My heart pounded in my chest as I stood before the Jedi Council, their presence looming over me like an oppressive shroud. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that their intentions were not as pure as they appeared. I had met them once before, and even then, their power seemed suffocating. Now, as I faced them again, a low growl escaped my throat. I knew Obi-Wan would scold me if I ever dared to snap at a council member, but their stifling authority was becoming too much to bear.

Mace Windu's steely gaze bore into me as he spoke, his words piercing the tense silence. "Nyx, you are the ex-apprentice of Count Dooku." It was a statement, not a question, but I nodded in affirmation, my throat constricting with unease. The weight of their scrutiny was nearly unbearable, and I held my tongue, wary of the consequences that might befall me should I utter a single misplaced word.

Mace Windu stepped aside, gesturing to the diminutive green figure seated at the center of the council—Master Yoda. Despite his small stature and withered appearance, the others looked up to him with reverence and respect. He spoke, his voice steady and unwavering, "A master, you shall have. Train you in the ways of the Light Side, they will. Choose, you may, any from this council." His clawed hand swept over the gathered Jedi, offering me the opportunity to select my mentor from among their ranks.

I scanned the faces of the Jedi before me, each representing a unique aspect of the Force. Obi-Wan's wisdom, Anakin's passion, Ahsoka's determination... the choices were daunting, and I struggled to find my voice amidst the pressure of their watchful eyes.

I closed my eyes, reaching out with the Force to search for the master with whom I shared the deepest connection, the one who could teach me the most. In an instant, I knew who it was. My eyes snapped open, a smile spreading across my face. "Master Obi-Wan would be my choice," I declared. I could feel a flicker of Obi-Wan's surprise and happiness, though he quickly suppressed it, maintaining the stoic composure expected of a Jedi Master in front of the Council.

Yoda smiled, his eyes twinkling with approval. "So be it," he said, his voice filled with satisfaction. "Good choice, you have. Chosen with your heart, you did." I nodded, acknowledging his words and grateful for the wisdom that had guided me to this decision.

Yoda turned to Obi-Wan, his voice carrying the weight of his position. "Begin training her, you may," he instructed. Obi-Wan bowed his head respectfully and stood, the council adjourning.

I followed my new master out of the chamber, releasing a deep breath as we exited. Obi-Wan chuckled, his amusement palpable. "They still scare you, huh?" he asked, a knowing glint in his eyes.

I smiled sheepishly, relieved to be away from the intense scrutiny of the council. "A bit," I admitted. "But I know I'm in good hands with you, Master Kenobi."

Obi-Wan's smile widened, his warmth a stark contrast to the austere atmosphere of the council chamber. "Well then, let's get started, shall we?" he said, his enthusiasm infectious. "The Force is calling, and we have much to learn together."

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Hours later, I found myself engaged in lightsaber combat with Master Kenobi. I was surprised to discover that my new Master had been keeping up with me, despite my use of my human form. I hadn't utilized my true forms since arriving here—they were both draining and unexpected, given my prior belief that humans were weak. Although my opinion of their weakness hadn't changed, I acknowledged that this form did have its advantages—like the ability to communicate more freely.

Our lightsabers clashed in a flurry of strikes and parries, the hum of the blades echoing off the training room walls. Obi-Wan's skill and experience shone through in every movement, pushing me to my limits and challenging me to grow stronger.

"You're good, I'll give you that," Obi-Wan acknowledged, gritting his teeth as I swung my lightsaber at him. "I thought Dooku didn't train you in lightsaber combat."

In response, I extended my claws and sheathed them in fear of harming my new master, causing me to hold back. "Well," I grunted, shaking myself as he pushed me with the Force. I managed to regain my balance. "He didn't. I just use this saber—it's not a lightsaber."

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Then what is it?" he asked, lowering his blade as we paused our sparring to catch our breath.

"It's a weapon from my people," I explained, studying the unique blade in my hand. "It harnesses the power of the Force in a different way."

Obi-Wan nodded, his expression intrigued. "Fascinating. It seems there's much we can learn from one another."

I sighed, knowing that what I had just told Obi-Wan was a lie. This wasn't even a weapon—it was merely a training stick enhanced with my Force powers. Shaking my head, I let the stick fall to the floor. "I better get some air," I muttered, striding out of the room.

My dress swirled around me as I made my way to my quarters. With a snap of my fingers, the dress flew off my body and onto a hanger, leaving me free to head to the refresher for a shower. I had known how to use one, though I rarely took baths back at Dooku's palace. His corridors had been too confusing, and the memories were unwelcome. "Ugh, stop thinking about him," I barked at myself, slamming a fist against the wall. "He's not here to torture you anymore, and neither is Wu."

But he will always be a part of you, a voice whispered in my mind, causing me to stiffen. Not you again, I barked back, recognizing the sinister voice all too well.

The voice laughed, its malevolence echoing through my thoughts. Oh, but I'm always here, Nyx, and I always will be.

I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my anger in check. Leave me alone, Wu! I shouted, hoping my inner voice would drown out his presence. You have no power over me anymore.

Power? Wu's voice sneered. I don't need power to torment you. Your own mind is a prison, and I'm your eternal warden.

I gritted my teeth, refusing to give in to his taunts. You're wrong, I declared, forcing confidence into my words. I'll find a way to rid myself of you, and then I'll be truly free.Wu sighed, his voice dripping with disappointment. You could have been so much more, Nyx. You could have been so strong, but you chose to cast it all away because some Jedi scum saved you. I would have saved you, too, you know. I will always rescue you if I have to. You're my best asset and the one dinosaur who will ever truly understand why I must do this.

The intrusion into my mind was becoming unbearable, and I clawed at my head, feeling blood trickle down and mingle with my black hair.

 I will never be yours again, I snarled, my resolve unwavering despite the physical and mental agony.

Wu's voice grew colder, his words chilling me to the bone. We'll see about that. You can't escape your destiny, Nyx. You were born to serve me, and you will return to me, one way or another.