ALWAYS YOURS ── multifandom

VII. Mando's Enigma

Chapter Seven

Y/N

The majestic Razocr crest cast its formidable shadow over the city of Nevvaro, a colossal ship that seemed to swallow the sky whole with its daunting presence. As you were escorted through the throngs of the city by the Amndalroan, his grip on your wrists was surprisingly tender yet unmistakably firm, a silent testament to the immense power he wielded. His touch sent a tremor of apprehension and astonishment down your spine, a stark reminder that any attempt at escape would be met with an unyielding pursuit fueled by his unshakeable resolve.

Before long, you found yourself in Cianta, the vibrant epicenter where the bounty hunter guild buzzed with life. The streets were a tapestry of alien species, droids, and creatures, all engaged in a cacophony of commerce and camaraderie that was both alien and thrilling. The scents of exotic spices and the clamor of holographic advertisements filled the air as you were led through the bustling marketplace to a booth that looked as if it had weathered the storms of time.

Here, a man with a commanding presence and dark, leathery skin, the very embodiment of self-assurance, sat. His eyes, the color of rich, fertile earth, sparkled with curiosity and mirth as Mando approached him. This was Greef Karga, the booth's proprietor, and his gaze swept over you with a playful glint. "Mando," he exclaimed, "what treasure have you unearthed now?" His voice was warm and inviting, yet laced with the challenge of an unspoken question.

Mando, ever the stoic guardian, replied simply, "I found her in the wasteland. She needs shelter." His words were devoid of decoration, the gravity of the situation stark against the vibrant backdrop of the bustling guild. The air thickened with the unspoken narrative of a tale that stretched beyond the confines of your understanding.

Mando's response was met with Greef's amused chuckle. "And what makes you think you're in a position to provide for another?" he asked, his voice playfully teasing yet filled with a knowing undertone. The implication of a deeper narrative hung in the air, melding with the electric energy of the guild's activities surrounding you.

Mando's expression remained unyielding, his voice firm yet tinged with weariness. "I am not," he said, his tone revealing the burdens he already carried. His eyes, though shielded by his helmet, spoke volumes of the internal conflict he faced.

The atmosphere grew taut, charged with the unspoken history and the gravity of the decisions that lay ahead. You felt like a pawn caught in the middle of a chessboard, unsure of your next move. Sighing heavily, you slumped into the seat opposite Greef, the weight of the conversation bearing down on your shoulders.

"I'm sorry," you murmured, looking at Mando apologetically. "I didn't mean to cause trouble." Your voice was saturated with the emotional toll of the journey and the fear of becoming an unwanted responsibility.

Mando's eyes remained fixed on you, a flicker of something unreadable within them. "You're not a burden," he said, his voice a calm counterpoint to the chaos around you. "But taking on another life changes everything. It's about the choices we make." His words resonated in the cramped booth, echoing through the din of the bustling guild hall.

Greef leaned in, his gaze shrewd. "You might be surprised by what's good for you, Mando," he said, his voice filled with the wisdom of experience. "And you," he added, turning to you, "aren't as much of a kid as you might seem." His laugh was a rich, resonant sound that seemed to hold the warmth of a thousand suns.

You couldn't help but roll your eyes at the jest. "I'm 26, not exactly a child," you pointed out, your voice a blend of sarcasm and irritation.

Mando's expression barely changed, but his voice held a hint of amusement. "Age is relative in this line of work," he said, his tone dry as desert sand. "What's important is knowing how to survive."