"We can't just stay here and watch him die," Anakin argued, his grip tightening on the joystick. I turned to face the cockpit, my heart heavy with determination. "He's right, brace yourselves, men," I said, standing tall. "We're going to fight that flagship head-on."

With purposeful strides, I made my way toward the entrance, my gaze fixed on the task ahead. Admiral Yularen's voice carried a note of surprise. "Umm, just where do you think you're going?" he asked, his eyes widening at my audacity.

I glanced over my shoulder, my eyes narrowing. "Oh, I don't know," I replied, a hint of sarcasm lacing my tone. "Maybe I'm going to burn up that stupid ship in our way." With a swift movement, I opened the door and stepped through, transforming into Pterolycus form. I shot past our ship, heading directly for the flagship. I could hear Anakin's panicked voice in my ear, but I ignored it, driven by a singular purpose.

Alarms blared as the flagship detected my approach, their scanners locking onto my form. But before they could unleash their weapons, an electric charge surged through their ship, causing their power to fail. The enemy vessel was left vulnerable, their defenses crippled by my swift and unexpected attack.

I dove at one of the cannons, my sharp claws lashing out and slicing through the metal with ease. It exploded in a shower of sparks, and I roared in triumph. "Nyx, return to the ship at once!" Anakin's voice crackled through my earpiece, his tone urgent. But I ignored his plea, driven by the fierce determination that burned within me.

With a swift movement, I lashed out at another cannon, my claws slicing through the metal like butter. The droid's destruction sent a shudder through the ship, and I could hear the desperate scurrying of the remaining droids beneath the roof. I smirked, relishing the chaos I had unleashed.

Then, with a graceful leap, I landed on the hatch of the roof. The ship was listing now, sparks of electricity running over its surface. I stood tall, my chest heaving with exertion, and roared a challenge to any who dared oppose me.

"Nyx!" Anakin's panicked voice called out to me, but it was too late. I saw the flash of the missile before I felt the searing pain that tore through my body. I fell from the ship, my eyes fixed on the vastness of space as I plummeted towards Christophsis.

The heat-seeking missile had found its mark, buried deep in my stomach. I could feel the heat of its explosion radiating through me, and I knew my fate was sealed. As I fell, I stared at the planet rushing up to meet me, my mind racing with thoughts of the mission, of my friends, and of the life I had lived.

In those fleeting moments, I felt a surge of gratitude for the life I had led, for the companions who had stood by my side, and for the purpose that had driven me. I closed my eyes, accepting my fate, and let the wind rush past me as I fell towards my final resting place.

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Anakin stood transfixed as the wolf plummeted from the sky, her once-graceful form now a tragic silhouette against the vastness of space. "We need to catch her, sir," one of the younger clones urged, his voice tight with worry. Anakin swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving the falling figure. "Yes, yes, we do," he agreed, his voice thick with emotion.

Without hesitation, he dove the ship towards the falling beauty, smoke still trailing from where the missile had struck. The projectile was now buried in her flesh, dragging her inexorably downwards. "Anakin, just what do you think you're doing?" Obi-Wan's voice crackled over the comm, his tone sharp with concern.

Anakin sighed, his eyes never leaving the wolf. "Saving Nyx's skin. She got shot," he explained, his voice tight with worry. "What?!" Obi-Wan's voice burst through the comm, his panic palpable even through the static. He felt his old master's rising panic through their bond, and his heart twisted with worry.

The ship glided smoothly over the surface of Christophsis, the vast planet stretching out below them. All eyes turned upward as the giant Pterolycus plummeted towards them, a dark silhouette against the sky. With a thunderous thud, the creature landed on the roof of the ship, denting the metal and causing some of the clones to panic.

"It won't hold her!" one of them shouted, his voice tight with fear. Another clone swatted at him, trying to calm him down. Anakin strained to keep the ship upright, his jaw clenching as he fought against the forces pulling them downwards.

"Systems failing," his co-pilot reported, his voice strained. Anakin's jaw ticked, his eyes fixed on the controls. "We can't let her fall and crush us," he said through gritted teeth. "We have to find a way to stabilize her."

The weight of the wolf caused the ship to groan in protest, the metal creaking under the strain. Anakin grunted, pressing every button and pulling every lever he could find to stabilize the vessel. Then, they heard it—the ticking time bomb of the missile still lodged in the wolf's stomach. "Kriff," Anakin muttered, his eyes widening. "All men out of the ship, now!" he barked.

The clones, confused but obedient, piled out of the ship and ran as fast as they could across the surface of Christophsis. Some of them turned to look back, their eyes widening as they saw the wolf laying there, the beeping, blinking missile still embedded in her flesh. "Oh, stars," muttered the youngest clone, his hands flying to his mouth.

"Run!" shouted one of the sergeants, and they all sprinted away again. Just as they reached a safe distance, the missile finally detonated, sending a shockwave that blew some of the clones off their feet.

The ship trembled as the weight of the wolf caused sharpnel and other debris to fly away from the impact site. Anakin grunted, struggling to maintain control as the vessel slammed into the planet's surface, jarring him and the remaining clone who was still with him.

A high-pitched whining sound drew Anakin's attention upwards, and he frowned at the sight of the even more dented roof. "Get out," he said to the clone at his side. "What? No, I'm saying here until you're safe, sir," Anakin coughed, his voice strained. "We won't be safe if we don't run now."

The clone's eyes widened, his loyalty warring with his sense of self-preservation. "But sir, I can't leave you here alone," he protested, his voice tight with worry. Anakin shook his head, his eyes never leaving the damaged roof. "We don't have time for arguments, just go!" he insisted, his voice rising.

The clone hesitated, torn between his duty and his desire to assist his General. Just then, a particularly loud groan from the ship decided the matter, and the clone turned and ran, his boots pounding against the metal floor as he sprinted towards the exit. Anakin watched him go, his eyes narrowing in determination. He knew that staying behind was a risk, but he was determined to ensure the ship's stability before joining his men.

Anakin's eyes narrowed in concentration as he called upon the Force, his connection to the energy field that bound all living things. With a subtle push, he steadied the ship, willing it to hold together despite the strain. His gaze remained fixed on Nyx's motionless form, his heart heavy with worry. He reached out with his senses, searching for any sign of life within her. "Come on, Nyx," he urged softly, his voice carrying a mix of determination and hope.

Anakin's heart pounded as he raced out of the cockpit, his eyes widening at the sight that greeted him. The entire ship was collapsing in a fiery explosion, the metal twisting and buckling under the strain. His heart dropped to his stomach as he realized the severity of the situation. No, he thought, his mind reeling in denial. No, no, no!

The heat washed over him, and he stumbled back, his eyes stinging from the intensity. The ship's destruction was complete, leaving nothing but burning wreckage in its wake. Anakin stood there, frozen in place, his mind struggling to process what had just transpired.

Anakin's gaze was drawn to a wing that protruded from the wreckage, and he raced towards it, his heart pounding. He pushed aside the rubble that buried his friend, his eyes widening at the sight that greeted him. There, amidst the charred remains, lay the body of the Pterolycus. One wing was broken and bent, and blood pooled from an open stomach wound where the missile had torn through.

Anakin's jaw clenched as he reached out with the Force, ripping the spent missile from the wolf's body.

"Nyx, oh Nyx," Anakin cried, his voice hoarse with grief. He reached out, his fingers gently brushing the female's limp form. "Come on, you need to wake up," he pleaded, his voice thick with desperation.

Anakin lifted the big wolf out of the wreckage, his movements gentle despite the urgency of the situation. A few clones rushed over to help him carry her, their eyes filled with concern. Another shuttle touched down, and Obi-Wan rushed out, accompanied by Rex and Cody. "Oh no," the Jedi Master whispered as he took in the broken body of their friend. Rex and Cody stiffened, their eyes widening at the sight.

"She's gonna be alright, right?" Cody asked, his voice tight with worry. Obi-Wan didn't answer, his attention focused on helping Anakin support Nyx's head as they carried her into the shuttle.

As the shuttle's hatch closed behind them, Nyx's limp form was gently placed upon the stretcher, her fragile body swaying softly with each movement. Anakin's eyes never left hers, his gaze burning with a fierce protectiveness as he stood sentinel beside her.

Obi-Wan's calm voice cut through the tension, his words a gentle breeze on a summer's day. "She'll be all right, Anakin." His hand settled on Anakin's shoulder, a reassuring weight.

But Anakin's response was laced with venom, his anger simmering just below the surface like a predator waiting to strike. "I know she will," he growled, his jaw clenched tight. "But that doesn't change how I feel. I want to rip Trench apart, limb by limb, for what he did to her."

Obi-Wan's frown deepened, his eyes clouding with concern. "Anakin, that's not the path of the Jedi," he cautioned, his voice low and even.

Anakin's laughter was harsh, a mocking sound that sent shivers down the spines of those around him. "You're one to talk, Master," he sneered, his eyes flashing with defiance. "You want revenge just as much as I do. That monster hurt our Padawan, our friend... doesn't that mean anything to you?"

The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Obi-Wan's face darkened, his finger stabbing towards Anakin's chest like a dagger. "Of course it does!" he thundered, his voice echoing off the shuttle's metal walls. "But I've learned to control my emotions, to follow the Code. It's what sets us apart from the darkness, Anakin. Don't forget that."

Anakin's scornful laugh echoed through the shuttle, a bitter taste lingering on his lips. "No code is more important to me than my friends," he spat, his words dripping with conviction.

Obi-Wan's sigh was heavy with resignation, his scowl a testament to his frustration. "I thought so too," he muttered, turning away to slump against the wall, his eyes fixed on some distant point beyond the shuttle's hull.

Anakin's jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together in suppressed rage. He remained silent, his gaze drifting back to Nyx's battered form on the stretcher. The Pterolycus armor still clung to her body, a grim reminder of the brutal battle she'd endured. The wound in her stomach had begun to heal, the edges closing slowly now that the missile had been removed. But her wing... her beautiful, delicate wing was twisted at an unnatural angle, a jagged splint holding it in place.

Rex approached cautiously, his voice tinged with concern. "Are you... okay, sir?" he asked, his eyes flicking between Anakin's tense face and Nyx's injured form.

Anakin's response was low and deadly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I will be," he promised, his eyes blazing with a cold fury, "when the wretched Trench has learned not to mess with the Republic again." The unspoken threat hung in the air, a promise of retribution that sent a shiver down Rex's spine.

Cody's dry tone cut through the tension, his words a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil brewing within Anakin. "I think he knows," he said, his expression unreadable, as he fell into step beside Rex. "Before Nyx got shot, she shredded his whole flagship and sent it careening down towards its own blockade. Trench is gone now, sir."

Anakin's head snapped towards Cody, his eyes narrowing as he reached out to claim the datapad from the clone commander. His fingers flew across the screen, scanning the data with a practiced ease. The confirmation was swift, the news sinking in like a stone dropped into a still pond. His jaw ticked, a tiny muscle flexing beneath his skin as he struggled to contain his emotions.

A slow, calculated smile spread across his face, a cold satisfaction seeping into his voice. "Good," he purred, his eyes glinting with a malevolent light. "Then nothing to worry about now. Let's just focus on getting her to the med bay at the cruiser and getting her back alive."

The words were laced with a quiet menace, a promise of retribution already fulfilled. Anakin's gaze drifted back to Nyx, his expression softening ever so slightly as he gazed upon her battered form. For a moment, the mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of the deep-seated fear and anxiety that drove him. But it was quickly replaced by a resolute determination, a steely resolve that would stop at nothing to ensure her survival.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

I jolted upright, a startled yelp escaping my lips as I took in my unfamiliar surroundings. My mind foggy, I struggled to recall how I'd ended up in this strange place. A gentle hand on my shoulder steadied me, and I looked up to find Kix's weary face hovering above mine. His eyes, though tired, sparkled with warmth as he offered a soothing smile.

"Hey, hey, easy now, big girl," he whispered, his voice a calming balm to my frazzled nerves. "You're home." His hand continued to stroke my cheek, a comforting gesture that helped to ease my growing panic.

As I became more aware of my surroundings, I noticed that I'd shifted back into my human form. Ah, typical, I thought wryly. My body seemed to have a mind of its own, often changing forms without warning. I made a mental note to work on controlling my transformations, but for now, I was just grateful to be alive.

Kix's words registered belatedly, and I croaked out a weak "Thank you..." only to have him shake his head, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"No need to thank me, Nyx," he said, his voice filled with a warm affection. "General Skywalker, Rex, and Cody are the ones who got you here in one piece. You owe them your gratitude, not me."

The sound of Anakin's voice was music to my ears, and I couldn't help but smile as he walked into the med bay, flanked by Rex and Cody. His eyes locked onto mine, and he strode purposefully towards my bedside, a look of relief washing over his face.

"Well, nice to hear Kix is talking right," he said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement, as he nodded towards Kix, who was watching the scene unfold with a knowing glint in his eye.

I felt a flutter in my chest as Anakin reached my bedside and took my uninjured hand in his, his touch sending a spark of electricity through my veins. "Hello to you too, Nyx," he said, his voice low and gentle. "You got quite the hit there."

His eyes roamed over my face, taking in the bruises and scrapes that marred my skin, and I could sense a deep-seated concern emanating from him. I squeezed his hand reassuringly, trying to convey that I was okay, despite the battering I'd taken.

"It's not so bad," I said, attempting to downplay the severity of my injuries. "Just a few bumps and bruises."

Anakin's gaze lingered on mine, his expression skeptical, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "We were worried sick about you, Nyx. Don't ever scare us like that again, okay?"

I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at Anakin's teasing tone. "I'll try not to," I replied, shaking my head, "not my fault those Separatists thought it was a good idea to shoot at a wolf."

I lay back on the bed, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. The pain medication was starting to kick in, and I could feel my eyelids growing heavy.

Anakin's gentle strokes on my cheek were soothing, and I felt my tension melt away under his touch. He leaned forward, his lips brushing against my forehead in a soft kiss. "I'll let you rest," he whispered, "and then when you're discharged, we can finally get some grub."

I smiled, feeling a sense of comfort and security wash over me. With Anakin by my side, everything seemed a little brighter, a little more manageable. I watched as he turned to leave, Rex and Cody falling into step behind him.

As the three of them exited the med bay, I felt my eyes drift shut, the sound of their footsteps fading into the distance. I was safe, I was cared for, and I knew that Anakin would be back soon to take care of me. With that thought, I let myself drift off into a peaceful sleep.