Fire Will Reign | VI

... THE HUNTER'S FOLLY

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Tiny particles floated around you as you stirred, muttering, "What's... happening?" Your voice was hoarse.

"You're awake. That's what's happening," came a familiar voice you never thought you'd hear again. Your eyes snapped open.

"Nyx!" You called out your sister's name. She grinned widely, looking just as she did when you were younglings, but older and stronger now.

"You're... you're..." you stammered.

She shook her head. "No, I'm not truly alive. We're in a place between life and death - or rather, in your mind. Don't worry, you're not dead. But you were close."

She leaned forward, touching her forehead to yours in a familiar gesture. "I saved you," she said softly.

Your stomach twisted. "How could you?" you asked quietly. "After what I did to you... I killed you, for the Maker's sake." Your voice cracked.

Nyx's expression softened. She touched her snout to yours gently. "You never truly did," she said. "The sickness took me. You simply eased my passage to a better place."

You shuddered, your tail lashing. "You sure? I... I don't remember you being really sick. Just... weak." You shook your head. "Nyx, I'm still sorry."

Nyx purred, gently lapping at your cheek. "It's all over now, Y/N. Don't worry. But you still have a life to live. You can't die yet." She smiled knowingly. "You have someone special, don't you?"

You felt warmth creep into your gray-white scales. "I... do. I found my bond-mate, Nyx. It's... it's a-"

"A Mandalorian. I know," she cut you off gently, bumping her hip against yours. "Who'd have thought your bond-mate would be human?"

You chuckled. "Not me, that's for sure."

She chuckled, then pressed her snout to your chin. "Well then, go on. I'll always be with you, no matter what." She placed a claw gently on your chest, where your heart fluttered like trapped prey. "Go now, dear sister."

You let out a low breath and closed your eyes, whispering, "I still miss you, Nyx."

A soft chuckle reached your ears. "I miss you too, my little snowflake."

Then darkness enveloped you.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

You woke to the sound of birds flitting from branch to branch. Pain flared in your side, but it was dulled. Your eyes cracked open, taking in the dusty outline of the barn Omera had offered you and Mando.

You winced, trying to lift your head. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," came a familiar voice.

"Cara," you breathed. The muscular woman came into view, a warm smile on her lips and a bowl of bone broth in her hands.

"Yes, it's me," she said, setting down the soup. "Eat. Omera made this. She and Mando were pretty worried when you nearly collapsed on us."

"Did... anyone die?" you rasped, lifting your head enough to let your jaws part. Your tongue slipped out to lap at the soup.

Cara shrugged. "Not many villagers did. Some got knocked down or hurt by the raiders, but you took care of most of them. That walker's just scrap metal now."

You let out a relieved sigh and gave her a warm look. "Is Mando okay? The kid, too?"

She nodded. "Yeah, they're fine. When they're not worrying themselves sick over you." She chuckled, then reached out to pat your shoulder. "It's good to have you back. Don't know what he would've done without you."

You chuckled softly, wincing as the movement pulled at your sore muscles. "And me without them. I'm just glad we're all alive." The relief in your voice was palpable, your scales shifting slightly as you relaxed.

Your claw traced the edge of the wooden bowl, the sound barely audible in the quiet barn. The rich aroma of the bone broth filled your nostrils. "Uh... could I see them?" you asked, a hint of longing in your tone.

Cara nodded and stood, her armor creaking slightly. "Sure. I'll go fetch them now." She headed out through the tent flap, the rough fabric rustling as she pushed it aside. You were left alone in the dimming light of the barn, the shadows lengthening as the sun began to set outside. The distant sounds of the village and the forest beyond filtered in, a reminder of the life continuing around you.

Your ears perked up at the sound of familiar footsteps. "Is she awake?" came the smooth, modulated voice of Mando, followed by the child's soft gurgling.

"Yes, she is," Cara replied.

The tent flap lifted, and the Mandalorian entered, his beskar armor gleaming even in the dim light. Your chest swelled with happiness at seeing him alive and unscathed. You managed a weak smile.

The child wiggled out of its pram, hopping towards you with excited coos. You smiled wider, sitting up a bit more despite the twinge in your side. You lowered your head to meet the little one as it clambered onto you, its tiny claws wrapping around your snout. You gave it a gentle lick, earning a delighted giggle.

"Indy..." Mando breathed, his voice soft through the modulator.

You looked up at him, warmth pooling in your eyes. "Hey there," you said, your voice still a bit rough. You patted the side of your nest with your tail. "Come on, sit."

Mando sat down, and you wrapped your tail around his midsection, drawing him close. He gasped softly, feeling the warmth of your scales, but leaned against you, his helmet turned away and buried in your soft stomach.

"I thought you were dead," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "That..."

You cut him off, nudging his shoulder. He turned his helmet just enough to see you. "I didn't die, Mando. I came close, but I didn't. Look, I'm right here, and I'm safe. We're all safe," you said, drawing the child closer. The little one cuddled into your arms, cooing softly.

"And we'll continue to be safe with each other," you added, nuzzling Mando between his shoulder and neck. He sighed deeply, one arm wrapping around your snout. You purred, the vibration rumbling through your body.

"I'm not going anywhere, Mando," you said softly. He remained silent, but just holding you made him feel safe, made him feel like you were really there. And he knew you wouldn't leave him, no matter what. You were bonded, after all.

The barn fell quiet, filled only with the sounds of your purring and the child's content murmurs. The fading light cast long shadows, but in this moment, wrapped in each other's presence, you felt a sense of peace and belonging that no darkness could touch.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

Several more days had passed since the attack and your near-death experience. You were on the mend now, the burns you'd sustained beginning to heal thanks to the village's healers and your own modest healing abilities.

At the moment, you were curled around a couple of the village children who were playing with the Child. Your scales glinted in the warm sunlight as you watched over them, your keen eyes alert for any sign of trouble. The sound of laughter filled the air, a welcome change from the tension of recent days.

The village was slowly returning to normal, though the scars of the battle remained. You could see the villagers going about their daily tasks, casting grateful glances your way now and then. Your presence, along with Mando's, had brought them a sense of security they hadn't known in a long time.

As you observed the children at play, you couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. This peaceful moment was a reminder of why you fought, why you had risked your life. It was for moments like these, where innocence could thrive without fear.

You could hear Mando talking with Cara, something they often did. "So what happens if you take that helmet off? They come after you and kill you?" she asked bluntly.

You turned your head slightly, to hear better without letting Mando and Cara know you were listening.

"No. You just can't ever put it back on again," Mando replied, his modulated voice low.

You could sense Cara's confused scent. "Wait, so you're saying you could take it off, settle down here with your little monster and the kid, and just live happily ever after?"

You felt your claws curl into the soft grass. There was something tempting about that idea, but you knew Mando wasn't one to settle down anywhere, not with the Empire looming over you all.

The conversation drifted on the warm breeze, a stark contrast to the carefree laughter of the children playing nearby. You kept your eyes on the little ones, but your mind wandered to the complexities of your situation. The peace of this moment was precious, but fragile. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with danger and difficult choices. But as you glanced towards Mando, you felt a sense of resolve. Whatever came next, you'd face it together.

You heard Mando sigh. "I'm leaving them here. My life... it's no place for a child. And Y/N... well, after what happened that day, I know she can't be with me. I won't risk her getting hurt ever again."

You snorted, and Omera's little girl looked over at you. "Something wrong, Miss Y/N?" she asked. You shook your head, but your eyes never left the two talking warriors.

Cara snorted, too. "Y/N? Have you seen that spitfire? I think you're in for a surprise when it comes to her. Besides, she won't let you leave her behind like that, Mando. I promise you that." She leaned back against the wall. "You're just digging your own grave there, pal."

You felt a mix of emotions surge through you - anger at Mando's decision, determination to prove him wrong, and a deep, unwavering loyalty. Your tail twitched, disturbing the grass around you. The children noticed your agitation and looked up at you with curious eyes.

You tried to school your features into a calm expression, not wanting to worry the little ones. But inside, your mind was racing. Mando might think he was protecting you, but he didn't understand. Your bond wasn't something that could be severed by distance or danger. You'd faced death together, and you weren't about to let him face it alone now.

As you watched Mando and Cara continue their conversation, unaware of your eavesdropping, you made a silent vow. No matter what Mando decided, you would find a way to stay by his side. This was your clan now, your family. And in the Mandalorian way, family stuck together - no matter what.

BANG! 

A shot rang out, and pain flared in your tail. The Child whimpered, looking up at you, then back at your tail, which lowered, bleeding. A shot had gone clean through it. You growled and stood up, towering over the children.

"Go to your parents, little ones. Now," you snarled. The children did as told, and you grabbed the Child, heading towards Mando, who was running towards you.

"Take care of the kid. I'm going to tear that bounty hunter to shreds," you said coldly.

"W-what? No, you-" You cut him off with a cold, angry glare.

"You're not holding me back, Mando." You turned and marched off, becoming invisible before you reached the forest.

You could smell blaster oil, and soon you saw the bounty hunter standing there with a smoking blaster. You growled, and he turned. The scent of fear poured off him as he babbled in a language you didn't know. You didn't care. Instead, your jaws snapped up, clamping around the hunter's body. He screamed briefly before... 

CRACK!

He was just a sack of bones and meat in your jaws.

You threw him down and growled when you saw a tracking beacon. They're hunting us, you thought. Like hell they are. You stomped down on the tracking beacon, crushing it.