I awoke with a start, shaking my head and holding it, feeling disoriented. Realizing I was still in the refresher, I quickly turned off the water, which had grown icy cold. Sighing, I scolded myself, For a dimwit I've become. I started drying my ear-length black hair and snapped my fingers, conjuring a red cardigan around my shoulders and skin pants around my legs. I studied my reflection, satisfied with the way I looked.

Stepping out of the refresher, I felt a sense of unease lingering from Wu's intrusion into my mind. I tried to push the encounter aside, but his chilling words refused to fade. "Born to serve me, and you will return to me..."

A shiver ran down my spine, and I shook my head once more, as if trying to shake off the memory. "Not today, Wu," I whispered defiantly. "I'm not your pawn anymore."*

As I stepped out of the refresher, rubbing a hand through my damp hair, I happened upon Commander Cody, Obi-Wan's Clone Commander. "Oh, hello, Commander," he greeted, bowing his head.

I sighed. "Don't call me that. Just call me Nyx."

He shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. "I don't think we've met. I'm Cody," he said, offering his hand.

I shook it, returning his smile. "Nyx, Padawan... or something... to Master Kenobi."

Cody cocked his head, his curiosity evident. "I didn't think Obi-Wan would take another Padawan after Anakin graduated."

I shrugged, unsure of how to explain my unique situation. "It's a long story," I said evasively. "I'm still figuring it out myself."

Cody nodded, seemingly content with my vague response. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Nyx. I'm sure you'll fit in just fine around here."

I hoped he was right, but a nagging sense of doubt gnawed at me. Would the other Jedi accept me as one of their own, or would my dark past forever haunt me?

Offering Cody a small smile, I maneuvered around him, making my way to the main hall where we took our meals. My eyes searched the room for Anakin, but instead, I found his Padawan, Ahsoka. "Oh, hey," I greeted her with a smile.

Ahsoka returned my smile, radiating warmth and friendliness. "Come on," she said, grabbing my hand, "You must be hungry."

I allowed her to lead me toward the dining area, grateful for her hospitality. "Thanks, Ahsoka," I said, my stomach rumbling in agreement. "I could definitely use some fuel."

As we walked, I couldn't help but marvel at the camaraderie and warmth that seemed to permeate the Jedi Order. It was a stark contrast to the cold, ruthless environment I had been raised in. Perhaps, I thought, this could truly be my home, a place where I could finally leave my dark past behind.

Ahsoka and I collected our food trays from a clone on meal duty before making our way to a table where Anakin was deep in conversation with someone I hadn't yet met. "Umm, hey," I greeted Anakin, who beamed subtly as I slid into the seat beside him.

Ahsoka shook her head in mild exasperation. "Master, who's this?" she asked, jabbing her spoon in the direction of the man sitting across from Anakin.

"Oh, this is Cut," Anakin replied softly, giving the clone a smile as he sighed. "He's a clone who lives a few parsecs away with his wife."

I blinked in surprise, having never heard of a clone being married. "Sir, I told you that you don't need to share my life story with every woman you meet," Cut said. "I'm already married."

Anakin chuckled, waving off Cut's protest. "Come now, Cut. I'm just trying to help you expand your social circle."

I couldn't help but smile at the unusual dynamic between the Jedi Knight and the seemingly atypical clone.

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Cut. I'm Nyx," I said, extending a hand in greeting. He shook it, smiling as he replied, "Nyx? That's an unusual name."

I shrugged, accustomed to the curiosity my name often elicited. "It's what my creators gave me," I explained simply, not delving into the darker origins of my moniker.

Cut nodded, seemingly accepting my explanation without further inquiry. Anakin leaned in, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Nyx is a bit of an enigma, aren't you?" he teased.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "I'm not sure I'd call myself an enigma, but I suppose I do have a few layers to peel back," I countered, knowing full well that my mysterious past was part of what intrigued the Jedi.

Anakin chuckled, nudging me with his elbow. "Oh, she's just being modest," he said, clearly enjoying our playful banter.

I hissed at him in mock annoyance—not the true hiss I reserved for Wu or other adversaries, but a playful imitation. Anakin laughed even harder, grabbing me around the neck and gently jabbing his knuckles against my head. "You little..." he teased, his voice trailing off as we both erupted into laughter.

Ahsoka rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "You two are like children," she scolded, shaking her head in amusement.

Despite my initial reservations, I found myself feeling at ease with Anakin, Ahsoka, and even the enigmatic Cut. Perhaps, I thought, I had finally found a place where I could be myself—flaws, secrets, and all.

"Ahem."

The sound of someone clearing their throat behind us made us jump. We spun around to see Obi-Wan standing there, arms crossed but with a very much amused look on his face.

"So, umm... what's going on here?" he said, waving a hand between me and Anakin.

I felt my cheeks grow hot, suddenly very aware of how close Anakin and I were standing. But before I could stammer out an explanation, Anakin spoke up.

"Oh, you know how it is," he said softly, his voice like velvet. "Just showing Nyx some love."

He turned to me then, flashing a warm smile that made my heart flutter like a caged bird. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief and something else... something that made my breath catch in my throat.

I couldn't look away from Anakin, even as I sensed Obi-Wan's gaze flicking between us. The air seemed to crackle with unspoken tension.

What was this feeling? And more importantly, what would happen next?

Obi-Wan sighed in the end, shaking his head with a mixture of exasperation and fondness. "You two," he muttered, but I could sense a hint of amusement in his voice.

Then he clapped his hands, the sound snapping me back to attention. I turned to my master, curiosity and a touch of apprehension filling me.

"We are going to train a bit now, Nyx," he said, his voice taking on that serious tone I'd come to associate with our lessons. "And this time, I want you to use your Indoraptor form."

I felt my smile falter, fear creeping up my spine at the thought of unleashing that part of myself. But before I could voice my concerns, Obi-Wan raised his hands in a calming gesture.

"Don't worry," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "There are a lot of Jedi around here, and we will be just outside. I will take Cody with me, along with Waxer and Boil. They will stun you if you attack us."

I swallowed hard, my heart racing at the prospect. It was a risk, a big one. But the faith in Obi-Wan's eyes, the trust he was placing in me... it made me want to try.

"Okay," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I'll do it."

Obi-Wan smiled warmly, his hand landing on my shoulder with a reassuring weight. "You are safe here, Nyx. Trust me."

I returned his smile with a small, shy one of my own. As he walked away, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

Suddenly, I felt Anakin's hand on my knee, his touch sending a jolt through me. "You will do good," he said, his blue eyes intense. "And if not good, then do not. It's that simple. Obi-Wan may be a bit strict, but he is a great master."

His words filled me with a strange warmth. I grinned at him before standing up, dipping my head to Cody and Ahsoka. "I will see you later," I said, my voice stronger than I felt.

As I followed Master Kenobi, he handed me the staff I used during our training sessions. "Use this if you want," he said.

I frowned, taking the staff. "Master, you know this is not a holy staff," I pointed out.

He laughed, nodding. "Yeah, I figured that out when you dropped it last time."

I flushed, remembering the incident. That wasn't what I was supposed to be, but okay.

"Let's go," Cody said, cocking his rifle. Fear rose in me at the sound, but I pushed it down. These men were here to protect us - Obi-Wan as much as me.

We walked out of the corridors, through the temple garden, and into a towering forest I couldn't remember seeing from any window. Coruscant had very little forest, if any.

"How did you find this place?" I asked, looking around in wonder.

Obi-Wan smiled, sharing a knowing look with Cody. "When you are as strong in the Force as some of us are, you find places that you would never think of."

I hummed in response, following Obi-Wan deeper into the forest. The air grew thick with the scent of earth and growing things, so different from the sterile halls of the temple.

Suddenly, we emerged into a clearing that took my breath away. It was littered with fragrant flowers, their petals a riot of colors against the lush green grass. I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding.

"Beautiful, right?" Obi-Wan asked over his shoulder, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

He crouched down, plucking a flower that was bright red with streaks of cold gold. To my surprise, he held it out to me. I blinked, momentarily stunned by the gesture.

"Thank you," I murmured, taking the delicate bloom.

His smile widened. "Anytime, my Padawan."

The word 'Padawan' sent a warmth through me. It was still so new, so precious.

But then, Obi-Wan's expression turned serious. "Now, try to attack me in your Indoraptor form," he said.

My heart skipped a beat. The beauty of the moment shattered as fear crept in. Could I really do this? Could I unleash that part of myself here, in this peaceful place?

I looked at Obi-Wan, searching his face for any sign of doubt. But all I saw was calm confidence. He believed in me. Maybe it was time I started believing in myself too.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, feeling the change begin to ripple through me. As I opened them again, the world looked different - sharper, more intense. I was no longer just Nyx. I was the Indoraptor.

And my master was waiting.

The air crackled with tension as I faced off against Obi-Wan Kenobi. Behind me, I could hear Cody's men gasping, their blasters at the ready. A few stray shots rang out, but Cody's voice cut through the chaos.

"Stand down! She's trustworthy," he called out, his hand raised in a placating gesture.

Our eyes met briefly. We both knew it was a lie – a desperate attempt to keep his men from interfering. To keep me from snapping.

I turned back to Obi-Wan, my reptilian eyes narrowing. The Jedi Master stood tall, his lightsaber still dormant at his side. Foolish human.

With lightning speed, I lashed out, my killer claws raking the air. A guttural sound escaped my throat – a warning that would make any sensible creature flee.

"You're asking for it," I hissed in Raptor tongue, my words a series of clicks and growls incomprehensible to human ears.

Obi-Wan cocked his head, curiosity glinting in his eyes. Big mistake.

I launched myself skyward, my powerful legs propelling me through the air. Time seemed to slow as I descended upon him, my weight slamming into his body with a satisfying thud.

Pinning him beneath me, I lifted my head and let loose a bone-chilling roar. Obi-Wan winced, the sound assaulting his fragile human eardrums.

But then – impossibly – he pushed back. With a twist of his body and a surge of Force-enhanced strength, he sent me tumbling across the soft grass.

Caught off guard, I blinked in surprise. I hadn't anticipated that move.

Shaking my head to clear it, I rose to my feet, a low growl rumbling in my chest. My jagged teeth glinted in the sunlight as I bared them in a vicious snarl.

This time, I changed tactics. As I leapt, I twisted my body mid-air, aiming not for a direct assault but a glancing blow. Obi-Wan's eyes widened as he realized his mistake – tracking my claws instead of my body.

With a satisfying rip, my talons tore through the fabric of his tunic, drawing a pained grunt from the Jedi Master.

The battle had only just begun, and already the tide was turning in my favor. Revenge would be sweet indeed.

My body twisted through the air, a blur of scales and deadly precision. My powerful tail whipped around, catching Obi-Wan square in the chest. The impact sent him flying, his body slamming into the ground with a satisfying thud.

Obi-Wan gasped, struggling to regain his breath. "Okay, that..." he wheezed, a begrudging respect in his eyes, "I didn't see that coming. You're good."

A predatory smirk curled my lips, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Without hesitation, I brought my tail down again, reveling in the solid connection.

"Just wait until I show you how I really kill," I snarled, my voice a guttural mix of Basic and primal growls.

Something dark and ancient stirred within me. The primal side I'd kept locked away since my near-death experience and subsequent "rescue" by the Jedi. Now that I'd unleashed it, holding back was becoming increasingly difficult.

Anger. Pain. The true dark side that lurks within every living being. It all threatened to consume me.

Saliva dripped from my jaws as I shook my head violently, trying to clear the haze of bloodlust. My claws raked across my own skull, leaving shallow furrows in my scales.

No, I thought desperately, fighting against the rising tide of primal instinct. Keep yourself. Please.

"Woah, woah! Nyx, hey, easy!" Obi-Wan's voice cut through the haze of my inner turmoil. He reached out, his hand approaching my quivering form.

"Don't!" I barked fiercely, the word coming out as a guttural snarl in Raptor. The humans recoiled, understanding the warning even if they couldn't decipher the language.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Waxer, his blaster trembling in his grip. "Sir, we better get out of here before she loses herself," he urged, fear evident in his voice.

"No," Obi-Wan's reply was firm, unwavering. "I will not let her lose herself to the dark side again. She must learn to control her bloodlust."

My body shook violently, caught between human consciousness and primal instinct. Claws dug into the earth as I fought for control.

Then, defying all logic and self-preservation, Obi-Wan crouched beside me. His hand, warm and steady, came to rest on my shoulder.

"Hey, listen to my voice, Padawan," he murmured, his tone gentle yet insistent. "Come on."

The touch sent a jolt through my system. Part of me wanted to lash out, to tear and rend. But another part – the part I'd thought long buried – responded to his words.

Padawan. A title I'd rejected, a path I'd abandoned. And yet...

My reptilian eyes locked onto Obi-Wan's face. In that moment, suspended between light and dark, my fate hung in the balance. Would I give in to the primal urge, or find the strength to reclaim my humanity?

The galaxy held its breath, waiting to see which side of me would emerge victorious.

The tension drained from my body as consciousness slipped away. I collapsed, my eyes fluttering shut as the world faded to black.

Obi-Wan exhaled slowly, relief evident in his voice. "Look, she's still herself," he announced, turning to address the concerned clones.

Cody stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "She's unconscious," he observed.

"I know," Obi-Wan nodded, his voice tinged with worry. "We need to get some medicine to keep her warm."

Boil emerged from the group, medical kit in hand. He produced a vial of bacta, which Obi-Wan carefully applied to my bleeding wounds.

"She should be coming out of her slumber soon," the Jedi Master explained, his hands moving with practiced ease. "I've used the Force to loosen her consciousness."

His fingers traced along my scales, feeling every bump and imperfection. A mix of curiosity and concern played across his features.

"She will come back to us, I am sure of it," Obi-Wan declared. He glanced up at Cody. "Fetch Anakin. I want him here – he seems to be closest to her. Closer than I am, at least for now."

As Cody departed to carry out the order, I stirred in my sleep. Obi-Wan's hand rested gently on my head. "Shh," he whispered soothingly.

His mind wandered, recalling my human form – the beauty marred by the pain etched into my very being. He remembered how I stiffened at Anakin's touch, not from fear of his Padawan, but from the weight of my own dark past.

Obi-Wan's fingers brushed over the bumps on my forehead, a weary sigh escaping his lips. It pained him to see me like this. Despite everything, he had grown fond of me.

Yet the ease with which I lost control, the potential for harm... it frightened him. In that moment, Obi-Wan made a silent vow. He would not let this happen again. He would help me train, to harness that primal side. To ensure that I would only unleash it when absolutely necessary.

As we waited for Anakin's arrival, Obi-Wan kept his vigil. The future remained uncertain, but one thing was clear – my path as a Jedi, and my struggle with the darkness within, were far from over.