The day after a night of intense pleasure was always the frostiest. My limbs were sore, and I could barely walk without wincing. It didn't help that I had a perceptive master like Obi-Wan. Sometimes, I didn't know what to do with him. He saw things he shouldn't, and he had a knack for putting things where they didn't belong.

As I limped toward him in the training room, he stood with his hands crossed, his eyes narrowed in disapproval. "You're late," he said, his voice sharp.

I flinched at his tone, my tail drooping. "I'm sorry, Master. I—"

"Save your excuses, Nyx," he interrupted, his gaze unwavering. "I know what you were up to last night. I felt your pleasure through the Force."

My ears flattened against my head, and I lowered my gaze, feeling a flush of embarrassment. Obi-Wan had always been attuned to my emotions, and it seemed there were no secrets between us, even when it came to my private moments.

"I understand your need for release, Nyx," he continued, his voice softening slightly. "But you must learn to control yourself. Your duties as a Jedi come first."

I nodded, my heart heavy. "I know, Master. It won't happen again."

Obi-Wan's eyes softened, and he stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "I know it won't, Nyx. You have a good heart, and you're dedicated to your training. Last night was... unusual, but it doesn't change who you are."

I looked up at him, my eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Master. I promise to be more disciplined from now on."

Obi-Wan gave my shoulder a squeeze before releasing me. "Go and rest, Nyx. We'll resume your training tomorrow. For now, take care of yourself."

I bowed respectfully and turned to leave the training room, my steps slow and deliberate as I favored my sore muscles. As I walked away, I felt Obi-Wan's eyes on me, his gaze a mix of concern and understanding. I knew that he cared for me, and I resolved to live up to his expectations, both as a Jedi and as his apprentice.

But as I limped away, I couldn't shake the feeling that Obi-Wan had wanted to join us the night before. Ah, poor Obi-Wan, I thought, thinking I don't sense his feelings as clearly as he senses mine. I smirked to myself. Men can be so oblivious to the fact that we women can sense their desires better than they can sense themselves.

I stopped short when I saw Anakin and the Togruta girl, Ahsoka, approaching. They were smiling as usual, Ahsoka jabbing her master in the ribs playfully. "You know you weren't allowed to do it, and you still did it anyway. Why am I not surprised?" she teased, shaking her head.

Anakin blushed, his eyes flicking to me briefly before returning to his apprentice. "Well, you've seen her. She's beautiful, and I just couldn't resist!"

Ahsoka rolled her eyes, but there was affection in her gaze. "I know, I know. But Master Obi-Wan will have your hide if he finds out."

Anakin's smile turned mischievous. "He won't find out. And besides, I think he understands more than he lets on."

Ahsoka's eyebrows shot up. "You think Master knows about last night?"

Anakin shrugged, his eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and something more. "Let's just say he's more perceptive than he lets on. But don't worry, I won't tell if you won't."

Ahsoka's cheeks flushed, and she lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Deal. But next time, try to be more discreet, will you?"

Anakin grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'll do my best. But you know me, I can't resist a beautiful woman."

Ahsoka shook her head fondly, her hand resting on Anakin's shoulder. "I know, I know. Just be careful, okay?"

As they passed me, I caught Anakin's eye, and we shared a knowing smile. I could sense his unspoken words, his desire to join us still lingering. Poor Obi-Wan, I thought again, thinking he can hide his feelings from me. But I kept my silence, knowing that Anakin would have to confront his master eventually. For now, I continued on my way, a small smile playing on my lips.

Just as I was about to head to the gardens for some much-needed relaxation, the sound of approaching footsteps made me turn. Anakin appeared, panting slightly as if he had been running. "I forgot to mention," he said, raising a finger as if to emphasize the importance of what he was about to say, "we're to join Obi-Wan as escorts for Duchess Satine. There are still those who wish her harm."

I narrowed my eyes, a sense of unease washing over me. "I thought I made a deal with Pre Vizsla," I said, referring to the leader of the Death Watch who had previously attempted to assassinate the duchess. "He agreed to stop trying to kill Duchess Satine."

Anakin shrugged, his shoulders tense. "Apparently, there are others who don't share Vizsla's agreement. We can't take any chances, especially with Satine's life at stake."

I sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Very well. Let's go and find Master Obi-Wan. We should depart as soon as possible."

Anakin nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "Let's hope we can keep the duchess safe this time."

As we made our way to find Obi-Wan, I couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that lingered in the back of my mind. Something told me that this mission would be more challenging than we anticipated. Pre Vizsla may have agreed to our terms, but there were always rogue elements within the Death Watch who sought chaos and bloodshed.

The gardens would have to wait. Instead, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. Protecting Duchess Satine was our top priority, and I was prepared to face any threat that dared to cross our path.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

We arrived at the shuttle that would be transporting Duchess Satine and a group of other senators to a diplomatic summit. As we docked and stepped into the elevator, I could sense Obi-Wan's tension. I gave him a once-over, noting the tightness around his eyes and the set of his jaw. He had been on edge ever since we received the news of Satine's potential assassination.

"You care for Satine, do you not, Master?" I asked, my voice soft. "You're more than merely old friends."

Obi-Wan gave me a measured look, his eyes guarded. "We are friends, nothing more. It's my duty to protect her."

I snorted, unable to keep the skepticism from my voice. "Yeah, sure. There's no use lying to me, Master. I can sense your feelings, even if you're trying to hide them. Don't worry, I'm not jealous."

Obi-Wan grunted, a soft look crossing his face as he rubbed the spot where I had nudged him in the ribs. "I thought you wouldn't be. You're a good woman, Nyx, more than you think."

I gave him a small smile, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you, Master. But I can't help but worry. This mission feels different. The threat feels more personal."

Anakin, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "I agree. There's something about this situation that doesn't sit right with me. We need to be extra vigilant."

Obi-Wan nodded, his gaze turning inward as if he were considering our words. "You're right. We must be prepared for any eventuality. Satine's life depends on it."

The elevator doors slid open, revealing the shuttle's interior. We stepped inside, our senses alert, our weapons at the ready. The other senators and their escorts were already onboard, their faces a mix of concern and anticipation.

Duchess Satine approached us, her grace and poise unwavering despite the danger that loomed. "Master Jedi, it's good to see you again. I trust you will keep me safe during this journey?"

Obi-Wan bowed respectfully. "Of course, Your Grace. We will do everything in our power to ensure your safety."

As the shuttle lifted off, I felt a weight settle on my shoulders. Protecting Satine was more than just a mission—it was a promise to a friend.

I turned to Rex, who gave me a subtle nod. "Rex, have your men search the lower levels for anything that could be used in an assassination attempt," I instructed.

He saluted and hurried off with his platoon, Cody following suit, leaving the three Jedi alone in a room full of senators. The senator from the Twi'lek delegation stepped forward, a nasty, corpulent man surrounded by two other Twi'leks who were clearly slaves.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Master Jedi?" he asked, his grin revealing yellowed teeth as he gave me a once-over.

I sneered at him, my eyes narrowing. "I am simply here to keep my friend safe, Senator. Nothing more."

The Twi'lek senator's eyes narrowed, his smile turning cold. "Ah, yes, Duchess Satine. A most... captivating woman. I can understand your desire to protect her."

I kept my expression neutral, my hand resting on the hilt of my lightsaber. "Your understanding is unnecessary, Senator. I suggest you focus on your own affairs."

The senator's eyes flicked to Obi-Wan and Anakin, his smile returning. "Of course, of course. I meant no offense. I merely appreciate beauty when I see it."

Obi-Wan stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Your appreciation is noted, Senator. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a duty to perform."

The senator inclined his head, his slaves scurrying to keep up as he retreated to the other side of the room. I kept my gaze on him, sensing his underlying hostility and the power he held over his slaves. It was clear that he was used to getting what he wanted, and I had no doubt that he would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Anakin's eyes narrowed, his hand also resting on his lightsaber. "I don't trust him," he murmured, his voice low so only Obi-Wan and I could hear. "There's something off about him."

I nodded in agreement, my senses on high alert. "Keep an eye on him. If he makes a move against Satine, we'll be ready."

Anakin nodded, his eyes holding mine for a moment longer. "It's not just him, Nyx. I saw how he looked at you. If I know that senator, he'll try to lure you into a tryst with him."

I snorted, a soft smile playing on my lips. "I can skewer him and any man who dares lay a hand on me," I said softly, my hand resting on the hilt of my lightsaber. "You needn't worry about lusty men, Anakin. I can handle myself."

Anakin's worried expression softened, and he gave my shoulder a gentle brush, his touch conveying his concern and affection. "I know you can, Nyx. But I can't help but worry. You're important to all of us."

I nodded, my eyes softening as I returned his touch. "I know, Anakin. And I appreciate your concern. But for now, let's focus on keeping Satine safe. We can deal with lusty senators later."

Anakin chuckled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Deal. But if he makes a move on you, I won't be held responsible for my actions."

I grinned, my fangs glinting in the low light of the shuttle. "Understood. But I think we both know who would come out on top in that scenario."

Obi-Wan, who had been observing our exchange, cleared his throat. "Focus, you two. We have a job to do. Satine's life depends on our vigilance."

I nodded, my smile fading as I turned my attention back to the room full of senators. The Twi'lek senator was watching us, a calculating look in his eyes. I met his gaze, my expression neutral, conveying a silent warning. He inclined his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips, but he said nothing further.

For now, we kept a cautious eye on him, ready to act at the first sign of aggression. But my senses remained alert, aware that the true threat might not come from the senators themselves but from those who sought to exploit their power and influence.

Duchess Satine approached us, her expression guarded. "Though I do appreciate your presence, Master Nyx, and your friends as well, there is certainly no need for such an elaborate display of protection."

I gave her a startled look, my eyes narrowing. "Forgive me, Duchess, but your life is on the line. Surely, you're not arrogant enough to think you don't need escorts or protectors."

Satine sighed, her blonde hair swaying with the movement. "I have my own personal guards, Master Nyx, and they are just as competent as you and your friends. I appreciate your concern, but I assure you, I can take care of myself."

I turned to Obi-Wan, who sighed and stepped forward. "Satine, please reconsider. There are people in this shuttle whom you cannot trust. We're here to ensure your safety."

Satine turned to him, her eyes flashing with anger. "Yeah, like you," she snapped, her voice lowering. "Don't tell me you don't have feelings for your fellow Jedi. I might be a royal, but I'm not stupid."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened, and he glanced at me before returning his attention to Satine. "Your Highness, my personal feelings are irrelevant. Our duty is to protect you, and that is what we intend to do."

Satine's shoulders slumped, some of the fire going out of her. "I know, Master Obi-Wan. And I appreciate your dedication. But please, understand my reluctance to be coddled and protected like a fragile doll."

I stepped forward, my voice soft. "Your Highness, we mean you no disrespect. But there are threats aboard this shuttle, and we must take every precaution. Please, allow us to do our job."

Satine's gaze softened, and she gave a small nod. "Very well, Master Nyx. I will cooperate, for the sake of my people and my own peace of mind."

Obi-Wan inclined his head. "Thank you, Your Highness. We will do everything in our power to ensure your safety."

As Satine returned to her personal guards, I shared a concerned look with Obi-Wan. The duchess's reluctance to accept our protection was understandable, but it also made our job more challenging. We would have to be vigilant and anticipate any potential threats, both from within and outside the shuttle.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

Hours passed, and my anxiety grew. Something wasn't right, and I couldn't shake the feeling that Satine's personal aide was more suspicious than the Twi'lek senator or any of the other passengers. I headed for the door, but Anakin stopped me, his hand on my arm.

"Don't worry, I'm sure Rex and Cody are just fine," he said, his voice low.

I gave him a flaring look, my red eyes shining in the dim light. "My instincts aren't wrong, Anakin. Something is off about that aide."

Anakin sighed, his hand falling away. "All right, go check on them. But be careful."

I nodded and slipped out of the common room, my senses alert. As I made my way down the cruiser's corridors, I decided to shift into my Indoraptor form, wincing as my shoulders scraped against the hard walls of the elevator. When the doors opened, I slunk out, my tail twitching.

Rex nearly bumped into me as he stepped out of the way, his eyes widening at my form. "Sorry, Commander," he said, his voice respectful.

I gave a snort, nostrils flaring, and lifted myself onto my hind legs, towering over the two clones. "What's she doing here?" asked Cody, his eyes darting between my talons and Rex.

Rex shrugged, his hand resting on his blaster. "Nyx is here to help, Cody. She sensed something was wrong."

I lowered myself back onto all fours, my eyes never leaving the two clones. "I'm happy to be of assistance, Commander Rex. But what are you doing down here?"

Rex straightened, his expression turning serious. "We were just about to head up to the common room, Commander. We thought it best to keep an eye on things from down here."

I nodded, my tail twitching again. "Wise decision, Commander. Stay vigilant. I'll join you shortly."

With that, I turned and padded down the corridor, my senses alert for any sign of danger. I trusted Rex and Cody, but my instincts were telling me that something was amiss, and I intended to get to the bottom of it.

A whirring sound caught my attention, and I found the helmet of a clone, bloodied and discarded on the ground. I let out a snarl of anger and frustration, my claws digging into the metal grating of the floor. Before I could investigate further, something struck me from behind, making me shriek in surprise and pain.

Rex and Cody whirled, their blasters drawn, searching for the source of the sound. All they heard were raptor calls and angry snarling.

"Commander!" Rex called out, his voice echoing in the confined space. "What's going on?"

I tried to respond, but all that escaped my throat were more raptor calls and growls. I lashed out with my claws, swiping at the crates, my anger and confusion fueling my actions.

Rex and Cody exchanged a worried glance, their blasters trained on the crates, unsure of what they were facing. "Nyx, calm down!" Rex called out, his voice firm but gentle. "We won't hurt you. Just let us help."

I wanted to explain, to tell them that I wasn't in control, that something had taken over my mind, but all that came out were incoherent sounds and snarls. I felt trapped within my own body, a prisoner to the creature I had become.

Cody took a cautious step forward, his blaster lowered. "It's okay, Nyx. We're here to help. Just try to relax, breathe."

I wanted to breathe, to calm down, but the beast within me raged, fighting for control. I lashed out again, my claws raking the air, my eyes wild and unfocused. I could sense Rex and Cody's confusion and concern, but I was powerless to reassure them.

"We need to sedate her," Rex said, his voice grim. "She's not herself. Whatever's happened, we need to get her back to the medical bay."

Cody nodded, his eyes never leaving me. "I'll go get the tranquilizer darts. Be ready to move when I get back."

Rex nodded, his blaster never wavering. "I'll keep an eye on her. Just be quick."

Just as Cody left to retrieve the tranquilizer darts, the probe droid I had sensed earlier attacked Rex. He yelped and tried to shoot at it, but the droid's armor was too strong. It hissed and tried to stab at him with its mechanical claws, but I leaped at it, bowling it over and ripping it off Rex with my sharp claws. The droid soon slumped lifeless to the ground, its threat neutralized.

Rex panted, his hand rubbing his bruised shoulder. "Thank you, Commander. That was close."

I grunted in approval and jumped down from the crates, sniffing at the droid's remains. My tail twitched as I recognized the model. "So, that's what killed some of our men," I growled. "We need to look for more."

Rex nodded, his eyes never leaving the droid. "Agreed. But we should be careful. There could be more of them lurking."

I nodded again and turned to leave, but Rex stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. "Commander, don't. There are dangers out there—assassin droids. You'll get killed."

I gave him a low growl, my quills shaking with frustration. I wanted to reassure him, to tell him that I would be careful, but all that came out were more growls and hisses.

Rex sighed, his hand falling away. "I trust you, Nyx, but please, don't go out there. We can handle this. You're too important."

I gave him a final growl, my eyes conveying my determination. Then, with a swish of my tail, I padded out of the cargo hold, my senses alert for any more threats. I trusted Rex and Cody, but I also knew that I was the best chance they had of finding and neutralizing the assassin droids.

Rex looked at his comm device, his expression grim. "Rex here," he replied. "Cody came up asking for tranquilizer darts. Nyx is... not herself at the moment."

Anakin's voice came through the comm, his tone concerned. "Not herself? What do you mean?"

Rex hesitated, his eyes flicking to me as I continued to sniff at the droid's remains. "She's... changed. She's not in control of herself. It's like something has taken over her mind."

Anakin's voice sharpened. "What do you mean? Is she hurt?"

Rex shook his head. "No, she's not injured. But she's not acting like herself. She's growling, hissing, and lashing out. It's like she's become a wild animal."

Anakin's voice was insistent. "Can you sedate her? Get her back to the medical bay?"

Rex sighed, his hand rubbing his temple. "We tried, General. But she's too fast, too strong. We can't get close enough without risking injury."

Anakin was silent for a moment, and I could almost hear the wheels turning in his head. "All right, keep trying. I'll be there as soon as I can. In the meantime, see if you can find out what's causing this. It could be some kind of mind control or possession."

Rex nodded, his eyes never leaving me. "Will do, General. Keep us posted."

Anakin signed off, and Rex turned back to me, his expression filled with concern. "Come on, Nyx. Let's see if we can figure out what's wrong. And try to stay calm, okay?"

I gave him a low growl, my tail twitching. I wanted to tell him that I was trying, that I didn't like this any more than he did, but the words were trapped within me. I could only hope that Anakin would find a solution, that he could free me from this beastly state and restore me to my true self.

The whirring sound made me snap my head up, my eyes scanning the area with suspicion. Rex took a cautious step back, his eyes widening as he noticed my nostrils flaring, the quills atop my head shaking, and my deadly claw tapping nervously on the metal ground beneath us. "Uh, Commander, you... you're here, right? You—" He trailed off as I slunk away, my body language clearly conveying my unease. With a resigned sigh, he adjusted his blasters to stun and trailed after me, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.

As he followed, he noticed my erratic behavior—sniffing, growling low, my eyes darting wildly as if searching for something unseen. It took him a moment to realize what was happening. She didn't mean to seem like a wild animal, he thought to himself, his heart sinking. This is one of her forms, the one she's most comfortable with, and yet the hardest to control.

Rex's mind raced as he tried to piece together what was happening. Oh, how could I forget? This is Nyx, one of her true forms. And Cody went up to get tranquilizers... but we need her help! She's our best chance at getting through this. He sighed, his frustration evident. If only Cody hadn't gone for the tranquilizers, we could have used Nyx's unique abilities to our advantage.

I halted abruptly in front of an eerie section of the corridor, littered with rubble and debris. Amidst the chaos, a strange, black, blob-like shape protruded, its purpose unknown. Rex, ever vigilant, approached from behind and raised his com to his lips, his voice steady and commanding. "Cody, get down here immediately. I believe we've stumbled upon something significant. Bring your troops, and have Anakin and Obi-Wan join us as well. We may require their lightsabers for this."

As Rex issued his orders, his eyes never left the peculiar shape before us. Whatever it was, he sensed its importance, and his instincts told him they would need all the help they could get. With a sense of growing anticipation, they awaited the arrival of their reinforcements, ready to face whatever mysteries lay ahead.

The jellyfish-like creature rose, its red glass eyes fixing upon me with an unnerving intensity. My animal instincts kicked in, and I growled, lowering my body in preparation for an attack. Rex, sensing the danger, gasped and quickly raised his com to his lips. "Cody, get down here now! We've got a situation!"

In a swift movement, the drooping droid extended a claw and lunged at me. My reflexes kicked in, and I jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding the sharp claws. The droid's claw stabbed the floor, creating a loud, hollow bounce that echoed through the corridor. With a snarl, I leaped onto the probe droid, my claws digging into its armor. It let out a mechanical scream as I clung to it, my grip firm despite its frantic attempts to dislodge me.

"Commander, get off that thing!" Rex shouted, ducking as we flew over him in a blur of motion.

"Can't!" I growled, my voice strained as I slammed my head against the antenna atop the droid's head. With a vicious bite, I tore into the antenna, causing the droid to emit a piercing shriek. It crashed into a pile of boxes, its movements becoming erratic before it finally powered down.

I dismounted the defeated droid and shook myself, shedding any remaining tension. Just then, Cody, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and a group of clones from Obi-Wan's platoon emerged from the elevator, having heard the commotion. "Are you all right?" Obi-Wan inquired, his eyes taking in the scene before him.

I nodded, my eyes still adjusting to the aftermath of the battle. "Just a little dizzy," I said, sighing as I rose to my hind legs and called upon my raptor form, the powerful creature responding to my summons. Anakin and Obi-Wan, taken aback by the sudden shift, instinctively covered their ears to block out the intense sound.

"What are you doing?" Anakin asked through gritted teeth, wincing in pain.

I lowered myself back down, my head resting on the cold floor as I noticed small, lingering droids crawling out from the larger one we had just defeated. "For all the good stars..." I snarled, crushing one of the tiny intruders under my talon. My gaze turned to Obi-Wan, and I knew what needed to be done. "Get up to Satine and the senators. Warn them of the danger!"

Without hesitation, Obi-Wan nodded and sprinted toward the back, his lightsaber slicing through the remaining droids as he made his way to the elevator. "Shouldn't we also get to the surveillance?" Cody asked, his blaster firing at the remaining creatures.

I flinched at the sound, my tail lashing out and slamming into the back knee of a nearby droid. A powerful sound wave emanated from the impact, causing the smaller jellyfish-like droids to puff out and deactivate. "Of course," I said, gesturing toward the elevator. "You all head up. I'll stay down here in case these things start to reactivate."

"What?" Rex exclaimed, his voice filled with concern. "We can't leave you here alone." I snorted and glanced at him, my eyes piercing even through the helmet I wore. "I have the power on my side, my friend," I said, my voice steady. "Now go." I nodded towards Anakin, who was equally reluctant to leave but understood the urgency of the situation.

With a heavy heart, they began to retreat, their footsteps echoing in the corridor as they made their way towards the elevator. I watched them go, my gaze unwavering until they were out of sight. Then, with a deep breath, I turned back to face the remaining droids, my determination unwavering.