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“For Mandalore!”
As the cheers died down and the crowd scattered from the forge, Bo-Katan made her way to a secluded area to catch her breath. So much had happened in only one day. She was still processing it all. Gideon was dead. The darksaber was unusable, for now. The Imperial base was destroyed. The forge had been relit.
Most importantly, she was home.
The planet was theirs. Now, the Mandalorians could begin the next steps to rebuild their civilization. It would be difficult, and just thinking of it was daunting to her. But the future of their people rested upon her shoulders and she would not back down. She'd made mistakes in the past, but she knew now more than ever that Mandalorians were stronger together. It took them working as a unit to defeat their enemies. Their strength was unmatched. In due time, Mandalore would return to its former glory.
The thought of it gave her hope.
“Bo-Katan.” The low voice broke her out of her reverie.
She turned, straightening her posture. Her gaze landed on Din Djarin.
“Yes?”
“I’m here to say farewell.” His voice was monotone, yet she sensed his uneasiness.
Bo tilted her head, eyes full of surprise. “But we just finished celebrating.”
“I know. I want to stay, but I have some matters to attend to.”
“I was,” she paused, gathering her thoughts, “hoping you would stay longer.”
“Just as the Armorer said, I must take Grogu out into the galaxy as my apprentice.”
At the mention of his name, Grogu appeared beside Din. He slowly waddled forward, tugging on Bo’s leg as he made a few cooing sounds. She bent over to scoop the child into her arms. His large eyes watched her face intently, and he reached out a hand to her.
“He has grown fond of you.” Din commented, stepping a bit closer to the both of them.
“I feel the same way about him.” She replied, her expression softening as she watched the foundling stare at her, “He’s very gifted, and lucky to have you as his father.”
Din reached up a hand and placed it on Bo’s shoulder. “I would invite you to come with me, but your place is here. Our people need a leader to look to.”
She looked to the side, “I just… didn’t think I’d be doing this part alone.”
“I pledged myself to you, Lady Kryze. The defeat of Gideon doesn’t mean that is no longer valid. I promise I will return to you.”
Bo-Katan gazed at him intently. She was sure her feelings were written all over her face. In these moments, she longed for the safety her helmet gave her in hiding her emotions.
“I will miss you.” She looked down at a curious Grogu, “Both of you.”
His tone was gentle, “As will we. Our time apart will not be long. I promise.”
Din leaned down and pressed his helmet against her forehead. The beskar was cool to the touch, but all Bo felt was warmth in her chest. It had been so long since she'd felt this sense of belonging.
He withdrew a few moments later and gestured to Grogu. “Come on kid, it’s time to go.”
The child’s ears drooped as he looked to Bo, dark eyes staring into hers. She could see the sadness present in his features, and gave him a warm smile hoping to cheer him up.
“Be good, okay? Don’t give your Dad too much trouble.” She planted a quick kiss a top his head before handing him to Din.
“Take care of yourself, Bo. Until we meet again.” He nodded at her as Grogu settled on his shoulder.
“Be safe, Din.” She called after him.
The pair made their way to the N1 and she watched as the both of them climbed in. The R5 unit whirred and the engine ignited. Grogu's face appeared in the front bubble, and he waved. The ship rose into the sky, and just like that they were gone.
Bo didn't realize she had tears in her eyes until one rolled down her cheek. After all of the time they spent together, she felt so lost without them. It had become natural for her to look to Din. He was her shoulder to lean on, and always there when she needed him. The vacant space he left behind wasn’t easy to adjust to.
But she had a job to do.
She breathed deeply and turned her attention back to the crowd in the distance. They were waiting for her.
It was time to rebuild Mandalore.