ALWAYS YOURS ── multifandom

The Space Between Us

As we journeyed along the winding river, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the water's surface. Somewhere in the distance, the gentle lapping of the waves against our barge provided a tranquil backdrop. It was then that we had picked up Care, and I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. With her warm smile and unwavering spirit, she was not just a kind woman but also an exceptional fighter, resilient in the face of adversity.

I settled back against the rough-hewn wooden planks of the barge, the rhythmic sway of the vessel cradling me into a momentary tranquility beside Mando. The air was fragrant with the scent of salt and adventure, and there was a sense of camaraderie that wrapped around us like a cozy blanket. In my lap, Grogu, with his oversized ears and curious eyes, peered up at me, radiating innocent wonder. My fingers absentmindedly toyed with a delicate piece of jewelry resting in my palm—a shimmering artifact that had been forged from the heart of a dying star. Its brilliance twinkled like scattered stars across a deep night sky, casting iridescent reflections on my skin.

This exquisite relic was a gift from Wolffe, a remarkable friend whose bravery had once inspired my own. Before fate had cast me adrift to this place, he had entrusted me with this treasure, a symbol of hope and the bond of our shared experiences. As I held it, memories of our adventures swirled in my mind—fierce battles, quiet moments of companionship, and promises made under starlit skies. Each facet of the jewelry told a story, whispering secrets of our past as we cruised towards an uncertain future.

Mando turned his helmeted gaze toward me, the visor catching the fading sunlight as he tilted his head slightly. "What's that?" he asked, his voice modulated yet curious, breaking the serene ambiance of our river journey.

I couldn't help but smile at the shimmering piece of jewelry nestled in my palm, its silvery surface catching fleeting glimmers of light. Carefully, I handed it to Grogu. He took a tentative sniff, his large, expressive eyes widening in intrigue, yet he showed restraint, not lunging for it as he often did with other trinkets. Instead, he seemed to study it, as if trying to unlock the mysteries hidden within its facets.

"This is a moonstone I received from an old friend of mine, Commander Wolffe," I explained, my voice warm with nostalgia. "He said it came from a dying star, but that's just what the vendor told him," I added with a chuckle, shaking my head. The absurdity of it felt comforting as I reminisced about Wolffe's unwavering loyalty and the whimsical tales he always spun.

As Grogu continued to inspect the moonstone with his delicate fingers, I felt a swell of emotion. The stone represented more than just an exquisite ornament; it was a tether to my past, a reminder of the bonds forged in the fires of battle and the camaraderie that had shaped me. The laughter and friendship Wolffe had shared with me echoed softly in my mind, making the jewel feel even more precious in that quiet moment.

Mando tilted his helmeted head, a gesture of curiosity that betrayed his intrigue. "Commander Wolffe? Your old friend was a clone?" he asked, his tone mingled with surprise and respect.

I nodded, a bittersweet smile creeping onto my lips, tinged with the ache of lost memories. "I miss them all now, even the fiercer ones," I admitted, my heart heavy with the weight of nostalgia. "But I won't rest until the Empire is gone forever. They'll pay for turning the clones into slaves... and for killing my best friend, Anakin." My voice resonated with conviction, each word like a promise forged in the fires of determination.

Mando blinked, processing my words. "Anakin... as in Anakin Skywalker?" he asked, his tone shifting to something more cautious. I could feel Cara's presence sharpen beside us, her brown eyes suddenly boring into me with an intensity that demanded more.