Sorry for the wait, work got in the way. But here it is!

So as I write my story, as you can see as well, I'm starting to find momentum and know where this fic is going. But for sure, this is going to be a fic where the boys will be there to support Bo's reign.

As stated before, Din is going to have a Levi (from Attack on Titan) personality since Jon Fav said he's no Aragorn. You'll find him a lot more aggressive, learning from the battle with Moff Gideon.

And of course, being the gentleman he is, you'll find him one smooth MF. No smut, don't worry. But he's a man of class. A true gentleman.

As usual, do keep the reviews coming :) They kept me going.

This is the way.

The sun hung high in the Mandalorian sky, casting a warm glow over the ancient city as Din, Bo, and Grogu, in his pram, made their way through the bustling streets toward the grand hall. Their footsteps echoed in rhythm with the hum of life that flowed around them. The meeting ahead carried a weight that could alter the course of Mandalore's history, and each step felt deliberate, intentional.

As Din walked alongside her, he noticed that her movements is somewhat…..sluggish. The usual pride she wore this morning is somewhat gone, replaced by a somewhat hesitation that reminded him of the hour before she confronted Axe during their stay in Plazir-15. Her walk is slower, her face filled with concern and her brows slightly furrowed. It's all he needs to know that she's not as reassured as she once was when they were all going to take back Mandalore.

Her past must be haunting for her if it can degrade her usual strong nature into confusion and loss. And he'll make sure that she can defeat the demon of her past haunting her like a wolf amongst sheep.

When they reached a grand newly constructed towering doors, to which Din assumed it must be the council room, she stopped, making him and Grogu stop too. He turned to her, seeing the hesitation on her face. She looked like she was contemplating going inside. Her hands nervously flexed, opening and closing like a creaking door. "Bo," he whispered to her, making sure that the other Mandalorian guards or anyone else can hear him save him. She still didn't turn to him, but he didn't care, he knew that she can hear him, "It's going to be okay," he reassured her, "I'll be with you."

This time, she looked down and nodded. After a while, she turned to him with a warm smile. The look of doubt is still there, but it's better than the alternative, "Thank you."

He nodded, "Let's do this together."

She nodded back and looked at the door, taking a deep breath, "I can do this," she said under her breath and stepped forward, the grand doors automatically opened widely and she walked in, he followed along and Grogu rode in his hover pram, the kid's large eyes observing the world around him with childlike curiosity, unaware of the gravity of the situation.

As they reached the entrance of the newly constructed grand hall, revealing a solemn assembly of Ming Po council members on the right side, and her own Mandalore council members, including Axe, Koska and the Armorour. They all placed their hands on their chest, saluting Bo in a respectful way, to which she acknowledges with a nod. Din did the same to them all, showing his respect to his comrades before turning to their, supposedly, guests.

Din studied these people carefully. Their hazel skin looked somewhat like his, except a little lighter, most of their hair is tied in various ways to keep them securely up and away from their faces, and their clothes reminded him of Greef's usual magistrate outfits. As for their expression, it's stern and hard. If they're here to blame Bo, they must mean business.

At the head of the table sat Baron Pharos, he guessed. His hair way is longer than the rest, but braided and tied back made it look like he's wearing a crown, and his outfit is certainly a lot more grand than the rest, having delicate motives, and curves that represent their culture and planet printed on it to present to everyone that he is the chief. His gaze was steady and unwavering. The tension in the room was palpable, an unspoken acknowledgement of the history that bound them all.

Baron Pharos rose from his seat, his voice carrying a mix of formality and caution. "Bo-Katan Kryze, it is both an honour and a challenge to finally meet you after all those years in Carlac," his voice was deep and stern, actually reminding him of Kuill, except a lot more authoritative.

Bo nodded, "I understand, what the Death Watch had done under Pre Vizla was unforgivable. But Death Watch does not exist anymore, we are all Mandalore, united and no longer separated just like before under Satine's rule."

"The past cannot be erased, the wounds inflicted by the Death Watch run deep, even as you seek to lead Mandalore into a new era," The Chief said with so much authority, "I admit, I had difficult discussions with my council members at the thought of coming here. Most of us here are the ones who survived the attack."

Bo met his gaze squarely, her voice carrying a sense of resolve. "What Pre Vizla had done was unacceptable, and I regret that I wasn't able to stop it…."

"Hah! You weren't able to stop it?" Someone howled in anger at the other side of the table, making them all turn, a council member of Ming Po he presumed, his hair braided back but not as long as Baron, he's slimmer but more cunning looking than the rest, "I saw my sister die in front of us all as your leader stabbed her, and what did you Death Watchers do?" He hissed, "You laughed, ALL OF YOU!" He shouted for everyone to hear, the echo ranging across the hall like a howl, "You people killed the people I loved and burned our village while standing back and watching, and taking pleasure in our suffering."

"Peace, Xilan," The Chief stopped him with his hand lifted, "We are here to discuss peaceful terms. Not to start another war."

The man called Xilan grunted before stepping back in defeat and bowed, but his eyes still glared deadly at Bo, to which Din instinctively moved a little closer to Bo.

Din had to give credit to the chief for trying to maintain peace under difficult conversation. If the Imps were here to discuss terms of peace, he'd probably do the same. It's hard to erase the past, but he knew Bo would do it right for Mandalore.

And he too must give Bo some credit for being able to face this. She always look stern in these meetings, but behind that, he knew she was suffering on her own. He almost felt guilty for leaving her, "I bear the weight of my past actions, and I am committed to righting those wrongs. My goal is to unite Mandalore, to forge a path of honour and unity. What you were describing was Death Watch, and they exist no longer."

Din isn't going to let her deal with this on her own. He promised her. He took a step forward, his voice firm. "Chief Baron, the galaxy is a complex tapestry of history and change. Lady Bo-Katan here is dedicated to restoring New Mandalore, to healing the rifts that have divided our people, and ultimately, not letting another Death Watch rising happen again."

The Armorer, who have been silent for a while, spoke next, her words carrying the authority of experience. "Mandalore's future hinges on choices made today. Lady Kryze seeks a better future for Mandalore and between planets after what the Empire did. The truth of the past and the reality of the future are not always the same, and it is through actions that we must judge her intentions."

Din sees The council members exchanging cautious glances, the tension refusing to dissipate. Even Grogu can feel it as his ears began to lower and he let out a soft whimper, Din pats his head to comfort him, but he's not sure if it'll help much.

Baron Pharos remained resolute, his gaze fixed on Bo with such sternness. "Words can only do so much to erase the scars of the past. Our people require a tangible demonstration of your commitment."

Bo-Katan's grip tightened on her helmet, her thoughts hidden behind its reflective visor. "And what would you have me do, Chief Baron?"

Pharos slowly blinked, his hands behind his back as he begin his announcement. "A trial by combat, an age-old tradition among the Mandalorians. Prove your sincerity through battle, on the planet of Carlac."

Din tilted his head in confusion. A duel? This is not something he expects from a peaceful deal. From the corner of his eyes, as much as the visors of his helmet allows, he saw Bo's eyes widen with shock, "But that is not the way of your people nor ours anymore, that is the same thing as executing one of our people, even yours."

But the Chief remained calm and looked like he's made his decision, "My people have not forgotten what happened during your little occupation of our village. Even the mention of Mandalorians is considered taboo there. They insist that we do nothing with you all."

"But to choose trial by combat?" Bo's voice was horrid, and to be honest, Din felt the same way.

The Chief crossed his arms, "Words no longer have meaning from you all, especially after the murder of our former chief's granddaughter, someone whom our village loved and adored very much. For us, to murder her is the equivalent of murdering our own children and provoking us. You've no other choice but to prove yourself. If you think you are right, then let us allow the Force to decide the judgement."

Din sighed softly in defeat, feeling a little disappointed in how these people are handling the situation. These Ming Po and Bo have something in common, they both can't just leave the past behind them. Not that he can blame them for it is something not easily forgettable when it taps into suffering and guilt. But to draw blood again is the same thing as waging war.

He stepped forward ahead of Bo, "You enlisted someone to kill Lady Kryze, I don't see any difference you had with what the Death Watch did." It's a hypocrite for them to say that they do not want to be Death Watch yet did the same thing they did in the past.

"That was a rogue who strayed away from our order, he has been dealt with. But can't you blame him after what happened to his childhood home?" The chief looked at Din with an annoyed face, looking at him like he was a pest in the council, "The Empire bombed this place to oblivion and you all drew blood at them, what's the difference it makes with us? Hmm?" he raised his chin.

"Do not compare us with the Empire," Din immediately said firmly, his rage starting to boil in his gut for even mentioning the Empire, "We are nothing like the Empire."

"Unlike the Empire, they did not have the conscience to right their wrongs," The Armorour spoke up, backing Din up, "Our past may not be so friendly, but here we are offering terms of peace."

"This is the only acceptable way, if we want to discuss further, we require further proof," Chief Baron said, "We shall respect your oldest traditions of trial by combat. If you win, we shall open our ecosystem to Mandalore and forget our grim past," he then straightened his back, "However, if we win…."

Bo tilted her head, "What…."

The Chief tipped his chin up, his eyes stern and serious, "Then we do not acknowledge Mandalore as our ally."

"What?" Din couldn't believe his ears. Is this really peace after the fall of the Empire?

"Are you trying to wage war?" Axe spoke up, he can hear his beskar boots of footsteps coming nearer.

Baron remained calm and determined, his hands folded in a rather menacing way as if he were planning an evil plan. Din had to restrain every fibre of his being not leaping at this man, "I am not asking for your execution after all, but to win a small duel that shall determine our future."

From the corner of his eyes, he can see Bo already looked defeated. Her past seems to be haunting her again just by looking at them. At this point, her mind wouldn't be rational.

"First you try to assassinate our leader, and now you're making one of us fight to the death with your people?"

The Chief opened his palm, "That I assure you had nothing to do with us. He was a rogue and joined a cult. I suppose when he heard about you all, he was….excited." He said, not giving any hints of lies as his eyes focused on Din, "But this is another reason why I proposed this because some of our people are actually in favour of this…rogue. So, what choice do I have but to hear the cries of my people?"

Din clenched his fists, how complicated can this be?

"Choose your champion wisely to fight for you, Lady Kryze," he straightened his back, "We shall meet at Carlac in three days. What do you say?"

You have to win for her.

"Chief Baron," Din finally said, "Will you allow us to discuss this matter in private?"

He nodded, "Of course, Mandalorian. You are a rather nosy one, aren't you? You're not her husband are you?"

Din was almost taken aback by his answer, but he recovered quickly. "No, but I trust my leader to lead our people to a better future. She was the one who led us to victory against the Empire as we retake our home planet."

"Hmm, such loyalty," he hummed in a rather pathetic way, "No matter, we shall let you discuss this matter on your own. We'll be on our way. May we have your leave, Lady Kryze? "

Bo nodded, "Yes. We shall give our answer as soon as possible."

"Good, for we look forward to our next meeting."

"This is madness!" Koska exclaimed at the top of her lungs as she paced around the Great Throne Room of New Mandalore. "We're offering peace talk and now they're going Death Watch? So much for putting the past behind."

But as 'great' as the place has been, it did not defuse the tension of this new little war they're going to have to agree on.

Din may not be a Jedi, but he can feel the pressure hanging in the air. Here, he's trying to help Bo get some break, and some new problem just had to show up again. He can't get her out of here and properly rest if this keeps happening.

"Can't say I blame them after our part in their survival in Death Watch time," Axe said, arms crossed and his back leaning against the alcove of the throne room. "A duel isn't something I expected from them, but I suppose their history with the Death Watch was horrible that they'd propose this."

"They do sound like they have that capability," The Armorour spoke rather glumly, "History does run strong in the Ming Po clan, but violence is usually the last option that they'd do."

"All because we were under Pre's order," Bo murmured as she sat by the threshold of the throne room. Her elbows propped on her knees and her hands clasped uneasily. Grogu sat beside her as if doing his best to comfort her, patting her leg and cooing. Bo looked down at the child and smiled at him, she placed her hand on his ear and gently rubbed it, making the child purr like a loth cat. Din smiled at their interaction, happy that his boy is doing his best to calm her, but he knew that it may be temporary for her.

This matter is really at stake.

"Can there be any other way?" Din asked, turning to the Armorour, hoping that she can shed some light on this matter. The situation is already as bad as it is.

The Armorour shook her head, "We've met these people before, and it seems that it was hard for them to let go of the past, for we weren't given many offers or any conclusions, the people there were also not quite welcoming. Most of the people present there were ones who survived under Death Watch."

Din grunted, understanding their situation. They wouldn't trust them, so trial by combat would work? "Can't we appeal to the New Republic?"

"This is a personal matter between Mandalore and Carlac, pal. The New Republic is not allowed to intervene," Axe chimed in before walking towards them, "We've no other choice too. It's not like they ask Bo to die. And they too have resources such as silk and agriculture that our planet desperately needs at the moment. And before you ask why we can't ask from others, it's because they have the best resources that our people need right now with far better prices than we could ever imagine."

"I see," Din hummed. He didn't know this political discussion could be this bad and complicated. He doesn't know what it's like to rule but he knows the complexity of discussing to meet a common ground.

And most of the time, it was never easy.

"I'm not seeing another way in this," Axe's fists clenched at his sides, his determination clear in his eyes as he walked up to Bo. "I'm ready to be your champion, Bo-Katan. I've won more single combats….well, aside from you," Bo gave a small quirk of a smile at him, "And during our time as mercenaries, I've been a leader to our warriors. I'll fight for our cause and our people."

Bo-Katan's gaze shifted between her council members, gratitude and concern warring within her. "Which is why you must remain that way. If anything happens to me, you're the second person I know who knows the ins and outs of Mandalore more than me. You can replace me. I can't risk that on you."

"Then send me, Bo-Katan," Koska volunteered too, standing beside Axe, "I have been with you longer since you started this quest to retake Mandalore. Let me deal with whatever they have coming."

But Bo shook her head again, "You are one of my most trusted advisors in this council and my dearest friend, I can't let you gamble on your life like this."

But she wasn't convinced, Bo's friend glared at her with accusation, "Bo-Katan, you're going to have to choose," she fumed, "Right now, we're the only ones capable to fight whoever is out there."

Seeing that this is going nowhere, he must do something. Bo is reluctant to send her council members, which makes sense. She still needs someone who can lead Mandalore should one of their warriors fail, he's not doubting their capabilities to fight but should there be a betrayal….

Whatever the case is, all of them here are way more important than him. Him, who have no Mandalorian blood, nor any general of their forces. He can do this.

Din stepped forward, his gaze locked on Bo-Katan. "There's another option," he spoke up, his voice resonating with determination. "I'll be your champion."

All eyes turned to Din, surprise mingling with appreciation in their gazes. Bo's, especially, expression revealed a mixture of reluctance and shock, her eyes widened. "Din, I can't ask—"

He interrupted gently, lifting his hand. His voice unwavering and filled with certainty, "Lady Kryze, I'm not from Mandalore. I haven't known this fight as long as you all have." He spoke to all of them, turning his head to meet their gazes before returning to Bo.

"I am not a general of any of your warriors or a member of your council or whatever commanders of your armies. I came from a forgotten village, my real people are probably gone for good. But I was adopted by the Children of the Watch, who are true Mandalorians. I come from nothing," he admitted to everyone. He had never seen his people anywhere any longer. He's probably the last of his kind, if he's gone, then that's it. All his life, he just want to belong, and the Mandalorians have given him just that. He wants to return the favour, for them, and her.

Stepping closer again to her, he speaks again, "And before long I will return to nothing. So, let me fight them for you and Mandalore."

Din's words hung in the air, the conviction behind them filling the room. Bo's gaze met his, her eyes holding a mixture of emotions, and her mouth hung open. The silence stretches but he can feel a thousand words at the back of everyone's head. Grogu, who had been seated next to her silently, cooed softly as if sensing the gravity of the moment.

Din continued, his voice soft but resolute. "I'm an outsider, Bo. The last to join your cause. If I win, it'll send a message to the galaxy. It'll show that someone who's not even Mandalorian is willing to fight for Mandalore, to have faith in the new planet you're building."

Bo-Katan's hesitation lingered, her concern for Din's safety evident in her eyes. "Din, you can't do this. Think of your son, who will raise him if you're gone?" her hand gestured to the little child beside her, Grogu looked so oblivious to all this politics. His dark black eyes looked at him curiously, tilting his head to the right in confusion about all this mess.

But Din had seen how he interacted with Bo. How he loved her so much, needing her beside him, how he called would call her his buir and how she cared for him. He knew she loved the child as much as he did. The way she was willing to protect Grogu even when she could've escaped during their last battle…..

If anything happens to Din, he's willing to bet that he will be in good hands under Bo. That, he is sure of.

He met her gaze, his own filled with sincerity. "If it comes to that, I know you will do what is right for Grogu."

Bo pursed her lips, looking at him just like when they had their dinner together the day before. She's still indecisive. Din wondered how many difficult decisions she had to make over the past cycles since they left. How many did she have to decide until she lost herself to exhaustion?

He should never have left her.

After a while, Bo turned to Grogu and picked him up carefully. The child cooed and grasped onto her arms as she stands up, "Could you all give Din and me a moment of privacy?" she commanded to the others while still fixing her gaze at him.

Axe, Koska, and the Armorour nodded before heading for the door. Din looked at them leave, seeing how much they followed her command. Not long ago, Axe and Koska went rogue, aimless in the galaxy. Now, they look like they have a new purpose under Bo. He cannot imagine any better leader who can lead them for a better purpose.

As for his mentor, he had seen how determined she is now with New Mandalore. Back then, it was just forging armour for them all. Now, she's advising Bo for Mandalore and them all.

When the doors closed, he turned to her. Really look at her.

Bo herself had changed for the better, from the depressed figure he saw all those years ago in Kelavala to a new leader for Mandalore was a sight to see. He's glad he was with her to witness her coming of glory. A true rising phoenix.

If only she could see him the way he did.

"Din," she called him, "Do you know what you are asking?"

"I am to fight for peace, is that not what we do?" he said simply.

"Din, don't joke about this," she said.

"I'm not," he replied seriously. He's tired to see Bo exhausted and anxious when he knew that she has the fire to lead properly.

Only you, Din Djarin, who knows how to get through our Duchess.

Din took a step closer to her and holds her elbow, "I'm just like any of your warriors here, Bo," he walked to the huge soon-to-be window that presented their city under construction. Mandalorians are walking in the streets, breathing life. He turned back to her, "I don't see I'm any different than the rest you sent to battle or scouting. You're not underestimating why capabilities are you?" he grinned under his helmet.

"After seeing you taking out that Skorpenac Droid, I don't," She chuckled a little before her smile fade.

Wanting to clear her uneasiness, he walked back towards her, "Bo, you know I'm right," he said, "By blood, I'm not one of you. By position, I'm also not one of you. I am just like any other foundlings. If I die, it won't break the chain of command in your council. Mandalore can still function properly without me, Bo."

She shook her head, biting her lip. Her eyes looked for his behind the visors sadly, "But I don't think I can if you do."

Her answer froze him. A simple confession yet it managed to shake his heart to emotions, which he only revealed to Grogu as of late. No one had ever said that to him, no one had ever cared to know how he is doing save her and the kid. Her small confession almost made him wish he could back out of it all and let her decide to vouch for another of her warrior.

But she has no time to choose, now is the moment that they must attain peace. If he wins, the Chief can help put an end to her assassination attempt. And he felt that he can be the perfect candidate for this, he can show everyone that even though he has no Mandalorian blood in him, the Mandalorians are still willing to accept him as their own.

And Bo, by the force. He has grown fond of her ever since their solo travel together to Mandalore. It was hard to pinpoint when the force had pulled his heart closer to her, but whatever the case is, he is willing to protect and care for her.

Care for her as a woman.

Din sighed in contentment and simply pulled her in his arms, gently hugging her and his boy between them. Bo, thankfully, did not pull back, rather accept his sincere gesture. He can feel her snaking an arm around his torso, pulling him to her too. She planted her cheek to his chest, her face looking at the window that showed New Sundari. Grogu only cooed between them, snuggling closer between the two.

He knew that Bo would never believe whatever is coming out of his mouth at this moment, so he decided to switch tactics. Slowly but surely, he used his free hand to ease his helmet off, unsealing it for him to take it off with a hiss.

Bo let out a gasp when she heard the sound but did not move, he can feel her stiffen in his arm.

He tucked his helmet under his arm and kept her in his other arm. Now with the helmet off, he tucked her head under his chin, wanting her to savour his real skin that has long been inside the helmet that have not felt any living contact since Grogu.

"Din?" Bo called him under her shaky breath, "What are you trying to do?"

"I'll come back to you," his voice rumbled, "I know I will."

"You cannot know that," she replied sadly.

"But I do," he said again, this time, placing a kiss on top of her head, "I am certain that I will come back to you, and Grogu."

The child began to babble between them, wriggling as if wanting a proper look on his face. Din quickly placed his helmet on, and pulled away a little, looking at the kid, who is babbling strings of incoherent words at him. "Buir, buu!" His smile widens as if encouraging him in whatever is going on.

He chuckled, "Alright, buddy. Thanks," he said, suddenly missing the feel of unfiltered air, "See? Even the kid agrees with me."

Bo looked down at the child and offered an exhausted smile. Grogu turned to her and touched her cheeks with his tiny hands, "Bo," he chirped.

She lovingly snuggled her face onto his, earning giggles of delight from the boy. No one can make his kid happy the way Bo did, which made his heart warm. The kid had really great companions, he's glad that he won't feel alone.

She then looked up at him, he can feel her emerald eyes piercing through his visors, making him wonder if she can really see him. It made him nervous, for her eyes looked like they are staring into his soul. Can she how she meant so much to him? Can she see his anxiety? Can she see how much he cares for her? Love her?

Bo sighed, with her free hand, she tilted his head down so that his helmeted forehead touches hers. For a moment, she didn't say anything until she finally opened her mouth, "Be sure to win, Din. I mean it."

Without hesitation, he nodded, "I will, Lady Kryze. You have my word."

If you've tapped my profile, you'll notice Game of Thrones is my go-to fic writing, even though I haven't really finished it :p Some of the plots of this fic is also inspired by Game of Thrones, that is before Season 7 8. But I still won't make this fic smut. All slow-burns, I promise.

I'm actually a little nervous posting this at first cuz I was afraid it won't make sense for a peaceful show mixed with some game of thrones politics stuff. But GOT always has complex story-telling and so does Star Wars so I try to simplify some things here and give it a shot on the complex politics. I do hope it works.

Spoiler from the TV show, when House Stark heard of the murder of their Lord, Ned Stark, at the hands of Joffrey Baratheon, his son immediately declared war. Now, I took that inspiration and play it here for Carlac and Mandalore, except that since this is a family-friendly show, I won't get to that violence and put it trial by combat. The new chief is a lot wiser and still held the belief of peace, so this was his proposal. Hope that'll work. Do let me know.

Even Din's pledge to her was also inspired by GOT, Daario. I thought it suits Din, so I took that inspiration.

Anyways, I wanted to expand some more, but I figured it'd be too long, so I'm going to save it for the next one.

Comments are always welcome and a big motivator :)

Thanks for reading!

Claire