Days blurred together as training intensified, pushing me to the brink of collapse. Yet, with each grueling session, I could feel myself growing stronger. Dooku's approach had shifted; he now offered more guidance than just relentless attacks.

"Good. You did well today," he said coolly as we walked through the corridors. I was in my human form, the weakest of my shapes, dressed in ragtag clothes that barely shielded me from the chill of the palace walls.

I sighed and nodded. "Thank you, Master," I croaked. Learning to speak in any form had been a challenge, especially in my animal shapes. Even in human form, each word felt like swallowing sandpaper.

"Go and rest now. I will send you on your first mission soon," Dooku announced.

I stiffened. "Alone?" I asked, surprise evident in my voice.

Dooku nodded. "With your power, you need no assistance. However, I will send my other apprentice with you to guard and ensure you don't stray from your intended path."

As I processed his words, a mix of emotions surged through me - excitement, fear, and a hint of something else. Was it hope for freedom, or dread of what this mission might entail?

"When do we leave?" I managed to ask, my throat tight with anticipation.

"Soon," Dooku replied, his eyes gleaming with an emotion I couldn't quite place. "Very soon."

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Hundreds of questions were buzzing in my head. Why would Count Dooku send me on a mission now? and a lot more along those lines.

I met up with Dooku's other apprentice, who appeared to be Asajj Ventress. She was standing at the base of the ship, her arms crossed and her expression as sharp as her twin lightsabers.

"Ah, it's you," she said coolly, straightening from where she had been leaning against the ship's hull. "We'd better be off, or our goal will slip through our fingers."

Her voice had an icy edge to it, and without another word, she turned and walked up the ramp. I followed, my boots echoing softly on the metal. I had managed to acquire better clothes—dark, form-fitting, and suitable for the mission ahead—but I was instructed to use my forms whenever I could.

As I boarded the ship, I felt a mix of apprehension and determination. The mission awaited, and there was no turning back.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

We reached the planet of somewhere I wasn't familiar with. As we descended, I spotted Republic cruisers and even a Separatist one. "Looks like General Grievous got here before us," Ventress growled, her eyes narrowing. She then turned to me, her gaze piercing. "You know the plan. Do not fail, okay?"

I nodded, determination steeling my resolve. We both boarded the nearest Republic cruiser, moving swiftly and silently. Once inside, I slunk into the shadows, assuming the form of the Indoraptor. The scent of blood was already thick in the air, cloying and metallic.

I smirked despite myself, the dark part of me howling in joy at the chaos to come. This was where I thrived—in the shadows, with the scent of fear and blood driving me forward. Asajj moved ahead, her presence as menacing as ever, and together, we prepared to execute our mission.

We reached the cockpit, and I leaped onto the first trooper I saw, slaying him in cold blood. The Jedi who were on the ship gasped and immediately drew their lightsabers. They stood no chance against two lightsaber-wielding maniacs like Ventress and Grievous.

"I didn't ask for your help," Grievous snarled, dodging a swipe from one of the Jedi Master's sabers.

"We know, but the Count wanted to test out his new pet," Ventress snapped back, jabbing a finger toward me as I slayed more clones. Blood spattered everywhere, and the coppery scent of it filled the air, invigorating the darker side of me.

The Jedi fought valiantly, but they were overwhelmed. Ventress moved with lethal grace, her lightsabers flashing like crimson lightning, while Grievous's brutal efficiency cut through the defenders. As for me, I reveled in the chaos, the Indoraptor within me tearing through flesh and bone, leaving nothing but blood and carnage in my wake.

This was what I had been trained for, what I was made for—complete and utter destruction.

Soon, we had the Jedi Master subdued, and all his forces were either dead or gone. I shook my head to clear it and reverted to my human form, coughing slightly. Grievous blinked in surprise.

"The Count's new pet is a mortal?" he snapped, turning to Ventress.

"Oh no, that girl is pumped full of serums that make her able to turn into any form she wants," Ventress replied with a smirk before pointing her saber at the Jedi Master. "You are coming with us, Master Koth. No more tricks."

Master Eeth Koth, bloodied and restrained, glared defiantly but didn't resist. Ventress's eyes gleamed with triumph, and Grievous's mechanical breathing seemed to rasp with grudging acknowledgment. I stood there, still catching my breath, feeling the rush of battle slowly ebb away.

The mission was a success, and with our prize in hand, we turned to leave the ravaged cruiser. As we made our way back to the ship, the scent of blood still lingered in the air, a grim reminder of the chaos we had unleashed. Ventress led the way, her lightsabers still ignited, while Grievous brought up the rear, his menacing presence ensuring no one dared to follow.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of twisted satisfaction. I was more than just a weapon—I was an instrument of Count Dooku's will, and this mission was only the beginning.

We boarded our ship and soon shot out of the system, the stars streaking past as we made our escape. I found a small cot in the corner of the ship and collapsed onto it, exhaustion washing over me.

Sleep came quickly, but the dreams were not kind.

 I was back on the Republic cruiser, the scent of blood thick in the air. I could hear the screams of the clones and the hum of lightsabers. The shadows twisted around me, and I saw my reflection as the Indoraptor, eyes glowing with a feral hunger.

The scene shifted, and I was standing before Count Dooku. His eyes bore into me, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "You have done well," he said, his voice echoing in the void. "But there is still much more to be done. You are not yet free of your bonds."

I tried to speak, but no words came out. Instead, I felt a cold hand around my throat, tightening until I couldn't breathe. I struggled, clawing at the invisible grip, but it only grew stronger.

 Just as I thought I would suffocate, I woke with a start, gasping for air.

The interior of the ship was dimly lit, the steady hum of the engines a constant background noise. I wiped the sweat from my brow and sat up, the remnants of the nightmare clinging to my mind. Ventress was nearby, her eyes closed in meditation, while Grievous was likely in the cockpit, ensuring our course.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The mission had been a success, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something darker was looming on the horizon. With Count Dooku, there was always another mission, another test, another layer of secrets and lies. I had to be ready for whatever came next, even if it meant facing my own nightmares.