beskar sticks. “Where did you two come upon the beskar spears?” She asked as she gestures to their spears. “It was the gifts of a Jedi. It can block a lightsaber. I used it to defeat Moff Gideon.” Din said. “I used it to help him.” (Y/n) added.
“It can also pierce beskar armor. Its mere existence puts Mandalorians at risk. Mandalorian steel is meant for armor, not weapons.” the Armorer said and Din and (y/n) share a look before they take the spear off of their backs and hold them out to her.
“Then forge it into armor.” Din said and the Armorer takes both spears. “The Darksaber is a more noble weapon for you to wield.” she said as she sets one spear to the side then places one over the smelter, starting the melting.
“Have you ever heard of Bo-Katan Kryze?” Din asked her. “Bo-Katan is a cautionary tale. She once laid claim to rule Mandalore based purely on blood and the sword you now possess. But it was gifted to her and not won by Creed.” the Armorer replied as she continues to heat up the tip of the spear. "Bo-Katan Kryze was born of a mighty house, but they lost sight of the way. Her rule ended in tragedy. They lost their way, and we lost our world. Had our sect not been cloistered on the moon of Concordia, we would have not survived the Great Purge. Those born of Mandalore strayed away from the path. Eventually, the Imperial interlopers destroyed all that we knew and loved in the Night of a Thousand Tears. Only those that walked the way escaped the curse prophesized in the Creed. Though our numbers were scattered to the winds, our adherence to the way has preserved our legacy for the generations until we may someday return to our homeworld.“ She explains. That’s why she wanted the blade from Gideon so bad. (y/n) thought.
"What shall I forge?” The Armorer asked. “Something for a foundling.” Din replied. “This is the way.” The Armorer said, nodding, and she starts to get to work before Din speaks up. “For a specific foundling. Grogu.” He said and (y/n) whips her head to Din and she couldn’t hide the smile on her lips.
“He’s no longer in your care. He is with his own kind now.” the Armorer said, like it was very obvious. “(Y/n) and I want to see him, make sure he’s safe.” Din said. "In order to master the ways of the Force, Jedi must forgo all attachment.“ The Armorer said. "That is the opposite of the Creed. Loyalty and solidarity are the way.” (Y/n) said and the Armorer turns to her for a moment then back to Din. “What shall I forge for the foundling Grogu?” She asked.
After forging the gift and wrapping it up, the Armorer was training Din on how to wield the Darksaber, Paz and (y/n) were watching from afar. Din was able to block her attacks but when it came to him to attack, it was like he was struggling with the blade. He swung at her at one point and she dodges and he falls off the bridge. “You are fighting against the blade.” The Armorer said and Din uses his jetpack to get back on the walkway and lands on one knee, holding the Darksaber down.
He grunts as he tries to bring the blade up but it was like lifting a few hundred pounds. "It gets heavier with each move.“ Din informs. "That is because you are fighting against the blade. You should be fighting against your opponent. Stand up.” The Armorer said and Din stands up and drags the blade across the floor then brings it up and he goes to attack her but she either dodge or block his attacks.
She bonks the top of his helmet with her weapon then places the weapon under his helmet, holds it then removes her weapon away from him then attacks him again. “There. Feel it.” The Armorer said as she brought her weapon down on him but he holds up the saber to block but she pushed down. “You are too weak to fight the Darksaber. It will win if you fight against it.” The Armorer said then she pulls her weapons back and Din falls to his knees while the blade retracts.
“You cannot control it with your strength.” She said and he stands back up. “I want to try again.” he said, determined. “Persistence without insight will lead to the same outcome. Your body is strong, but your mind is distracted.” The Armorer informs. “I am focused.” Din said, firmly. “The blade says otherwise.” said the Armorer then Paz comes up.
“Maybe the Darksaber belongs in someone else’s hands.” He said as he walks up to them and the Armorer turns while Din stands up, straighter. “Maybe.” Din said. “It was forged by my ancestor, founder of House Vizsla.” Paz informs. "And now it belongs to me.“ Din said. "Because you won it in combat.” Paz said. “That’s right.” said Din. “And now I will win it from you.” Paz challenges then the Armorer turns to Din.
“Do you agree to this duel, Din Djarin?” she asked him and Din continues to stare him down. "I do.“ He said and the Armorer nods as she steps aside. "Wait, are we really doing this?” (Y/n) asked and they turn to her. “Like you said, there’s only three of you left.” She said.
“Be quiet, apostate.” Paz sneered and (y/n) glares back at him and was about to say something when Din speaks up. “Stop calling her that.” Din said and Paz turns to him.
“Din Djarin accepted this challenge and so it shall be.” The Armorer said and (y/n) felt her heart beating, hard, in her chest as Paz and Din stare down each other then started to remove their jetpacks off of their backs and set them aside.
They get into position and Din ignites the Darksaber and Paz pulls out a blade then activates a shield on his left arm. They stare down each other and they slowly start to come towards each other and fight.
Din and Paz traded blows with either their weapons or their fist, and sometimes they headbutted each other, until Paz grabs Din by the neck, slams his head against his then tossed him aside to a lower platform. Din lands on the platform and the blade of the Darksaber retracts and Paz jumps down, grabs Din and slams him against the pillar.
Then he goes and grabs the Darksaber and ignites it again. “Fate has brought this blade back to my clan, and now fate will end yours.” Paz said and he goes to slice at Din but he ducks and stabs a small blade at Paz’s side. Paz screams out then goes to attack him with the saber again but Din dodges and tries to get up on his feet.
But Paz grabs him and slams him up against the wall as he tries to bring the saber up. Din stands up then goes to Paz’s side and sliced at him. Paz turns to strike at him again but Din dodges, gets behind him and places his arms around Paz’s head, holding his blade towards Paz’s neck.
“It is done.” The Armorer said and Din takes a breather while (y/n) felt relieved. She was tensed and worried through the whole fight, wondering if Din would come out of this okay. “Paz Vizsla, have you ever removed your helmet?” The Armorer asked Paz. “No.” Paz replied. “Has it ever been removed by others?” She asked him. “Never.” He replied.
“This is the way.” the Armorer said.
“This is the way.” Paz said and (y/n) felt her heart leap up in her throat as the Armorer turns to Din. “Din Djarin, have you ever removed your helmet?” She asked and she was met with silence. “Have you ever removed your helmet?” The Armorer asked again and (y/n) looks over at Din, who had his head turned slighty her way, her eyes wide as she gives a slight shake of her head, telling him to not say it.
“By Creed, you must vow.” the Armorer said, firmly, after a few more moments of silence. "I have.“ Din said and (y/n) gasped at this. She couldn’t believe that he admitted it. "Then, you are a Mandalorian no more.” the Armorer said and Din removes his hands off of Paz and stands up, quickly.
“I beg you for your forgiveness. How can I atone?” Din asked. "Leave, apostate. And take your pet with you!“ Paz sneered as he points towards (y/n). "What did you say?!” (Y/n) asked, angrily, as she starts to walk forward a bit but the Armorer holds a hand up then turns her head towards (y/n).
“Why don’t you tell Din Djarin how he can be redeemed, (y/n) (l/n).” She said and (y/n) looks over at her then over to Din and gulps, remembering that night when The Armorer told her she was no longer a Mandalorian. "According to Creed, one may only be redeemed in the living waters beneath the mines of Mandalore.“ (y/n) said, reciting what the Armorer told her all those years ago.
"But the mines have all been destroyed.” Din said and (y/n) gives him an apologetic look. “This is the way.” The Armorer said and Din looks down, takes the Darksaber then goes to grab his jetpack and puts it on. Then he walks past the Armorer and grabs (y/n)’s arm and the two hunters begin to leave.
“Din?” (Y/n) asked as her and Din kept walking the streets of Glavis, he kept silent. “Din, please talk to me.” (Y/n) said after a few more moments of silence. Din still stays silent as he keeps walking but (y/n) sighs then takes his arm and leads him towards an alleyway.
“Din…talk to me. You scare me when you don’t talk at all.” She said, worried, once she places him in front of her. “What do you want me to say?” Din asked her, a bit of anger and annoyance in his voice. “Just…tell me what’s on your mind. I know back there…that was rough for you.” She said to him, calmly, and he shakes his head then turns away before he shrugs.
“I don’t know…I just feel…I feel…” he starts to say but stops. “…angry, ashamed, sad and lost?” She asked and he turns to her. “I know, Din. I know how that feels.” She said and Din felt his heart break seeing the look sadness but also understanding in her eyes.
“Does it go away? That feeling after leaving the Creed?” he asked and she bites her lips and looks away. “It never really goes away. Some days are good and some days are bad. And some days you’ll feel numb.” She replied as she turns to him then she takes his hand in hers. “But it will get better though.“ She said. “Why’s that?” Din asked and she smiles at him. “Because you won’t be alone. You have me, Din.” She said and she noticed that his body relaxed a bit, letting her know that he was relieved.
"But I have to ask…why didn’t you lie? I mean, she wouldn’t have known and you know I wouldn’t say anything.” (Y/n) said. “I-I-I just couldn’t. I wanted to but..I couldn’t bring myself to.” He replied and she nods slightly at this. “Do you regret it? Removing your helmet?” She asked and Din stares at her for one second before saying. “No.”
She smiles, softly, at him then places her hands on his chest which snaked up to his helmet. Her fingers curl over the edges but before she moves, she looks to Din as if asking permission. The two look around to make sure they were alone and no one was around before they look back at each other.
Din nods at her, giving her permission, and she slowly lifts up his helmet. Her heart broke just as she saw the look of shame on Din’s face and in his eyes as she tucks his helmet under her left arm. She places right hand on his cheek and he closes his eyes. She smiles a bit and Din opens his brown eyes to her, giving a look that was a mixture of love but also shame.
She gives him a sympathetic smile to him as he closes his eyes then he leans his forehead against hers. (Y/n) raises her head a bit and kissed his forehead before she moves her head back to lean against Din’s forehead. Din opens his eyes, slightly, to stare at her before he goes and kiss her. She returns the kiss and the two hunters share a loving kiss.
After the kiss and putting his helmet back on, Din and (y/n) make their way to the Starport. “Attention, please. Flight 1020, nonstop service to Tatooine, is now ready for boarding at gate number one. All passengers, please proceed to the boarding area immediately.” an announcer said as Din and (y/n) walk past an RX-Series Security droid, which beeps at them.
“Excuse me, sir and madam. You’re going to have to remove your weapons.” the Droid tells them as they stop and turn. “I’m a Mandalorian. Weapons are part of my religion.” Din said, slightly annoyed. “I’m sorry, sir, you can’t board a commercial flight with your weapons.” the Droid said and Din sighs and (y/n) places a hand on his shoulder.
“If you wish to discuss this with my supervisor, I will gladly book you two on tomorrow’s flight.” the Droid said and (y/n) turns to Din. “Might as well.” She said to him and Din sighs again. “Fine.” He said and he and (y/n) remove all of their weapons and place them inside these two cases, one for each of them.
After placing all of their weapons in and getting the key card to those cases, the cases closed and Din points a threatening finger at the Droid. “I know everything that’s in there.” He said. “Proceed.” the Droid said and (y/n) takes Din’s hand and the two head inside the ship.
The two hunters sit in the passengers lounge, Din looking out the window and (y/n) looks down at the floor. She then senses that she was being watched, and she looks up and sees a Rodian child in the seat at front of them. Din looks up and sees the kid as well and just seeing this kid, really reminded them of Grogu. From the big eyes and the green skin.
The child waves to them but the child’s mother tells her son to leave them alone. (y/n) frowns then lowers her eyes, realizing how much she missed the little guy. She places a hand over her face and runs it over her face until she felt Din’s arms move.
She looks over and sees him pulling the gift out of his bag and staring at it. The way the gift was wrapped looked exactly like Grogu’s head. She gives a sad look to the gift then placed her hand on Din’s arm. He turns his head to her and her lips twitch a bit before she whispers. “I miss him too.” Then she leans her head on his shoulder as both of them sit in silence.
“Welcome to Mos Eisley.” the bell Droid said as the get off of the shuttle and head over to the Droid that was holding their cases. “Here.” Din said as he and (y/n) hold up their key cards and unlock the cases. “On behalf of all our crew, thank you for travelling Star Liner Travel. We wish you a pleasant stay and hope to see you again very soon.” the Droid said as the two look over their weapons, making sure they’re there, then collect them before they head off.
They head over to Peli Motto’s Hangar when they hear a commotion and Peli screaming. They run over and see that a womp rat had grabbed Peli and was beginning to drag her away. Thinking fast, Din pulls out his blaster and shoots the creature dead. Peli gets up and sees the newcomers.
“Oh, good. Oh, boy!” she said as she scrambles to her feet then smiles at the two. “Hey, look, everyone. It’s Mando and his friend.” Peli exclaims and the droids make some noise of hooray but move on as Peli walks up to the hunters.
“What do we owe the pleasure? You two here to slay another dragon? Chasing down some elusive bounty?” She asked them. “I got your message.” Din said and Peli gives him a confused look. “Message? What message?” she asked. “You said you found us a replacement for the Razor Crest.” Din replied and she gives a look of realization. “Yeah, that’s right. That’s what I said. That’s what I do. I’ve been working my butt off, yeah.” She said then she gives them a look.
“Did you bring the cash?” She asked and (y/n) pulls out a bag of credits. “It’s right here.” she said as she hands it to Peli. “Mind if I count it? Not that I don’t trust you two. I just wanna make sure you don’t give me too much.” Peli said as Din stares at her and (y/n) shrugs.
“Hey, droids, make yourself useful. Count this up, and then fire up the grill before that thing gets gamey.” Peli shouts as she hands the bag of credits to the droids then she turns and smiles to the hunters. “Right this way. Wait till you get your eyes on this baby.” She said as she takes the lead and the hunters follow her.
“So, where is your unlikely companion?” Peli asked them, noticing Grogu wasn’t with them. We returned him to his own kind.“ (y/n) replied and Peli gives them a look of confusion. "Why the hell would you do that? I could’ve made good money off that thing. Open a petting zoo.” She chuckles and the two hunters stop and stare at her.
“Where’s the ship?” Din asked her. “Right this way.” she said and she leads the two to a hangar area with a large item covered in tarp. “Ready to have your mind blown?” Peli asked and she removes the tarp, revealing a modified N-1 starfighter.
“Where’s the Razor Crest?” Din asked as (y/n) furrows her brow at the ship. “I never said I had a Razor Crest. I said I had a replacement for a Razor Crest.” Peli said and (y/n) rolls her eyes at this. “We don’t have time for this.” Din mutters, annoyed. “Hang on a second. Do you have any idea what this is?” Peli asked them and the two shrug. “This is an N-1 starfighter, handmade for the royal guard and commissioned personally by the Queen of Naboo.” Peli explains as (y/n) looks over the ship.
“This is a pile of junk.” Din said. “Not to mention, it only has one seat.” (Y/n) said, once she finished looking it over. “Do you want your credits back?” Peli asked them. “Yes.” the two hunters said and Peli holds up her hands. “No skin off my dip-swap.” She said then she leans over.
“Droids, bring this lovely man and lady their money.” She shouts and the droids run off to go get it. “Here you go. It’s that easy. Sorry to waste your time. Okay?” Peli said and Din sighs as they wait for the droids.
“While we’re waiting, can I tell you a little something about this honey? I know she doesn’t look like much, but you got here a lot earlier than I expected, and I didn’t get a chance to finish. I mean, clearly, you can see I’ve got all the parts right here. Hmm? It all has a home. Okay?” Peli said then she noticed something on the ship.
“Oh, look, a family of scurriers. Let’s not disrupt the nest.” She said as Din walks up to the ship. “You know how hard it is to find all original parts from way back in the Galactic Republic? I mean, these are all handmade. No droids. And not only that, what I’m gonna do, just because I like you two, is I’m gonna add on some custom modifications that’ll make her faster than a fathier, and I’ll add an extra seat, and because this baby’s pre-Empire, she’s off the grid.” Peli said and Din and (y/n) look over at her then they share a look. Off the grid? That would be very helpful. (y/n) thought as Peli continues on.
“And did I mention, she can jump into hyperspace with no docking ring? I mean, come on! You gotta see the potential. Whoo! I’m telling you, you two gotta believe me. This is a classic.” Peli said but she could tell that the two were still hesitant as Din walks around the ship. “Look, at least let me put her together before you decide. Can you give me that?” She asked and Din looks over at (y/n), who sighs at this.
“We really do need a ship, cyar'ika. But you’re the boss, your call.” (Y/n) said and Din looks the ship over before he turns to Peli and nods and she smiles, happily. "There you go. Hmm? Get this baby up and goin’.“ she said and she goes to grab a tool then goes up to Din. "You know, it’d be a lot faster if you and your friend helped.” she said and Din takes the tool and they began to work.
Hours went on as Din and (y/n) worked on the ship, fixing it up and adding a second seat, until Peli came in. “Great news! I found you a turbonic venturi power assimilator. You’re gonna be the fastest ship on the Outer Rim.” She said as she brings in a long pole and hands it to Din.
“Where did you get this?” Din asked her, shocked. “It’s brand-new. Well, Jawa new.” Peli replied. “The Jawas had a turbonic venturi assimilator from a Galactic Republic-era starfighter?” (y/n) asked her. “Well, they didn’t have it. They got it.” she replied.
“From where?” Din asked her. “Tatooine is a garden of many bounties.” Peli said. “I don’t understand.” Din said, confused. “I gave ’em a list.” Peli said. “Of parts?” (y/n) asked. “Yeah.” Peli replied. “And they find them for you?” (y/n) asked her. “I don’t ask. They don’t tell. They give me what I ask for. In exchange, I let ’em pick through my dumpster.” Peli said and Din and (y/n) share a look before they look back at Peli.
“Can we meet them?” Din asked her. “Yeah, sure.” She said then she turns her head the other way. “R5! See if the Jawas are still out back.” She shouts then she turns back to the hunters. “Dated a Jawa for a while. They’re quite furry. Very furry. Lot of issues.” she tells them and (y/n) turns her head. Okay, too much information. she thought, embarrassed, as some Jawas come in.
“Oh, here they are.” Peli said and the Jawas talk to her and she talks back to them in their native language. “If we give them a list of parts, could they get them for us?” Din asked Peli and she and the Jawas talk amongst each other before she turns back to them.
“They said make a wishlist and they’ll see what’s available.” Peli said and Din nods. “Okay, I’m looking for mostly bolt-on aftermarket speed mods. This is all hand-built, custom. I’m guessing we need vintage hyperware if it’s gonna fit this antique.” Din said and Peli smiles. “Listen to you. Don’t worry about the shape and size. Just get the parts you want with the specs you need, and I’m gonna make it work, all right? I dated a Jawa. I know what I’m doing, right?” she said then she turns to the Jawas and speaks to them and they talk back to her.
“Oh, that’s okay. I’m working on me right now. Just go find the parts.” she tells them and they talk to her then they head off.
Sometime later, Din, (y/n) and a BD Droid were working on the ship, placing parts where it should be, when Peli comes in with the Jawas from earlier. “That was fast.” Din said. “These critters could find a skud in a krill pond. Will that do?” Peli asked as she hands the things Din asked for.
“Where did they get a cryogenic density combustion booster?” Din asked as he looks through the things. “Do you really wanna know?” Peli asked him. “Sure.” Din said and Peli turns to the Jawas and talks to them. They respond and she turns to Din. “I got it. They said they crawled under a Pyke spice runner and crimped it off while they were refueling.” she replied.
“Gutsy little fellas.” (Y/n) said, impressed. “Let me tell you something, Pykes do not mess around. Ever since they’ve been moving spice through the system, everything’s gone to hell. Everyone’s afraid of ’em and law enforcement won’t even go near ’em.” Peli said. “Well, thanks.” Din said to the Jawas and Peli looks at him. “Thanks? What? Are you kidding me?” she asked as Din tosses some credits to the Jawas. “What’d you do that for? You’re gonna spoil ’em. Are you trying to make me look bad?” Peli asked, slightly offended, as Din and (y/n) got back to work.
Finally, the next day, the droids push out the new ship and Peli lets out a laugh. “Oh! Not a gram of fat on her. You know, no one’s catching you in this thing.” she exclaims as Din and (y/n) look over the work they did. “Wow…” (y/n) whispers, feeling proud of this ship.
“What happened to the droid port?” Din asked as he looks at the upper port. “I hogged it out. You know, I figured, with your disposition, you’d wanna forgo the astromech.” Peli said and R5 beeps. “Hey! Watch your language around the customers.” Peli yells at him as Din runs his hand across the surface of the ship as he walks. (Y/n) let’s out a small impressed laugh as she looks over the ship and places her hands over her mouth.
“Think she’s ready?” (y/n) asked Peli once she lowers her hands. “Ready as she’ll ever be. Start her up.” Peli said and the two hunters turn to her. “Really?” they asked. “Yeah, start her up.” She tells them and Din and (y/n) look at each other and (y/n) smiles. The hatch opens and Din gestures for (y/n) to get in.
She jumps in the ship and takes the back seat she and Peli put in, then Din gets into the front seat. The hatch closes and Din flips some switches and pushes some buttons but nothing happens. “It’s not turning over.” Din said. “Give it a little bit more juice.” Peli prompts and Din does as she said and the engine begins to whirl.
“That’s a lot of engine for a little ship.” (y/n) said. “Yeah, well, see what she can do!” Peli shouts over the engine. “Shouldn’t we run a diagnostic first?” Din asked her. “Nah! I can hear her! She’s purring! Send her up!” Peli said and Din maneuvers the ship to rise up.
(Y/n) looks around to see that they were rising up, this felt pretty exciting. “Engaging forward drives.” Din warns and he pushes on the accelerator forward and the ship takes off. “Whoa!” (Y/n) said, unexpected, as Din steers the ship around, alittle bit on the rough side.
“She handles a little bumpy.” Din said. “You’re used to a gunship, but she’s a starfighter. So fly her like one.” Peli said through the communicator. “Okay. I’ll open her up.” Din said then he looks over his shoulder at (y/n). “Hang on, cyar'ika.” he said and she nods as Din pushes some buttons and the ship goes even faster.
The two felt a jerk pull them back towards their seats as they fly through many rock formation. “Dank Farrik, she’s fast.” (Y/n) compliments as they continue to fly on. “Smooth?” Peli asked. “As a gonk’s scomp jack.” Din said and Peli lets out a cheer.
“Controls are real snappy. How’s the maneuverability?” Din asked her. “You tell me. Point your navigational disposition between the two suns. You’ll come up to Beggar’s Canyon.” Peli tells them and they come upon a canyon. Din then flips the ship sideways and they fly through the canyon.
“How’s the handling?” Peli asked Din. “Tight. She tracks like a railspeeder.” he replied. “What did I tell you? Razor Crest.” Peli grumbles as they continue to fly across the desert. “Let’s see what she’s got.” Din said and he moves the ship upward and towards into space.
He does a barrel-roll through space and (y/n) let’s out an excited giggle. Then they fly beside the space liner, where they see the Rodian child, they encountered earlier, inside of it. The child notices the starship and stares out the window at them and the two hunters nod at him before they take off again.
“Oh my…this is amazing!” (Y/n) chuckles but then they are intercepted by two New Republic X-Wing Starfighters. “Dank Farrik!” Din grumbles. “Haar'chak." (y/n) said at the same time.
"Run your beacon for me, N-1.” One of the pilot said. “Was I doing something wrong, officer?” Din asked. “You’re not allowed to fly that fast next to a commercial ship. You’re also operating without a beacon. I’m gonna need you to run one for us.” the pilot informed. “Sorry, officer, I got a little carried away there. Transmitting now.” Din said as he transmits the beacon.
“Hmm. Your engine model doesn’t match your power drive.” the pilot said, suspicious. “We just built her. My friend and I were taking her up for a test flight. Haven’t been able to update the registration just yet.” Din replied. “We’re gonna need to see your title tabs. Send us a ping.” the pilot said. “Yeah, sorry, officer, but my transmitter isn’t hooked up yet. We’ll head right back to Mos Eisley and get it sorted out.” Din said. “Relinquish your flight controls for remote-control access.” the pilot said and (y/n) felt her heart beat hard in her chest.
“Hold on a second there, Lieutenant. I think we can let them off with a warning this time.” the second pilot said, who sounded a bit familiar. “Thank you, officer. I’ll have that taken care of.” Din said and he was about to leave but the second pilot speaks up again.
“One thing before you go.” He said. “Yes?” Din asked. “Your voice is mighty familiar. Did you used to fly a Razor Crest?” the pilot asked. “I think you have the wrong guy, officer.” Din said. “That ship showed up on a transponder log back in Nevarro in an incident involving Imperial remnants. I’m just connecting some dots here. You mind answering a few questions?” the pilot said and (y/n) remembered why he sounded familiar.
And it seemed that Din remembered as well since he pushes a button and they fly out of there in a flash.
They return to Mos Eisley and land back in Peli’s hangar and she exclaims. “Whoo!” The hatch opens up and she walks up to them. “Well? How was it?” She asked them. “Wizard.” Din said, impressed. “Amazing.” (Y/n) said and Peli chuckles.
“Those J-type pulse engines really tighten the old evacuation port, don’t they?” Peli said as Din climbs out of the ship then turns and helps (y/n) out. "…Oh, by the way, an old friend of yours dropped by, said she was looking for you two.“ Peli said "A friend of ours?” (y/n) asked, confused.
“Don’t worry. I told her I didn’t know where you two were. Then I locked her out and engaged the hangar security system.” Peli said. “She tell you her name?” Din asked her.
“Fennec Shand.” a voice shouts and Peli shrieks as Din and (y/n) turn around and see Fennec sitting on some boxes nearby. Peli then turns to her droids. “I thought you said that the hangar security system was on. Don’t get away from me. You come right back here. This is the third mistake this week. Someone’s getting deprogrammed.” she grumbles at the Droids. They argue back with her as they walk away.
Fennec smiles as she walks up to the two hunters. “By any chance, are you two looking for work?” she asked them. “We could be.” Din said. “The pay is good.” Fennec said as she tosses the bag of credits to Din, who catches it.
“What’s the bounty?” (y/n) asked. “No bounty. We need muscle.” she replied. “Boba Fett.” Din and (y/n) said, realizing, and Fennec nods. “He sure would appreciate it.” she said and the two hunters share a look and (y/n) nods.
Din turns to Fennec and tosses the credits back to her. “Tell him it’s on the house.” He said and she catches the credits and smiles. “But first, we got to pay a visit to a little friend.” Din said and (y/n) smiles.
The Slave I begins shooting at a ship, a ship that held Dr Pershing. The two pilots that were with him tried their best to maneuver and lose the Slave I but Fett stayed on their tail.
“What’s going on? Who are they?” Pershing asked the pilots, panicked. “I suggest you shut your mouth, this isn’t your laboratory.” The pilot said, firmly, as he tried to get away. But Fett aims his ion cannon and fires at them, shutting their ship down.
“They hit us with an ion cannon. Avionics are down. Comms are down!” The co-pilot said as he tries to flip every switch and push every button he could but nothing.
“Lower your shields, disengage all transponders, prepare for boarding.” Fett ordered through his comms. “They’re pirates. Shouldn’t we fight?” Pershing asked the pilots. “I don’t have a death wish, do you?” The first pilot asked him and the Slave I approaches them then begins to board.
Pershing and the pilots hear a loud thud then a second later the doors open and in walks in Din and (y/n), both of then aiming their blasters at the three men as they hold their hands up.
“Before you make a mistake, this is Dr. Pershing.” The first pilot tells them. “We’ve met.” Din said and (y/n) turns to Pershing. “Is the kid alive?” She asked him. “Yes. He’s on the cruiser.” Pershing said then the first pilot grabs him and aims a gun at the doctor’s head.
At that moment, Cara comes in. “Stay back, Dropper.” The first pilot sneered at her. She aims her blaster at him then the second pilot speaks up. “Easy, pal. Okay? I’m not with him. We can work something out.” He said when the first pilot aims his blaster at him and shoots him, making Pershing gasp.
“Drop your weapon.” Cara orders him as he aims his gun back at Pershing. “No. No, you listen to me. This is a top-tier target of the New Republic. This is a clone engineer. And if they find out that he’s dead because of you, you’re gonna wish you never left Alderaan.” The pilot said and Cara glares at him while Pershing shakes with fear.
“I saw the tear.” The pilot laughs as he gestures to Cara’s face. “You wanna know what else I saw? I saw your planet destroyed.” He said and Cara clenched her teeth. “I was on the Death Star.” The pilot said. “Which one?” Cara asked, sarcastically, and the pilot laughs, mockingly.
“You think you’re funny? Do you know how many millions were killed on those bases?” He asked her and Cara starts to shake with anger. “Drop your blaster.” She orders. “As the galaxy cheered?” The pilot said, egging her on. “Last chance.” Cara warns.
“Destroying your planet was a small price to pay to rid the galaxy of terrorism.” The pilot spat and Cara shoots him square in the face. The pilot’s dead body drops to the floor and Pershing began to scream and hold the side of his head while Cara walks away.
The Slave I enters another planet and lands at a nearby cantina. Fett, Din and (y/n) exit the ship and enter the cantina. The patrons looked a bit scared and taken aback to see two Mandalorians inside.
The trio looked around and see Bo-Katan and Koska in the back of Cantina. They walk up to them as Koska and Bo-Katan turns to them. “We need your help.” Din said and Bo-Katan smirks at this. “Not all Mandalorians are bounty hunters. Some of us serve a higher purpose.” She said, smugly.
“They took the Child.” (Y/n) tells her and the smirk on Bo-Katan’s face fades. “Who?” She asked. “Moff Gideon.” Din replied. “You’ll never find him.” She said and she and Koska turn back to their food and drinks on the table.
“We don’t need these two. Let’s get outta here.” Fett said and the trio start to walk away until Bo-Katan and Kosha turn in their seat. “You are not a Mandalorian.” Bo-Katan said, looking at Fett. “Never said I was.” Fett said. “I didn’t know sidekicks were allowed to talk.” Koska said, snidely, and Fett chuckles as he walks up to them.
“Well, if that isn’t the Quadra calling the Stifling slimy.” He said as Kosha stands up and the two stand in front of each other. “Easy there, little one.” Fett tells her. “You’ll be talking through the window of a bacta tank.” Koska said as she gets into Fett’s face.
“All right, easy. Save it for the Imps.” Bo-Katan said to her. Kosha glares at Fett before she sits back down. “We have his coordinates.” Din tells Bo-Katan, who looks surprised. “You can bring me to Moff Gideon?” She asked. “The Moff has a light cruiser. It could be helpful in your effort to regain Mandalore.” (Y/n) tells her.
“You gotta be kidding me. Mandalore? The Empire turned that planet to glass.” Fett said to (y/n) and Din.
“You are a disgrace to your armor.” Bo-Katan said to Fett, disgusted. “This armor belonged to my father.” Fett growls at her. “Don’t you mean your donor?” She spat at him and Fett walks up to her. “Careful, princess.” He warns and her and Koska stand up. “You are a clone. I’ve heard your voice thousands of times.” She snides as she smiles. “Mine might be the last one you hear.” Fett threatened.
At that moment, Koska attacks and Fett grabs her and tosses her aside, making her hit a table. She gets up and Fett uses a grapple and it wraps around her wrist. They play a bit of tug o’ war before Kosha pulls him towards her and kicks him.
He doubles over and she grabs his head, then flies up, runs up a pilar and swings Fett around towards another table and slams him down on it. They get up and turn on their flamethrower gauntlets on and blow fire.
“Enough! Both of you! If we had shown half that spine to the Empire we would’ve never lost our planet.” Bo-Katan yells at them and they turn off their flamethrower, Fett gets up on his feet. Bo-Katan turns to Din and (y/n). “We will help you. In exchange, we will keep that ship to retake Mandalore. If you should manage to finish your quest, I would have both of you consider joining our efforts. Mandalorians have been in exile from our home would for far too long.” She said.
“Fair enough.” Din said as (y/n) nods in agreement.
“One more thing. Gideon has a weapon that once belonged to me. It is an ancient weapon that can cut through anything.” Bo-Katan said. “Almost anything.” Kosha grumbles. “It cannot cut through pure beskar. I will kill the Moff and retake what is rightfully mine. With the Darksaber restored to me, Mandalore will finally be within reach.” Bo-Katan said.
“Help us rescue the Child and you can have whatever you want. He is our only priority.” Din tells her as he, subtly, places a hand on (y/n)’s back. Bo-Katan looks between the two and smiles.
Back in the Slave I, Bo-Katan brings up a hologram of Gideon’s cruiser while everyone gathers around. “This is Moff Gideon’s Imperial light cruiser. In the old days, it would carry a crew of several hundred. Now it operates with a tiny fraction of that.” Bo-Katan said.
“Your assessment is misleading.” Pershing, who was handcuffed and sitting in a seat near her, informs. “Oh, great. An objective opinion.” Cara grumbles. “This isn’t subterfuge. I assure you.” He tells her. “Let him speak.” Bo-Katan said, raising a finger to Cara.
“There’s a garrison of dark troopers on board. They’re the ones who abducted the Child.” Pershing informs. “How many troopers do they javelin armed in those suits?” Din asked him. “These are third-generation design. They are no longer suits. The human inside was the final weakness to be solved. They’re droids.” Pershing replied and Din and (y/n) look at each other.
“Where are they bivouacked?” Fennec asked and Pershing stands up and goes over to the console. “They’re held in cold storage in this cargo bay.” He said as he zooms in on the cargo bay on the hologram map of the cruiser. “They draw too much power to be kept at ready.” He said.
“How long to power up.” (Y/n) asked. “A few minutes, perhaps.” Pershing replied. “Where is the Child being held?” Din asked and Pershing changes the location on the hologram to a small room in the cruiser. “This is the brig. He’s being held here under armed guard.” He said.
“Very well. We split into two parties.” Bo-Katan said. “(Y/n) and I will go alone.” said Din and Bo-Katan glances at him. “Fine.” She grumbles before she continues. “Phase one, Lambda shuttle issues a distress call. Two, we emergency land at the mouth of the fighter launch tube, cutting off any potential interceptors. Koska, Fennec, Dune and myself disembark with maximum initiative. Once we’ve neutralized the launch bay, we make our way through these tandem decks in a penetration maneuver.” Bo-Katan explains as she flips through different parts of the map.
“And me and (y/n)?” Din asked her. “We’ll be misdirection.” She replied as she turns to the two. “Once we draw a crowd, you two slip through the shadows, get the kid."
"Those dark troopers are gonna be a real skank in the scud pie.” Cara commented and Bo-Katan turns back to the hologram map. “Their bay is on the way to the brig. Can they make it there before they deploy?” Bo-Katan asked Pershing. “It’s possible.” Pershing said and Fennec takes the code cylinder out of Pershing’s pocket and hands it to (y/n).
“Here. Take his code cylinder and seal off their holding bay. Anyone else, we can handle.” She said. “We’ll meet at the bridge.” (Y/n) said and everyone nods.
“Moff Gideon is mine. Got it?” Bo-Katan states as her, Cara, Fennec, Din, and (y/n) were in the Lambda shuttle while Fett was in the Slave I behind them, going in hyperspace. “He’s ex-ISB. He’s got a lot of information. I need him alive.” Cara said, firmly. “I don’t care what happens to him as long as he surrenders to me.” Bo-Katan sneers, a bit of a smirk plays on her lips.
“Prepare to exit jump space.” Fett’s voice said through the comms. “Copy that. Get the hell out of there as soon as they clear us to dock. And your shots have to look convincing.” She tells him. “Power up those shields, princess. I’ll put on a good show.” Fett said. “Watch out for those deck cannons.” Bo-Katan warns. “Don’t worry about me. Just be careful in there.” Fett said.
“Exiting hyperspace in three, two, one…” Koska said and they exit out of hyperspace. Immediately, the Slave I starts firing at the shuttle as they make their way to the cruiser.
“This is Lambda shuttle, Two-Seven-Four-Three. Requesting emergency docking.” Bo-Katan said through the comms to the cruiser, doing her best to sound panicked and scared. Fett did his best not to hit the shuttle but it did look very convincing that the shuttle was getting attack. “Repeat, requesting emergency docking. We are under attack.” Bo-Katan said again.
“Copy, Lambda shuttle. Request received. Stay cleat of launch tube. Deploying fighter squadron. ” A woman’s voice said and everyone gives nervous glances at one another.
Seconds later, TIE fighters deploy and starting coming straight at Fett but Bo-Katan let the shuttle stay its course, almost hitting one TIE Fighter, who pulled out of the way. “Request denied! Please clear launch tube until fighters deploy!” The woman’s voice said. “Negative! Negative! We’ll are under attack!” Bo-Katan shouts, panicked, again.
Then the TIE fighters get behind Fett and start firing at him. “Clear launch tube immediately!” The woman said but the shuttle stayed its course. Once it got close to the hangar, Fett steered off to the right and flew away as the TIE fighters chase after him.
“Hang on!” Fennec shouts and Cara grabs some panels above her while Din grabs onto the back of Fennec’s chair with one hand and pulls (y/n) to his side with the other as Bo-Katan has the shuttle land in the hangar, roughly. Fett was about to dodge some shots from the cruiser then he blasts the TIE fighters that chased him then took off into hyperspace.
Once it stops, the shuttle doors open and smoke started to pool out as the troopers started running toward it. “Clear the launch tube! What are you doing? Get that thing out of here!” One trooper shouts as he and another trooper run towards the shuttle.
But then they and a few more troopers were shot and killed by Fennec, Cara, Bo-Katan and Koska and they clear them out then head off.
Meanwhile, Din and (y/n) were inside the shuttle waiting for them to make a clearing. (Y/n) breathes in through her nose then let’s it out through her mouth as she calms her nerves. Din turns to her and could see she looked a bit worried, so he reaches out and takes her hand in his.
She raises her head to him as he squeezes her hand then he leans in and gives a Keldabe kiss. She smiles at him then they let go of each other’s hand, pull out their blasters and start to, slowly and cautiously, walk out. They look around and see the troopers dead before they start to make their way deeper into the cruiser.
They walked down a hallway then come up to a doorway to another hall. They lean back as Din looks around. He gestures to (y/n) to follow him and they start to walk in the hall when they heard a Stormtrooper voice say. “We’re heading to the bridge now.”
Din grabs her hand and pulls her to the side, they duck down and hide as a couple of Stormtroopers run past them, not seeing them. They walk out of their hiding spot and make their way to where Grogu was being held.
Moments later, they heard a droid talk in an alien language and they hid back as it passed. They start to walk into the hallway but ducked back when they saw some Stormtroopers running down the hall and continued on.
They turned a corner as they heard alarms blaring and (y/n) pulls out the code cylinder from her pocket. But as they got closer to the holding bay for the DarkTroopers, it started to open. “No. No!” Din growls as they run to the console and (y/n) sticks the cylinder in and turns it, making the doors close.
But just as it started to close, one Darktrooper grabbed the doors and forced it open then punched Din, knocking him back a few feet. The Darktrooper made it through the door, which closed behind it, and grabbed (y/n) tossed her aside like a rag doll. Din fires at the trooper and it turned its attention on him.
It didn’t seemed fazed by Din’s blaster and it grabs his wrist and twist his blaster out of his hand then grabs him by the neck and holds him up, pulling back its other fist. It begins to punch Din in the face but it hardly made a dent in his beskar helmet.
Then some blaster shots hit the back of the Darktrooper, which made it turn around. It sees (y/n) behind it, firing her blaster at it, and it let’s got of Din and goes after her. She fires at it a few more times but like before it wasn’t bothered by the shots.
She goes and holds out her left hand before it got close to her and it stopped then struggled to get to her, like an invisible shield was in front of her. She concentrated so hard on keeping the trooper back at bay but then she started to feel drained.
At that moment, Din turns on his flamethrower and shoots fire at the trooper. The trooper slowly turns to him then grabs Din and tosses him aside as (y/n) falls to her knees. The other Darktroopers started punching at the glass on the door and (y/n) turns to it, then gets the energy to get up and go towards the console.
The trooper, realizing what she’s doing, goes towards her and made a grab for her but before it could do that Din activates his whistling bird and the little missiles hit it.
The droid turns back to Din and stomps towards him. (Y/n) gets to the console, grabs the lever and pulls it down just as Din dodges an oncoming attack by the Darktrooper then grabs his beskar spear and stabs it underneath it’s neck area, through the roof of its head.
As (y/n) pulls the lever, the back door of the launching bay opens and the Darktroopers are sucked out and released into space. She falls to her knees and Din comes up to her. “Hey, you okay?” He asked her, worried. “Yeah…yeah…just…I just need a moment.” She said, breathless, and he places his hands on her shoulders.
She sits there for a few seconds before she starts to get up on her feet, Din helps her up and has her face him. She looks up at him then nods. “I’m okay. Keep going.” She said and they start to head off again.
They take a few turns until they see two Stormtroopers guarding the brig. (Y/n) grabs her beskar spear and throws it at the one trooper father from them as Din grabbed the other one. He holds the trooper in front of him and held the spear up the trooper’s neck, choking him, until he twists a bit and breaks the trooper’s neck. (Y/n) grabbed her spear out of the second trooper’s chest.
She places the cylinder into the console and presses a button, making the doors open, as they pull out their blasters. Inside was Grogu, handcuffed, and Moff Gideon standing next to him, holding the Darksaber.
The two hunters were taken aback by this as Grogu coos at them. They hold up their blasters at Gideon. “Drop your blasters. Slowly.” Gideon ordered the duo as he holds the saber over the Child.
The two do as they’re told and laid down their guns on the floor. “Now kick them over to me.” Gideon said and they do just that. “Very nice.” said Gideon. “Give us the kid.” (Y/n) said, firmly. “The kid is just fine where he is.” He said and he waves the saber over Grogu’s head.
“Mesmerizing, isn’t it? Used to belong to Bo-Katan.” Gideon said as he holds up the saber and the two just give him a look. “Yes. I know you two have been traveling with Bo-Katan. A friendly piece of advice, assume that I know everything. Like the fact that your wrist launcher has fired its one and only salvo.” Gideon said as he nods towards Din.
“Where is this going?” Din asked him, annoyed. “This is where it’s going. I’m guessing Bo-Katan and her boarding party have arrived at the bridge, seeking me or, more accurately, this.” Gideon said as he holds up the saber.
“But I’m not there. And I imagine that they’ve killed everyone on the bridge, being the murderous savaged that they are. And now, they’re beginning to panic. You see, she wants this. Do you know why? Because it brings power. Whoever wields this sword…has the right to lay claim to the Mandalorian throne.” Gideon explains. “You keep it. We just want the kid.” (Y/n) said and Gideon looks the two over for a moment.
“Very well.” He said and the blade of the saber disappears. “I’ve already got what I want from him. His blood. All I wanted was to study his blood. This Child is extremely gifted…and has been blessed with rare properties that have the potential to bring order back to the galaxy.” Gideon said.
Grogu looks up at his two protectors as they look back at him, Gideon takes notice. “I see your bond with him. Take him, but you two will leave my ship immediately and we will go out separate ways.” Gideon said to them.
I don’t like this. Something's not right. (y/n) thought as she and Din, cautiously and slowly, walk to Grogu while Gideon walks around the two. He stands still the turns slightly as Din and (y/n) go up to Grogu. The Child holds his arms out to them when (y/n) sensed something.
She turned around just as Gideon turns on the Darksaber and goes to attack them. She pushes Din aside to protect him, turns her beskar shield on and blocked the attacks. Gideon repeatedly hacks at her but she uses the shields to protect the blows as they make their way outside of the brig.
Din comes up behind him and goes to attack but he turns and swings the saber Din’s way, who raises up his gauntlets to block the blows. The three of them have a bit of a stand still as Gideon looks between the two, holding the saber up. (Y/n) retracts the shields as her and Din pull out their beskar staff and began a three way fight between them.
Gideon would quickly block any blows the two would throw at him. He would block or swing the saber at either of them as quickly as he could. At one point, he went to attack (y/n) and she holds up her staff to block the blade of the saber then moved her hand towards Gideon, which made him stumble back by an unknown source.
He looks at her a bit shocked but with intrigue. “Interesting.” He mutters, with a smile, and he was about to attack her until Din uses his grappling cord and wraps it around Gideon. Gideon turns to Din then used the saber to cut the grappling cord and starts slashing at him.
Din blocks it with the staff and at one point back kicks the staff to block another blow just as (y/n) comes up and swings her staff at Gideon, hitting him on his side. Gideon turns to her then raises the saber on her but she activates her shields to block it.
He kept hitting her shield with the saber, which made her lower her arms inch by inch, then he uses the butt end of the saber and hits her across the face, making her fall back. She felt dazed at this as he goes to kill her but Din, quickly, stands in front of her and blocks Gideon’s attack.
Din pushes Gideon back and hits him a few times with the staff and knocked the Darksaber out of his hands then knocked him down to the ground. Then he aims the spear at Gideon but doesn’t kill him as (y/n) shakes her head and gets up.
“You’re sparing my life?” Gideon asked, smiling, at Din. “Well, this should be interesting.”
Up at the bridge, Bo-Katan stands in front of the window and tries to think what to do next when the door opens. She and the others turn to see Gideon, cuffed, and (y/n) holding her blaster towards Gideon while Din held Grogu in one arm and the Darksaber in his other hand. They lead Gideon in the room while Bo-Katan seemed stunned at what she was seeing.
“What happened?” She asked as she comes up to the duo just as the door closes behind them. “They brought him alive, that’s what happened. And now the New Republic’s gonna have to double the payment.” Cara said, smiling at her friends.
“That’s not what she’s talking about.” Gideon said and he turns and smiles a gloating smile at Bo-Katan. “Why don’t you kill him now and take it?” He asked her and Cara shoves him down to the floor as (y/n) holsters her blaster. Gideon chuckles and looks up at Din.
“It’s yours now.” He said.
“What is?” Din asked.
“The Darksaber. It belongs to you.” Gideon said as Din turns the saber off and walks up to Bo-Katan and holds it out to her. “Now…it belongs to her.” Din said but Bo-Katan doesn’t accept it, just looks at it with disappointment. “She can’t take it. It must be won in battle. In order for her to wield the Darksaber again, she would need to defeat you in combat.” Gideon explained and (y/n) furrows her brow at this as Din looks up at Bo-Katan.
“I yield. It’s yours.” He said to her.
“Oh, no.” Gideon chuckles. “It doesn’t work that way. The Darksaber doesn’t have power. The story does. Without that blade, she’s a pretender to the throne.” He explains as he stands back up. “He’s right.” Bo-Katan whispers. “Come on, just take it.” Din pleads, exasperated, as (y/n) glares at Gideon.
“You planned this, didn’t you?” She growls at him. Gideon turns to her, smiles and chuckles. “And what makes you think that?” He asked. She starts to charge at him but then alarms go off.
“Well, perhaps, she’ll get another crack at it.” Gideon said as Fennec goes to one of the scanners. “The ray shields have been breached. We’re being boarded.” said Fennec. “How many life forms?” Bo-Katan asked and Fennec turns to her. “None.” She said.
“You’re about to face off with the dark troopers.” Gideon said then he turns to Din and (y/n). “You two had your hands full with one. Let’s see how you do against a platoon.” He said, smirking.
Bo-Katan and Koska look at the cameras and see the dark troopers marching their way towards the bridge. “They’re headed this way.” Bo-Katan said and Cara grabs Gideon and shoves him down as she walks up to Bo-Katan.
Din goes over to the other side of the room and sets Grogu down, (y/n) standing next to him. “Don’t worry, kid. We’re gonna get you out of here.” He said and pats the top of Grogu’s head then gets up as (y/n) kneels down to Grogu
She gives him a small smile then ran her thumb gently over his head before she gets up. “Seal the blast doors!” Fennec orders and Koska slams her fist down on a button and a second pair of doors cover the main doors.
“They’re here.” Koska said as she grabs her helmet and her and Bo-Katan put their helmets on and everyone pulls out their weapons. Seconds later, the Dark Troopers began punching at the doors and everyone readies their guns while Gideon smirks.
“You have an impressive fire team protecting you. But I think we all know, after a valiant stand, everyone in this room will be dead…but me…and the Child.” Gideon said as he glares over at Din and (y/n).
The Dark troopers continued to punch at the door, making a dent in the door. Everyone steadies themselves and aims their gun, getting ready for the fight. Din and (y/n) look at each other for a moment and then Din whispers. “Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum."
(Y/n) let’s out a small sob then mouths back I love you, toobefore they look back at the door and aim their blasters at the door but go to hold each other’s hand with their free hand.
But then the alarm goes off and everyone looks out the window and sees an X-Wing come flying in. "An X-Wing.” Bo-Katan said as she goes to the comms. “One X-Wing? Great. We’re saved.” Cara said, sarcastically. “Incoming craft, identity yourself.” Bo-Katan said through the comms but no response.
At that moment, (y/n) sensed something huge. Something powerful. She let’s go of Din’s hand and places her hand on her chest as it did feel a bit overwhelming, Grogu raises his head as he sensed the power as well.
“(Y/n)?” Din asked her, worried, and he places a hand on her shoulder as she looks down at the floor.
The Dark Troopers seemed to sense this newcomer as well as they stop punching the door. “Why did they stop?” Fennec asked while Bo-Katan looks at the security cameras and see the Dark troopers turning the other way.
“Din…I-I think…I think it’s him.” She whispers to him. “Him?” Din asked, quietly, then she raises her head. “The Jedi.” She whispers just as Bo-Katan sees a cloaked figure walking down a hallway. She switches to another camera and sees the troopers attacking the figure but the figure had pulled out a lightsaber and began slicing at the droids like they were nothing.
“A Jedi?” Bo-Katan mutters and Gideon looks at this, terrified. The Jedi sliced, stabbed and used the Force to take out the troopers as he made his way closer to the bridge.
Gideon then grabbed a blaster, he was hiding, and shoots at Bo-Katan several times, making her fall back, then he goes to shoot Grogu but Din slides in front of him as Gideon fires, hitting Din’s beskar armor. (Y/n), feeling anger, moved her arm, quickly, and Gideon falls backwards, by the Force, and hits his head against the table.
Everyone stopped and stared at (y/n), who looks between them. “It’s a long story.” She replied to their shocked faces. Cara kneels down to Gideon and checks his pulse. “He’s still alive.” She tells them and Grogu goes over to the screen as the Jedi takes out more troopers then heads into the elevator.
Grogu places his claw at the screen and Din gets up as (y/n) kneels down and watches the Jedi get off the elevator and just destroying the troopers with ease. (Y/n) couldn’t help but be in awe at what she was seeing. Were you once like this, Father? she thought to herself.
After all the troopers were dead, the Jedi turns to the doors. Grogu looks up at his protector then points towards the door. Din picks him up as (y/n) turns to the others. “Open the doors.” She said as they walk towards another table but nobody moved. “She said, open the doors.” Din said, firmly.
“Are you two crazy?” Fennec asked and Din sets the Child down on a chair then presses a button. The door opens and they couldn’t see anything but a long green light. Then the cloaked figure walks up, turns off his lightsaber and holsters it.
He takes off his hood to reveal a young man with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. “Are you a Jedi?” (Y/n) asked him as Grogu peers from behind the chair. “I am.” He said then he looks over at Grogu and holds a hand out to him. “Come, little one.” The Jedi said, calmly. Grogu looks at him then up at Din and (y/n).
“He doesn’t want to go with you.” Din said to the Jedi, who turns to him. “He wants both of your permissions. He is strong with the Force, but talent without training is nothing. I will give my life to protect the Child…but he will not be safe until he masters his abilities.” The Jedi said and Din turns and picks Grogu up.
“Hey, go on. That’s who you belong with. He’s one of your kind.” Din tells Grogu and (y/n) begins to tear up. She goes to stand next to Din and looks at Grogu, who looks between the two. “We’ll see you again. We promise.” (Y/n) said, softly, and Grogu looks over to Din then places a claw on his helmet.
Understanding what he wanted, Din goes and removes his helmet as he looks at the little guy. (Y/n) smiles as a tear runs down her face while Grogu stares at Din then places a little claw on his face. Din closes his eyes for a moment then looks back at Grogu with a smirk.
Then Grogu turns and reaches out for (y/n). Din hands him over to her and she takes Grogu in her arms. “Hey, buddy.” She whispers as he looks at her. She then sensed his appreciation for her and the care he held for her and Din, which made her smile at him.
“I sense your connection with the Force as well.” The Jedi said and (y/n) raises her head towards him. “It might not be strong now but with more training…it can be. I can offer that to you as well. That is…if you want.” said the Jedi and (y/n) stares at him from a moment then at Grogu.
On the one hand, she could learn more about her abilities and find out what else she could do. Learn more about her father. And spend some time with Grogu since he was the one who had awakened these senses.
But then she looked over at Din, who stared at her before he darts his eyes away. She couldn’t bare to leave Din behind, not after everything they went through when they were young and just recently. She couldn’t abandoned the man she loves. Her heart ached just thinking about it.
She sighs as she looks back at Grogu then up to the Jedi. “As much as I would love to know more about my abilities, I’d rather you’d focus more on the Child. He’s young and has much more of a chance than I do. But…like my father before me, I have a place with someone.” She replied and she lowers one of her hands and takes Din’s hand in hers.
He looks over at her, shocked. He had stood there for the last few seconds, worrying that now two people that were important to him were gonna leave. He was already preparing for the heartbreak whenever she says she’ll go. He loves her and wants her around but if she decided that she wanted to go, he wasn’t going to stop her.
But when she said she wanted to stay with him, his heart leapt with joy, and it took every fiber of his being not to pull her in for a kiss.
The Jedi nods slightly at (y/n) and said. “I understand.”
(Y/n) looks down at Grogu and gives a small smile. “I’m sorry, buddy. I can’t come. I mean, somebody’s got to watch him.” (Y/n) said as she nods towards Din, which made Grogu coo at this. Then (y/n) goes and takes off her necklace and holds it out to Grogu.
“This was given to me by my father and it always brought me luck. But now…I pass it in to you.” She said and she places the necklace around Grogu. “Take care of it, okay?” She said and Grogu looks at her then he touches her face, and suddenly (y/n) lets out a soft, yet surprising, gasp. She looks at the Child as he gave her a bright smile. (Y/n) tearfully smiles back at him and kisses his forehead.
“All right, pal. It’s time to go.” Din tells him and Grogu looks over at him and whines. “Don’t be afraid.” (Y/n) said, softly, then she goes and sets him down on the floor. She stands back up and let’s out a shaky breath as Din places an arm around her.
Then both of them felt something on their feet, they look down and see Grogu had one hand on Din’s leg and the other on her leg.. he looks up at them like he wanted to stay until an R2 unit droid comes up and beeps.
Grogu turns and walks to the droid and it seemed like they were communicating with each other as the droid beeped and Grogu coos at it. The Jedi watches this interaction for a moment then looks up at the two hunters and nods. They nod back as Grogu raises his arms out to the Jedi, who bends down and picks him up.
“May the Force be with you.” The Jedi said and he turns around and walks away while Grogu stares at his protectors over the Jedi’s shoulder. Tears started to fall, silently, down (y/n)’s face as she wraps her right arm around Din’s waist and he places his left arm around her shoulders.
“Did he say anything to you? I..I noticed the way you two stared at each other, it was like with him and Ashoka.” Din asked (y/n), quietly, and (y/n) sniffs at this. “When he touched my cheek, I could hear his thoughts. He said…he’ll never forget us.” She whispered to him and Din smirks a bit. “He also said something else.”
“What else did he say?” Din asked her, a curious look shadowed his face. She looks up at him just as the Jedi and the droid get inside the elevator. “I love you, mom and dad." she said and they stare, lovingly, at each other before they look back at Grogu.
He looks at the two as (y/n) leans her head against Din’s chest and he leans his head against her, both of them giving a sad smile towards him. And at that moment, as Grogu takes one last look at his parents, the elevator door shuts.
At the Karthon Chop Fields, the prisoners were working on all of the large scrap metals that surrounded them when a guard droid comes up to one of them. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven.” The droid said as he goes up to Mayfeld, who doesn’t respond.
“Inmate three-four-six-six-seven.” The droid said and Mayfeld groans. “What? What?” Mayfeld asked, annoyed, as he turns to the droid, raising the goggles to his forehead. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, descend and receive new instructions.” The droid said and Mayfeld puts down his drill, climbs down and walks towards the droid.
“Can’t you see I’m busy?” He asked as he gestures at the scrap pile behind him. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, please salute Marshal Dune.” The droid said and Mayfeld looks over and sees Cara walking up to him.
“I remand prisoner number three-four-six-six-seven to my custody.” Cara said to the droid. “Affirmative.” The droid said to her before turning to Mayfeld. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, please follow Marshal Dune to transport.” He said and Cara turns and walks off.
“Somebody gonna tell me what’s going on?” Mayfeld asked the droid. “Let’s go! I’ve got a job for you.” Cara said as she continues to walk. Then the ankle restraint on Mayfeld’s leg comes off and he looks down at it, shocked. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, please follow Marshal Dune.” The droid ordered but Mayfeld doesn’t move.
“Wait, where is she takin’ me?” He asked. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, you have three seconds to comply with your new directive.” The droid threatens as he holds up his baton, which starts to electrify. “Okay! All right, all right.” Mayfeld said, jumping back, then he goes to follow Cara.
“Hey! You gonna tell me where you’re takin' me?” Mayfeld asked Cara as he catches up with her but she doesn’t answer. “Hello? I mean, it’s a common courtesy, a common courtesy to tell somebody where it is that you’re takin’ ‘em. I don’t think that’s so hard to ask, do you?” Mayfeld said as they come up to the Slave I and Fennec and Fett, now with his armor buffed out and cleaned, walk out of the ship.
Mayfeld stopped for a second once he saw the two then let out a sigh of relief. “Oh. You know, for a second, I thought you two were this other couple.” He said with a smile of relief just as Din and (y/n) walk out of the ship.
He looks up and his smile fades once he sees them. “Mayfeld.” Din greets once he and (y/n) walk up to him. “Hey, Mando. Long time.” Mayfeld said as he smiles, nervously. “What, you and your friend came here to kill me?” Mayfeld asked him.
“All you need to know is I bent a lot of rules to bring you along.” Cara said. “Why am I so lucky?” Mayfeld asked her. “Because you’re Imperial.” She replied. “Hey, that was a long time ago, all right?” Mayfeld said. “But you still know your Imperial clearances and protocols, don’t you?” (Y/n) asked him. Mayfeld looks at them, shocked, just as the group turns and heads into the ship, he soon follows suit.
“We need coordinates for Moff Gideon’s cruiser.” Din informs Mayfeld once they get seated inside the ship. “Moff Gideon?” Mayfeld asked before he scoffs. “Yeah, forget it. Just take me back to the scrapyard. I’m not doin’ that.” Mayfeld said and Cara rolls her eyes. “They have their kid.” Cara said as she nods towards Din and (y/n).
“The little green guy?” Mayfeld asked, taken aback. “Yeah. The little green guy.” Cara confirms. “So…I help you guys get him back, you guys let me go?” Mayfeld asked as he looks between Din, (y/n) and Cara. “That’s not how this works.” Cara said.
“Well, then what’s in it for me?” Mayfeld asked. “You get a better view.” Cara said and Mayfeld sighs as he thinks for a moment. “All right, but here’s the thing. I can’t get those coordinates unless I have access to an internal Imperial terminal. I believe there’s one on Morak.” He said.
“Morak? There’s nothing on Morak.” Din said. “It’s a secret Imperial mining hub, okay? If you can get me there, I can get you the coordinates.” Mayfeld said and everyone shares a look before Din reaches over to the console and presses a button. “Fett, punch in the coordinates to Morak.” He said. “Copy that.” Fett said as he does just that and the ship takes off.
“I did an initial scan of the planet. This is what you’re talking about, right?” Fett asked as he shows a hologram map of Morak to everyone. Then he zooms in on what looked like a large dam. “Yeah, that’s the refinery right there.” Mayfeld said as he nods. “Wonder what they’re refining in there.” Fennec mutters. “Looks like rhydonium. Highly volatile and explosive.” Fett said.
“Yeah, kinds like this one, huh.” Mayfeld chuckles and Fett turns to him with a stern look, making the smile disappear off of Mayfeld’s face. “They have anti-aircraft cannons protecting it.” Fett said once he turns back to the map. “And a platoon of security forces.” Fennec adds.
“So we go in quiet. Let’s go get a closer look.” Din said and Fett nods and he steers the ship into Morak.
“I’m not gonna need long inside, so once I get the coordinates, you guys gotta get me the hell out of there.” Mayfeld said. They had landed on a nearby spot and watched a large tank-like vehicle had drove by in the dirt road below them.
“You get to the roof. I’ll drop in and pull you out.” Fett said. All right. Mayfeld and I will swap out for the drivers in the tunnel.“ Cara said. "As much as I’d like to take a road trip with Rebel-dropper here, that’s not gonna work.” Mayfeld said. “Oh yeah? Why’s that?” Cara asked him.
“Well, because these Remnant bases are set up and run by ex-ISB. If you get scanned and your genetic signature shows up on any New Republic register, you’re gonna be detected, and it’s guns out.” Mayfeld informs. “You sure do know a lot about Imperial Remnants.” Cara said, suspiciously.
“Hey, if you wanna accuse me of something, then just say it.” Mayfeld snapped at her. “We don’t have time. Fennec will go.” Din said. “No, I’m wanted by the ISB. I’ll trip the alarm, too.” Fennec said and Mayfeld raises his hands up in exasperation. “Fett?” (Y/n) asked as she turns to Fett. “Let’s just say they might recognize my face.” Fett said.
“Great, so it’s me goin’ in alone.” Mayfeld grumbles. “No way. The minute he gets inside, he’ll tip 'em off. He’ll be a hero.” Cara said. “Hey. This wasn’t my idea. I’m doin’ you guys a favor.” Mayfeld argues. “Deal’s off. I’m takin’ him back.” Cara said.
“Then I’ll go.” (Y/n) said.
“I’ll come too.” Din said and (y/n) turns her head to him.
“Hey, buddy, I’m might be good at fast-talking, but I don’t think I can explain away a guy in a Mando suit to Imperial guards. So, unless you’re gonna take off that helmet, or let your friend go alone with me, it’s gonna be me goin’ in alone. Or say goodbye to your little green friend.” Mayfeld said. “You’re not going alone. I’m coming with you. But I won’t be showing my face.” Din said.
Another large tank vehicle starts to make its way through a tunnel when Cara, Din, Mayfeld and (y/n) jumped on top of the vehicle. They get to the entrance hole and Cara drops in it and takes out the three guards that were inside and slows the vehicle down to a stop.
“Oh my God, this guy reeked. His gloves are still wet.” Mayfeld groans as he puts on one of the guards armor while Cara kept as lookout. Then (y/n) comes up from around the vehicle, now in the new armor, and started to put the helmet on her head, holding a duffle bag, just as Din comes around the corner wearing the Stormtrooper armor as well, also carrying a duffle bag.
“Look at this. Oh, the shame.” Mayfeld laughs as he looks at Din. “Now, that right there is worth the price of admission.” Mayfeld said. “Wish I could say it looked good on you, but I’d be lying.” Cara jokes. “Just make sure you take out the rooftop gunners, or we’re never getting out of here.” Din said. “I got you.” Cara said then Din and (y/n) set the bags down.
“Take care of these. Keep 'em safe.” (Y/n) said. “I will.” Cara said. “Hey, guys. Still on the clock.” Mayfeld said and Din and (y/n) make their way towards the entrance of the vehicle. “What would they say on Mandalore?” Mayfeld teased Din before he looks over at (y/n). “First time I’ve seen you wear a helmet. Gotta say, you’re prettier without the helmet.” Mayfeld said but (y/n) ignores him while Din clenched his fist for a moment.
“It’s a shame you’re not comin’ along with us. You got such a sunny disposition. Can’t imagine how much fun you are in one of these.” Mayfeld said to Cara as he gets inside the tank and puts on his own helmet.
Din gets inside of the tank then helps (y/n) in as Mayfeld looks around the console. “What’s goin’ on here? Power coil, motivator…Oh, there we…” Mayfeld mutters and he pushes some buttons and the engine starts to come on. “Ah, there we go. There we go!” Mayfeld exclaims as Din gets into the seat next to him and (y/n) takes the seat that was against the wall.
“And we are off.” Mayfeld said as he pushes a lever up and the tank starts to take off. Then Mayfeld looks over at Din. “So how’s it feel? Huh?” Mayfeld asked him but Din doesn’t respond. “I mean, c'mon, man, you still get to wear a helmet, right?” He asked but Din still doesn’t respond while (y/n) looks between them.
“All right, you know what? I’m takin’ this thing off. I can’t see anything.” Mayfeld said as he takes off his helmet then he looks over at (y/n). “Why don’t you go ahead and take yours off, sweetheart.” He said. “If I’m as pretty as you say I am, then I better not. Don’t want you distracted to the point where we crash and burn and die.” (Y/n) snaps and Din holds back a chuckle from this as Mayfeld laughs.
“Oh, haha, very funny, princess.” Mayfeld said. “I don’t know how you people wear those things. And by you people, I do mean Mandalorians.” Mayfeld said but Din shakes his head slightly and they sit in silence for a few moments.
“Feel better when it’s off.” Mayfeld said as he gestures to the helmet but Din turns his head, slowly, towards him as if to say shut up before he looks ahead of him.
“Juggernaut Four, you’re running hot. Be sure to watch your cargo heat limits and speed.” A man’s voice said through the comms. “Copy that, Three. We hit a couple of bumps. Thanks for the heads-up.” Another male voice said just as they started to pass some other tanks that looked like they blew up.
Mayfeld then looks at the console where the heat limits were and could see that it was at the low green. “Don’t worry about the rhydonium. As long as you drive steady, you’ll get us to the refinery.” Din assures Mayfeld just as they come up on a small village with some kids playing on the road.
Mayfeld reaches up and blares the horn and the people started to clear off the road. “Yeah. Empire, New Republic.” Mayfeld said as they pass by the people, who were all glaring at them. “It’s all the same to these people. Invaders on their land is all we are. I’m just sayin’, somewhere someone in this galaxy is ruling and others are being ruled.” said Mayfeld as they pass the village.
“I mean, look at your race. Do you think all those people that died in wars fought by Mandalorians actually had a choice? So how ate they any different than the Empire?” Mayfeld asked but the two hunters don’t respond, which made him scoff.
“If you were born on Mandalore, you believe one thing, if you’re born on Alderaan, you believe somethin’ else. But guess what? Neither one of 'em exist anymore.” Mayfeld said as he looks between the two then shrugs. “Hey, I’m just a realist. I’m a survivor, just like you two.” He said.
“Let’s get one thing straight. We are nothing alike.” Din said, firmly. “I don’t know. Seems to me like your rules start to change when you get desperate. I mean, look at ya. You said you couldn’t take your helmet off, and now you got a Stormtrooper one on, so what’s the rule? Is it that you can’t take off your Mando helmet, or you can’t show your face? 'Cause there is a difference.” Mayfeld points out and (y/n) looks between the two and started to think over what he said.
“Look, I’m just sayin’, we’re all the same. Everybody’s got their lines they don’t cross until things get messy. As far as I’m concerned, if you can make it through your day and still sleep at night, you’re doin’ better than most.” Mayfeld said.
“Control, this is Juggernaut Three. We’re comin’ up on some route interference.” A voice said in the comms when they heard a beeping sound. “Control, control! We need a new….” the voice started to say, panicked, but then he screams and the comms link ends.
“What was that?” Mayfeld asked, worried. “Please stand by for reroute.” A woman’s voice said then seconds later an explosion happens some miles ahead of them. “Juggernaut Four has been destroyed.” The woman’s voice said as (y/n) stands up and walks up to the middle of the men. “Destroyed?” Mayfeld said, panicked. “The rhydonium is still stable.” (Y/n) said.
“Juggernaut Five, maintain speed and course. Proceed with caution. Re-routing course, stand by.” The woman said. “Proceed with caution? Is she serious?” Mayfeld asked, panicking again.
“Control, this is Juggernaut Three. Requesting….” another man’s voice started to say but then it sounded like someone was chanting something, loudly, behind the guy. “Abort! Abort!” The man’s voice before he screams and a second explosion happens ahead of them.
Mayfeld speeds up a bit and steers away to avoid the burning remains of one of the Juggernauts when a small ship comes up next to them with some Alien pirates. One of the pirates jumps on the side, which made Din, Mayfeld and (y/n) look over.
“What the hell was that?” Mayfeld asked and Din looks at the console to see a camera had come on and he could see the Pirates. “Pirates. Keep driving. (Y/n) and I will take care of it.” Din said and he stands up and opens the window and fires at the one that was on the side.
Then a second pirate goes to jump on but Din fires and hits him straight into his chest. “Are you seriously shooting a blaster near rhydonium?” Mayfeld exclaims as (y/n) starts to climb the latter to the hatch on top.
“They’ve got thermal detonators.” Din said. “Terrific.” Mayfeld said, sarcastically. “Just keep it steady.” (Y/n) said as she opens the hatch and sees the pirate on the roof. “Get these guys off of us! Get 'em off!” Mayfeld shouts as the pirate opens a hatch to the rhydonium and pulls out a detonator.
But before he could place it on, (y/n) shoots him and he falls off and the detonator goes off under one of the other pirate’s ship, killing them. Mayfeld goes as fast as he can but had to slow down as the limits were starting to get high.
“They’re trying to blow the rhydonium.” (Y/n) informs. “You think? You should’ve left me in prison!” Mayfeld shouts and (y/n) started to leave and close the hatch but then she noticed more pirates were coming.
She sighs and gets up on the roof. “Need some help, Mando.” She said and he climbs up just as some of the pirates jumped on the tank. The two hunters fire their blasters and kills a few until their blasters ran out of ammo.
The remaining pirates charged at them and the two throw their guns at a couple of them, hitting them in the face. Din fights with one while (y/n) fights another until they kick both of them off, one of them rolls off to the front and gets run over.
Another pirate comes up and grabs (y/n) while another whacks his large spear at Din’s arm, meanwhile another pirate was trying to open the hatch to the rhydonium. (Y/n) kicked then used the back of her head at the pirate’s face and tosses him to the side as Din punches his attacking pirate and tossed him aside as well.
The last pirate was trying to open the hatch but Din grabs the spear and chucks it at the pirate, impaling him and knocking him off. Another ship full of pirates began yelling at the two just as Din turns to the front. “Mayfeld! Pick it up. Drive faster!” He yells and Mayfeld picks up the speed which almost there made the two hunters stumble but they each grab the others hand for balance
Then the alarm about the rhydonium started blaring after speeding for a couple of minutes. “I don’t think faster’s a good idea!” Mayfeld shouts and he slows down, which made them stumble again. “What are you doing?” (Y/n) shouts as the pirates catch up and a few get on the roof.
(Y/n) punches one in the stomach and Din kicks another and grabs the pirate’s staff and used the end of it to hit the pirate in the face. (Y/n) punches and kicks the pirate that attacked her and throws him off just as Din does the same with the other pirate.
Then three more jump on and one starts charging at them with their spear but Din holds out his right arm to (y/n) and she locks her left arm around his and Din brings her around as she raises her feet up and kicks the pirate right in the face, making fall back and drop his spear.
She lands on her feet and they unlocked their arms from each other as more pirates jump on. (Y/n) grabs the spear that one of the pirates dropped and used it on one of the oncoming pirates while another goes after Din.
Din knocks off the pirate but he hangs onto the side while another charges at him and knocks him down. (Y/n) swings the spear around at another pirate then gets down on her knees and swipes the pirates feet which made him fall on his side and (y/n) kicks him off.
She turns around and saw that Din was pinned down by two pirates, one hanging off the side holding down Din’s arm and the other on top of Din and choking him. She runs at the pirate on top of Din and swings the spear like a bat and hits the pirate across the face as Din gets up and kicks the one hanging off the side off of it completely.
(Y/n) punches the pirate a few times then holds her hand out to do something when the pirate was blown back and rolled off on the front and was run over. Surprised, (y/n) looks down at her hand, wondering if she used this Force power that Ashoka told her about until she heard a beeping sound.
Her and Din turn to see a pirate had opened the hatch and placed a detonator on the rhydonium then jumped back on his ship. “Dank farrik!” (Y/n) growls as Din runs towards the hatch, grabs the detonator and throws it and it explodes, killing the remaining pirate ships.
The blast from the explosion blew Din and (y/n) back a couple of feet until (y/n) fell on her back then grunts in pain a second later when Din landed on his back on top of her. “Sorry.” He said. “It’s okay.” She groans as they get close the refinery.
“Uh, Mando, I gotta stop. I can’t cross at this speed.” Mayfeld shouts as (y/n) and Din sit up. But through the smoke about four more pirate ships emerge out and all of them had detonators. “Seriously?” (Y/n) mutters, exasperated, as Din sighs. The ships get closer as Din gets up, holds his hand out to (y/n) and helps her on her feet.
The two get into a stance when some tie-fighters come in and shoot all of the ship and the Juggernaut makes it over the bridge. Then some Stormtroopers come up and shoot the stragglers as Din and (y/n) make it back inside the tank.
“Never thought you’d be happy to see Stormtroopers.” Mayfeld said. “You can say that again.” (Y/n) mutters as she takes off her helmet, takes a breath and wipes the sweat off of her brow.
The troopers and other workers cheer as they make it inside and stop the vehicle. Mayfeld stops the engine and he and the two hunters get out as they are greeted with cheer from the troopers. “Okay. All we gotta do is find a terminal.” Mayfeld said and the trio walk among the cheering crowd and towards this large doorway.
“It’s probably in the officers’ mess.” He whispers and they make it over to the mess hall and Mayfeld glances inside and sees in the far left corner there was a terminal. “There it is.” He whispers to the others. “Good luck.” Din said and Mayfeld goes towards the entrance of the mess hall, stops once he sees someone then turns back around.
“I can’t go in there.” He said. “Why not?” (Y/n) asked, confused. “That’s Valin Hess.” Mayfeld said as he gestures to the man that was sitting in one of the tables to the right. “Who?” Din and (y/n) asked. “It’s Valin Hess. I used to serve under him.” Mayfeld replied.
“Will he recognize you?” Din asked him. “I don’t know. I was just a field operative, but I’m not takin’ the chance. It’s over.” Mayfeld said as he starts to walk off but Din stops him. “Let’s just do this quick and we can get out of here.” He said. “I can’t do it, okay? We have to abort. I’m sorry.” Mayfeld said and he starts to walk off again but Din stops him again.
“No. We can’t. If we don’t get those coordinates, we’ll lose the kid forever.” Din said and Mayfeld shakes his head. “Give me the data stick.” Din said. “It’s not gonna work. In order to access the network, the terminal has to scan your face.” Mayfeld said and (y/n) sighs and was about to speak up until Din said. “Give it to me.” And he takes the data stick and walks off. “What? Di…Mando, No!” (Y/n) whisper shouts at him but he ignores her as he walks on.
Din walks in the mess hall then heads over to the terminal as Mayfeld and (y/n) stay to the side of the doorway. He places the data stick in and it comes on and begins to scan Din but then it blinks red. “Error, error. Facial scan incomplete.” The robotic female voice said and Din, quickly, looks over at Hess then back at the terminal.
“Ten seconds to system shutdown. Ten, nine, eight, seven…” the voice said and Din takes off his helmet, which made (y/n) gasp and her eyes widen. From the angle she was at, all she could see was the back of his head with his slightly curly dark hair. “He did it…” she whispered as Din takes the stick out then presses some buttons and the scanner comes back on and scans his face.
“Facial scan complete.” The robotic voice said and Din puts the data stick back in and presses some more buttons. “Trooper!” Hess calls out but Din ignores him as he continues to get the information of Moff’s cruiser.
Hess then gets up and starts to walk towards Din. “Mayfeld.” (Y/n) whispers to Mayfeld, with worry. Mayfeld looks over to see Hess going to Din then he sighs at this.
“Hey, trooper!” Hess shouts and Din closes his eyes, exasperated, for a moment as the terminal dings. Then he grabs the stick and turns to Hess, which let (y/n) see his face, completely. Her heart leapt at the sight of seeing his face, she knew she shouldn’t look at him but she couldn’t help to look at how handsome he had become.
“You really haven’t seen his face before, have you?” Mayfeld asked. “Not since we were kids.” She replied.
“Pay attention when a superior addresses you.” Hess said to Din. “What’s your designation?” He asked Din. “Transport crew.” Din replied in a soft gruff voice. “What?” Hess asked as if he didn’t understand what he said. “My designation is transport copilot.” Din replied, a bit louder.
“No, son. What’s your TK number?” Hess asked and (y/n) and Mayfeld share a worried look. “My TK number is…” Din said, not sure what to say as Hess watches him then Mayfeld walks in the mess hall, (y/n) following close behind him.
“This is my Commanding Officer TK-593, sir. I’m Imperial Combat Assault Transport Lieutenant TK-111, sir. And this is his is Executive Officer TK-221, sir.” Mayfeld said as he and (y/n) comes up next to Din, (y/n) standing right next to Din and Mayfeld stands next to her.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to either speak up to him a little bit or talk to her to have her translate since his vessel lost pressure in Taanab.” Mayfeld said as Din looks over at them. (Y/n), nervously, glances at him but darted her eyes away from him.
Hess looks back over at Din then asked, loudly. “What’s your name, Officer?” Din looks at him and raises an eyebrow at him then Hess looks at (y/n) as if she held the answers. “We just call him Brown Eyes, sir.” (Y/n) said then she turns to Din, looking into his eyes. “Isn’t that right, Officer?” She asked, loudly, as she tried her best to not sound, nervous, and Din looks at her then nods.
“Let’s go fill out this TPS reports, so we can go recharge the power coils.” Mayfeld said, loudly, and (y/n) grabs Din’s arm and they start to walk away but then Hess speaks up. “You’re not dismissed.”
The trio stop and (y/n) tightens her grip on Din’s arm before they turn around to Hess. “You the tank troopers that delivered the shipment of rhydonium?” Hess asked. “Yes, sir.” Mayfeld and (y/n) said. “Yes, sir.” Din said at a bit of a delay and Hess walks back in front of the trio and looks them over.
“Well, you three managed to be the only transport today to deliver their shipment.” Hes said and the trio started to feel a bit nervous then Hess places one hand on Mayfeld’s shoulder and his other hand on Din’s shoulder. “Come with me, hmmm? Let’s get a drink…” Hess said then he turns to Din. “Brown Eyes.” He chuckles and he walks over to the table.
Mayfeld looks at Din then follows Hess. Din looks over at (y/n), who sensed him staring at her and looks up at him. They share a look and the corner of (y/n)’s lips twitched up a bit before her and Din go over to the table.
“So what shall we toast to, boys and girl?” Hess asked as he pulls out some cups and a bottle of a drink. “I can blather on about To health or To success, but I’d like to do somethin’ a little less rote.” Hess said as he pours the trio a drink then he turns to Din.
“Where you from, Brown Eyes?” Hess asked him but before Din could reply, Mayfeld speaks up. “How 'bout a toast to Operation Cinder?” He asked and Hess smiles. “Now there’s a man who knows his history.” Hess said.
“No, I don’t just know it. I lived it. I was in Burnin Konn.” Mayfeld said as Din and (y/n) look over at him. “Burnin Konn? That was a hard day. I had to make many unpleasant decisions.” Hess said. “Yes, you did. Entire city gone in moments, along with everybody in it. We lost our whole division that day. Man, that was like 5-10,000 people.” Mayfeld said.
“Yep.” Hess mutters. “All heroes of the Empire.”
“Yeah. And all dead.” Mayfeld sneered.
“Well, it’s a small sacrifice for the greater good, son.” Hess said as (y/n) and Din both shake their heads at Mayfeld to not do anything stupid.
“Depends on who you ask, don’t you think?” Mayfeld asked. “What you gettin’ at, trooper?” Hess asked, smiling. “All those people, the ones who died, was it good for them? Hmm? Their families? The guys I served with? Civilians, those poor mud scuffers, died defendin’ their homes, fighting for freedom. Was it good for 'em?” Mayfeld asked Hess and Din and (y/n) turn their heads to Hess.
“But we’ve outlasted them, son. They’re eatin’ themselves alive. The New Republic is in complete disarray, and we grow stronger. You see, with the rhydonium you’ve delivered, we can create havoc that’s gonna make Burnin Konn just pale by comparison. And then they’re gonna turn to us once again.” Hess said and Mayfeld looks down, bites his lips then nods with understanding.
Hess then leans forward and clasps his hands together as he looks at Mayfeld. “You see, everybody thinks they want freedom, but what they really want is order. And when they realize that, they’re gonna welcome us back with open arms.” Hess said, smiling, then he grabs his cup and raises it.
“To the Empire.” Hess said. Mayfeld chuckles softly, then pulls out his blaster and shoots Hess straight in the chest. Din and (y/n) were taken aback by this then looked over at Mayfeld, shocked.
They look around as other troopers saw this as well. Before anyone could do anything, Mayfeld shoots the ones in the hall while Din goes over to Hess, takes his blaster and shoots at one Mayfeld missed while (y/n) ducks.
Then the hunters look over Mayfeld, who reached over and grabs Din’s helmet. “You did what you had to do.” He said and hands the helmet to Din. “I never saw your face.” He said and he turns his head away as Din looks down at the helmet then over at (y/n).
She stares into his brown eyes for one more moment then runs her eyes over his face before she smirks and winks at him. At that moment, she walks off to one of the dead troopers and grabs a blaster from them while Din takes the helmet and puts it on.
“Security to main commons.” A voice over the speaker said as more troopers come in. The trio began to fire at them then Mayfeld turns to the windows. “This way!” He shouts and they jump on the edge. “Ready? Go!” Din tells them and the trio kick one of the blinds back and kept firing at the oncoming threat.
They duck under some blinds then make it over on the side. Some troopers started to come out but Fennec and Cara shot at the ones the trio couldn’t get to as the trio get to the top. “C'mom, let’s move, boys.” (Y/n) said as they climbed up on a ladder. "What the hell you think I’m doin’?“ Mayfeld gripes as they get to the roof and see the Slave I coming.
They run across the roof and shoot at the oncoming troopers as the ship flies over them then stops on the other side of the roof and opens the hangar to them. They jump on the ship and it starts to take off.
"Hand me that cycler rifle.” Mayfeld said and (y/n) hands it to him. Mayfeld steady his aims on one of the Juggernauts then fires at it, causing an explosion. Then he turns to the two. “We all need to sleep at night.” He said to then and he walks off while Din and (y/n) share a look before they go in deeper of the ship and the hangar door shuts.
Fett’s radar beeps and he looks down to see that some tie-fighters were following him. “We got company. Hang on.” Fett tells the trio as they get into their seats. He steers a hard left then he flips a switch and drops a bomb on them and he takes off.
Later, Fennec and Cara come up to the Slave I after it landed and see Mayfeld walking out with Din and (y/n), who were back to wearing their normal armor. “Well, looks like it’s back to the scrap heap.” Mayfeld grumbles as Fennec goes into the ship.
“Thank you for helping.” Din said, appreciatively. “Yeah.” Mayfeld mutters. “Uh, good luck gettin’ your kid back.” He said to the hunters then he turns to Cara. “All right, Officer, take me back.” he said as he holds his arms out. “That was some nice shootin’ back there.” She compliments. “Oh, you saw that? Yeah, that, uh, that wasn’t part of the plan. I was just gettin’ some stuff off my chest.” He said and Cara shakes her head then turns to Din and (y/n).
“You know, it’s too bad Mayfeld didn’t make it not alive back there.” She said. “Yeah, too bad.” Din said as (y/n) nods. “What are you talkin’ about?” Mayfeld asked, confused. “Looked to me like prisoner number three-four-six-six-seven died in the refinery explosion on Morak.” Cara said and Mayfeld looks between them.
“Does that mean I can go? Huh? Cause I will.” Mayfeld said and (y/n) gestures for him to go. “All right.” He said as he starts to walk away. “You get the coordinates on Moff Gideon?” Cara asked Din and (y/n). “We did.” Din replied. “What’s our next move?” She asked and Din and (y/n) share a look.
“Sir, you should see this.” An Imperial officer said to Moff once she arrived on the deck. She turns to the table and switches on a full body hologram of Din and (y/n). “Moff Gideon. You have something we want. You may think you have some idea what you are in possession of, but you do not. Soon, he will be back with us. He means more to us than you will ever know.” Din threatens as (y/n) stood next to him, her arms folded across her chest.
Moff Gideon glares at the two until the hologram message ends and looks down as he decides on his next plan.
Back at the Slave I, (y/n) was sitting in a seat by herself, looking down at her hands, when Din walks in then turns to Fennec and Cara, who were standing nearby. “Can you give us a moment?” He asked them. They nod and leave the two hunters alone as Din walks up to her.
She raises her head at him and frowns slightly. “I know what you’re gonna say.” She said and Din tilts his head at her. “You’re gonna go on about how you broke the Creed and Mayfeld and I shouldn’t have seen your face. Get all grumpy about it but…you did what you had to do.” (Y/n) said and Din looks at her.
“Plus you didn’t give me enough time to speak up and say I’d go.” She said. “I’m not mad about that.” Din replied and (y/n) furrows her brow, confused. “I’m just…upset that I didn’t get to show you my face on my own term.” He replied and her eyes widen at this. “Your own term? Y-You mean…?” She started to ask and Din nods.
“I was wanting to show you after we were done with all of this.” He said. “Why?” (Y/n) asked, confused. “Because I care about you.” Din said and he takes her hands and then placed them on his helmet and guides her fingers underneath the helmet.
“You sure you’re okay with this?” (Y/n) asked him. There was a pause before Din says. “I trust you."
(Y/n) let’s out a breath that was a mixture of a chuckle and a sob before she curls her fingers around the edges of the helmet. It let’s out a hiss and she lifts it up as he sets his arms down his sides.
She slowly lifts it up, first seeing his chin then his lips, where a mustache was adorn above his top lip. Then his nose and his eyes which were staring right at (y/n). Once the helmet was off completely, the bangs of his curly dark hair flopped on his forehead, (y/n) sets the helmet aside then looks back at him.
They stare at each other for a few moments before (y/n) speaks up. "Hi.” She said, softly. “Hey.” He greets back and she smiles then she raises her right hand and places it on his cheek. He closes his eyes at this then raised a hand, placed it over hers then turns his head and kissed the palm of her hand.
He turns his head and opens his brown eyes to her, which made her giggle. “What?” He asked. “Nothing, Commander Brown Eyes.” She teased, making him sigh and roll his eyes at this. (Y/n) removes her hand off of his cheek then placed it on his chest as he cups her face in his hands. He stares at her for a moment before he leans in and kisses her, she kissed him back.
Her hands moved up to his neck then her fingers snaked up into his dark hair as he removes his hands off of her face. He then wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her closer to him, their lips continued to move in sync with each other. They break the kiss for a second as they tilt their heads in the opposite direction and continue on with the kiss, acting like they were making up for lost times.
After a few moments, they stop to catch their breathes and lean their foreheads against each other. “Din…” she whispered, softly, and he smiles at this. He pulls his head back a bit and looks her over again. “Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum.” He said and she smiles at this. “Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum.” She said and he gives a smile to her.
She turns and grabs his helmet then turns to him. “I really mean it, Din. With or without the helmet.” She said as she holds up his helmet to him. He looks at the helmet then at her before he leans in and gives her a slow, passionate kiss.
After they share the kiss one more time, (y/n) lifts up the helmet and starts to put it back on his head. Once the helmet was back on, (y/n) smiles again at him before she speaks up.
Grogu babbles on as he looks at the little knob. Din and (y/n) both watch him as the Razor Crest gets closer to Tython. “Grogu.” Din said and Grogu looks up at him, which made Din and (y/n) chuckle.
Grogu goes back to looking at the knob when (y/n) said. “Grogu?” And he looks up at her, making the two hunters chuckle again. “Give me the ball.” Din said as he reaches out for it but Grogu pulls away. “Grogu, give him the ball.” (Y/n) said, in a calm but firm voice much like the one she remembered her dad would use on her when she was young and started to misbehave.
Grogu looks between the two then gives the knob to Din, who takes it. The youngling squeals a bit as Din holds the knob up. “Okay, here we go. You can have it, just like before.” Din said and Grogu raises his little claw. “Grogu, come on. You can have it.” Din said and Grogu raises his arms up higher then starts to close his eyes.
Suddenly, the knob flies out of Din’s hand and into Grogu’s. “Dank farrik!” Din exclaimed, proudly, as he slaps his hand on his knee while (y/n) clapped at this. Then Grogu drops the knob down, thinking they were mad at him.
“Hey, no. We’re not mad at you. You did good. We just…” Din said as Grogu looks up at him, curiously. “When the nice lady said you had training, we just…” Din stops as Grogu frowns at this. Din sighs as (y/n) reaches out to Grogu, picks up the knob and gives it to Grogu. “You’re very special, kid. We’re gonna find that place you belong and they’re gonna take real good care of you.” (Y/n) said as Gorgu takes the knob.
She looks down then turns in her seat and looks at her necklace, a mixture of emotions and thoughts were running through her head. Din turns in his seat as well and flips some switches before he looks over at her.
“Are you alright?” Din asks and (y/n) chuckles, dryly. “I don’t know. How would you feel if you just found out you’re Force sensitive?” she asked. Din shrugs but he understands how lost and confused she is feeling. “It must be overwhelming. I mean, that’s how I would feel if I found out about something like that about me.” he said and she sighs.
“When I was a young girl, my father would tell me this story. The story was about a knight working for the kingdom, and he was one of the best warriors. The clan, he fights for, had strict rules for knights like him to live by. One day, while on a mission, he was badly injured…and a woman saved him, and…he committed a crime that no knight should have ever done.” (y/n) recounts.
“What was the crime?” Din asks, not knowing where this is going. (y/n) smiles at him sadly. “He fell in love with that woman.” she replied before she continued on. “He would visit the woman whenever he could without anyone’s suspicion. Later on, his clan found out about it somehow, so they put him on trial, and he was soon punished for his crime of forming an attachment. He was given a choice: cut off the bonds with the woman…or be banished for his crime. The knight made no protest nor had he cared for his title as he leaves the clan without another word. He came to his lover’s home where he declared his love for her. They married shortly after and then came a child of their own. And they live a peaceful and happy life as village farmers.”
She stopped then looked at the necklace again. “I didn’t realize the story was about his life as a Jedi before he cut ties with them just to be with my mother…until now.” She said as a small smile forms on her face.
“You don’t look upset about it.” Din pointed out. “No…but I’m starting to become afraid.“ She said. "Afraid of what?” Din asked. “Now that I found out I’m Force sensitive, I’m scared that that would change everything between us.” She reveals as she turns to look at him before tears form in her eyes and a sob lodged in her throat.
Din reaches out and wipes away the tears from her face with his thumb then takes one of her hands in his free hand and holds it. “Nothing can change how I feel about you. Jedi or not, you’re still you.” Din said and (y/n) gives him a sad smile before there was a noise that broke the moment.
Din turns towards the console, reluctantly, and looks at the map. "This is Tython.” Din said and he looks over his shoulder at Grogu. “That’s where we’re gonna try and find you a Jedi.” He said as Grogu grunts, still looking at the knob. “But you have to agree to go with them if they want you to. Understand?” Din said and Grogu huffs then shrugs a bit.
“Plus, we can’t train you. You’re too powerful and I don’t know the first thing about the Force. Don’t you wanna learn more of that Jedi stuff?” (Y/n) asked and he looks up at her then looks back down at the knob.
“We agreed to take you back to your own kind, so that’s what we need to do. You understand, right?” Din asked him and he looks up with a frown.
They enter the atmosphere of Tython and began to look around for this temple Ashoka mentioned. All they could see was valley’s and hills until they spot something on top of a hill. “Looks like that’s the magic rock we’re supposed to take you to down there.” (Y/n) said and Din steers the ship but couldn’t find a place to land.
“Sorry, buddy. I can’t land on the top. Too small. Looks like we’re gonna have to travel the last stretch with the windows down.” Din tells him.
After finding a place to land, the hunters put on their jetpacks and began to fly towards the temple, Grogu in Din’s arms as he whoops with glee as the wind blows in his face. They land and walk towards this structure that had six large long rocks surrounding this large round rock in the middle of it.
“Well, I guess this is it.” (Y/n) said and they walk closer to the round rock and look around. “Does this look Jedi to you?” Din asked and (y/n) shrugs. They walk up to the boulder and Din begins to place Grogu on top of it. “I guess you sit right here.” He said as he places Grogu on the rock. “Okay. Here we go.” (Y/n) said and they continue to look around but nothing.
They look over at Grogu but he seemed as confused as they were. “This is the seeing stone, are you seeing anything? Or are they supposed to see you?” (Y/n) asked but Grogu coos at this. Din switches the inferred scanner on his helmet and looks around the seeing stone.
“Maybe there’s some kind of control or something.” He said but as he walks around, he didn’t see anything. Then a blue butterfly flaps towards and around Grogu, who tries to reach out for it.
“Oh, come on, kid. Ashoka told us all we had to do was get you here and you’d do the rest.” Din said but then they heard a ship approaching. They look up and see a ship flying horizontally in the sky and this raised up red flags as the two hunters follow where the ship was going.
It started to land when Din and (y/n) turned back to Grogu. “Time’s up, kid. We gotta get out of here.” Din said but as they turned around a blue-white light surrounded Grogu, who looked like he was meditating.
“We don’t have time for this. We got to get…” Din said as he starts to reach out towards Gorgu but was flung back, hitting (y/n) and made both of them fall back. “Sorry.” Din whispered to her as they get up. “It’s okay.” She whispered back before they turn to Grogu.
“Hey! Snap out of it, kid! We got to get out of here!” (Y/n) shouts but Grogu doesn’t move as he continues to meditate. The two hunters turn back towards the new coming ship and Din could see someone was walking out of the ship.
He pulls out his blaster and (y/n) does the same. “We’ll see if we can buy you some time. Can you please hurry up?” Din asked Gorgu then the duo run down the hill and try to find the new comer.
They were a few miles away when, suddenly, they were shot at. Din pulls (y/n) down and ducks behind a large boulder. “I’ve been tracking you and your friend, Mandalorian.” A male voice said. Din and (y/n) raise up to look over the boulder to see a large cloaked figure some feet in front of them.
The two stand up and come out of cover but they keep their blasters aimed at the figure. “Are you Jedi? Or are you after the Child?” (Y/n) asked but the figure said nothing.
Then he pushes his hood off of his head to reveal a bald man with some scars across his face. “I’m here for the armor.” The man said as he walks up to the hunters. “If you want my armor, you’ll have to peel it off my dead body.” Din threatens but the man stops.
“I don’t want your armor. I want my armor that you got from Cobb Vanth back on Tatooine. It belongs to me.” The man said. “Are you Mandalorian?” (Y/n) asked him. “I’m a simple man making his way through the galaxy. Like my father before me.” The man replied.
“Did you take the Creed?” Din asked him. “I give my allegiance to no one.” The man growls. “The beskar belongs to the Mandalorians. It was looted from us during the Purge.” Din said. “The armor was my father’s. Now it’s mine.” The man said.
“What’s to stop us from dropping you right where you stand?” (Y/n) asked him. “Because I have a sharpshooter up on that ridge with a locked scope that will unload by the time my body hits the ground.” The man said. “I’m the one wearing beskar.” Din said. “And I have beskar shields.” (Y/n) said as she gestures to her gauntlets.
“As soon as we see that muzzle flash, you’re both dead.” Din threatens. “I didn’t mean she was going to shoot you two. My friend’s locked into that little companion of yours up in the henge.” The man said, making the hunters turn towards the stone hedges.
“And if you remember, I don’t miss.” A familiar female voice said and they look up to see Fennec laying on her stomach, her gun trained towards the henge. “Fennec?” Din and (y/n) said, shocked. “You two have keen ears.” She said and the man smirks, slightly. "You point that gun away from the kid or we’ll drop you both where you stand.“ (Y/n) threatens as Din flicks his wrist, activating the whistling bird.
"Let’s all put down our weapons, have a chat. There’s no need for bloodshed.” The man said. “Tell her to drop the gun.” Din said. “After you and your friend put down the jetpacks.” The man said. “Same time.” Din said and the man looks up at Fennec.
“Stand down.” He said and Fennec stands up and starts to walk down and Din deactivates the whistling bird. Everyone begins to put away their weapons and Din and (y/n) remove their jetpacks.
“You two look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” Fennec said as she comes up and stands next to the man. “You were dead.” Din said. “She was left for dead in the sands of Tatooine, as was I. But fate sometimes steps in to rescue the wretched.” The man said. “In my case, Boba Fett was that fate.” Fennec said as she gestures towards the man and pulls back the strap around her middle, revealing robotic replacements.
“And I am now in his service.” She said as she puts the strap back on around her waist. “I want my armor back.” Fett orders. “It goes against the Mandalorian Creed.” Din said, shaking his head.
“The armor was given to my father, Jango, by your forebears. In exchange, I guarantee the safety of the Child, as well as your own and your friend.” Fett said. “The bounty in your litte friend has risen significantly. You can buy ten suits of armor for the price on its head.” Fennec informs. “I’d say we’re offering a fair deal under the circumstances.” Fett said.
But before anything else could be said, another ship approaches and flies over them. The four of them began to run and off as Din and (y/n) head towards Grogu and Fett and Fennec follow the newly arrived ship.
“Time to go, kid!” Din shouts as they approach Grogu, who was still meditating and had the shield around him. Din tries to get to him but he was flung back, then he rolls and lands on his front. “Din!” (Y/n) screams, fearfully, as he doesn’t move. She starts to breathe, quickly, before she looks back at Grogu.
She starts to slow her breathing down then walk towards Grogu but it felt like something was pushing her back. She kept pushing through, grunting and pushing her body as hard as she could. She reaches her arms out and could just feel the cloth of Grogu’s clothes on her fingertips when she was, suddenly, flung back and hit the ground, knocking her out.
Minutes later, Din wakes up and could hear gunfire in the distance when he looks over to see Grogu still meditating with the shield around him. He looks to his left and sees (y/n) on her back, unconscious. He goes over to her and kneels down as he starts to slightly shake her.
“(Y/n)…(y/n)…cyar'ika…" He said and (y/n) groans as she starts to wake up. "You okay?” He asked her. “Yeah…I…almost had him, Din…I was so close.” she said as he helps her sit up. Then he gets up and goes to the edge to see two ships had landed with Stormtroopers running out of them, fighting Fennec and Fett.
Din goes over to help (y/n) up and they look at Grogu again. “That’s it, kid. We got to get out of here!” Din said and the duo walk towards him but it felt like something kept pushing them back until something shocked them to stumble back.
“Okay, we’re gonna protect you. Just stay there. We’ll be back soon.” Din said and he and (y/n) make their way down to the fight. But seconds after they left, the force field shuts down and Grogu topples over to the side and falls asleep
Fennec was shooting at any Stormtroopers coming her way but then she got surrounded. But it didn’t last long as Din activates his whistling birds and fires it while (y/n) fires her blaster at some Stormtroopers. “Okay, let’s move in.” Din said as him, Fennec and (y/n) group together as the Stormtroopers began to open fire at them.
“This isn’t looking good.” Fennec said. “We’ve seen worse.” (Y/n) said as she fires and kills some of the troopers. “You can get out of here. We owe you from last time.” Din tells Fennec. “We had a deal.” Fennec said to him.
The Stormtroopers began to surround the three as Din was able to handle the blasters with his armor and (y/n) had to activate her shields and move her arms around to block any of the blasts coming her way.
Everything seemed overwhelming when some bombs land in front of the Stormtroopers and blew up. Then Fett, now in his father’s armor, lands behind a trooper and began to take them out with every weapon he had, guns, missiles, you name it.
The troopers began to retreat and head into their ship and fly off. Fett then brought up his scope then fired the missile that was on his back and hit one ship, which crashed into the second ship. “Nice shot.” (Y/n) compliments. “I was aiming for the other one.” Fett said and (y/n) scoffs out a chuckle.
Then a blast from the sky flies down and hits the Razor Crest, destroying it completely. Din and (y/n) run a few steps and stop in shock at what just happened, Din’s ship…his…their home was completely gone.
“We better get to your ship.” Fennec said to Fett as (y/n) covers her gaping mouth. Fett then flies up and Din looks up and sees a large arrow shaped ship up in the sky. “The kid!” He exclaims and he, (y/n) and Fennec run towards the hedges when they look up and see four large figures flying down towards Grogu’s location.
They land down on the hedges but by the time the trio get there, they are two late as these large black droid grabbed Grogu and take off. (Y/n) sensed Grogu’s fear as she looks up and she began to feel it as well.
“They’ve got the baby. Don’t let them get away.” Fennec said in her communicator. “Affirmative.” Fett said as his ship flies after the droids. “I have a lock.” Fett said as he targets them. “Stop him!” (Y/n) said, panicked. “We don’t want the Child hurt.” Din adds. “Abort pursuit. Disengage. Do not harm the Child.” Fennec said.
“Copy. I’ll do a loose follow, see where they’re headed.” Fett said and he follows them and was able to see where they were heading.
“They’re back.” Fett said, shocked. “Who?” Fennec asked. “The Empire. They’re back.” Fett replied. “That can’t be. The Outer Rim is under the jurisdiction of the New Republic.” Fennec said. “This isn’t a spice dream. I can see the Imperial cruiser with my own eyes. Heading down.” Fett said and he steers the ship away while (y/n) looks over at Din with fear and worry, a look he hasn’t seen on her since they were kids.
Later on, Din and (y/n) look around the destroyed remains of the Razor Crest, to see if anything survived. Fennec and Fett watch over them as the two hunters look around. Then (y/n) found the little knob. She holds it in the palm of her hand and felt tears pricking the side of her eyes as she stares at it.
Din comes up to her and she looks up at him just in time to see a tear run down her face. He clasps her hand, which was holding the knob, between both of his hands then they raise their heads to face each other before leaning their foreheads against each others. (Y/n) closes her eyes for a moment before Din takes the knob out of her hand and pockets it.
“We’ll get him back, cyar'ika.” Din whispers to her. (Y/n) felt her heart leap at the pet name before she nods and wipes away the tears. She and Din continue to search when she and Din found that the beskar staffs had survived. They pick them up and started to walk towards Fennec and Fett.
“These are all that survived.” Din said as he gestures to the staffs. “Beskar.” Fett said and (y/n) nods. “I want to show you two something.” Fett said and he raises up his gauntlet and a hologram of codes appeared.
“My chain code has been encoded in this armor for 25 years. You see, this is me. Boba Fett. This is my father, Jango Fett.” Fett explained as he points at the codes. “Your father was a foundling.” Din said. “Yes. He even fought in the Mandalorian Civil Wars.” Fett said as he turns off the hologram.
“Then that armor belongs to you.” (Y/n) said and Fett nods. “I appreciate its return.” He says. “Then our deal is complete.” Din said. “Not quite.” Fett said. “How so?” Din asked.
“We agreed in exchange for the return of my armor, we will ensure the safety of the Child.” Fett said. “The Child’s gone.” Din said, his voice cracking a bit, while (y/n) bites her lips then looks down. “Until he is returned to both of you safely, we are in your debt.” Fett said and the two hunters look between them as Fennec nods in agreement.
Later, Fett brings them to Nevarro and Din and (y/n) make their way into the village and meet up with Cara Dune. “Cara Dune, Marshal of the New Republic.” Din said as he tosses her badge to her after she showed it to them. “We heard rumors you might have gone legit.” (Y/n) said. “I wouldn’t go that far.” Cara said, smiling.
“We need your help.” Din said to her. “Name it.” She said. “I need you to locate someone in the prison registry.” Din said. “Let’s see what I can do.” Cara said and she sits up and starts to look through some files on her computer.
“Ex-Imperial sharpshooter, last name Mayfeld. Apprehended near the Dilestri system on a derelict prison ship.” Din said as Cara flips through the files until she found Mayfeld’s file. “Migs Mayfeld. Serving 50 years in the Karthon Chop Fields for springing a prisoner himself. Accessory to the death of a New Republic officer.” Cara reads off the file.
“Huh. Sounds like a real piece of work. What do you two want with him?” She asked them. “We need to spring him to help us locate Moff Gideon’s light cruiser.” (Y/n) said as Cara sits back in her chair. “You know how I feel about the Empire. But these stripes….” Cara said as she points at her new badge. “…mean there are rules I need to follow.” She finishes.
“They have the kid.” Din tells her and then her face goes to a serious and angry look.
The Razor Crest soared through the same old inky starry sky as (y/n) flip some switches then turns to Din as she sighs. “All right, let’s try this again.” She said and Din nods before he turns to the wall behind.
“Okay, did you….do you have the wire?” He calls out and the alarm went off. Din comes up besides (y/n) and pushes some buttons. “No. Nothing.” He mutters and (y/n) turns in her chair to the wall, where there is a hole and the Child was inside.
“Hey…oh…” she said before she clears her throat and Din walks over to the hole and kneels down. “Okay. Did you get the wire out? The red wire?” He asked as the Child looks at the wires then holds up the blue wire.
“No, no, no. No, the red one. Show me the red wire.” Din said to the Child. The Child looks down then coos as he holds up the red wire to him. “Yes, good. Now, you’re going to plug that red wire where the blue wire goes in the board.” Din explains as best as he could, pointing at the little circuit board in front of the Child.
The Child coos as he looks between the two wires. “Put the red wire where the blue wire goes in the board, okay?” Din said and the Child turns back to the board just as Din adds. “But don’t let them touch.”
Then the Child turns, quickly, to him and coos a “huh?” to him. “Din, you’re scaring him.” (Y/n) said to Din, with worry. “I’m just warning him.” Din said before he turns back to the Child. “You see where you took the blue one off?” Din asked the Child, who holds up the blue wire and looks at it. “Yes, now put the red one…” Din said but the Child puts the blue wire back in the board.
“No, don’t put the blue one back. Put the red one where the blue one was.” Din said and the Child pulls the blue wire out and gives a confused look to Din. “And put the blue one where the red one was. But be careful.” Din said as the Child looks between the wires while (y/n) holds back a smile and tries not to giggle.
“They’re oppositely charged, so keep them away from each other. Make sure you hold them apart from…” Din said but then the Child started to bring the wires together. “No, hold them apart.” Din said but too late as the Child brings the wires together and electricity starts to crackle and shock the Child.
(Y/n) jumps at this then comes over and kneels next to Din just as smoke blows out and Din sighs. (Y/n) looks inside the hole and had a worried look towards the Child. “Are you okay?” She asked, worried, and the Child coughs then whines. (Y/n) sighs with relief while Din sighs again. “Well, it was worth a shot.” Din said and (y/n) shakes her head.
Later on, after getting the Child out of the hole, the trio sit in the lower deck of the ship and each of them had a cup of soup in their hands. “There’s no way we’re making it to Corvus in this shape." Din said then he lifts his helmet up a little just as he and (y/n), in unison, sip their soup.
As Din sips his soup, the Child tilts his head to the side and tries to look at his face but couldn’t really see it. Din finishes his sip and puts his helmet back down over his face. "I think we need to visit some friends for repairs.” (Y/n) said and Din turns to her and nods. “Agreed.” He said then they turn to the Child.
“So, how’d you like to go back to Nevarro?” (Y/n) asked the Child, who looks up with intrigue. “I’ll take that as a yes.” She said and the three of them start to sip their soups at the same time.
As they enter Nevarro’s atmosphere, the Razor Crest’s alarm keeps going off but (y/n) would flips some switches with one hand while holding the Child with the other hand; while Din steers the ship.
The Razor Crest stutters and shakes as it gets ready to land and Cara and Greef come up to greet. Once it lands, the back door slowly opens and Din and (y/n), with the Child in her arms, walk out while Greef and Cara smile amongst each other.
“Looks like someone could use some repairs.” Greef said as Din jumps off of the back door as it wouldn’t lower down. Then he turns around and holds his arms out to help (y/n) down. She lands down on her feet and the two hunters walk towards Greef and Cara.
Greef gives a small smile to the two then starts to shake Din’s hand. “How’s our credit around here?” Din asked Greef while (y/n) and Cara shake hands. “I think something could be arranged.” Greef said as he and Din stops shaking hands then turns to Cara. “Isn’t that right, Marshal?” He asked as Cara smiles then she starts to hold the Child’s little claw hand that wasn’t holding onto (y/n)’s crystal necklace.
“I’m sure we can work somethin’ out.” She said and Din looks over at Cara then back at Greef. “I’ll get my best people on it.” Greef said then he turns around to a couple of guys nearby. “Hey, fellas! Let’s fix their ship! I want it as good as new.” Greef tells them and one of them responds back to him in their own alien language.
Greef then turns back to Din and (y/n) then looks at the Child. “And you, come here, little one!” He chuckles as he takes the Child out of (y/n)’s arms. The Child let’s go of (y/n)’s necklace as Greef holds him up.
“Has Mando and (y/n) been taking good care of you, huh?” Greef asked the Child before he raises his head towards the two hunters and asked, in a commanding voice. “Have you been takin’ good care o’ him?"
The Child then coos at him and Greef looks down at him. "Yeah? Yeah!” He said then he turns to the hunters and said. “He said yeah!” Then he turns and starts to walk away with the Child in his arms, laughing. Cara gestures for the hunters to follow and they start to walk into the village, which was full of people.
“Looks like you two have been busy.” Din points out as he and (y/n) look around the busy streets. “I myself have been steeped in clerical work. Marshal Dune here is to be thanked for cleaning up the town.” Greef said and Cara turns to the hunters.
“Your ship’s not lookin’ too good.” She said. “We had a run-in with the New Republic.” (Y/n) said. “They should leave the Outer Rim alone. If the Empire couldn’t settle it, what makes them think they can?” Greef said just as they approach a building and he starts to tap on the pad that was on the wall.
“Here we are.” He said as he puts in a code. “I’m surprised to see this place is still standing.” (Y/n) said as the doors open and Greef goes inside. Cara starts to follow the she turns to face them and spreads her arms out, wide. “Wait til you see the inside.” She said as she turns and walks inside.
The two hunters share a look before the follow along just as a female robotic voice said. “Who can name one of the five major trade routes in the galaxy? Anyone?”
The two hunters walk in and see that the place was remodeled as a school as there were several desks and young children inside with a droid at the front. “Hoe about the Corellian Run?” The droid asked then a boy speaks up. “The Hydian Way?”
“A school?” Din and (y/n) said as they look at Greef and Cara. “Things have changed a lot around here.” Cara said. “We’ll leave the little one here so we can talk business.” Greef said and he starts to walk away just as Din and (y/n) step up, both worried. “Wait. Wherever we go, he goes.” Din said and Greef turns to him.
“Mando, please. Where we’re going, you two don’t wanna take a child. Trust me.” Greef tells them and he walks off. “He’ll be fine here. You two have my word.” Cara assures the two hunters as Greef places the Child in an empty seat.
The other children notice this and began to whisper as Greef comes back to the others. “Come on.” He said and he and Cara leave while Din and (y/n) stay back a bit and both of them look over at the Child with worry before they both leave.
Greef takes them over to another building where the Mythrol was sitting behind a desk. “There’s no registration on the ship, but I’m pretty sure it belongs…” the Mythrol started to say but looks up and stops once he sees Din walking in behind Greef. “I believe you two have met.” Greef said to the Mythrol, who looks at Din with fear.
“I’m surprised to see you here.” Din said to him. “Right back at you.” The Mythrol said, nervously. “Oh, so you were the one who grabbed him.” (Y/n) said to Din as she walks up next to him.
“Mythrol here’s taken care of my books since he was a pollywog. But then he disappeared one day after a bit of creative accounting.” Greef said as he glares at Mythrol. “Magistrate Karga was generous enough to let me work off my debt.” The Mythrol said, smiling nervously. “Thank you, by the way.” He said to Greef.
“Three hundred and fifty years, but who’s counting?” Greef said, shrugging. “Well, if he runs off on you again, let me know.” Din said to Greef. “Let me assure you, I do not wanna spend any more time in carbonite. Still can’t see outta my left eye.” Mythrol said. “Sounds like you got off too easy. If it were me that caught you….well….” (Y/n) said, shrugging, as she gives a bit of a sly smirk towards Mythrol.
Mythrol looks over at her then realized who she was. “You’re the one they call Manda, right?” He asked, nervously. “So you have heard of me. Good.” (Y/n) said and Mythrol gives a scared look towards he while, under his helmet, Din gives her a proud smile.
“Can we talk business?” Cara asked as she walks in and goes to the desk across from Mythrol. “We’re only here for repairs.” Din said to her. “Which’ll take a while. Which means you two will have free time on your hands, right? And we could really use your help.” Greef said to the hunters.
“Help how?” (Y/n) asked and Cara bends down and twists a knob on a device and it projects a map of Nevarro. “This is Nevarro. We’re here.” Cara said as she points at a red dot on the bottom of the map. “This entire area’s a green zone. Completely safe. But over on this side is the problem.” She said as she moves the projection and it brings what looks like a large wall colored in red.
“It’s an old Imperial base.” Greef said. “It’s where all those troops came from when we defeated Moff Gideon. This base has been here since the Imperial expansion. It’s got a skeleton crew, but for some reason, it hasn’t been abandoned.” Cara informs them as the two hunters look at the map.
“There’s a lot o’ heavy weaponry in that place the black market would love to dismantle and get their hands on.” Greef said. “And you wanna mop up the last of the Imperial force before they do.” Din said. “Mando, I just want them off my planet. If we could take out the one last base, Nevarro would be completely safe. We could be a trade anchor for the entire sector.” Greef said. “And the planet would finally be free.” Cara said.
Din look between Cara and Greef before he and (y/n) share a look. They stare at each other for a moment before (y/n) nods then he turns to the others. “What are we looking at?” Din asked and Cara smiles.
Later on, the group were speeding through a desert valley in a speeder just as Greef turns to Din and (y/n). “The whole base is powered by a reactor.” He said. “We sneak in, overloaded the reactor and get the hell outta there.” Cara said. “Let’s be fast. And keep the speeder running.” (Y/n) said as she looks at Mythrol, who was driving the speeder.
“There it is, right there. You see it?” Greef said to the hunters as they round the corner of the valley and see the base. “How close you want me to drop you off?” Mythrol asked. “How ‘bout the front door?” Greef asked and Mythrol begins to blink and shake, nervously.
“It’s a little close for a civilian, don’t ya think?” Mythrol asked. “I got two choice for ya. You take us in and I knock a hundred years off your debt.” Greef said.
“Or?” Mythrol asked.
“Or I leave ya out here in the lava flats to walk home with whatever’s left in your humidity vest.” Greef said, firmly. “It’s not much of a choice, is it?” Mythrol said and he takes them close to the front doors of the base.
“All right. We can’t go any further than this.” Mythrol said as he pulls up and stops at the door. “Let’s go.” Greef said and he, Cara and the two hunters get out of the speeder and go up to the door and to the door panel.
Din messes with the switches and buttons but nothing happens. “Controls are useless. They’re melted.” He said as he turns to the others. “Well, it’s probably not rated for lava.” Greef said as Din and (y/n) walk out and look around. “Imperial trash.” Cara growls.
“All right, I’m headed back. Hit me up on the comm, we could set up a rendezvous time.” Mythrol said as he flips some switches on the speeder console. “You park your gills right there until I say otherwise.” Greef said, firmly, as he points at him. “I’m startin’ to dehydrate, boss.” Mythrol said, pathetically.
“Okay, how does thirty more years off your debt sound?” Greef asked and Mythrol thinks for a moment. “Can you at least be quick about it?” He asked. “You wanna be quick? Grab the flange cutter and help us out!” Greef said. Mythrol groans and presses some buttons on the landspeeder and starts to get out.
“Okay, fine. I don’t like leaving my speeder like this, just so you know.” Mythrol grumbles. “Come on, hurry it up.” Greef shouts. “All right, I’m coming.” Mythrol said as he grabs the cutter and walks up to the door. “Hurry up.” Greef said and Mythrol walks up to the door and gets to work.
Meanwhile, Din and (y/n) look up at the landing base above them then they both look at each other. “Thinking what I’m thinking?” (Y/n) asked him, quietly, and Din nods. She smiles at him before they turn to the others. “Hold tight.” Din said to them and he and (y/n) use their jetpacks and fly up towards the landing base.
Mythrol throws his arms up in frustration before he goes back to work on the door panel. “How long is this gonna take?” Cara asked, impatiently. “Look, lady, this is rated for light plumbing and such. You’re lucky I even packed it at all.” Mythrol said to her, annoyed before going back to work.
“Dank farrik.” Cara growls when they heard screaming. They look up just as two Stormtroopers land right in front of them and the door opens for them. Greef and Cara get in but Mythrol doesn’t move. “Are you comin’ in or what?” Greef asked, annoyed. “I’ll take my chances here, but thank you.” Mythrol said.
“Well, when the lava tide comes in, give us a holler. We’ll drop you a rope.” Cara said. Mythrol was about to say something but stops and gets in with them and the door shuts.
Once they get to the top, the door opens to reveal Din and (y/n) standing there with a few dead Stormtroopers surrounding them. “Empty base, huh?” (Y/n) said with skepticism and Greef, Cara and Mythrol walk out of the elevator. Cara goes to walk on the edge of the walkway as Greef said. “The reactor should be set in the heat shaft. If we drain the cooling lines, this whole base will go up in a matter of minutes."
"Look, it’s mint Trexler Marauder. We can get a lot for this on the black market.” Mythrol said as he points at a large square vehicle that was covered. “And it’s gonna get vaporized like the rest of this base. Now, let’s go.” Din said and Greef nods as he, Din, Cara and (y/n) walk off while Mythrol looks at the Marauder. “Such a waste.” He sighs and they come up to a door, which begins to open.
They all stick to the sides of the door and peak over to see if anyone would come in. But there was nothing but some parked speeder bikes. Greef and Din nod and they make their way inside the base.
Once inside, Cara grabs the lone guard that was sitting at the main console. She chokes him out as Din comes up the console and flicks all of the security cameras on and off. Greef and Mythrol loot the guards body until Greef holds up a long cylinder device.
“This will come in handy.” He said to Mythrol. “I found the hear shaft.” Din said then he pulls out his blaster. “Let’s go.” He said and the group head out of the room.
“The access corridor should be right past this junction.” Din said as they walk down a hallway then make a right turn. “Must’ve blown a transformer over there.” A voice said and the group peeks over to see some Stormtroopers walking by. “All right. We’ll check it out.” Another Stormtrooper said as the group ducks back.
Once they walk off the group of five slinks past them and turn another corner. “There, Mythrol, slice that door.” Din said as they come up to the door. “Use the code cylinder.” Greef said as he hands the cylinder to the Mythrol.
Mythrol accepts it and puts it in the slot and presses a couple of buttons, making the door open. They walk in to the room to see the reactor but it was on a very thin and narrow walkway.
(Y/n) looks down to see that hundreds of feet below was lava. “Whoa!” Mythrol said, shocked. “Yeah, whoa is right.” Greef said before he looks over at the reactor. “That’s it.” He said as he points at it and everyone looks at it. “Get on the reactor controls, drain the coolant lines. We’ll watch the doors.” Greef said as he looks at Mythrol, who looks taken aback by this.
“Me?” He asked, pointing at himself. “Yes, you!” Greef growls. “I’m afraid o’ heights. And heat. And lava.” Mythrol whines. “How 'bout if I put ya back in the carbonite? Get over there!” Greef yells and Mythrol walks over to the narrow walkway and slams his foot on it a few times before turning back to Greef.
“There’s no guard rail on this.” He whines. “Come on!” Greef yells and Mythrol jumps a bit then starts to slowly make his way back to the controls.
Once he gets there, Mythrol starts to type away on the control panel and it starts buzzing at him. “Come on, hurry up, hurry up. Hurry up!” Greef growls at Mythrol as he continues to press the buttons. Then Mythrol puts in the code cylinder in the slot and starts to press a few more buttons.
The alarm starts to go off and he looks down to see the lava start to rise a bit. “All right, she’s gonna blow.” Mythrol said as he makes his way back. “Let’s go! Let’s get outta here!” Mythrol shouts and they run out of the room.
“How long do we have?” (Y/n) asked as they continue to run. “Ten minutes at the most.” Greef tells her and they run but then Din stops everyone once they hear some Stormtroopers. “Call in reinforcements!” One of them shouts and Din directs the group to go the other way.
They run down a hall and take a few turns to see a couple of guys at a console. They stop as one of the men looks up then shouts. “Destroy them!” And he goes to fire at the group while his partner fires his blaster at the console.
Din, (y/n), Greef and Cara fire at the men while Mythrol cowers back. Once the men were dead, the group turns and sees some canisters with some form of bodies inside of it. They looked like they were halfway developed.
“What the…” Greef mutters, shocked. “I thought you said this was a forward operating base.” (Y/n) said as she looks over at Greef. “I thought it was.” Greef said as he continues to stare at the tanks in shock. “No, this isn’t a military operation. This is a lab.” Cara said then she turns to Mythrol.
“We need to get into the system and figure out what’s going on.” She said to him. “What about the reactor…” Mythrol started to argue but Cara turns to him and said, firmly. “Do it!”
He jumps back then runs over to the console. “I don’t like this.” Din said and (y/n) nods as Mythrol flips some switches on the console and brings up a hologram recording of Dr. Pershing.
“Replicated the results of the subsequent trials, which also resulted in catastrophic failure.” Pershing’s recording said and everyone turns to it and listens. “There were promising effects for an entire fortnight, but then, sadly, the body rejected the blood. I highly doubt we’ll find a donor with a higher M-count, though. I recommend that we suspend all experimentation. I fear that the volunteer will meet the same regrettable fate if we proceed with the transfusion. Unfortunately, we have exhausted our initial supply of blood. The Child is small, and I was only able to harvest a limited amount without killing him.” Pershing said and Din and (y/n) share a look before Pershing continues.
“If these experiments are to continue as requested, we would again require access to the donor. I will not disappoint you again, Moff Gideon.” Pershing said before the hologram ends.
“This must be an old transmission. Moff Gideon is dead.” Din said. “No.” Mythrol said and everyone looks over at him. “This recording’s three days old.” He said and (y/n)’s eyes widen. “If Gideon’s alive then…” she started to say but then some Stormtroopers come in and started firing.
The group fired back then took cover as they take out all the Stormtroopers. Once they were taking down, Din turns to the others. “We need to get the kid.” He said. “Jet pack, you’re faster that way. We’ll head to the speeder and meet you two in town.” Cara said as Din and (y/n) go one way and Greef, Cara and Mythrol head another way.
“Haar'chak.” (y/n) mutters as her and Din turns a corner and see more Stormtroopers. But they didn’t stand a chance as the two hunters took them out with ease and continued on. They make their way back to the reactor room and were about to take off when some more Stormtroopers come in.
They fire and kill a couple of Stormtroopers then fly up towards the opening. Once they get out they land on the ground when a Stormtrooper shoots at Din, but the blast hits his beskar armor and (y/n) turns and shoots the Stormtrooper.
Then the two hunters do a bit of a run before they start up their jetpacks and fly back to town.
Meanwhile, Cara, Greef and Mythrol were able to make their escape on the Trexler Marauder but they were followed by some of the troopers on their bikes. Greef got into the the gun control and took out the trooper.
Finally the base explodes and Mythrol cheers until some tie-fighters fly in. Greef tries to fire at them but it seemed he couldn’t get a good aim on them until he finally hit one. But then another tie-fighter fires at the Marauder’s gun, taking it out and knocking Greef back.
“We’re almost there!” Mythrol shouts as they get closer and closer to the town but the tie-fighters were getting closer and they fly over them and were about to turn when one of them explodes.
The trio look up and see the newly fixed Razor Crest soaring through the air and they cheered.
Meanwhile, inside the Razor Crest, Din turns to the Child and said. “Hang on, kid.” The Child coos and nibbles on his cookies before he holds his arms up. (Y/n) smiles at him as Din has the shop go faster and chase the tie-fighter. The Child giggles, excitedly, as he holds his arms up while on the ground Greef, Cara and the Mythrol make it to the town.
The Razor Crest gets closer to one of the tie-fighters until Din pushes the trigger, fires and destroys the tie-fighter. The Child whoops as he continues to hold his hand up in the air, like he was having the time of his life.
The Razor Crest then turns around and faces the last tie-fighter. Din pushes a lever forward and the Razor Crest goes forward just as the tie-fighter fires at it. Din maneuvers the ship to do a barrel roll, which made the Child giggle with glee.
The two ships get closer and closer until the Razor Crest fires and blows the last tie-fighter up. “Not too bad, huh, kid?” Din asked the Child as he and (y/n) turn around to face him. The Child has an upset look then he spits up all on his collar.
“Oh, boy.” Din mutters then he switches on the communication radio while (y/n) picks up the Child, holds him in her arms and tries to look around for something to clean him up with.
“That was some pretty impressive flying, Mando. What do I owe ya?” Greef said while Din grabs the corner of his cape and uses it to wipe off the vomit on the Child’s face and clothes. “With the repairs, let’s call it even.” Din tells him as the Child whines then curls up to (y/n)’s chest after he finished wiping the vomit off.
“Can I at least buy you two a drink?” Greef asked. “Sorry. We have some onboard maintenance we gotta take care of. Then we gotta hit the road before Gideon catches wise.” Din tells him. “Well, good luck flying, my friends.” Greef said and the Razor Crest flies over them and out to their next destination.
Sometime later, Din was left at the cockpit by himself. It was then he realized that it had been awhile since (y/n) went to go put the Child to sleep. He started to become worried so he puts the ship on autopilot then heads down the ladder.
He looks around until he opens the door that leads into the sleeping quarters and saw a sight before him. On the bed was the Child snuggled up to (y/n)’s chest, asleep, and the Dar'manda was sound asleep with him. Din huffs out a chuckle as he looks at them and folds his arms across his chest.
As he looks over their sleeping forms, he started to think how they were almost done with the mission and he began to wonder what would happen next. Would (y/n) stay with him or go out on her merry way?
Just the thought of her leaving made Din’s heart feel heavy and made him feel scared for the first time. He already went on for ten years without her, he really didn’t want to go through that again. Without her, the place in his heart is nothing more than a empty void as if it were incomplete. A missing piece that holds dearly to him.
He slowly sits down on the edge of the bed then he reaches over towards her and started to stroke (y/n)’s hair, pushing some strands of hair behind her ear. A small smile appears on her lips and he chuckles, softly, at this.
He sighs, softly, and sits up then looks over at her and remembers an old memory. It was just the night of when their village was attacked and their parents were killed, he couldn’t sleep so he decided to take a bit of a walk.
But as he walked out of his room, he heard someone crying. He went up to the door next to his room and heard a girl crying and calling out for her mom and dad. Immediately, he goes in and sees the girl toss and turn in her bed, looking distressed.
He went up to her and shakes her shoulder to wake her up. “Hey! Hey, you’re okay!” He told her until she opened her eyes. Shaking in cold sweats, she looks around, frantically, for a moment then sat up as she catches her breath.
“S-S-So it wasn’t a dream….” she mutters, disappointed, and looks down, sad. “No…” he said, softly. The girl sighs then begins to fiddle with the necklace around her neck. He noticed that and tried to change the subject, so she could feel better.
It worked for a bit as she told him that the necklace was from her father but he told her that the crystal was very special. Then she started to get a little sad and he started to share a little bit of his past with his parents to her.
They each share fond memories of their parents until she looked down and thanked him for making her feel a bit better. He told her she was welcome and that’s when they introduced themselves to each other.
“Din.”
“(Y/n). I thought I recognized you from school.” She said and he nods. “Same here.” He said and the two share a smile.
Afterwhile, she started to feel sleepy and he got up and was about to walk out but she grabs his hand. He turned to her, confused, until she said, in a soft voice. “Stay.” He was taken aback by it but found himself nodding and climbed into bed with her, and both of then fell asleep.
Din shakes himself out of the memories and looks back at (y/n), who was still asleep. He smiles, fondly, at her then reaches up towards his helmet and starts to, slowly, remove it. He leans in and, gently, kissed her forehead. He quickly pulls back and puts his helmet on as she started to stir a bit but she didn’t wake up.
He huffs out a breath and starts to get up when he felt a hand on top of his left hand. He looks down and sees it was (y/n)’s hand on top of his. Din looks over at her and sees that her eyes are only halfway open and she was kinda looking towards his direction.
“Stay.” She said in almost the exact same way she asked him all those years ago. He chuckles a bit and gets into bed, lays down next to her and the two hunters began to fall asleep, the Child between them.
The Razer Crest flies through space, Mando sitting in the driver’s seat and (y/n) in the passenger seat, when the Child starts to push buttons. “Stop touching things.” Mando said to him, firmly. (Y/n) looks down at the little one and shakes her head at him. The Child looks at the two, innocently, and provocatively moves to push another button, which causes the ship to jerk and shake.
(Y/n) grabs the kid and pushes the buttons and the ship goes back to normal. She places the Child on her lap as Mando shakes his head then goes to look back at the dashboard.
“Let’s see…” he said and he pulls up a hologram of a planet on the dashboard. “Sorgan. Looks like there is no star port, no industrial centers, no population density. A real backwater skug hole.” Mando said then he turns to (y/n) and the Child. “Which means it’s perfect for us.” He said then he looks at the Child.
“Ready to lay low and stretch your legs for a couple of months, you little womp rat?” he asked and the Child just looks up at him with his big eyes and tilts his head a bit. “You think we’ll be safe here?” (Y/n) asked, nodding towards the Sorgan hologram. “Nobody’s gonna find us here.” Mando assures and he steers the ship towards the planet.
Finally, Mando lands the Razer Crest in a wooded area then he powers it down. Then he turns to the Child and (y/n). “Now, I’m gonna go out there and I’m gonna look around. It shouldn’t take too long. I want you to stay here with him.” Mando said to her and she nods. “I’ll find us some lodging, then I’ll come back for you.” Mando said then he begins to walk off.
(Y/n) stands up and places the Child on the chair then moves over to the driver’s seat. “You stay right here. You stay. Don’t move. You understand?” She tells the Child, firmly. The Child looks up, blinks and tilts his head at her. “Great.” She said and she turned her head away for one second.
She looks back over to the seat, only to see that the Child was gone. “What the hell?” She said and she gets up and runs out of the cockpit.
Mando goes over to the back door and opens the ramp. Once it was opened, he looked down to see the Child standing right next to him. “Haar'chak.” (y/n) growls as she comes up to Mando, who sighs. “I’m sorry. I just turned my head away for one second and he was gone.” (Y/n) said and Mando looks down for a moment then sighs again.
“Oh, what the hell…Come on.” He said and the two hunters leave the ship, the Child following them through the woods.
Eventually, they enter a common house where people were looking and pointing at them as the Child looks around. One woman, who looked like a warrior type, seemed particularly interested in their arrival. Then a tooka-cat lets out a little roar, which startled the Child.
(Y/n) looks down at him as he looks up at her with a startled and scared look. “Don’t worry. You’re alright.” She said as they go sit at a table.
“Welcome travellers. Can I interest you in anything?” the proprietor asked after she comes up to their table. “Bone broth, for the little one.” Mando said. “Oh, well, you’re in luck. I just took down a grinjer, so there’s plenty. Can I interest you and the lady in a porringer of broth as well?” The proprietor asked. The two hunters shake their head as Mando said. “Just the one.”
“Very well–” the proprietor said but then (y/n) speaks up. “That one over there, when did she arrive?” she asked as she nods towards the warrior woman. The proprietor looks over before she speaks. “Uh…I’ve seen her here for the last week or so.” she replied.
“What’s her business here?” Mando asked her. “Business? Oh well…there’s not much business in Sorgan so I can’t say…” the proprietor said before Mando tosses some coin on the table. She looks down at it and starts to take the coin. “She doesn’t strike me as a log runner…well…thank you, sir. I will get that broth to you as soon as possible, and I will throw in a flagon of spotchka, just for good measure. I’ll be right back with that.” She said and she leaves just as Mando and (y/n) noticed that the warrior woman was gone.
Mando gets up and moves to leave. “Stay with the kid.” He tells (y/n) and leaves. He exists the common house and starts to look around with his HUD, which showed him recent footprints leading between the huts but suddenly ends.
The warrior woman jumps him and the two fight hard and heavy as they punch, kick and throw each other. Then (y/n) runs up and jumps on the warrior woman’s back, wrapping her arms around the woman’s neck. The woman grabbed her arms and ran back a bit and slammed (y/n) up against the wall.
Mando grabbed the warrior woman and they began to fight then (y/n) joins in the fight. Finally, the fight ends with the three pointing a blaster, Mando and (y/n) pointing their blaster at her and the woman aiming her blaster at them, but then they hear a slurping sound. The three adults turn their heads and see the Child watching them, sipping his broth.
Mando and (y/n) look at the warrior woman, who looks at them. “You want some soup?” Mando asked the warrior.
Later, Mando, the Child, (y/n) and the woman, Cara Dune as she introduced herself, all sit at a table. “Saw most of my action mopping up after Endor, mostly ex-Imperial warlords. They wanted it fast and quiet. They’d send us in on the drop ships. No support, just us. Then when the Imps were gone, the politics started. We were peacekeepers, protecting delegates, suppressing riots. Not what I signed up for.” Cara tells them.
“How’d you end up here?” (Y/n) asked, curiously. Let’s just call it an early retirement.“ Cara said before she sips her soup. "Look, I knew you were Guild. I figured you two had a fob on me. That’s why I came at you two so hard.” Cara said. “Yeah, that’s what I figured.” Mando said and Cara smirks.
“Well, this has been a real treat.” She said as she gets up. “But unless you wanna go another round, one of us is gonna have to move on, and I was here first.” She said then she finishes her soup, sets the cup down and walks away.
“Well, looks like this planet’s taken.” (Y/n) said as she turns to Mando and the Child. “Seems like it.” Mando sighs.
That night, Mando and (y/n) were doing some repairs on the Razer Crest when two men, riding on a cargo sled, approach them. “Excuse me.” one of them, Stoke, said and the two hunters look over at them. “There something we can help you with?” Mando asked, dismissively, as he and (y/n) keep working.
“Uh…yeah… Raiders.” the second man, Caben, said. “We have money.” Stoke added. “So you think we're some kind of mercenary?” Mando asked them. “You two are a Mandalorian, right?” Stoke said then Caben added, quickly, as he gestures to their armor. “Or at least wearing Mandalorian armor…That is Mandalorian armor, right?"
”It is.“ Mando replied. "I’m a former Mandalorian.” (Y/n) said then Caben turns his friend with a smile. "See?! I told him. Sir and ma'am, I’ve read a lot about your people…er…tri– tribe… If half of what I read is true–“ Caben said then Stoke shouts. "We have money."
Mando and (y/n) turns to them. "How much?” (y/n) asked. “It’s everything we have, ma'am. Our whole harvest was stolen.” Caben said. “Krill…We’re…krill farmers.” Stoke informed. “We brew spotchka. Our whole village chipped in.” said Caben as Stoke holds up a coin purse.
“It’s not enough.” Mando said as (y/n) looks between the two men with sympathy. Mando starts to walk away and the men take a few steps closer. “Are you sure? You don’t even know what the job is.” Caben said as (y/n) follows Mando. “I know it’s not enough. Good luck.” he said. “This is everything we have. We’ll give you more after the next harvest.” Stoke said and (y/n) turns to Mando.
“What if I go and check it out?” She asked and Mando turns to her. “No. I’m not letting you risk it on your own. That money is not enough. Trust me.” Mando said to her, firmly. She huffs at this as Mando opens the hatch, making the two men stumble back. Then they start to move away, disappointed, as Mando and (y/n) walk up the ramp.
“Come on. Let’s head back.” Caben said to his friend. “Took us the whole day to get here. Now we have to ride back with no protection to the middle of nowhere.” Stoke said then Mando and (y/n) halt and turn.
“Where do you live?” Mando asked and the men turn back around. “At a farm.” Stoke said, dejectedly. “Weren’t you listening? We’re farmers.” He said and (y/n) takes a step forward. “In the middle of nowhere.” She said, questioning. “Yes.” Stoke replied, confused
“You have lodging?” Mando asked. “Yeah. Absolutely.” Caben said, hopeful. “Good. Come up and help.” Mando said and the men follow the two hunters into the ship and together, they load cargo onto the sled. “I’m gonna need one more thing. Give me those credits.” Mando said to the two men.
Later, Cara was sitting by a campfire when a coin purse drops beside her. She draws her gun, looking up, only to see Mando and (y/n) standing there. “Ready for round two?” Mando asked and she looks at the coin purse then smiles.
Moments later, Mando, Cara, (y/n), the Child and the two farmers were on the cargo sled, riding through the woods. “So we’re basically running off a band of raiders for lunch money?” Cara asked. “They’re quartering us in the middle of nowhere. Last I checked that’s a pretty square deal for somebody in your position. Worst case scenario, you tune up your blaster. Best case, we’re a deterrent. I can’t imagine there’s anything living in these trees that an ex-shock trooper couldn’t handle.” Mando tells her then he leans back, as does the Child and (y/n), watching the stars through the treetops overhead.
The next morning, Cara, Mando, (y/n) and the Child were all asleep until the sled comes to a stop. They wake up and look over to see a farming village, children ran towards them. “They’re here! Come on!” one of the kids shout and they come up to the sled and see the Child.
“Well, looks like they are happy to see us.” (Y/n) pointed put and she heard Mando let out a soft laugh as Cara smiles and said. “Looks like.”
The village children gathered around the Child as Cara, Mando and (y/n) unload the cargo. Mando and (y/n) arrive at this hut as one woman, Omera, pulls up the blinds. She turns and looks at them, whether with hesitation or apprehension it wasn’t clear.
“Please come in.” She greets and Mando and (y/n) walk in with some cargo in hand. "I hope this is comfortable for you two. Sorry that all we have is the barn.“ She said. "This will do fine.” Mando assured her. “I stacked some blankets over here.” Omera said as she gestures towards the blankets. “Thank you. That’s…very kind.” (y/n) said when a young girl appears at the doorway.
The two hunters round on her and she starts back to hide outside the doorframe. Omera goes to pull her into sight again, holding her tight to her side. “This is my daughter Winta. We don’t get a lot of visitors around here. She’s not used to strangers.” she said then she turns to her daughter.
“This nice man and lady are going to help protect us from the bad ones.” Omera tells her and the young girl looks up at them. “Thank you.” she said in a small voice. Mando just nods, near imperceptibly, as (y/n) gives a reassuring smile. “Come on, Winta. Let’s give our guests some room.” Omera said as she takes Winta’s hand and leaves.
A couple of days later, the Child was in a crib while Mando was checking his rifle and (y/n) was checking her blaster. “Knock, knock.” a voice said and they look over to see Omera, holding a tray of food, and Winta, who was also holding a tray of food.
“Come in.” Mando said and they enter and set the trays of food down. “Can I feed him?” Winta asked as she gestures towards the Child. “Sure.” (Y/n) said as Mando turns around. Winta goes and kneels by the crib, holding up food.
“Are you hungry?” She asked the Child as she hands him the food. He takes it and eats it which made the little girl giggle. “Can I play with him?” She asked. “Sure.” Mando sighs while (y/n) chuckles to herself.
Winta takes the Child out of the crib and sets him on the floor. “Come on!” she said to the Child as they leave the barn. Mando starts to rush after them, worried. “I don’t think–” he started to say but Omera holds him back. “They’ll be fine.” she said. “I don’t–” Mando said but (y/n) speaks up. “Mando, Udesii.” she said and Mando looks over at her then backs off.
“I brought you two some food.” She said then she looks over at Mando. “I noticed you didn’t eat out there. I’ll leave it here for when I go.” She said. “That’s very thoughtful of you.” Mando said then he turns away as (y/n) looks out the window, watching the kids playing with the Child.
“Do you mind if I ask you something?” Omera asked Mando. “Go ahead.” he said. “How long has it been since you’ve taken that off?” she asked him, gesturing to his helmet. “Yesterday.” he replied. “I mean in front of someone else.” She said. Mando turns around then looks and points out the window, towards the kids.
“I wasn’t much older than they are.” He replied. “You haven’t shown your face to anyone since you were a kid?” Omera asked. “No. I was…happy that they took me in. My parents were killed, and the Mandalorians took care of me.” Mando said then Omera turns to (y/n).
“What about you? You wear similar armor as him but…you don’t have a helmet.” She said and (y/n) turns to her. “I’m a…former…Mandalorian. My helmet was removed during a fight, which is not allowed.” (Y/n) said and Omera gives her a sympathetic look. “Oh. I’m sorry.” she said. “This is the way.” Mando said and (y/n) looks over at him and nods.
“Let us know if there’s anything you need.” Omera said to them. “Thank you.” Mando said and Omera leaves. (Y/n) watches her leave before she looks over at Mando. “I think she likes you.” She said, teasingly. He turns his head and tilts it as if she had grew a second head.
She shrugs and smiles, innocently, at him then looks back out towards the window, seeing the children playing with the Child. “You know, I miss that.” She said. “What?” Mando asked her. She nods towards the kids and said. “Innocence. Being a kid.”
Mando grabs his plate and cup and sets them on the window sill, standing next to her. “Do you ever think about…you know…before that day? Like our lives beforehand?” (Y/n) asked him as her hands go up to her necklace and she starts to fiddle with the crystal. “Sometimes.” Mando replied, knowing what she was talking about.
“Why?” He asked her. “It’s been on my mind lately. Especially now with seeing these kids play.” She said, nodding out the window. Mando looks out the window at the kids then back at (y/n), who was looking down. “Sometimes, I just miss those days where I didn’t have a care in the world and not worry about getting hunted down by bounty hunters and the remnants of the Empire.” She said with a small chuckle.
“Don’t worry. We’ll be safe here.” Mando assures her before he reaches over and places a hand over hers. She looks up at him, shocked, but she starts to smile, warmly, at him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring it up. I guess this place just reminds me of home.” She said then she stands up, slowly removes her hand from underneath his and goes over to grab her plate of food and drink.
“I’ll just be out here. Don’t worry, I won’t look in, Din.” She said as she walks out of the barn. Mando watches her leave then turns back to his plate and sighs. Then he takes off his helmet, sets it aside and begins to eat the food.
“About 15 or 20 of them came through here on foot.” Mando informed Cara and (y/n) as they patrolled the forest. He looks through his HUD, which revealed footprints and alot of recent damage higher up in the trees. “And something big sheared off those branches.” he said as they move on.
Then they crouch down and see a gigantic footprint. “AT-ST.” Cara said, shocked. “Imperial Walker. What’s it doing here?” (y/n) asked, confused. “I don’t know. But this is more than I signed up for.” Cara said and they share a glance.
Back at the village, Mando, Cara and (y/n) stand on the porch of the barn, addressing the villagers. “Bad news. Y'can’t live here anymore.” Mando said. “What?” Stoke said. “Why?” Caben asked then Cara leans towards Mando. “Nice bedside manner…” she whispers.
“You think you can do better?” Mando asked and (y/n) chuckles. “Can’t do much worse.” (y/n) said and Cara nods. “Agreed.” She said then she turns to the villagers. "I know this is not the news you wanted to hear but there are no other options.“ She tells them.
"You took the job!” Stoke yelled.
“Yeah!” Caben shouted.
“That was before we knew about the AT-ST.” (Y/n) informs them. “What is that?” Stoke asked. “The armored walker with two enormous guns that you knew about and didn’t tell us.” Cara yells then the villagers started to shout over each other.
“Help us!”
“Please!!”
“You’re supposed to help us!”
“But we hired you!”
“Please!”
“We have nowhere to go.” Omera said. “Sure you do. This is a big planet. I mean, I’ve seen a lot smaller.” Cara said. “My grandparents seeded these pods.” Caben exclaims. “It took generations.” Stoke said. “I understand. I do. But there are only three of us.” Cara said.
“No there’s not! There’s at least twenty here!” Stoke shouts as Caben nods in agreement. “I mean fighters. Be realistic.” Cara said. “We can learn!” said Caben. “We can!” Stoke shouts.
“Give us a chance!”
“Please!”
“I’ve seen that thing take out entire companies of soldiers in a matter of minutes.” Cara tells them. “We’re not leaving.” Omera said, firmly. “You cannot fight that thing.” Cara said then Mando looks over at her. “Unless we show them how.” Mando said and Cara and (y/n) look at him like he is insane as the villagers shouts.
“Show us!”
“Yeah, we can do this!”
“You got two problems here. You got the bandits, and you got the mech.” Mando tells the villagers after they gathered around him, Cara and (y/n). “We’ll handle the AT-ST, but you gotta protect us when they come outta the woods. And I don’t have to tell you how dangerous they are. Cara Dune here was a veteran. She was a drop soldier for the Rebellion, and she’s gonna lay out a plan for you. So listen. Carefully.” Mando said and he steps aside as Cara begins to speak.
“Now, there’s nothing on this planet that can damage the legs on this thing. So we’re gonna build a trap. We’re gonna need to dig real deep right here.” She said as she points to the edge of the outermost krill pool. “So that when it steps in, it drops. The three of us will hit their camp, provoke them. That’ll bring the fight out of the woods and down here to us.” She said.
“I’m gonna need you to cut down trees and build barricades along these edges. I need it high enough so that they can’t get over, and strong enough so that it can’t break through.” (Y/n) said to the villagers as they give worried looks.. “Okay. Who knows how to shoot?” She asked and, reluctantly, Omera raises her hand.
Later, Mando and (y/n) unpack their arsenal then them and Cara hand out the weapons. Then they split the villagers into two different groups, Cara worked with one half of the villagers and trained them on melee. Mando and (y/n) trained the other half on shooting practice.
“Fire!” (Y/n) shouts and the villagers shoot haphazardly, missing more than they’re hitting–except for Omera, who shoots true and steady. Mando nods while (y/n) gives her a look of impressed.
Later, the villagers began digging up the bank of the krill pool and some started cutting up wood, making barricades, while Mando, Cara and (y/n) discuss strategies.
“The sun is about to set and we’ll be leaving soon. When we return, we’re coming in hot.” Mando said to Omera as her, him and (y/n) walk out of the hut sometime later. “We’ll be ready.” Omera said and Cara walks up and nods at them. Then Mando and (y/n) walk away.
That night, Mando, Cara and (y/n) run though the forest until they come upon the bandit camp, where three Klatooinians were sitting by a campfire. The three of them take the Klatooinians from behind and snuck up to one of the tents. They draw their blasters and enter the tent to find no enemies, just several large vats of glowing blue liquid.
Mando sets a charge on the main tent post when Cara makes aware of incoming enemies. A few Klatooinians come in and the trio fight them by punching or kicking them. After they were taken down, a few more flooded the tent. They fight them off until more enemies come in shooting.
Mando and (y/n) soften up a wall with shots from their blasters and the three of them escape just before the charge blows the tent up. "I hope the plan worked.“ Cara said when a red light comes on. They turn and see the AT-ST rising up from the forest. "Go!” Mando shouts and they turn to run. “GO!!!” He shouts as they run and avoid being shot at by the AT-ST.
They run out of the forest and towards the defenses of the village, they slide into cover. “This is it! Once that thing steps in the pond it’s going down!” (y/n) said and Cara turns to the villagers. “Weapons ready!” she shouts and they get their weapons aimed just as they watch the AT-ST coming closer, breaking through the tree line. “Just a few more steps.” Mando whispers.
Suddenly, the AT-ST hesitates to step in the water and stops on the bank instead. “It stopped.” Cara said, confuse, just as the AT-ST stands at the outer perimeter of the village, waiting. Everyone watches it with baited breath until the AT-ST turns on a blinding light. “Get down! Get down!” Mando whispered, forcefully, as the light sweeps the defenses then opens fire on the huts.
“Hold your positions!” Cara yells at the villagers. The Klatooinians break out of the forest and flood through the AT-ST’s legs towards the village. “OPEN FIRE!!!” Cara shouts and they open fire.
“We gotta get that thing to step forward.” (Y/n) shouts as her and Mando fire at some Klatooinians. “I’m thinking…” Cara said as they continue to fight. “New plan.” She said after thinking for a few moments. “What do you have in mind?” Mando asked her. “Gimme the pulse rifle.” she said and Mando hands over his rifle.
“We’ll cover you.” (Y/n) tells her and she nods then storms out towards the AT-ST, jumping into cover in the pond before it. “Come on. You got this.” Mando mutters as Cara aims the rifle at the AT-ST.
“Come to mama.” she whispers and she shoots at it and it steps forward but stops short of the pond. Cara tries again but she needed to remain in cover. The AT-ST shoots at where it suspects Cara to hide but doesn’t step forward.
“Take the bait, you hunk of junk.” (y/n) mutters as Cara shoots into one of the cockpit windows, sending the AT-ST reeling to finally step forward into the pond where it goes down hard.
(Y/n) activates a charge and uses her jetpack to fly towards the fallen AT-ST, throwing it into the cockpit window. She flies over to Cara, grabs her hand and flies her back over to the village’s defenses just as the AT-ST blows up. The remaining Klatooinians flee and the villagers sigh with relief and celebrate their victory as (y/n) looks down at Cara as they continue to fly over to the village.
“Was that the plan?” (Y/n) asked Cara. “Something like that.” Cara laughs and (y/n) laughs with her. “Improvisation. I like it.” She said and Cara smiles just as they land on the ground.
Weeks later, the Child was chasing and catching a frog as the village children watch. Once he catches the frog, he proceeds to eat the frog which made the kids turn away in amused disgust. The Child spits out the frog and the kids laugh as the frog hops away.
Cara was sitting out front of the barn as Mando was leaning next to the door. (Y/n) was out somewhere in the village helping some of the villagers with some chores. Omera comes out and hands Cara a drink. “Thank you.” Cara said, appreciatively. Omera nods then turns to Mando.
“Can I get you something in the house?” She asked him. “Uh…thank you. Maybe later.” Mando said then Omera turns to watch the children. “He’s very happy here.” she points out as they watch the Child play with the kids. “He is.” Mando said. “Fits right in.” Omera said and she walks away.
“So, what happens if you take that thing off? They come after you and kill you?” Cara asked Mando, pointing at his helmet. “No. You just can’t ever put it back on again.” Mando replied. “Is that what happened to your friend?” Cara asked, nodding off to the side.
Mando looks over and sees (y/n) talking and laughing with some of the villagers as they continue to gather up some crops. “Yeah. Although, her helmet being removed was accidental. There was a fight with a bounty we were involved in with another Mandalorian. At one point, the bounty got on top of her and removed her helmet.” Mando said and Cara looks over at him, noting his tone of voice.
“You sound a bit upset about it.” She said and he just shrugs, not knowing what to say to that as it was true. “But why can’t you just slip off the helmet, settle down with her and raise your kid sitting here sipping spotchka?” She asked, incredulously. “You know, we raised some hell here a few weeks back. It’s too much action for a backwater town like this. Word travels fast. You might wanna cycle the charts and move on.” Mando replied.
“Wouldn’t wanna be the one who’s gotta tell him.” Cara said as she nods towards the Child. “I’m leaving him here. Travelling with me…that’s no life for a kid. I did my job, he’s safe. Better chance at a life.” Mando said. “It’s gonna break his little heart.” Cara said. “He’ll get over it. We all do.” Mando said then he sits there and thinks for a few moments before getting up and walk away.
As he walks up to (y/n), he heard one of the villagers telling a joke which made everyone laugh including (y/n). Mando felt his heart pound in his chest once he hears her laugh. He had noticed these last few weeks that she seemed happy here, almost like she belongs here. And that’s why he was gonna ask her to stay here with the Child.
He felt good of leaving the Child here but he’d feel better with her staying and watching over the kid. She is the person he could trust with his life.
“Excuse me. Can I have a word?” Mando asked as he approaches (y/n). “Of course.” she said and he leads her away from the others for privacy.
“It’s very nice here.” Mando said as they walk along the bank and look around. “Yes, it is.” (Y/n) said. “I think it’s clear he’s…he’s happy here.” Mando said and she turns to him. “And you seem happy here.” He added.
“What about you?” She asked him, curiously. “Me?” he asked, confused. “Are you happy here? Y'know…We could stay here. The community is grateful for what we did. We can pack all this away in case there’s ever trouble. You, me and the kid could have a good life. He could be a child for a while.” She said and Mando looks into her eyes from under his helmet.
“Wouldn’t that be nice?” she asked him. “It would.” Mando replied, his voice breaking. She gives a sympathetic smile to him then placed her hand on his chest. Part of her wanted to see if she could reach out to his helmet to take it off but she knew how important the Creed was to him, so she didn’t push it.
He places his left hand over her hand, that was on his chest, and ran his thumb over her fingers. “I don’t belong here. But he does. And I would feel better if you were here watching over him.” He said to her, softly, and she nods. “I understand.” She said and she looks down.
Mando felt his heart ache as she looks down in sadness. He felt like he should do something but he wasn’t for sure what. Suddenly, he raises his right hand and placed it on her cheek, making her look up at him. His heart started to thump harder in his chest as she looked at him with her (e/c) eyes.
He strokes his thumb across her cheek and he wanted to say something, something that he’s been wanting to say for awhile, but a little voice in his head was telling him no, you can’t do this…not to her. Not now.
Little did he know that (y/n) held similar feelings towards him, her heart felt like it was going all over the place when he placed his hand on her cheek. She had always held these feelings for him back before she became a Dar'manda. But once she was banished, she shoved those feelings for him away as she felt ashamed for what happened and figured he didn’t want her anyway.
Now that they were working together again, those feelings had started to resurface and reminded her why she had such a soft spot for him. And she had been trying to figure out a way to tell him but it always seemed to be bad timing by the time she wants to bring it up. Either he got busy or she was too scared to bring it up.
They stand there, staring in silence when Mando started to speak up. “(Y/n), I…” he started to say when a loud blaster noise rings out. The two jump into action at this and Mando turns to her. “Go get the kids.” he tells her. “On it.” She said and she runs off as he goes into the woods.
Once he gets there, he sees Cara standing over a body, the end of her blaster was still smoking which told him that it was her that fired the shot. With his foot, Mando turns the smoldering body over to reveal a beeping tracking fob. He kneels down and picks it up.
“Who is he tracking?” Cara asked. “The kid.” Mando replied, roughly. “They know he’s here.” Cara said. “Yes.” he said. “Then they’ll keep coming.” she said. “Yes.” he said and he destroys the fob by dropping it on the ground and stepping on it.
After telling (y/n) what happened, the two began packing up all of their stuff and extra supplies on the sled. (Y/n) sets the Child on the sled as the villagers surround it and Cara walks up to her and Mando.
“Are you sure you don’t want an escort?” She asked them. “We appreciate the offer. But we’re gonna bypass the town and head right to the Razor Crest.” Mando tells her. “Well then.” Cara said then she offers her hand. “Until our paths cross.” She said and Mando takes her hand. “Until our paths cross.” he said as they shake hands then (y/n) and Cara shake hands.
Winta runs forward and hugs the Child. “I’ll miss you so much.” she cries as Omera turns to Mando and (y/n). “Thank you.” She said, appreciatively, and the two hunters nod before they get into the sled and head out, back towards the Razer Crest.
The Razer Crest flies through space, Mando driving while (y/n) was in a different part of the ship, when a hologram message from Greef Karga pops up. “Mando! I received your transmission. Wonderful news. Upon your return, deliver the quarry directly to the client. I have no idea if he wants to eat it or hang it on his wall but he’s very antsy. Safe passage. You know where to find me.” Greef said while the Child got out of his crib and (y/n) comes back into the cockpit.
The Child then unscrews the knob of a lever and begins to chew on it. Carefully, the Mando takes the knob away from the Child. “It’s not a toy.” he tells the Child. Then (y/n) picks the Child up and places him back in the crib before taking her seat back.
Later, they landed on Nevarro and exit the Razer Crest, the crib floating between the two hunters. They walk through the town towards the building, where the Client was residing in, and Mando knocks on the door. The entry sensor appeared for a moment before the door opens and out walks two stormtroopers.
The stormtroopers lead the two hunters and the Child inside of the building. One of the Stormtroopers grabs the crib, roughly. “Easy with that.” (y/n) snapped at the trooper. “You take it easy.” the Stormtrooper retorted back at her. (Y/n) let’s out a slow sigh through her nose as she closes her eyes, trying not to punch the trooper.
Mando turns his head to her and sees her clenching her fist. He grabs her wrist, which made her look over at him. He shakes his head slightly and she nods a bit, unclenches her fist and he lets her wrist go.
They enter a room where the client gets up from behind the table with a tracking fob. “Yes. Yes, yes, yes.” he said as him and Dr. Pershing inspect the Child. “Yes…” Pershing whispers as he scans the Child. “Very healthy. Yes.” Pershing said as the Client turns to the two hunters, a bit surprised to see both of them there.
“My, my, my. It took both of you?” The client asked them but they don’t respond. “How many fobs did you give out?” (y/n) asked him, suspicious. “This asset was of extreme importance to me. I had to ensure its delivery. But to the winner…” the client said then he lifts up a camtono and places it on the table. “…go the spoils.” he finished as he opens the camtono.
Inside were two large stacks of Beskat ingots and the two hunters approach it and take one each of the ingots to inspect them. “Such a large bounty for such a small package. And there should be enough between the two of you.” The client said but then both Mando and (y/n) look up and see the floating crib following Pershing.
The Child looks at the two and (y/n) had this weird feeling that he was scared. The three share a look before the crib disappears and Mando turns to the client. “What are your plans for it?” he asked. “I was expecting her to ask that question…but you. How uncharacteristic of one of your reputation. You have taken both, commission and payment.” the client said as more stormtroopers slowly enter the room.
“Is it not the code of the guild that these events are now forgotten? That Beskar is enough to make a handsome replacement for your armor. Unfortunately, finding a Mandalorian in these trying times is more difficult than finding the steel.” The client said. You obviously haven’t looked hard enough. (y/n) thought as her and Mando place the Beskar ingots back and Mando closes the camtono.
The two hunters walk out of the building and get a few feet away before Mando turns to her. “Well…as promised.” He said as he holds up the camtono. But (y/n) placed her hand on top of his. “You keep it.” She said and Mando tilts his head in confusion. “But you helped me.” He said. “I only came in at the last minute.” She said and Mando shakes his head.
“No, that droid and I were pinned down. If you hadn’t showed up, I don’t know what would’ve happened.” He said and she smiles. “Oh, I’m sure you would’ve figured it out. You always knew how to get out of tough situations. I always admired that about you.” (Y/n) said then she sighs while he watches her. “But you keep that. I’m sure the other Mandalorians would love to have that back.” She said and Mando lowers the camtono.
She looks up at him and smirks a bit. “I’ll see you later. If you need anymore help, let me know.” She said and she starts to turn her back to him but he places his hand on her shoulder. “You know, we could work together.” He said and (y/n) turns to him and looks up at him.
“A Mandalorian and a Dar'manda working together?” She said with an eyebrow raised. “You sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’m asking as a friend. You’re the only person I trust.” He tells her then she gives him a smile. “And I trust you as well.” She said and she looks down then back at him. “I’ve got to get some supplies while I’m here…I’ll meet you at the Razer Crest.” She said. Mando nods and she smirks then walks away.
Mando walks through the town, with the camtono in hand, then enters the underground tunnels to meet with the Armorer. He places the Beskar ingots in front of her while the other Mandalorians approach from behind. “This amount can be shaped in many ways.” she said to him.
“My armor has lost its integrity. I may need to begin again.” Mando informed and she looks over his busted up armor. “Indeed. I can form a full cuirass. This would be in order for your station.” she said. “That would be a great honor.” Mando said, appreciatively. “I must warn you, it will draw many eyes.” Armorer warns just as a larger Mandalorian, Paz Vizsla, walks in and grabs one of the Beskar ingots and snorts, derisively.
“These were cast in an Imperial smelter. These are the spoils of the Great Purge. The reason we live hidden like sandrats.” Paz growls and he tosses the ingot back in the table. “Our secrecy is our survival. Our survival is our strength.” the Armorer tells him.
“Our strength was once in our numbers. Now we live in the shadows and only come above ground one at a time. Our world was shattered by the Empire with whom this coward shares tables.” Paz said as he steps forward and grabs onto Mando’s helmet, in an attempt to pull it off. But Mando fights back until they have each other and knifepoint.
“The Empire is no longer, and the Beskar has returned. When one chooses to walk the way of the Mandalore you are both hunter and prey.” The Armorer said as she stands up. “How can one be a coward if one chooses this way of life?” She asked then she looks over at Mando.
“Have you ever removed your helmet?” She asked him.
“No.” He replied.
“Has it ever been removed by others?”
“Never."
”This is the way.“ The Armorer said, satisfied with his answer. "This is the way.” the other Mandalorians said as Paz and Mando pull away their knives. “This is the way.” Paz said then he backs up as Armorer checks over Mando’s armor.
“What caused this damage?” She asked him. “A mudhon.” Mando replied. “Then you have earned the mudhorn as your signet. I shall craft it.” she said as her and Mando sit back down. “I can’t accept. It…wasn’t a noble kill. I was…helped by an enemy.” he informs and she looks up at him, confused.
“Why would an enemy help you in battle?” She asked him, curiously. “It…did not know it was my enemy.” Mando replied. “Since you forego a signet I shall use the excess to forge whistling birds.” said the Armorer. “Whistling birds will do well. Reserve some for the foundlings.” Mando said.
“As it should always be. The foundlings are the future. This is the way.” She said. “This is the way.” the other Mandalorians chanted together. “This is the way.” Mando said as the Armorer turns to forging. “Whistling birds are a powerful defense against multiple enemies. Use them sparingly for they are rare.” She tells him then she begins to forge.
As she forges, Mando begins to have flashbacks of that horrible day of when his old home was attacked. His parents running across the war zone of the village as they head towards this hiding spot just as another family come up. The two sets of parents talk amongst each before they put both kids into the storage room.
The two kids reach out for their parents but Mando’s dad shuts the door, plunging the two kids into darkness. The only light was the one shining through the crack of the door, he looks to his right and could just make out, through what little light they had, that the girl was shaking in fear. She was clenching something in her fist that was hanging around her neck.
“Look, I told you I’m not interested in your excuses.” Greef tells a bounty hunter. “You had your shot, dust breather, but you failed. No pucks for you. Now get outta here.” He yells and the bounty hunter turns away.
At that moment, Mando enters in the bar in his new full Beskar armor. Greef looks over at him and smiles as Mando walks towards him. “Ah! Mando!” Greef said before he laughs. “They all hate you, Mando. Because you’re a legend!” He said.
“How many of them had tracking fobs?” Mando asked him and Greef scoffs. “All of them. ALL of them! But not one of them closed the deal. Only you, Mando. Only you. And with it, the richest reward this parsec has ever seen.” Greef said. “I did have help but…she refused her half of the reward.” Mando said. “Ah, yes. Manda, I believe. They told me she was with you.” Greef said and Mando continues to stare at him.
“Please, sit my friend.” Greef said as he gestures to the sear across from him. Mando takes the rifle off his back and sits down. “They’re all weighing the Beskar in their minds but not me. No. I, for one, I celebrate your success. Because it is my success as well. Hell…” He said as he partially pulls two Beskar ingots out of his jacket. "…even I’m rich. Now, how can I show my gratitude to my most valuable partner?“
”I want my next job.“ replied Mando. "Next job? Take some time off. Enjoy yourself. I’ll take you to the Twi'lek healing baths.” Greef said. “I want my next job.” Mando said, firmly. “Sure. Fine. You hunters like to keep busy, right? Well, these…” he said as he places bounty pucks on the table. “…are all far away.”
“The further, the better.” Mando said. “Well, take your pick. You’ve earned it.” Greef said and Mando places on of the pucks on the table and turns on the hologram. “Ah…that’s the best of the lot. A nobleman’s son. Skipped bail. Looks like you’re headed to the ocean dunes of Karnac.” Greef said. Mando grabs the puck and gets up to leave, then halts.
“Any idea what they’re gonna do with it?” He asked Greef. “With what?” Greef asked, confused. “The kid.” Mando asked as he turns to face Greef. “I didn’t ask. It’s against the Guild Code.” Greef said. “They work for the Empire. What are they doing here?” Mando asked. “The Empire is gone, Mando. All that are left are mercenaries and warlords. But if it bothers you, just go back to the Core and report them to the New Republic.” Greef said and Mando scoffs.
“That’s a joke.” He growls. “Mando, enjoy your rewards. Buy a camtono of spice. By the time you come out of hyperdrive you will have forgotten all about it.” Greef said. Mando stares at him for a moment before he makes his way out of the cantina and find (y/n).
Meanwhile, (y/n) was at a little shop, getting some food to pack up, when the shopkeeper noticed her necklace. It was brown leather but wrapped up at the end of the necklace was a blue crystal. The shopkeeper seemed interested in it and tried to bargain with (y/n).
At first, she was confused on what the shopkeeper wanted, since it was speaking another language, until he pointed at her necklace. She looked down at it then back at the shopkeeper. “I’m sorry, no. It’s not for sale.” She said but the shopkeeper still showed interest. “No. It’s a family heirloom, I’m not selling it.” She said, firmly.
Then she walks away and through the town, towards the Razer Crest. She had just made it to the ship when she heard footsteps. She turned around and saw Mando in his full new Beskar armor and this made her smile in admiration.
“Well look at you!” She said as he walks up to her. “I barely recognize you at all, with that fine armor of yours.” She teased. Mando just turns his head to her and tilts it to the side, which made her smile. “I got us a job.” He said and she raises her arms out a bit. “Straight to business then. I like it.” She said, lowering her arms, and the two head inside of the Razer Crest.
Mando and (y/n) get into the cockpit and he begins to turn on the controls. (Y/n) looks down and noticed the lever knob on the floor just as Mando reaches to grab the lever but halts to see the knob was missing. (Y/n) frowns then reaches down to pick up the knob and holds it in her palm.
Mando looks over to see the knob in her hands and the two end up staring at it. Both of them start to remember the look of fear on the Child’s face as he was taken away. (Y/n) bites her lips as Mando slowly takes the knob out of her hand and slowly screws the knob on.
She let’s out a heavy sigh as Mando proceeds to power up the ship. He halts again as the Child runs through his mind just as (y/n) does the same. Then the two look at each other and it was like a silent conversation was happening between them. Mando powers everything down again and leaves the cockpit, (y/n) not far behind him.
The two hunters scan and check the Client’s building when Mando found the discarded crib. (Y/n), on the other hand, listened in on a conversation. “I don’t care. I order you to extract the necessary material and be done with it.” the Client said. “He has explicitly ordered us to bring it back alive.” Pershing responded.
“Finish your business quickly, as I no longer can guarantee your safety.” the Client said and Mando and (y/n) share a quick glance before they make their way to the front door.
Mando knocks on the front door, which made the sensor appear. At that moment, Mando breaks the sensor off which caused the guards to come out. “Check the perimeter.” a Stormtrooper ordered when a wall gets blown up. Mando and (y/n) make their way in and started to clear the area room by room.
Finally, they enter the room where the Child and Dr Pershing was in. “No, no, no, no, please. Please. No. No, no.” Pershing pleads as Mando shoots a IT-O Interrogation Unit and the two hunters approach Pershing.
“No, please. Please, don’t hurt him. It’s just a child. Please. No. No!” Pershing pleads but Mando grabs him and tosses him to the side. They look over the unconscious Child before Mando trained his blaster on Pershing. “Please. No. No, no!” Pershing begs.
“What did you do to it?” (Y/n) asked him but Pershing just stands and stammers until Mando walks closer to him, his blaster still trained on him. “What did you do to it?!” Mando asked, angrily. “I…I protected him! I protected him! If it wasn’t for me, he would already be dead!” Pershing shouts then he begins to whimper. “Please…please…please, please…”
But when Pershing looks up from cowering in fear, he finds that the two hunters and the Child were gone.
With the Child in (y/n)’s arms, her and Mando proceeds through the building while Stormtroopers try to run at them.
“Look, there!”
“Split up. We’ll flush them out.”
“Give it up! There’s no–” One Stormtrooper shouted but he was taken down by Mando before he could finish. Then they enter the room where they had met the client when Stormtroopers enter from the other side.
“Freeze!”
“Don’t move!”
“Hands up!”
“Drop the blaster!”
“Wait. What she's holding is very valuable.” Mando said then he nods at her and she nods back. “Here…” she said and she slowly lowers the Child as Mando lowers his blaster. “Now turn and face me!” one Stormtrooper ordered and (y/n) looks over at Mando to see he had engaged the whistling birds.
“Stand up!” The Stormtrooper shouts when the whistling birds fly out and kill all of the Stormtroopers. Mando gathers up his blaster and (y/n) picks up the Child and the two head out of the building.
They walk through the streets and made it onto the main street when they were surrounded by bounty hunters, Greef was standing among them. “Welcome back, Mando and Manda. Now put the package down.” Greef said as (y/n) holds the Child closer to her.
“Step aside. We’re going to my ship.” Mando tells him. “Hm. You put the bounty down and perhaps I’ll let you two pass.” Greef said. “The kid’s coming with us.” (y/n) said, firmly. “If you truly care about the kid, then you put it on the speeder and we’ll discuss terms.” Greef said.
“How do we know we can trust you?” Mando asked him. “Because I’m your only hope.” Greef said. Mando and (y/n) move towards the speeder, surrounded by bounty hunters with their weapons trained on them.
Suddenly, Mando starts shooting and both he and (y/n) jump on the speeder, hiding between the cargo. “Drive!” Mando ordered the driod, but it wouldn’t listen. Then Mando points his blaster at the reluctant droid. “Drive!” He ordered and the speeder starts moving down the street while a shootout was going on all around.
But the little ride didn’t last long as Greef shoots the droid pilot, which caused the speeder to stop. From their hiding spot between the cargo, Mando disintegrates a few bounty hunters as (y/n) fires with her blaster at a few while she tried to shield the Child as best as she could.
But then the hunters began to take cover and the gunfire stopped for a moment. “That’s one impressive weapon.” Greef said to Mando. “Here’s what we're gonna do: Manda and I are gonna walk to my ship with the kid and you’re gonna let it happen.” Mando shouts while Greef waves at the other hunters to surround the speeder.
“Nah…How about this: WE take the kid, and if you and your friend try to stop us we kill both of you and we strip your bodies for parts.” Greef said just as (y/n) noticed someone creeping up behind her. She turns and kicks him back and Mando turns and electrocutes him.
They do their best to fight back but they get pinned down as all the bounty hunters kept firing at them. They duck down and lay on the ground, on their front. “Don’t hit the target!” Greef yells at the hunters. Mando and (y/n) look over at the Child, who slowly opens his eyes and stares at them.
Both hunters started to think maybe they should give up when the Mandalorians appear to fight for them. Greef looks on and then flees as the bounty hunters and Mandalorians fight.
“Get outta here. We’ll hold them off.” Paz tells Mando. “You’re going to have to relocate the covert.” Mando said. “This is the way.” Paz said. “This is the way.” Mando repeats. “This is the way.” (Y/n) whispers and she gathers up the Child as Mando takes her hand and they run towards his ship.
As they make it to the ship, a figure come out of the shadows behind him. “Hold it, you two.” Greef’s voice ordered. They turn to see Greef pointing a blaster at them and, instinctively, Mando pushes (y/n) behind him. “I didn’t want it to come to this. But then both of you broke the Code.” Greef said.
Mando shoots his grabbing hook into a pipe, which sprays out fumes and masks the two hunters disappearance. Greef shoots into the mist but eventually gets thrown back by a blast into his chest. The two hunters make it to the Razer Crest and Mando, quickly, starts up the ship and takes off.
Meanwhile, Greef Karga was not dead as he stands up and pulls out the Beskar steel ingots from his jacket pocket.
As the Razer Crest flies into the sky, a Mandalorianwith a jetpack appears beside the ship saluting Mando and (y/n) before dropping away again. “I gotta get one of those…” Mando said. “They do come in handy.” (Y/n) said as she gestures to her own jetpack that was leaning against the back wall of the cockpit.
The Child comes up to the dashboard and reaches out for the knob on the lever. (Y/n) smiles at this as Mando unscrews the knob and gives it to the Child. The little one begins to play with it as the Razer Crest flies away from Nevarro and disappears into hyperspace.
A/N: Ho-boy, things have really gone off the rails! I hope you enjoy!
—
Din crashes through the crowds, his armored shoulders sending people staggering left and right. He taps the sensor on his visor and hurriedly flips through his controls until he finds footsteps. Your footsteps.
The red circles and tiny pinprick of your high heels materialize like a beacon. Locked in, he stalks after the prints glowing faintly along the polished floor. They lead up a flight of stairs, down a long and straight corridor – threading through gaming tables and chairs.
The slip under a roped off area for a VIP section – Azucar’s.
Breathing heavily, Din shifts his weight from one foot to the other, his fist curling and uncurling. One bodyguard, sensing his foreboding presence, swivels his head and eyes the Mandalorian. A few more guards turn to glare, but one curls his lip into a sneer at Din –
“Fuck off. Your whore is with Azucar tonight. He will return her later…well worn.”
Din swells with sudden, explosive rage. Roaring fills his ears, red paints his vision, and fire burns his touch.
The next thirty seconds grind to a half-time speed.
Din slowly engages the Darksaber. The blade slides out on command, crackling and snapping with power. Din shudders as the familiar, dark smoke curls up his arm and snakes through his veins.
After a quick calculation, he cocks his arm back and releases, flinging the saber high in the air. It spins through space – turning end over end and eliciting a high-pitched shriek of energy. With each rotation, the tip of the blade slices through the enormous glow globes that illuminate the corridor. The saber flies back, landing solidly in Din’s outstretched hand.
The entire floor is thrust into darkness.
The severed electrical wires pop and fizz, raining down hissing embers. Distracted, the guards stare at the ruined lights, unaware of the terror about to be unleashed.
Din stalks towards them, the Darksaber snarling with energy. Like falling stars, sparks continue to pour from above. They shimmer and sprinkle over Din, sliding down his helmet and bouncing off his pauldrons. The beskar glimmers from the light, betraying only the terrifying outline of pure violence striding forth.
Din’s grip on reality begins to slip away as his fear and anger feed the saber.
No, no…this is too much.
His last sentient thought was that he shouldn’t do this – he shouldn’t wield the saber when such fury coursed through him like liquid flame.
It was too late. He could no longer feel the saber nestled in his palm. It melted and molded, becoming one with him. His entire body was taut and thrummed with darkness.
The guards move cautiously into defensive positions, unfamiliar with the strange weapon. Din winds his right arm back low and to the side and releases. This time, the saber spins flat on its side, rotating like the rings of a planet. The saber crackles as is churns through the startled guards, gliding in a wide arc before spinning back faithfully to its owner.
Din heaves and shakes with power, as he grips the saber tight and watches the men. He cocks his helmet…and waits.
Silently, the top half of the guard’s bodies slide off and collapse in a heap. Filling the air with the scent of burned flesh, the men’s toppled bodies lie on their sides, exposing deep red tissues and organs, seared with black smoke. The saber cut thirty men in half.
Time snaps back to full speed and all hell breaks loose.
Patrons, frozen in place watching the gruesome scene unfold, start screaming and stampeding. It was as if the entire club breathed in deep, and blew out fire. Humans and species alike start sprinting for the exits, blaster fire sprays out from every direction, and sparks ignite velvet curtains in a fiery blaze.
In seconds, Din has managed to cause complete and utter pandemonium.
Ignoring the screaming masses, Din sprints down the coordinator, leaping and jumping over the bodies. He’s racing towards the back exit where your steps disappear through.
He slams his body through the doorway and the high-altitude winds claw at him, whipping his thick black cape. The landing pad is empty, but your footprints are there, like red splotches of blood. Prints from several larger beings surround yours and disappear. He can tell they hurried you along before stuffing you into a speeder.
Din disengages the blade and lets it slide back into the hilt. He grits his teeth as the dark power slowly ebbs from his veins, leaving a metallic taste in his mouth. Shaking his head roughly, he tries to encourage the rest of it to drain out of him.
He punches his vambrance furiously and calls up your location. A little blue light appears, pulsating a steady beat. He zooms out and cocks his head, analyzing your location and locking it in. Azucar’s crew has taken you to his compound.
Fuck.
A few more terse jabs and his jet pack rumbles to life. He launches into the air moments later and disappears into the glittery night.
*****************
Talon is leaning back against the cold, durasteel exterior of his rented airship. Talon never docks Wild Karrde planet-side – too many flight manifests are bought and sold with nefarious intentions. Legs crossed casually, he checks his chronometer again and sighs. He was in the middle of a most lovely evening at his favorite pleasure hall when Mando’s frantic message arrived, demanding to meet right away.
Soon after, Talon heard from his associates what the warrior’s own evening plans had entailed. Talon’s ears pick up the faint roar of engines and watches as Mando lands with practiced ease a few feet away.
Talon regards Din’s posture warily. The man appears electrified and ready to combust. He can almost smell the fear on him. So much so, that Talon’s ownhairs on the back of his neck rise. He arches an eyebrow at Mando and greets him without preamble —
“You’re in deep shit.”
Not a question, a statement. The words bounce around Din’s hollow chest where his heart should be.
“I…yes.” Din admitted. “You heard? Already?”
Talon snorts.
“You’re joking, right? The entire planet knows what you did, and soon, the galaxy. You showed up at the biggest, most exclusive night club, cut dozens of Azucar’s men in half with the fucking Darksaber, of all things, and burned the place to the ground. You put my dramatic entrances to pure shame, Mando.”
Din winces. He had no intention of bringing such attention to himself. None. His options were extremely limited and he loathes to admit the saber took control when he should have been.
They kidnapped you. He was not in his right mind.
He grimaces at the memory of that insidious power that curled up his arm and seeped into every pore of him when the saber came to life. Under his firm grip, it became one with him. He still feels the traces of that dark, sinister power and it makes him want to scald his skin with boiling water to be rid of it.
“I had no choice Karrde. They took my riduur.They fucking took her.”
Talon pales at the implication and the pieces of the puzzle fall in place. That is why Mando lashed out the way he did and nearly razed a building. Azucar took his woman. His wife.
Well, well, Talon muses with dark humor. We are just going to have to kill a lot of fucking people. He levies a serious gaze at Mando.
“I take it you need my help?”
“I’m calling in that favor.”
Talon huffs a laugh. He always knew that Mando would call in that favor one day, and he never doubted it would be a big ask. Rescuing you from the grips of galaxy’s slimiest, most feared drug dealer wasn’t exactly what he had in mind, but fuckhe likes a challenge.
Talon was a skilled deal maker, and he knew exactly what he wanted out of this arrangement. He knew it as soon as he heard that a certain, shiny Mandalorian revealed he had possession of the saber for all the galaxy to see.
“I will help you. Under one condition.”
Din sighs in exasperation. Fucking smuggler, of course he’s going to wring something out of him over this. He grinds his teeth and seethes—
“I don’t have time for this bullshit…and you owe me Karrde.”
Talon waves a hand impatiently.
“You’re calling in a favor that’s going to likely get us both killed. I don’t think you are in a position to negotiate.”
Din pauldrons sag a bit.
“Fine. Tell me what you want.”
“I will help get your woman back, if you make me your hand.”
“My what?”
“Hand of the King, Mando.” Talon rolls his eyes and pushes off the stone wall. Sauntering towards Din, he slides his hands into his pockets and explains.
“You are the Mand’alor now. King and sole leader of the Mandalorian people. And every King needs a hand. Appoint me as yours. You need someone like me to deal with the politics you despise so much. And frankly, I’m better at that shit than you are.”
Din groans loudly, rolling his helmet around before letting his gaze settle on the ground.
Fuck. Fuck. FUCK.
He does not want to be Mand’alor. He wasn’t trying to make a grand statement at the club. He merely did what he always does. He assesses a situation, uses the tools he has on hand, and reacts. He had no idea that the fight would come across as him declaring himself leader of his people.
Bo-Katan was going to hear of this and challenge him, along with every other tin can calling themselves a Mandalorian.
Din swallows thickly and tries to quell the rising dread in his belly.
“I’m not fit. I’m not worthy of such a title…and I don’t wantit.”
Din makes a silent vow to rid himself of the Darksaber. As soon as he gets you back, he’ll find a way to dispose of it for good. Be rid of this nonsense so he can find a way to live out his life quietly with you.
Talon looks at Din solemnly, sadly. The man still doesn’t understand the enormity of the situation.
“A great man doesn’t seek to lead Mando…he’s called to it.”
The two men regard each other as the words settle heavily between them. The weight of the choice is unbearable, pressing on his chestplate and constricting his throat. For whatever reason, Karrde believes the Darksaber has chosen him.
Him,of all people. A nothing, a nobody.
A child whose parents were murdered. An orphan raised by a strict, orthodox tribe. A founding whose standing in society was so low, no clan would claim him. A man, who had resigned himself to a life of bounty hunting until he was too old to fight or too tired to live.
Maybe…he was destined to do more, to bemore.
Din clenches and flexes his fist unconsciously, taking stock of all the reasons why this is a terrible idea. Before he can think too much longer, he speaks.
“Alright.”
Talon blazes with delight and nods at him.
“Alight indeed.” Talon places a heavy arm on Din’s shoulder in a show of reassurance.
“Let’s go get our Queen back.”
Turning on his heel, Talon beckons Din to follow with a jerk of his head.
“Where we are going?” Din asks impatiently. “We don’t have time to mull this over food and wine, Karrde. We need to make a plan, now.”
“Theplanis we are going to kill a lot of fucking people. And if we are doing that, then we need to be dressed for the occasion. It’s time to visit my tailor.”
*****************
Talon’s tailor was not justa tailor. Catering to the upper echelons of society, his clothing atelier was operational, but the business was just a front. The tailor, a small unassuming man with a forgettable face, admitted Talon and Din at once.
He ushered the men through a series of backrooms, hidden airlocks doors, and finally a passcode-only elevator to the bowls of the building. There, the tailor opened another encrypted door and revealed the storage room inside.
It was a catalog of death. Metal and glass cabinets lined the walls in an open, angular room. Rows upon rows of blasters and sonic pistols in every shape and size perched on hooks or shelves. Larger weapons –pulse rifles and slug throwers, hung in long cases along the back. Nerve disruptors, hand-held sonic blasters, and paralyzer discs stood in rows of neatly stacked metal cases on casters.
Talon poured over the weapons as if they were precious jewels. He selected and purchased a few and strapped them on while Din silently inspected the various blades. His hand unconsciously went to the saber, fingers brushing the hilt. It hummed at his touch.
Hundreds, if not thousands of weapons were stored here, yet he possessed the most lethal of all. When Talon was finished, the tailor led them back upstairs and to Din’s extreme reluctance, changed attire.
Din turns to regard himself in the mirror while Talon shrugs on a robe.
Black, knee-high boots polished to a glossy shine give way to thick, ebony wool pants that cling to the firm muscles of his legs. Leather thigh holsters hold his vibroblade and blaster. The modest hilt of the saber hangs from his belt.
The midnight wool jacket lays flat and smooth at the shoulders and taper inward – the cut setting off his trim torso. His vambrances are strapped tight over the material and glint in the warm light. The stiff, upright collar hugs the muscles of his tanned throat.
Din stares in the mirror, and the helmetless face of the Mand’alor stares back. He has never worn such finery before and his own appearance stuns him for a moment.
Karrde had insisted on no beskar for two reasons. First, Azucar knew you had a Mandalorian bodyguard, so a disguise was needed to break in. Second, Karrde had decided that the beskar was prohibiting him from using the full power of the Darksaber.
His eyes shift over to Talon’s reflection in the mirror.
Talon is equally outfitted in his own striking attire. A cream tunic, wrapped and crossed around his broad chest, peaks out from a floor-length cognac robe. The generous sleeves hide the obscene number of weapons strapped in tan leather holsters to his body.
Talon is stroking his goatee and regards Din with quiet reverence. He swallows once and speaks—
“Now,there’s a king.”
Din glances down and adjusts the wrists of this black gloves, tightening them with a flick and a snap.
“This is a really fucking stupid idea” he says tightly.
“Yes” Karrde agrees.
“We’re probably going to die.”
“Probably” Karrde replies mildly back. He steps closer to Din, his eyes glittering with excitement.
“But we are going to look damn fine doing so.”
*****************
The ride to Azucar’s compound stretched for an eternity like a nightmare you could not wake from. Terror gripped your senses every second that passed by and dragged your further away from Din. No one spoke to you the entire ride there –the only sounds were the rumble of the speeder’s engine and the pounding of your heart.
Rough hands gripped your upper arm as the guards escorted you inside the compound.
Don’t panic, stay calm. Din will come for me. You unconsciously rub the raised, shell-shaped tracking device on your vambrance.
Your breath quickens when you pass through the massive front gates. Inside, you find a towering, two story entryway, with a matching pair of grand staircases pouring from the second floor. An enormous, crystal chandelier hangs over the space, dripping ice and fire. Dazed, you take in the opulent surroundings and try and think of what Din would do in your position.
He would take in as much information as he could. He would immediately find ways of escaping or note weakness in his enemies.
Keeping your head low, you try to absorb as many details as you can without being obvious. There are guards everywhere, you note with dismay. Men holding large blasters and rifles stationed by every grand window and door. Little surprise, running a billion-credit drug business requires high levels of security.
Music and laugher trickle in from the side corridor on the first floor. He must entertain guests and business partners here. The guard gripping your arm pulls you over so he can speak with another by the foot of the stairs. The rest of the group peels off in different directions, presumably back to their stations.
“Azucar brought this one home. Where should I put her?” he asks, his voice gruff and indifferent.
The guard by the stairs looks up and down your body, lingering on the deep plunge of your dress and the waist-high slit. You internally recoil at how he leisurely undresses you with his eyes. You set your jaw and resist shrinking from his tasteless gaze.
If you show any hints of weakness or fear, they may suspect something is amiss. You try for a bored expression and pretend to study the grand entryway.
After an uncomfortable length of time, the guard finally answers.
“Take her upstairs, to one of the empty rooms. I’m sure our guests will enjoy her talents later on tonight.”
A shiver of fear spider walks down your spine as the guard nods and guides you upstairs. Your mantra to not panic falters when you realize how much time you need to buy yourself until Din comes for you.
You stretch and circle your wrists, finding comfort in the weight of the silver cuffs as you follow the guard upstairs. Din has your location, you remind yourself.
How long will it take him to break in? A few hours? All night?
You pale, your hands go clammy at the thought of having to survive an entire night pretending to be an escort…without actually being an escort.
At the top of the stairs, the guard turns down a long corridor lined with closed doors. Sounds of moaning snake out and settle on you with greasy unease. Finally, the guard stops at the last room on the right and depresses a panel for the door to slide open with a small hiss. He motions for you to walk inside and you go obediently.
It takes a herculean effort to not bolt. You whirl around, wanting to ask the guard how long you’ll be held here, but he closes the door and locks it.
You stand there and take in the furnishings of the room. There are plush, oversized chairs and couches, a large bed and a chaise. All luxurious and clearly designed with nothing but pleasure in mind.
Fuckthat shit.
I’m not a whore. I am rebel alliance solider, a combat medic, and wife of a Mandalorian.
You take a deep breath and steel yourself. Din may come in time, but you cannot rely on him. He can’t be there every second of every day to protect you.
He does not have to be. You are smart and resourceful, and you can protect yourself when the time comes for it.
That time is now.
*****************
“Remind me again why we decided this was the best way in?” Din says as he tilts his head in thinly-veiled skepticism.
Azucar’s safe house was a mammoth building whose towering floors jetted up, spearing the night sky.
“Because it’s the only way in” Karrde responds dryly as he slips his hands into his pockets.
“We are just going to walk up and knock on the front door? Then what? Introduce ourselves?” Din asks incredulously.
“Yep” Karrde quips. “We’ll give them the traditional Mandalorian greeting.”
Talon sniffs the air, drawing the city smells deep into his lungs and closes his eyes for a long moment. It might be the last moment he can savor before they embark on this truly stupid rescue plan. At least, he muses, it is a fine night to die. He gives a sidelong look to the Mandalorian.
“Ready?”
Din pauses for a moment to roll his shoulders back and adjusts the tight neck of his collar. He claps Karrde on the shoulder.
“Let’s do this.”
The two men stride forward, out into the black night.
*****************
The guard stifles a yawn, coughing a few times to cover it. His partner regards him with disdain.
Sighing, he resumes his watch over the dark landing strip ahead. Transporters in all shapes and sizes float by in a steady stream. Coruscant is alive with activity all hours of the day and night. It is an entire planet that never sleeps. Always watching, always waiting.
A transporter pulls up to the main entrance gate and a large man dressed in a floor-sweeping coat exits. With a cocky air about him, he walks right up the guards. The guard is immediately alert and places his hand on the butt of his blaster.
“Gentleman!” the stranger exclaims as he bounds up the stairs. His arms outstretched wide –“good evening!”
The guard is in no mood to deal with this man.
“State your businesses” he calls out.
“This business” Karrde cheerfully replies as he whips out his blaster and shoots the man in the chest. The other guard, flustered, jerks out his blaster to return fire, when two feet come crashing down from above.
The man falls back and hits the ground with a thud. Din takes a knee beside him and presses two fingers into the man’s neck.
“He’s alive.”
Karrde steps over the dead guard and frowns down at the crumpled, unconscious man at Din’s feet.
Karrde shoots two bolts into the man’s chest.
“Not anymore.”
Stepping over the fallen guards, Karrde and Din quickly make their way inside.
Two more guards come rushing forth and Din fires off more bolts – each man dropping to the ground. Soon, an ear-splitting alarm sounds overhead. Din checks his vambrance again, your location pulls up and pulsates like a beacon of hope.
“She’s upstairs and to the right, down the long hallway” Din shouts at Karrde. The blaring alarm makes it difficult to hear anything at all. It rattles around in Din’s head, setting his already inflamed senses alight.
Soon, they feel better than hear a rumble – a sound of countless metal boots striking the floor in a steady, nonhuman beat. Taking cover behind a huge column, Din and Talon peer out at the enormous foyer.
Battle droids, black metal armor shining like liquid night, pour from every direction. They line the upper balcony, fill the foyer, and begin descending down the stairs. Their eyes glow red, eerily silent and devoid of all purpose other than to kill.
“Coward” Din spits. Azucar did not trust his own men to dispatch of Din and Talon with honor, but sent a sack of metal and screws. The droids zero in on the men’s position and volley off hundreds of rounds of bolts at the column.
Din and Talon jerk back, eyes squeezed shut as the column absorbs the blows. Chips of stone began raining down, peppering the floor in debris. The column won’t be able to provide cover for long and the droids are steadily advancing their position.
“Mando…” Talon pants. “This is it. We can’t shoot our way out. There’s too many of them!”
Din regards Talon, his shoulders heaving. His friend, who would do anything for him, standing next to him, ready to die.
No.
“I can take them.”
Din grabs the hilt of the saber and the blade obediently slides out. White-hot pain snakes up his arm, wraps around his neck and spears into his brain stem. Din grimaces, trying to concentrate despite the unrelenting sirens and the exploding bits of rock. He turns to face Talon.
Karrde’s jaw slackens at the sight. Din’s eyes are gone. In their place are two silver orbs, sparking with bits of lightening. The delicate veins around the sockets are stained black.
Mand’alor.
“Karrde” Din says, his voice not quite steady.
Talon, startled beyond words, gives Din his full attention.
“If something happens to me, take care of her. Promise me you will.”
Talon nods his head. “I promise to protect her…with my life.”
With that, Din shoves off the column and launches himself at the droids.
“Mando, no!” Talon cries, as he lurches helplessly after his king. But, he suddenly stops short.
Speechless, Talon watches in amazement as the scene before him unfolds.
***************
You have backed yourself into the far corner of the room. Lying prong at your feet are two men, both unconscious. The first one went down easily. You struck hard and true in his carotid artery, causing his blood pressure to plummet and knock him out. The second man had fought harder, but you managed to slam your elbow into the sensitive top of his head. He too collapsed.
At this rate, you thought grimly, you could pile the men up against the door like a human blockade.
An alarm of some sort was tripped only a few minutes ago and heavy footsteps shook the floor as they rushed forth. Bewildered, you had no idea what has happening, but you suspected it was Din. Chaos seems to proceed the man wherever he goes.
Grabbing your attention, your door’s control panel starts to go haywire. Buttons begin to flicker and flash, before fading out. Smoke smelling of burnt plastic snakes in the room. Then, the door beings to reluctantly ease open.
Your heart immediately starts pounding and hot adrenaline dumps into your veins.
Damn it, I’m not in position.
You did not have time to move beside the door, so you could leverage the element of surprise. You whip the small dagger from your vambrance, cock your arm back, and snap it forward.
Ping!
“What the—?” a surprised man growls.
Din stands before you, a beskar-clad forearm protecting his face from the dagger you just threw at him.
You cry out as you dash across the room before leaping into his arms. You slam into Din hard and he grunts, taking a small step back from the force of your body. He grips you fiercely to him as you sob out in relief into his chest.
Din pulls back and cups your face between his palms. Two deep, brown pools regard you softly before he crashes his lips over yours. His kiss is full of desperate relief. Your body molds to him, trying to soothe the terror you feel in his embrace.
He breaks off the kiss and swallows thickly before asking the question he fears the most.
“Are you hurt? Did they…did anyone…?”
“No.” Swift relief washes across his face.
“They locked me in here as soon as we arrived and only these two have come so far. But, I took care of them.”
A corner of Din’s lip curls and he touches his forehead to yours. “That’s my girl” he murmurs. You chuckle a bit.
“Why aren’t you wearing your armor?” you ask.
But your question is disrupted by a soft “ahem” from behind Din.
You tear yourself away and your eyes blow wide at the sight of Talon. He leans a shoulder casually in the doorway and grins—
“Well, I don’t know about you two, but I could use a drink.”
“Talon!” you exclaim and you break free from Din throw yourself at Talon too, giving him a big kiss on the cheek. He bows his head sheepishly and you step away.
“What are you doing here?”
“Well…” starts as he brushes off an invisible speck on his sleeve. “Someone needed to make this operation look good.”
You laugh out loud and pat him on the chest while Din huffs in annoyance behind you.
“Mesh’la, we need to go” he says urgently.
“Yes, you do” an unfamiliar voice purrs.
The three of you whip around and see a group of guards crowd you all into the room. Blasters aimed and trained on all three of you.
Karrde’s hand moves to hover over the hilt of his blaster and several weapons click and whirl, the charges firing up and ready.
“Wait!” Din shouts. “Easy…”
Din gives Karrde a warning glance – don’t do anything stupid.
Din holds up his empty hands. “Easy. Look, see? No weapon. We will go with you.”
You frantically look between Din and the group as they slowly back off and walk out of the room, with the implicit demand for you all to follow.
Din snakes his hand into yours and gives you a reassuring squeeze.
“What are you doing?” you whisper, your stomach flip flopping with new dread.
“I am not risking a firefight with you around. His gaze settles on and you look at him expectantly. His features are shadowed and strained from stress. Yet, he seems calm, as if he has resigned himself to something.
That observation leaves you chilled.
*****************
The three of you are escorted through of maze of corridors and passages, moving from the more opulent, entertaining spaces of the compound to the business sectors. Rich, carpeted hallways decorated with sculptures and art give way to stark white corridors buzzing with electricity. The further you travel into the forbidden areas of Azucar’s lair, the less hope you have of escaping. You steal quick glances at Din, who is still holding your hand as you follow half a step behind him.
He must be working out some sort of plan. He never takes a job without one. Although, with a pang of guilt, you realize that you had near-bullied him into this. You were the reason they were caught in the first place.
Finally, you were stopped in front of pair of unassuming panel doors, recessed into the wall. A guard punches in a passcode and the doors hiss open where you are ushered inside.
The room is a wide semicircle, barren except for a mammoth table that sweeps up and out from the floor as if it were poured from a mold. Imbedded in the table top are dozens of screens telecasting from security cameras all over the building.
A bald man sits behind the desk, reclined in a black chair that rises up and arcs over him. His fingers are steepled and a sneer curls his lip. He stares at you with colorless eyes. The green glow from the security displays play shapes and lines across his face.
Azucar.
“What an interesting assortment of guests we have this evening.”
His voice is quiet, but harsh, like a measured drip of acid. He rises up from behind the desk smoothly, too smoothly. It becomes apparent that some sort of device assists his movement. His robes drag lightly on the floor and he floats closer. He looks more like a nobleman than a drug lord.
He tilts his head at Talon first. “You are a long way from home, smuggler. Aren’t these sort of situations the types you shrewdly avoid? Hmm?”
Talon, for once in his life, has no glib response. He is taken aback that Azucar has not only heard of him, but knows his face.
“And you” as his attention pierces your thoughts. “A combat medic for the rebel alliance turned courtesan? That is an abrupt change of profession one finds difficult to believe.” He waves at you in dismissal.
Holy hell, he knows who we are.
He glides over to stop in front of Din and he regards him with pure, animalistic joy.
“But you….were the biggest surprise of all. Din Djarin, of clan Death Watch, and now declared King of Mandalore. I knew when I put out the job for my assassination, you would come around eventually.”
Talon and Din let out a small, collective groan. This job was a trap…for Din.
“I must admit I did not expect you to do it with such flair. Burning down the esteemed Aura? Nicely done.”
What is he talking about? You frown at Din.
Azucar continues on in that unnerving, polite voice that barely hides the viciousness lurking beneath.
“You see, I see something of myself in you, Din. I have this insane need inside me. I want no one else to succeed. I want power because everyone else is weak and unworthy. That is why you acquired the Darksaber. That is why you sought out this bounty. You want power as much as I, and I can offer it to you.”
For fucks sake, not another bad-guy speech.
Din has spent a lifetime listening to these manifestos and now, on the cusp of retirement, he decides that he is done.
Din sighs loudly, cutting Azucar off sharply—
“Save your breath. You want my power? Here, take it and let us go.”
Din spins the Darksaber around and presents it hilt-first to Azucar. Azucar’s eyes flicker from Din’s face to the saber suspiciously. Azucar jerks his head to his guard in a silent command to take the saber. As the guard dutifully extends his hand out, Din drops the weapon. It clangs as it bounces to the floor.
You groan inwardly at Din’s master-level display of assholery. Din smirks and Talon tries very hard not to laugh, swallowing it down forcefully.
In a flash of anger, Azucar sneers viciously at the guard.
“Pick. It. Up.”
As the guard bends down, Din and Talon take the smallest of steps toward one another, their shoulders touching and creating a shield. It happens so quick, you hardly notice before a flash of lightening and ear-splitting noise shatter any conscious thoughts.
CRACK.
You duck and wince at the deafening noise, hands flying to your ears and squeezing your eyes shut. Straightening up cautiously, your ears buzz from the explosion and a faint smell of burnt flesh taints the air. You peer over Din and Talon’s shoulders.
There, on the floor where the guard had stood, is nothing more that black ash and smoke. The guard is gone. Incinerated down to atoms, there is nothing left of his mortal body but a small, snowy shower of pale gray ashes. They settle on the floor, circling around innocuous hilt of the dark saber.
There was oneother thing Din and Talon failed to mention to you back on that outpost moon. On the day they spent in that frozen, crusted over clearing, the men had accidentally discovered one, minor detail about the Darksaber.
No one can touch it, except Din.
Unless won justly in battle, anyone that touches the saber is incinerated. During a spar with Din, Talon happened to brush the hilt and the saber singed his arm hairs right off.
Din crosses his arms over his broad chest and quirks his head smugly at Azucar.
Finally, Talon finds his tongue and cannot help himself.
“Well, Azucar, this has been a charming evening and we enjoyed destroying a fleet of your droids and killing…” as he ticks off a few fingers…
“…about a dozen or so of your men. But the hour grows late. And quite frankly, I’m bored.”
Azucar ignores Talon completely and levels an icy glare at Din.
“Either you stay and your friends can go, or all three of you can die. I have always enjoyed the power of choice. And now this one is yours.”
The men stiffen in front of you. Din gives Talon a sidelong glance and the smallest dip of his chin. Karrde’s eyes flicker over Din and he gives a pained nod back in understanding.
Din levels his gaze back to Azucar, indifference clouding his tone.
“Fine. But I’ll never be your slave, Azucar. Never.”
Your breath dies in your throat.
Azucar’s lip curls—“only time will tell.”
Azucar rotates and crosses the room in a slow hover, back to his chair. As he gently sits down, he gives a final order to his men.
“Take him to the interrogation cell. See how long he lasts before changing his mind.”
The men step towards Din and he doesn’t fight them. Din leans over and swiftly grabs the Darksaber before clipping it back to his belt. He offers his hands to the guards and they harshly yank them behind his back, snapping on a pair of binders. He slowly turns around to face you and Talon.
Your heart cracks open.
“NO!” you scream and you launch yourself at Din. Talon is one beat ahead of you, however. His arms lock around your waist and yanks you forcibly back.
Din’s heavy eyes find yours. Two pools of sorrow stare back, apologetic as the full weight of what he has done slams into you.
“NO NO NO!”
This cannot be happening. Blind terror floods your veins and you thrash at Talon to no avail. His grip on you is ironclad.
“We need to go, NOW” Talon hisses, but you cannot hear anything over the roar in your ears. You kick and claw, screaming at him to let you go.
Din watches the horrifying scene with anguish. His whole body shakes as he watches Talon struggle to pull you away. Talon whips you around and starts dragging you through the enormous doors.
“STOP! NO!”
Sobs wrack your chest as you plead and scream at Din, desperate to reach him—
“NO! Please No!”
Talon ignores you and sweeps you off your feet, gripping you fiercely to his chest. You are too small and he is too big to fight off. Through tightly clenched teeth, he grits out—
“Stop.We have to leave!”
You twist your head around and desperately look at Din. You reach your hand out to him as you watch the foreboding doors begin to slide shut.
“DIN! PLEASE! YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS!” your cry at him, tears spilling down your face. The last thing you see before the doors close are him mouthing the words—
I love you.
“NOOO!” you cry in agony and the doors clang together with a boom. The sound reverberates off the walls and its hideous finality slaps you across the face.
You turn to Talon and start screaming at him, your words coming out choked and barely discernable.
“GET HIM BACK! WE CAN’T…LEAVE HIM…HERE!”
Talon grunts at you and he’s running down the long dark corridor now. At the end is a pair of hydraulic doors and Talon hurriedly punches the release button and the doors snap back with a hiss. The howling wind blindsides you as Talon sets you down and starts striding down the narrow airbridge.
Momentarily stunned, you realize just how high up you are. Gigantic buildings push up through the clouds like silver spears as far as you can see – structures that are hundredsof stories high. Tiny airbridges and landing pads sprout out from the sides of the buildings like branches off a tree.
You look past Talon and see Pathfinder parked on the landing pad straight ahead. The ramp is already lowering and engines firing up.
Talon notices that you aren’t following behind him and stops, whirls around and stomps towards you. His face was black with anger. He barks impatiently at you.
“MOVE. We need to get out here, NOW.”
You glare at him.
“NO. He’s going to DIE in there Talon. We can’t just leave him here!”
Talon scowls as he grips your upper arm, preparing to drag you to the ship.
“You think I don’t knowthat?”
You wrench your arm out his grip and turn to run. You don’t care. You don’t care about any of it. All you see is how they will throw Din in a cell, torture him until he dies because he will never, eversubmit.
And you will die too, alongside him. Because you know you cannot go on without him. If there is no Din, then there is no you. You are bound to him for all of eternity, and wherever he goes, you will follow.
Talon has other plans, however. He snatches you back and with surprising strength, tosses you over his shoulder and stalks up the ships ramp.
You wriggle and kick but it’s no use. Talon dumps you into a co-pilot’s seat and places two thick, muscular arms on either side of the armrests, caging you in. He leans down and shoves his face right in yours, glaring hard.
“Don’t you fucking move from this spot. I swore an oath to my king that I’d protect you and keep you safe. I’ll be damned if you break it by doing something stupid.”
Stunned, you stare at him with wide eyes. Talon moves away to the ship’s console and starts flicking switches and pressing buttons with urgency. It takes less than sixty seconds for the repulsorlifts to fire and you are airborne. The sudden rise in atmosphere causes your stomach to plummet and your heart sinks even lower in your chest.
Silent tears slide down your face as you watch the dark tower begin to fade in the distance. Further and further away Talon pilots the ship. Each second, each moment, is a dagger to your soul, gutting you from the inside out. You grip the armrests, fighting the urge to claw at your skin, your clothes, anything to expel the helpless panic straining inside your chest. The silence in the cockpit is deafening.
Talon finishes punching in the coordinates to the secret location of his ship and makes the jump to hyperspace. The fine string that was holding him together finally snaps. He slumps over the console, his face buried in his hands.
You see his shoulders shudder once, twice before you are out of your seat and swiveling his chair around to face you.
Talon’s face falls, crumpling into unimaginable pain. Silently, you wrap your arms around him and his arms snap up to circle your waist, burying his face into your stomach.
Great, big shoulders heave as Talon manages to gasp out—
“I failed him. I…” and he chokes back a sob. “I failed him. My king, my partner…my friend.”
Fresh pain wrenches your heart –his grief and sorrow is too much for you to bear. Tears spill from your burning eyes and you shake, Talon’s strong arms around you is the only thing holding you up. Great sobs rack you both, as you cling to each other, devastated for the man you both love.
The seconds drag by before you can manage to speak in a small, broken whisper.
“There has to be something we can do. I can’t accept standing by and doing nothing. He would never give up on us. We can’t give up on him.”
Talon pulls from your arms, head angled back to look hopelessly at his queen that will soon be a widow.
“Azucar has an army and we don’t. We have nothing.”
An army…The memory unfolds clearly before you.
Din holding you in his arms, swirling you around in the cool mountain lake while he explains the six actions central to all Mandalorians. Tenets that cross all houses and clans and bind them together. The Resol’nare—
Rally to the cause when called by the Mand’alor… he had said.
“Talon…” you croak. “We have an army too. Call them.”
Talon’s face twists in confusion.
“Callwho?”
“The Mandalorians” you say quietly.
“Tell them their Mand’alorcommands them. They will come.”
The view is breathtaking. You are standing close enough to the glass cockpit shield that your breath fogs the surface. You cannot tear your eyes from the twinkling, vast expanse of endless city before you.
Coruscant.
The city-covered planet. You have heard of it of course, but never thought you’d live long enough to see the famed capital of the galaxy. Historians argued that Coruscant is the original home world of humanity.
Din moves to stand behind you, arms crossed over his chest. He’s fully outfitted in his armor and you doubt you’ll see him without it for the entirety of your visit.
“Incredible, isn’t it?” His voice cracks cold through the modulator.
“Amazing” you agree. “How many beings live here?”
“Trillions. I think that’s why Azucar hides out here. Easy to vanish amongst so many. It’s also the financial hub of the galaxy. He likely has no trouble finding dirty banks to launder his money while regulators are paid to look the other way.”
Coruscant is also smack in the middle of several major trade routes, enabling the drug pin to ship off and distribute spice all over the galaxy.
Your eyes sweep over the cityscape, taking in the towering skyscrapers. Buildings hundreds, or perhaps thousands of stories scrape the atmosphere. Floating ships and transporters of all sizes and models speed amongst them – darting in and around, following a hidden skyway of complex routes.
You angle your head down, trying to see the ground, but it is nothing but a black abyss. Stretching out endlessly, the twinkling lights of the structures are swallowed by smoky darkness. Looking back up, the buildings are backlit by a silver-blue glow from the enormous moon. The glowing crescent slices the sky in half.
You shiver, stepping back from the atmospheric glass. There is something unnerving about being perched so high and unable to see the ground. It’s the dead of night and Din found a small, short-term dock to park for the next day or two. The landing pad extends straight out the side of an impossibly tall and slim skyscraper. You can feel the gentle sway of the building as the high altitudinal winds push and pull the structure.
The late arrival meant you two had to drag yourselves from the comfort of Din’s cot to prepare for landing. A yawn overtakes you and you fist your hands in your eye sockets, trying to rub the sleep away.
“Let’s go back to bed. We can catch a few hours of sleep before morning” Din says.
He places a hand on the small of your back and guides you back to his captain’s quarters.
You flop down on the cot and Din climbs in behind you. You hiss and stiffen when the cold beskar touches you.
“Sorry” Din mumbles, dragging the blanket over you to protect you from his armor.
“I don’t know how you sleep in that” you murmur. Din huffs a small laugh.
“It feels better on than off.”
You have forgotten that walking around helmetless and armor-less is still new to Din. You have noticed that when the armor is on, he’s calmer. Still and solid, he moves with the grace and confidence that impenetrable steel provides. Without the armor, Din always seems…shifty. Skittish and on high alert, like a prized thoroughbred. You suppose that is the price you pay for being married to a stallion.
“Do you ever get nervous before a job?” you ask tentatively.
“I used to, but not anymore.”
“How do you manage it all? All I can think about are all the things that could go wrong, all the ways that I could screw up…” you chew your lip. You feel out of depth compared to the seasoned warrior beside you.
“Years of training, years of practice, and making many, many mistakes” Din says quietly. “It’s no different than you practicing medicine. Do you get nervous before treating a patient? Do you ever doubt your skills?”
You ponder that for a moment. You haven’t felt inadequate about your skills since medical school.
“No. I don’t. But healing is in my bones. It’s my calling. But this—“ as you gesture at nothing in particular. “This feels foreign to me. I’m afraid I’m going to fail you. Fail us.”
Din hugs you tighter against himself, tucking your head into the notch between his shoulder and helmet.
“Just say the word, and we won’t go. I’ll find another way to bring Azucar down. I’ll find a way for us to start our life together.”
The smooth leather fingers of Din’s glove stroke your shoulder as his words settle over your mind. Not entirely put at ease, but your eyelids grow heavy anyways and you finally fall asleep.
**********************
The next morning, you feel like a cocktail of excitement, fear, and anticipation. Grabbing your things, your plan is to first find a banking center to pull some funds from your medic pension. Then, you’ll need to hunt down a spa that can somehow scrub years of grim off. Finally, you must buy something to suitable wear. Perhaps a gown or dress of some sort.
You smile to yourself at the thought of Din’s reaction to seeing you in a gown. He has never seen you dressed in any sort of evening wear or finery. Shit, he’s never seen you with makeupon.
You look around the ship to tell him you’ll be gone for most of the day, but he’s nowhere inside. A muddled string of colorful curses in Mando’a trickles in from outside.
Din has been largely pissed off the last couple of weeks trying and failing to locate the source of the latest electrical issues plaguing Pathfinder. You walk down the loading ramp and find him on his hands and knees, upper half buried inside the bowels of the ship. He’s banging away at something while muttering to himself. You stop to admire the sight of his muscular lower-half hanging out of the ship.
You’re about to call out to him again, but feeling playful, you impulsively cock your arm back and smack his ass with a loud CRACK. Din jolts forward in surprise, banging his helmet somewhere underneath. You let out a whoop of laughter and immediately sprint off around the side of the ship.
You make it around the other side and skitter to a stop, listening. Your heart is pounding with anticipation. Adrenaline is coursing through your veins and you whip your head around left and right looking for him. You expected him to be right behind you on your tail.
But he’s vanished.
Panicking a little, yet also titillated at doing something verywicked, you squat down to look under the ship. Nothing. The work mat where he was kneeling only moments ago is empty and the silence of the air settles ominously around you.
Fuck, your hand throbs where you smacked him. You are going to pay dearly for that.
“I know you’re out there!” you call out.
Silence.
Deciding to turn back to the front of Pathfinder, a dark form soundlessly drops directly behind you. A whoosh of cool air licks your back, startling you.
Before you can jolt away, a firm grip takes hold of you and yanks you swiftly back. In a tumble of arms and legs, Din flips you face up and collapses on top of you with a heavy thud. He pins your wrists above your head, and cradles your head with other with practiced ease.
You let out a peal of surprised laughter and beam pleasantly at the midnight visor two inches from your face, staring you down.
“How’s your butt feel?” you purr to him, feeling exceedingly brave despite your precarious position.
“Not as bad as yours is gonna feel” he growls back.
“Hmm” you roll your hips up, grinding your crotch against his.
“You are literallya pain in my ass” he snarls, but then groans deep as you start moving your hips up and down, an innocent smile on your face as you rut against his hard length.
He withdraws his arm from its protective position behind your head and finds the edge of your top. Din slips his hand underneath and slowly slides up your bare stomach. His fingertips pause at the base of your chest band. You squirm under him, arching your back to encourage him. He gives in and slides his calloused hands under the band, cupping your breast, squeezing hard as you sigh with content. Your stiffened peak presses deep into his palm.
This will escalate quickly and you have so much shit to get done today.
“I need to go. It’s going to take me all day to get ready, but I’ll be back in time to leave.” You wiggle out from beneath him and stand up, smoothing down your shirt.
“All day? What could possibly take all day?” Incredulous, Dins stands up too, hooking his thumbs in his belt loops, and casually shifts his weight to his back leg.
“Slut school. Gotta brush up for tonight” you quip.
“Yeah? You teaching it?”
“Ooh” you narrow your eyes at him at his low blow. “You’re just sore because I got you good. Not my fault, you were wagging it out there at me.”
You saunter up to him, place both hands on the sides of his helmet and tip his head down. You place a sweet kiss to his forehead.
You try to step back, but his arms snap out and wrap around your waist, towing you gently back to him for a long embrace. He lowers his head to your ear and whispers “be safe, please. See you soon” and with a cautionary squeeze, lets you go.
Turning to walk away, you hear the high-pitched crack before you feel a blinding, stinging pain bloom on your ass cheek. “OW!” you cry out and frantically start rubbing your bottom, trying to soothe the sting away.
You whirl around and give Din an indignant glare as he crosses his arms over his massive chest and emits a dark chuckle.
“Don’t start shit you can’t handle sweetheart” he rumbles.
You growl at him, but turn back around to gather your things and set out. Your butt cheek still burns, but the memory of Din lurching forward and banging his head was worth it. A huge grin breaks out across your face.
**********************
You walk through the front doors of the spa and are enveloped in a blanket of cool, artificial air control. There is so much to take in, your senses overload as you look around the reception area. The walls are covered in white, glittery stone that shimmers in the tasteful lighting. Water trickles down the wall from some unseen source, pinging off the rocks at the bottom. Lit candles on the desk give off a flowery aroma that is delicate and foreign to your nose.
You approach the expansive front desk and the female sitting behind it stands up to greet you with a friendly smile. She is striking. Her skin is porcelain white and equally platinum hair swept back into an elegant chignon. Her eyes are of such a light blue, they are almost transparent, framed by white lashes and eyebrows.
“Welcome to Serenity, how can we help you today?” her Basic drips out of her mouth like honey. Her customer service skills are excellent as she doesn’t bat an eye at your grubby appearance. You look like an alley cat dragged in from a mud fight and has no business being here.
“Um—” you shyly start, unsure on what you need or what to ask for. You decide to tell her that you are accompanying your husband tonight to the Aura for an important business meeting. Having never been before, you don’t want to embarrass him in front of his associates.
“Ah. Of course, of course” the receptionist purrs. She walks out from behind the desk and motions for you to follow her back.
“Let’s do our deluxe spa package, which includes whole-body polish and massage, as well as full face and hair styling….” She elaborates as you follow her into a low-lit dressing room. She plucks a fluffy robe from an immaculate stack on the shelf and tells you to undress.
“Do you already have something to wear?” she asks, while a discerning eye suspiciously evaluates your attire.
“Uh, no. I’ll need to buy something too, but I have the credits” you stammer, glancing down at your filthy appearance as you disrobe. You are starting to feel out of your depth and second-guessing this plan. You are a medic and a solider, not some fancy courtesan. No one is going to notice you, much less a fearsome drug lord.
“No worries. I know just the right tailor” she sing songs. “He makes the most beautiful gowns and with your body….” as her eyes appraisingly run down your naked form, “You’ll look stunning. I’ll let him know that he should be expecting a customer when we are finished up with you here.”
She smiles reassuringly to you as she takes your clothes and helps you step into the warm robe. You sigh deeply as you wrap it around yourself and snuggle your nose into the fluffy collar. It smells of freshly laundered cotton and lilac.
This probably won’t work, you think to yourself. But at least the pampering will be fun.
**********************
Four torturous hours later, it was definitely notfun.
You are not sure what your expectations were – maybe a bath and massage? You got that for sure, but then a whole lot more than you bargained for. An entire team of young females and a few droids dressed in severe uniforms scrubbed, sanded, waxed, and tanned your entire body into radiant submission. Your skin practically sparkles and shines – nails perfectly sculpted and painted. Your hair washed and styled expertly to make the most of its natural color and texture. You gasped when you saw your face. The makeup beautifully enhanced all of your features. Not-overly done, but expensive looking indeed.
Butstars, was the process long and tedious. The worst part was the waxing. After a pert a pert attendee finished stripping your legs, she spread your thighs apart. Before you caught on, she had quickly laid down a hot, thick strip of honeyed wax over the curly hairs between your legs.
And fucking ripped it off.
Despite your serious protests, they assured you that all high-born females do this and wouldn’t be caught dead otherwise. Begrudging, you agreed to let her continue and she proceed to take all your hair off, leaving your nether regions stripped, puffy, and naked as a mole rat.
When the attendant’s back was turned, you reached a tentative hand down to feel between your legs. Your fingertips brushed the soft, bare skin. Oh. You can feel everything. Din is going to lose his damn mind when he discovers this. A warm heat spreads up your chest and neck imagining Din’s hands touching you there.
After leaving the spa, you make one last stop at the tailor’s, having acquired an address from the receptionist when you left. A squat, elderly man dressed in a fine silk surcoat greets you at the door.
After a brief, almost dismissive introduction, he hands you a huge package. The parcel is wrapped in layers and layers of thick tissue and tied neatly with a bow.
“Thank you very much. But…shouldn’t I try it on first?” You ask disbelievingly as you hand him a stack of credits. The elderly man waves a hand away and gently ushers you out the door.
“No need, no need” he cheerily tuts at you in an accent you can’t quite place. “You take this and go, it will fit just fine. You’ll see, ok? Good bye!” and with that, the door slides closed behind you.
You stand outside awkwardly, wondering what sort of Jedi magic the receptionist employed to ensure the tailor had everything he needed to make you a gown. What color was it? Was it long or short? You could not tell from the packaging. What if it doesn’t fit?
You glace at your chronometer. Too late now. Resigned to the fact you were probably in possession of one hideously expensive, atrocious-looking gown, you hail a taxi speeder back to the ship.
**********************
“You’re late” Din grumbles as you dash up the ramp to Pathfinder. You have just enough time to get changed before you two need to head out to the club. As you pass by him, you stop, a tender smile growing on your lips as you look down at him.
He’s sitting on the floor, back propped up against the hull and dutifully shining the last of his armor. The gorgeous metal glints in the evening sunset as he reverently rubs an oiled cloth over the surface. He’s got on his good black boots – leather polished and shined, scuff marks banished. His black duraweave has been washed, any rip has been painstakingly repaired.
That’s when you spy a brand new cape hanging on a hook by his head. The heavy wool dyed a luxurious, inky black. You let out a low whistle as you reach out the finger the rich folds in what must have been an incredibly expensive purchase.
You sink down next to him, your gaze softens. This considerate man that has spent the better part of the day getting cleaned up for tonight. A Mandalorian knight in shining armor, all for you.
He doesn’t look at you yet, but he knows you are taking it all in. Pride swells deep within him as you notice all his efforts. Din silently passes the rag over his pauldron again and again. Your heart squeezes tight and you wish you could take off his helmet and kiss him deeply, showing him how much this humble act means to you.
You settle instead for reaching out to gently lift his hand, bringing his knuckles to your mouth. You rub your lips over them. Pressing kisses, your breath ghosts over his skin.
Din stills and looks up at you, his breath a calm rise and fall. He watches you press the palm of his hand to your cheek. You look…..different he thinks. He has never seen you wear face-paint, or whatever it’s called, before. It takes him a moment to compare this new face to the one he has memorized.
“Hello my love” you croon into his calloused palm.
“I don’t need much more time to get ready. Just need to change into my dress. You almost done polishing your armor?”
“Almost” Din replies. “Wanted to make sure my appearance was acceptable to my employer” he playfully tosses out as he watches your face light up. You rise and head to the captain’s quarters to change.
“Oh most definitely, an act which will be richly rewarded for” you wink at him and sashay out of his sight. Din sighs, and standing up too, re-attaches his pauldron.
**********************
Din hired an expensive, closed top speeder to make a proper entrance in. You look over at Din, watching how the glow of the city lights melt over the reflective surface of his helmet. He looks regal in his impenetrable wall of beskar. His new black cape is tucked neatly into his chest plate, sweeping over his broad shoulders and down his back, cloaking him in darkness. His blaster is holstered on one hip, the Darksaber clipped to the other.
You frown, puzzled over why he decided to take the saber tonight. Din is still wary about using the weapon. He doesn’t trust the blade yet and you sense he’s still hesitant about its power. You shake off the creepy aura the saber seems to emit. Perhaps Din felt the blade was safer with him than locked up on Pathfinder.
You smooth your hands down the front of your cloak, luxuriating in the supple fabric. Din hasn’t seen your dress yet, as the tailor thoughtfully provided this extraordinary cloak to guard against the slight chilly evening. You gasped when you saw it and swung it around your shoulders, clasping the delicate, filigree leaf at your throat, relishing how its billows elegantly out to the floor.
You nervously pet the silver vambraces. Din helped snap them on and synced the location device with his own. They warm to your touch and give you a sense of grounding security as your nerves skitter and fizzle. Running your fingers over the embellished surface, you imagine how you will inch your way to Azucar’s posse.
You wonder how you will walk that knife’s edge of tonight’s act. How will you appear as a courtesan, looking to contract your services for the evening, without actually doing so. All the while, inching your way to the drug lord’s inner circle and immersing yourself long enough for Din to gather the intelligence he needs.
Your initial excitement for this plan is waning fast as the reality arrives and the danger of what could go wrong.
It’s not too late, I can back out of this at any moment and Din will be relieved.
Din see’s you nervously squirming and places a gloved hand over yours.
“Don’t fidget. It makes you look nervous when you have no reason to be.”
You let loose a breath and nod, peering out of the dark glass window as the skyscrapers whoosh by.
Din cocks his helmet at you. He knows you are scared and out of your comfort zone. He squeezes your hands reassuringly.
“It’s going to be alright. Remember what I told you. Keep them talking about themselves, don’t volunteer information about yourself. And don’t drink anything here tonight. Not even straight from the bartender. Not even water.”
You turn your head and raise your eyebrows at him. “Not even water? Why?”
“Drugs” Din scoffs. “Sedatives, aphrodisiacs, amongst others. Hold a glass in your hand to blend in, but do notdrink from it.”
Din is attempting to be helpful, but this only makes your stomach churn.
**********************
The speeder pulls up to the club’s entrance. The jetty is hundreds of meters above ground, yet the enormous skyscraper continues to loom above painted in obsidian and gold. Hordes of expensive aircrafts crowd the entrance as humans and species spill from their transporters and head towards the main doors.
Ever the gentleman, Din exits the speeder first to walk around and opens your door for you, extending his hand.
“Are you ready for this?” he tilts his helmet at you, as you take his hand and step out of the speeder. You snake your hand into the crook of his elbow and give him a false smile.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
The wide air bridge connects to a towering set of gold doors flung wide open. Directly behind is the grand foyer. As you and Din enter, you gaze up in wonder at the mammoth chandelier. Dripping with thousands of crystals, they catch and scatter light like liquid fire. A staircase made of polished black stone sweeps guests up to the large elevator bay. The nightclub is at the penthouse level, occupying the top four floors.
“Wow” you whisper in awe, as you take in the impressive entrance. You have never seen such a display of wealth and opulence. It makes you feel even more like a foolish charlatan.
The two of you stroll to the foot of the stairs and begin the long ascent. You lift the edge of your cloak and dress with your free hand, to avoid face planting on the steps and starting this evening off with a bang.
Solid glass elevators, cut in facets like precious gems, slide silently down rails. Glittering, the enormous elevators open and the two of you are ushered in along with a large group. With a sickening drop, the elevator shoots up with a quiet whir. The seconds stretch on and people whisper amongst their group, trying not to stare at Din. He squeezes your hand in quiet reassurance.
The elevator doors hiss open and the club-goes pour forth. Din gently tows you out and you stare at the gaping expanse of the club before you. A staircase yawns wide to the massive dance floor. Technicolor lights swirl and pivot from huge overhead rigs. Music is pumped steadily through the sound systems and the bass thumps around in your chest in time with the beat. The room is edged with floor after floor of booths, game tables, bars, and secured rooms for what you can guess is private entertainment. There must be thousandsof beings here.
You swerve off to the right to drop your cloak at coat check while Din walks towards the railing to take in the space. A man of discipline and routine, he enters every room and performs a security sweep the same way, every time. His eyes drift left to right, top to bottom. He notes and files away all possible entrances and exits first. Then, he estimates the crowd size, looking for obvious disturbances and threats. The people appear to be behaving – entertained by the music, dancing, and drugs. They also appear to be unarmed, except for club security and the VIP’s privately hired guardians. They loom about, serious and imposing in the roped off sections of the mezzanine level.
He assesses the guards and their weapons. Older, less reliable blasters, or newer models?
Older, prone to jamming.
Are they alert and disciplined? Or are they distracted by their environment and vices?
Attentive and watchful, these beings are well-trained.
Din meticulously documents each bit of information, ruthlessly deciding what can be used to gain the upper hand or exploit a weakness. Din turns his attention away from the main floor to look for you when you suddenly appear, walking confidently across the hall towards him.
His breath hitches in his throat, all external information ceases to exist as he takes you in.
I am so fucked tonight.
Your dress is made from the sheerest chiffon, dyed to a deep sapphire blue. Panels of fabric pinched at your shoulders plunge down your chest, barely covering your breasts before meeting in a deep v at your navel. A silvered belt rests low on your waist, cinching in the delicate fabric. From the belt, your voluminous skirt ripples out in waves, pooling on the floor and flowing out and around you with each step.
The final touch is a single, devastating high slit that travels up the length of your leg, past your thigh and ending at your waist. Each time your leg parts, the slit allows a peak of the tiny, beaded string of your underwear.
You strut your way up to him, one corner of your mouth hiked up in a wry smile as you observe Din staring you down, transfixed. Stopping in front of him, you innocently twist your shoulders around to give him a peak of the back, which there is none. The dress plunges down, ending to a low point above the valley of your bottom.
“Well? Do you like my dress?” You purr softly at him.
Din tilts his helmet up and down the length of you.
“Where’s the rest of it?”
You blink at him. “What do you mean? This…this is it. This is the whole dress.”
“That’s not a dress, its two socks and a belt.”
Truthfully, you knew the dress was shocking and revealing, but that was the whole point. Yet Din’s reaction irked you.
“Normal husbands would say ‘You look lovely dear.’ But no, you’re acting like I’m naked” you reply hotly.
“Youarenaked” he heatedly whispers back. “And stop arguing with me like we are an old, married couple.”
“Weare an old, married couple you insufferable man” you hiss.
“Not tonight. How am supposed to protect you, looking like that?” he jerks his head at your attire.
“If I’m to get close to Azucar, I need to catch the attention of his entourage” you remind him.
He snorts.
Get attention. Fuck, every piece of slime in this place will be trying to get in between those legs.
Din stays silent, the turmoil of his thoughts guarded by his stoic stance, playing the part of the devoted bodyguard.
He should just throw your ass over his shoulder and stomp out of here, straight back to the ship. But you will be hurt and furious if he does that.
“Let’s go!” you command in falsely cheerful tone, pointedly ignoring his sour mood. Without waiting for Din’s retort, you descend stairs towards the main floor, intent on mingling with the other guests.
**********************
This is not going well.
You have chatted up a few beings and humans here and there, even politely declined several offers to join a group in the private rooms. But you have encountered only few guards from Azucar’s entourage and none have seemed interested. For the most part, they haven’t left the safety of their roped-off section.
Not that it matters because Din is, oh stars, Din is something else right now. His barely contained rage seeps out of him in hot waves – searing into any humanoid man that gets near you.
So far, he’s told about a dozen to fuck off, shoved one, and you pretty sure almost decapitated another. Baring his fangs, he is acting so fucking rabid and possessive over you in ways you have never seen before. You are about to lose your mind.
Fuck, you havegot to do something about this man before he explodes, murders every living being here and ruins any chance to gain any useful information about Azucar.
You tilt your head back, pretending to take another sip of champagne. Your gaze falls to the first mezzanine level above the massive dance floor. The private suites line the exterior wall and you watch dozens of humans and creatures duck in and out all night.
Huh.
The night is still young. You figure you have plenty of time to see if you can sweeten Din’s mood a bit. A bit of soothing balm to calm him down, remind him of who you love and belong to.
You grab Din’s hand and cock your head back towards upstairs, a wordless command in your expression. He curtly nods at you once and silently follows you as you cut through the crowd. Curious patrons part immediately for the Mandalorian – whispering and staring in awe at the bodyguard clad in beskar.
You make your way towards one of the private rooms, pressing the discrete button on the panel as the thick door slides open and you step in, Din following behind you. Once inside, you swirl around and quickly study the control panel. Finding what you think is correct combination, you press a few buttons and the door slides close and locks securely in place.
The room is richly appointed in dark crimson velvet, an oversized, plush sofa on one end, a low table with awaiting wine glasses. You find the light controls and dim them to the lowest setting. Din needs the comforting shroud of darkness to feel at ease in a public place.
You walk up to him and wordlessly press your palms on his chest plate, making him back up a few steps. You press again, and he sinks down onto the thick velvet sofa.
“What are you doing?” Din rasps out, his mechanical voice raking out as he studies you from his seat. You are his gleaming sapphire nestled in a box of velvet.
“Turning your mood around my love. I can’t have my Mandalorian guard snarling and biting at everyone.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about” he huffs indignantly.
Your lips curls at his bullshit answer. You slide your hands into the slit of the dress, parting the cascading folds of the fabric to reveal to him the impossibly small, beaded underwear. Eyes locked on his visor, you hook your thumbs into the sides and leisurely slide the panties down, stepping daintily out of them.
You bring the delicate undergarment to your nose and inhale deeply, enjoying every moment of Din’s reaction. He visibly stiffens and groans as he watches you breathe in your own musky scent.
“Get over here” he grits out, spreading his legs farther apart and adjusting himself.
“Isthat how you talk to your employer?” you tease and saunter over to him.
You lift your leg and slide onto his lap, straddling him. The feather-light chiffon skirt spreads and drifts down and all around you. Placing your hands on his shoulders, you slowly drag your hips up and back over his rock-hard bulge. Din moans deeply and tilts his head forward, resting on your chest as his hands wrap around your waist.
“I can’t…I can’t fucking stand the thought of anyone touching you. Not tonight looking the way you do, not ever.” Din admits, voice gravely and low, enjoying you rocking up and down his crotch, feeling your wetness begin to soak the front of his pants.
“Shh…I know” You hush him. “I think you need a little reminder of who I belong to” your purr down at him.
Din’s breathing is ragged. He loves this – fucking loves hearing you talk like this.
You reach down and grab his hands and take off his leather gloves, pulling on each finger to loosen them slightly before sliding them all the way off. Watching his visor intently, you slip his hands into the slit of your dress and guide his fingers to your center.
He starts, noticeably surprised when his fingertips meet your bare, butter-soft and butter-slick folds.
“What…what did you do to yourself today, cyar'ika?” he says hoarsely.
“Got an “A” in slut school.”
He groans as you press your hips down on his hand, urging him to explore you. He slides a hand down, palming your naked mound, fingers gently gliding over your wet seam. He moves further down, his index finger pausing and teasing at your entrance.
Surprising you, he continues on until his finger tip finds that tight rim of muscle and swirls around the edge a few times. You shiver and shyly tuck your head into his shoulder as he pets and explores all of this newly naked skin.
Your clit throbs impatiently with a greedy need to be rubbed. Din’s calloused fingers only stroke the fire in the pit of your belly more.
“Din…” you let loose with a shudder.
“I know” he husks.
Din flips you on your back, pinning you in place. With a hard stare of his helmet, he slowly rucks up the layers of your skirt to your waist. Heat prickles your chest as he spreads your legs apart. The cool air kisses your nakedness and you fight the urge to cover yourself from his unbridled stare. Eyes closed, you hear a faint hiss followed by a clank when his helmet meets the floor.
You suck in a harsh breath when you feel a pair of warm lips kiss the inside of your thigh – a calloused hand stroking the skin of the other. Din continues to press kisses into your skin, working towards your center. So close to where you ache for him, he nuzzles the stubble of his scruffy face right where your leg meets your hip. Ticklish and teasing, your legs to quiver and jerk. Din chuckles knowingly at the effect he has over you.
Finally,finally, he lowers his face to you and drags the wide, rough flat of his tongue up your center. You arch your back in bliss. You can feel every tiny detail of his face and lips. The scrape of his facial hair, the wet plush of his lips, the curve of his nose.
He licks of few wide stripes before flicking his tongue over your tiny nub. You jerk and whimper at the intensity of the touch.
“Fuck…you are so soft…and bare” he marvels as he nuzzles his face in your in folds.
“Din…what are you doing” you gasp as he spreads your growing gloss all over your sex with his mouth and tongue.
“Enjoying myself” he murmurs, dragging his lips back and forth over your clit. “Gods, you feel so good like this.”
Din seals his lips over your clit and suckles gently, alternating between little sucks and flicks until you a squirming, wet mess beneath his hot mouth. You paw at his head, his hair, anything to anchor you as you grind your hips into his face, begging him silently for more.
His lips leave you for an instant to wet two fingers. When his mouth returns to your nub, he sinks two fingers inside you roughly. You tense and moan at the stinging stretch, delighting as it fizzles to a low, hot burn. He pumps a few times, curling his fingers in search of your favorite spot.
He finds it. That spongy bit of flesh with ridges like a peach pit, already puffy and swollen for him. He presses on it hard, and ripples of pleasure shoot out from your core. You whimper as he starts his relentless attack, curling his fingers over and over again, coaxing you to the edge. Your legs are quivering, eyes screwed shut as your mind goes blank. All you can focus on is that delicious pressure building deep in you.
Your muscles seize up and you hold your breath as the pressure rushes towards that razor sharp peak. Teetering on the edge, you lungs burn and it rises and rises, pushing to that blinding point of oblivion. Din feels you clenching and he sucks hard on your clit, flicking furiously with his tongue as he shoves you over the top.
Bliss erupts from you center and you clamp down hard, release rushing out of you as you cum on his fingers, still thrusting in and out of you.
Waves of spasms wash over your body as you gasp for air. Your body sinks down deep into the soft couch. You hum in contentment as the waves of chemicals coat your soul, white washing you in pleasure.
You hardly register the shift of weigh before Din hooks your legs over his shoulders. The kiss of cold metal against your skin surprises enough to open your eyes. Din leans his heavy body forward, pushing your knees deep into your own chest, opening your center wide and angling it up. He penetrates you slowly until he hits the bottom of your messy sex.
He looks down and watches himself pull out of you, his cock wet and glistening. He begins to thrust hard in and out of you, hitting the back of your womb with each firm snap of his hips.
Oh gods, the position lets him hit something deep inside you and your cry out. Panting and grunting, Din has you folded in half and spearing you on his cock, but it’s not what you want.
Notthistime, anyway. You want to feel close to him, for reasons you cannot explain yet.
“Wait…stop” you gasp, unable to get a full breath from being crushed in half.
Din stills and pulls out, letting your legs fall back down.
“What’s wrong?” he pants heavily, his eyes filled with concern. “Too much?”
“No..no it’s good. But I want it different. Like this…”
You grab his chest plate and pull him down to you, welcoming the heavy weight of his body. You wrap your legs around his hips and help guide him back into you. He lowers his mouth to yours in a tender kiss as he fully seats himself deep inside you.
Pulling back, he arches an eyebrow high while regarding you thoughtfully.
“Is this what you wanted?”
“Uh-huh” you hum, giving him a soft, sweet smile. “The good, old-fashioned way.”
Din tuts and kisses you tenderly while he makes deep little thrusts inside you, building his rhythm slowly back up.
“Its always goodwith you mesh’la” he croons into your lips.
You laugh and bury your face into the cowl of his cape, as he lets loose a choked noise when you muscles contract around him. You let your body go to mush as he reaches his rhythm, rocking with him and taking each curl of his hips.
Creamy-soft and pliant, he pounds into your center, making you a perfect mold of him until his vision blurs and he can feel his release near as his balls draw up tight. You nibble on his neck and ear, and any other patch of skin you can reach to encourage him. Feeling saucy, you whisper some shockingly dirty things into the shell of his ear.
Finally, he stutters and slams into you, squirting waves of hot cum deep inside. Your walls squeeze him tight, milking him, wanting every last drop deep inside you. Spent and wrung dry, Din collapses on top of you, his head nestled into the crook of your neck as he pants for air.
“Fu…fuck me” Din groans out, wrapping his arms tight around you.
“Just did handsome…” you nuzzle into his hair.
**********************
Din is still sprawled on your chest, limbs languid and basking in the post-orgasm glow. Din’s hand has slithered under the panel of fabric of your dress to cup a breast. Occasionally, he sweeps a thumb over the nub of your nipple, coaxing it to harden and pebble with the goosebumps. You giggle at the touch and Din smooths the tickle away with his flat, broad palm. His cock is soft and tender now, but still nestled inside you. Din likes how this feels. He likes smothering you with his body and keeping you filled.
The fact that you will walk away this evening with his cum trickling down your inner thighs washes away the ferocious jealously he felt watching those other males approach you. He doesn’t normally feel possessive over you. But something about tonight’s ruse, your dress, the stress of the job…it was too much.
“Din…” you breathe softly.
“Hmm?”
“Do you think we just made a baby?”
Din’s body goes unnaturally still.
“…what?” he croaks out.
“I forgot to mention that other errand I did today. I had my implant removed.”
Incredulous, Din takes a moment to let the words sink in. He rises and props himself up on one elbow so he can stare down at your face.
“Mesh’la…why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
You snort.
“You didn’t tell me we were getting married. So, consider this my payback.”
For a panicked moment, you think Din might be upset with you. But then your eyes search his and you behold a man that cherishes you above all else. Adoringly, his eyes soften as he strokes the back of his hand down the side your face. He lowers his lips to yours and brushes a kiss across your lips. He pulls away just enough to murmur into your lips—
“I’m not sure it works that quickly, but nothing will give me greater joy to see your belly grow with my child.”
You beam up at him and briefly imagine him cradling your swollen belly. Yet, as much as you want to stay holed up in this tiny room forever, it dawns on you that tonight was a total failure. You chew your bottom lip.
“Were not going back out there, are we?”
“No.”
“So, since the mission is over, do we debrief? How did I do?”
Din hums, scratching his jaw.
“Well, let’s start with a review of the evening’s events. You showed up wearing this, giving me a near-heart attack. We didn’t get anywhere near Azucar, bailed halfway through the evening, and decided fucking is more fun anyways.”
You giggle into his chest, burying your face.
“So, what you’re trying to say is, tonight was a raging success?”
Din’s arms give you a squeeze and he presses a kiss to the top of your head.
“What I’m saying is…you’re a terrible spy. And, you’re fired.”
“Oh Din, how you flatter me. I fear I shall swoon” you tease him.
“This is the way.”
He grins at you and you throw back your head and laugh. Gods, I love this man.
“Come on” he pats your hip softly. “Let’s get your coat and go, I’ll let the driver know that we are ready to leave.”
You sigh and reluctantly sit up, sad to leave the safe embrace of Din’s arms but he’s right. There is no point staying any longer. And the sooner you leave, the sooner you both can get back to the ship, tug on one of his sweaters, and curl into his naked body for a long night’s sleep.
**********************
You tell Din to wait by the front entrance while you go and pick up your cloak, sliding your ticket out from your silver cuff to hand to the droid. Din walks over to the railing overlooking the vast expanse of the dance floor below. He leans on the rail, one ankle casually crossed over the other, observing the crowd below while he waits for you.
You are waiting at the counter, a thin, vicious voice speaks right into your ear, way too close for comfort and startling you as you spin around.
His skin is scaly and reptilian-like. He lacks discernable ears or eyelids, and a voice decoder is embedded in his throat, to help his anatomy speak Basic.
“I heard you’re interested in Azucar’s attentions tonight, yesss?” he slithers out, tongues flicking out and sliding over his lower protruding lip.
You gulp and try to push down the revulsion rising in your throat. Trying your best to fix your face into a placid expression, you reply—
“Oh, I’m sorry, I’ve decided to retire early tonight.”
Your eyes frantically look for Din, but he’s all the way across the grand entrance, back facing you while he’s surveying the club.
Fuck, he can’t see me.
“Not anymore…” His voice snakes quietly out. He slides a firm hand on your lower back to start urging you along. You plant your feet firmly.
“No, I’m sorry I’m leaving now…”
“You’re leaving with me, whore” he hisses back as he brushes back the edge of his coat to reveal to a holstered blaster. The nonverbal gesture clearly communicating you have little choice in the matter.
Your eyes flicker up to his face, your blood has turned to ice in your veins and you have lost all abilities to hide your panic.
He shrugs and almost apologetically hisses out
“Boss wants what he wantsss.”
Soundlessly, you walk away with him. You glance over your shoulder, screamingat Din in silent terror, trying to somehowget his attention as the two of you disappear into the crowd.
Din feels it.
He senses something is wrong and he turns around to locate you at the coat check. He suddenly feels a tightness in his chest and a dread sprouting deep in his belly.
But he can’t find you. His visor snaps quickly to the left and right, but you’re gone.
“Target’s name is Azucar” Talon begins and Din audibly groans, rolling his head back and to the side in annoyed recognition.
“I’ve heard of him” Din says, his tone laced with disdain. He leans back in the booth and crosses and ankle over the opposite knee.
Talon nods in solemn agreement and takes another sip of his wine. Turning to you, he continues on and you realize that the rest of this conversation is for your benefit only.
“Azucar is a spice dealer. He rakes in billions of credits a year enslaving and exploiting entire towns to harvest spice and export it. He’s the highest grossing seller and exporter of spice in the local galaxy.”
Billions of credits.
You arestartled by the thought of a single private citizen having that much wealth and power.
“He’s been eluding the Guild for years and creating quite the reputation for himself. He’s a menace and his power and influence grows too strong. I’ve never seen a bounty so large on a single individual before.”
“With a reward that high, why has no one brought him in yet?” you ask.
“They have, but no one has come back…alive” Din softly replies.
The three of you are silent as you ponder the implication of what Din just said. Bounty hunters havegone after him, but no one has survived. Well, shit….
“That’s right,” Talon continues. “Apparently, Karga’s handed out many tracking pucks to hunters over the years, only to send them to certain death.”
You swallow a mouthful of food and jerk your chin at Din.
“How come you’ve never tried to bring him in?”
Din looks down and shakes his head slowly back and forth, fingers idly circling the rim of his water glass.
“He has an army of bodyguards and snitches. No one talks without him listening. Risks were just too high.”
“Until now” Talon drawls out.
Din’s eyes slide over to Karrde and narrow at him in warning.
“Whatever that pea-brain of yours is thinking Karrde, forget it. She’s not going on a hunt with me. Not now, not ever.”
“You flatter me, as always” Talon grins back at Din, before shrugging his great hefty shoulders and shoveling in a forkful of food before speaking—
“However, your little lady made a bargain with me. And now, it’s time to pay up. I took the job on the condition that I could get it done. There is no backing out. Fortunately, I have a plan. Would you like to hear it?”
“Yes” you blurt out, at the same time Din snaps a resounding No. Din glares at you and you glare right back. He emits a long-suffering sigh and looks away, relenting.
Talon’s eyes dance between the two of you with delight before continuing.
“In a month from now, my spies tell me Azucar will be taking up residence at his safe house on Coruscant. There, he frequents the Aura at least one a week to enjoy the comforts of the escorts. It’s the only time he ever leaves the safety of his compound and is at his most vulnerable.”
“What’s the “Aura?” you ask curiously.
“It’s a colossal night club. Everyone who’s anyone goes there for all night gambling, drinking, and whoring. It’s very exclusive.” Ha. You’d bet your pension that Talon’s frequented the business more than a few times.
Din snorts. “So what’s your big plan then? Kill him at the nightclub? I’ll get cut down by blaster fire from fifty armed guards.”
“No, no” Karrde replies back. “Of course not. The plan is simple. You and your wife go to Aura. She pretends to be a high-class escort and you play her Mandalorian bodyguard, giving her credibility to her value and status. She catches Azucar’s eye for a private “session” and slips him something, knocking him unconscious. You spirit him away and no one is the wiser.”
Your jaw slackens while Din stares at Talon, his eyebrows nearly escaping his forehead. You are both too stunned at his brazen plan to speak.
Talon is busy cutting a huge slice of meat to notice your shocked expressions before he casually comments—
“You two have a month to prepare” before he tilts his head at Din. “And If I were you, I’d start learning how to use that Darksaber.”
************************
“No.”
You and Din are sitting cross-legged on the floor, facing one another. The chef sent a heaping plate of dinner so Din could eat in private. Meanwhile, you were eyeing the decadent, fat slice of dark chocolate cake before you. Compliments of Talon, no doubt.
Din delivers his curt response to you without hesitation. As if he’d everentertain an asinine operation like the one Talon proposed.
“It’s risky, I know” you start again. “But at least considerit. Azucar is too well protected in his compound, so a covert operation makes the most sense and he won’t expect someone crazy enough to attempt it.”
“What happens when things spiral out of control?” Din asks softly, cocking his head at you.
“What happens when that bastard pins you down and has his way with you? You think I’m going to risk that mother fucker touchingyou?” Din grits out between clenched teeth.
Disgust rolls down his body at the thought of that sadistic drug dealer rubbing his murderous hands over his wife. You crying out, panicking, as things quickly escalate. He’d have no chance to rescue you in time. Not without blowing both your covers and dying by blaster fire.
Over his fucking cold, dead, beskar-clad body.
“I have no purpose Din. I need to help people” your voice cutting off his runaway train of dark thoughts.
“I need to do something. Right now, all I feel like is dead weight by your side. I know you don’t think I’m capable, but I am. I went to boot camp. I can shoot and fight. I wasn’t trained as well as you, but I’m skilled too.”
“I never said you weren’t skilled mesh’la” Din says with pained eyes. “I’m just…” the words failing him. “I lost my parents and the kid. Must I risk losing you too?”
You pause and watch Din draw his knees up and brace them in the crooks of his elbows, hands locked in front. You wonder if Din realizes that he’s already using his body to throw up walls and retreat deep inside his head. There is no armor or helmet to hide behind.
He turns his face to the side - longing and anguish paint his features. You feel grateful in that moment that you’ve been given the gift of his face to finally see his emotions play out.
“Do you miss him?” you ask quietly, knowing the answer.
Din hesitates, his forearms tensing and relaxing.
“Every day.”
The softly spoken reply hangs heavy in the air between you. You heart aches for his loss. You miss the child too, but it is nothing compared to what Din feels. You have been reluctant to bring up Grogu too much, not wanting to further his pain. However, you can offer Din a way to move forward and recapture what he has lost.
“I know he can never be replaced, but with this job, we could make a home somewhere and start a family. You could be….a father again.” Your voice is quiet and full of hope.
Din swallows thickly, his pulse quickens. “Is that what you want?”
You nod your head at him – eyes shining brightly. “It is. And I know you want it too. Let me do this one thing, for us. Let me help.”
Din gives you a sidelong glance and concedes you have made a good point. You are both floating in space, empty of purpose for different reasons. You feel adrift without your calling to ground you. He feels devoid of the family and safety he so desperately craves.
I’m tired, Din admits to himself. Tired of running, tired of fighting, tired of having no name or clan. This job could be his very last. It’s the biggest bounty he’s ever attempted and it’s enough to find a place to settle down, start a real life, and figure out what, in the actualfuck, he’s supposed to do with that Darksaber. He cannot believe he is agreeing to this nonsense.
He blows out a hard breath, cheeks inflating slightly.
“Fine, but we do this my way. This is just an intelligence-gathering mission. You get us close to Azucar so I can observe his guards and collect information. Everyone has a weakness, we just have to find out what his is so I can exploit it.”
You allow yourself the smallest of smiles, not daring to come across anything near what could be described as gloating. If Din catches a whiff of you reveling in this small victory, the stubborn ass would change his mind instantly.
“What about Talon’s idea of me drugging him?”
“No” Din quickly replies. “That’s too risky. Too many things could go wrong. I’ll figure out another way to get to him.”
“There is oneother thing—“
“No. No more.” Din says abruptly, returning to his dinner and pointedly shoveling in a mouthful of food.
You raise an arched eyebrow. “Have I exhausted your capacity for discussing difficult and emotional issues for the day?”
He grunts. “More like the month.”
You give him a rueful smile and decide to let the poor man eat in peace. One must pick their battles. You turn your focus to the enticing dessert before you.
You sink the edge of your fork into the tender, midnight-black crumb cake. Sliding the fork slowly out of your lips, you close your eyes and hum, letting the moist explosion of nutty flavor melt on your tongue.
You cannot remember the last time you had chocolate. Cocoa beans are only grown on terrestrial planets with the right climate, making the beans incredibly rare and expensive. The amount of beans needed to roast, grind, and churn into chocolate liquor adds to the ghastly price. You can only imagine where or how Talon managed to source such a rare treat.
“Din, you have to try this. It’s incredible.”
You open your eyes and look at Din as he eats, or more accurately,inhales, his food. You smile at this man and his distinctive eating habits.
Din approaches eating like one would approach changing spark plugs in a ship. A basic, required task done without fanfare as efficiently as possible. You watch with fascination as Din scoops all the food, without regard to type or texture, into a giant pile and heaves it into his face hole. There is no pausing to savor the tenderness of the meat or the buttery texture of the potatoes.
No, it is slapped together and force fed down. You aren’t even sure if he pauses long enough to take a breath between swallowing.
“Hey, try this” you say as you take a chunk of cake and slide it onto his plate.
“Hmph” he grunts as you. You watch with horror as he scrapes the tender cake into his pile of veggies, potatoes and meat, mashing it all together before shoveling it in his mouth.
“Good” he replies.
“Din, you don’t have to clump it together like that. You can slow down and enjoy each dish, you know.”
“Why? It’s just food cyar’ika. You eat it and shit it out.”
You sigh. “Did you even tastethe cake?”
“No.”
You chuckle. You set your plate down and swipe a big gob of shiny frosting on your finger. You crawl over to Din and climb into his lap. Din smiles at you while you grab his chin and hold your frosting-covered finger up in front of his mouth.
“Humor me. Just try it.”
Din’s smile broadens to something wicked before capturing your finger with his mouth and lewdly sucking it clean. You giggle and squirm at his ridiculous behavior.
“Well?” you eek out between giggles. “Did you like it?”
“Hmm” he grabs your hand and presses a soft kiss into your wrist. “It’s pretty good” he agrees. “Here, let me see your other hand.”
“Why—?” you start to ask as Din brings your other hand up and swiftly grips them tight in one big hand. He leans over you and swipes another glob of frosting. Before you can screech at him, he smears a little bit across your mouth and crashes his lips over yours.
“Argh!” you sputter and laugh as he licks and sucks your lips. His actions soon change from playful to tender as he starts kissing you in earnest. You melt in his arms and gently pull one of your hands from his grip. He relents and you slip a hand around his neck. You open your mouth wider and encourage him to tangle his tongue with yours. Once you have him fully distracted, you carefully reach your other hand out and blindly search for the plate of cake. You find it and sink your fingers in deep in the moist dessert.
You pull back and lock eyes with Din. You give him the most sugary, innocent smile you can manage. Helpless to your charms, his face softens and he gives you a sweet smile back.
Sucker.
You whip your hand around and smash the handful of cake right into the center of his face. Stunned, Din doesn’t move a muscle as you slowly peel your hand away.
Oh stars, you got him good. The crumbs and frosting are confectionary sludge that is smeared down his face in complete ruin. Din remains frozen, absorbing this traitorous act. With incredible composure, Din begins wiping the cake off his face and licking his fingers. You nervously laugh once, but you grow quiet as he continues to clean his face with deadly calm. When his eyes finally slide to yours, you become very, very still.
His eyes are filled with something feral and purposeful. He pauses mid-sucking a finger and gives you an unnerving smirk.
“Bad fucking girl.”
Your eyes blow open wide at the danger in his voice. Unable to form a single syllable, you wait as Din casually lifts you off his lap and leans back against the side of the bed.
He tugs the front of his pants down and pulls himself out. He gathers a glob of cake from his face and smears it over his thick, swollen head. Turning to you, he grips the hinge of your jaw, pulling you closer so your noses almost touch. Looking at your mouth, he pushes a thumb gently into your parted lips. You suck his thumb obediently as he starts suggestively thrusting it slowly in and out. His deep baritone voice come out liked raked coals.
“And now you are going to clean up the mess you made. All of it. Using only this” and he continues to slide his thumb in and out of your wet lips.
You comply.
************************
“Alright, let’s see what this thing can do” Karrde gamely calls out. Standing opposite Din, Talon is holding the beskar spear, ready for a spar.
After a week of flying, the three of you travelled and landed on a small, quiet terrestrial moon for refueling and supplies. The moon was on the way to Coruscantand served as a convenient outpost for long-haul freighters. The post contained little more than landing docks, repair shops, and junkyards. Din and Talon were able to scope out a secluded spot to dock the ship and allow Din to spend a few days training with the saber while you and Talon stocked up on necessities.
It is early morning and the clearing was covered in frozen-stiff moss and grass. Partially encircling the space were enormous pine trees with long trunks that speared into the sky. Grey bellied clouds rolled in overhead and released a fine, freezing mist over the clearing. Tiny droplets cling to Din’s hair, causing the ends to curl at his nape and around his ears. He shifts his weight and the ground crunches like broken glass beneath his feet.
Din nods at Karrde, takes a deep breath and engages the saber. As the blade oozes out, a wave of oily, dark power snakes up his arm.
“Ugh” he scowls. He hates the way the saber feels. It pulsates and snarls, as if it’s alive and plotting a sinister agenda. Din gets the foreboding feeling that every time he uses the saber, ittakes something from him. What, he can’t be sure of. Din is certain that possession of such power must come at a cost. Din wonders what price he’ll have to pay.
“What? What’s wrong?” Karrde asks curiously, his head tilted. He re-adjusts his grip on the spear.
“I’m not sure” Din replies, eyes falling to the dark blade. “Each time I wield the saber, I get this nasty feeling. As if it’s trying to sink claws in—“
Din doesn’t get to finish. He senses a flash of movement and Talon has fallen upon him – circling the great spear over his head and crashing it down on Din.
Din’s reflexes snap awake. He swings the Darksaber up and blocks the spear before using it to shove Talon off him violently.
“Asshole” Din spits.
“Quit your blathering pretty boy and fight” Karrde taunts. Din charges brutally at him. Beskar and saber clash again and again, turning the spear red-hot from the battling.
Karrde is a power fighter. He uses his size and strength to rush at opponents and stun them by attacking hard – overwhelming them with devastating blows. Din, however, is a clever and deft. He quickly picks up on Karrde’s method and uses it against him. Letting Karrde strike over and over again, Din forces Karrde to grow weary – his blows become slower and weaker.
Din is tiring too. The saber vibrates terribly, causing Din to maintain a death grip as he cuts and slashes in wide arcs. His bad right shoulder, the one he has repeatedly dislocated, complains loudly from the effort. Shooting blasters and pulse rifles don’t require nearly the same strength as wielding the Darksaber. Weeks of planning intelligence missions instead of running down quarries has left him a little out of shape.
Deflecting a thrust from the spear, Din’s upper body twists, giving a small opening. Karrde lands a nasty punch in Din’s side and jerks in pain. Snarling, Din kicks Karrde’s knee, causing him to grunt and stumble sideways. On his way down, Karrde sweeps the spear low, taking Din’s feet out from under him. Together both men collapse on the soggy ground, wheezing.
Grinning and panting, Din retorts “She fucks better too.”
Din quickly rolls away, avoiding Karrde’s fist that comes flying out, aiming for his jaw.
Undeterred, Karrde springs up and reaches out to grab the Darksaber, hoping to turn it around on Din and repay him for that nice little comment.
Din anticipates this, snatches the saber first, and chucks it away. Din’s intent was to only fling the Darksaber far enough out of reach so that he could tackle Karrde. However, Din threw the saber with a little bit more muscle than he realized.
Flying in the air, the Darksaber seems to follow a trajectory of its own. Dazed, both men watch as the saber spins on its side in a flat disc, like black rings circling a gas planet.
The saber arcs through the surrounding pine trees in the small clearing. The blade cuts through the massive tree trunks like a hot blade through butter.
The saber swings back around and instinctually, Din lifts his arm. The saber comes hurtling back to him and slams hilt-first into his hand – palm stinging from the force of the catch.
Slack-jawed, the men watch as the trees shudder and slowly topple over. One after another they come crashing down.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
The noise is deafening as thick limbs collide and crack against each other. As the treetops hit the soft earth, great clouds of dead pine needles and dirt are kicked up, sending large plumes of debris into the air.
“Shit” Din breathes out heavily, unable to tear his eyes from the destruction. “Did you seethat?”
Hands planted on hips, it takes a moment for Karrde to respond.
“I, uh….I did.”
Slowly turning to Din, whose eyes are still glued to the trees - “that was no normal act of physics Mando. The saber returned to you. As if you were its master and you calledit.”
Amazed, Din finally looks down to marvel at the saber in his hand. Din feels like he is truly seeingthe saber for the first time. Goosebumps pebble the back of his neck.
It’s probably wise to stop now.
As soon as Din has the thought, the saber retracts back into the hilt. Din never touched the activation switch.
He simply thoughtthe act, and the Darksaber obeyed.
Din represses a shudder and tries it again. He looks down at the Darksaber and silently commands without speaking.
Open saber.
The saber slides out obediently and a white-hot streak of fire flashes up his arm –striking the base of his skull. The flash of pain catches Din off guard and he whips his to the side, grimacing.
Karrde watches this entire ordeal with a wary eye while Din takes a moment to recover.
“I can’t use this” Din mutters. “It’s too unpredictable and we don’t even understand how it works. There is something wrong with it Karrde. I can feelit.”
Karrde strokes his goatee in thought.
“Perhaps it can sense your hesitation—your reluctance to harness it. Maybe the saber wants to be owned, Mando. Do you think it can block blaster fire? Like the Jedi’s lightsabers do?”
“I’m not sure. Wait, where are you going? Damn it!”
Karrde is already taking a few steps back from Din. Wordlessly, he reaches under his arm and unholsters his blaster. He takes aim at Din and fires out a few rounds, without even bothering to give him warning.
Din thrashes the saber around, tilting it left and right across his body with quick swipes. The blade easily swallows the bolts, sparking and snapping greedily.
“For fuck’s sake Karrde!” Din shouts, “I don’t have my armor on!”
“You don’t need it!” Karrde brightly calls out before whipping out this other blaster. Double-armed, Karrde fires off round after round at Din. He’s not even trying to avoid hitting his friend now.
Talon is purposefully goading Din. He has a suspicion, but he needs to test it first. This is the only way. Well, no. That is not true. This is not the only way, it’s just the most fun and riling Mando is always a good time in Talon’s book.
It works. Spitting mad, Din arcs and swings the saber with all of his power, relying on it to keep him safe. Din hardly thinks as his arms elegantly hack and swipe the blade through the air, blocking each and every blaster fire. He swiftly reduces the distance and charges at Karrde, his feet tearing chunks of moss and grass in his wake.
Karrde tosses the blasters aside and braces himself for impact, grinning like the fucking lunatic he is.
Din tosses the saber aside too and plows into Karrde, toppling over as they both fall in a heap of arms and legs on the ground. Karrde’s elbow manages to make contact with Din’s nose, his head snapping back from the force. Snarling, Din is grinds Karrde’s face into the dirt while shouting—
“That was my noseshithead!”
Heaving Din off him with an enormous shove, Karrde shouts back between heavy pants—
“It’s a big fucking…gasp… target!”
Karrde is crawling away from Din, struggling to get on his feet, when Din falls on his legs, gripping his feet tight. Karrde wriggles violently and suddenly, his sock covered foot wrenches free, leaving Din clutching nothing but an empty boot to his chest.
“Ha!” Karrde laughs triumphantly as he scrambles up to his feet. Incredulous, Din stares at the empty boot in his hands, before cocking his arm back and chucking it at Karrde.
The heavy boot thumps Talon squarely in the back of his head, causing him to stumble and fall over. Din barks out in laugher before collapsing backwards, hitting the ground with a wet thud.
Gasping for air, both men are sprawled on the ground, chests heaving while they catch their breaths.
“Sorry” Talon manages to get out after a few long minutes. “But I had to confirm it.”
“Confirm what?” Din pants, still enjoying the mental replay of knocking Karrde over with his own damn boot.
Talon takes a deep breath before speaking.
“You’re force-sensitive Mando, you just don’t know it yet.”
************************
“What,the fuck, happened here?”
The two men sent you to the junkyard armed with a list of parts, supplies, and other odds and ends for the ship. You have returned back just around dusk and were shocked at the scene before you.
The clearing looked like a fierce battle had been waged. There are blaster marks everywhere, scorching deep in the earth. Trees that were perfectly upright when you left are now haphazardly laying on their sides.
Din and Talon are muddy, battered, an apparently ravenous. They don’t seem to give two shits though, as they hunch over their meal, greedily eating charred bits of meat off the bone.
The fire, you observe, is in fact the Darksaber embedded deeply into a pile of chopped wood. The deep, blue-black embers are slow-roasting the wild game suspended above. You also notice that Din is eating in front of Talon. The corner of your mouth quirks up at this small gesture of trust Din is bestowing upon his friend.
Din responds between mouthfuls—
“Learned how to use the Darksaber today.”
“It makes an excellent barbecue” Talon helpfully chimes in.
Din nods in agreement.
You narrow your eyes. They carefully keep their attention focused on their food, but you can tell the two jackasses are suppressing grins.
“Uh-huh. An entire day together and all you two discovered is how to grill meat with it?”
“Don’t question our methods woman” Din teases, while sucking a bone clean.
You roll your eyes and turn to Talon.
“What happened to the trees?”
“They needed a haircut” Talon replies and Din snickers into his plate.
“A…hair cut” you sarcastically repeat. Crossing your arms, you glare down at him. You turn back to Din.
“What about the blaster fire marks? Hmm?”
“What? Oh. That’s Talon’s fault. He shoots like a man with two dicks pisses—sprays everywhere.”
Talon tosses a bone at Din and it pings off his head. Din declined to react and continues plowing through his food in his signature style of eating.
Startled, you whip your head back to Talon.
“Youshot at him?”
Talon shrugs a half shoulder at you while tearing at a chunk of meat with his teeth.
“I had a hypothesis. I needed to test it, scientifically.” The way Talon emphasis the word confirms it was anything but scientific.
Din swears underneath his breath.
“And? What were the results of this veryscientific experiment?” you press.
“That I was correct. As usual.”
Din sighs in exasperation. “Is the strain terrible Karrde? From carrying around that great ego of yours?”
“Sometimes” Talon mildly responds. “But it is a burden all great men must bear, I suppose.”
“Ugh, I hate both of you.”
You’ve heard enough of this nonsense. It was glaringly apparent that you are not getting straight answers out of either of them.
You reach over Din’s shoulder and snatch a prized chunk of meat off his plate and stalk off towards the ship, leaving the two dingbats to their barbecue.
************************
“Ten hells this is heavy” you huff to Talon and Din, as you continue to push and roll the log, your arms quivering from the effort.
The following morning, the three of you are rolling enormous logs into a line in the decimated clearing. Last night, Din had finally confessed what transpired and Talon suspicions.
Splendid. As if life with Din wasn’t complicated enough. Now, the Darksaber has somehow awakened a power hidden deep down in the recesses of Din’s mind.
You took the news in stride, not wanting to overact and cause more stress than Din was already feeling about the situation. Instead, you offered to help train him. Perhaps learning how to harness the power would help Din wrestle control over the blade. Thus, why the three of you ended up back in the clearing on another fine, cold day.
The men are panting, feet slipping in the mud and moss as they maneuver the logs. You roll the last one into place and stagger back, hands braced on your knees –heart pounding at a gallop.
This exercise is Talon’s idea of ‘training’Din and you are highly skeptical. Talon claims to know the Jedi well, from his years working alongside the rebel alliance, providing intelligence. However, that didn’t make him an expert in using the force and certainly not qualified to teach Din how to wield the Darksaber. Reluctantly, you admitted that he had far more knowledge than either you or Din had about such power. Wiping a sleeve over his brow, Talon explains his idea.
“Alright. Let’s see if you can call the saber back. Throw the saber at the logs, making sure it sinks deep. Then, try retrieving it with your mind.”
“Right” Din replies dubiously before taking a few steps back. You quickly move out of the way, trying not to look so damn nervous. You shiver and rub your hands rapidly up and down your arms. The clearing is dusted in frozen dew and your breath unfurls from your nose in little curls.
Din engages the saber and adjusts his grip so he’s holding it like a javelin. He twists his wide shoulders around, cocks his arm way back and hurls the saber through the air. It impales the log with a thud—hilt wobbling from the momentum.
“Good” Talon grunts. “Now then. Call it back.”
“How?” Din turns to Talon, arms upraised.
Talon strokes his goatee. “Ah, use the force?”
You snort. No one in this clearing has any fucking clue what they are doing. Exasperated, Din snaps–
“How am I supposed to use the force, Karrde? Wave my hands around like an idiot?”
Talon rubs the back of neck, looking uncertain. “Try closing your eyes and thinking it?”
Groaning, Din complies. He raises an outstretched hand and closes his eyes. White breaths huff from his parted lips and the furrow between his brow sinks deeper. He tries to focus on the saber but his mind is distracted. His thoughts are clouded with doubt about his supposed abilities and mistrust of this ancient weapon. He silently commands the saber to return back to him.
Nothing.
Din drops his arm, staring hard at the saber. This is never going to work, he thinks. Karrde is wrong. I’m a just a simple warrior, not some fortune-telling wizard that wields magic.
Din plants his hands on his hips and stares at the ground, deep in thought. You cock your head as you study him. His whole body is tense and he is ill at ease. This isn’t how Din looks when he fights. When he attacks someone, he is calm. His mind goes quiet and gives himself over to instincts and decades of training.
You walk up behind him and slowly wrap your arms around his waist. Din drops his fists and turns his head, wondering what you are doing. You press your face in between his shoulder blades, inhaling deeply. You pull the scent of him - maleness, tilled earth, and wood - into the pit of your lungs and exhale out.
Unraveling your arms, you slide your hands up his back and up over his great big shoulders. He relaxes under your touch. Din understands what you are doing and takes a few steading breaths, letting the tension dissipate from his muscles. You run one hand along the underside of his arm, lifting it - hand outstretched towards the light saber.
“Call it my love” you breathe into his back, eyes closed and pressing your whole body against his. Din feels the weight of your body pressed against him. Warm, solid, and strong.
Strength.
That is what you are to him. You are his rock – his guiding light. Tethering himself to the calming warmth, Din summons the dark bond of the saber. A phantom, razor blade pain slices into the base of his skull. Only this time, he invites it in instead of fighting it. The invasive, dark power seeps in and settles over him. Din rests his gaze calmly on the saber. His body still and his thoughts as clear as cut crystal. He gives his command.
Come.
The saber yanks itself free and soars back to Din’s palm, hot and stinging. Wide-eyed, all three of you stare in collective silence at the saber - snarling and spitting in Din’s grip.
Talon swallows thickly—
“Do it again.”
************************
You are curled up in an overstuffed chair by the window of your suite, watching Din over the rim of your tea cup. It’s early morning and Din is face-down on the floor and panting. A sheen of sweat is beading down his back, highlighting the thick, taught muscles.
You were guiding him through his morning workout routine, designed to strengthen his upper body and his bum shoulder. If he was going to wield the Darksaber, he needed to put forth an effort to grow even stronger. There is only one more day of travelling left before you arrive at Coruscant, and only two more days before Azucar will be at the Aura.
Din has spent the last weeks doggedly training his mind and body. The latter being a task he most dearly hated. Pissing and moaning, the exercises have become a chore but you have insisted he do them anyways. Mostly, because you look forward to watching him sweat and how his sinewy muscles stretch, contract, and quiver from effort.
You are astonished at what a few weeks of regular, fresh meals and workouts have done for Din. His soft tummy you love resting your head on is gone. His shoulder is fully restored and he can swing and hack the saber for hours without tiring. He can even command the saber a bit—sort of.
It’s still a little wild and unpredictable, but you’ve assured both Din and Talon that you could re-attach a severed hand if you hadto.
However, you think he might have reached his limit this morning. You are sipping your hot tea when he collapses on his stomach, unable to will himself to finish the next and last exercise, pushups. You snuggle deeper into the chair, reveling in the soft feel of Din’s thick sweater. You have taken to wearing his warmer clothes when the chill of the ship seeps into your bones.
This morning, his sweater and a pair of panties are the only things you are wearing as you regard him thoughtfully. You remember how hard it was for him to let you work his injured shoulder. You had to resort to using Grogu as a distraction so Din could relax enough to let you do your job.
The memory gives you a new idea and you nearly laugh out loud at your own dimness. He needs a distraction, just like last time. A game or something to make these exercises bearable. A sinister smile spreads across your face.
“Push-ups. And then you’re done” you remind him.
“I know” Din replies flatly. “How many.”
“Hmm, let’s see. You did sixty-five yesterday. So, seventy today.”
Din groans but doesn’t move. You cock your head at him.
“I’ll make it fun if you do.”
“How’s that” he replies, face still smooshed into the floor.
“Take a look big guy” you respond in a sultry voice.
Intrigued, Din raises his head. As he locks eyes with yours, you scoot your bottom forward and slowly open your knees. You keep spreading them wider and wider, until his eyes fall to the junction of your thighs. He can just make out the tiny valley through the thin white cotton of your panties. You smile and slowly slide your hand down and start petting yourself. Lightly, you stroke your fingers up and down the center of your sex.
Din licks his lips and you watch satisfied as his chestnut eyes darken and his voice comes out ragged.
“What are you doing mesh’la?”
You bite your lower lip. Hook, line, and sinker.
“Do you want to see?” you ask innocently.
“Fuck…yes.” he growls.
“It will cost you ten push-ups.”
Scowling, Din gets to work right away. His arms snap under him and eyes locked on your stroking, he pumps out ten pushups in perfect form.
You place your mug down carefully on the table next to you and with one hand, slowly drag the crotch of your panties to the side. Your sex glistens in the morning sunlight. Your hairs dampen as you feel that delicious, warm heat grow deep inside you.
Entranced, Din rakes his eyes over your most intimate part. You cannot believe you are doing this. But Din’s delightfully depraved mind makes you feel like no sex act or request is too embarrassing or over the top. He is game for anything and everything.
“Should I spread myself for you? Hmm?”
Din practically whines at you in affirmation.
“Ten more then. Now.”
Din presses out the next ten while you use your free hand to spread your lips wide. You stroke a finger down in the crease between your inner and outer lips and let the tissue pull and stretch. You let your head fall lazily to the side and let out a deep sigh.
“Ohfuck” Din hisses. “Show me more.”
“Ten more, big guy.”
Din obeys even as his pace slows a bit. His eyes trained on your center, you circle your clit slowly and give him a small moan. Just a little performance for his efforts as you stroke lazily over your tiny nub and feel it swell.
“Do you want me to put a finger in?”
Din’s eyes are black pits as he grits out. “How many?”
“Ten more” you coo out.
Din grunts with effort now as he heaves himself up and down and you sink a finger deep into yourself. As he pumps his arms, you time the stroke of your finger to the same speed as him. He notices and his mouth hangs open as he pants with exertion.
“Another finger” he commands.
“Ten more” your demand back.
You slip a second finger inside and pump your fingers in time with his arms. He’s slowing down more and his shoulders strain and tremble from the effort.
“Yours feel so much better” you purr out as you continue to slide in and out of yourself.
Din drops his knees to take a break and the look on his face makes your breath hitch in your throat. He’s going to fucking ruin you when this is over. He’s only got twenty more push-ups left.
“Taste yourself.” His voice is barely above a whisper and your mouth forms a small curl.
“That’s going to cost you twenty.”
Din flashes a lopsided, heart-stopping smile as he raises his knees back up and with great effort, starts slowly pressing out the last twenty pushups.
You try to ignore the burning heat spreading across your chest and neck as you crook a finger in deep, making a show of swirling it around to Din – collecting your slick. You slowly slide your finger out and raise it your mouth.
You hear Din mutter desperately as he reverts to Mando’a.
You pause just at your mouth and with coy smile, you instead hike your sweater up and rub your glossy fingers over your nipple.
Din hisses while you continue to stroke the gloss all around your peaked bud until it stands firm and erect, glistening in the soft sunlight.
“Come taste it yourself” you tease him as you fondle your nipple, rolling the hardened nub between your fingers before pulling it out and letting it pop back with a little sigh.
“Sixty-seven, sixty-eight, sixty-nine” Din hisses out between clenched teeth as he counts out the final pushups.
When he hits seventy, you open your eyes to tell him he’s done for the day but all you catch is a flash of sweaty tan muscle. Din springs off the floor and tackles you. You yelp out in surprise as he snatches you from the chair and tosses you on the bed. You bounce once before Din’s body crashes down on yours.
Stunned, he captures your mouth in a commanding kiss while he grasps the side of your panties and pulls fiercely. The fabric crackles and snaps as he tears it off you in a frantic flourish.
“Oh, shit!” you eek. Din shifts his weight to angrily shove down the front of his soft sleeping pants and pulls his cock out. You spread you knees wide and squeeze your eyes shut in preparation for his brutal entry. However, Din’s back and arm muscles have reached muscle failure and he can’t hold his weight. He collapses on top of you with such force it knocks the wind out of your lungs with a loud “oof.”
“Fuck” Din pants out. “I…I can’t do it. I can’t hold myself up anymore.”
You burst out laughing and wrap your arms around his neck and Din starts laughing too. His arms are dead meat by his sides and his sweaty chest sticks to your breasts where your sweater was rucked up.
“Oh well, I guess maybe later then” you say teasingly.
Din groans in deep agony as you laugh at his pitiful cry. You nuzzle your nose into his temple and press a soothing kiss there.
“I’mkidding Din. Roll over you big lug.”
You help push him over and he flops onto his back. You straddle his hips and lean over him, lifting the hem of your sweater to expose your wet nipple. You bring your breast up and tease the tip of your erect peak down the bridge of his nose, before hovering it just over his lips. Din grasps your breast and captures your peak deeply in his mouth, sucking hard. Din hums in content at your musky, womanly taste.
Your eyes close and you let out a faint moan as Din gently bites down. Zips of arousal circle and course through your breasts at the strange mixture of pain and pleasure. Din reaches his other hand down between your bodies and inserts a finger deep inside of you, dragging your slick up the center of your slit and starts circling your throbbing little bud. Din continues to suckle and clamp down on your nipple while circling your clit and heady combination sets your body ablaze. You feel your build rise steadily, but your insides have nothing to grip on. You feel the overwhelming need to be stretched and stuffed.
You gently pull his face off your breast to sit up to turn around - straddling him backwards.
“Where are you—”
Din asks, puzzled until it becomes clear to him what you are going to do. You toss him a mischievous smile over your shoulder while you grab his cock at the base. You gently rock your hips up and down, rubbing your puffy, wet sex up and down his length. Feeling him tense and buck against you, his cock twitches with anticipation.
Din grabs your hips gently and helps guide you down over his throbbing dick. Fuck, he’s not going to last long as he watches himself disappear into the tight, hot heat of you. Once you are fully seated, you slowly walk your hands forward until your breasts lay flush against his legs. The position causes your hips to rotate up, granting Din a front row seat. You slowly bob up and down on his cock, slicking him with your thick gloss.
Din grunts in satisfaction as he pushes the hem of your, his, sweater higher up your back. He drags his hands to the fleshy globes of your buttocks – keeping you spread open.
“Godsmesh’la” he says tightly, as he stares in wonder at sight before him. Your folds stretched wide and the tender tissue of your hot sheath gliding over and over him.
“Enjoying the view my love?” you ask, voice muffled.
“You have no idea” he grits out, his voice strained and it causes you to chuckle softly.
He’s unable to pull his eyes away as he lifts your hips up an only lets you sink down far enough to catch his ring on the rim of your entrance. You understand what he wants and indulge him.
In and out, in and out, you slide just the tip of his wide, blunt head until you are burning with heat and desperate to sink all the way down.
His grip holds firm and he forces you to keep kissing his head with your sex until you whimper and plead to have him all the way inside you. Din relaxes his grip and lets you sink down and your eyes flutter shut as your walls strain and burn from his girth. You both moan in unison at the bliss of being sheathed to the hilt.
Your heart pounds in your bundle of nerves, demanding friction. You reach your hand down to start rubbing tight circles over your clit as you work yourself up and down his cock. Your climax winds tighter and tighter as you flicker your finger over your stiff peak, waggling it faster and faster as your whole body goes ridged with the effort.
“Shit. How did I get so…fucking…lucky” Din groans out as your rhythm builds. “My sweet riduur…fucking me like this…”
Din can feel your walls clenching around him hard and he can tell you are getting close.
“Don’t stop..fuck..that’s it. Keep going.”
Din watches your tight pussy fall apart. Your muscles flutter and squeeze his cock hard in undulating waves of release. He keeps your ass cheeks spread wide so can fuck up into as you shake and tremble through your orgasm, making your cry out in pleasure. A fresh coat of your release oozes out and coats him.
The visual is too much for Din. His pleasure builds quickly and spins out of his control. The speed and power in which he erupts takes him by surprise. His hips stutter and jerk as his dick spits hard and deep into you. You moan with relief when you feel his warm seed bloom inside.
Oh fuck, look at that beautiful sight.
His brain short-circuits as he sees his creamy cum spills out down his cock. He lazily drags your hips up and down his shaft, extending the sweet descent of his climax as long as possible. With an enormous sigh, his head and arms fall back. He is spent. Mind, body, and soul have separated and hover over him as he breathes heavily through the come down of his high.
You gingerly lift off him, and carefully position yourself by his side. Din uses the last of his strength to drag you across his body, his preferred position while his body quiets. Your swollen breasts press into his chest, and one knee hitched high and over his hip. You feel sated and content.
Wow, that must have been good. Din is speechless as you circle a finger around one of his nipples. His breath is slowing down when you hear a tiny snore escape.
Surprised, you lift your head to look up at him and he is…dead asleep.
You giggle quietly to yourself. He is doneand you gloat with pride knowing that you knocked him out cold with all the teasing and love making. Stealthily, you extract yourself from bed. Not that you should have bothered, a tie fighter’s blood-curdling scream couldn’t wake him now. You fish out a fresh pair of panties and leggings, wondering how many pairs of underwear Din has destroyed so far.
Dressed, you slip out of the room and head to the dining area in search of breakfast.
************************
You’ve just about finished eating your food when you hear the soft pad of footsteps behind you.
Din walks up behind you and nuzzles his face into your neck. You close your eyes and angle your head, unable to resist his affectionate display. You hear a soft clink and your eyes open and glance down at the table. Din has placed two wide and silver cuffs before you.
They are stunning.
Amazed, you pick one up and are enthralled by the heft and detail. Intricate and feminine tribal scroll work adorn the surface. You turn them over and spy the tiny mud horn seal embossed at the edges. You notice the inside of the cuff and recognize the tell-tale sign of miniscule hidden internal mechanics.
“These aren’t just cuffs…” you trail off.
“No” Din responds giving you a quick kiss and nuzzle to your temple. “They’re vambraces. I made them especially for you.”
Din trails a finger over a spiral of dainty dots, cleverly incorporated with the decorative embellishes.
“Comms link.”
His finger slides over to a small, raised button and depresses it. You gasp as the hilt of a slim knife shoots out one end.
“Dagger.”
He picks up the other cuff and slides a compartment out of the end.
“Secret compartment.”
Lastly, he traces a fingertip over a small, raised bump, carved in the shape of a shell.
“Embedded tracking device, so we can always find our way back to each other.”
Speechless, you turn over the vambraces and slip them on. They wrap around and fit your forearms perfectly.
“We’ll, look at that.” Din murmurs lovingly next to your ear.
Title:Stepwise Pairing:Din Djarin x Female Reader Rating:E, 18+ Word Count:5.1k Warnings:explicit smut (fingering, blowjob, unprotected p-in-v, cum eating, cum play, mention of ass play), touch-starved Din, possessive Din, somewhat inexperienced Din, soft feelings, references to canon-typical violence Summary: Requests for both soft and smutty touch-starved head canons spiraled out of control and became this.
Din Djarin knows some touch.
He’s versed in violent touch, in touch made heavy by duty. He’s comfortable with the tangled chaos of hand-to-hand combat, the brutal embrace of wrestling a quarry to the ground, the dead weight of a body slung over his shoulder, the strange intimacy of towing someone by their bound wrists from the moment of capture all the way to the carbonite chamber.
This reblog is long overdue for a fic that I’ve read as many times as I have, and I apologize for that. Not only did you take the time to answer my ask, you turned that answer into something so breathtakingly beautiful and gorgeous and full of in-depth care for this man’s character — and I will never be over it. I’ve read passages of this so many times I think I might be able to recite them. This is like an epic poem to Din, an ode to him and I can’t think of anyone in the whole world who would be more perfect to write something like than on him, other than my very favorite Din writer. I can’t thank you enough for this, Simone ❤️
Favorite parts under the cut (spoiler; it’s the whole thing):
Learning the feel of you without the barrier of leather and duraweave is more intense than he expected. He already knows the shape of you—the curves and valleys and ridges—but now he gets the textures and the temperatures: the softness of your skin, the tickle of your body hair, the warmth of your breath when you bring his knuckles up to your mouth to plant kisses on each one. He loves it all.
I know I asked you about how Din feels about touch, so I don’t know what exactly I was expecting, but it sure as hell wasn’t whatever fucking poetry this is. JESUS. This exact sentiment is the entire premise behind his initial attraction in TMTC and I know that I’ve told you this before and you’re probably so sick of hearing about it, but what took me chapters to convey only took you a deft, beautifully written paragraph and I am literally in AWE of your talent. I love Iove LOVE that he becomes clingy, because of COURSE HE WOULD — he would be mesmerized by it all.
He’s not proud of the sounds he makes, but he’s too lost in the sensation to really care that he’s panting audibly, his labored breath a staticky drag through the modulator.
Fuckkkkkkk — “staticky drag through the modulator”. I’ve read (and I’m not even joking) just about every single fic of Din on his ship that exists (which is probably something I shouldn’t admit, lol) and the way you nail these immersive details about him under that helmet, or what he’s wearing, or his environment — as a reader, it’s so goddamn LUSH, keeping you right in the environment of the story and as a writer, I am so envious of your vocabulary.
he’s pressing the heel of his hand over yours, flexing his hips, and cumming in his pants like a fucking teenager. He’s too drowned in your lust-blown eyes and the way you moan oh fuck that’s so hot to be embarrassed. You keep your grip on the damp spot over his oversensitive, spent cock—clinging possessively—throw your head back, and fall apart too.
This was WAYYYYYY FUCKING HOTTER THAN IT HAD ANY RIGHT TO BE. My GOOOOODDDDDDD
spit-slick hand
*pockets this mentally because I love the way it sounds*
when you fall asleep together, he coils around you like a hungry snake, your limbs intertwined like climbing vines, his face tucked between your shoulder and your ear. Lying in the tight space, enveloped by him, his humid breath against your neck, you don’t need a blanket at all. You toss it somewhere down by your feet and soak up the heat he radiates
The groan of longing that I made when I read this paragraph is…..embarrassing, lol. My god this is everything. The way he seeks to touch every single part — large men in small spaces is my bread, butter and JAM — but this; the tenderness in this, the intimacy, the gentleness but also this sensory language is literally stuff of dreams. I want you to know that when I post about working on my own craft and taking time to read people I really, truly admire in order to absorb their brilliant writing and study it to get better, I am 100% talking about you.
A pained sound—a sound like raw relief
RAW RELIEF — that’s so fucking perfect, I can’t —
his eyes darken and brim with lust
The IMAGE of this ❤️❤️
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again — you are a phenomenal writer and I am so beyond lucky to be blessed with access to your talent. The way you write him is it for me and the way you write in general is truly literal goals.
Thank you so much for answering my ask — I’m gonna go get this tattooed on my body now
