Notes: So, I hope that chapter mix up wasn't too horrible and ya'll are still hanging in there. To fit Fayra's story better into the Mandalorian I'm changing the events little bit, hopefully ya'll will be fine with that and enjoy the journey.
Also, I thought Kuiil was awesome on the show. He'll be missed. And I hope some of you weren't too devastated over Blue. All I can say is to just keep reading. ;)
Chapter 43: Old Friends
Fayra awoke in Mando's room. She took a moment to take in everything that had happened with the fire. That had never happened before. Fire had always reacted to her, she could move it and throw it. But never had she actually set herself on fire. It felt invigorating and terrifying. Though Fayra wasn't sure if she was terrified at the idea of being on fire or the fact that she liked it alot. Then sadness overwhelmed her, Blue was gone. She would never again have him for company. She couldn't focus on that. She pushed her thoughts from him as tears stung her eyes.
She stood and as the sheets slid from her body Fayra realized she was naked. Before they hit the floor she caught them and covered herself back up. Vague memories of last night came back to her. She burned all her clothes off. Mando had carried her to his bed and then she remembered what happened next. Her body heated at the memory of his touch.
Mando appeared in the door.
"We're here." He announced.
Her heart jumped, her first thought was of Sorgan. Then she remembered they needed Kuiil first. The must be on Arvala- 7. She could focus on that, instead of the horrible events as of late. She wanted to see Kuiil. She had liked speaking with him and hearing his stories. He was kind to her. The first person to do so in a very long time.
The Razor Crest creaked and moaned as it settled to the ground. Fayra buzzed with excitement, the lights of the ship flickered in response.
"Calm down." Mando said as he maneuvered several gears and switches on the control panel.
She unhooked her seatbelt and peered out the window. The sun had begun to set, but she could still see the details of Kuiil's settlement. She smiled as she saw him emerge from his house. She waved when their eyes met.
"What are you waiting for, come on!" She burst through the door, and down the ladder. She reached for the button to open the doors. Mando grabbed her wrist, startling her.
"I told you to calm down, I don't like rushing into situations."
She looked up at him as her smile faded. She had forgotten Mando was first and always will be the warrior. Forever cautious no matter if they were in friendly territory or in enemy territory. But honestly what would be so dangerous about Kuiil, she wondered. He must have seen the question in her eyes.
"Bounty hunters could be lying and waiting." He explained.
She let him take the lead and followed behind. Mando scanned the area and buildings. As they approached Kuiil her smile returned. Kruiil stood looking at them, no words as he peered around Mando to get a better look at Fayra. Mando halted just a few feet away, but Fayra side stepped him and wrapped her arms around Kuiil's neck.
"It's nice to see you again Fayra," He said, "I didn't think I would, but I knew you'd be safe."
Fayra stood and Kruiil motioned for them to come inside. The small house was warm and cozy. Books filled the walls and unfinished projects lay about. A fire cracked from the corner and a small glow from lanterns lit the room and hallway.
He motioned her to sit. Fayra noticed a bowl of colorful fruits and vegetables. She remembered them from before.
Seeing her eyeing the food, Kuiil offered her some. Fayra grabbed several and began munching. Mando took a position next to her.
"You look well," he said. "Stronger than the last time I saw you." Kuiil took a seat adjacent to them.
"I think she might be an Elemental." Mando announced.
Kuiil eyed her, "It would be interesting if that were true. I don't think you've been engineered. I've worked in the gene farms. Your abilities are weak. Lab grown genes begin at their peak performance."
"They're growing stronger." Mando said.
"Um, evolving then." Kuiil nodded his large head. A figure moved through the door behind him. Fayra's heart pounded in fear as Mando drew his blaster and shoved her behind him.
"Would anyone care for some tea?" a robotic voice asked as it set the tray of cups on the table.
Kuiil turned back to them, hand raised. "Please lower your blaster. He will not harm you."
"That thing is programmed to kill the girl."
"Not anymore."
Kuiil began to explain how he reconstructed the droid. Fayra remembered the droid pointing it's blaster at her. Still caged then, she had closed her eyes waiting for it to end her life. When the blast rang out, it wasn't her laying dead. It was the droid, Mando had killed it to keep it from killing her.
"Is it still a hunter?" Mando asked.
"No, but it will protect."
Fayra looked from the droid to Mando. She knew of his hatred from them, his unwillingness to trust them, or work with them. This wasn't going to end well, she concluded. She watched as he studied it for a long moment. His helmet offered no answer to what he would do. She suspected that Mando would just shoot the thing and be done.
It stretched out it's long metallic arm, holding a cup. "Tea?"
Fayra's eyebrows shot up, expecting metal parts to begin flying. That was something she didn't want to witness now, especially after Blue. She hoped he wouldn't. She slowly reached around him and grabbed the cup. To her surprise Mando holstered his blaster, but he kept his hand on the hilt. She smiled on the inside, thinking Blue must have rubbed off on him a little.
"I've read stories of Elementals." Kuiil said, breaking the long silence. "They are supposed to be myths, legends. Bedtime stories for young ones."
"Maybe,but from what I've seen of Fayra, it's a possibility."
They both looked at her. Mando shifted as the IG unit stood, turned and left. Silence filled the room. She could feel the tension melting off him. Fayra stood and started to explore the room, but Mando caught her arm.
"Don't leave my sight."
Fayra nodded.
"From what you described to me when you were last here, it certainly sounds similar to what I've heard" Kuiil began. "And I found it extraordinary, a being that is able to wield an element. I wanted to know more. So I began to study it, digging deeper."
"What did you mean earlier, that you knew she'd be safe?"
Kuiil looked at him. "Any man will look and see there's something special about the girl. Something they can take and use, eventually breaking it out of greed or fear. But if he were a clever man, he will look at her and see the same, but instead build on it, strengthen it, protect it until it can stand on its own." He lifted the pitcher to pour some more tea. "You, my friend, are a clever man."
"So you're saying you knew I wouldn't hand her over and collect the bounty."
"I did not say that. Just that you were clever."
As Fayra scanned the bookshelves IG came back down the hall. Mando jumped toward them as IG neared Fayra.
"I brought some bread and cheese." IG said.
"Oh yes please," Fayra reached from the plate, Mando snatched her hand away from it. She rubbed her wrist as Mando kept his blaster aimed at it. She understood he was protecting her, but he didn't have to hurt her in the process or insult Kuiil. She glared at Mando and grabbed some anyway. Setting just outside the door, Fayra watched the stars as she ate.
"IG, put the tray down and go deactivate for now." Kuiil commanded. It obeyed and he turned to Mando. "He won't hurt the girl."
Taking another gulp from his cup, Kuiil stood and walked toward the exit. He passed Fayra, who was now humming. Mando followed.
"I've run into some problems."
"I figured as much. Why else would you return?"
"I wanna hire your services."
"I'm retired from service."
"I can pay you handsomely, Ugnaught."
"Kuiil." Fayra corrected joining the two. She reached for the Blurrg petting it on the nose.
" I need someone to help me get her ready, teach her what she needs to know, protect her, Kuiil."
Kuiil watched as Fayra lowered herself to the Blurrg's eye level and nudged its nose with hers. She spoke to it as if they were old friends. Kuiil had never seen a Blurrg allow this type of behavior.
He shook his head. "I'm not suited for such work. I can reprogram IG-11 for such things."
"No. I don't want that droid anywhere near her."
Fayra continued to pet the Blurrg. Kuill wondered, "why're you so distrustful of droids?"
"Yeah, why?" Fayra seconded, popping her head up from the otherside of the Blurrg. She smiled at him, then he gave her that disapproving helmet stare. He didn't like to talk about his past, she knew that. She was only teasing him.
"It tried to kill her."
Fayra scrunched her face, classic Mando answer. A non-answer. She wondered if Kuiil could see through that Mandalorian trick.
"It was programmed to do so." Kuiil shot back. "Droids are not good or bad. They are neutral reflections of those who imprint them."
"I've seen otherwise."
"Do you trust me?"
"From what I can tell, yes."
Fayra popped her head up once again, surprised he actually admitted that.
"Then you will trust my work."
"Kuill," Fayra said, stepping back beside Mando. "You can't leave me in the hands of just him." She nudged her head in Mando's direction. "Please."
Kuiil studied her for a long moment then turned to Mando. "IG-11 will join me. And we do it not for payment, but to protect Fayra from Imperial slavery. None will be free until the old ways are gone forever."
"Okay." Mando agreed. Fayra smiled, her happiness emitted a glow to her skin.
"And the Blurrgs will join me as well." Kuiil stated.
"The Blurrgs?" Mando questioned.
"I have spoken."
Mando looked down at Fayra, she shrugged.
"He has spoken." she said, and quickly fell into step next to Kuiil. She didn't have to see his eyes to know the detest that clouded them was there. Even she didn't know exactly how that was going to work aboard his ship. She knew one thing for sure, if Mando was anything he was definitely excessive about his ship.
Thankfully their trip to Sorgan went smoothly. The Blurrgs were a bit overwhelming, even Fayra had to admit that. But she was thrilled Kuiil agreed to help. She couldn't wait to get off the ship and get some fresh air. Fayra followed Mando into the familiar surroundings of the Common House. As they entered the patrons were crowded around something. They were screaming and yelling.
"Take her down!" Someone yelled.
"Come on, I bet on you!" Another screamed. Fayra couldn't see, she was too short compared to the taller men in the crowd. Mando pulled her behind him. And pressed her against the wall as he moved them further into the room. After a moment they came to a clearing. Mando pulled Fayra in front of him and she gasped at what she saw.
Cara was fighting a large horned man, a Devaronian. He looked similar to the one she met a while ago. They were attached to each other with belt's at the waist. He punched Cara's jaw. Fayra flinched at what that must have felt like. Cara smiled and landed a punch of her own. Maybe she should have stayed on the ship with Kuiil. Then Cara was slammed against the bar's counter.
"Can't you do something?" She begged Mando.
"She's doing alright."
When Fayra looked back Cara had the electrofied rope around her opponent's neck. A moment later he gave in and it was over. Fayra let out a breath she had been holding.
The crowd began disbursing. "Pay up mudscuffers!" Cara yelled in victory.
"Come on." Mando stepped around her making his way toward Cara.
"Looking for some work?" Mando said appearing through the crowd.
Cara laughs. Then sees Fayra behind him, smiling at her.
"Looking good."
"You too!" Fayra said wrapping her arms around Cara.
"Join me?" Cara said motioning to a corner table. "How are things."
Fayra looked at Mando as he positioned himself against the wall, as usual.
"Bumpy." She replied.
Cara nodded and listened as Mando brought her up to speed on the situation.
"It seems like a straightforward operation. They're providing the plan and firepower. I'm the snare."
"How about Fayra?"
"That's why I'm coming to you? I need help training her."
"I don't know. I've been advised to lay low. If anybody runs my chain code, I'll rot in a cell for the rest of my life."
"I thought you were a veteran." Mando said as the large devaronian dropped money in front of Cara.
"Come back soon." Cara responded. "I've been a lot of things since. Most of them carry a life sentence. If I so much as book passage on a ship registered to the New Republic, I'm…"
"I have a ship." Mando interrupted. "I can bring you there and back with a handsome reward. You can live free of worry."
"I'm already free of worry and I'm not in the mood to play soldier anymore. Especially fighting some local warlord."
"He's not a local warlord. He's imperial."
Fayra watched the two exchange words. She didn't want Kuiil or Cara to take any unnecessary risks, but she also didn't want Mando to go in this alone. He needed people he could trust. She wanted Cara with them.
A smirk formed on Cara's lips. "I'm in." then downed her drink.
"Then let's get started." Mando said as he stood from the table. Fayra mimicked his movements and they began walking out of the Common House. Fayra watched the two as they began making plans. She breathed a sigh of relief that Mando wouldn't be alone. She felt no matter how much training she had she wouldn't be enough to help him.
"I see the birds are back." Cara observed a few steps ahead of Fayra. Suddenly a man from behind reached around and pinned Fayra against him and shoved something up her nose. For a split second she struggled, and everything went black.