11: 𝔖eparated.
𝔅ombshell, eleven—separated.
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"So, we're ready to leave?"
"Yep."
"I'm... nervous."
"I know. You shouldn't be."
"What if they don't like me on Sorgan?"
"They have no reason not to like you, Cyar'ika."
"But what if they think I'm some... spoiled princess—"
"They're not gonna think that. Trust me, they'll immediately welcome you."
With a sigh, you glanced down towards the sleeping baby boy wrapped in brown blankets and clutched close to your body. These past few nights haven't exactly been easy with him — waking up in the middle of the night, crying, hungry, reluctant to return to sleep... The usual. He's a baby, what did you expect? But you'd gone through so much to give this infant a chance to live that you didn't mind it at all. At least, as the droids stated, he was premature, but healthy.
Still, those painful memories remained unpleasantly glued to your mind — accepting the fact that it was much too late for your unborn child, the way you needed to watch as the droids took the baby away from you, completely still and unmoving, not even whimpering the slightest bit. You thought that was it. That you hadn't managed to save him. That you'd failed. But, then you heard that feeble cry in the distance, the nurse droids returned the newborn to you, Din reentered the room, and you realized... everything might just be fine.
And now you were beginning your journey to your new home — Sorgan. By what you'd heard, that serene backwater planet would be the perfect world for you to raise your baby alongside Din.
Finally, you lifted your gaze and nodded curtly at your Mandalorian. "Alright, let's go."
The necessary five rotations had already passed by, long and burdensome in this intense heat of Tatooine. You were delighted to finally leave this planet. The nights, although a bit cooler, were still unbearably hot. The temperature dropped but not quite enough for you to feel comfortable. Luckily, that was all over. Soon enough, you'd be heading to Sorgan with your Mandalorian and your five-day-old boy to enjoy the life you both deserved to live. The mere thought of it thrilled you to the point that you absolutely couldn't wait to land on the green planet. A whole new life right besides your brand-new family. With Din, with the Child, with the baby you'd risked plenty so he could survive.
Though the fear that the people on Sorgan wouldn't accept you still clung strictly to your chest, and admittedly weighed you down a bit. You were an ex-princess, used to all kinds of fancy, expensive belongings and excessive attention everywhere you traveled to. Sorgan likely wouldn't be capable of providing you with the showy outfits and jewelry and makeup, or luxurious palaces Rainoh had for you. But you didn't mind this at all. If anything, this was an upgrade from all that. Now it wouldn't be necessary for you to wear uncomfortable dresses 24/7, or need to comply with your duties and responsibilities as princess. You just hoped the villagers wouldn't mind you either.
And so, now you and your Mandalorian were leaving the grimy medical station you'd remained at these recent rotations. Ninkri and the Child were already prepared for take-off back at the Razor Crest, awaiting your arrivals so you could finally depart from Tatooine. And—
Oh, Maker.
Just as you stepped outside the medical station, you hurried back inside, urgently gripping onto Din's arm and pulling him back into the clinic. The door shut closed behind you with a thunderous slam, shutting out any light or noise from outside and concealing you from the view of those all-too-familiar men outside. The unexpected sound alarmed a couple nearby droids who merely tilted their heads with puzzlement before returning to their designated duties.
"Wha— what's wrong?"
Your gaze met with Din's T-visor as be stared down at you, tilting his helmet with evident concern and confusion. Those men outside, though... you recognized them full well. Their figures covered from shoulders to feet in pure white armor, and the large black blasters held securely in their grasps only indicated they were guards from Rainoh, obviously searching for nothing other than you and your Mandalorian. They must be boiling under the Tatooine heat if they're still wearing those beige fur coats over their body.
You visibly gulped, grip tightening on Din's arm with obvious unease and apprehension. "I saw Rainoinian guards outside... They must be scouting the town for us."
It did make complete sense why they were sent here, actually. Stormtroopers were definitely not welcomed here, so of course the Empire and the queen would send over some guards to probe around Mos Eisley for any signs of you or Din. How they managed to locate you was currently unknown, and you'd probably never discover how. A random bystander could've alerted them of your temporarily residing here on Tatooine, effectively leading them here. You never would've imagined you'd be avoiding the people who'd protected and defended you since you were a little girl, but here you were — scared stiff and terrified to the core.
You released a shaky breath. Then, "Din, if we're caught here... we're done for. They outnumber us. They can take the baby, and..."
The thought of what the queen could do once she figured out you'd birthed your son was unfathomable, and you preferred not to dwell too much on that.
"We can still escape without them noticing. We just need to get to the Crest." His black visor trailed along the clinic as his mind raced to provide a tangible solution. Then, he placed a gloved hand on the small of your back and urged you forward. "Let's look around for another exit."
You followed suite by his side, all the way through several empty corridors, occasionally passing by a droid or two. The building was pretty compact, so locating the additional exit in the very back of the clinic was straightforward and easy. Apparently, this alternative exit was intended for emergencies only. Well, this may not be an emergency for these droids, but this was one hell of an emergency for you guys. Who knows what the hell the queen might do to your baby once she found out you'd given birth earlier than expected. Nothing good, no doubt. And you needed to make certain nothing would occur to this new baby, or else you wouldn't be capable of living with yourself afterwards.
What you needed to do was fight — fight like you had done back when you were captured on the light-cruiser days ago. Be willing to sacrifice absolutely anything for this baby. If you needed to die in order to safeguard and protect what you'd grown to love so quickly, then so be it. They could send as many soldiers, troopers, guards, whatever they wanted. But as long as your baby was safe, you'd ultimately be satisfied.
Din released his hold on you to open the door and discreetly peek outside for a split second. No sign of any guards around. He gently grabbed your arm, beckoning you to follow closely behind him. Your arms wrapped securely around your baby, a hand on the back of his head to keep him close, and also an attempt to somewhat distract you from all this. You both hastened through the streets of Mos Eisley with intense urgency, though altogether trying not to seem too suspicious to random bystanders strolling along the streets as well.
Your eyes darted everywhere in search of anything suspiciously similar to a Rainoinian guard — any glint of white or spec of beige fur was quickly averted as you hurriedly traveled towards the hangar's direction. Adrenaline pumped wildly in your veins, your heart accelerating to the point that it felt like it could explode, breaths growing even heavier with each passing second. You were terrified. So awfully terrified of being captured and having no clue what the queen could possibly do to your newborn.
The familiar entrance to the landing bay was just up ahead, and—
Kriffing guards again.
Din pulled you back, tugging you into a nearby alleyway. A filthy, grimy alley littered with people looming about, people who made you... skeptical. Their attentions were glued on you two — the Mandalorian in shiny, valuable beskar armor and the ex-princess attiring an old, worn-out azure dress carrying a sleeping infant in her arms. You had a bad feeling about all this. Insecurity and unease crept into the back of your mind, overwhelming your every thought and action.
The hangar was soon to be surrounded by guards, undoubtedly searching for you, Din, the... oh.
"Din," you whispered urgently, gulping again out of pure nervousness. "The Child's in there, in the Crest! They'll easily find him."
"I know, I know..." His voice modulator crackled with an audible frustrated sigh, a gloved hand instinctively sliding down to his holster. He radiated the exact fidgetiness as you, unquestionably concerned about what could occur in the near future if these guards managed to spot you. They knew the Razor Crest was here, and they recognized the gunship with no doubt. With how many times Din had landed on Rainoh in the past to visit you, it wouldn't surprise you whether everyone on the planet could identify the ship.
"What the hell are we supposed to do? They're gonna get the Child, and once they do, they'll probably wait for us—" you paused unexpectedly when the sound of heavy footsteps filled your ears. Your head snapped outside the alley you resided in, catching sight of a couple additional guards heading towards the Razor Crest as well. Immediately, you averted your gazes, the both of you taking slow and hesitant steps deeper inside the dark alleyway so maybe, the Rainoinians wouldn't detect you. "Din, I don't know..."
His fingers reached out for one of your hands, leading it away from the baby and placing two unidentifiable objects in your hand. Your eyes flickered dow, catching sight of the blaster in your hand and a small sack of what was presumably credits inside. "What are you doing?"
"You need to go. Stay hidden through the alleys, and use the blaster if needed. Find transportation and get the hell off this planet."
"No, no—" you stepped closer, urgency visibly in your stance and expression, as if that would prevent him from leaving. You would've grabbed his hand but with the baby in one arm, a blaster and a bag in the other, you simply couldn't. "Don't leave, please."
"The only way we'll get out of this is if we fight, and I'm not bringing you into the middle of a battle, even less with the baby. Go—" he urged, placing a palm on the newborn you carried in a way to say goodbye, for now. "I need to get the Child before they do. You get to Sorgan, and I'll catch up with you soon after, alright?"
Tears pricked the corner of your eyes and threatened to drip down. The idea absolutely petrified you to the bone. "But... but what if something happens?"
"That's why I gave you the blaster. Protect yourself if they find you."
"No, I mean what if something happens to you?"
The quiver in your voice as you spoke those final words were perfectly audible to both your ears. He sighed, long and unwillingly, before placing a hand behind your neck, and pulling you closer to him until your foreheads made contact. The smooth coldness of his beskar helm was somewhat comforting but not quite enough to ease you from all these troubles and worries. Your eyes instantly shut closed, allowing the fresh tears to fall freely from your eyes as you immersed yourself in what could possibly be the very last moment you had with your Mandalorian. It was quick, and in a split second, he swiftly drew back, knowing full well that you needed to get out of here immediately.
"I'll be fine. Cyar'ika, go. Go before they find you."
He stepped back. But you wouldn't budge. You couldn't leave him. You needed him by your side. He was your only source of comfort. You couldn't bear the thought of being separated from him again. Not now, not when you'd recently had your baby, when you needed him the most. You couldn't let go of the person you'd been ripped away from too many times to count.
"Stay with me." Your eyes matched your pleading voice. The fingers grasping your blaster trembled with immense fear you couldn't seem to set aside. "Please."
"There!"
Behind Din, out in the open of the streets, a guard spotted you and was already beginning to approach the both of you rapidly. The blood completely drained from your face. Din encouraged you to leave one final time, desperate to get you and his baby out of this situation. "I need to go— You need to go. Go, now!"
With that, you forced your feet to react, spinning around and hastily rushing into the intimidating alleyway you wished to escape from as soon as possible. The sounds of blaster fire striking impenetrable beskar alarmed you, and the sounds of fighting and punches being thrown didn't help either. You couldn't steal a glance back, though. Because, if you did, you knew you wouldn't be able to leave. You'd be overwhelmed by the desire to remain right by Din's side, and then guards would catch up with you.
You couldn't even pay the slightest attention to the sketchy people lingering around, their eyes trained on nobody other than you as you hurried through along with the baby clutched even closer to your chest. Din could hold them back for a short period of time, but they exceed his numbers by far. It'll only be a matter of time before they locate you again.
Damn it. These troubles and burdens would continue weighing down on you. You're unable to escape them, they'll keep chasing you until there's nothing left for you to fight for. Until you're broken down, incapable of rising up and taking action. Until they've taken away everything and everybody you loved, they won't stop. The only objective that's important to the queen was have you as the heir to the throne, and that was the last thing you wanted right now. What you wanted was to collapse on this filthy ground and simply cry. Because, just when you believed you could live freely with Din, this happened. And now you're separated from your lover again. Maybe you simply didn't deserve such a delicacy, that it was never meant for you to be... happy.
You should've stayed on Rainoh. That would've saved you and Din and your baby plenty of hardships and suffering.
Bang!
A red streak zipped inches past your face.
What the kriffing hells?! Don't they know you're carrying a newborn in your arms right now?
Oh, that's right. They don't.
They were right behind you, approaching rapidly, their quick footsteps alarming you, compelling you to pick up your speed. There had to be at least two or three of them chasing you. The bullets headed continued your direction, accompanied by a loud blast each time they pulled the trigger. Each time they fired, they missed by a few inches, and the red streaks of light collided with a nearby wall. You weren't certain whether they would actually shoot you if they had the chance, or if they were avoiding you purposely. Either way, the queen definitely wouldn't be satisfied if the guards returned with your dead body, because then what was the point to all this?
You rounded a corner, through a separate back alley infested with disgusting whomp rats scurrying around. Then, turning another corner, you concealed yourself behind a random stack of seemingly empty crates. With your back propped up against the alleyway's wall, you slid down to a crouch and settled yourself on the ground. Your chest heaved with ragged, uneven breaths as you struggled to regain your breath again. Damn it, you'd birthed your child recently — the last thing you needed right now was to run around like crazy.
You glanced down to check on your baby, who was, surprisingly enough, still fast asleep, despite all the commotion and the bumpiness that followed as you desperately sought safety. You released a long sigh before peering around the lip of a crate in search of any sign or clue of the guards. They hadn't seen you turn this corner, so at least they might not discover you. Might.
The sounds of heavy boots crunching on the dirt beneath them filled your ears. They were nearby, dangerously close. The grip on your blaster tightened as you clicked the safety off as silently as you could. A tense silence conquered the ambience. You waited with intense anticipation as your anxiety and apprehension drastically increased with each passing second.
A whimper.
Kriff. No, no, no, no, not right now...
The baby in your arms started moving around, his little eyes beginning to open up just as his mouth opened to release a wail. "Shhh," you attempted to sooth him back to sleep, but with no avail. No cradling or rocking would lull him back into his slumber. He's probably hungry or something, but you couldn't feed him here of all places—
He cried, loud and clear, and undoubtedly alerting the guards of your presence.
Two of them appeared.
Out of pure hopelessness, you fired your blaster aimlessly — missed twice, struck one guard straight in the chest. The ear-splitting sounds of blasting reverberated noisily throughout the dark alleys, effectively startling your baby and leading him to release a longer cry. But you couldn't do anything about that now. Your main focus was to rid of these guards and get the hell off this planet before more managed to locate you. As that guard collapsed lifelessly to the ground, the other took a menacing step forward. Once again, you threateningly pointed the barrel towards the guard and pulled the trigger. But nothing emerged from it — no bullet, no streak of light, no resounding sound.
Desperately, you pressured the trigger again, willing it to kriffing work already...
Nothing.
The ammo was depleted. Of course, the thought to refill his blaster these recent rotations hadn't even crossed Din's mind. Neither of you had expected to indulge in a fight anytime soon because you were both so wrapped up in the delight of having your baby healthy and alive. Still, you couldn't help but realize that you should've known to be prepared for absolutely anything. Until you were on that backwater planet Din promised, you weren't completely secure anywhere. Even less here on Tatooine.
Out of pure distress, you flung the object towards the guard's direction. It collided with a thud against the spotless armor plating his chest, before it collapsed to the ground, barely having an effect on him.
Now you're screwed.
You couldn't simply stand and run now. That would risk the guard shooting you on the spot, so it was much too late for that. Your only other option was stay put. You watched through your terror-filled eyes as the barrel of his malevolent blaster aimed straight for your head. Squeezing your eyes sealed closed, you allowed your tears to flow liberally down your cheeks while clutching the squirming, crying baby closer to your chest in a protective manner, unwilling to release your hold on him and hell-bent on safeguarding this innocent newborn. You inhaled that precious baby scent one final time, and accepted the fact that this were your last few minutes with him.
Blasted Corellian hells... why did this have to happen? You hadn't even decided on a name for him yet. And here you were — about to meet your Maker in a matter of seconds, leaving your son without a mother. At least it'd be a quick and painless death. Your only hope would be that Din would somehow obtain him back, but you weren't even certain whether the chance for him to do so would present itself.
The wails of your infant echoed through the otherwise silent alley. Just get it over with, was what you wanted to tell the guard. You waited. Waited for your inevitable demise for what seemed like an eternity.
Then, "Get up."
The phrase caught you off-guard. Hesitantly, you peeked through your lids and perceived the guard standing right in front of you, his blaster lowered and hands by his sides. The sight nearly caused you to sigh with immense alleviation, but you knew that something far worse was bound to follow after this. Immediately, you quietly comply to his orders, scared for your own life. Once you lifted yourself up, you could examine the guard's appearance — black hair, blue eyes, tanned skin. You swore you noticed a flash of... sympathy in those stone-cold features of his, though you weren't quite sure. Whatever that emotion was swiftly vanished entirely, before he urged you forward with an abrupt push of his hand.
He was going to return you to Rainoh, back to the person you wished to never see again. The mere thought of meeting up with the queen again repulsed you. But you needed to remain strong for your baby. Whatever was going to occur in the near future would never separate you from your newborn, and you were going to make certain of that.
Surprisingly enough, the guard led you to the hangar bay in which the Razor Crest resided. As you entered, you noticed three individual guards spread around the landing bay. One was keeping two familiar women in cuffs and under surveillance — Peli and Ninkri. The other was thoroughly inspecting the ship, likely for any signs of the Child or you. And the third was making his way towards you. "Princess," he acknowledged you with a nod. You didn't respond, only taking a step back only for the guard still gripping onto your arm to push you forward. "We will take you back to Rainoh, as the queen desires, but we must obtain the Child before we return. Where is it?"
His voice dripped with command and authority, indicating he was probably in higher ranks than the rest. You couldn't find the courage and strength to reply. Truthfully, you had no clue where he could be. Last time you checked, he was here in the Crest with Ninkri and waiting for you to return to head to Sorgan. At least this signified that Din had managed to grab ahold of the Child in time, before the Rainoians could. That was an immense weight lifted off your chest.
An unbearable tense silence enveloped the ambience. Then, "Take the baby. Cuff her."
The order was directed to the guard who'd brought you in.
Strangely enough, the black-haired guard wouldn't budge.
You peered over your shoulder, catching sight of those blue hues trained on the baby in your arms, who couldn't seem to calm down and stop his insistent wailing.
There was that flash of sympathy in his eyes again. Second thoughts. Yes, because how could he rip a delicate, defenseless five-day-old newborn away from his mother?
He couldn't.
And it happened in a rapid, abrupt flash.
You're pulled back behind your new ally in a protective manner just as blasts and threatening red streaks of light erupted. You're whirling around, back turned against all that commotion and holding your crying baby nearer to you. If one of the bullets reached you, at least this'll save his life.
Bodies thudded to the floor. Everything went silent. You weren't quite sure whether you wanted to turn around and face the aftermath of this shootout. But you did, you had to if you were going to escape this planet.
Slowly, you took hesitant steps to spin around. Your sight met with the backside of the guard who'd protected you, then the three guards he'd managed to kill off, and... Ninkri's lifeless form on the dusty floor. They'd... killed her. Killed her because she was a traitor to them, because they recognized what agony this would bring you. Your breath hitched in your throat, but you couldn't dwell on this any longer. You needed to take action, and quick. Ninkri will be remembered and never forgotten, you would make certain of that.
Your ally turned to face you, his expression filled with urgency. "Princess, I can't explain how sorry I am for all this— y-you need to leave before reinforcements arrive. I'll hold them back for you."
Your lips curled up in a grateful grin, before curtly nodding. "What's your name?"
"Myn... my name's Myn."
"Myn, thank you." Your gaze turned to Peli who had stepped forward. Even though she survived this, you couldn't help but feel terrible for bringing her into this abhorrent situation. "Get my friend out of her cuffs, please? Peli, where's the Child?"
"Mando came over straight before these guys paid me a visit and took the kid" she responded while Myn released the cuffs binding her wrists together. "I believe he's left to find you."
"Okay..." you released a frustrated breath, rocking your baby up and down in an attempt to calm him with no avail. "Peli, get out of here and get someplace safe temporarily. At least until they're gone, alright?"
The mechanic responded with a nod. She understood the seriousness of these circumstances so she immediately opted to leave, though before she turned she added, "Take care of the whomp rat for me! And remember, if it ever buds or divides or something, I'm willing to pay for its offspring!"
Her quip provided you with the strength to chuckle, even in your frustration. You watched as she rushed out the hangar's exit. Then, you turned to Myn. "I need to find the Mandalorian, did you see where he went?"
"No, listen, the best thing you can do right now is get off this planet. Once the queen heard you were in town, she sent a whole squadron of at least twenty of us. If you go searching for him, you'll likely get caught again."
"No— you don't understand, I need him with me—"
Rapid, approaching footsteps were heard outside the hangar.
"The— they're here, go!"
Blasted hells. You had no other option than to dash inside the Crest, lock up the ramp, set the unsatisfied baby in the makeshift hammock the Child normally slept in, and hastily climb the ladder to pilot the ship. But when you took your seat in the pilot's chair, you froze and were incapable of even starting up the ship.
You needed to get the hell out of here, off of Tatooine. Travel to Sorgan, like Din said. He'll catch up with you.
No matter how many times you repeated those words in your head, you couldn't seem to take action. You couldn't leave... not without making certain Din and the Child were alright. You couldn't imagine a life without that headstrong Mandalorian and his little green foundling, no matter how safe and far away you were from the queen's grasps.
Something was banging against the ship, trying to break in.
They're here.
The sounds of ear-splitting blasts filled your ears.
The ship vibrated violently with each attempt the guards made at penetrating the walls.
The muffled cries of your baby became louder.
Your chest constricted as if forbidding, metal bands were tightening them and preventing you from breathing properly. Anxiety and intense apprehension overwhelmed your emotions, causing tears to prick the edges of your eyes, and the blood completely draining from your face. You couldn't move, couldn't take action, not without having your cyare by your side. But you needed to. Or else you're risking your life, as well as placing your own baby's life on the line — the baby you swore to protect and sacrifice anything for him.
As you reached to power the Razor Crest on, you tried to ignore the violent trembles of your fingers. The engines beneath you revved powerfully, the two main thrusters lighting up with a whitish-blue light. All you needed to do was guide the ship out of the landing bay, exit Tatooine's atmosphere and send the ship into hyperspace.
But then you'd leave Din.
And if you didn't move from this spot, the guards would break in, take your vulnerable baby from the compartment.
You get to Sorgan, and I'll catch up with you soon after, alright?
You had to do this. No matter how much pain this'll put you through. It's for the best of your baby. Din said he'd find you again... right?
With an abrupt pull of the levers, you brought the ship up and out of the hangar. Dust clouds billowed up and restricted the guards' sight below. You could only hope that indulging in a dogfight wouldn't be necessary, because you weren't exactly the best at piloting. You'd learned the basics but that was it. No fancy or crazy tricks, nothing. You were completely vulnerable up here.
As the ship rapidly increases in altitude, you're forced to watch as the land and city below gradually became smaller and smaller.
Din's... gone.
What's even worse was you had no clue whether he were still alive, or if he'd been captured, or if he was still searching for you, or— or...
What if that was the last you'd see of him? What if you'd never see him again in your entire life?
What if the baby had to grown without his father?
And Ninkri...
She hadn't expected to die today, nobody had thought these events would occur. She'd died for you — she had betrayed Rainoh, the queen, the guards, just so she could see you and Din back together again. Hell, she's been disobeying the queen's orders since the very beginning when she helped you and Din sneak around the palace. And now she'd dead.
There's an awful pit in your stomach you couldn't rid of, and—
An alarm blared. Red lights flashed on the control panel.
Something's wrong.
There's a terrible turbulence, and a screen on the control panel indicated one of the ramps had been opened—
The ramp? The— the baby!
After a split second, the ramp shut closed. The alarm blaring thunderously in your ears ceased. The blinking red lights vanished.
There's shuffling downstairs, but you have no idea who, exactly, entered. And you're anxious to discover who had broken in, because you swore you had locked the ship so nobody could come inside.
But you couldn't head down. Not with the ship still needing your attention.
Only when the baby's insistent crying stopped did you take action.
Your heart plummeted down to your feet, eyes widened with fear that somebody had harmed your baby, a certain rage welling up deep in your chest. You needed to protect your baby, now. And so you set the ship on auto-pilot, feeling as the throttled beneath your fingers went completely stiff as the ship led itself up and out of Tatooine. Then you hastily hopped off the ladder, just about ready to attack anyone, to fight—
Din.
The sight of his beskar-clad figure, the jetpack attached to his back, the wide-awake newborn cradled gently in his arms as he stared up into his father's brown hues, caused a giant wave of alleviation to wash over you entirely. It was as if an immense weight had been lifted from your chest, finally allowing you to breath liberally and think properly.
The little bugger just wanted his dad the whole time. Only then had he stopped crying.
You couldn't help the laugh that escape your lips. Din's warm gaze met with you, and you couldn't hold yourself back when you raced towards them and enveloped them in an embrace, keeping in mind the baby between you two. One of Din's arms wrapped snugly around your waist and drew you in closer, his head lowering to place a chaste kiss on the top of your head. "I'm sorry for leaving you, Cyar'ika..." he whispered. You shook your head in response, about to open your mouth to answer when something tugged at your leg.
Your gaze dropped down, meeting with the small green Child who stood right besides Din's helmet on the floor, raising his grabby claws up towards you. You immediately brought him into your arms and smiled, genuinely. He flashed his baby teeth at you, mimicking your own wide grin and giggling with delight. Then, you pulled in closer to Din, placing your head on the side of his cuirass before closing your eyes shut and immersing yourself in the joy and relief of being back together and no longer separated.
Oh. It's... it's gonna be okay, isn't it?
You're safe. Din's safe. Your children are safe.
Your little family's gonna be just fine.
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Sorgan — probably the best decision you'd ever taken. How could you not enjoy this peaceful world? Especially after having gone through so much.
Everything about that planet was just pure beauty. The towering mountains, favorable climate, gorgeous landscapes, serene environment, and tranquil village was simply... perfect. It was perfect for your new life with your new family. No constant snowing or awful blizzards, no need to dress fancily, no need to fulfill your former duties any longer.
You couldn't ask for anything more. It was everything you'd ever wanted, and more.
The trepidation that the people there wouldn't accept you was quickly set aside once you'd arrived those few weeks back. The villagers welcomed you like their own family, and made sure that you and your new family were soon accommodated in a nice, suitable hut and provided with all the necessities you needed. It was definitely a change from Rainoh. A change you didn't mind at all. Weeks into your new life on Sorgan, you were already used to this simplicity of life. It was pure bliss to you. Now you could live tranquilly alongside Din and your baby together, with absolutely nothing to worry about. The queen couldn't so much as touch your baby here. Nobody would be capable of locating you.
But there was still one last objective before Din could remain with you on Sorgan, forever — take the Child to a Jedi.
It was a difficult decision. But it was what needed to be done. Over the weeks, you found yourself thinking of that little green womprat as one of your own offspring. He even grew to care for your baby. You recognized since the very beginning that Din would need to travel off-planet in search of the Jedi. But you'd been separated from each other so many times that it actually became quite... traumatic, you had to admit. Each time you wondered whether you would have a chance to so much as see him again. It was evident that you and Din, despite how much you'd prefer them to stay, would need to release the Child, one day.
Well, that day was today.
Both you and your Mandalorian were settled on your shared cot in the corner of your cozy hut, your baby wide-awake in his arms. His helmet had been removed minutes ago, for one final goodbye before he ultimately left to continue the quest he'd undertook by Creed.
"I promise this will be the last time I leave you. After I finish this quest... you won't have to say goodbye anymore." Those brown eyes were filled with nothing other then love for you as he stared into your own hues, before pulling you in closer for a quick but pleasant kiss. A pleasant sigh escaped your lips as you practically melted into him, then reluctantly drawing back from each other. You lifted your hand to gently cup his face, feeling the familiar stubble against your palm and fingers as you gaze into those chocolate hues you'd grown enamored with since first sight.
"It's alright, Din. I understand."
His gaze dropped towards the baby in his hands, the ghost of a smile on his lips. You could tell this whole mission was difficult for him — having to leave you again, only to have to leave the Child with a Jedi as well. But it was what was necessary, and was for the best of the Child. "I'll miss you Kun'ika. I'll be back soon." He leaned in, placing a kiss on the smiling baby's forehead. The baby giggled as the prickled of Din's growing beard and mustache tickled his softer, sensitive skin. Every passing day, your baby was beginning to appear plenty more like his father. Except for one feature — his eyes. Nope, he didn't have Din's eyes. He had yours.
"Take care of your buir for me, okay?" Din finally added.
And after Din had placed the helmet back over his head, you both exit the hut alongside each other. Then, you brought the Child who was waiting patiently outside into your welcoming arms. He was excited for this, you could tell by the thrilled glimmer in those big black eyes. You couldn't help the tears pricking the corners of your eyes, knowing this might possibly be the final time you'll have a chance to see this little green bean. Lifting a hand, you stroked one of those long ears before managing a brave smile for him. "Now you take care of your buir for me, alright? He can get himself in trouble really easily."
He giggled in response, as if understanding your words and flashed his baby teeth at you.
Your gaze directed itself towards Din, and you both exchanged your babies from your hands. The Child with Din, your baby with you. Din pulled you in to touch foreheads — a quick and final Keldabe kiss before he needed to depart from Sorgan. A crackle in his modulator indicated his unwilling sigh to leave you again. Then, "I'll see you again, soon. I promise I won't be too long."
You beamed at him, assuring him you'd be alright. "I know. I'll be waiting here for you." After pulling away, you offered him one last phrase: "I love you, Din."
You knew he was smiling underneath that black visor of his, and staring back at you with immense affection for you and your baby. "I love you, Cyar'ika."
Only then had he turned around, and you watched rather sadly as they tread towards the Razor Crest's direction. The familiar villagers crowding around, waving and shouting their own goodbyes towards the Child and the Mandalorian as they stepped inside the gunship a distance away from your hut.
Sure, he's leaving again... but at least now, you're confident with this. He'll return soon. This wasn't like before, when you weren't even certain whether you'd ever see him again. Now, he'll come back to Sorgan, and ultimately, you'll live a long, pleasing, fulfilling life alongside the new light of your lives: Kuna Djarin.
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