Chapter 9: The Enemy
Cinder opened her eyes. The first thing she noticed was a sharp pain in her head. The only thing she could hear was a loud ringing in both her ears. What she saw could describe why she was experiencing these things.
She was in a room that looked like it had just been in a hurricane. Rocks, both big and small, littered the ground. Bullet holes covered the walls. And there were two people on the ground, motionless. She recognized them as Atlesian soldiers. Dead Atlesian soldiers.
"What... What happened?" Cinder asked herself.
The ringing continued. Cinder looked behind her to see a wall with a broken window, glass on the floor.
She looked back to the room to see Cara moving another body.
She saw Greef Karga grab one of the soldier's rifles off the ground.
She saw the Mandalorian move his hand, telling her to come to him. As Cinder slowly crawled toward him, the events that led her to this situation began to play in her head.
"Show me what you can do."
Cinder's eyes began to burn. She raised her hand and sent a wave of fire towards the Mandalorian. When it died down, the Mandalorian was nowhere to be seen.
The Mandalorian used his Semblance to reappear behind Cinder. When he did, he put her in a 'full nelson'. Realizing she couldn't use her fire, Cinder slightly kneeled down. She jumped into the air and began to fly off the ground. Djarin let go and wrapped his wire around her legs. He then began to pull her down.
Cinder grabbed the wire and it began to turn to ice. Once the part around her leg was frozen, she hit it with her hand, shattering it in an instant. Djarin was pulling when the wire broke, and he fell to the ground. He quickly pulled out his blaster, but stopped when a glass knife was pressed against his neck.
"Yield," Cinder ordered.
Djarin disappeared again.
But Cinder quickly looked to her left to see him reappear again. Before he could fire his blaster, Cinder threw the knife and knocked it out of his hand. She then flew to the Mandalorian and grabbed his throat, forcing his back to a tree.
"I yield," Djarin said.
Cinder's eyes stopped burning and she let Djarin go. She suddenly fell to the ground, panting heavily.
"You okay?" Djarin asked.
"I'm fine," Cinder said. "I just... get tired from using it sometimes."
"Don't push yourself. And good job," he congratulated her. "The ice was new."
"I've been experimenting with my powers," Cinder said as she looked at her hands. "I think I'm getting stronger."
"I agree," Djarin said. "But I still don't know what they are."
"Neither do I," Cinder confessed. "Are you sure there's nothing else you remember from that day? Something Watts may have said?"
"I'm sorry, there's nothing else I know."
Djarin had thought about that day, when he hunted Lila Birch and what happened with Watts. But there was nothing he could tell Cinder about her powers. Whatever they were... her guess was as good as his.
"I think you two earned a rest."
Cinder and the Mandalorian turned to see Auntie Em holding two glasses of water.
"Thank you," the duo said as they took the water.
Nobody had come looking for the Mandalorian or the hunter he killed a week ago. So he and Cinder continued to stay with Auntie Em, who had no objections.
"You're certainly getting better, dear." Auntie Em complimented Cinder. "It's not everyday when I get to see Mando give up a fight."
Djarin shrugged at her remark. "Don't forget we're just training. In a real fight, what are you supposed to do?"
"Keep going until their Aura breaks," Cinder replied. "Or they give up."
"You're learning fast," Djarin said as he rubbed her head.
"Thanks," Cinder said with a smile. She was proud of her progress with the Mandalorian. She felt faster, stronger, and most of all, she felt accomplished. Like this is what she was meant to do with her life. "Speaking of learning... I think I should practice my Mando'a."
"I'll get your book." Djarin went inside the Razor Crest.
Auntie Em placed a hand on Cinder's shoulder. "Cinder, you just stopped fighting. Are you sure you don't want to rest?"
"I can't rest right now," Cinder said. "I need to be at my best soon. I'm not ready yet."
"Ready for what?"
"To be a Mandalorian. I still have a long way to go."
"But you've made a lot of progress, dear." Auntie Em knelt to Cinder's level. "Your ambition is remarkable, but don't push yourself."
"I know, but-"
"Tell you what. Bring your book inside, and you can study with a big plate of sugar cookies."
Cinder's eyes widened. "Sugar cookies?"
"I have a plate ready just for you. Balance work and fun every once in a while."
A smile found its way to Cinder's face. She could never forget the first time she had one of Auntie Em's homemade cookies. The sugar made all of her taste buds go wild, and the taste would linger on for a while. Not that Cinder complained, the cookies were delicious.
"Cinder," Djarin called out. She turned to him, but didn't see her book. "You should see this."
Cinder walked up to the ship and followed Djarin to the control panel. He pressed a button and one of the screens played a video. A man had sent a message to the Mandalorian. Cinder realized it was Greef Karga, the Guild member who tried to bring her back to Watts.
"My friend. If you are receiving this transmission, that means you are alive. A lot has happened since we last saw each other. General Ironwood of Atlas is here, and his efforts to find you have grown. He and his army have imposed despotic rule over my city, which has impeded the livelihood of the Guild."
The message paused. Cinder looked up at Djarin.
"Why would he do that?" Cinder asked.
"My guess is that Ironwood found out about the Guild's involvement with me," Djarin replied. "He would blame me for what happened with Clan Wren. And by extension, the Guild. But there's more." He resumed the message.
"We consider him an enemy, but we cannot get close enough to take him out. If you would consider one last commission, I will very much make it worth your while. You have been successful so far in staving off the other hunters, but they will not stop until they have their prize. So, here is my proposition. Return to Nevarro. Bring the child. I will arrange a meeting with you and the General, and provide loyal Guild members as protection. Once we get together, you kill him, and we both get what we want. If you succeed, you keep the child and I will have your name cleared with the Guild, for a man of honor should not be forced to live in exile. I await your arrival with optimism."
The message stopped. Cinder couldn't believe what she heard. The Guild would stop hunting them? If that was true, that meant...
"We can find the other Mandalorians." Cinder said with hope.
"If he's telling the truth." Djarin said.
"Can we trust him?"
"I don't know. General Ironwood is a powerful person in Atlas. He even has two seats on the Atlesian Council. Killing him seems... risky.
Cinder stood up. "But if we do it, we don't have to run anymore."
"I know," Djarin replied. "But we have to be careful. We can't go in there expecting everything to work out."
"...So what do we do?"
"Cinder... do you remember the first thing I taught you?"
Cinder tilted her head. "You mean choosing my battles wisely?"
"And?"
Cinder was about to speak, but stopped herself. She realized what they were going to do. "If I can have a backup plan," Cinder said with a smile. Djarin nodded, proud of Cinder for remembering what he taught her. "So where do we start?" Cinder asked.
"By visiting a friend," Djarin replied.
The Mandalorian and Cinder said goodbye to Auntie Em and left Vacuo. Before they left, Auntie Em had given Cinder the cookies she promised, which she was happily eating while the Mandalorian was piloting his ship.
"We're here."
The Razor Crest had landed in front of the wall of Kuroyuri. Cinder and Djarin walked inside to see a large group of people gathered in a circle, yelling and cheering. Walking closer, they saw a boxing match end with a shirtless man falling unconscious. His opponent looked at everyone as they cheered.
"Pay up, mudscuffers!" Cara Dune yelled. People began to give her Lien for her victory. "That's mine, thank you. Thank you."
She stopped in front of the Mandalorian.
"Looking for some work?" he asked her.
Once they got to a table, Djarin explained his situation to Cara.
"It seems like a straightforward operation," Djarin said. "They're providing the plan and firepower, I'm the snare."
"With Cinder?" Cara asked.
"That's why we're coming to you," Cinder said.
"I don't know," Cara stated. "I've been advised to lay low. If anybody runs my chain code, I'll rot in a cell for the rest of my life."
"I can bring you there and back with a handsome reward. You can live free of worry," Djarin promised.
"I'm already free of worry. And I'm not in the mood to play soldier anymore. Especially fighting some local warlord."
"Oh, we didn't tell you?" Cinder asked. "He's not a local warlord." She leaned in closer. "He's the reason you left the army in the first place. It's Ironwood."
"Whoa." Cara's eyes widened. "Okay, I hate the General as much as the next guy, but he has seats on the council. Killing him might cause more problems than solve them."
"True," Cinder said. "But won't it make you happier? Knowing he's dead?"
Djarin had always been impressed with Cinder's skills in convincing someone to do something. From talking down Karga's bounty hunters to stalling that hunter at Auntie Em's, it was clear Cinder knew how to talk her way out of a tricky situation. Only now, she was talking someone into a crazy situation.
Cara smiled. "Alright. I'm in. But I need a favor first." She stood up and began walking. Cinder and the Mandalorian followed her to a house and waited outside. She came out with her Dust Repeater. Or rather, what was left of it.
"What happened?" Djarin asked.
"I... had an accident," Cara said. "Think you can take me somewhere to get it fixed?"
"I think I know someone who can help."
The Mandalorian, Cara, and Cinder were outside a brown door. Djarin knocked on it and stood back. "You sure this guy can help?" Cara asked. "This doesn't look like much of a workshop."
"I'm sure," Djarin replied.
The door opened to reveal Pietro with a wrench in his hand. His eyes widened seeing the Mandalorian. "Mando!" he said in surprise. "I didn't think I'd see you back here."
"I didn't think I'd be back here." Djarin replied. "But we could use your help. May we come in?"
"Of course." Pietro stepped aside to let the trio in. Cinder stopped and looked at Pietro.
"I... see you got the door fixed," Cinder said with an awkward laugh, remembering how she accidentally destroyed the last one.
"Oh, don't worry about it," Pietro said as he knocked on the door. "This one's actually better than the last." He closed it and looked back at the trio. "So... what can I do for you?" Cara held up her broken weapon. The old man's eyes widened. "My word!" Pietro moved closer and got a better look at Cara's weapon. "How did this happen?"
Cara thought back to the day the weapon broke on her.
"DAMMIT!"
Cara was trying to load her weapon after fighting a few Grimm with Li. But the large gun kept jamming the ammunition. In her frustration, she started hitting it on a wall.
"WHY? WON'T? YOU? LOAD?!"
The gun clicked again, causing Cara to hit it with her hands. Unfortunately, she accidentally activated her Semblance as well. Once her fists made contact with the weapon, pieces flew all over the place. Cara's fists dropped. Along with her jaw.
"Oh... shit."
"I won't bore you with the details," Cara quickly said. She then took out a few Lien and put it on his desk. "Think you can fix it?"
"It'll take me some time." Pietro said. "But yes. I can fix it. In the meantime, help yourself to some tea."
The trio looked around, but couldn't find any tea to drink. "Um... what tea?" Cinder asked.
Pietro lightly slapped his head and laughed. "Oh, that's right! Come in."
As soon as he gave this order, the front door opened. The trio looked to see a droid carrying a tray with cups and a teapot. Djarin quickly pushed Cinder behind him and drew his blaster, recognizing IG-11. "WOULD ANYONE CARE FOR SOME TEA?" IG-11 asked.
Djarin didn't move.
"Wait, wait!" Pietro quickly yelled. He put his hand on the Mandalorian's shoulder. "You won't need that, he won't hurt you."
"That thing is programmed to kill Cinder," Djarin retorted.
"Not anymore," Pietro said. "Let me show you." He turned to IG-11. "Pour our guests some tea."
"YES, MASTER." IG-11 began to pour a cup of tea for each person.
"It took me some time, but I reprogrammed IG-11 shortly after you two left. It's funny, I've always wanted to have my own butler. Now I have one that goes above and beyond in my expectations."
IG-11 raised a cup to the Mandalorian. "TEA?"
Djarin turned back to Pietro. "Is it still a hunter?"
"Not quite. His first instinct is to serve. But he can also protect."
Pietro finished working on Cara's weapon after an hour. She looked it over and tried it outside. It worked like a charm.
"It's perfect," Cara said. "Thank you."
"No trouble at all," Pietro said. "Anything else you need?"
Cara turned to look at IG-11, who was pouring more tea. "That's an IG-unit, right?"
Pietro laughed. "You know your droids, Ms. Dune."
Cara turned back to the Mandalorian. "We could use some extra help."
"With what? Does it involve Cinder?"
"Yeah. Having an IG-unit won't hurt our chances."
Djarin looked back at the droid, realizing what Cara wanted to do. "No," he quickly said. "I don't want that droid anywhere near her."
"Are you always this distrustful of droids?" Pietro asked.
"It tried to kill Cinder."
"It was programmed to do so. Now I can make sure IG-11 will protect Cinder."
Djarin didn't reply, he was still against using the droid.
"Do you trust me, Mando?" Pietro asked.
"From what I can tell, yes," Djarin replied.
"Then trust in my work. I don't know what you need to protect Cinder from, but I want to help. I'll come with you so I can keep an eye on IG-11."
Djarin took a moment to think about this plan. IG-11 could be another backup, in case the odds were stacked against them. With Pietro watching the droid, things seemed safe.
"Unless I say otherwise, that thing doesn't leave the ship."
The Razor Crest was about a half hour away from the city of Nevarro. The Mandalorian had told everyone to get some rest, it would be close to night once they met Karga. As he was piloting the ship, he heard someone walk up behind him. He turned around to see Cinder.
"You should get some rest," Djarin said.
"I can't sleep," said Cinder. "Can I sit up here?"
Djarin moved the second chair so Cinder could sit next to him. As she sat down, Cinder began to twirl her Mythosaur necklace. She looked at the Mandalorian. "Mando... can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Do you believe in God?"
Djarin usually answered Cinder's questions about the Mandalorians and his time as a bounty hunter. This was the last thing Djarin expected to be asked. "What?" he asked.
"Do you believe in God?" Cinder repeated.
"...No."
"Oh." Cinder looked at her necklace again. But Djarin wasn't finished.
"Cinder... why did you want to know?"
"...I prayed for the first time in two years last night. I used to pray every night when I was at the Glass Unicorn, I kept asking for a better life. But I stopped. If a god does exist, my prayers would have been answered. But things never changed. So I stopped." Cinder looked up at the Mandalorian. "But after you showed up, and after making our plan... I prayed again. I asked for today to go well, for me to finally join the Mandalorians. But... it may have been pointless now."
Djarin put the ship on autopilot and turned back to Cinder. "I can relate. I stopped believing when I lost my family, before I was a Foundling. I think doing so may have been for the best."
"What do you mean?" Cinder asked.
"I learned to put my faith in the Mandalorians, in my training, and more importantly, in myself. I trusted what I saw and experienced, and it made me who I am today." Djarin put both his hands on Cinder's shoulders. "Cinder... if you want things to work out for us, if you want to finally be with the Mandalorians...don't put your faith in something you don't trust. Have faith in the Way of the Mandalore. Have faith in me."
Cinder smiled and hugged the Mandalorian. He hugged her back.
The Razor Crest had arrived at Karga's rendezvous point at sunset. He was waiting for them with three other bounty hunters. He took Djarin, Cara, and Cinder with them to the city of Nevarro. Pietro and IG-11 stayed behind, in case they needed backup.
After the sun had set, the group had set up camp. They would arrive in Nevarro by morning. Everyone was eating a deer Djarin had hunted earlier. Cinder was rather enjoying it.
"I guess the little girl's a carnivore," Karga said to the Mandalorian.
"..."
"They were ready to pay a king's ransom for her. Must be for some kind of highfalutin menagerie."
"Let's go over the plan again," Djarin demanded.
Karga put his food down and began to explain his plan. "We both enter the bar. We show Ironwood the bait. We join him at the table, and you kill him."
"Tell me about his reinforcements."
"All Atlesian soldiers. As soon as he's dead, they need to die as well."
"And what if they call for more reinforcements?"
"They won't."
"That's not good enough."
Karga sighed. "If, for argument's sake, a few of them don't realize that I'm their best path to alternative employment, and they elect to react impulsively, then these three fine Guild hunters along with that battle hardened shock-trooper will cut down anyone who bucks."
"...How many will be there?"
"No more than four." Karga stood up and moved to the fire. "He travels with, at most, a fire team. Trust me, nothing could go wrong."
Just as he said that, the ground beneath Karga began to shake. He looked down, and everyone felt the ground shake as well. The shaking suddenly stopped.
One of the bounty hunters looked at the rest of the group. "Huh. That was wei-"
The ground exploded to reveal a black, centipede-like Grimm with several pinchers, which grabbed the hunter with its jaws and squeezed.
"Centinels!" Cara yelled.
Everyone grabbed their weapons and fired at the Grimm. But they all retreated under the ground. Djarin saw Cinder's eyes begin to burn. Before he could say anything, the ground close to him exploded again. Two Centinels began to coil together and move towards Cara. Her Dust Repeater began to glow blue as Ice Dust fired from the barrel. The Centinels were frozen together, unable to move. Cara activated her Semblance and punched both of them in their faces, causing them to turn to dust.
"Aaah!"
The group turned to see Karga being dragged to the ground, a Centinel going back in a hole. Before anyone did anything, a burst of fire hit the Centinel's jaws. It let go and began to retreat. Cinder quickly put her hand in the hole and fired again, the unseen Centinel letting out a pained cry. Once black smoke rose from the hole, everyone turned to Karga. The jaws had cut into his leg, he was bleeding.
"He's hurt badly," Cara said.
"I'm fine," Karga insisted. "I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine. Ow!"
"Hold still. It got you good."
"How bad?"
"Bad. It may have cut an artery."
"So this... this is how it happens."
"Don't be so dramatic. Your Aura can heal you."
"Would this... be a bad time... to mention I haven't unlocked it yet?"
Cara looked around, panicking. "Okay, uhhh... we'll unlock it right now." Cara placed a hand on his shoulder. "Shit, what's the phrase? For it is... Mando, think you can give me a hand?"
Djarin tried to tell her the phrase. "Hang on. For it is in... passing that we..."
Cara turned to the hunters, realizing it would take the Mandalorian too long. "What about you?"
The hunters didn't reply.
"Dammit, you're useless!" Cara yelled. She saw the wound continue to bleed. As she began to try again, Cinder put a hand on Karga's chest and closed her eyes.
"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all, infinite in distance and unbound bydeath." An ornage light surrounded Cinder and a white light surrounded Karga. "I release your soul, and by my shoulder protect thee." The light around Karga stayed, and his wound began to heal. Cinder fell to the ground, her Aura fading.
"Cinder, are you okay?" Djarin asked as he ran to Cinder.
"I'm fine," Cinder said as she got back up. She looked at everyone. "I read the phrase in a book at Auntie Em's." Cinder looked back at the Mandalorian. "I was reading it while we were training."
Karga looked at his healed wound and then back at Cinder. "...Thanks."
The next morning, the group had arrived outside the city of Nevarro. This was where Djarin had met Karga to discuss bounty hunting jobs. Only now, things would be different.
Cara couldn't help but notice Karga staring at Cinder and the hunters holding their pistols.
"You think they're having second thoughts?" Cara whispered to the Mandalorian.
"Could be," Djarin replied. "I need your eyes."
"I'm watching."
Karga stopped walking. The bounty hunters behind the group began to raise their pistols. Karga suddenly turned around and pointed his own gun at them.
And he shot the two bounty hunters.
As they hit the ground, Djarin and Cara raised their weapons. Karga dropped his and explained his actions. "There's something you should know. The plan was to kill you and take the kid. But after what happened last night..." Karga looked at Cinder. "I couldn't go through with it."
Djarin and Cara didn't lower their weapons.
"Go on, you can gun me down here and now, and it wouldn't violate the Code," Karga continued. "But if you do, this child will never be safe."
Djarin spoke next. "You were never going to kill the General."
"No. Ironwood's a powerful man. Killing him will only cause more trouble with Atlas. We had to work with him."
"What does he want with her?"
"Everyone thinks you kidnapped her, that you're holding her against her will. But if we go in there, let you explain your case, maybe he'll let you go."
"...You know his attitude with Mandalorians."
"But this is your best chance. At keeping the girl and protecting her."
"We'll take our chances." Cara said. "Let's get outta here."
"..."
"Mando, let's go."
The Mandalorian looked at Karga. "...What did you tell Ironwood?"
"Just that you were here with the girl. Nothing about what I said to you before and right now."
Djarin turned back to Cara. "Go back to the ship. I'll met you there when I'm done."
"What are you going to do?" Cara asked.
"The only thing I can." Djarin looked down to Cinder. "The Guild won't be after us anymore. But this is our only chance to stop Atlas from hunting us."
Cinder nodded. "If this means we'll be closer to finding your clan, I think this is a chance worth taking."
"Follow me," Karga said. He began to walk towards the city with Cinder and Djarin following him. But Cara suddenly followed them as well.
"You might need backup," she said.
"But your chain code-"
"I'll take my chances," Cara said with a smile.
The group had arrived just outside the bar where the Mandalorian got his jobs from Karga. Outside the bar were two Atlesian guards.
"Is he here?" Karga asked.
The first guard opened the door and nodded. Before the could go in, the second guard stopped Karga.
"I'll give you 20 Lien for that helmet." he said pointing to the Mandalorian.
"Not a chance," Karga said. "That's going on my wall."
"Fine." The guard let them in.
"Your wall?" Djarin whispered.
"Just follow along." Karga whispered back.
As soon as they stepped inside, they came face to face with General Ironwood, who was sitting in front of two more Atlesian guards.
"Look what I brought you," Karga said. "As promised."
"Thank you, Karga," Ironwood said. "Once things are settled here, we'll be on our way." He turned to the Mandalorian. "Do you know why we're here?"
"Yes," Djarin replied.
"Then you know about all the trouble you've caused me. I think it's time to settle this." He then turned to Cinder.
Djarin noticed this and stepped in front of her. "I've surrendered myself to you," he said. "But you won't take the child."
"That's not your decision. You kidnapped a little girl and hampered any attempt at finding her, both legal and... under the table." He then turned to Cara. "And working with an AWOL shock trooper. I'm considering having you shot."
Cara scuffed. "If I was still under your thumb, I'd shoot myself."
Ironwood quickly stood up. "Careful, Dune."
Cara laughed. "Oh, so you do remember me."
Djarin put his hands up. "General, I know what you think of me right now. You think-"
"I know what you've been trying to do, Mandalorian. Take this child under your wing, brainwash her into your little band of warmongers."
Cinder walked in front of Djarin. "You've... seen people brainwashed by them?"
"Young lady, I've studied Mandalorian culture," Ironwood confirmed. "I learned what they do, what kind of... things they believe in. Which is why you're here as well. If you come with me, I'll keep you safe."
Cinder looked up at the Mandalorian. Then back to Ironwood. "I don't know what you've seen or heard, General..." She then took out the necklace Djarin gave her. "But Mando has been doing a better job of that than you or anyone else can. He's saved my life over and over again, and now he wants to give me a home. And I want to go with him. Willingly."
Ironwood sat back down. He was dumbfounded by hearing this. When he was a cadet at Atlas Academy, Ironwood learned about Mandalorian society, mostly about their way of fighting and destruction. He had witnessed recordings and lived through battles with Mandalorian stragglers and clans, and had survived them all. He had seen it all.
But he never saw someone wanting to join them. He knew that he should just take them in and ask questions later. This was the most logical thing to do. But now... he wanted to to find out more.
"Do you know what will happen to you? Once you go with him?" Ironwood asked.
"All I know is that it'll be much better than before." Cinder then looked up at the Mandalorian. "Let me talk to him."
Djarin looked back at Ironwood. Then to Cinder. He nodded.
Cinder sat down and told Ironwood everything. Where the Mandalorian found her, how he helped her, and their adventures across Remnant. She even told him about her powers and Watts, with Djarin providing a recording from his helmet as proof. He showed Watts after his supposed death.
After explaining everything, Ironwood sat in silence. After what seemed like an eternity, he spoke. "This... is beyond anything I imagined." he said. He then looked at the Mandalorian. "Watts did all this?"
"He hired me, paid me, and now he wants Cinder," Djarin confirmed.
"This... will clear you of the kidnapping charges." Ironwood promised. "But I still need you two come with me."
"What?" Djarin and Cinder asked.
"You said he was clear of charges!" Cinder said.
"He'll be cleared of kidnapping charges," Ironwood repeated. He then placed a Scroll on the table. "As for this..." A video of the Razor Crest arriving and leaving the Atlesian prison with escaping Mandalorians played. "This can't be cleared that easily."
"..."
Ironwood stood up and walked to the Mandalorian. "I don't normally... bargain with your kind. But I can work a deal with you only if you cooperate." He turned to Cara. "Both of you."
Djarin looked back at Cinder. Ironwood noticed this and spoke again. "I can look after Cinder while we clear this up. And as Karga can tell you, I'm a man of my word." Ironwood extended a hand. "Help me help you."
Djarin looked back at Cinder. Then Cara. Then Ironwood. "I-"
The Scroll on the table began to ring. Ironwood lowered his hand and answered it. The video of the prison escape was replaced with an image of a soldier in a black uniform and cape. "General Ironwood," the soldier said as he saluted.
"At ease, Gideon," Ironwood ordered.
Gideon lowered his hand and looked to the Mandalorian. "You have the asset."
"Your hunch was right after all," Ironwood said with a smile.
Djarin looked back to Karga, who had a confused look on his face. "Did you know about him?" Djarin whispered.
"No, I've never met him," Karga replied.
This made Djarin uneasy. He had heard the name "Gideon" mentioned on his ship's radio. He knew about Gideon's track record with the Mandalorians, and now his "hunch" worked out. Would this be a problem?
"Shall I inform the Council of his arrest?"
"Actually, the situation's changed. He won't be arrested."
Gideon raised an eyebrow. "I see." He then looked down and pressed a few buttons on a gauntlet he was wearing. "And what of the girl?"
"She's here as well. She'll be coming with me and the Mandalorian."
"...No. She won't."
The window behind Ironwood exploded as multiple bullets filled the room, hitting Ironwood in the back and the Atlesian soldiers in various spots on their bodies. A few shards and rocks from the wall hit Cinder's head and she fell to the ground. Karga ducked under a table, Cara blocked the bullets with her Aura, and Djarin ran behind a wall, the Beskar blocking all bullets.
The bullets stopped after a minute, leaving an opening for Djarin to look out the window. He expected to see members of the Guild looking for Cinder.
What he saw was completely unexpected.
They looked like... Atlesian soldiers. Same kind of armor, same weapons. But usual Atlesian armor is gray, with colored stripes. The ten soldiers outside were wearing black Atlesian armor, all with white stripes.
A truck suddenly drove up behind the soldiers. The back door opened and more black armored soldiers came running out. They began to move around the building.
"Mando, what's going on?!" Cara called out.
"We're being surrounded!" Djarin called back.
"What they hell are they doing?!" Karga yelled.
Before Djarin could answer, a loud screech made him turn back to the window. He looked to see a Manta land behind the soldiers. The doors opened to reveal Major Gideon. He walked down the ramp and the soldiers stood at attention. The Manta took off to the sky again as Gideon continued to walk.
Cara looked to see Ironwood moving. He was still alive. She knelt down and moved closer to him.
Cinder began to recover from the blow to her head. She looked around as the trio could hear a voice.
"You have something I want."
Djarin took out his pistol and looked out from his cover.
"You may think you have some idea of what you are in possession of."
Djarin used his gauntlet and called Pietro.
"But you do not."
Pietro didn't answer. So Djarin turned back to Cinder.
"Soon, it will be mine."
Djarin gestured her to come to him. As she did, he tried to think of a plan. But nothing came to mind.
"It means more to me than you will ever know."
This was bad.
Author's notes: I'm really sorry this chapter took so long. I've been busy with school and work I've been putting this one off for too long. But I'll try to update more often, I'm really sorry you had to wait. Also, thank you for the continued support!
To D.N Works, I know last chapter was dull, it wasn't my favorite. But I hope you enjoyed this one.
To MasterPrince713, glad you enjoyed it. Hope you enjoyed this one.
To aklike95, I'm glad you like the story. I've seen all your comments, thank you for the support! Hope you like this chapter.
To Mandalorian00, you'll like the new Atlesian Knight. Hope you liked this chapter.
To Nexus Gundam, thank you for the compliment. As of right now, Summer is not dead. I do have a plan for her. You'll have to wait and see. Sorry to keep you waiting, hope you liked this chapter.
To Ser Dorito of Aisle 13, glad you liked it. Hope you enjoyed this one.
To Marc Ello-Re Yes, I'm glad you like Cinder here. You're right, she's different from Grogu. But Djarin's caring and protecting her still applies. Auntie Em was actually inspired by Dorothy Gale's aunt from The Wizard of Oz (mostly the name). Glad you liked the sand and glass idea.
To GojiraFan455515, glad you enjoyed it. Hope you enjoyed this one.
To Rook435, I'm glad you liked the chapter and Cinder's strategy. As for your blaster question, Djarin's ammo is modified Fire Dust. The gun is an ordinary pistol, but Djarin manually modifies Fire Dust bullets for the blasts. As for Auntie Em, it's just a coincidence. She is not related to the Madame, Cinder could just see a resemblance.
That's all I have, sorry for the wait. Hope you enjoyed, thanks for the support, and please leave a review.