The Mandalorian: Beskar and Bone

Chapter 20: The Foundlings

Part of being a Mandalorian was learning to fight, to protect each other from threats that aimed to end them. In the sandy area outside the cave, Mandalorians trained with each other. Instructors taught and oversaw the hand to hand fighters, the children learning to use jetpacks, and others who tested their weapons by firing them into the lake.

Grogu and Elaine sat by the lake shore. All around them were little rocks that kept moving. They giggled as they tried to catch them, but the rocks were allusive. Grogu managed to catch one and turned it upside down, revealing little legs that carried it away.

Mando walked over, kneeling in front of them. "Put down the rocks, kids. It's time you learn with the other foundlings."

Elaine pursed her lips. She glanced over at the fighting and furrowed her brow. They didn't look like they would be nice.

Mando picked up Grogu and held out his hand for Elaine to take. "Playtime's over." He said. "I'm gonna need you two to focus."

They walked over to where two kids, not much older than Elaine, were wrestling. One with a blue helmet threw the other to the ground and was declared the winner.

Mando set Grogu on the ground. "Next challenger."

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Bo-Katan asked as she walked over. Elaine hid behind Mando's leg, shrinking away from the helmeted gazes.

"If they are ever to rise from foundlings to apprentices, they must learn." Mando told her. "Judge!" He called an older Mandalorian over. "He challenges."

"He is too small." The judge said, looking a Grogu.

"I am his ward. Proceed."

With Mando's permission, the judge waved the boy with the blue helmet. "What weapon?"

"Let the challenged decide." Mando said.

The boy looked down at Grogu. "Darts."

The judge turned around to another Mandalorian. "Bring the training darts."

While they waited, the boy stared at Grogu. "Why doesn't he wear a helmet?" He asked.

"He is too young to speak the Creed," Mando told him. "And so, too young to wear a helmet."

The boy folded his arms across his chest in a familiar fashion. "Then he's to young to fight."

"One does not speak the Creed unless one knows." Mando said. "Is that not the Creed?"

"Well, I know." The boy shrugged.

"Perhaps this is a lesson for you, then."

The judge returned with the darts. He set a white box on the ground and opened it. "Fighters, arm yourselves."

Bo-Katan kneeled and helped Grogu put the dart launcher on his wrist. "Don't worry." She said. "My dad was the same way. He's just proud of you." She patted his tiny shoulder. "You take it easy on him, kid."

"Each has three darts." The judge explained. "You may fire the darts in any order. Each direct hit scores one point. A mark must be visible to score. One round. Highest score wins."

Grogu looked down at the strap on his wrist.

"Squeeze your fist to launch the darts." Mando told him. "You'll be fine."

"He doesn't know how to fire darts?" Bo asked under her breath.

"He's got this." Mando assured her. "Trust me."

"Ready." Said the judge. "Begin!"

Instantly, the boy fired, hitting Grogu square in the chest with a paint splatter.