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Ok, so in this chapter there are two big things happening...one you have all been waiting for, I hope.

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Chapter 42

~X~

"We come from many backgrounds, but our past no longer matters. Who we were, where we went, and what we did are all inconsequential. All that matters is what you will do and what you will become, now that you are Mandalorian."

~Mandalorian saying~

Once back at the base of the Razor Crest, it was quickly decided that Din and Ravana would take Merp to Arvalla-7 to meet Kuiil, while Cara returned Paz to Anoah. However, the former shock-trooper promised to wait there as Paz's invited guest, not wanting to miss out on viewing a traditional Mandalorian wedding.

So it was, the two ships lifted off, leaving the planet of Lothal behind as each headed in a different direction.

Ravana had seen that Merp and the kid were both fed, as well as Zax, and after playing several games with them, the three were more than ready for bed. Once they were all snuggled together in the kid's cubical, Ravana made her way up to the cockpit, eager for some alone time with her Mandalorian.

Finding Din in the pilot's seat, Ravana casually maneuvered herself so that she could slip into his lap, much to his surprise and delight.

"You do make it rather difficult to fly the ship," he pointed out, having to reach around her to adjust the coordinates. "But I believe I could get used to this."

"Good, since I have no intention of moving," she assured him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she gazed lovingly up at his visor. "Thank you for getting that bounty off my head."

"It wasn't just me," he reminded her. "It was a group effort."

"Still, you're the one who talked some sense into Eson, and you protected me while you did it," she pointed out.

"As any husband should," Din stated firmly. "You are my wife, Ravana…and I will never let anything bad happen to you."

"I know," she grinned, snuggling close and laying her head on his shoulder. "And I love you for that."

"And I love you for no other reason than the fact that you're you," he informed her, leaning back in his chair and wrapping his arms around her. "And as soon as we get back to Anoah, I intend on proving that."

"By marrying me again?" she asked, hopefully.

"That…and a few other ways," he told her, his voice ripe with desire.

"Oh, that's right," Ravana said with a wide smile. "You did promise to make it up to me for saying we had to wait."

"And a Mandalorian always honors his word," Din assured her. He then became quiet, a sign that told Ravana that he was contemplating something. "I do hope that Kuiil will want to take in little Merp."

"Me too," Ravana nodded. "For even though he said he was a bit lonely, raising a child is a big responsibility."

"Don't I know it," Din chuckled. "Though, according to Ahsoka, Kuiil might not have to worry about too many strange Jedi powers from Merp. Still, as you said, caring for a child is no small thing."

"And if he can't take him on, then he just comes back to the covert with us, right?" she asked.

"Yes. They will accept him for sure, and there will be no lack of love and attention. All foundlings are welcomed," Din assured her.

"I'm glad," she said. "Every child should have a loving family."

"Ravana, I want us to adopt the kid…officially," Din suddenly stated. "When we marry, I'd like to make the kid part of our family."

"I want nothing more in the world than for him to be ours!" Ravana grinned. "And I was hoping you'd feel that way too. How do we go about it? Is there a ceremony or some legal stuff we need to do?"

"Not really, and it can be done the same time as our wedding," he assured her. "However…the official words in Mando'a used to adopt a child are 'Ni kyr'tayl gai sa'ad'. Which translates, I know your name, my child."

"That's lovely," Ravana told him.

"Yet, how can I say such words when I honestly don't know the kid's name?" Din pointed out. "Thus, I think it's high time we give him one and stop calling him the kid, or the child…though I think he likes it when you call him String-bean."

"I've been giving that some consideration as well," Ravana admitted, sounding somewhat hesitant. "And I was thinking…some fathers name their sons after themselves."

"You want to call him Din?" he asked skeptically. "Wouldn't that be rather confusing?"

"Yes, it would, but that's not what I meant," she chuckled. "Besides, didn't Koda say that if his parents had lived, they would have given him a name that began with the letter J?"

"Yes…but now I'm really lost," Din said, shaking his head just a bit.

"Well, when we first met, you told me to call you Mando," Ravana began again, sitting up a bit straighter in his lap as she tried to explain. "What if we name him that? Mando Djarin."

Din was silent for a moment, making Ravana really wish she could read his expression right then. Yet, before she could seriously panic, he spoke.

"I suppose that would work," he told her with a hum of approval. "However, unless you learned to spell completely different than I did…Mando does not start with a J."

"Oh, but wait, I'm not done yet," she piped up, spurred on by his approval so far. "If he's named after you, then we could call him Junior. As in Mando Djarin Junior!"

This had Din laughing immediately, though Ravana couldn't tell if it was because he liked it, or he thought she was insane.

"Junior. I love it," he confessed at last, putting all her fears to rest. "It's a perfect name for him."

"You really believe so?" she beamed. "You don't think it's silly?"

"Not in the least," he assured her, once more wrapping his arms around Ravana and pulling her against his chest. "You thought of everything, even making sure the traditions of his people were taken into consideration. I think his parents would have approved of that."

"I hope so," she said. "Do you think we'll need to take him back to his home planet of Leban and have his name written in their records? His parents would have done that for him…I think we should as well. For even if we're to be his family now, I never want him to forget where he came from or who loved him first."

"I agree," Din stated. "And a trip back to his village would be a good idea. Koda will worry if we don't let him know that Gideon is out of the picture and the kid is safe." He then reached out and caressed her cheek. "That's another reason I love you. You want to give him a new life but aren't afraid to let him remember the old one either."

"My Uncle Rexl took wonderful care of me, but he never begrudged the fact that I missed my parents either," Ravana informed him. "He would encourage me to talk about them and remember the good times we shared before they died. He would say, 'that's the wonderful thing about love…there's always more than enough to go around without taking it away from anyone else'. I want the same for the kid…I mean, for Junior."

"And he will be loved," Din promised. "As will each and every one of our future children."

"Absolutely!" she grinned. "And when did you say we'd get started on that?"

"Just as soon as you are officially Mrs. Ravana Djarin, wife of Din and mother to Junior."

"And Zax…you can't forget Zax," she added.

"Never," Din laughed, hugging her to him with a wide smile beneath his helmet.

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The following day, Din and Ravana tried out the kids' new name, standing back as he played with Merp and Zax. When he was sufficiently distracted, Din cleared his throat and spoke in a calm but firm voice.

"Hey, Junior…come here, please," he entreated, wanting to see what would happen. To his surprise and delight, the kid immediately turned around and looked at him, his hears perking up and his head tipping to the side questioningly. Then, after only a heartbeat or two, his face broke out into a wide grin and he began to toddle over to them, raising his hands in a request to be picked up.

"I think he likes his new name!" Ravana squealed, placing her hand on the kid's back once he was in Din's arms.

"Chances are if he didn't, he wouldn't have responded to it," he reasoned. "Though, until he actually starts talking and can tell us for sure, it's anyone's guess."

"Well, I believe he does," Ravana huffed, reaching out and taking him from Din. "You like being called Junior, don't you? Mando Djarin Junior."

At this the child cooed and laughed, clapping his hands together and looking from Din to Ravana as if to assure them he did.

"See!" she stated.

"Yes, I have to admit that is rather compelling evidence," he agreed. "Then it's settled. Junior he shall be."

"Will I need a new name too?" Merp asked, having stopped playing with Zax and was watching the three of them. "I mean, I'm all right with it if I have to…but I'm kind of used to the one I got now."

"You can keep your name, Merp," Ravana smiled, reaching out her free hand in an invitation for him to take hold of it. When he did, she knelt down and looked him in the eye. "You will either be living with our dear friend Kuiil, or with us, but you never have to worry about being called anything you don't want to. Nor will you ever need to fear being alone ever again. Understand?"

The little Ugnaught nodded excitedly, very pleased by this news.

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"I think I should speak to Kuiil first, and then you can bring Merp to meet him," Din suggested as they entered the atmosphere of Arvala-7, heading for the Ugnaught's home. "I'd hate for him to say no in front of the kid,"

"You don't honestly think he will, do you?" Ravana was worried too, but they both had high hopes it would all work out.

"No…but it's not up to me, is it?" Din said with a heavy sigh. "However, we're about to find out."

It took only a few minutes to land the ship and power down the engines, with Din and Ravana heading out of the cockpit and down the ladder.

"Are we there?" Merp asked, literally bouncing up and down with excitement. "Am I going to meet my new daddy now?"

Ravana couldn't help but smile at his infectious enthusiasm, the little fellow so anxious to no longer be an orphan.

"You and Ravana will wait on the ship for a bit, then if it all works out, she will bring you out to meet Kuiil," Din informed him. "But remember, there's always a chance that you'll be coming back to Anoah with us."

"Oh, I'm sure I'll be staying here," Merp guaranteed him, his childish confidence rather heartwarming. "I'll be a good son, and I can do lots of work around his farm." His expression turned a little worried just then. "Though, I'm not too sure how to grow moisture…but I can learn!"

"I have no doubt," Ravana nodded. "But let's give Mando a few minutes anyway…just in case."

"Uuggg, I hate waiting," Merp bemoaned, flopping down on the floor of the ship. He then crossed his legs and leaned forward, propping an elbow on one knee and resting his chin on his palm. "But if I have to, I will."

Din nodded to the four of them - as Junior was standing next to Merp and Zax was sitting beside Ravana's legs - and headed down the extended gangplank. Kuiil had emerged from his small domed house and was waiting for the Mandalorian to approach.

"Once more it is good to see you are alive, Din Djarin," Kuiil greeted him, using his given name this time. "Am I to take it that your mission was successful?"

"It was," Din nodded, stopping in front of his friend. "Gideon will no longer be troubling us…or anyone else, for that matter."

"I am happy to hear it." He then leaned to the side, looking at the figures still waiting at the open door of the Razor Crest. "Why did Ravana and the kid not come out as well? And who is your new passenger? He appears to be of my species."

"He is," Din nodded. "His name is Merpetol…Merp for short. He's an orphan we found along the way and he's looking for a home."

"A home, you say?" Kuiil questioned, his eyes growing wide with surprise. "And do you aim to place him with me? Is that your goal, Mandalorian?"

"The thought had crossed my mind," Din confessed. "You mentioned that things were rather quiet here without IG-11, and I believe little Merp would be a fine companion. He's extremely eager to work and prove his worth."

"I do not know," Kuiil muttered, once more looking over as he inspected the small Ugnaught, who was now smiling and waving at him quite frantically. "I am no longer in my prime. Raising a child is a big responsibility…one I do not know if I have the skill to do."

"I disagree," was Din's reply. "Wasn't it you who told me you had to teach IG-11 everything from scratch after you reactivated him? And that you did so with patience, affirmation, and repetition? Those are exactly the qualities a parent needs to raise a child. You also once asked me if I trusted you…and I do. I trust that you would instill within Merp the same values and code of honor that you imprinted on that hunter droid. It is my opinion that you would be a fine guardian for him."

"I thank you for your words, but I still –" Kuiil began, however Din cut him off, holding up his hand in protest.

"I have spoken," he stated, turning the tables on the stubborn Ugnaught for a change.

At this Kuiil paused, staring up at the expressionless masked man before him, and then broke out in a wide smile, giving a snort of laughter.

"So you have," he nodded. "And if you claim to have such faith in me, then who am I to argue. Bring the child down so that I may meet him."

Din turned, but before he could even raise his hand, little Merp broke away from the group and raced down the gangplank towards them.

"He is an eager one, I see," Kuiil chuckled.

"You have no idea," Din agreed. "And he eats like a starved Wookie."

"He is a growing child, he will need much nourishment," the Ugnaught affirmed. By then Merp had skidded to a halt directly in front of Kuiil, sticking his hand out as he smiled up at the adult.

"I'm Merp. My full name is Merpetol, but everyone calls me Merp," he introduced, pleased when Kuiil took his offered hand and shook it. "Mr. Mandalorian says you might be looking for some company. I can work really fast, I'm not afraid of the dark, I know lots of good stories, and I can sometimes make things move by just thinking really hard about it. So…maybe I could live here with you and you could be my new family?"

"Well, "Kuiil mused, doing his best to hide the little grin pulling at the corner of his mouth. "You do have quite a few good qualities. And you have no other family that might be missing you? No one at all?"

"No. None," he admitted with a sad shake of his head. "I've got no one."

"Well you do now, little Merp," the adult Ugnaught assured him. "You have a home with me." And almost before he'd stopped speaking, the excited child had thrown himself at Kuiil, wrapping his stubby arms around his legs and hugged him for all he was worth.

"You won't regret it, Mr. Kuiil!" he cried, his voice breaking slightly with joy and relief. "I'll work from sunup to sundown and be the best companion you've ever had. I promise!"

"You will not be a slave or a hired hand, young Merp," Kuiil argued, removing the child's hold on him and kneeling down. "You will be my son. And all I ask is that you mind your manners, do as you are asked, and learn to trust and love me just as I am sure I will come to trust and love you."

"I can do that!" he once more assured him, but this time his little eyes filled with tears of joy. "I'll be the best son ever!"

"I believe you, little one," Kuiil nodded, reaching out to pat him on the head. Then, standing up, he took the child's hand and looked at the Mandalorian. "You will stay for a meal and a rest, I hope."

"I think that can be arranged," Ravana agreed, having come up in time to hear the last part of the conversation.

"And I will see that you two are assigned the same room this time for sleeping," Kuiil added, giving Din a knowing wink. "Now come, I have food to cook and a son to settle in, so there is much to do."

Thus, with smiles on their faces, they all headed inside the small home. One that would no longer be lonely or silent…for Kuiil, and Din, had spoken.

Soooo, what did you think of the kid's new name? I spent a lot of time trying to come up with the perfect one, but I purposefully waited till the end-ish of the story to reveal it - just in case you didn't like it. But I really hope you do.

And thanks to cheryl24 for bringing out the point that they should go back to Junior's home planet to 'register his new name'. I hadn't thought of that, but it makes perfect sense to do so.

Looks like Kuiil is taking in little Merp. As if any of you ever thought he wouldn't. ha ha. I hope you enjoyed his childish enthusiasm. He was adorable to write.

Well, there might be a little bit more of Kuiil and Merp, but then it's back to Anoah before the end of the next chapter...we've got a wedding to get to...and we can't leave Paz and Cara alone for toooo long, can we? (wink wink)

Guest Reviews:

No guest reviews on this one. Phantom Guest usualy reviews the morning of my postings, but I'm posting this one early (before I got to bed, not when I wake up) because I plan on sleeping in and I didn't want to make you wait.