PADAWAN
Din Djarin was not only a bounty hunter, father, Mand'alor but he is now a Force wielder. Caught on a crossroad, he went back to Calodan where someone could help him: the Jedi Ahsoka Tano.
~(o.o)~
A/N: I love the story of Din Djarin and Grogu. Also I am writing this because of the force of my inspiration Pedro Pascal and not for monetary gain. I have spoken. This is the way!
1 : Yuno, Din's attendant would look like kid on the side of the road from Season 2 Episode 15-The Believer.
2: On Pinterest see Din Djarin's cute cottage in Calodan under the name Acer Wolfe at Silver Moon Inuyoukai board.
Kindly leave a review for it bolsters my confidence and muse and tell me what you think. Thank you!
CHAPTER 20
HOW TO TRAIN A MAND'ALOR
TE AL'ORI'RAMIKADE
Warriors aren't born, and they aren't made.
They create themselves through trial and
error and by their ability to conquer their
own frailties and faults.
Philip J. Messina
From Chapter 19:
Another man approached the group holding out another strip of paper to the governor this time. "What is this?" the Elder gasped and showed the paper to Din. "There are six starships in orbit?!"
-o-0-o-
'What would Din Djarin do… if he learns his son… is under the care… of the son of… the Sith Lord and Supreme Commander…of the Imperial Fleet?'
"What?" Ahsoka stood there and stared the convor with shock as Morai's thoughts flowed and bounced in her head, echoing.
'He didn't know, Ahsoka…he didn't know…'
"Why in the mother didn't he ask for the Jedi's name?!"
'Grieving…he was…not himself…the boy…the boy has…to come back to his father…they are… stronger together…stronger…together…'
'The boy needs guidance…he needs a Jedi to teach him!'
'Your… padawan needs you…he needs you…'
'My padawan doesn't trust me…!' Ahsoka had to sigh because the only thing left to complete her petulance was to stick her lower lip out: which she wouldn't do. 'He thinks I'm keeping things from…'
'Not… the father….the son…the son…'
'Grogu?! I, teach Grogu?' Ahsoka lifted a brow in surprise. 'Morai, even if I wanted to teach Grogu I don't know where he is!'
'Fate is moving…fate… is mutable…changing…changing…'
'Here we go again…' Ahsoka rubbed her temple whispering with some annoyance. 'Did you forget I have a mission? It's dangerous to go traipsing in the galaxy with a small child! Grogu might as well stay with Din Djarn if that's the case! I can't…!'
'What is… fated cannot be… stopped…cannot be stopped…'
'Morai…! Mo…Ah!' Ahsoka almost cursed when the convor flew away. With a grimace of frustration at mystic and semi-divine creatures her head and shoulders drop as she replaced the sabers on their hooks by her hips. Does she mean I stop looking for Ezra and…did she also mean that Din doesn't need me anymore? Why? More mysteries…more baffling and cryptic messages! Those….
Frowning, Ahsoka ran her hand on her lekku as she picked up come minor vibration in the air. She glanced around looking where it comes from then she found it. Long before she saw it she heard a small buzzing sound that quickly became almost ear-shattering. I know those sounds! I flew them! Ahsoka looked up as a large transport vehicle hovered just below the lower atmosphere.
Ahsoka scratched an eyebrow, "This just keeps getting better and better."
-o-0-o-
The ships descended quickly, the roar of their engines deafening and soon all three breached the lower atmosphere. Then from behind, the ramps of the ships opened and about more than forty people flew out of it.
Because of the noise it drew out more curious people out of the gate. The Calodan villagers 'oohed' and 'aahed' at the spectacular sight of the flying people.
The ships banked over once their passengers were out and landed a little farther than where Din's DX-9 was parked. One landed to the right of the Mantis, ramp facing out. Din had half the mind to ask for the Mantis from the Calodan's and maybe they will just give it to him. We'll see when all these things are done and settled, Din thought.
The Mandalorians who flew out of the ships landed just outside the clearing but not one of them made a move to approach. Good, Din noted, they're not out for trouble.
"Governor, please stay here for the moment. Keep them all here."
"Yes, of course." Elder Wing nodded.
His cape flowing in the wind, their new commander in chief strode to the ensemble of armor clad people waiting just outside their ships and beyond the tree line. The ship that landed near the Mantis opened its ramp and even more people walked out.
"Wing, who are they?" a small balding man asked from way behind the group. He is one of the ten councilmen; a botanist by profession.
"Master Djarin said they are Mandalorians." Gov. Wing cleared his throat, a little overwhelmed. It feels quite intimidating and exciting at the same time to see so many of Din Djarin's people. "His people." The murmurs grew louder at the news.
"By the force…" Ahsoka muttered as she stopped to the left of the governor. "They found him."
"Mistress?" The governor looked over and found worry in the Togruta's eyes. "What do you mean they 'found' him?"
"'Found' him?!" another council member interjected, eyes wide. She was one of the best apothecaries in the region but the woman was a little excitable. "What do you mean? Is he a wanted man?!"
Ahsoka chuckled, "No elder." she gave her a smile, "The Mandalorian told me they want him to take on a difficult job. He…wanted to think about it first." It was a relief that the councilwoman sighed loudly, hand on her chest.
Gov. Wing's face dropped upon hearing it as he looked over the group of armored foreigners. "Oh dear…" he sighed.
"Governor?" Ahsoka laid a hand on the shoulder of the worried-looking elder.
"Maybe he's going to change his mind about our offer…." Ahsoka got puzzled when many members of the council looked dismayed and uncertain. The security people also looked downcast and confused.
"Hm? What offer?" Ahsoka couldn't believe that she seemed to be out of the loop after just a few days.
With a despondent sigh the elder pointed with his thumb at the group of men and young people behind him. "We asked Master Djarin to train and command our security force. He accepted the job and today is the first day of training." The elder crossed an arm over his chest cradling the other under his chin that he worries with restless fingers. "You have never seen a more excited group."
"But his people are here now…" The apothecary shrugged her shoulders, arms crossed in her robe.
"Well, he is a bounty hunter, right?" The coms officer reasoned. "Maybe after he finished his job for them he can continue…ah…" but he noticed Ahsoka left but before he could follow her two kids barred his way.
"Hey, can you tell us more about the ships you saw?" Yuno knew Mistress Ahsoka would be 'listening' so she mustn't be disturbed!
"Do you know how fast they can fly?" Jem joined in, he gave Ahsoka a furtive thumbs up.
Ahsoka winked at the kids and moved a few steps away as she aimed her attention at the Mandalorians to get a reading at their aura.
-o-0-o-
"Mand'alor."
Din clenched his jaw at the title but returned the polite greeting nevertheless. He could never forget the woman from the covert meeting in Nevarro; she was one of the council members that the armorer introduced to him on that unforgettable day. Where are the other two members with her before?
"The last time we spoke I was not able to give the proper introduction of myself to you. Permit me to do so. I am Aylith from the clan Hyru, council member of Mandalore."
"I am Din Djarin, from clan Vizla of the covert in Nevarro."
"His buir was Kraigr Laguard." Din looks up at the welcome and familiar voice. "He was second in command of Juno Bair." The armorer came out from behind another person. She stopped beside the Mandalorian council member.
Aylith Hyru, the woman with the red gloves raised a hand as the babble of voices rose at hearing Din's clan name. "Your clan is a distinguished and noble house, al'verde Din Djarin."
"Let me be straight; why are you here?" Din knew how the Mandalorians felt at the direct question.
"We were concerned that you left quite hastily during our first meeting…."
"Why are you here?" The Mand'alor repeated.
They all tensed; that soft inquiry is anything but. As a creed of masked people reading facial expressions is out of the question and through the years the Mandalorians have developed a special way of deciphering and interpreting voices and body language.
The armorer turned to Aylith which, if Din would interpret, as a sort of caution, even as Hyru continued, "Mand'alor, we are here to offer assistance."
Din was taken by surprise. "Assistance?" This is not what I was expecting. "For what?"
"You mentioned that the armorer tasked you in bringing a foundling back to his people…"
Confused, Din turned to the armorer, "Yes, and my mission had been completed. I took the child to the place where he found the Jedi to protect and teach him. It was done."
"We were told that the foundling has exceptional powers…"
"What do you want from him?" It doesn't frigging stop, doesn't it?
"Din Djarin," the armorer stepped forward, seeing how Din's hand automatically hovered over the blaster, "the Council has heard from me about the difficulties you have endured in keeping the child safe." No one would be able to stop the Mand'alor if he wanted to execute one of his people unless they want to challenge him to a duel to death.
"Yes, but he is safe now with the Jedi." Din's stance is still tense but the others were relieved that his hand moved a few inches away from his weapon. Something is not right here, Din was a little confused at the atmosphere. There is something he could 'feel' as he looked at the people around him.
"But will one Jedi able to fully protect your son?"
"Yes, I saw how the Jedi fought. He is more than capable." As he focused on Aylith Din wasn't sure if the sensation and process of mind reading is the same for every force sensitive individuals like Ahsoka or Grogu. Din could roughly describe it like when his ship descends onto a planet completely surrounded by thick clouds. Once the ship pierces the layers of atmosphere the land would be bared before him.
Fear! That is what Aylith is hiding. Interesting.
He zeroed in.
"What happened in *Manda'yaim?" The husky question took the woman aback and her 'aura'? Yes, her aura changed. It felt like someone threw a pebble on a still pond. Oh, I am liking this ability more and more, Din smiled in satisfaction.
"Mand'alor?" She and the armorer exchanged looks. The whole company of Mandalorian's who heard him wondered at the sudden shift. There it goes, there's that change again.
"Be honest with me," With this knowledge to Din's advantage his stance relaxed. He crossed his arms, stood with legs wider as he leaned back on the balls of his feet. "State the real reason why you are here."
-o-0-o-
"What are they talking about?" the security squad jostle each other for position to see better and maybe catch a little of the conversation. But even with their burning curiosity none of them even want to step beyond the shade. The funny thing is, no one pointed out that the security squad's formation had long since broken-down. They'll be in big trouble that's for sure. But who cares? They'll do the one hundred one arm push-ups later. For all of them, this might be a once in a lifetime experience.
"There're so many of them…" Yuno whispered.
Every one thought that Mandalorian armor is plain and unpainted since their only example came from their commander in chief. In awe, they gape at the so many kinds of designs, color and styles of the helmets. But they are all in agreement that their commander's armor is a cut above the rest than the other Mandalorians here. Their armor doesn't seem to be as thick or as well made as their commander-in-chief's.
Their commander stopped at a distance as he was approached by another Mandalorian. They have never seen a Mandalorian before him but now there are more than the numbers in their squad not including the council members.
"Look! Even their women wear armor!" the oldest member of the squad gaped.
Jem looked up at Ahsoka. "What about the children?"
"Yes, they also wear the helmet." Ahsoka turned to the wide-eyed boy.
"Every one of them?" Yuno asked.
"Whoa!" Jem exclaimed when Ahsoka nodded. Then Jem longingly whispered. "I wish I could wear armor too."
"Only a Mandalorian can wear beskar." Ahsoka looked around, suddenly surprised at the eager ears flocking around her.
"Look at that one! She's wearing a gold helmet!"
"So…uh, their women also know how to fight?" the coms officer asked.
"They do." She glanced at her open-mouthed audience in amusement. "And sometimes the women fight better than the men." Ahsoka chuckled at the amazed gasps.
-o-0-o-
Aylith Hyru took deep angry breaths. As the First Chair of the Mandalorian council this mission should be easy, right? 'Talk to the Mand'alor,' said the Second Chair to her. 'Try to appeal to his weakness, the child.' She told them that was a weak argument but they insisted. And because of that I almost got blasted! They never listen to me!
The armorer laid a hand on Aylith's shoulder, "Vod, why don't I talk to Din Djarin instead?"
She nodded to the armorer. "Yes, please."
"Are you okay?"
The woman was surprised at Din's concern, "Yes, Mand'alor. Thank you!"
The armorer steered Din far away from the proximity of any Mandalorian listening device. "It is good to see you again, Din Djarin."
"I return the sentiment. How are our people in Nevarro?"
"They are faring well. Thank you for sharing with us part of the bounty from Moff Gideon."
"I am glad to be of service. This is the way." They nodded.
"Please forgive our intrusion of your peace, Mand'alor. I will get to the point," The armorer stopped and faced Din. "The Mandalorians are clamoring for you to take the throne now."
"What does it matter if I do it now or later?" Din remembered that this was almost the very spot where he crash landed after his jetpack lost fuel. That seemed to be a long time ago but it was just barely three days.
"You must understand, our creed has not had a ruler for a long time, Din Djarin. They want the stability of having a leader who would rally and inspire them to take back the planet."
"I am aware." Din sighed deeply.
"Why did you choose this place?" The armorer looked around noting the mob of people standing outside the wall.
"There is a Jedi here that I met during my quest with the foundling."
"Is this the Jedi who is the foundling's teacher and protector?"
"No, he is with another Jedi. Another Mandalorian sent me to talk to this Jedi. She is helping me practice with the darksaber."
"That is good to know." The armorer nodded in approval. "Will you take the Oath of the Te Al'Ori'Ramikade, Mand'alor?"
"What does the ceremony involve?"
"Surprisingly, it is not complicated. Your ascension has to be witnessed by the clans gathered here now. There are ten delegates for each of the houses with us."
"Are they interested in challenging me as well?"
"No. Not after they have learned you took on and defeated a dark trooper and an Imperial officer." It was the first time Din Djarin heard amusement from the armorer. "We have heard the story from the Marshall."
"I will also tell you the story of how I slayed a Krayt dragon on Tattoine when we have time. The foundlings will like it."
"A Krayt dragon?" she nodded her surprise with a soft chuckle. "Mand'alor, no one will ever challenge you in a duel for the throne when they hear this. I will add that sigil to your armor as soon as possible." The Beskar spear behind Din did not escape the notice of the armorer. She must know its story when the time is right.
"Fine." Din said after looking at the patiently waiting clans. "Let's go and do the ceremony now."
-o-0-o-
When Din and the woman with the gold helmet returned to the waiting Mandalorian female things began to happen.
Ahsoka as well as the rest of the Calodans saw about ten people approach Din and the two Mandalorian women. Then the ten formed a half circle behind the two females. There was a buzzing sound and Ahsoka went wide eyed at the darksaber Din held high. "Is he going to…? Oh yes! He is taking the oath!"
"Oath?" Yuno looked up at the governor and then to Ahsoka in confusion. "Why? Is he a special person?"
"Yes, Yuno. Din Djarin is their 'Te Al'Ori'Ramikade.'"
"That sounds like an important title." Governor Wing turned to the Togruta. "What does that mean?"
"In Mando'a it means he is the 'Commander of Supercommandos,'" When he heard it the governor became subdued. Behind her the murmurs of the eavesdropping security squad and the rest of the townsfolk has become more excited and animated.
"Mistress Ahsoka," Jem piped up, "does it mean he has a big job there?"
"Yes, he has." Din's aura seemed to be calm and had acquiesced to his role. That is good.
"So, he is also their commander as well?" Yuno seemed to be fixated at the darksaber.
"Yes, something like that." Ahsoka couldn't help a smirk escape from her lips.
Then the Calodans suddenly cried out in surprise when the Mandalorians kneeled before Din Djarin.
"Heavens…what…!" Even the governor was startled at what happened. "Mistress Ahsoka, who is he to them?"
Well, there's no sense hiding it now. Ahsoka looked at the elder with a serious gaze. "Governor, Din Djarin is the king of the Mandalorians."
-o-o-0-o-o-
-buir - father
- 'Te Al'Ori'Ramikade'- translated as the 'Commander of Supercommandos'
-Manda'yaim - the planet Mandalore
-Vod- sister or brother