𝔅ombshell, six—captured.

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Something had gone awry when you didn't return to the Razor Crest.

"I'll be back in the evening, right before you leave."

Those were your exact words. Din could never forget the way you beamed at him precisely before exiting the ship — that captivating, gorgeous smile that softened him, made him long for the next chance he'd be able to see you again. Yet as the time passed, gentle evening light turning into a starry dark night, he couldn't help the concern creeping up into the back of his mind.

Perhaps the queen had prevented you to leave the palace. Maybe she found out about your little visits. Which led Din to step outside frequently, stealing a glance up towards your balcony in case you were there.

Nothing.

Not even once had you appeared. If the queen truly had compelled you to remain in the palace, you would've found a way to grab his attention from the balcony. So that was crossed off the list of worries he had. Another possibility could be that you had simply... changed your mind. Maybe you didn't want one final goodbye, make it less painful on the both of you. Or perhaps you just... didn't care anymore?

Whatever scenario that came to mind was much preferable than the largest fear he pondered over  — that something had occurred to you. Either on your way back to the palace, or heading back to the Crest, something terrible could've happened. But he had to shake the painful thoughts of his head, because it wasn't possible. Rainoh was littered with guards in every corner, especially after the rough history the planet held with murders. It would've been almost impossible for any harm to come to you. Still, the apprehension remained glued to his thoughts. If only he had at least walked you to the gates of the palace, he'd be as tormented with these anxieties as he was now. But with how preoccupied he was with the Child at that moment, the act hadn't even crossed his mind.

Unfortunately, he couldn't remain on Rainoh any longer. He had already extended his stay here by a couple hours, and with the ship's repairs complete he couldn't risk anyone suspecting the reason behind his lengthy visit. It would certainly bring unnecessary complications, and that was the last thing he needed. Not to mention he needed to continue his quest — search for the Jedi. Ahsoka Tano, as the supposed Mandalorian had mentioned back on Trask, located at the forest planet of Corvus. Complete his assigned task, leave the Child there, and... well, he wasn't exactly sure where he'd go afterwards. Bounty hunting, most likely. He always imagined he 'd return to you to spend some much-deserved time with you, but with everything that's happened... it was not longer possible. The fantasy had to be wiped from his mind completely.

One final time, the Mandalorian took a glimpse towards your balcony. No sign of you anywhere. With a defeated sigh, he knew it was time to depart. Entering the ship and closing the ramp behind him, he picked up the Child who waddled towards him with this stubby, green hands raised at him. He climbed up the ladder which led to the cockpit, placing the baby in the right-hand passenger seat.

"Time to go, kid." His voice dripped with a certain gloominess he wouldn't let just anyone hear. For two reasons — having to give the Child away, and having to leave without having the opportunity to see you again. Last night was possibly the last time he'd ever be able to see you... he had received more than he had ever imagined he would. He had the chance to hold you within his arms, feel his lips against your own, caress your perfectly soft features with his hands, and even feel the baby you carried move around from your womb... the baby he would've raised as his own if given the freedom.

It was heavenly.

But some things simply couldn't last forever.

And so after strapping the Child securely to the seat, Din lifted himself up and reluctantly took his place in the pilot's seat. With a flick of a few switches, the Razor Crest powered on — thrusters working, engines revving below, the ship functioned beautifully. The repairmen on Rainoh were substantially advanced in comparison to the ones on Trask. They hadn't even bothered to repair the ship completely, even with the amount of credits he offered them.

His gloved hands grasped the levers on the control panel. With a mere pull, he'd be up in the air and soon after traveling rapidly through hyperspace. But he didn't move. His hands remained in place. The black visor stared ahead a the palace, towards the balcony. Memories flashed through his mind, when he would catch sight of you up there, waiting for him to arrive with a bright smile plastered all over your face. How he couldn't wait to see you, kiss, touch, feel you as soon as he landed on the icy planet.

"Damn it."

Fingers curling tighter around the levers, he released a frustrated puff of breath.

Just. Do. It.

Images of you invaded his thoughts, consuming him entirely — from the blissful moments, to intimate times, to tense situations, and— oh, when he first met you. With a couple visits and swift conversations, he was already enamored by you, and... damn, he couldn't get you out of his brain, the thought of you in danger, suffering, your baby at risk, the baby he could've raised... He couldn't— he...

He couldn't leave.

Not without being completely certain that you were alright.

Despite knowing utterly well that the idea wasn't exactly appropriate, he decided to head to the palace. He needed to make sure you were fine, or else he'd live the rest of his life in guilt. While he stood and unstrapped the Child from his seat, he tilted his head with a sort of confusion etching his features as he was brought into the Mandalorian's arms.

"Sorry, kid. Need to take care of something first." After placing the baby back in the compartment, and leaving blankets available for him in case the old heater were to fail again, he stepped back and pointed authoritatively at him. "Stay. Got it?"

He only received a giggle in response.

Closing up the compartment, Din lowered the ramp, only for his gaze to met with a couple of familiar Rainoian guards. Their beige coats flowed over their white armored figures, weapons secured in their grasps as they stepped forward. Din stood expectantly at the entrance of his ship, awaiting for whatever purpose they had here to be revealed.

"The queen has requested the princess' presence," the first guard stated, a command audible in his tone.

A terrible feeling sunk into the pit of his stomach, the dread he refused to show taking over his emotions even further. The queen shouldn't be requesting your presence if you were at the in the safety of your quarters.

You were at the palace... right?

That's what he wanted to believe. He so desperately wanted to convince himself that you were in the protection of your chambers, but the fact seemed pretty distant right about now.

"She's at the palace."

The second guard spoke up. "Not according to the queen. She hasn't seen her the entire day, and her immediate conclusion was that she came here."

"I don't know what you're talking about. She's not here."

The two guards stepped onto the ramp, their objective seemingly was to enter the ship. The Mandalorian, though, didn't allow it and stepped in front of them to block their path.

"Step aside, Mandalorian."

The beskar-clad man wouldn't back off as he towered over the guards, his hand involuntarily sliding to his holster out of pure instinct. The intruders stood their ground, without cowering away from the Mandalorian who could kill them both in the blink of an eye. Though he knew that wouldn't be the correct decision. Instead, it would cause more problems than he already has. His next words he made sure to lace them with a low, threatening tone. "I thought I already told you — she's not here."

"Then let us see for ourselves."

They shoved him aside, and solely because he allowed them to. Or else blaster fire aimed right through their unprotected heads would've been the first thing they felt upon entering the Crest. He was extremely tempted to do so. His fists clenched by his sides as he watched them rummage around the ship, through the hull, fresher, cockpit. They found absolutely nothing — just as he told them. 

But there was one spot they hadn't checked yet. He hoped they wouldn't attempt to search through there, but when one of them stared at the hatch of the compartment for too long, Din instantly stepped between the guard and the cot. The intruder lifted a finger to open it up, only for Din to grasp his wrist and bring it down with a noticeable hostility.

"What's in there?"

"None of your concern."

Suddenly, the compartment door slid open, revealing the curious child, tilting his head at the strange newcomers. Din caught sight of the second guard's hand, who had pushed the button without his permission. Underneath the helmet, he clenched his jaw at their intrusions — he wanted nothing more than to shoo them out of the ship already, though he kept himself contained.

"What is that?"

"A pet?"

The Child, sensing Din's unease, seemed to step back at the sight of the intimidating guards. It was very unlike when Din had introduced the baby to you — he was curious to see you. Instead, the baby held an uncertain look in his expression as his ears flattened.

"Something like that." Din shut the compartment closed using the vambrace on his arm. "I don't appreciate you searching for my personal belongings. As you can see, the princess isn't here. I don't know where she is."

And that's what terrified him. The thought of having no clue whatsoever as to where the hell you were, the alarm enveloped him and pushed him down. He couldn't shake off what he chose to conceal in front of these guards right now.  If the queen didn't know where you could possibly be, then something happened. Something awful.

They visibly hesitated for a moment, standing there as they weighed out their options. Without saying another word, they turned and exit the ship.

An exasperated breath escaped his lips. If they recognized his story with the foundling, that would bring him unwanted trouble. But right now, he didn't care. Not at all. Not when you were the only thing on his mind. And so without thinking whatsoever, he left the ship, out into the windy, snowy, open air of Rainoh, and headed towards the palace. He needed to know at least something, from the queen, whoever. It didn't matter — as long as you were safe, he would depart. That's all he needed.

To his surprise, the palace's gates opened without his appeal. Though when he met with the furious expression of the queen treading through the gates, it started to make sense. She was about to head to the landing bay in search of him. Din froze in his spot, allowing the vexed queen to step towards him.

"I suppose you know I've been looking for the princess, Mandalorian." She crossed her arms, eyebrows creased and glaring right into his black visor.

"Where is she?" A hint of desperation he hadn't meant to reveal escapes his lips, though he hoped the vocodor of his helmet had concealed it enough.

"Shouldn't you know?" Her eyes narrowed, practically boring holes into his helmet as if her secret superpower was laser vision. Din didn't back down at her attempt in threaten and discourage him into leaving Rainoh. He wasn't going to give her that satisfaction.

"She's not at my ship," he growled. His jaw clenched, stance only dictating the lividness taking over his emotions. "Your guards already messed around there. They didn't find anything."

She raised a brow, "But she's been there, hasn't she?"

Even through the quietude that took over when he refused to respond, the answer was loud and clear. The air tensed, both of them sharing the same rage though for different obvious reasons. Chuckling tauntingly, she took another stride closer. "Oh, Mandalorian. I've got eyes everywhere. I'm constantly alerted of where she goes, where she's at, where she spends the night.." Her eyes hardened even more as she paused for a split second. "Last I heard, she was at your ship. No need to hide it any longer."

He sighed, barely audible through the violent breeze rushing against him, sweeping the cape over his jetpack from side to side. "She's been there a few times," he finally admitted after a moment of silence. "But I assure you she's not at my ship. She told me she was heading back to the palace. It's been... a while since then. Much too long."

Sucking in a sharp breath, she remained pensive, seemingly measuring the decisions that needed to be made urgently. "Very well, then. I believe you, Mandalorian. I'll send a few search parties for her. I highly doubt she could've gone far, she's most likely still on the planet... they should be able to locate her. Unless, of course, something far worse than I originally thought has happened."

That... didn't exactly help him feel better about this whole situation.

"What can I do to help?"

"Nothing, I suppose. I'll alert you of anything, but I believe we can handle this perfectly fine."

With a hesitant nod, he spun to leave, only for his gaze to meet with the prince of Tasseth. Declros, who marched with distress etching his features, paid no attention to the Mandalorian in his path, simply lightly pushing him aside with his shoulders and towards the queen. Din whirled around at his bitter action, though it seemed the only thing on the prince's mind was, supposedly, 'you.'

He rambled on about he had 'gotten here as fast as I could' and how he was 'oh, so worried about the princess.' Din only scowled, rolling his eyes underneath the helmet before spinning back towards the direction of the landing bay, not even bothering to engage in their conversation. 

Call him jealous or what, but Din knew the prince didn't deserve you at all. Neither had you deserved to go through a forced marriage, have a child with him. No. What you merit was literally everything you could ever desire in the galaxy. Especially after everything you've been through. Din was willing to do it all — anything for you and the baby you carried. Even remove his helmet, if that meant you would come with him to the designated planet he'd promised to take you, so you could live peacefully and bring your baby into the world in a tranquil place.

He'd risk it all for you, break his Creed, anything. For you, Cyar'ika...

That's what he was determined to do if he ever found you again. When he found you. He will.

Din loved you. You loved him. The fact alone caused his heart to rejoice, only for it to be shattered into a million pieces at the thought of you in anguish at this very moment.

Once returning to the Crest, he rested himself onto one of the crates with a heavy sigh. The exact spot where you sat there besides him, as he told you everything about his little adventures with the new foundling under his care. When he had offered you an escape from all this, to a safe-haven, live a life you earned after all the hardships you should've never gone through.

A dull ache dominated his head due to the constant overthinking, chest falling heavy and at the thought of you in misery... what if someone had gotten ahold of you? What if you had fallen into the hands of someone abusing you, harming your unborn baby, and possibly... causing you to lose you to lose it? What if— what if...

What if this was his fault?

If you had remained in the security of the palace, this wouldn't have occurred to you. It was his fault. For asking you to come over, stay the night, and now you were gone... because of him. He could never forgive himself for everything he's caused. Guilt was what he'd hold close to him for the rest of his life, for doing this to you.

No matter his helpless attempts to keep himself contained, he couldn't prevent the tears streaming freely from his eyes, dropping down his cheeks, and eventually wetting the fabric of the cape around his neck. Now in the solitude of the ship, he couldn't control it any longer. He wasn't even able to wipe his own tears off.

"I'm... sorry... Cyar'ika..."

His faint, heart-broken whisper only meant for his ears revealed a quiver in his voice he hadn't meant to reveal. Leaning forward, he placed his elbows on his thighs and closed his eyes, squeezed them tight, allowed every single tear to fall drop liberally. His chest tightened, felt like he couldn't breath, he couldn't... breath. Hands grasping his smooth helmet covering his face, he was desperate to remove it, toss it away, as if that would make him feel any better. But he couldn't without risking the Child seeing his face, and...

Oh, the Child.

Lifting his gaze, he realized the kid had gotten out of the compartment without his consent, now heading towards the Mandalorian with one of his plushy toy's clasped between his little claws. He wanted to play. Only, Din wasn't in the mood. Not at all. Not when the only thing on his mind was you. With a sniffle, Din raised his head to acknowledge the presence of the Child standing directly in front of him, lifting the toy at him and offering a game.

Din shook his head, inclining himself backwards until his shoulders rested on the wall behind him. "Not right now."

There was a shuffling sound as the Child climbed upon the crate, continuing to insist as he placed the toy on Din's lap.

"Kid! I'm not in the—"

He froze. He couldn't snap at the poor baby... He only wanted to play, he just...

Oh.

He was trying to cheer him up.

Tilting his head, the Child portrayed a somber, saddened expression on his big black eyes as if asking 'what's wrong?' Even without seeing Din's face, the Child seemed to sense his grief, misery, heartache. His only desire was to comfort his father. Though being a kid, his immediate solution was 'playtime!' because that's what always worked out for him. Apparently, not how you console a grown Mandalorian distressed over the woman he loved.

Tossing the toy aside, he brought the Child onto his lap. His claws held onto Din's fingers tightly as his eyes remained solely on the dark, unreadable visor. "I'm sorry." Eyes watering even further, his vision blurred to the point that he could barely perceive the green baby in front of him. "I just... miss her."

Anyone would've called him crazy if they caught Din talking to a child. But it was almost as if he understood. Maybe he did, who knows? A little three-fingered hand lifted, placing itself onto the ridge of his visor as if it was an attempt to reassure him. While his anxieties didn't exactly vanish completely, he had to admit it was endearing to know the Child cared for him so much that he didn't want him to suffer... What made it worse was that he was going to leave him anyway.

Everyone was disappearing from his life. Before the Child, he had the covert, the foundlings, you... now, he has none of them. After the Child was dropped off with the Jedi, he'd be ultimately alone. Of course, he had been before but this was a different type of alone. Having nobody or nothing to return to after a grueling hunt was... unnerving. He was supposed to be coming back to you, the love of his life, but—

A banging on the ship caught his attention.

Din instantly concluded that it was the queen, perhaps bringing some news about you. Swiftly, he returned the Child back in his compartment for what seemed like the hundredth time, before shutting it close. Poor kid spent way too much time in that cot, but he obeyed every single time without any protests or tantrums. 

Composing himself, he attempted to pretend like he hadn't had a minor breakdown minutes previously. Hope spiraled in his chest when he lowered the ramp to reveal the queen, anticipating that she had some sort of clue as to what  happened to you. Good news, hopefully...

But upon noting that instead of her face contorted with anger, it was a certain sorrow that took over, his heart dropped. The terrible pit in his stomach worsened with each passing second, and it took all his strength to depart from the ship and step off the ramp into the open.

"There's..." she paused for a split second before continuing. "—something you should see."

After walking through the streets and entering the palace, the queen led him towards what seemed like a security lodge. A section of the palace he had never visited, and he doubted you had either. Screens and holos displayed everywhere, filling the entire room. Along with occupied workers dashing around, speaking into their comms unit as they involved themselves in their assigned work. The queen wasn't bluffing when she said she had eyes everywhere. Each screen exhibited live videos of separate sectors in the palace. Even places outside, such as... the landing bay, where the Razor Crest currently remained.

If she had been watching the entire time, he had no idea how she even allowed you to continue visiting. It didn't exactly add up, but those thoughts were quickly interrupted when the queen began rewinding the monitor which demonstrated his ship.

You were exiting the Crest, with that breath-taking smile still present on your soft features.

But then someone appeared off-camera, grabbing ahold of you from behind.

A Stormtrooper.

The way the trooper handled you with such aggressiveness and hostility made the blood in his veins boil, jaw clenching underneath the helmet, and fists squeeze by his sides. Din took a step closer to the screen, as if he could leap into the scenario and protect you from your assailant. He couldn't believe the danger had been right there, mere feet away from the ship. The trooper was right there awaiting you, and Din hadn't done anything to save you when he could.

He failed to keep you away from the grasps of the Empire, and it was all because of him. Moff Gideon lived and he would effectively do anything, even bring harm to a pregnant woman, if that meant he could get his hands on the Child. But Din couldn't think about that — the only thing on his mind was that he had failed you. Maybe if he hadn't returned to Rainoh, this never would've happened to you. In this moment, Din realized all he's caused here was unnecessary trouble. 

And when you suddenly go limp into the arms of the trooper absolutely shattered his heart. Then you were dragged away, off-sight, and— and...

Declros?

In the corner of the screen he caught sight of the prince of Tasseth, watching the entire time. Din was him too preoccupied and focused on you to even notice him.

The prince alerted then Moff Gideon of Din's presence on Rainoh. He was in allegiance  to the Empire. To get rid of him.

It took all his might to contain himself and not barge out through the doors in search of the prince, willing to kill him directly on sight. He was seething, enraged, furious, he couldn't think straight anymore—

"I had no clue Declros formed an alliance with the Empire," the queen interrupted his pensive state. Din turned, his dark visor remaining plain and unreadable but underneath the helmet he was simmering with exasperation, glaring at the queen because she also had fault in all this. "Whether he had done so since the beginning or if it were only recently, I'm afraid I don't know. I'm not even sure why he did this..."

Din was unable to form a single coherent sentence, only spinning towards the exit.

"Where are you going?"

He froze in spot for a split second, helmet slightly turning to peer over his shoulder. "Where's the prince?"

"He's heading to his ship right now, heading towards the second landing bay further north."

"Let me handle this," he growled.

And with that, he left, hastily rushing through the grand halls of the palace, out of the gates, into the streets, and eventually entering the ship's hangar. Just in time, it seemed, because the ramp of the ship was slowly lifting itself. Without any hesitation whatsoever, he broke into a sprint and entered the ship as quietly as possible.

For a split second, his mind wandered back to the Child. Din had no idea how long he'd be gone for this — he was going to be left alone for an extended amount of time.

What a father you are, Djarin.

But he couldn't dwell too much on that now — he could only think of you and that's it.

It didn't take long to locate the cockpit with the ship being so compact. Blaster secure in hand, he entered the pit where he spotted the man he so despised sitting in the pilot's chair and bringing the ship up into the air. Lifting his blaster, he pressed the barrel to the prince's temple, watching as he visibly tensed, without daring to move a single muscle.

"Where is the princess," Din growled, his deeply-distorted voice holding more intimidation and anger than ever.

"I-I-I know where she is, just... j-just get the blaster out of my face."

The intense fear in his tone brought satisfaction to him. He deserved it after what he'd done to you. With no mercy whatsoever, he found himself returning to that ruthless Mandalorian he was in his dark past, before you or the Child had even wiggled into his life. Digging the icy, rigid barrel of the blaster deeper into the side of his face, he made sure his next words were cold and commanding.

"Take me to her. Now."

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