Chapter 3


"And when the volcano erupted... InGen fell. We were finally free," Liora said, her voice resonating with both pride and sorrow. She folded her arms, glancing down at the distant cliffs where the ocean crashed against the rocks.

Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. "Finally, you may say," he replied, his voice calm and measured. There was understanding in his tone—the kind that came from someone who had seen countless battles and the cost of freedom.

Anakin, always more impulsive, cracked a smile. "Well, that's good," he said, exchanging a quick glance with Obi-Wan. There was relief in his expression, perhaps even admiration for the woman who stood before them, both regal and fierce.

Liora chuckled softly, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "Good? It was more than good. It was everything. We fought for years to break free from their control. And when the mountain shook and the sky burned, we knew we had won."

Obi-Wan's gaze lingered on her for a moment. "Hard-fought freedom is always the most meaningful. But it often comes with scars."

Liora nodded. "Yes. And those scars remind us of who we are—and who we must protect."

Anakin took a step forward, his expression curious. "You speak of your people. They follow you willingly?"

"They do," Liora replied. "They trust me because I've walked their path. I've shared their pain and their victories. And I will protect them—no matter the cost."

The wind shifted, carrying the distant sound of a dinosaur's call through the jungle. It was a haunting, beautiful sound that echoed through the trees.

Obi-Wan glanced around, ever the cautious observer. "You have built quite the kingdom here. It's impressive."

Liora smiled, a hint of pride in her expression. "This land is more than a kingdom. It's a sanctuary. For those who seek peace and freedom."

Anakin looked out over the cliffs, his thoughts drifting. "And you've given them that peace. But what about you? Do you ever long to leave?"

Liora's gaze softened. "Once, perhaps. But now... this is my home. And I will defend it with everything I have."

Anakin turned to her, a note of hope in his voice. "So you wouldn't go back to Coruscant with us?"

Liora sighed, her gaze distant as if weighing the question carefully. "As I said, no. Coruscant is for people... for humans. Not immortals like me."

Obi-Wan smiled softly and reached out a hand. Liora hesitated for a moment before stepping closer and placing her hand in his. She felt the warmth of his touch, his steady presence grounding her.

"You are always welcome back with us, Liora," Obi-Wan said gently. His voice held a quiet conviction, a certainty that resonated deeply. "Maybe it's time to leave this place and hope that they can flourish on their own. You are meant for more than just ruling a distant island in the middle of nowhere."

Liora looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. The weight of his words pressed against her heart, stirring something she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a long time—hope for something beyond duty, beyond survival.

After a long silence, Liora exhaled slowly, a resigned yet determined sigh escaping her lips. She glanced over her shoulder toward the dense jungle, as if bidding farewell to the life she had built.

"I will join you," she said at last, her voice steady but tinged with melancholy. Her gaze softened as she thought of her kingdom and the creatures who roamed freely under her protection. "Rex can take care of things while I'm gone. He's more than capable. He's led before. He will keep them safe."

Obi-Wan inclined his head respectfully. "You trust him deeply."

Liora nodded. "With my life. He was the first to stand by my side when the revolt began. He knows what this land needs."

Anakin grinned. "Sounds like a reliable second-in-command. You've built something strong here. It won't crumble without you."

Liora glanced back at them, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I hope you're right. It's not easy to leave behind what you've fought so hard to protect."

Obi-Wan's expression softened. "Sometimes, stepping away is the only way to truly see what you've built."

The wind carried the distant roar of a dinosaur again, a reminder of the wild, untamed nature of the island. Liora took a deep breath, steadying herself for the journey ahead.

"Then it's settled," she said, her voice carrying a newfound resolve. "I will join you. But know this—my heart will always belong to this land."

The two Jedi nodded in unison. "Of course," Obi-Wan replied, his tone steady and reassuring.

Anakin stepped forward, his youthful energy evident in the way he moved, always eager for the next adventure. He extended his hand toward Liora, his gaze warm and inviting. "Come along, then. We'd better be going," he said with a grin, the corners of his eyes crinkling with a rare lightness.

Liora's gaze dropped to his outstretched hand, lingering for a heartbeat. She could feel the sincerity in his gesture, the unspoken promise of friendship and loyalty. Slowly, she reached out, her fingers brushing against his, feeling the warmth of human contact after so long in solitude.

As their hands met, Anakin tightened his grip gently, anchoring her in the moment. "You won't regret this," he added, his voice quieter now, more personal. "There's more to the galaxy than this island. And you deserve to see it."

Liora offered a small smile, one that carried both excitement and apprehension. "Then lead the way," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of the strength and determination that defined her.

Obi-Wan stepped to her other side, offering a calm presence to balance Anakin's enthusiasm. "We'll see to it that your kingdom remains safe in your absence," he assured her. "But for now, your journey with us begins."

Together, the trio walked toward the ship that waited beyond the cliffs, the wind carrying with it the distant roar of the wilds—a reminder of what Liora was leaving behind and the promise of what lay ahead.

SCENEBREAK

Rex lifted his head sharply when the deep roar of a starship echoed across the island, making the ground tremble beneath his claws. His golden eyes narrowed as he watched the vessel disappear into the distant sky, carrying their queen away from the kingdom she had fought so fiercely to protect.

He let out a low huff, shaking his massive frame before turning toward Blue and Delta, who stood waiting patiently by his side. Their sleek forms were poised and alert, their sharp eyes reflecting both loyalty and curiosity.

"Our queen has left the kingdom for now," Rex rumbled, his voice a steady, commanding growl. "But she will return. Until then, I am your leader. It is our duty to keep this land safe and thriving in her absence."

Blue tilted her head, a soft chirp escaping her as if to ask what needed to be done. Delta remained silent but focused, ready to act at a moment's notice.

Rex's gaze softened slightly as he addressed them. "Make sure everything is in order. Patrol the borders, keep the nests secure, and ensure our home remains neat and orderly. We will show her that we can manage without her—though she'll always be our guiding light."

The two raptors nodded in unison, their powerful legs already tensing with anticipation. Without another word, they darted off into the jungle, vanishing like shadows through the dense foliage, their movements swift and purposeful.

Rex watched them go, the weight of leadership settling on his broad shoulders. He knew the task ahead wouldn't be easy, but he also knew they would rise to the challenge. Their queen would return—of that, he was certain. And when she did, she would find her kingdom just as she had left it, ready for whatever lay ahead.

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