A/N: Please note that this chapter contains mature content.
(V)(V)(V)
Chapter 23: The Creed
I woke up languidly, the sun kissing my eyes in humble greeting. It had been the first real sleep that I had experienced for what seemed like ages; a slumber that was entirely free of the demons and ghosts that haunted my dreams. Worry, fear, and anger had all dissipated in the night, only to be replaced by an all-consuming emotion. An emotion that made me feel warmth, passion, and pleasure all at once. My mind flashed back to the memory of Din's sincere words. To the way that his body pressed upon mine as we made love, when he moved with so much heat and vigour that it was almost too much to take. To the way that his steady arms wrapped around me protectively, possessively, as we once more drifted to sleep next to one another.
Din...
A frown instantly formed upon my face when I realized that the other side of the bed was already empty. Cold. A chill passed through my body then, as though to underscore the fact.
As I sat up, I noticed Din, in mere trousers, leaning upon the windowsill, silently surveying the waking lands before him through the open window. The light wind played with his short hair as his head slowly scanned the scene, dark eyes roaming with intensity, mind lost deep in an abyss of thought. The room was starkly quiet, save for the soft, rhythmic breathing of the child, who remained fast asleep in his crib at Din's side.
I donned my robe as I stood, hoping to quickly elicit some warmth. My voice was delicate as my arms wrapped around Din's trim waist. "Hi."
His head snapped up, as though waking from a reverie. He turned to face me and planted a soft kiss upon my forehead. "Good morning, cyar'ika."
His body remained tense despite the affectionate gesture. He exuded an energy that was not commensurate with the manner in which he surveyed me. I prompted him to face me entirely, worry etched upon my expression, and rested my hands upon his abdomen. "Din, what's wrong?"
He gripped my wrists, holding on tightly. As though they were his anchor. "Something is weighing heavily on me," he began, brows knitting. "Luna, I...I cannot be Mandalore." The inner struggle was now apparent upon his countenance. "I still have a quest to fulfill," he continued with a shake of his head, deep voice full of fervour. "I cannot lead the Mandalorian clans. The responsibility, the power...I do not want it."
The rapid change in Din's circumstances - particularly when those circumstances came with everything that being a Mandalore meant - were understandably disquieting. "Din, being a leader often means putting what is best for others before your own needs and desires," my voice was soft as my thumbs now caressed his stubbled cheeks. "You have an opportunity to unite the clans. To unite your people. Are you really willing to relinquish all of that?"
"The saber belongs to a true Mandalorian leader," he persisted, unyielding, as though speaking to himself instead, "someone like Kriger."
Did he really think that little of himself?
Why couldn't he see himself as I saw him? Doubt was already clouding his judgement. "You are worthy of being the Mandalore." I persuaded him to meet my eyes, a smile pulling upon my lips. "Remember when we said that perhaps nothing in this galaxy happens by accident? The saber came to you for a reason. You defeated Moff Gideon to reclaim it. It is rightfully yours."
He considered my words for several passing moments. The conflict within him remained rampant. "And how long will it be until others come along to challenge me for it? To challenge my claim to the position?" The intensity of his voice grew steadily as he continued, "There are those who will want this saber and the power that comes with it."
The implications of what had happened suddenly became wholly apparent. I now completely understood the worries and doubts that were raging in Din's mind, his perspective on the responsibilities that, truly, he did not ask for. We had not spoken much about his new position as Mandalore, and what would come with it, so it seemed as though he had already accepted his fate; consequently, I hadn't really thought about how it would affect him…
...and how it would affect us.
There was now something else in his eyes. It appeared as though he was now seeing me clearly before him. "Luna," his tone was laced with sorrow, "you belong here. This is your planet, your people…"
No, no, no.
Not again…
My heart constricted, threatening to burst, though I was able to retain my composure. "And you?" I croaked out weakly, suddenly feeling cold once more.
Din only shook his head.
The rising anger was difficult to control. It felt as though a geyser was ready to erupt within me, irrepressible. My jaw hardened, as did my voice. "So, that's it, then?" My hands fell to my sides, curled into fists. "You're just going to walk away? From your people? From me? That is your solution?"
Though I remained still, he reached out to me once more, gripping the sides of my robe. "What would you have me do?"
"First of all, you could ask what I want," I snapped scathingly through gritted teeth, "and what I would want to do…"
"Luna -"
"...because unilateral decisions don't fly when two people care about one another," I finished, crossing my arms tightly upon my chest.
He looked up and met my eyes, searching. For a brief moment, the young boy within him was apparent. Lost. Afraid. It wasn't an expression that could be masked even underneath a beskar helmet.
A pang of sympathy enveloped me then, tempering my upset. Perhaps I was being too harsh, too riled up as a result of my own emotions. "Look," I began in a softer tone, releasing a breath, "I know that you're used to making decisions alone...that you're used to being alone. But look around you, Din. You no longer have to carry your burdens on your own."
He swallowed before asking in almost a whisper, "What do you want?"
A flood of emotions struck me as flashes of my memories with Din engulfed my mind. I had feared him, despised him. Felt empathy for him and feared for his safety. By the Being, I had even become jealous because of him. And yet, as he changed, I found that I myself had changed. I had come to realize that the undeniable feeling that had grown between us wasn't fleeting, that it couldn't just be wished away in an instant. It had become a part of me - and would remain a part of me.
I cupped his face in my hands, my eyes locked with his. "Do you not know?"
A moment of recognition flashed within his eyes. "Cyar'ika," he breathed out, enveloping me in his arms, resting his chin upon my forehead. "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum."
"Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, Din."
He peered down at me, light surprise lining his tone. "You know what that means?"
I shrugged nonchalantly, a small smile playing upon my lips. "It wasn't hard to figure out."
Din traced the side of my face with calloused fingertips, then placed loose tendrils of hair behind my ear. Without a word, he captured my lips in a longing kiss, as though we had never shared the contact before. His impassioned movements once more lit a fire within me, causing me to whimper and retaliate in kind. Matching his erratic actions and fervent desire, I brought him to the edge of the bed, promptly pushed him down upon the mattress, and easily straddled him. The move earned a pleased groan from the Mandalorian.
"Fierfek," Din whispered huskily, resting his hands upon my thighs as he regarded me, "you really are beautiful."
I raised a teasing brow, my fingers tracing his adamantine chest. "And you sound surprised!"
He sat up, coiling his arms around my lower back. His mouth nipped at my neck, licking and biting at the soft flesh that he found there. I arched back with a prolonged exhale, allowing him more room to manoeuvre. He obliged in an instant, seizing the opportunity, and pressed my chest upon his with a low moan.
Din switched our positions in a swift movement, flipping me over; I quickly found myself beneath him once more, my breaths becoming more laboured as he moved upon me. He pressed his hips upon mine, reminding me just how much I affected him, as his eyes ardently roamed through my body.
The hunter had found his bounty.
He gently caressed my breast, my body's own need showing through the thin fabric of the robe, as he claimed my mouth once more. His tongue moved expertly, wantonly, the intense feeling eliciting a soft mew from my throat. It only served to encourage him. My mind became clouded, though I was somehow able to focus on his touches, his body...and think about just how much I wanted him within me, now, with our connection lasting through the night once more...
That was when we heard a high-pitched wail.
We immediately broke our contact and, ever so slowly, turned our heads simultaneously towards the sound.
The child appeared in view. He merely sat, eyes wide, mouth agape, as he placed both of his hands upon the edge of the crib.
With a quick clearing of his throat, Din placed his hand upon my waist as chastely as he could manage and used his other hand to animatedly pat my head (a little too hard) instead.
Without warning, the child began to throw up, blue liquid now streaming from his mouth and cascading down the smooth fabric of his brown robe.
Din lowered his head, defeated. "Oh, boy."
I placed an open palm upon my mouth but was inevitably unable to stop the stitch of laughter. My elbow playfully nudged the grumbling Mandalorian above me. "Time to clean that up!"
He looked back down at me and cocked a brow. "I thought it was your turn?"
(V)(V)(V)
The celebration of Grá's victory was greater and more elaborate than I could have ever imagined. It erased any sign of the hardship that we had just endured, ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity that we were now fortunate to experience. Thousands of Grádians flocked to Neart, lining its streets and filling its establishments to maximum capacity. The city was once more a cosmopolitan centre, a growing haven for those who sought a better life. Many of the Coalition members who had fought with us even decided to stay after the battle had been won, the majority of them calling our planet their new home. They were welcomed with open arms. This warmed my heart, particularly as they were now able to truly experience my planet as it used to be, to live through the peace that they had fought so hard to attain.
I zigzagged my way through the streets full of creatures standing shoulder to shoulder, politely greeting those who recognized me, as I made my way to the awaiting Crusader. The crew busied about around and within the vessel, conducting their requisite pre-flight preparations. A smile appeared upon my face as the person that I had been searching for came into view.
"Cara!" I called out, running towards her with a wave. "Din told me that you'd already be here. You're leaving so soon?"
"Hey, Luna." She flipped her short hair and slung the strap of her large bag across her back. "Duty calls. Magistrate Karga needs a bit of backup back on Nevarro. I'm gonna go help him out for a bit." She smiled then and enveloped me in a hug. "I at least got to experience some of the party. Thanks again for the hospitality."
My eyes welled up with tears as I embraced her tighter. Cara was the selfless warrior who had come to our aid without want of recompense, gratitude, or glory. She understood our plight and rallied with us not only as an ally, but as a friend. Most of all, she turned out to be someone who I could count on, who I could trust, especially when things had become too much to bear. A sister that I never had. "Thank you for everything, Cara. I will never forget what you have done for me and my people."
Though she remained strong, her eyes slowly became misty. "Send me a 'gram if you ever need anything," she smiled once more, the distinct dimples appearing on her comely face. As Din and the child approached us, she nodded her head towards them. "Take care of those two. I know you and Din care about one another, but you need each other more than you think." She rested her hands upon my shoulders. "We'll see each other again soon, Luna."
I nodded, smiling, then moved back to allow Din and the child to say their own farewells in turn.
Din and Cara shared a firm armshake. Din nodded. "Well, until our paths cross...again."
The child stretched out his own arm towards her, accompanied by his gurgles.
Cara cocked her head to the side and scratched the child's head. "Seems to happen a lot. I'm sure I won't have to wait long until it happens again."
With one final regard, Cara gave us a wave, then jogged up the steel ramp. The ship began its flight sequence as the ramp closed, the engines whirring with effort as the vessel slowly lifted and retracted its landing gear. It took to the skies in mere moments, then disappeared into the atmosphere.
Din wrapped an arm around my waist as I rested my head on his pauldron. "I'm going to miss her," I said.
"Luna?"
My father, donned in traditional Grádian garb, approached us with even strides, a smile etched upon his wrinkled face.
"Hello there, father," I greeted in return, taking his hand in mine.
He bowed to Din and the child, then tipped his head to the side. "Could I speak with you for a moment, daughter?"
Din gave a nod of understanding as we locked eyes. I nodded. "Of course, father."
As my father and I retreated from the celebrations, Din continued to carry the child upon his arm as the two of them silently watched the passing street performers.
I got into step with my father, his movements slow, yet purposeful. He placed a hand upon the small of my back as he led me to a location more private and quiet. In silence, we walked towards a nearby garden a few meters from the heart of the celebrations, the cheers and music now becoming faint and distant. The pleasant scents of our new surroundings were welcoming.
He laced his fingers behind his back, eyeing me affectionately. "How are you, my darling?"
"I am alright, father. More worried about Din than anything." I sighed, mirroring my father's posture. "He is unsure about being Mandalore."
"Hmm." His expression turned pensive, experience evident in his eyes. "I can assure you that I know precisely what he is going through; however, reluctant leaders often make the best leaders." He paused for a few moments, regret lining his countenance. "Given the circumstances at the time, I must admit that I was hasty in my judgement of Din; but, he has proven himself to be a loyal, capable warrior - and, dare I say it, a good man. The Mandalorians will flourish under his leadership. I am sure of it."
I nodded in understanding and agreement, though maintained a slight frown.
But at what cost?
"There is a matter that I must speak with you about."
His tone had grown more serious, reclaiming my attention once more. "What is it, father?"
He surveyed the nearby pond before us, which flourished with different species of fish. "As you know, the Grádian government has been reestablished. We have sought representation from all of the major centers around the planet." He once more locked his hands behind his back. "You have been appointed as a minister to help govern matters of planetary security. You are to serve with me, my daughter."
The news caught me off-guard. I eyed him with astonishment, feeling a pang upon my chest. "Father, I am flattered that I was even considered," I finally managed to comment truthfully. My head bowed. "That is...that is quite an honour."
He observed me perceptively and replied, "But an honour that you cannot fulfill?"
It was always futile to maintain a ruse in front of him. I lowered my gaze almost immediately. "I am sorry."
"I understand." He placed a placating hand upon my right shoulder. "You have done your duty to your people, Luna." Sincerity lined his tone. "Now you must fulfill your duty to yourself."
I met his eyes with a quizzical expression. "What are you saying?"
My father's orbs landed upon Din and the child in the distance. "I know you will not be happy if you do not follow your heart."
(V)(V)(V)
I focused on the steady sound of surging water falling at our side.
It was cleansing. Pure.
The child sat upon a nearby boulder, merely watching with quiet curiosity. The sense of familiarity of our surroundings shrouded over us as we proceeded, with no other audience in our immediate vicinity.
Din, moving in front of me, silently nodded, his helmet glinting in the sun.
Without a word, I took a knee before him, feeling the soft ground beneath, and rested an armoured forearm upon my thigh. My head remained slightly bowed, hair framing the sides of my face, mist-filled eyes fixated to the ground.
In a delicate tone, the Mandalorian Code of Honour escaped my lips, the words beautiful and enduring:
Strength is life, for the strong have the right to rule.
Honour is life, for with no honour one may as well be dead.
Loyalty is life, for without one's clan, one as no purpose.
Death is life, for one should die as they have lived.
The last word hung around us for a few moments, then drifted in the wind. Silent tears began to cascade down my cheeks, though my expression remained firm and unyielding.
My gaze was now in line with a t-visor.
Din took a step forward, his presence enveloping my being.
In a slow, fluid motion, he placed my helmet upon my head.
It sealed with a soft click.
(V)(V)(V)
END OF VOLUME I
VOLUME II (Chapter 24) COMING SOON
(V)(V)(V)
- Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum - I love you
- cyar'ika - darling, beloved, sweetheart
(V)(V)(V)
A/N: Well, my dear readers, that was the Volume I that I had wanted to write and finish months ago, pre-Season 2; but, better late than never, I guess! I've already started working on Volume II, so I'm hoping that my muse will remain with this story and I'll continue to write something that will hold all of us over until Season 3 (which is now until 2022 - yikes! The Book of Boba Fett should be good, though). There is a lot more story to tell, and I think this fic is going to end up being an epic (maybe even a story with three volumes?!). As long as there is a story to tell, and as long as you're all enjoying it, I'll keep writing! :)
Volume II, starting with Chapter 24, will be posted as a continuation of this story as well, so you don't have to go looking for it. Just follow, favourite, and review! I appreciate you all, and love getting your messages. :D More to come!
Also, if you're looking for another Mandalorian fic to read, I've just started another one called "The Protector". Check it out! :)
xx IFHD
