Ashes

[Ronan Vizsla]

MANDALORE​

[member="Koda Fett"]​

Her body wrapped in a cloak, his cloak.

When she was little [member="Tamara Wren"] had loved to hide in it, wear it when she thought he wasn't looking or busy with something. Now it covered her closed eyes, the body growing cold. He had not been there for her, not told her the things he wanted to tell her now, she had died alone.

Only a Namadi by her side.

House Vizsla and Fett and Shysa and others left the palace of Sundari behind. They were left alone for now, but for how long... that was something Ronan could not say.

There would be time for grieving later.

Now it was the time to get off this dead world, but there was anger and pain and fury building within him. Tamara had been alive when he left her to face Yasha. At his return? She was dead and who was to blame? Part of Ronan blamed himself, she shouldn't have been there and yet she had.

But the larger part blamed Mantis.

Somehow they had caused this, someway Ronan would make them pay.

He wasn't sure how it happened, but during the silent march away from the palace and towards the spaceport where their ships awaited them, the Alor of Fett suddenly walked by his side. Silence followed and Ronan did not speak. He had always disliked words, easy shaped, easy contoured, they held no meaning.

Only actions did.

The act of walking side-by-side after the bloody spectacle of the throne room said more already. It said that even though they lost today, so many good people, strong people, that they would push on.

It was all that they knew how to do.

 

[Lemon]

Fett walked by Vizsla's side and his brown eyes that remain hidden beneath the infamous helmet didn't bother looking in any which way other than dead ahead. He knew what was beneath the cloak, and saw no point in addressing it. A single thought crossed his mind in this very moment: would the dearly departed Jango be ashamed or proud, and was he even looking at all? Perhaps he could respect the banding together, or spit on a man who made a compromise in the face of adversity. Koda, ultimately, didn't care.

He was done trying to make a dead man proud.

​It was the sound of rattling armour and clinking boots that filled the spaceport, no words and simple silence. Yet it found itself being broken by a man who didn't often care for words. At least the two had that much in common.

"Where to?" Call it curiosity.

[member="Ronan Vizsla"]

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

[member="Koda Fett"]

There was a slowness in his actions as Ronan softly settled the cloaked body onto the ramp of one of the Vizsla transports.

More bodies were being added, wounded carried or supported, they had all lost people today.

They'd lose many more before all of this was over and that was something Ronan knew as a certainty. His hand brushed the line where her face would be, tender, a contrast to the man in the throne room. He had shed that image for now. But there would be plenty of time to pick it back up later. Once the dead were buried, burned, once the wounded were healed and once Wayland was either secured or abandoned.

It all depended on what would happen in the next few days.

"My House returns to Wayland." Ronan retorted finally, his eyes still on the body, as it was slowly carried into the transport and away out of sight. "Bury the dead, burn them, pay tribute and take stock of what we lost here today."

With a hiss his helmet disengaged from the armor. Sweat, hair frizzled and greasy now from blaster residue and more, eyes sunk now. No tears, but there was a dead quality to them.

"Yours?"

 

[Lemon]

The Bounty Hunter cast a glance over his left shoulder and then his right. Mandalorian men and women in armour as unique as each other all bore Jaster's Feather, signifying their membership to Clan Fett. They were beaten today, and imposed a self-exile upon themselves. This Empire had no place for them, or so they believed. Bodies in their arms, leaning against each other for support. Camaraderie had prevailed.

"Unsure." Fett answered honestly. Concord Dawn was the Clan's home and now it was Munin's territory. After the seconds of silence that came after Fett's original answer, he spoke once more, "Wayland isn't their home." His head nodding backwards, gesturing towards Clan Fett's survivors. "They deserve a burial, however..." He trailed off, posing it as a question to be answered.

​Perhaps Vizsla would notice Fett's use of 'their' in reference to a home. Regardless of how Mandalorian he may be, he never considered himself one of them.

[member="Ronan Vizsla"]

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

[member="Koda Fett"]

That surprised him.

Fett and Shysa and Vizsla had a history steeped in blood and fire. They had joined forces today, but that had been simple pragmatism. If they all agreed then there was no sense to fight each other at the same time. Not when they were fighting for the same cause. "Home is not a planet, not a piece of land, not a structure." Ronan murmured in thought. "It is wherever family is, wherever blood joins together."

He met the eye of the opaque visor, before nodding to the unvoiced question.

"You and yours may join us." The fact that Koda seemed to separate himself from his Clan in his words wasn't unnoticed. Ronan didn't address that, it wasn't his business and there were other things weighing at him.

Fett was a smaller clan. Smaller than a House that encapsulated several clans and had been the one from which the former Mand'alor was drawn. But they had heart and they had strength. Ronan could use that in the days to come. There would be challenges, to his position, to Vizsla's position on Wayland. They would figure it out, strength in unity.

The word passed around that Clan Fett would join them and the remaining Vizsla clansmen started to assist their wounded as well.

"Most likely we won't stay on Wayland." Ronan cautioned the Fett Alor as they went up the ramp. "I don't trust that Mantis child."

 

[Lemon]

Fett didn't believe that.

He offered a nod in return, advancing up the ramp as Vizsla's passed him in their attempts to aid the wounded to clamber aboard. It wasn't likely that they truly liked or cared for each other, perhaps it was a simple act of mutual respect. Who knows what the future had in store for the two clans, whether Fett was to fade into obscurity or prosper somewhere else. Koda was certain that it fade away, and he preferred that much. He could return to hunting people without any other responsibility.

"Into hiding?" The Bounty Hunter questioned with a hint of disbelief upon hearing of a potential migration. It'd be the best course of action, he didn't trust that child as far as he could throw them. With all her squirming he doubt that she could be thrown very far.

[member="Ronan Vizsla"]

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

[member="Koda Fett"]

Blood called to blood and that was the only truth that Ronan cared about.

One turn took them into the observatory deckroom, while the Clan loaded things up and eventually would take off. Sooner rather than later. Ronan looked back to Koda as he settled himself down in one of the chairs and mused on that question.

Not an insult, he didn't think.

"I do not hide." Not a boast, a statement of intent. Especially not from one such as the Mantis child. "The next couple of days we grieve." He pushed back against the chair, feeling more of that coldness in his chest as he thought about *grieving*. That meant accepting too and Ronan wasn't sure if he was ready for that particular step.

"Then I go to war and bring my vengeance to Mantis."

 

[Lemon]

That much was true.

Fett followed, an unusual sight. He found himself in the observatory with Ronan as the latter placed himself in a seat. The Bounty Hunter folded his arms over his chest, waiting for what happened to be Ronan's final retort. He couldn't say that he expected Vizsla to go into hiding, it was question of disbelief that he surely hoped was denied.

"Hmph." He grunted in response before continuing, "Find the exiles..." The suggestion was offered, and whether or not Fett was to tag along if Vizsla embarked on the journey was undetermined as of yet. In truth, Fett didn't even know what he was going to do. Although, bounties were as appetising as always.

[member="Ronan Vizsla"]

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

[member="Koda Fett"]

The exiles.

A rowdy band of raiders and forcers dissatisfied with Ra's proclamations on the Force. Only a week ago he would have been slaughtering them himself, beskad in hand and purpose clear, but now... now that suggestion gave him pause. For a moment anyway, because he could not ask for an alliance with them. "This is my fight, my war, my vengeance, Fett. I will not ask others to fight it for me." That was what had sealed the deal for Ronan back in that throne room. Mantis' full willingness to drag the other Clans into a dispute that had nothing to do with them. Malika's death had been and was an internal Mantis question.

This war of his burned bright because of Tamara.

Oh, the plight of his people was not something Ronan ignored, but it was Tamara that made his fury seethe deep within.

A glance over to Koda now. Measure made, pondering, before a shrug. "I will take suicidal volunteers though." Ronan knew that this path was one that would kill him eventually. He took it gladly. She had died because of them... and because of him.

The transports lifted off.

It didn't take long for them to break the atmosphere and leave the wastes of Mandalore behind. With it a child queen, hoping to aspire to a throne and a legacy that was above her in so many ways.

 

[Lemon]

The Mandalorian shifted his position within the observatory, his brown and concealed eyes focused on the viewport. The one that began to glow bright as the vessel departed Mandalore. Leaving only a shattered people behind. Koda had placed his armored arms back over his chest, the red of his gauntlets overlapping the green on his chest. The left shoulder guard leaned against the interior as did the rest of his body. This wasn't the first time he abandoned a cause. Some might even say that Fett lacked conviction to see things through to the end.

He should of known better, truly. Vizsla was a man of conviction, and his hatred for the exiles should of been ever so apparent. Yet in a moment of disillusion, perhaps Fett missed it. A wandering thought found itself on Ronan's daughter, and it forced the memory of Fett's deceased wife, lost to time, whilst the son he never knew remained absent of course. He could at least say he knew the pain.

"The reality is that you need them. And they won't aid you out of the kindness in their hearts." The Bounty Hunter's head rolled over his shoulder as he spoke, returning it to face the void once more after finishing his reply. The latter sentence spoken rather sarcastically, yet still holding some truth to it.

[member="Ronan Vizsla"]

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

[member="Koda Fett"]

Shifting in the chair made him groan just a bit.

He wasn't human and his bones were already slowly mending themselves, as was the back of his head and more. But that didn't do anything against the pain, dull and sharp in equal measures, running through his body. "No, I don't imagine they would." They had their own mission, their own goal and they'd expect his support for their cause at the same time.

To accept their right to their addiction.

To their sickness.

Then to accept his own at the same time.

"Go see to your people, Fett, gonna see about these ribs. One of mine will give you a bunk." It would be a day or two, before they got to Wayland. Its remoteness was part of its appeal to Ronan. Then the fact that it was a dead world. Every day had been a struggle in the beginning. It had kept them sharp, strong, it had ensured that they would remain committed to their values.

How was it then that some Vizsla chose to follow that child?

 

[Lemon]

The battered helmet of Fett rolled over once more after hearing the groan that originated from Vizsla's direction. He wasn't particularly concerned, simply curious. The discomfort was as plain as day, and as the words spilled outwards he knew this futile exchange was over. Perhaps Ronan may go to the exiles that he hates with heated animosity, or maybe he simply leaves them be. It didn't matter, really. Fett assumed the man was just blind with anger, and was in no mind to see reason. Or, Ronan Vizsla truly believed to his core everything he said. The most likely of the bunch.

"In a moment." The words softly spoke from beneath the helmet, they weren't firm or convincing; but distracted. His mind was elsewhere. Was it Bounty Hunting he returned to, further reinforcing as to why he is the best in the galaxy? Or did he dedicate his time to the this new Crusade, Vizsla's crusade? Only time would tell.

[member="Ronan Vizsla"]

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

Ronan left [member="Koda Fett"] with his thoughts.

They'd only meet again after two days passed.

One on Wayland, the fires burning bright and the ashes of the dead scattered, except for one. Tamara. Alive. That development had been slow to spread through the camps, but eventually everyone knew. The Alor's daughter was alive and the rumbling darkness surrounding him was dissipating. Some spoke of the Sith, but those were just rumors that weren't clarified.

Yet anyway.

The next time they met was in a forest clearing some distance away from the main Vizsla compound. Koda didn't know, but it was here that [member="Tamara Wren"] had been training in secret (or so she thought) in the art of the Force.

Now there was only one Ronan standing in the middle, some guards scattered and one Koda being asked to meet him there.

 

[Lemon]

Two full days of waiting and watching. The dead were cast aflame as their souls traveled towards 'Manda', if such a thing existed. Fett, even as a Mandalorian, was skeptical at best. Yet it seemed something of interest had come his way, however. Vizsla had requested a meeting at an isolated location. He couldn't help being the slightest bit suspicious.

He moved through the forest, trekking through it's uneven terrain, casting glances upon the wildlife and even thinking for the slightest of seconds he would die here, or at least they would try. Some may even call him paranoid. Though the thought dissipated shortly thereafter, for Vizsla had nothing to gain in his death. Even if it was a personal grudge from a time long ago. In time he came to the clearing, standing at the edge of the forest and staring outwards. Ronan could see him.

Truth be told, Fett didn't believe in half the rumors that went about. In previous adventures he had heard of force ghosts, or spirits, whatever they may be. But he couldn't believe them... they were too outlandish. Even more so that someone could be brought back from the dead whole. It was where he drew the line, and it seemed that line had been smeared away.

Offering no words, he walked towards Ronan.

[member="Ronan Vizsla"]

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

[member="Koda Fett"]

"Fett." Ronan greeted the other Alor quietly while watching his approach. Oh, he figured Koda would be suspicious about the meeting place, but this was tricky ground and Ronan knew it. The thoughts currently flowing through the Mandalorian's mind were dangerous and risky.

"You spoke of the Rebels before." Straight to the point with no hesitation. Part of Ronan had already made a decision here.

It was just moving forward and getting the ball rolling that needed to be done next.

"Do you know how to find them?"

 

[Lemon]

"No." Fett truthfully replied. The Exiles were exactly that. They had vanished as far as he knew, and were only whispers. He never bothered chasing rumors, anyways. Though in that brief moment enough leads had crossed his mind, and he may very well have the answer that Ronan seeks.

"They hit a prison alongside the resistance a week or two back, now." The Bounty Hunter's head pivoting upwards and to the right in thought. His right hand shifting upwards, allowing the carbine within it to point to the sky whilst resting against his shoulder. The left, however, remained at his side.

"I can get a hold of them. Give me time." Koda finalized.

[member="Ronan Vizsla"]

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

[member="Koda Fett"]

A nod followed then.

"Time you will have. Vizsla leaves Wayland today, I will find the remnants of my people a new home. Those that cannot fight will have a place of security, to build, expand, somewhere where Mantis cannot reach them." Ronan informed him patiently- Koda would notice the lack of anger, the lack of hatred. No, there was just cold resolve in that moment.

He had made a decision and Ronan would commit to it.

Fully.

"Yours are welcome to travel with us, Koda Fett. We will need every hand we can get." A thought after that, then a shrug. This was the time for talking. No matter how much he hated it... Ronan needed to be the voice of his people. Not just their sword, not just their fire and their teeth in the night. "I wanted vengeance. Still do. But this is beyond revenge."

He shook his head.

What was the world coming to that Ronan Vizsla put down the sword in favor of the word?

"I aim to bring down the Mantis child. I could use your help beyond finding the Exiles."

 

[Lemon]

"You'll have it." Fett replied. He didn't exactly know why, truth be told. It wasn't often the man would commit himself to any causes other than the credit itself. Perhaps he felt obliged to, for not himself but those that came before him. Either way his blank helmet stared forwards for the briefest of moments as he found himself mulling over whether or not it was the right thing to reply.

Clan Fett was in pieces, and their isolated nature would shine through once more. Koda, himself, was a man of true independence. For years he thrived as a Bounty Hunter - no companions, at least nothing permanent - he earned the reputation as the very best that lucrative business had to offer. Fighting wars for something other than currency was something of the past for Fett.

Though now there was nothing more to be had. The Fetts on Wayland would leave at their leisure, and whatever the Vizsla's had done was of no concern to him. Fett was set to find the Exiles, however that would take some time indeed. He had one lead to go from, and it wasn't much.

"How'll I get in touch?" Koda asked, knowing full well once the mission had been completed he would need to contact Ronan.

[member="Ronan Vizsla"]

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

[member="Koda Fett"]

Easy.

He hadn't been expecting that truth to be told.

The animosity between Vizsla and Fett stemmed from before the Gulag and the legends of old. Some blood feuds didn't need anything more than that, they ran for generations simply because they did and there was little the living could do about it. But... that had changed on Sundari, had it not? Kalad died, but even then Shysa, Fett and Vizsla had stood together.

It had been a shift.

"Before you leave I will give you the comm-code of our fleet." Ronan finally said after a long thought. "We stop to refuel often. We will stay in touch through that."

Seemed the easiest thing as far as Ronan was concerned.

While he found his people a new home, Koda would find a hint of new allies, then... they'd see further.

 

[Lemon]

The only reply Vizsla received was a simple nod of the head, but it wasn't as if it really mattered. Neither men truly cared enough. Despite the respect between the two, Fett couldn't shake a feeling of mistrust; whether it be in his nature, or for the previous actions of those that bore the name Vizsla. It was a tricky situation indeed, at least Shysa hadn't made an appearance just yet. However, he knew with time they would.

The Bounty Hunter rotated his shoulder and in-turn his whole body as he began walking away. The trek back through the forest back to the camp would be one in silence if Vizsla wasn't quite done with that locale.

Fett knew he had one lead to follow. The Mandalorian Exiles raided a prison alongside the Resistance some weeks ago, now. Find the Resistance through members of the Galactic Alliance and with time the Mandalorian Exiles would be discovered.

Time. It's all he needed.
[member="Ronan Vizsla"]