Quick note: hey everyone. Before I begin, I just want to say that since last chapter ended, I have officially finished following the story of Disney's The Mandalorian. That's right, as of right now, I'm going into uncharted territory. But I had everything else for the story mapped out since the beginning, so now you can see where the wind will take Cinder and Remnant's Din Djarin. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 20: Family

"Okay... I got the bullet out, and I sealed your wounds. Just be careful moving your arm."

"Thank you."

Djarin had just come out of the medical room of the Argus base. The bullet Gideon had shot at him formed an exit wound in the Mandalorian's arm, so it wasn't very serious. But that didn't stop Cinder from being worried sick about him. And from thinking about where their quest had brought them. Especially her kidnapping and Djarin's injury.

As soon as Djarin stepped out the medical room, the young girl ran up to him. He kneeled down immediately and pulled her into a hug. "Are you okay?" Cinder quickly asked.

"I'm fine," Djarin replied honestly. He let go of Cinder and looked her over, unable to see any physical wounds. "What about you? Did Gideon hurt you?"

"I'll be alright. They didn't try to do what Watts did to me."

Djarin sighed in relief. "Good." He put a hand on her cheek. "Cinder... I-"

"It's okay." Cinder had a feeling what he was going to say, and she already knew how sorry the Mandalorian was for what happened. "They were going to catch up sometime."

"I shouldn't have left you in the ship. You could have been killed, and I-"

"I know." Cinder looked down. "We... We got lucky. I'm sorry I worried you."

"Don't be. I'm just glad I found you."

Cinder looked up again. "Right, about that. How did you find me? How did you send that message?"

Djarin looked around and saw multiple Atlesian soldiers walking up and down the hall they were in. Taking Cinder's hand, he led her to the first empty room he could find. Closing the door and making sure there were no security cameras, Djarin pulled up an empty chair and explained himself. Cinder stood in front of him, giving her undivided attention. "I went to the Branwen tribe, to see if their Maiden could help us," he said. "And she did. I was able to find out more about the Maiden powers."

Cinder's eyes widened. "You were?" Djarin nodded. Cinder began to smile in excitement, curious as to what he learned. "That's great! What did you find out?"

"Well, the powers aren't just for fighting or defending yourself. They act like some kind of key."

"A key to what?"

"Do you know about the Huntsmen Academies? The ones in each kingdom?"

"I only know their names. There's Beacon, Shade, Haven, and Atlas Academy." She chuckled to herself after saying the last one. "The last one's really original, huh?"

Djarin gave a short laugh at the name as well. And he was glad to hear Cinder's ordeal didn't make her lose her sense of humor. "Well, here's the thing. Apparently, under each academy, there's some kind of large door."

"How large?"

"Bigger than all four walls here combined." Cinder looked around the room, making a mental image of what Djarin was describing. "And on the other side, there are these... Relics."

"Relics?" Cinder smiled in excitement again. "Wait, you mean like treasure?"

"Not exactly. Apparently, these Relics have some kind of power they give to people. The one I found was called the Relic of Knowledge."

"What does it do?"

"It can answer three questions every one hundred years. I asked it where you were, and that was the second question."

"Oh, so that's how you found me."

"...Right." Djarin slightly looked away. "That's... how I did it."

Unfortunately, Cinder was able to see he was unhappy about something. "What's wrong?"

"The Relic gave me my answer...but not in the way I wanted."

Cinder's concern turned to confusion in an instant. "What do you mean?"

"There's something else I need to apologize for, Cinder." Djarin gently took her hand. "Before finding out where you were... the Relic made me watch that Faunus hurt you."

Cinder put a hand on her cheek, remembering what Aurora did to her. "But, does that mean-?"

"I saw her. I... saw Salem." Djarin held her hand tighter. "I tried to stop them from doing anything else, I tried to make Salem stop lying to you. But whenever I touched that Faunus and that Grimm, they turned to smoke. It was like I was with you... but I wasn't."

Cinder remembered how scared and alone she felt when she met Salem, and it caused a tear to fall down her cheek. "Mando..."

"I was right there, I was in that room with you. But whatever I tried, I couldn't do anything." Cinder couldn't see it, but Djarin was holding back tears. "I... I'm sorry," he choked out. "I-"

Cinder wiped her tear away and pressed her forehead against the top of the Mandalorian's helmet. "It's okay."

The Mandalorian still hated himself for not being able to do anything when he saw Salem. So, he made a promise to secure both their futures. "If we see her again... you won't be alone. I'll be with you."

Djarin had his eyes closed when he made his promise, so he didn't see Cinder slightly look away. "...Right," she whispered. "You'll... You'll be with me."

"Why are we still here? I don't like these Atlesians giving us the evil eye."

"I just need to talk to our new Mand'alor."

"What, that helmet-lover? You can't be serious."

"Bo-Katan had the right idea when she left. I wouldn't follow him, either."

"Are you two kidding me right now? He freed us from that pretender."

"She's right. Show him some more gratitude."

Hearing the constant bickering made Pax Vizsla feel sick. He knew most of Clan Vizsla believed they should have the Darksaber, but he didn't share their entire view. He was just happy the Darksaber was back in the hands of a Mandalorian, and that Mandalorian held no allegiance to Gideon or Saxon. He was about to tell the members of his clan to stop arguing, but stopped himself when he saw Djarin and Cinder come out of the main Atlesian complex. He walked over to them and removed his helmet.

Djarin looked at the Mandalorian and asked him a question. "Are you their leader?"

"Yes," Pax replied. "I am Pax of Clan Vizsla."

Djarin didn't introduce himself, he instead looked down to Cinder. She nodded and he looked back at Pax. "She told me you were helping Gideon."

"...Not by choice. Gideon wielded the Darksaber when he found our clan. We were bound by our honor to serve whoever held it."

"You could have challenged him."

"We did. Gideon... killed our last leader." Pax immediately kneeled before Djarin. "He forced us to take the child from you. I told my people to follow his orders, and I take responsibility for their actions." Pax lowered his head. "I thank you for freeing us, but I understand if you share any animosity with me."

Djarin was upset to see that this man was apparently responsible for taking Cinder from him. And now he was considering letting this Mandalorian know how furious he was about what he allowed to happen. He was just about to... but Cinder placing a hand on Vizsla's head stopped him.

"I... understand," she said. "But you're free now." Cinder looked up at Djarin. "Djarin freed me too, once upon a time."

Djarin nodded and extended his hand to the Mandalorian. He took it and stood up. "Some of my clan isn't happy with... how things turned out. But as the Mand'alor, you have my full support."

Djarin looked down at the sword on his belt, his previous thoughts on the Bismarck returning. "I don't-"

"I disagree. For once, Gideon was honest when he spoke to you." He pointed at the hilt. "The Darksaber belongs to you now."

"I'm just a warrior. I'm no ruler."

"You have potential... Djarin, is it?" Djarin nodded. "If what the child said is true, you represent one of the ideals Mandalore was founded on: freedom."

"..."

Djarin remembered what he had done ever since he met Cinder. Not only did he free her, but he was able to free Clan Wren, Clan Eldar, and now, Clan Vizsla. Mandalore was founded on the idea of being free from any kingdom's rule, so Pax had a point. And judging by Cinder's smile, she had the same idea.

But Vizsla wasn't done yet. "You can lead our clan, lead any other clan once they hear what you've done," he claimed.

Djarin immediately took Cinder's hand when he heard this. "I have more pressing matters at hand." He felt proud to be with the child right now, he didn't care if being by her side meant holding off plans for Mandalore. Cinder, on the other hand, looked down when Djarin said this, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

"I understand." Pax extended his hand. "Whatever you decide to do, know that Clan Vizsla is with you should the need ever arise."

Djarin shook his hand. "Where can I find you?"

Pax pointed to the red branch on his helmet. "The Forever Fall. We scatter ourselves across the forest, but we will reconvene should you come." With that, Pax joined his people and they all took to the air.

"We should get going too," Cinder said to Djarin.

"We will," he agreed. "I just need another minute." He began walking towards the Slave I, where Boba, Fennec, and the Happy Huntresses were waiting outside.

Robyn walked up to them with everyone else behind her. "Alright!" she said with enthusiasm. "The pipsqueak's back!" Cinder formed a scowl, annoyed at her new... nickname.

"Don't take it personally," said Boba, who was the first to notice her annoyance. "Robyn's like that with everyone. And she gets... happy... after finishing a mission."

Robyn punched Boba's arm in response. "Well, we are the Happy Huntresses, Shamrock."

Boba's mask hid his eyes rolling in annoyance. "See what I mean, kid?"

Cinder giggled and looked up at Djarin. "I'm only gone a few hours and you make yourself some new friends?" she asked.

Djarin chuckled and rubbed her head. "Well, I needed all the help I could get." He looked back to Boba. "Besides, we had a deal."

"Now, it's done." Boba extended his hand and the Mandalorian shook it. "Take care of the child."

"I will." Djarin looked back at the group. "What about the rest of you?"

"Once we hand the Major over to Ironwood, we got a few missions in Mantle with our names on them," said Fiona.

"No rest for the weary," Joanna said as she moved back to the ship.

"You need a lift before we go?" May asked.

Djarin shook his head. "We'll be fine. You go on your way." With that, the group of Huntresses and bounty hunters went back to the ship. It took off and flew beyond the ocean. Djarin looked down to Cinder. "You ready?"

"I'm ready," Cinder confirmed. "Wait. Earlier, when we met that Huntress, where did you say I needed to go?"

Djarin gasped at her question. "I almost forgot," he said. Looking around to make sure nobody was watching, the Mandalorian kneeled down to Cinder. "I know where to find Ozma."

Cinder gasped as well. Her shock at the news immediately turned to hope. "I don't have to run now," she said.

"Never again." Djarin smiled as he made the promise. It was one he would keep this time. No more running, no more watching over their shoulders. They could start all over again, and Djarin was actually excited to see where this went. "We need to go to Beacon Academy. The man we're looking for is Professor Ozpin."

"Then let's go!" Cinder looked around the base. "Where's the Razor Crest?"

"It's-"

Djarin forgot about his ship. He couldn't take it to Beacon, but he could see how progress on its reconstruction was going. "It's... still in Nevarro." He stood up and extended his hand. "Cinder, would it be alright if we go to Nevarro first? We won't be there long."

"Oh... sure." Cinder took his hand. "Why didn't you bring the ship here?" Before the Mandalorian answered, Cinder reached behind her back and pulled out one of her weapons. "And what happened to my swords?"

"It's... a long story."

The duo vanished.

"THEY DESTROYED IT?!"

"...They did."

Cinder and Djarin had returned to Nevarro, where they were watching a group of engineers Karga hired and a few Mandalorians working on the Razor Crest. They made progress, but it would still take a while before the airship could come off the ground.

Djarin was happy to see that his home would be fixable, but he was worried how Cinder would take it. She came across a few prized possessions in the ship, and Djarin was only able to save her swords and book. He had heard the phrase 'Things can be replaced, lives can't be', but the things Cinder kept were irreplaceable.

But he made sure to let her know how sorry he was by returning her book to her. "I was able to save this," he said. "I'm sorry I couldn't save anything else."

Cinder slowly took the book and flipped through it. Thankfully, none of the pages seemed to be burnt. She began to blink back tears, but smiled a genuine smile. "I never thought I'd see this again," she said. It was one of the first gifts Djarin had given her, so she was going to make sure she wouldn't lose it again. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Djarin rubbed her head and smiled under his helmet.

"Din Djarin."

The duo turned around to see the Armorer approaching them with Sun Jabbid. "You have returned," she said.

"Yes," said Djarin. He immediately got down on one knee, Cinder looked at him in surprise. "Not only with the child, but with an apology. I learned that Ozma and Salem indeed exist. And I was wrong to accuse you of any deceit. I'm sorry."

The Armorer was surprised to hear this. After Djarin's earlier confrontation, even she was having doubts about the quest's certainty. But with her questions set aside and with an apologetic Mandalorian, she simply placed a hand on Djarin's helmet. "You are forgiven. Stand." Djarin stood up, but Cinder immediately kneeled as well.

"I'm sorry too," the young girl said. "I was the one who told Djarin about the book, I led him back to Nevarro. I... didn't think all of this would happen. I'm... I'm sorry."

The Armorer placed a hand on Cinder's head as well. "I understand," she confessed. "Do not be ashamed. Stand." Cinder stood up and smiled. The Armorer turned back to Djairn. "Will you continue in your quest?"

"Yes," he replied. "Not only that, I am prepared to finish it before the sun sets. I learned I can find Ozma at Beacon Academy."

"Then you will return to Nevarro?"

"...No." Djarin looked down to Cinder. "Wherever she goes... I go."

Cinder's eyes widened at the display of loyalty. Not only that, the Mandalorian said he would go wherever she went, not the other way around. He always used to say that phrase the other way around. He really meant it. And the idea... repulsed her. "Mando, no." Cinder backed away. "You should stay here."

Djarin was taken off guard by her response. "Cinder I... I want to go with you. I-"

"Ah! Mando!"

Everyone turned to see Karga and Cara walking towards them, both with wide smiles. "You're here! And you found the little one!"

"Hey kid," Cara said, pulling Cinder into a hug. "Good to see you're still in one piece."

"I'm happy to see you too," said Cinder. She looked back to the Mandalorian. "Is it alright if we talk before leaving?"

"...Sure," he said, still concerned about what Cinder said earlier.

"I will join you," said the Armorer. She turned to Karga. "I completed the plans you requested for the Razor Crest's redesign. We will examine them together."

"Wonderful!" said Karga. They all walked towards a building, leaving Djarin alone with his oldest friend.

"You were faster than I expected," Sun admitted.

"I had the right motivation," Djarin confessed honestly. "She's... very special."

"I know. Have you thought about what I told you?"

"I have. And I decided what to do. The kind of father I want to be... is whatever she needs and wants me to be."

"...I don't think she would have it any other way. Did you perform the ritual yet?"

"I'm going to ask her. Today." Djarin suddenly remembered what Cinder said before she left. That caused his previous doubts from Mistral to return. "I'm... not sure what she'll say, though."

"Good luck to you, then." Sun began to walk away, but Djarin stopped him.

"Before you go... there's something I need to talk to you about," said Djarin. "Cinder... wasn't the only thing I returned with."

"Yes, I heard you mention the Major when you came to the city," said Sun. "You should be proud of what you accomplished."

"That's not what I'm talking about." Djarin reached to his belt and pulled out a handle.

"Beskar? It looks too small to craft into a weapon. If you give it to the Armorer, maybe she could-" Sun stopped talking when Djarin pressed a button on the handle. His jaw dropped at the sight of a black blade. "It... It can't be..."

"It is. I found the Darksaber."

"Turn it off!" Sun grabbed Djarin's arm as the blade disappeared. He looked around the area to see if anyone else saw the Darksaber. But nobody was paying attention. So, Sun turned back to Djarin. "How did you find it?"

"Gideon was its former wielder. He threatened to kill Cinder with it... so I stopped him."

"You... You won it from him in combat?"

"I did. He attacked me, but I won the duel."

"Din...that means-"

"Yes. I'm the Mand'alor."

A million thoughts ran through Sun's head, but he wasn't able to put any of them into words. But Djarin's mind was clear, and his next words came naturally to him. "But I shouldn't be."

"What do you mean? You won the saber, it's yours."

"It wasn't supposed to be. I made a deal with Bo-Katan Kryze, she demanded that she be the one to defeat Gideon. But it was me." He looked back at the saber in his hand. "I want to pass it to someone else. The Armorer has led us through thick and thin, she would be the best match."

"She wouldn't accept it." Djarin looked back to his friend. "When the first Children of the Watch separated themselves from Mandalore, they left most of our culture behind. Everything except the Way."

"I know."

"That most likely means we separated ourselves from the Darksaber. If she were to take it, nothing would change. She would still have us stay hidden, watching the rest of Remnant."

"...You're right."

"Do any other Mandalorians see you as their leader."

"Clan Vizsla swore their allegiance to me. Clan Kryze... or what's left of it... may want to take it from me."

"I see. But given the chance, what would you do with the power you've been given?"

"Nothing... yet." Djarin turned back to Cinder, who was smiling and laughing with Karga and Cara. "I have more pressing matters at hand. But these are something I'd be... more than proud to take on."

"And the saber?"

"It was suggested that I lead the other clans. But instead, I'm going to find each one. One way or another... I'll find someone worthy to take it."

"In that time...I would suggest you be worthy of it yourself." Djarin turned back to Sun. "Your plan is simple, but suppose you can't find someone worthy. Instead, you may find Mandalorians who only want to control our people. If it comes to that...I trust you to wield it. Others will do the same in time."

"...Thank you."

Sun nodded and began to walk away.

"And thank you for your earlier advice."

Sun turned back. "Of course. Come to me anytime. Think of it as recompense for staying behind while you searched for Cinder."

Normally, Djarin would show his gratitude to his friend's loyalty. But in that moment, he showed only one thing: confusion. "...What do you mean?" Djarin asked.

"I had the chance to go with you, but I decided my efforts would be better spent rebuilding Nevarro," Sun replied.

"...You were here the whole time?"

"I was."

"But... what about that Grimm? The one you...?"

"What Grimm? What are you talking about?"

"..."

Djarin had seen the Leviathan from Argus be petrified and turned to stone before Gideon shot him. Everyone on the ship was taken by surprise by the phenomenon. But Djarin wasn't as surprised. The thing was... he had seen that power before.

"Din? Is something wrong?"

His friend's voice snapped Djarin back to reality. "No, nothing. I'm sorry, I was... thinking of something else."

"...Alright, then."

Sun walked away, leaving Djarin to return to Cinder. But when he followed the path she took, he only found the Armorer, Karga, and Cara talking.

"Ah, there you are my friend," Karga said with much enthusiasm. Djarin knew he rarely talked in that tone of voice unless he was excited about something. So whatever he wanted to talk about was big news. "I was just going over the plans the Armorer made for your new ship."

"...I thought you could fix the old one," said Djarin.

"I could. But Marshal Dune here convinced us to make some... improvements."

Djarin turned to Cara. "Oh, did she?"

Cara smiled. "If there's one thing I learned from Atlas, it's that when something works... it doesn't mean it can't be improved," she said. "Now, I'm no engineer, but I can be creative when I wanna be."

Taking out her Scroll, Cara showed Djarin a set of blueprints. The Scroll showed him a much larger airship. Two large engines rested on the wings, which had the potential to make the ship travel faster than before. The size was much larger than the Manta version, with two small guns on the front. It also had a larger cargo hold, with a door on the side.

"Impressive," said Djarin. "You came up with all of this yourself?"

"Well... mostly the weapons," Cara replied honestly. When the final product was finished, she knew they would pack a punch. "Karga knows some people who can help get this ready in a week."

"I know a good mechanic in Atlas who can help... if you pay her the right price." Djarin hadn't seen Peli since she last worked on the ship. He remembered that day was also the first day he met Cinder.

Just the thought of her name made Djarin remember she wasn't with them. "Is Cinder here?"

"She went inside one of the empty houses," Karga said as he pointed to a small house. "Mando... is she alright? She seemed kinda sad before she left."

"I'm wondering the same thing. What did you talk about?"

"Nothing really, just how you two were going to blow this 'Ozma' fella away when he sees what you two can do."

"She might be nervous about meeting him. I'll go talk to her." Djarin walked to the building where Karga said he saw Cinder. He found her sitting on a swivel chair reading her book. "Cinder?" he called to her. She looked back at him with a somber expression. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Cinder replied. "I just... Can we talk? Before going anywhere?"

Djarin moved a chair from the wall and placed it in front of her. Sitting down, he spoke again. "If you're nervous about meeting Ozma, don't worry. I'll be right beside you."

Cinder took a deep breath, her eyes staring at the floor. "Mando... you don't have to be."

"Cinder, it's fine. We'll go in together and-"

She quickly looked back up. "I don't think we should be together anymore."

Djarin's heart skipped a beat. "What? What do you mean?"

Cinder sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say it like that." She looked back at the Mandalorian. "Mando, do you remember the party back in Mistral? When you said you wanted to ask me something?" Djarin nodded. "You seemed... really nervous before asking. It took me a while, but I understand why you were like that." She put her hand on his. "So if you feel you're ready to leave... I think that would be for the best."

Djarin's eyes widened under his helmet. He had no idea that the way he asked her before gave off that impression. "Wait, you think-? Cinder, I don't-"

"It's okay," she said with a soft smile. "I had a lot of time to think when we were at Argus. And I came to realize that... I've been selfish, all this time we've been together." She squeezed Djarin's hand. "You've... literally done everything you could to keep me safe, and I really appreciate that. You risked your life for me more times than I can count, and... I never returned the favor." A tear fell down her cheek. "All I've done on our quest was waste your time and get you hurt, and all I can do right now is say that I'm sorry."

"What?" Djarin used his cape to dry the child's eye. "Cinder, that's not true."

"Yes, it is!" Cinder jumped off her seat and continued to cry. "Because of me, you almost got killed by Karga, Saxon, Gideon, and just about every mercenary or bounty hunter on Remnant! Not only that, but now you lost your ship! And for what?! Just to find a little girl you met by accident some place to call 'home?!'" She sat down again, but turned her chair away from Djarin. "No. No more. If I'm supposed to be a Maiden, then I need to look out for other people, not the other way around. So if us going our separate ways means I won't be getting you hurt anymore, then it's the right call."

"..."

At first, Djarin's heart merely skipped one beat at the beginning of the conversation. Now, it felt like it had just been shattered into a million pieces. Cinder honestly believed she had been causing him grief and pain just by being with him, but he thought the complete opposite. And he partially blamed himself for waiting so long and acting so nervous to ask Cinder his real question. But now, Djarin knew he couldn't falter. He would get the answer he sought, but now he needed to tell Cinder how he felt.

"When one chooses to walk the Way of the Mandalore... you are both hunter and prey," Djarin restated the Armorer's words from long ago. Cinder slightly moved her head, not looking at him, but to show she was listening. "That's how I've lived for years, even before meeting you. Every day, I chose to risk my life hunting bounties, fighting for various reasons, and proving my strength to the Mandalorians." He put a hand on Cinder's shoulder. "You can't blame yourself for doing what I do best, Cinder. There are times when my enemy is stronger, even times when I get hurt. But I do what I do because it's who I am. And now, everything I've done in the past few weeks... I've been proud to do it all for you."

Cinder turned around this time, her eyes still wet from tears. She dried them and spoke again. "But... I'm nobody special. I'm just a kid you met by accident."

"...I never expected to meet you, you're right." Djarin took her hands in his. "But I don't think you're just a 'nobody.'"

"Mando, you don't understand. Without you... I am nothing."

Djarin's heart broke again, but that didn't shake his resolve. "That is not true. You're the smartest child I've ever met, just as strong as any other Foundling, and above all else, you're a brave, loyal friend." This time, Djarin stood up and pointed at Cinder. "You help your friends without a second thought, you come fight for my safety rather than your own, and that's what I lo-" Djarin stopped himself, the words about to come out were foreign to him. Cinder's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. Djarin quickly regained his train of thought. "That's why I don't want to leave you. That would be the last thing I would want to ask you."

"...Oh."

Cinder felt like she had just made a complete fool of herself. And she had just been proven wrong by someone she knew was telling the whole truth. A part of her felt better, knowing that she wasn't just a waste of his time. But there was one thing on her mind, something she still didn't understand. "So... what, then?" she asked. "What did you want to ask me?"

Djarin moved his chair back and kneeled down to the young girl. "Cinder, I still want us to be together, even after we find Ozma. But, I don't want us to just be partners." He took her hand in his. "I want us... to be family."

The child's eyes widened again. "Fa... Family?" This was a word Cinder abandoned long ago, she always believed she would never have one when she was a slave at the Glass Unicorn. But now, she was beginning to feel a strange sense of hope. She needed to know more. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"The Mandalorians have a ritual called the Gai Bal Manda," said Djarin. "You might have seen it in your book, but it's easy to miss. The Gai Bal Manda, it's... it's an adoption ritual. One that dates back to the ancient times of Mandalore, one that... I want to do with you." Djarin gently squeezed Cinder's hand. "I can be your father, Cinder. My question is... would you like that?"

Cinder couldn't see it, but Djarin was incredibly scared about asking that question. He was sweating, and his chest felt as hard as his armor. He believed she had a million reasons to reject his offer, and Djarin was expecting her to do so. He was expecting answers involving Ozma or that she wasn't ready to have a father.

Instead, Djarin received the last thing he expected: a tight hug around his neck and tears of joy.

"Yes!" Cinder quickly responded. "Of course! Yes, yes, yes!"

Djarin was taken off guard by the tight embrace and her fast answer. "Cinder," he choked out. "Are... Are you-?"

"Yes, I'm sure!" she finished for him. Cinder let him go and stared into his visor with a wide smile, forgetting her wish for him to leave for his own safety. "If this is something you want to do, then I'd love nothing more than to be your daughter."

Djarin smiled under his helmet, all of his doubts and fears had been replaced with joy. "In that case... I can do it right now. Are you ready?"

Cinder's excitement was quickly replaced with anxiety. "Wait, you mean right now? But... what do you need? What do we do? What if-?"

Djarin simply chuckled and took Cinder's hand. "Cinder, it's alright. All I need to do is say a simple phrase in Mando'a. Once I do, as far as anyone else is concerned, I'm your father. So, are you ready?"

Cinder quickly reached for her neck and pulled out her Beskar necklace. Holding the symbol in her palm as a sign of reassurance, Cinder took a deep breath. "Okay, I'm ready." She closed her eyes and smiled.

Djarin smiled too. "Alright. Here we go."

Cinder waited.

And waited.

And waited.

But she didn't hear anything.

Opening her eyes, she saw the Mandalorian was staring off to the side. She became worried. "Mando? Is something wrong?"

Djarin quickly looked back to her. "Everything's fine," he replied honestly. "I just... need to do one more thing." Suddenly, the Mandalorian placed his hands on his helmet, and began to lift it up.

Cinder was taken by surprise once again. "Mando, what are you doing?" she asked.

"This, Cinder... is how much I want to be your father." He continued to lift up his helmet.

Cinder gasped and quickly moved her hands up to the Mandalorian's arms. "Mando, you don't have to do this!"

"Yes, I do." He removed his hands and kneeled down to the child. "My father always said 'Actions speak louder than words.' I need you to know how much the ritual will mean to me, that I won't be adopting you out of some need or use you like you previous guardian did. I'm adopting you because... I love you."

"..."

Love.

Djarin rarely used that word. He hadn't felt like he truly loved anything or anyone in a very long time. But after what happened earlier, how determined he was to find Cinder, he knew it wasn't out of a need to complete his quest. He knew, deep down, everything he did was out of love for the little girl.

The word made Cinder's heart skip a beat. She felt warm inside, a smile came naturally to her face. Now, after ten long years of pain and sorrow, Cinder finally knew what it meant to be loved by someone.

And she could finally admit that it felt wonderful.

But there was one more thing on her mind. "But... it's not the Way," she remembered. "You said you wouldn't be able to wear your armor anymore."

"I did. But I don't care anymore. I care..." Djarin put his hand on her cheek. "All I care about is you." Cinder smiled again, his words bringing all the joy in the world to her. "Besides, we're our own clan. I think we can make our own rules." Giggling at the joke, Cinder nodded, giving her approval.

And with that, Djarin placed his hands back on his head... and removed the helmet.

Cinder was staring at a man with dark brown eyes, messy brown hair, and a moustache with a very thin beard starting to grow. After a few seconds, Cinder smiled and placed her hand on his cheek. Djarin closed his eyes for a moment, embracing the touch. He opened them once she removed it. Another question popped into his head. "So... what do you think?" he awkwardly asked.

"Well... a shave would look good," Cinder jokingly replied. Djarin chuckled for a moment before she spoke again. "But, in all seriousness..." Cinder placed a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Mando. For everything."

"...You're welcome."

Djarin smiled, stood back up, and put his helmet back on. "You ready?" he asked. Cinder took her necklace again and nodded. With that, Djarin recited a phrase he should have recited a long time ago. "Ni kar'tayl gai sa'ad, Cinder." (I know your name as my child, Cinder). The young girl understood the words, which caused her to embrace Djarin in another hug, one which he eagerly returned. But rather than just holding her, Djarin picked Cinder off her feet and carried her outside.

At the doorsteps, he found the Armorer waiting for him. He stopped moving as a wave of fear ran through his body and questions filled his mind. How long had she been standing there? Did she see his face? Would she... ask for his armor back?

Cinder moved her head to see the Armorer as well. She asked herself the same questions... but didn't share her father's fears. She held him tightly and spoke her mind. "Removing it didn't change anything," she said.

"..."

"He may not have been born on Mandalore... but he did a lot to show that he'll always be one of your kind."

"..."

"With or without his armor."

"..."

Djarin held Cinder even tighter, admiring not only her loyalty, but her bravery. There were times when he felt like an ant in her presence, and now was one of those times. The only time Djarin ever had the strength to speak out against his clan leader was when he thought she lied to them. But now, all he could focus on was the fear of losing his armor. She had every right to take it from him.

After what felt like an eternity, the Armorer spoke. "...You are a clan of two," she said. "Your way is your own. Farewell." She walked away, leaving a dumbfounded Djarin and a relieved Cinder.

Normally, the Armorer wasn't very forgiving of breaking the Creed. And yet, she couldn't deny the loophole Djarin and Cinder found with being their own clan.

"Oh, thank God," Cinder said. "I thought she was gonna kill us."

"And here I thought I was the only one who was scared," Djarin joked. The two shared a short laugh, and Djarin pressed his forehead against Cinder's when it died down. "What would I do without you?"

Cinder held the Mandalorian's helmet. "...I've asked myself the same thing more times than I can count."

"Aww, you do have a soft side."

The duo turned to see a laughing Cara and a smiling Karga. Djarin gently put Cinder down before speaking. "Only with the people I like," he jokingly retorted.

Cara put a hand on her heart and mocked a gasp. "You have such a way with women."

Karga joined in with her laughter, but was quick to get back to business. "Come back in a week," he said to the Mandalorian. "We'll have the new ship ready for you."

"What do I owe you?"

"Let's call it even for watching my back with Gideon and his crazy Mandos."

"Thank you." Djarin turned to Cara. "Both of you."

"Anytime, my friend." Karga extended his hand, which Djarin shook.

Cara shook his hand next and asked a question. "So, you know where to go?"

"I do," Djarin replied. He looked down to Cinder, who looked up at him and smiled. "We'll be there soon."

"What then?"

Djarin didn't take his eyes off his new daughter. "Wherever she goes, I go."

"Well, good luck to you," said Karga. He kneeled down to Cinder. "And good luck to you, little one." He shared a hug with Cinder while Cara rubbed her head. Cinder smiled as the two backed away. She looked up to the Mandalorian.

"You ready?" he asked.

"When you are," she answered.

Cinder took one last glance at Karga and Cara, then watched them disappear. Once her sight readjusted, she was staring at a sight to behold. In front of the wide avenue they were standing on was a set of tall towers and buildings. In front of those towers and on the sides of the avenue was a wide set of aqueduct-like features and archways.

But Cinder's eyes were glued to each pointed tower, specifically the tallest one. Djarin's eyes landed on it as well, even he had to admit Beacon Tower was breathtaking.

When he first learned this was where he would find Ozma, the Mandalorian researched its location in Vale in order for his Semblance to take him there. He looked down to Cinder and smiled under his helmet. "Welcome to Beacon," he said.

"It's... beautiful," she replied. "It's..."

Djarin took her hand. "It's home."

Hearing this made Cinder's heart skip a beat. She didn't need to be afraid anymore. She could stop running. And with her new father... she could be happy. So Cinder made a promise when she hugged his arm. "Mando, I... I love you."

Djarin smiled under his helmet. "I love you too, Cinder."

The Happy Huntresses returned to Atlas just as night fell over the kingdom. And just like Fiona said, the team got back to work with the Grimm in Mantle. All except one, who made her way to the city of Atlas with two friends.

The Slave I landed on a clear spot behind a large, extravagant house. Once the ship's doors opened, two men with rifles came running out of the house to "greet" the guests.

"Hey, who are you?" one called out as he ran faster. When nobody responded, the duo ran inside to search the ship. "This isn't a public landing zone, you can't be... here?" The men searched the entire ship, but it was completely empty.

"...I have a bad feeling about this," the second man said.

"Yeah... me too," his partner agreed. "Let's head ba-"

*SLAM*

The men ran out with their rifles drawn, but didn't see anyone in the path back to the house. All they knew was that they definitely heard a door close. So they ran back inside, only to be met with the blunt end of a rifle and staff.

"Alright, that's that," said May. Using her Semblance to sneak in worked like a charm, but she needed to take care of the two guards who saw the ship land first. "If they're not in the main hall, they're probably in the dining room."

"Lead the way," said Fennec. May asked for her help in this job, since something like her current mission wasn't the Huntress' specialty.

Activating her Semblance again, May led Fennec through the entire house. It was quiet. Too quiet. May took this as a sign that the people she was looking for were exactly where she guessed they were. And the armed man in front of the dining room door was the confirmation she needed.

"May I?" Fennec whispered with a smile.

"Be my guest," said May.

Fennec stepped out of the invisible shield May had created and kicked the man before he knew what hit him. The door to the dining room burst open as he flew inwards, and the assassin stepped inside to find numerous men at a dining table staring at her. Seated at the head of that table were a man and woman in expensive clothing with blue hair.

Numerous men in nonmatching clothes were behind the couple, Fennec surmised they must be bounty hunters. No real loyalty among them, they would be easy to persuade once May's part of the plan was finished.

"...Come in," the man at the end said sarcastically. Fennec said nothing, but simply moved to the left, making room for May to step in. The man maintained his composure, not feeling very threatened or intimidated. "And who might you be?"

"...Hello, Father," May addressed the man.

The couple looked to each other in confusion at the intruder's claim. But the woman leaned her head towards the table to get a better look at their uninvited guest. "...Marcus?" she asked. "Marcus, is that you?"

"Not quite, but it's me... Mother." May spat venom with her response, not forgetting how her "mother" let her be thrown into a Grimm in Vacuo.

"Well... this is unexpected," Mr. Marigold said, still feeling in control. He began to look May up and down, taking in every detail about her new appearance. "I expected that I made it clear what our current... relationship was."

"You did."

"So what the hell are you doing here?" He suddenly remembered the last time the two of them spoke. "Oh, so you're some big-shot Huntsman now?" He pointed to Fennec. "And you brought a friend to make some kind of arrest?"

That wasn't May's plan. She spent enough time with her parents to know they were untouchable in the eyes of the law. "First off, I'm a Huntress. Secondly, I'm not-"

The entire table burst out laughing at May's statement. Her bravado vanished as quickly as it came. And once her parents stood up and ceased laughing, she knew things weren't going to be much better. "And here I thought you couldn't disappoint us even more when you refused my generosity," said Mr. Marigold. "This is a new low, Marcus."

Each word he said sent a knife through May's heart. It was becoming harder and harder to blink back her tears. She didn't feel any love for her family, but that didn't mean their demeaning words didn't hurt her. And she really didn't want to go through with the rest of her plan. But she stood her ground. "That's... actually why I'm here," she said. "As I was saying, I still remember that offer you made me. That money could do a lot of good in Mantle. I want it now."

Every head turned to Mr. Marigold. "Uhh... no." Everyone burst out laughing again. But May continued to stay strong.

"It wasn't a request. Give me what you promised, and help me serve Mantle. Once you do... you'll never see me again."

This time, Mrs. Marigold had something to say. "And why would we do something like that?"

"..."

"You come into our house, make childish demands, and expect us to do what you say? We gave you everything Marcus, and you never did right by us. What more do you-?!"

Mr. Marigold raised his hand, and his wife went silent. He lowered it and looked back to May. "Well... I think your mother summed up my main point. The answer is no. Now, this was fun and all, but I think enough is enough." He raised his hand and the bounty hunters moved closer. "So I'd strongly suggest you get out of here before we throw you out."

May looked at all the weapons pointed at her. Taking a deep breath... she walked towards the door with Fennec following her.

Mr. Marigold laughed behind them. "What did you think was going to happen, boy? Did you honestly think that I'd be scared of you?"

May didn't turn around, but stopped walking. "No. You may not be scared of me. But I know you're terrified of him."

May opened the door to reveal Boba Fett, who casually walked into the dining room. He was the one who slammed the door to the house shut when he split from May and Fennec. Out of respect for May, he decided to wait before doing anything drastic. But his waiting was over.

Everyone at the table gasped at his sight.

Some of the bounty hunters dropped their weapons.

Mrs. Marigold moved closer to her husband.

And Mr. Mairgold began to chuckle. But everyone around him could tell how nervous he was. "B... Boba!" he said with a forced smile. "I thought you were dead!"

"..."

Boba approached closer to the table, and the bounty hunters merely stepped aside. It was perhaps the smartest choice they ever made. They knew killing Boba Fett would be next to impossible.

"I'm so glad to see you!" Mr. Marigold continued his attempts to gain control over the situation. But the moment Boba stopped in front of him and raised his rifle, the crime lord knew it was all pointless.

May was right; he was scared of Boba. So scared that he would do anything just for the bounty hunter to lower his weapon.

That's when he realized that there was one last hope about to walk out on him.

"Marcus! Marcus, wait! You win!"

May walked back to the table as her father continued to speak. "I'll give you the money! I have my Scroll right here!" He reached into his pocket.

*CLICK*

"Slowly," Boba callously ordered. The crime lord merely obeyed and pulled out his Scroll. Typing a few buttons, May heard her Scroll go off. She pulled it out to see that two million Lien had been added to her personal bank account.

"...Thank you," she said. Her parents and the people at the table all sighed in relief as she accepted the payment. May turned heel and began to walk to the door.

Boba and Fennec didn't follow her. Instead, Boba stayed right where he was and Fennec raised her own rifle.

"Wait, WAIT!" Mr. Marigold called out. May stopped walking and turned around. "Our deal's done! Tell these people to leave!"

"...I said you'd never see me again," May reminded them. "I don't have any more issues to work out with you. But Boba's a different story."

"But you're a Huntsman!" Mrs. Marigold called out. "You can't ignore this!"

"Huntress. And I don't know what you're talking about." May turned away and opened the door. "I never saw anything."

"...Marcus..."

"Good riddance."

May stepped out the door, leaving the members of the table and the bounty hunters at Boba's mercy.

"Boba..." Mr. Marigold began. "We... We can-"

*BANG*

The head of the crime lord exploded. His wife was covered in his blood as his corpse hit the table, fear on his lifeless face. "Oh, my Gods!" Mrs. Marigold screamed. "Oh, my-!"

*BANG*

Mrs. Marigold hit the floor, a bullet hole right between her eyes. The rest of the table was in complete silence, along with the bounty hunters. They continued their silence as Boba pulled out the chair and threw Mr. Marigold's body to the floor. He silently took the Atlesian's place.

The silence broke when Fennec stole one of the gentleman's drinks. "Hey!" he yelled. But when Fennec slammed her fist on the table, his silence returned. She joined her partner at the head of the table and began to drink out of the glass.

"Now," Boba began. "Where were we?"

A group of Nevermores were sitting on a large, crystal-like cliff. They all let out a giant screech as a black Manta flew right past them. The Manta ignored the Grimm and moved closer to an even larger cliff. Only this cliff had a sort of landing pad and a wooden door a few feet away. Once the ship landed, Aurora and Gar Saxon stepped out.

"This is the place?" Saxon asked as he looked around, seeing nothing but purple rocks, a red sky, and Grimm all around them.

"Yes," Aurora bluntly said. The duo managed to escape the Bismarck before Atlas arrested the rest of the Saxon Clan. The Happy Huntresses and the Kryze Mandalorians were focused on finding Gideon at the time that they didn't notice Gar Saxon slip away and rendezvous with Aurora. Once they saw how close Atlas was after they got on a Manta, Aurora knew exactly where to go.

The Faunus began to move closer to the door, which suddenly swung open. A black mist exited the door and flew around the duo. Saxon raised his rifle and pointed at the abnormality, but Aurora quickly grabbed it with a snarl and pushed it down. She then fell on her knees, cold sweat ran down her forehead as her eyes widened in fear. "My Queen... I failed you." The mist suddenly began to take form, transforming into a cross Salem. "The Mandalorian has the Maiden, and Atlas has quenched Gideon's insurrection."

"..."

Salem stared down at her servant, saying nothing. Saxon was also silent as Aurora continued to explain herself. "We haven't heard anything from Watts. It's possible that the Mandalorian captured him and sent that message."

"...You are all that remains?" Salem asked as she turned to Saxon.

"...We both are," Aurora answered.

Salem waked closer to the Faunus. "Aurora... you've lost so much today." More sweat came down Aurora's forehead. "Gideon's army drove a wedge in between Atlas' army... now it is whole again. The Mandalorians would have made loyal servants... now they give their allegiance to no one but themselves. And we had a chance to have a Maiden by our side... now she is lost to us." Salem stopped and looked down at the Faunus. "While you were making your way here, I came to realize something." Aurora closed her eyes and grit her teeth. She had seen what happened to people who failed Salem. And now, it was her turn.

"Your Grace..." Aurora began to beg as chills moved up her spine. "I-"

"I realized... this was all my fault."

Aurora stopped shaking, opened her eyes, and looked up. "P... Pardon?"

Salem extended a hand to the Faunus, which she took. "I am the reason you couldn't claim what you sought for so long. I believed, with help from Watts, I could divide the Maiden powers between people, just as Ozpin divided his power long ago. I was wrong. Now I see we must rely solely on you obtaining the Maidens by force."

"Of course, ma'am." Aurora lowered her head.

"Walk with me."

Salem walked back into her castle as Aurora walked with her. Saxon considered leaving, but looking back at the Grimm made him have second thoughts. So he joined the duo as they walked through the castle's halls.

"I will continue our efforts," said Aurora. "Where do we start?"

"By increasing our forces and escalating our plans." Salem looked back to Saxon. "Saxon, is it?" The Mandalorian nodded. "I understand you lost many of your forces today. So I would also understand if you wish for revenge." She extended her hand. "The path to your desires can be found through me. If you-"

"Say no more," Saxon boldly cut her off. "If it means killing the Mand'alor and the Kryze... I'll do whatever you ask."

"...Good." Salem turned back to Aurora. "You said the other Mandalorian has the Maiden. Where do you believe he will take her?"

"Gideon's capture may give them a false sense of security," Aurora pondered. "They may return to the clan we took her from."

"...Then we must prepare. I have been working on an alternative method to claim the power of the Maidens while Watts was experimenting with you. We will begin tomorrow."

"Of course, ma'am." Aurora lowered her head. "My life is yours to command."

The words were music to the witch's ears. Smiling, she waved her hand to send her away. Aurora walked away from her with Saxon following.

The solitude gave time for Salem to ponder her next move. The first thing she did was continue her stroll through the castle. The red light that escaped through the windows warmed her pale skin, each step she took rang through the halls like thunder. But that wasn't the only sound that bounced off the walls.

Her walk led her past multiple side rooms, where she heard training taking place in two separate rooms. She didn't bother looking at what her other servants were doing, but based on the screams of rage, the flashes of red light, and the sound of Grimm turning to dust, Salem knew they were training hard.

But this would not be enough for her plans to come to fruition. As she said earlier, Salem would need to increase her forces. Luckily, she knew someone who was planning to do so at the moment.

Salem stopped in front of a door. Only, it was a substance that merely acted as a door. Rather than a wooden piece that swung open, the door was black, wet, and had bones with a symbol in the middle. It was almost as if the door was alive. Once it opened by falling into the ground, Salem stepped inside the small room, admiring the collection she made over the years. The collection...of a warrior's trophies.

Salem was standing in a room full of Mandalorian armor. To her right, there were the modern suits most Mandalorians wore, with weaponized gauntlets and jetpacks. To her left was a row of more simplistic armor, resembling that of a knight's armor. The helmets served more like masks and they appeared to be much heavier than modern Mandalorian armor. It was primitive and weaponless, but it still served its purpose. The only thing that connected the two kinds of armor were the visors that rested in the middle.

The witch's red eyes landed on an empty spot to her right, just beside the row of modern Mandalorian armor. The space was large enough to fit just one more suit.

The news she received helped Salem decide what to do with the Mandalorian who had interfered with her plans. "He will make a fine addition to my collection," she said out loud.

Author's notes: hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now, there were a couple of final things I used from The Mandalorian in this one, but that's all over now.

To 54godamora, I remember you telling me about who you thought would be in last chapter. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I really hope you enjoyed this chapter.

To I Frederic I, so glad you enjoyed everything. I understand a fight with the Leviathan would have been cool, but I felt the chapter was long enough without it. I didn't want the chapter to drag on, if you know what I mean. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

To Marc Ello-Re Yes, great to hear from you again! Glad you enjoyed the chapter, and I hope you'll enjoy my future chapters. I am happily continuing this story, and there MIGHT be some Star Wars faces. After all, The Mandalorian is a part of Star Wars. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, thank you for reviewing.

To CamoMurf, hope you enjoyed this chapter.

To The Super Guest, I understand. But now, things may not be so easy to predict. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I will try to keep the future as entertaining as possible. Stay tuned!

To Mandalorian00, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Can't wait to read another one of your fun letters.

I was a little disappointed to see that not a lot of people left a review for last chapter. Please feel free to leave one for this chapter. That's all I have right now, I hope youenjoyed reading. And as always, I'll see you next chapter.