Chapter 6: The Truce
"So he captured you…"
"Yes."
"...then rescued you?"
"Well, sort of…"
Too impatient to await further details, T'iana threw her hands up in the air in vexation. Her shoulder-length, brown hair wildly bobbed at the abrupt movement. "This is crazy!" A thoughtful expression appeared on her face as she considered the news, eyes squinted as though attempting to solve the most important mystery in the galaxy. With wild steps, she started to pace in a frantic fashion in front of me, clasping her hands behind her back. Her spine straightened sharply at the realization. "So then it was this son of a blaster who ransacked my house?" Her voice raised an octave. "And made me piss in my pants in a stinkin' barrel while he kidnapped you?"
"Um…" I winced, shifting my eyes from side to side. "Yes."
Why do I keep encouraging her?
She let out a lengthy screech of irritation, which succeeded in startling the sleeping blurrgs beside us. I gave the creatures an apologetic glance and attempted to quell T'iana's minor meltdown, but she, regrettably, would not be calmed. As she continued to rant under her breath, I surveyed our surroundings in search of Din. I found him speaking intently with Kuiil beside the Razor Crest a few meters in front of me, their precise words inaudible. I finally met the Ugnaught's concerned gaze after a few moments; however, he continued to converse with Din in hushed tones. In the opposite direction of the Razor Crest, Kriger Onóir, as T'iana had introduced him, busily tended to his vessel.
This unexpected turn of events was something that I could not have conceived, given that Din had assured me that he had been careful in erasing any traces of our journey and in avoiding any communications that would have pinpointed our location. It was beginning to seem as though no matter where I ran, no matter where I thought I could hide, I would always be found sooner or later - of course, not that being found by T'iana and Kriger was a bad thing, but it seemed as though, despite my best efforts, my past would always catch up to me.
Something else occurred to me then. A few weeks ago, I could safely say that being freed from Din was at the forefront of my mind - the one thing that I so desperately wanted to happen. But recently, given all that has happened, I haven't even thought about being parted from him and the child at all. I was resigned to hiding, welcoming Din's protection at every moment, no matter which planet met our needs.
But did I really want to keep hiding?
Did I really think that I would be Din's burden for as long as either of us lived?
T'iana halted her mumbled curses when she realized that I was not paying attention. Her face softened momentarily, as though finally realizing our current circumstances. "I didn't know if I'd find you dead or alive," she admitted.
Wrought with emotion, I embraced her tightly, feeling tears forming upon the sides of my eyes. "I didn't know if you'd find me at all."
T'iana pulled away from me and latched on to my upper arms with a loose grip. "I've warned the others. Those I know of, anyway." A sympathetic look flashed on her cherub face. "I told them that you had been captured and that I'd search for you. You know I can't hunt for shab, so I had to ask an old friend to help track you down." She motioned her head towards Kriger as she wore a pleased expression. "He is really good at finding people for some reason, so I thought he would be the best person for the job. I figured it was Diabhal the scum of the galaxy who had opened the bounty for you, so we followed the signs and managed to track you back to Grá. We heard whispers of what had happened when you were there, then the trail went cold." She heaved out a sigh, then extended her arms out in front of her. "Don't know how he did it, but Kriger tracked you here, so...consider yourself rescued!"
"I am forever grateful." I smiled sincerely, taking her hand. I thought myself fortunate to have friends such as T'iana. "Is it just the two of you?"
"Yeah. Thought it was best not to draw any attention to ourselves, given that you're a high-valued target and all." A sly smirk appeared on her face then, her eyebrows raising suggestively. "But being alone with him definitely has its perks!"
An elongated groan escaped my lips as I ran a palm over my face.
Leave it to T'iana to find pleasures throughout a perilous situation!
"Hey, hey, hey, don't you give me that look!" She raised a brow at me, elevating her chin in a feigned huff. "I always get what I want. And right now, I want that Mandalorian, damn it!" Her dark eyes then drifted over to Din's direction, freely observing him. "Though, despite what he did to you, I must admit...that Mandalorian you got over there is, shall we say, scrumptious as -"
We heard a throat clear before I was able to interrupt her myself. After taking a few steps forward, Kriger politely stood in between us, a cordial smile appearing on his chiseled face. His round eyes curiously surveyed us in turn. "I didn't mean to interrupt." He spoke quickly with a voice that hinted at an accent. His almost regal poise and mannerisms were clearly evident. "I just thought I'd formally make your acquaintance."
T'iana grinned widely from ear to ear, excitedly clapping her hands.
I stretched out my hand to his and returned his smile. "Luna Láidir of Grá."
"Kriger Onóir, leader of Clan Onóir." He gave me a curt nod as he gripped my hand in a strong handshake. "It's a relief to find you, and find you alive." With a step back, he then took T'iana's hand in his, entwining their fingers. They shared an affectionate glance. "T'iana here was consumed with worry. I did my best to make quick work of tracking you down."
My eyes curiously trailed down to their connected hands. Even a blind Gungan could see how much they cared for one another. "I appreciate your efforts, truly," I replied softly, placing my open palm upon my heart. "I can assure you that I am quite alright."
Din strode towards us then, his purposeful footsteps now recognizable to me. Though I met him with a warm smile, he remained a few paces from where we gathered, his hardened stance difficult to miss. Without a word, he clasped his hands in front of him, his body language expectant.
"We've been lying low here for a few days," I continued, gesturing to Din behind me. "I know Diabhal won't stop until she has me once more. She has probably sent others to hunt for me."
"Then come with us!" Kriger offered with vigour, placing a steady hand on my shoulder. Sincerity lined his tone. "You have the protection of my clan."
Din immediately stiffened at Kriger's proposal, his gloved hands clenched tightly at his sides. I considered the offer, though couldn't manage a firm reply at that moment. Din's gaze turned to me for a split second, then bore into Kriger.
The blonde Mandalorian quickly noticed Din's stare and eyed him inquisitively in return. "The signet of a Mudhorn," he stated, nodding to Din's pauldron. An appreciative expression graced his countenance. "I have not seen this signet before." He took a few steps towards Din, curious. "Tell me, from whence do you hail?"
Din remained silent, unmoving.
After a few moments of patiently waiting, Kriger looked back at me questioningly. "Is he...always like this?"
"You wear Mandalorian armour yet show your face." Din's harsh tone sliced the air around us as he took a few steps forward in return.
The two Mandalorians were now face to face, standing merely inches apart. Almost equal in height, they appeared to square off, regarding one another with the same, unyielding measure. Though Kriger mirrored Din's posture and stance, his face remained neutral, unthreatened. Din leaned forward even more, twisting his head, as though in challenge.
Kriger budged first. He made a slight gesture to his head, as though motioning to an invisible helmet. "You believe I do not follow the creed."
"What you do is your business." Din's tone remained scathing, though his voice was not raised. He appeared to eye Kriger with disdain. "But this is not the way of the Mandalorians."
Kriger's reply was swift and unyielding. "My clan is neo-Mandalorian and we are, indeed, Mandalorians." Pride was evident in his expression and posture. "We are warriors, sworn to protect those in need. We do not hunt or raid. There is no honour in those acts."
I could feel Din's emotions rising even more.
Kriger continued, "The Empire has fallen, but look at what has become of us! We've lived in the shadows for too long, so afraid of our own extinction." He shook his head. "We take off our helmets to proudly show who we really are. We roam the galaxy freely to inspire others to join our way of life, to exhibit the strength that the Mandalorians once had. We cannot - and should not - hide any longer." He bared his teeth, mouth turning into a scowl. "Can't you see? We have lost our homes, our freedom! We have lost our way." Hope, however, filled his emerald eyes as he extended a conciliatory hand towards Din. "Join us, brother, and help us rebuild. Let us unite!"
Din didn't yield.
Kriger bowed his head, as though in disappointment, and retrieved his hand. His tone softened. "The old ways can no longer sustain us. Mandalorians must unite instead of fighting one another. Instead of fighting for scraps. Instead of hiding in the shadows like cowards." His expression became contemplative as he observed Din. "I am free from the shackles that the Empire has placed on our people, free from the binds that we Mandalorians have placed on ourselves. What about you, Mudhorn?"
Without another word, Din stalked away abruptly, fuming. He brushed past Kriger aggressively without looking back. My eyes connected with T'iana's as concern manifested in her expression. I gave both Kriger and T'iana an apologetic look and pursued Din. "Din, wait!"
"He needs to leave," he growled, not slowing his pace.
I promptly followed him inside his ship, chasing him up the rear ramp. "Din, I apologize for the things that Kriger has said." I finally caught up, breathless, and stood before him. I pushed on his abdomen in an attempt to halt his steps. When he looked down to regard me, I firmly placed my palms on either side of his helmet. "But they are here to help."
"He knows not what he is saying. This is not the way." Din drilled a finger in Kriger's direction. "He endangers his own clan with his indiscretion!"
"You can believe in whatever you want," I said softly, attempting to gain his full attention, "but, for what it's worth, remember that you are more than just your armour or your creed, Din Djarin." He finally met my eyes in response. "You might not believe that, but I do."
After considering me for a few moments, he nodded in understanding.
The tension in Din's body appeared to recede. Seeming to have appeased him, and having diffused the situation, I lowered my arms and eyed him attentively. It was at that moment that I began to understand the importance and strength of a creed, of a way of life. Din was raised and molded by his clan, his beliefs drilled into him from such a young age. I know now that going against his creed - their religion - was akin to betrayal for Din.
"So," Din observed me for a moment, his shoulders squaring, "you will go with them."
The words came out more as a statement than a question. It was then that the gravity of the situation hit me. My life was once again disrupted by a choice that I needed to make, a choice that I didn't even have a chance to ruminate on. The heaviness in my heart made it difficult to even think. "I...I guess so?" Flustered at my own indecision, I began to pace in front of him. "Kriger offered his clan's protection, and...I mean, I don't know what's going to happen exactly, but...I need to do something to help my people, and…"
"I understand."
My brows knitted at the almost imperceptible waver in his voice. Given Din's childhood and history, I knew, without a doubt, that he understood where my headspace currently was; that he understood the need to right the wrongs inflicted upon my people, to seek justice by any means necessary. That was honourable. And yet, there was something else. Something that I couldn't quite decipher. "Din? What is it?"
He extended a hand in front of him in reply.
Taken aback by the sudden movement, I stared at his outstretched hand for a few moments, then took it reluctantly.
With a firm shake, he said steadily, "I wish you good luck and safe travels."
(V)(V)(V)
I was restless throughout the night, uncomfortable regardless of which position I attempted to sleep in. As the hours passed, I refrained from tossing and turning too much in order to avoid disturbing Din, who kept his back turned towards me. Uncharacteristically, the temperature had dropped significantly that night, and I instinctively pulled at the blankets several times to cover me. With little room and recourse, I resolved to lay on my back for the majority of the night, resting my hands on my stomach as I stared blankly at the darkness above us. The stillness in my body remained until the sun's rays slowly enveloped the room in its warm embrace. When it was clear that sleep was going to continue to elude me this day, I carefully stood from the bed and quietly dressed.
I reached for my shoes. Just to its right sat my packed bag - a gift from Kuiil, filled with food and water for the journey ahead. A frown formed upon my lips. My eyes shifted to the child's crib, then to Din's shadowed form. After a few moments, I finally willed myself to throw the bag over my shoulder and exit the room.
I walked outside of Kuiil's home, shielding my face from the light and sand with an open palm. I perceived Kuiil, Kriger, and T'iana speaking by Kriger's ship, appearing to be saying their farewells. Upon seeing me, T'iana rushed excitedly to my side.
"Ready to go?" T'iana grinned from ear to ear as she embraced me.
"Almost." I feigned a smile, though straightened my spine. "Kuiil just wanted me to bring a few more other things. I would also like to give proper farewells."
T'iana's smile slightly faltered as she observed my expression, though she nodded in understanding. She took my bag from me and flashed a sympathetic smile. "Take your time, Luna. I'll be in the ship."
As T'iana made her way towards the vessel, Kriger's distant gaze caught my attention. As I followed his eyes, I noticed Din standing a few paces behind me. Kriger politely excused himself from Kuiil and moved quickly to stand in front of Din. Remorse lined his expression. "I am sorry to have offended you, brother." Kriger placed a fist upon his heart, slightly bowing his head to Din. "We are Mandalorians. We are stronger as allies, no matter what our beliefs may be."
Din nodded.
The two Mandalorians shook hands.
Kriger's eyes shifted between me and Din. "I'll see you on the ship, Luna."
My heart palpitated oddly as Kriger jogged off. A part of me wanted to call him back as a measure to somehow ease my disconcerting thoughts as I turned my attention towards Din.
The silence surrounding us was so loud that it was deafening.
"I don't want to leave," I began, attempting and failing to swallow the growing lump in my throat, "but this is my fight." I tried to rationalize everything in my head at that moment, though it failed to quell the pounding ache in my chest. "You have your own."
When Din said nothing, I embraced him quickly, as though his body was made of burning coal, then swiftly turned on my heel to leave. I found it difficult to walk, with each step as though I were trudging on quicksand. I then said my farewells to Kuiil, thanking him for everything that he had done for us...for me. He embraced me in return.
When I reached the end of the ramp of Kriger's ship, I halted, peering inside. It was so new. Foreign. The butterflies in my stomach came alive as I took an unsteady step upon the slanted metal.
At that moment, however, I felt a light pressure on the back of my leg which, at that moment, remained on Arvala-7's ground. Confused, my eyes shot down immediately.
It was the child.
It looked up at me almost pleadingly, its wide ears outstretched, resembling wings. It cooed lightly, then placed both of its tiny hands on my calf. It blinked a few times, gave me a toothy grin, then looked at me expectantly.
Puzzled, I crouched down on one knee and traced its forehead with light fingertips. It moved its head from side to side. "What are you doing, little one?" I regarded it lovingly and felt a pang of guilt. "I guess I didn't properly say goodbye to you, huh?"
Footsteps crushed grains of sand as a shadow loomed over me.
"I guess he doesn't want you to go."
My gaze rose upwards.
"Din," I said softly, standing straight once more.
The child retrieved his left hand from my leg and placed it on Din's. It released a high-pitched sound, then looked up at its father with the same, expectant expression.
Din's head tilted to the side, appraising it. "Is that what you want, you little womp rat?"
My eyes squinted in question.
Before I could speak, T'iana rushed to us then, her heavy footsteps clanging upon the metal ramp. As she reached us, she doubled over, attempting to catch her breath. "Luna! We've just received a...transmission from…" she held up a finger, pressing us to wait for a few moments, "Whoo, I am so out of shape," she held her sides then, grimacing in pain. Her eyes then darted to the child below. "Whoa, what is that?"
"T'iana!" I waved a hand in front of her face, as though attempting to break an enchantment. "Focus!"
"We've received a transmission from your father," she finally blurted.
Mouth agape, my eyes widened at the news.
"He's part of a coalition that's amassing an army to overthrow Diabhal." T'iana continued breathlessly. "I've sent word to him that we've found you and that you're safe."
My father.
How I've yearned to see him for so long…
"T-thank you, my friend," I managed, my head swirling. However, the thought that my father was safe and sound - and still had fight left in him - grounded me at that moment.
T'iana gripped my arm. "What should we do now?"
I pondered the question for a moment, my resolve strengthened by Din's presence. "Send word to the others." I clenched my jaw, unrelenting. "We join the fight."
"On it!" With a curt nod, T'iana rushed back into the vessel.
"Ok, I know what you're thinking," I winced, turning my attention back to Din. "I'm impetuous and it's not a good idea and…" I sighed, shaking my head. "Din, I've hidden for too long while my people have suffered. I can no longer be a coward."
Din simply gave me a nod.
In a swift stroke, he scooped up the child in his arms, then began to walk away from me.
"Um," I walked a few paces towards his receding form. "W-where are you going?"
"I'm going to prepare the ship," he stated evenly, then slightly turned back towards me. The child cried out in glee. "You're going to need all the help that you can get."
(V)(V)(V)
A/N: It took a while for me to get this from my head to "paper" as I really wanted to get it right. It was one of the harder chapters to write so far. My saving grace is, at least, I noted that this story is "slightly AU"! However, there is so much more to come. I have big plans! Also, I really like that I somehow managed to sneak "this is not the way" in this chapter. I don't even care if Din wouldn't ever say that "in real life" LOL! Life com-puh-lete! (If you guys want a good laugh, search for "Go to sleep Baby Yoda" on YouTube. Auralnauts' vid is hilarious and is goddamn canon!)
Readers, reviewers, followers - I love each and every one of you and I always look forward to interacting with you. I love writing for my own enjoyment, but knowing that you all get a kick out of what I'm doing is awesome. Cheers. xx IFHD
