The Marauder touched down on Ord Mantell, its thrusters kicking up dust as the Bad Batch prepared to disembark. You leaned against the side of the ship, wincing slightly as your bandaged wounds pulled at your skin. The rancor — Muchi — rumbled softly beside you, her curious eyes taking in the bustling hangar.

Hunter glanced at you, his gaze lingering on your exhausted frame. "You good?"

You nodded, offering a small smile. "Yeah. Just... tired."

The ramp lowered, and you stepped out alongside the Batch, with Muchi trailing obediently at your side. Omega skipped ahead excitedly, her face lighting up at the sight of Cid standing outside her parlor.

But your eyes narrowed when you caught sight of the figure standing next to her.

A pale-skinned Twi'lek with sunken eyes, sharp teeth, and a gaunt frame.

Your heart clenched. Bib Fortuna. Or someone who looked far too much like him.

A low growl rumbled from your throat, your instincts flaring. You took a step forward, muscles tensing as you shifted slightly, eyes glinting with suspicion. Memories of Jabba's court flashed through your mind—slavery, cruelty, and chains.

The Twi'lek flinched, his red eyes widening as he took a cautious step back. "Ah... a fierce one," he murmured, his voice oily and slick.

Cid noticed the tension and rolled her eyes. "Relax, Velmont. This ain't Jabba's palace. This is Rax." She jerked her thumb at the Twi'lek. "He works for me."

Your growl didn't subside. "He looks too much like him."

Rax chuckled nervously, rubbing his hands together. "I get that a lot. But I assure you, I'm nothing like that... worm." His gaze flicked to the rancor, and he took a deliberate step away from you. "Besides, I'm not here to cause trouble."

Cid, impatient as ever, waved a hand toward Muchi. "Enough with the glares. Bring her over."

You stepped aside, watching cautiously as Rax approached Muchi. The rancor sniffed him warily, her large nostrils flaring.

But to your surprise, Rax gently patted Muchi's head, his long fingers surprisingly tender. "Hello there, girl," he murmured, his voice soft. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?"

Muchi let out a soft rumble, leaning into his touch.

Cid crossed her arms. "Told you. He's got a way with beasts."

Still tense, you kept your gaze locked on Rax. "I don't trust him."

Hunter stepped up beside you, his hand brushing yours in a silent gesture of reassurance. "We've got each other's backs," he said quietly. "If he steps out of line, he won't get far."

Omega approached Muchi, her eyes wide with wonder. "She's safe now," she whispered, patting the rancor's side. "Right, Muchi?"

The rancor huffed softly, her massive eyes closing in contentment.

Cid shook her head. "Alright, alright. Enough with the mushy stuff. Inside. Drinks are on me." She glanced at Rax. "And you—get outta here before Velmont tears your throat out."

Rax bowed slightly, shooting you a nervous glance. "Of course. No offense meant."

You didn't answer, your gaze unwavering as you watched him disappear into the shadows.

Hunter nudged you gently. "Come on. Let's get you inside."

As the Batch headed into Cid's parlor, you cast one last glance toward the alleyway where Rax had vanished.

Something about him wasn't right.

And you'd make sure to keep your eyes open.

You weren't going to let any ghosts from the past come back to haunt you.

Not again.

SCENEBREAJK'

Anakin's concerned gaze lingered on you as his hand gently brushed over your ribs, checking the still-healing marks from the Zygerrian's whip. He frowned, his brow furrowing as he continued to assess you, worry still radiating from him.

"You sure?" he asked again, his voice softer now, more like a quiet plea. His fingers hovered just above the tender skin, careful not to touch too hard, but still concerned.

You exhaled slowly, offering him a tired smile. "I'm fine, Ani. Really," you said, reaching up to gently guide his hand away. You could feel his hesitance, the way he was trying to suppress the urge to do more than just check on you. It wasn't about the wounds, though. It was the fact that he couldn't protect you from what you'd been through.

Anakin's dark eyes searched your face, still skeptical, but he didn't press the matter. Instead, he nodded, though his lips remained tight with frustration.

"I don't like seeing you hurt like this," he said quietly, his voice tinged with something deeper. Something more vulnerable.

"I know." You met his gaze, your own voice soft. "But I'm stronger than this. I'll heal. We both will."

He let out a long breath, exhaling as if the weight on his chest had lightened, even just a little. His hand moved to your shoulder, squeezing gently.

"I can't promise it won't happen again, but I'll always be here." Anakin's gaze softened, his thumb brushing against your skin in an almost unconscious motion. "Always."

You looked at him, the unspoken bond between you hanging heavy in the air. You didn't need promises. You had each other.

"I know, Ani. I know." You leaned into him, letting the moment of quiet comfort settle between you two.

For a brief second, the world outside didn't matter. The galaxy with its constant chaos and danger felt miles away. It was just the two of you, and that was all that mattered.

But you couldn't forget what had happened, or what might come next. The pain and the scars—physical or not—would always be there, waiting in the shadows. And you weren't sure if you could ever truly escape the dark, but for now, Anakin's steady presence gave you a little peace.

A little hope.

And that was enough.