Chapter 28: The Leader

Cinder opened her eyes to see Obi-Wan's meditation room once again. The majority of her training was meditating in the room alone, to release herself of her emotions. When she wasn't meditating, the child practiced with her swords and bow. She decided to hold off on using the powers of the Fall Maiden for now, in order to keep them a secret and not lose control of herself. However, her control was starting to come back, as she declared her last three meditation sessions successful. Focusing on her time at the Glass Unicorn helped Cinder learn to let go of the hate for both her chores and the people who constantly watched her and ignored her. She forgave them all.

All of them... except the Madame and her daughters.

But that would come another day, as Obi-Wan was taking things nice and slow. And Cinder had to admit, this change of pace wasn't so bad. At first, when she was training to be a Mandalorian and a Maiden, she always wanted to do better, possessing a "here and now" attitude. And while she did great, a part of herself felt a little stressed. But now, having some reassurance that she had all the time she would need was a good change of pace.

Not just with her mindset, but her combat skills as well. The new time to focus on her bow had greatly enhanced her accuracy. And in time, Cinder was growing confident that once she mastered shooting with one arrow in the field, maybe she could grow to two arrows or more.

But today, Cinder had another goal in her mind. Her Scroll displayed a message from Headmaster Kenobi, requesting her presence in Haven Academy's physical training room. It seemed a new lesson was approaching fast.

Obi-Wan spent his time waiting for his student by meditating on the events to come. He had thought long and hard about the lesson he wanted Cinder to learn today, and always came back to the conclusion that it was necessary. But this time, he wouldn't be the teacher.

In the past, Obi-Wan had failed to teach the importance of letting certain emotions go in order to achieve peace and enlightenment. Many Jedi learned this lesson and made themselves one with the Force. However, Obi-Wan learned that Cinder was no Jedi. She would learn to let go of her fears, but there would still be times when her anger would be present. The Headmaster decided that Cinder needed a new lesson about control, but he was not the right teacher for this job. So he reached out to someone he had a feeling was the right person for the job.

And when the doors to the training room opened to reveal a hooded figure, Obi-Wan knew that person had just arrived.

"Night rose on the tops of the mountains, the hour grew late," the figure said as he walked closer to the Headmaster, sounding as if he was narrating a story. "And Obi-Wan Kenobi reached out to Serreno, seeking my counsel." The figure stopped in front of Obi-Wan and removed his hood, revealing a smiling man with white hair and a small white beard that stopped at his chin. "For that is why you have called me, is it not? My old friend?"

"Master Dooku," Obi-Wan said with a smile and a bowed head. "It's been a long time."

"Apparently, long enough for you to forget that I am no longer a Jedi Master. That phase of my life is over now."

"Yes, we were all upset when you chose to leave the Order." Obi-Wan's smile turned into a slight frown. "However, you may have been wise to leave the island."

"Indeed," Dooku agreed, also losing his friendly smile. "I may not be a Jedi, but I was saddened to learn of the loss of Coruscant."

"I trust you've been well, other than that? Last I heard, you were trying to gain a seat on the Mistral Council."

"While I wasn't very successful, the Council reaches out to me from time to time. I always thought my ideas were better suited for politics rather than the Order." Dooku began to move towards the door of the training room. "Perhaps we could discuss more of this outside. The sights of Haven never fail to amaze me."

Obi-Wan stayed where he was. "I'm afraid my reason for needing your help isn't one of politics, Dooku. But rather, I could use your knowledge." Obi-Wan began to explain what his past week at Haven was comprised of, mainly about Cinder's teachings and her status as the Fall Maiden.

"You are sure of this?" Dooku asked, slightly skeptical and concerned about a child wielding so much power.

"Beyond any doubt," Obi-Wan confirmed.

Dooku raised a hand to his face and slightly stroked the hair on his chin. "So the power of the Maidens has once again found a new host."

"And in a child, no less. She is strong and determined, but her current state has caused her to use her powers in an... unnatural way. She was placed in my care by both Ozpin and her father, in the hopes I can teach her control."

"...Control," Dooku slowly repeated. He had heard the phrase many times during his years as a Jedi, and was familiar with their teachings. And he had a good idea about how her training had begun. "She has meditated, no doubt?"

"That was my first lesson, and it has become successful. She says she's been able to let go of the hate she's harbored in her-"

"Let go?" Dooku looked at Obi-Wan, his brown eyes almost staring into the Jedi's soul. "Why teach her to let go of what comes naturally?"

"...Yes, this was one of the disagreements you had with the Council," Obi-Wan remembered. "I trust you still disagree about letting go of anger and fear?"

"The child needs to learn how to use her anger. Make no mistake, Obi-Wan, I learned how to do the same after I left the Order. Only then did I learn the meaning of self-discipline."

"I was hoping you would say that." Obi-Wan sensed a new presence coming to the training room, a very familiar one. "But hold onto that thought, I'd like you to share them with her now." The door opened once again to reveal Cinder, who stopped walking and stared curiously at the academy's new guest. "Hello, Cinder. Thank you for coming."

"Good morning, Headmaster," the child said as she walked closer into the room. "Am I... interrupting something?"

"No, you came at the right time. I'd like you to meet someone." Cinder looked up at the older man as Obi-Wan began to introduce him. "Cinder, this is Mas-"

"Count Dooku," the guest corrected Obi-Wan as he extended a hand. "I'm very pleased to meet you, young Maiden."

Cinder shook Dooku's hand but looked back at the Headmaster. "You told him?" she asked. "How come?"

"Because he will be your teacher for the day," Obi-Wan answered. "I asked Count Dooku to-" Obi-Wan stopped talking when he saw his friend make his way to the door of the training room.

"The child is wise to keep her status secret," said Dooku, who moved slowly to the door. Obi-Wan was about to ask what he meant by that, but then he sensed something. Through the Force, Obi-Wan sensed... a presence. A presence that caused him to use the Force to open the door and caused Count Dooku to take a curved cylinder off his waist.

There was nothing on the other side.

The two began to relax and turned back to Cinder. "Are we being watched?" she asked, ready to use her powers to defend herself.

"I thought we were," Dooku said. "But it appears I was wrong." Raising his right hand, the door closed once again. Dooku turned back to Cinder. "I apologize for the alarm, young lady. Now... let's talk."

The silence of Din Djarin's room was broken when the Mandalorian and Qrow Branwen instantly appeared in it.

"That was close," said Qrow.

"Too close," said Djarin.

Djarin had used his Semblance to secretly return to Haven Academy once a day. It was Qrow's plan, actually. When they escaped the dark assassin and rescued Sun, Djarin lamented on how he missed Cinder. Qrow remembered seeing the Mandalorian's Semblance, and it gave him the idea to use it to his advantage. The plan was simple; go to a remote location in the academy, find Cinder, and watch her for a few minutes. When Djarin tried the idea, despite the risk it posed, he felt happy for the first time since she left. He saw that she was doing better than ever, and Obi-Wan was taking great care of her. While he only saw her doing what looked like meditation, it was still good to see her again.

Qrow decided to join today's "visit" to the academy, but they had to quickly leave once an old man almost caught them on the other side of a door. Djarin decided not to go back for a little while, deciding that Cinder would be fine. "I won't be-"

He stopped talking when he saw Qrow drinking from his flask. "It's 9:00 in the morning," Djarin continued.

"Eh, it's midnight somewhere." Qrow was about to drink, but stopped himself. He had one more thing to say. "Hey, Mando. Sorry about earlier. I almost..."

Djarin turned back to Qrow. "They were bound to see us sometime."

"I doubt that."

Djarin slightly titled his helmet, confused as to what Qrow was talking about. "Why's that?"

Qrow sighed after taking another drink. "You know that crows are a sign of bad luck? You can travel anywhere on Remnant in a heartbeat-"

"It depends on my Aura," Djarin reminded the Huntsman.

"Right. Well, my Semblance isn't like most. It's not exactly something I do. It's always there, whether I like it or not. I bring misfortune." Qrow began to laugh to himself. "I guess you could call me a bad luck charm. Comes in real handy when I'm fighting an enemy, but it makes it a little hard on..." Qrow took another drink without finishing his sentence.

"In that case... it's fine," the Mandalorian said as he began to understand and sit down. Since it was a Saturday, Djarin didn't have any classes to teach. He instead had time to think about the events that occurred the last time he left Beacon. He wasn't concerned about Aurora or about Sun's safety anymore. But now, he was concerned about the warrior he faced. The warrior was strong, cunning, and his apparent link to the Force made him even more dangerous. Djarin hated thinking about it, but if it wasn't for the help he received, he could have died. And the Darksaber would have been in the hands of that... monster.

And Djarin couldn't have that.

"Qrow, I think you should go," Djarin said.

Qrow stopped drinking and looked at the Mandalorian. "How come?"

"I need some sleep." Djarin was still feeling weak and tired after the encounter, it seemed to have taken a lot of energy out of him. And sleeping it off really helped.

"It's 9:00," Qrow retorted. "Oh, right. It's midnight somewhere." With a chuckle, the Huntsman let the Mandalorian get some rest.

"So you see, that is why I left the Order," said Dooku, who had just finished a story about why he left the Jedi Order. He had just told Cinder that he believed such emotions could be beneficial for a Force-wielder, but the Order disagreed. "After I left, I began to study and test my ideas by myself."

"How did it go?" Cinder curiously asked.

"I've never felt better. I'm no longer the man I once was." Dooku turned to Obi-Wan. "But I understand why Master Kenobi would disagree with my ideas. He's told me you've come a long way with your meditation."

"I think I have. I feel a little different about my past now. But there are some things I can't really let go."

"Which is why it is time for you to use them." Dooku looked back to Obi-Wan once more. "With your permission, of course."

"Cinder is not a Jedi," said Obi-Wan. "So learning how to use her emotions rather than getting rid of them altogether may be beneficial for her."

Dooku was glad that Obi-Wan was in agreement, but he sensed some doubt from Cinder. So he looked back to the child and asked a question. "Is something wrong, Cinder?"

Something was more than wrong with Cinder. "Count Dooku, I appreciate you coming out all this way," she slowly began. "But the last time I used my anger, I hurt someone I really care about. If I don't learn how to let it go, I could do more harm than good."

"I understand your reluctance, but simply letting go of your feelings cannot make all your problems go away. You cannot ignore or try to remove what is a part of you, a part of all of us." Dooku put a hand on Cinder's shoulder. "Don't mistake my intentions, I do not wish for you to embrace these feelings. I wish for you to control them. Only then will you have the power to release it when you choose."

Cinder looked at Obi-Wan, who was nodding. "Cinder, when you first came to me, your fear and anger were your masters," he said. "Meditation helps you let go of irrational anger, and now I believe you have the ability to control and choose when to release it. Only then, will you become a master of yourself."

"..."

Cinder took a few minutes to think about the ideas these men offered. She was still worried she might hurt her father again, but Obi-Wan's words presented a good point. She hurt Djarin because she lacked control of her anger. It seemed possible that it was controlling her, but Cinder knew her actions were still her fault. And being a master of oneself didn't solely mean knowing one's strengths and weaknesses. Conquering and controlling such weaknesses was the next step.

So without a counterargument, Cinder agreed to the Count's idea. "Where do we start?" she asked.

"Here and now." Dooku removed the curved cylinder once again, and a blue blade appeared. Cinder realized that this was going to be a sparring duel, and that she would need her swords. So she turned to the exit to get her swords. Dooku was just about to call out to her, but Obi-Wan stopped him.

"She has weapons of her own," the Headmaster explained. "Two that she holds dear."

"What are they?" Dooku asked curiously. "Don't tell me they're those transforming guns, the ones that children love these days." He rolled his eyes in annoyance of someone using something other than a sophisticated weapon such as a lightsaber.

"So uncivilized," Obi-Wan quickly agreed. "But no, Cinder has two Beskar swords that were gifted by her Mandalorian tribe."

"Mandalorian?" Dooku turned back to where Cinder had left, surprised that he had been talking to an apparent Mandalorian all this time. "I can't remember the last time the Jedi and Mandalorians were friends."

"Yes, but a lot has changed since then."

"Is she really one of them? She seems too young to wear their armor."

"True, she's not old enough for her own suit. But you would do better than to underestimate her. Cinder's adoptive father has been teaching her much of his people ever since he found her. And from the training I've seen her do on her own, Cinder has been taught well."

Just then, the door opened to reveal Cinder with her scorched blades. Dooku took this as a sign to proceed with the lesson and swung the blade in front of his face. Lowering it to his right side, the former Jedi gave the child his blessing to attack. "Now then, show me what you can do."

"Hail to the Mand'alor!"

"Lead us!"

"Wield the Darksaber!"

"This is the Way!"

Djarin awoke with a gasp, his forehead cold and sweaty. He didn't know what time it was, or how long he had been asleep.

But all he cared about was the dream he had once again. Before he would wake up in a similar fashion, Djarin would find himself in a cold, dark room. His only companions were the ground he was sitting on and the numerous voices surrounding him, telling him it was time to take the title of Mandalore's ruler. This had been a recurring dream since before the assassin, but Djarin was able to ignore them. Only now, the dream seemed to be longer and the voices were much louder. Even now, wide awake, the Mandalorian could still hear them.

Ever since he gained the weapon, Djarin always dismissed the idea of being the Manda'lor. Each time the idea was brought up, Djarin always used the same excuse; he wasn't a leader. And yet, everyone he talked to had some idea as to what he could do with the blade. Cinder and the leader of Clan Vizsla expressed optimism of him being the Manda'lor, talking about how he was a symbol of freedom. Sun seemed to believe that if there was no other worthy leader, Djarin would be a great candidate. It seemed a lot of people would trust him.

So why couldn't he trust himself?

Djarin decided not to answer that question. Now, he had another goal in mind; Din Djarin was more than ready to pass on the Darksaber to someone who was worthy, who could help the Mandalorians fight Salem.

As he left his room, Djarin pondered the idea of who he could entrust the Darksaber to. The Armorer would most likely refuse it, since the Children of the Watch had no interest in the majority of Mandalore. Clan Wren had some promising candidates, especially Sabine. However, they would make themselves harder to find after escaping the Atlesian prison. The same could be said for Clan Eldar, after the war with Clan Saxon. Bo-Katan wanted the saber more than anyone, but she would be willing to kill Djarin and send Mandalorians back to a dead land.

Clan Vizsla was willing to follow Djarin, but it was possible they could lead as well. And given the last Mand'alor was Tarre Vizsla, it seemed fitting to return the Darksaber back to his people. So Djarin decided to find them as soon as possible. And lucky for him, Pax Vizsla told him just where to go.

So Djarin plotted a course for the Forever Fall in the Razor Crest.

Obi-Wan was surprised to see how much Djarin had taught Cinder about fighting. Although she lacked the skill of a former Jedi Master, she proved to be more than capable of holding her own against the Count of Serreno. And Dooku, given the great warrior and swordsman he was, had been doing nothing but block Cinder's strikes and lead her in the right direction.

"Stop using such standard attacks!" said Dooku, who was using his blue blade to make one of her swords swing to the side. He could sense that Cinder was growing annoyed by his slogans and critiques, so he continued in the hopes that she would release her anger. "Use the unorthodox!"

Cinder surprisingly found herself listening to Dooku whenever he talked, despite how annoyed she was at how easily he was holding his own. Then again, it was hard to ignore something right in front of you. Nevertheless, Cinder granted Dooku's request by unleashing her Maiden powers. After her next strike, she slightly opened her left hand to let a wave of fire soar towards Dooku. He quickly flew to the side of the room to dodge the fire.

"Good," said Dooku, staring at the burning fire in Cinder's eyes. "You're able to control my central line." Rather than thank the Count, Cinder charged at him with the tips of her swords aiming at his chest. In order to defend himself, Dooku simply closed his eyes and moved his left hand. Cinder suddenly felt herself fly towards the wall, colliding into it. Engaging her Aura quickly, Cinder jumped back at Dooku, who continued to block each strike.

"Faster, destroy my focus!"

Cinder kept swinging her blades and blasting fire in his face.

"You're holding the sword too tight!"

As soon as Cinder loosened her grip on one of her swords, Dooku's next strike sent the blade flying in the air. Dooku effortlessly caught it and turned off his lightsaber. "Now, too lightly," he said as Cinder fell to the ground. Obi-Wan rushed over and tried to help her stand.

"I'm fine!" Cinder shouted as she stood up herself. When she looked back to Obi-Wan, the look of caution on his face made Cinder regret her sudden outburst. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." Sighing as she put her other sword down, the child looked up at her second teacher. "Count Dooku, I'm not sure this is helping. All this fighting was just me acting out, I was being childish."

"Then don't let your frustrations cloud your reality," Dooku advised. "That is where warriors like you and I will be at our most vulnerable." Dooku kneeled down to Cinder. "You have potential, Cinder. More than I could expect of someone your age."

Cinder sighed again. "Thank you. And, if I'm being honest, I was letting some of my anger out during the fight."

"I have sensed it as well. While there is certainly room for improvement, there were times when you chose those moments very wisely." He held out one of the swords just out of her reach. "Emotions are more important in battle than you realize. In order to succeed against anyone who challenges you, you must have fear, surprise, and intimidation on your side. For if any one element is lacking... it would be best for you to retreat. You must break them before you engage them. Do you understand?"

Cinder thought about the idea. She remembered how the cave used her fears against her, and how she fled once the vision was over. Using such emotions against the enemy would ensure victory. In order to do that, Cinder knew what she had to do for herself. "I understand..." she began as she turned to Obi-Wan. "I understand that I need to master my own fear before I can use it against anyone."

Obi-Wan smiled at Cinder's insight, proud that she was willing to continue self-mastery. Dooku found himself chuckling, which caused Cinder and Obi-Wan to turn towards him. "A brilliant mind and an able body," he said as he turned to Obi-Wan. "The child is indeed remarkable."

As Cinder smiled at Dooku's compliment, Obi-Wan made a reminder to the Count. "I told you not to underestimate her."

"Indeed." Dooku looked down to the young Maiden. "Cinder, I believe I may not have anything left to teach you. If you truly wish to keep learning, meditate on what I've told you as well as our duel. Seek improvements and seek ways to release your anger rather than remove or embrace them."

"I will," Cinder promised. "Thank you, Count Dooku."

"Thank your master." Dooku gestured to Obi-Wan. "He was the one who invited me here in the first place."

"And I will be the one to show you out," Obi-Wan said as he joined Dooku towards the door. Cinder decided to spend a little more time in the training room with her swords, swinging them as if there was an opponent in front of her.

"So you see, that's why I'm here. It's time for me to pass the mantle to someone who's worthy."

Din Djarin was standing in a field of tall trees with leaves as red as blood. He had never been to the Forever Fall before, so he wasn't expecting it to be so large, or so red. He thought it would take a while to find Clan Vizsla, but two scouts in the trees made themselves known when they jumped down. Once Djarin explained his business at the forest, they took him to an old stronghold where Pax Vizsla resided.

And the leader was more than surprised at the visit and the presentation of the Darksaber. At the moment, he was holding it and examining the blade.

"I'm honored you would choose our clan to wield it," said Pax. "But I'm surprised you feel you can't wield it yourself."

"Actually, I've had some practice with Grimm and Death Watch. I was referring to-"

"You found Death Watch?" The Mandalorians surrounding Djarin moved closer when they heard this and were interested in learning more. "Where?"

"The island of Vytal," Djarin responded.

One Mandalorian, a woman who earlier disagreed with a Child of the Watch wielding the Darksaber, found herself respecting the visitor who claimed to have found Death Watch. "What were you doing there?" she asked.

"An ally of mine sought vengeance against them, for killing her team and branding her."

"And?"

"After I defeated their leader and she reclaimed her friend's weapons, they were arrested."

"Impressive. If the True Mandalorians weren't extinct, they would be proud."

Some of the other Mandalorians were impressed by this victory, but another woman asked another question. "You sold out Death Watch?" she accused. "How do we know you're not here to do the same to us?"

Before Pax could tell her to calm down, Djarin defended himself. "I came here alone, you searched my ship before taking me here. I promise no one is here to attack you."

"Let him talk, Steela," Pax ordered.

"You trust him?" Steela asked.

"He freed us before, and now he wants to give us the chance to make sure nobody can control our clan again." Pax turned off the Darksaber and lowered it. "However, I'm not sure if I can take it."

"What?" Djarin and the other Mandalorians asked.

"Before our previous leader was killed by Gideon, I promised that I would protect our clan and make sure nobody could enslave us again."

"You have a chance to keep that promise by taking the Darksaber," Djarin argued.

"Maybe, but our clan has no desire to rule with this sword."

One of the Mandalorians spoke up. "We will make sure no tyrant holds the Darksaber again. And it seems Pax doesn't see you as a tyrant."

"I don't wish to rule either," said Djarin. "I'm no leader."

Pax was silent for a moment, as he was choosing his next words very carefully. He knew that Djarin was supposed to hold the Darksaber, but Djarin didn't know it himself. So he had an idea to show him why. "Djarin... do you believe in destiny?" he asked.

"What?" Djarin asked in confusion.

"Do you believe there is something you must do in your life, before you die? Something that calls to you?"

"I... think there's one thing like that." Djarin couldn't help but think about Cinder. It took him a while, but he felt that he was truly supposed to be her father.

"I do as well," Pax said. "Which is why I know there is a destiny for me that doesn't involve this blade. If you like, I can show you why."

"...I don't understand," Djarin admitted. It seemed that Pax was doing anything he could to make sure he didn't wield the Darksaber. And Djarin wanted to know why.

Lucky for him, Pax was willing to explain why.

"There's an abandoned city outside the city of Vale. A place where our true brothers and sisters reside. Go there, ask for Mi Tenau. She will show you why my destiny is not to wield this blade." Pax put the Darksaber on his belt. "But as a sign of good faith, I will hold onto it until you return. Perhaps that will ease some of the burden you carry."

"..."

Djarin wasn't sure what to think. He slightly appreciated the gesture of relieving the Darksaber, but he wasn't sure why Pax couldn't take it permanently. All Djarin wanted to do was find a worthy successor who could do more than he ever could, but that didn't seem to be possible. Nevertheless, maybe this "Mi Tenau" could shed some light on the situation. So he reluctantly went back to his ship and charted a course for the only abandoned city outside Vale; Mountain Glenn.

After a while of walking throughout the wooden and furnished stone hallways of Haven Academy, Obi-Wan turned to Dooku. "Are you sure you won't stay longer?" he asked.

"The child has learned her lesson," the Count replied. "I merely wished to use combat to demonstrate this lesson. The rest she needs to learn by herself."

"You may be right. I truly appreciate you coming here, this may have been for the best."

"It's a rare occurrence, seeing you doubt yourself so much. Disheartening as well."

"I have my reasons. I lost Anakin, I cannot lose the child."

"Indeed." Count Dooku knew his next question would cause some distress for the Headmaster, but he had to know the truth. "Have you found his body yet?"

Obi-Wan stopped walking. "...No," he confessed. "I've been returning to Coruscant whenever I have time. I keep going back to the same place... nothing's changed."

"...Then he is not dead."

"Alive or dead, that doesn't change anything." Obi-Wan walked again. "I failed him."

"Do not condemn yourself. I've only met the boy once, I could have shown him what I showed Cinder today. And the rest of the Jedi's teachings no doubt-"

"That is not what I am talking about." Obi-Wan stopped walking again and sighed. "Master Qui-Gon entrusted his fate in my hands. And look where we are now."

Dooku lowered his head at the mention of that name. "It's a great pity our paths had never crossed before his passing. Qui-Gon always spoke very highly of you." His head lowered even further. "...I wish he were... still alive."

"I could use his help right now," said Obi-Wan.

Count Dooku took a breath before raising his head. "You forget that he was once my apprentice as you were once his. And there was a time where he lacked confidence, just as you do now."

"He was always so sure of himself, even in his final moments. It seems what you taught changed his life."

"Take my advice, old friend." Dooku put a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Where there is doubt, focus on what you know is certain. Qui-Gon always focused on what he believed and knew to be certain, which actually strengthened his connection to the Force."

"I can think of a few things," Obi-Wan said as he turned back to the direction of the training room.

"Focus on her. Remind yourself that she is the Fall Maiden and she needs your help."

"I will."

Dooku placed his hood over his head once again before leaving. "And do not place the failings of the Jedi on your shoulders. Perhaps there was more you could have done, but the same could be said for every member of the Order."

"...Perhaps."

The Headmaster and Count bowed their heads to each other before Dooku made his way to the main door of the building. Once he was gone, Obi-Wan turned around. "Eavesdropping is considered to be rude, you know."

Out of the shadows of the hallway came Cinder, who had a somber expression on her face. "I don't think you're failing me, you know," she said honestly. "I mean, there's still a lot I need to do, but this was a great idea."

Obi-Wan smiled when he heard that. He certainly had his doubts about this lesson, not seeing it as the Jedi way. However, Cinder was different among the other students Obi-Wan mentored and helped. And there was no need to teach her alone, which had the potential to make things harder.

But at the back of his mind, Obi-Wan was wondering what the effect of Count Dooku's lesson was. He never learned such a strategy in fighting. Was it possible to improve himself by fighting like this? Was it possible to learn new things like this?

Maybe.

But not from a Jedi.

Landing in the ruins of Mountain Glenn was harder than Djarin expected. All over the ground was debris from broken buildings and the rooftops were too unstable to let the Razor Crest stay on. So with some reluctance, Djarin fired on the ground to clear a portion of the rubble.

Once the airship touched the ground, Djarin found himself to be the target of a pack of Beowolves. But killing them was child's play to Djarin, as his rifle and knife were superior to reckless lunges and slashes.

As soon as they were taken care of, Djarin travelled deeper into the city. He knew about the tragedy that occurred here, how the citizens didn't stand a chance against the Grimm. The situation was so bad that nobody bothered to rebuild it. There was nothing here but dust and ruins.

And all Djarin could think of was that it was the perfect place for a tribe of Mandalorians to stay. He was surprised he and Cinder never thought of looking here when they were trying to find clans to guide them on their quest. But then again, he had no idea what these Mandalorians were like. They must have made a living of killing roaming Grimm in a place like this, maybe they were capable of killing a Goliath.

The sound of rubble falling made Djarin turn to a destroyed restaurant. Taking his scope off his rifle, the Mandalorian scanned every building around him. But in the end, there was nothing to be seen.

"Olarom, Din Djarin." (Welcome, Din Djarin.)

Djarin turned around with his scope-less rifle to see what appeared to be a Mandalorian wearing gold armor. There were some blue aspects to the armor, but it was mostly gold, even the helmet. This man had his hands up while continuing to speak. "You won't need that. You're among friends here."

Djarin began to lower his rifle. "Did Pax Vizsla tell you I was coming?" he asked.

"He did. You're here to seek guidance about the Darksaber."

"I don't have it with me. As a sign of good faith, Pax Vizsla offered to keep it safe."

"As well as ease the burden you carry, brother." The gold Mandalorian slowly approached closer to Djarin with his hands up.

Djarin decided to take a risk and completely lower his rifle. The Mandalorian before him lowered his hands and stopped walking. "So you know about the Darksaber," he said.

"Yes," the Mandalorian said. "My clan was surprised to hear about its discovery. And that you saved them and us from enslavement."

Djarin was confused by the second part of that claim. "I don't think I've met your clan before."

"We haven't met, you're right. But Clan Vizsla and Clan Tenau have been allies since the Great War ended. We were formed from a division between various clans, we didn't exist until after the war was over. When Clan Vizsla were enslaved, we feared it was only a matter of time before this 'Major Gideon' would force them to share our location."

"I claimed the Darksaber from Gideon, and he's rotting in an Atlesian jail cell. You won't be seeing him anytime soon."

"And to show our gratitude, we wish to help you in your time of need." The Mandalorian began to walk away from Djarin. "If you're willing, I can take you to the rest of the clan."

Djarin decided to take the offer, but made sure to have his Semblance ready in case things went sour. As they walked through the ruined streets, Djarin looked for any places where another Mandalorian could be hiding. As he did, the Mandalorian in front of him began to talk again. "Pax says you're a Child of the Watch."

"I am," Djarin confirmed. "You don't seem bothered by it. Most Mandalorians look down on my people."

"I have to admit, not showing your face was always one of the stranger customs in our past. But I don't believe I'm in any position to judge you."

"Why's that?"

"Clan Tenau has some unique traits. Along with being born after the Great War, we choose not to wield Aura."

"No Aura?"

It was rare for Djarin to meet someone who fought Grimm and other people for a living without Aura. It was one of the riskiest and dumbest things someone could do, fighting against a Semblance and not having your own. "Isn't that dangerous?" Djarin asked.

"Extremely," said the golden Mandalorian. "But this gives us a chance to grow without relying on a force field and superpower to protect us. In this world, we can only rely on our own strength. And in order to prove to the Kingdoms we are strong, we must be able to defeat their warriors who choose to use Aura. Only then can we prove who the Mandalorians are."

"That's... a unique philosophy. So is the Way of the Mandalore."

"Indeed. However, there's only one person we've allowed to have an Aura. Mi was a Foundling who unlocked her Aura while protecting herself from the Grimm at a very young age."

"Mi Tenau? Why did you let her join you?"

"Because her Semblance is what keeps us safe." The Mandalorian stopped in front of a large hole in the ground. "Come with me, and you will see why."

Jumping down into the hole, the Mandalorians used their jet packs to slow their descent. Once they touched the ground, Djarin could see an underground city. Buildings and a railroad track populated the city, along with other gold Mandalorians, who all saw Djarin and seemed to recognize him as their king. Djarin assumed that was why they were all kneeling before him.

"They shouldn't be doing that," he said. "I don't know if I'm going to be-"

"They respect you," said the Mandalorian. "Not just for wielding the Darksaber, but saving us as well."

Djarin still felt uncomfortable about the situation, so he decided to tell the truth. "When I gained the Darksaber, my goal was to save my daughter."

"Then there is another thing Clan Tenau can respect about you. Parents should always fight to save their children. Anything less would make them unworthy."

The Mandalorian entered a smaller building and led Djarin upstairs. On the third floor was a set of rooms with one door open. Walking inside, the Mandalorians saw another Mandalorian in bronze armor kneeling in front of a fire.

"Mi, Din Djarin has arrived," said the Mand'alor's escort.

Mi Tenau looked up to see a Mandalorian in chrome armor. Turning to her left, she nodded and gave the escort permission to leave. Djarin sat before the Mandalorian as she spoke again. "Welcome, Din Djarin," she said. "Do you know why you are here?"

"Pax Vizsla sent me," said Djarin. "He told me you showed him his... destiny."

"And so I did. I trust you were told I am the only member of Clan Tenau with an Aura and Semblance?"

"Yes. I learned it's the only thing keeping your people safe. Are you shielding yourself from the Grimm?"

"No. Like any Mandalorian, we fight to protect ourselves." The Mandalorian extended her hand over the fire. "Let me show you what I can do."

Djarin reluctantly extended his hand and took Mi's. As he did, a white light extended across her hand and spread onto Djarin's. After a few seconds, the light began to spread a tingling sensation on his hand, despite the Beskar being there. It suddenly returned to Mi's hand, where it lingered and disappeared.

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Queen approaches," said Mi, in a much deeper voice that contradicted the voice Djarin heard before. While one could easily fake a voice as an impression, this was certainly unnatural.

"Dark Queen?" Djarin asked in confusion. "Wait a minute, are you talking about-?"

"In time, the vanquished will have no choice but to surrender to the true Mand'alor, for they will have a power the Dark Queen knows not. Until the true Mand'alor is revealed, the Foundling will protect the Darksaber with his life. No other Mandalorian must wield it while the Dark Queen remains in power. All is as it must be."

The light disappeared.

Mi Tenau stood up and walked over to Djarin. "You have questions, I assume?" she asked.

Djarin was starting to refocus on the reality of his situation as he turned to Mi. "What... What did you do?"

"My Semblance allows me to see into the future. It is how I have kept my people safe, I know when it is time to fight and when it is time to find a new home."

"What you said earlier... that was my future? My... destiny?"

"Yes. It took longer than most of my readings. I can see you're not one to normally believe in destiny." Before Djarin could say that he agreed with her, Mi Tenau asked another question. "And yet, you find yourself relating to what I said, do you not?"

Djarin only had two things he could relate to; the fact that he was a Foundling and that his current goal was to stop Salem. He never mentioned those things to anyone outside his clan and Cinder, there was no way she could have known for herself. "I am a Foundling, you're right," he confessed.

"And you are an enemy of the Dark Queen." Djarin turned back to Mi as she explained. "We know the Grimm have a master. Her control over the Grimm here is very faint, but undeniable once you observe them."

"How did you know who she is?"

"I have seen her before. In one of my visions my Semblance gave me. I remember it now. I used it on a follower of hers, a man shrouded in black. Save for a white and red mask."

Djarin's eyes widened as he visualized what Mi just described. "I saw him before. Where is he now?"

"Unfortunately, he escaped our capture. I was only able to see the Queen he serves, as well as his untimely demise. What I don't know however, is who she is or where she has come from."

"I... don't know where she came from either. But I know her name. It's Salem."

Mi Tenau walked over to the room's window and looked outside. "It's easy to tell which Grimm Salem controls and which ones she doesn't, once you spend enough time among them."

Djarin walked over to her. "And you knew that I was once a Foundling."

"Yes. As I know you are not the true Mand'alor, you are it's protector."

"...I have to protect the Darksaber."

"Yes."

"...What must I do?"

Mi Tenau looked over to Djarin. "There's a path you take, and a path untaken. The choice is yours, my friend."

"..."

Days passed.

Djarin attended his job at Beacon regularly, but would always go back to Mountain Glenn when he had the time. When questioned by Ozpin about it, Djarin lied and said he was bounty hunting. He wasn't sure how the Headmaster or other authorities would react to Mandalorians hiding out there.

Clan Tenau taught Djarin much. Along with training on how to wield the Darksaber, they taught Djarin about their experiences with Salem's followers, mainly a group of people who shared the same origin as the man in the mask. Djarin's eyes were opened to a new kind of threat, which made him take his role as the Darksaber's carrier more seriously. He still wasn't sure as to who the true Mand'alor was or when they would reveal themselves, but all Djarin could do was be patient.

After a lesson about Salem's subtle control over the Grimm, Djarin went hunting and killed them all. The goal of Clan Tenau's exercise was open mockery to Salem, although Djarin wasn't sure it was working. Then again, the increased presence of Grimm in Mountain Glenn might help with that.

It even got to the point where Huntsmen like Qrow were called in to help. When he met with Djarin, the Mandalorian insisted the two hunt together. However, there were a few times when Djarin was caught by Grimm and almost hurt.

Qrow knew why this was happening and addressed the issue when they were resting.

"Mando, listen. I think we should work separately for the rest of the day," he said.

"No," Djarin stubbornly argued. "We're finishing this together."

"Are you kidding? You almost got eaten, three times!"

"I know."

"Oh, you know?!" Qrow was growing annoyed not just at Djarin, but at himself. "I'm not sure if you remember our last chit-chat, but my Semblance is the thing that's getting you hurt!"

"I know. That's why I need you."

"Oh, well that's good to know! At least I'm helping you risk your-!" Qrow suddenly stopped ranting, he instead began to replay Djarin's words in his head. "What did you say?"

"I need to work with you," Djarin responded, looking down at his rifle.

"But... I can't control my Semblance."

"I know. And that's helping me."

"...What?" Qrow was beginning to think that maybe the Mandalorians were just as crazy as everyone said they were. "How?"

"Your Semblance isn't as much as a curse as you might think. It's a reminder for me to keep my skills honed." Djarin looked up from his rifle. "That I always need to watch my back, be prepared for anything. Not just for me, but for Cinder." Djarin walked over to Qrow. "You're being more useful than ever. I thought you would have realized that by now."

As Djarin walked past the confused Huntsman, Qrow began to think about what he just heard. Ever since he unlocked it, Qrow's Misfortune had affected everyone around him. It was useful for fighting Grimm and bandits, but it had a toll on his team as well as his friends. Nobody ever wanted him around. It was easy to say that he was cursed. And even easier to see that working alone was for the best.

But here was someone who knew the danger the young Huntsman posed. Here was someone who knew the risk of being in his presence, but wanted to stay. Not only that, but he made Qrow feel that he wasn't as cursed as he thought. The only other person to think that was Ozpin, who did everything he could to give him a purpose in Remnant.

For the first time since losing Summer, Qrow began to think that life wasn't so bad anymore. He thought that maybe he could make a connection without his Semblance making things... complicated.

Djarin was just about to continue his hunt for Grimm, but his gauntlet had other plans for him.

Incoming Call: Glynda Goodwitch

Djarin answered the call to hear Glynda's voice, which sounded like she was in a hurry. "Djarin, where are you right now?" she asked frantically.

"Glynda? I'm coming back to Beacon right-"

"Don't come to Beacon. I need you to meet us at the hospital."

"What? Why?"

"Cinder's here."

Author's notes: sorry this came late, hope you enjoyed this chapter. I was really glad to see that you all liked my ideas for the last chapter, and you'll see a lot more of them in the next chapter and the chapter after that. Also, today's actually my birthday, so I wanted to publish this chapter before I go celebrate. Again, sorry for the wait, I've been really busy. Not only that, but I've started posting my work on AO3. So if you have an account and/or prefer AO3, please check it out and spread the word (my username is the same).

To aklike95, glad you liked my idea. You'll see more ideas later, thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

To The Avenging Titan, I never really payed much attention to The Old Republic lore, but I know a couple of things (the Sith being among them). But I have a plan behind all of this, rest assured. And yes, he is a big threat. I'm really glad you're happy with all I've written, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

To 54godamora, glad you think so. Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this chapter.

To reven228, I was surprised when the idea came to me too. But I'm really glad you're enjoying the story, thanks for reading and leaving those kind words. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

To NacNak, glad you think so! I've been trying to do better on my fighting scenes, so thank you for leaving me with your approval. Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.

To Rider126, maybe so. But you'll have to wait and see what his next role in the story is. I hope you enjoyed the last chapter and this one, than you for reading.

To hirshja, I don't mean to be a jerk, but are you always so quick to judge people's work? I mean, I'm glad you decided to read the whole thing and I appreciate you leaving another comment, but still. I don't mind if you don't like the story, but please don't be so quick to show problems next time.

To Blueghast900, I'm glad I was able to surprise you. I can't say too much about the Sith right now, but you'll see their origin in a couple of chapters. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

To I Frederic I, Nihilus is a Sith Lord from Knights of the Old Republic. There's a page on the Star Wars Wiki about him if you want to read more (which I would suggest, he's really cool). Also, thanks again for all your support and kind words. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter.

To GojirraFan455516, I'm glad to hear that. Thanks for reading and leaving a review, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. If you did, please leave your thoughts in the comments. Even if you haven't left one before or didn't like this chapter, I really want to hear what you have to say. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some celebrating to do. See you next time!