Chapter Text
(Y/N) really needed to stop being surprised when the Mandalorians got themselves into trouble since they, quite frankly, had terrible. Still, somehow, they were a little offput at seeing a giant crocodile trying to eat the reformed Mandalorian covert as Mando flew them in on the N-1 starfighter.
Mando reacted quickly, flying over the crocodile and firing down on it to keep it from devouring any Mandalorians. He circled around and fired a powerful blast into the crocodile’s side. It screeched and fell, dead. Mando smoothly landed the starfighter beside the corpse as the Mandalorians crept closer, unfamiliar with the ship and hesitant to trust. The canopy opened, and Mando, (Y/N), and Grogu turned to face the covert. The Armorer stood at the front of the group, her familiarly intimidating radiating out.
To be honest, though, after having their vision of Mandalore the Great, the first Mand’alor of Mandalore, (Y/N) wasn’t really intimidated by any Mandalorians. That Mandalorian had been imposing, gleaming beskar a painted red-orange, standing tall and powerful. (Y/N) doubted they’d be so quieted in awe by anyone else in their lifetime.
So even over a year of not seeing a Mandalorian other than Mando (it had taken them quite some time to find the covert after it moved once again), (Y/N) couldn’t find any place within them to be intimidated. Slight anxiety since Mando was still in trouble for removing his helmet? Yeah. No intimidation, though.
The Armorer turned away from the starfighter and walked into the caves. Mando silently exited the ship and followed her, needing to speak to her before he continued on his quest. (Y/N) and Grogu, never ones to let Mando wander off without them, hopped out and followed. (Y/N) ignored the stares of the Mandalorians at their and Grogu’s obviously Jedi-like clothing as they made their way in. They were Mando’s clan; their clothes didn’t matter.
“You have removed your helmet,” said the Armorer’s calm voice, not even having to turn as Mando, Grogu, and (Y/N) stepped into her smelting room. “What’s worse, you did so of your own free will.”
To save me and Grogu, thought (Y/N). They felt a bit guilty about that.
“You are no longer Mandalorian,” said the Armorer, facing them.
“The Creed teaches us of redemption,” said Mando.
“Redemption is no longer possible since the destruction of our home planet,” said the Armorer.
“But what if the mines of Mandalore still exist?” asked Mando.
“All was destroyed in the Purge,” said the Armorer firmly.
(Y/N) removed a green stone from their belt that Mando had asked them to carry. They placed it on a table as Mando said, “Is this inscription not Mandalorian?”
The Armorer walked over and examined the piece. “Where did you come upon this?”
“Jawas,” said (Y/N), speaking for the first time. They didn’t want to mess this up for Mando.
“They came upon it by trade from a traveler who claimed to have visited the surface of Mandalore,” explained Mando.
“Then this relic only proves that Mandalore’s entire surface has been crystallized by fusion rays,” said the Armorer matter-of-factly.
“But a traveler was able to retrieve this, so perhaps, it is not poisoned,” said Mando. “If I can visit the planet and I can bring you proof that I have bathed in the Living Waters beneath the mines of Mandalore, then by Creed, the decree of exile will be lifted, and I would be redeemed.
Grogu cooed in encouragement, and (Y/N) nodded.
“This is the Way,” said the Armorer.
Mando nodded stiffly. He wished to return the sentiment, but he was no longer Mandalorian and felt uncomfortable doing so. The Armorer stood and turned away, and Mando followed suit.
“Then I will see you again,” said Mando. He would succeed in his quest. He had to.
(Y/N) paused for a moment as he and Grogu left the room. Their eyes traveled to the Mythosaur emblazoned on the wall of the cave. Their brow creased, and their Ushti markings, deep orange, creased with the movement, appearing sharper. Mando had explained its significance to them, and after seeing such a signet on Mandalore the Great’s armor, (Y/N) understood how important it was. Mandalore the Great’s firm gaze from behind their helmet seemed echoed in the harsh metal of the signet, and their guiding words to (Y/N) echoed.
“You have the heart of an Ushti, the soul of a Jedi, and the mind of a Mandalorian. The Mandalorians need such a perspective. The path winds in unexpected ways, but as long as our hearts are seeking our Way, we will find it again. Do not try to be what you’re not, and allow yourself to be what you are. Then you can become what you are meant to be.”
Tough words to live up to. Mandalore the Great seemed to expect a lot from (Y/N). They closed their eyes and sent a brief prayer for guidance into the world before nodding in respect to the signet and turning away. Whatever they were meant to be, they were Mando’s ad’ika first. They’d help him find his place as a Mandalorian again.
The Armorer watched as (Y/N) nodded to the signet as if it were a person standing before them, something with which they had a personal relationship. It was strange for a non-Mandalorian to seem that familiar with a Mandalorian cultural symbol, and even for a Mandalorian, their seemingly personal relationship with it seemed significant.
Odd, thought the Armorer.
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“Are you sure this is the right planet?” said (Y/N) as they watched Nevarro come into view in the window. It seemed so much more advanced and “proper” in a way since they had last been there. Sure, it had been a nicer, safer city even then, but Nevarro was growing into a prosperous town it seemed.
“Yes,” said Mando. “It seems Greef Karga has been working hard on advancing Nevarro.”
“Obviously,” said (Y/N) as they landed.
“Welcome to Nevarro,” said a woman’s voice over the communications system. “Independent trade anchor and Outer Rim Hyperlane port. Please state the purpose of your visit.”
“Here to meet an old friend,” said Mando, opening the canopy of the ship and getting out. He helped (Y/N), holding Grogu, out before they headed into the bustling streets of Nevarro. (Y/N) placed Grogu in his new cradle before they set off.
Trees now lined the paths, and vendors of fine wares called out for people to buy their supplies.
“Greetings. Welcome to the port of Nevarro, gem of the Outer Rim,” said a droid to each new person they encountered. “Our esteemed High Magistrate welcomes you and hopes that your stay will be a prosperous one.”
Another droid informing tourists and travelers of Nevarro spoke as they passed. “We invite you to visit our shops and markets, enjoy local delicacies, marvel at the black lava canyons, or soak in the geothermal springs.”
“A lot has changed,” said (Y/N), and Mando nodded in vehement agreement.
They entered the main square and found a familiar statue in the center. It was the deactivated remnants of IG-11, standing tall before them as the protector of the city. It was a sweet remembrance for the droid, and (Y/N) appreciated it after his sacrifice. Also, they needed the droid, so to see him in fairly well-kept condition was good.
“Do you remember him?” asked (Y/N), glancing at Grogu. He babbled quietly. He did.
“Mando!” said a familiar voice jovially. Karga had arrived, now in a long regal Magistrate’s cloak with several droids holding the train.
(Y/N) snorted. He loved his drama.
“I heard you were back, but I didn’t believe it!” said Karga. “And look who’s with you! Grogu, now, right? And (Y/N) the Ushti!” He shook all their hands (and gave Grogu a big hug) with a side grin.
“Magistrate Karga,” greeted Mando and (Y/N).
“That’s High Magistrate Karga to you,” said Karga proudly.
Mando and (Y/N) chuckled at the drama.
“Come,” said Karga. “Let’s catch up on old times.” He gestured to the official building behind him, beautiful and gleaming above the square. “It’s so good to see you two. Welcome back.”
“Doesn’t even look like the same planet,” said Mando.
“No, it doesn’t,” agreed (Y/N).
“We’ve done a lot with it,” said Karga. “The citizens have been so instrumental in making this all work, and look at this.”
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In Karga’s office, Mando and (Y/N) stood with Karga as he showed them around as Grogu sat in the desk chair and spun himself around with the Force.
“We are an official trade spur of the Hydian Way,” said Karga proudly.
“Congratulations,” said Mando.
“We’ve got a construction boom going on in the city,” continued Karga. “The belters are mining the asteroid fields at the edge of the system. There’s a lot of money to be made on Nevarro.”
“We can see,” said (Y/N), looking down at the marketplace below.
“I can set you up with a prime tract right over by the hot springs, Mando,” said Karga eagerly. “You, (Y/N), and the little one, you can settle down. You can hang up your blaster. Live off the fat of the land.”
(Y/N) cocked their head. Like a little farm? Sounds…nice. It would be a nice break.
“Come, I wanna show you something,” said Karga. “Now, as I was saying, there’s a beautiful parcel available right down here by the flats.” He drew up a hologram and showed them where.
“I appreciate the offer, but I have some matters to look after,” said Mando.
“Oh, I’m confused,” said Karga. “I thought you had completed your mission, but you’re still running around here with the same little critter and Ushti.
“It’s…complicated,” said (Y/N), shrugging. Discussing the intricacies of Mandalorian vs Jedi relations and their place in the universe was a bit too existential. “He completed his quest. We returned.”
“I removed my helmet, and now I’m an apostate,” continued Mando plainly.
“Which is all the more reason for you to stay here with us,” said Karga jovially. “Where you are from, you may be an apostate, but here, you’d be landed gentry.”
The doors slid open, and a droid walked into the room. “Magistrate,” it greeted.
“High Magistrate,” corrected Karga with a sigh.
“Yes, High Magistrate. Apologies,” said the droid.
“Your timing couldn’t be any worse,” muttered Karga.
“But it’s just that. Someone’s here to see you,” said the droid.
“It can wait!” declared Karga.
“But it’s pirates!” alerted the droid fretfully.
Karga turned to the droid, Mando shifted uneasily, and (Y/N) blinked. Grogu just munched on snacks he was Force-pulling to himself.
“Pirates in the courtyard!” said the droid.
Wherever we go, drama follows. We have bad luck, thought (Y/N).