The Mandalorian: Beskar and Bone

Chapter 17: The Apostate

Heeey, I'm not dead...

Ok, I know I haven't updated in a really long time, but I have a good reason. Everyone reading this is obviously a Star Wars fan, and I know a few of you like the Bad Batch.

I have been writing some things for my Healer's Family book series ever since I saw the finale. They won't be released for a really long time, but that is why I haven't updated in a month.

Also, season 3 of the Mandalorian is not something I remember. I am going off of other people's writings to get the idea of what happened. I don't know why I don't remember this season, maybe I blocked it out after the Lizzo episode *shudders*

Anyways, that's all I have to say. On with the show!

~~~~~

"Uh-oh."

Mando gazed down at the Mandalorian Covert. A giant reptilian creature was attacking them, not at all what he was expecting to fly into. "Uh-oh is right."

He banked the N-1 hard, blasting the beast. Once it was turned on it's its side, Mando blasted it's exposed belly, killing it once and for all.

As Mando landed the ship, Elaine looked out the window. The helmets of the Mandalorians couldn't hide their distaste towards Mando. Elaine kept close to her father as they exited and walked into the mouth of a cave. The tension couldn't have been cut it was so thick.

The Mandalorians parted as they walked. None of them accepted Mando, but none could tell him so for they weren't the leader.

She was in the cave –or rather her forge– with her back turned to the small clan.

"You have removed your helmet." The Armorer said coldly. "What's worse, you did so of your own free will. You are no longer Mandalorian."

Elaine scowled, but said nothing. Grogu looked up at Mando, then Elaine as if asking what happened while I was away?

"The Creed teaches us of redemption." Mando said.

The Armorer continued her work. "Redemption is no longer possible since the destruction of our homeworld."

The forge hissed as she poured molted metal over it, sounding in agreement.

"But what if the mines of Mandalore still exist?" Asked Mando.

"All was destroyed in the Purge."

Mando took a shard of green crystal from his pouch. "Is this inscription not Mandalorian?" He set it on the table as he sat down, Elaine and Grogu following suit. The Armorer sat in front of them.

"Where did you come upon this?" She asked, a hint of awe in her otherwise stoic voice.

"Jawas." Mando answered simply. "They came up it by trade from a traveler who claimed to have visited the surface of Mandalore."

"Then this relic only proves that Mandalore's entire surface has been crystalized by fusion and rays." The matriarch said, her voice as cold as her helmeted gaze.

"But a traveler was able to retrieve this," Mando reminded. "So perhaps, it is not poisoned. If I visit the planet and I can bring you proof that I have bathed in the Living Waters beneath the mines of Mandalore, then by Creed, the decree of exile will be lifted and I would be redeemed."

Grogu cooed as the Armorer looked at their clan. Surely she understood why Mando took off his helmet. She nodded. "This is the Way"

Mando stood. "Then I will see you again."