Alright y'all, before we get started I just want to let you know, dxn_djarxn decided to start and be the president of the Firaxa Fan Club first, so good job XD Who wants to join?

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Chapter 1: The Mandalorian (Part 5)

Mando removed his hand from my back once we stepped outside, making me release a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

He stood beside me as he glanced around the marketplace, his eyes scanning the crowds as I looked down at the block of Beskar in my palm, running my thumb along it once before slipping it into a pouch on my belt.

Turning my head to look at Mando, I opened my mouth to speak. "We should stop at the covert before we leave for the hunt."

I wanted to donate my payment and restock on weapons, not to mention see how things were running there.

Mando looked down at me with a nod.

"Sounds good."

I nodded back in response, looking down before heading towards our Tribes covert. He followed and we weaved through the crowded marketplace, walking side by side.

Occasionally there wasn't enough room in our path to do so however, so he usually ended up behind me.

When we reached the Tribes hidden camp, he had ended up in front of me, and held the curtain back for me to enter as he scanned for danger.

I gave him a small nod of thanks, stepping in and descending down the stairs, Mando right behind me, the heavy thud of his boots and our weapons clinking being the only noise.

The noise increased as we stepped into the main hall.

I felt a since of relief and pride rush over me as I entered.

This was home.

Tribemates greeted me with nods that I returned as I headed towards the forging quarters of the Armorer.

A couple of Foundlings ran past us, giggling, and I smiled.

All around people were doing their duties, stopping briefly to watch us come in and greet us before refocusing on their tasks. Some were cleaning armor or weapons, others were playing games of strategy, and a few were placing bets on who would win.

I could hear the sound of blaster fire and the shouting of Mandalorians training Foundlings in the distance, and my smile grew as I reached the Forging Quarters.

Heat rushed over me from the multiple blue open flames that were used to heat Beskar to the scalding temperatures necessary to melt it.

I stepped over to the small table in the front of the room, sitting on one of the low stools as it was the proper way to offer something to the Armorer.

Mando sat beside me, and we exchanged no words as our eyes followed her.

This was a sacred place.

Conversation could wait.

The Armorer set aside her work and came over to us, sitting across from us with nods of greeting being the only communication between us.

I glanced down at my belt, removing the pouch of credits from Karga and offering it to her. Mando offered his credits as well, the Calamari Flan, as I slowly took out my block of Beskar, setting that down too.

He did the same, and the Armorer stared down at it for a second before slowly reaching out and grabbing his, running her thumb along it like I already had so many times.

"This was gathered in the Great Purge." She told us, her voice strong, conflicting with the pain of grief that sliced right through my heart.

She turned the brick over, examining the back. "It is good it is back with the Tribe."

"Yes." Mando agreed, and I gave a firm nod.

She studied it for a few more seconds before looking up, glancing between the two of us.

"A pauldron would be in order."

Mando nodded once and I grinned.

He was hiding it very well, but just from the twitching of his fingers on his knees and the small jerks of his head, I could tell he was containing excitement.

"Has your signet been revealed?" She asked him, tilting her head ever so slightly.

"Not yet." He responded, disappointment in his tone.

"Soon." She reassured him, turning her head to look at me. "A pauldron for you as well?" She asked, nodding to my brick.

"I'm afraid not." I answered with a respectful dip of my helmet. "My armor holds much integrity still, so I have no need or desire for a new one."

Mando watched me as I spoke, and I glanced at him as the Armorer spoke again. "I understand. Is there anything you desire, then?"

I thought for a moment, before wrapping my fingers around the hilt of my knife that was strapped to my calf.

"May I?" I questioned, looking back up at her for confirmation that I could draw a weapon in her sacred quarters.

She nodded, and I unsheathed my knife, holding it up for her to see.

"My blade is dulled and weakened from many years of use." I explained, turning it in the light so she could see.

She hummed, holding out her hand. I gave it to her, and she inspected I closer before setting it on the table.

"I will craft you a better one that will last you many more years to come."

I nodded in agreement, looking at her.

"And the access will go to the Foundlings." I stated, pushing the brick towards her.

"Of course, for they are our future." She replied, nodding to me.

"This is the way." I told her, smiling slightly and giving her a respectful bow of my head.

"This is the way." She repeated, bowing her helmet in return.

Mando turned to face me, bowing as well.

"This is the way." He said softly, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I bit my lip, thankful for the helmet to hide it as I faced the Armorer again.

"I will begin crafting." She stated, carefully grabbing the bricks and my knife. She turned without another word, and began to work.

I watched her for a few moments, her fluid movements enchanting me as the Beskar was melted down, before I stood as well, turning towards the door.

Mando stood up, quickly grabbing my wrist to stop me.

I stared down at his hand before he awkwardly let go, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sorry. Where are you going?" He asked, staring at the ground in embarrassment before looking back up at me.

I glanced at the Armorer before looking back at him with a small sigh.

"I'm going to restock on weapons before we leave for the hunt." I explained, placing one hand on my hip and gesturing to my almost empty utility belt with the other.

I wanted to make sure I was well prepared for it, as I wasn't exactly sure what to expect.

He stepped closer to me, leaning down slightly and lowering his voice. "You don't want to watch?" He uttered quietly, glancing to the Armorer to see if she had overheard, almost as if he was embarrassed to ask.

I cast her a quick glance too, before looking at him again.

"I've watched her work many times." I explained with a soft sigh. "While it is fascinating, so is being prepared for your bounty hunt."

"Oh." He murmured, almost sounding disappointed.

I shrugged away the thought, straightening up.

"I'll be back before she finishes. If not, ask for me. The others will know who I am."

I turned to leave once more, but Mando stopped me again.

"Wait."

"What?" I questioned, staring to get a little annoyed.

I turned to face him again, and he stepped even closer, looking down at me.

"How do I ask where you are if I don't know who I'm asking for?" He whispered, his smooth, husky voice rumbling deep in his chest as he tilted his head down at me.

I raised my chin, my eyes flicking up and down his figure as I made eye contact. He wasn't that much taller then me, only by a couple of inches, but I still wasn't used to being this close to a man, so it made me slightly uneasy.

"Are you asking for my name?" I questioned in response, raising a brow at him.

We both spoke in hushed tones as we tried not to distract the Armorer from her work.

"Y-yes.." He stuttered, gulping nervously.

Why was he suddenly nervous?

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." He added, and I immediately knew where he was coming from.

The name of a Mandalorian was a sacred secret, it want just thrown around. I felt my respect for him grow, touched slightly about how he cared, instead of demanding it.

I allowed a small smile to grace my lips as I looked up at him, shrugging lightly. "Depends on who's asking." I responded.

He nodded to me, and I could tell he was smiling a bit.

"Din." He told me, holding out his hand. "My names Din Djarin."

I smiled warmly, gripping his forearm in the Traditional Mandalorian greeting.

"Firaxa Krast." I commented in return, sliding my hand down his forearm to properly shake his hand.

'Din.' I thought, humming lightly. I liked it, it was a nice name, a strong one, like mine.

"Firaxa," He repeated, and I felt another fluttering in my belly as my name rolled off his tongue.

He sounded like he wanted to say more, but he didn't.

I released his hand, stepping back as I felt the lightest blush dust across my cheekbones.

"Yes." I assured him with a nod. "Just ask for me. If not, I'll meet you back here."

"Alright." He nodded, and I turned away again, walking out of the Forging Quarters and into the main hall, heading for the Tribes Armory.

Luckily it wasn't far, and I stepped in.

Rows upon rows of weapons were stacked along the walls, everything from heavy-calvary blasters to detonator bombs. Every weapon was sorted by type, and from there size and strength. Anything used for killing was there, right at my disposal.

I loved the Armory almost as much as I loved my ship, and I smiled softly as I spotted another member from my Founding platoon looking through the throwing knives.

His name was Dax Zarco, and had always been a close friend of mine.

He looked up as I came in, setting down the knife he'd been examining as I walked over to him.

"Hey Krast."

"Hey Zarco." I greeted him, clapping him on the shoulder plate. He laughed and I picked up the knife he had just put down.

"Who pissed you off now?" I teased, running a thumb over the blade.

He grabbed another, inspecting that one too. "No one this time, Firaxa. All though I'm ready to slice off Paz' tongue if he brags about that new blaster he just bought one more time."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes as memories of his bragging came up in my mind. "I'm afraid I have to side with you on that one."

Dax chuckled, shaking his head slightly as he picked up another knife.

"I'm about to teach my platoon throwing knives. I was looking for a good one to demonstrate with." He explained, turning it over in the light before humming in satisfaction and holding it out for me to test. "What do you think?"

I took it from him after setting down the first one, testing its weight, flipping it in the air a couple of times before throwing it at one of the many abused testing targets set up along one wall.

It landed dead center, and Dax hummed in approval as I leaned back on the table.

"It's dull. Other than that, the balance and weight are perfect. Sharpen it up and you'll be good to go, soldier."

Dax grinned, crossing his arms over his curass. "Sergeant, Firaxa. We're not Foundlings anymore." He snorted, giving me a mock salute as he reminded me of his rank now.

When we were Foundlings, I had been the Officer of my platoon, the leader of all thirty of us in my age group.

We had all grown up together, fought together, trained together, and we were older, I had led them into battles of war.

I had quickly advanced in rank and so had others.

I had been granted the rank of General, commanding several platoons along with my original one, and we were like family.

The guilt and grief still hung heavy in my heart as I remembered those who had died under my command.

The Night of a Thousand Tears had not been my fault.

There was nothing I could do to save them.

But still, the memories kept me awake for long hours into the night. The fact that even though I did everything I could to die alongside my brothers and sisters by the creed, here I was.

I survived. And sometimes I hated myself for it.

After the war, we had all kept our ranks, and Dax had been appointed the Sargent of his very own Foundling platoon.

He hadn't chosen an Officer yet, and I occasionally helped him train his platoon.

"Alright Sarge. But that'll be General Krast to you." I teased back, my voice filled with mock authority.

Dax went into the position of attention, saluting me again.

"Yes General!" He announced seriously, but I could hear the amusement in his tone.

I laughed and shook my head.

"At ease, soldier." I commanded, patting his shoulder as I walked past him, yanking the blade out of the target.

I flipped it over to him and he caught it, sheathing it in an empty sheath on his vambrace.

"Thanks."

"Anytime, Dax." I responded, returning the traditional handshake he offered.

"Now, what are you here for?" He asked me, placing his hands on his hips as he looked down at me with his visored gaze. "Any new hunts?"

"Yes actually." I sighed, pulling put my blaster and placing a hand on my hip as I showed him how it needed to be polished, turning it over in the dim lighting. "I came to restock."

He nodded in understanding, gesturing to me. "Mind if I join you? I can help you find what you need."

I hesitated for a few seconds before I replied. I didn't need his help, and he knew that, which ment he was making excuses to stay with me.

I needed to hurry up and get back to Din, but Dax was my friend, my ally.

He was the closest thing I had to a brother, and everyone knew we were close.

There had been rumors of us being something more going around for years, and even though I loved him, it wasn't like that.

I let out a small sigh, but nodded. "Sure, we'll just have to be quick. I have to hurry and meet somebody for my next hunt."

Dax leaned forward slightly in surprise.

"You, of all people, took a partner job?" He exclaimed, shaking his head with a snicker.

I rolled my eyes and stuffed my blaster back in its holster, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Yes, yes, so what? I'm serious, I need to hurry, he's waiting for me." I muttered, turning away and heading over to the miniature bombs and detonators.

He followed me, poking the back of my shoulder. "He? Oooh, who's the lucky man?"

"Dax!" I hissed, whipping around to face him as a slight blush spread over my cheeks. "Shut up."

He chuckled, grabbing a detonator and tossing it at me.

"Who is it? Is he Mandorian?" He asked, cocking his head at me as I caught the detonator in my hand.

I sighed deeply, looking at the detonator before clicking it in my belt. "Yes, he's one of us. And stop jumping to conclusions, Zarco, I hardly know anything about him, other than his name."

Dax perked up at this, raising a hidden brow at me and crossing his arms.

"Conclusions, my ass. You already know his name, for kriff's sake!" He snickered, shrugging at me.

"I-It's not like that!" I sputtered in disbelief, holding my hands up in surrender. "Its so we're not calling each other 'Mando' the whole time! You know how awkward that would be?"

He just chuckled under his breath, shaking his head slowly.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes, quickly restocking on the supplies I needed.

Dax thankfully kept his mouth shut about the topic for the rest of the time, choosing instead to update me on his platoons progress.

I listened and nodded along, but I frequently found my thoughts wandering to Din, much to my surprise and disappointment.

Once I was satisfied with the amounts of ammo and deadly weapons covering  my armored body, I turned back to Dax.

"Thanks for listening to me." He said sincerely, staring at his boots.

He wanted to say more.

I had known him my whole life, and I could tell he was holding something back.

I smiled softly, beckoning him forward. He stepped towards me and I pulled him into a quick hug.

He hugged me tightly in return before he reluctantly let me go.

I would miss my friend, and I knew he would miss me too, we were both just to prideful to admit it.

"Stay safe. And if that guy bothers you, come get me. I'll take care of him." He promised, though there was a light mockingness in his words.

He knew I could take care of myself, but it was nice to know he cared.

"I will." I reassured him with a firm nod.

I went to the exit, turning one last time to look at him with a smile.

"See you 'round, Sarge." I remarked, giving him a lazy two fingered salute.

He returned the gesture and gave me a nod. "Looking forward to it, General."

I smiled softly again, before I headed out of the Armory and back to the Forging Quarters, just on time as it appeared.

The Armorer attached Din's new paldron in place and nodded in satisfaction.

Din slowly stood, nodding to her. "Thank you."

The Armorer simply nodded in return, turning away and back to a small table, grabbing something and beckoning me forward from where I watched in the doorway.

I stepped forward and she slowly walked towards me with my new Beskar knife, placing it in my outstretched hands.

I stared down at it in absolute awe.

This would definitely be the best knife I ever had ever owned, and everything about it was perfect, from the balance to the shape of the blade.

"Thank you Armorer." I breathed, finally looking back up at her, a huge grin spreading over my hidden face.

"Your welcome." She replied, stepping back and turning back to her work without another word.

I looked back down at the knife in my hand, the handle nestling perfectly in my palm to give me a strong grip.

It shined like a star and the edge of the blade gleamed wickedly, ready to cut through almost anything.

I loved it already.

I admired it for a few more seconds before I sheathed it back in its sheath on my calf, straightening up and turning to Din, who was watching me, his expression hidden behind his visor.

"Ready?" I asked him, raising a brow as I placed my hands on my hips.

"Yes." He replied. "But who's ship are we taking?"

I shrugged, starting to walk away. "Mine of course."

"What?" Din asked, jogging to catch up with me before matching my pace with his long strides as we headed for the entrance stairway. "Why not mine?"

I scoffed at that, rolling my eyes. "Because I have a good feeling mines better."

"I don't think so." He retorted as we headed up the stairs.

"Why's that?" I snorted, ready to defend my ship. "What do you even have?"

He hesitated, glancing over at me before fixing his gaze forward as we weaved through the crowds.

"A Razorcrest." He muttered, making me freeze in my tracks.

"A Razorcrest?" I echoed in disbelief, shaking my head. "You want to take a Razorcrest over my stealth ship, Supernova, on the priceless bounty hunt?"

I resumed walking by his side as we headed towards the shipyards.

"Yeah." He answered back, shrugging. "We can stay off the radar with mine, its pre-Empire, so it's not registered."

"But mines a stealth ship. She has a cloaking device that could come in handy, and shes quick too." I explained as I glanced up at him.

He sighed deeply, his muscular chest puffing up and deflating as his shoulders sagged slightly.

"The Crest will draw less attention. That's what we want, right?" He responded, glancing back at me.

It was my turn to hesitate as I realized he was right.

While I wanted to take the Supernova, a Razorcrest that wasn't registered and drew little attention would probably be better for this hunt.

It wasn't likely that I would get stuck on this bounty for more than a week, so it couldn't hurt right?

"Alright. We'll take your Crest." I sighed in defeat, pursing my lips.

He nodded smugly, but didn't say anything as he led me through the shipyard to it.

'By Mandalore, what a wreck.' I thought as I studied the ships beaten exterior.

"Don't you know how to pilot a ship?" I asked him as I ran a hand along a dent in its side.

He crossed his arms defensively, lifting his chin.

"Of course I know how to! She's just been through a lot." He explained, and I could hear the slight annoyance in his tone.

I turned to look at him as he gestured to the ramp, beckoning me to go in.

I followed him, glancing around at the interior with interest.

The cargo bay took up most of the space in the ship, with a small hallway to the right that led somewhere.

I could see his carbonite racks where he stored bounties, and another hallway that led to the front of the ship.

There were crates of supplies stacked along one wall, and compartments which I assumed were full of his weapons and tools.

"This cockpit's this way." Din mumbled, pointing down the shorter hallway that had a ladder on one wall. "That way's the refresher, my weapons, and my bunk."

He gestured to each place on his ship as he explained, introducing me to everything so I would be familiar with the ship.

I nodded as I memorized it all, watching him and his movements.

I could tell he wasn't used to talking much, kind of like me, he was stiff, and tried to hide it, but he was awkward too.

I thought it was cute when he stuttered a bit over a couple of words as they rushed out of him, and he clenched his fists and let out a soft growl, staring at the floor and muttering a soft curse under his breath.

I sighed as he inhaled again to continue, holding up one hand to stop him.

"Its alright. I got the basics." I interrupted gently, trying not to be rude.

His shoulders sagged in relief before he straightened up, catching himself.

"Good." He replied outloud, turning and walking towards the cockpit, turning his head to look back at me as he walked. "Do you have everything you need?"

"Yes, I don't need much." I answered him, following him as he climbed up the short ladder that led into his cockpit.

It was larger then mine, with a larger blinking control panel and three chairs anchored to the floor; the pilot, copilot, and one passenger seat.

His cockpit had a giant windshield, I could see everything in front and on either side if me almost as if there was nothing in the way.

Din sighed and sat down in the pilot's chair as I took in everything before me.

He began to press buttons and flip switches on the control panel without a word, and I quickly moved to the copilots seat, sitting down and preparing for liftoff.

I didn't feel like spending the next five minutes pressed up against the glass as the ship left Navarro's atmosphere.

The engines whirred louder and louder until they were at a dull roar, and Mando pulled the wheel back, lifting the ship off the ground.

"Setting coordinates." He commented as we left the planets surface and atmosphere.

We floated through the shimmering blackness as Din inputted the coordinates for wherever we were headed.

A moment of silence passed before he straightened up, pulling back a lever, and we were launched into hyperspace.

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Finally, I got it out! Don't forget to comment and vote!

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This chapter is dedicated to blondebucky, thank you for all your support and kindness!

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