We reached a planet called Saleucami, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. I was genuinely happy that Nyx had a friend here who had helped Rex when he was hurt.

 I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air, and something inside me stirred. It felt good to be out in the open again. Hunter noticed I was looking around, an actual smile breaking through my usual demeanor. 

"You look happy," he remarked, a mix of surprise and warmth in his voice. "Yeah, I must look strange like this," I replied, the joy bubbling inside me. "But it's nice! I'm excited to see Cut and his little hatchlings again."

 "You know Cut?" Tech asked, his curiosity piqued. I nodded eagerly, my memories flooding back. "Yeah! Under his care, he saved Rex from dying when he was hit by blaster fire. I didn't have my magic back then, so I didn't have the strength to save him. Cut stepped in right when we needed him." 

 The thought of reuniting with old friends filled me with a warmth I hadn't felt in ages. For once, I could put aside the burdens of our journey and enjoy the moment. Here, among friends, I could finally breathe. 

Omega smiled brightly and ran up to us, her energy infectious. "It must be nice remembering where you came from," she said, her eyes shining with curiosity. 

 I blinked at her, taking a moment to process her words. "I don't," I admitted, my voice low. "All I know is that it's a place not worth going back to."

 "All homes do have some value," Tech commented thoughtfully, his tone matter-of-fact. I snorted in response, shaking my head as I strode deeper into the forest. 

"Not this one, Tech. I don't remember much from Nyx, but what I do have stored in the back of my mind is some of the worst." As I moved forward, I kept my senses sharp, the world around me filled with unfamiliar sights and sounds.

 The air was fresh, but there was an unsettling edge to it, a reminder of things I'd rather forget. I sniffed the air, focusing on the scents swirling around me, when I suddenly felt the ground shift beneath my feet.

 I quickly stepped over a trip wire, followed closely by another one that looked like it was rigged with a laser. "Be careful," I called out, glancing back at the others. "Seems Cut and his wife set up booby traps to secure their harvest."

 The thought of little hatchlings roaming this place made me feel protective. They needed to be safe, and I couldn't help but respect the lengths their parents went to for security. I gestured for Omega to follow closely behind as we navigated the forest. "Stick with me and watch your step," I instructed, my senses heightened as we pressed on through the underbrush.  

Just then, I walked right into a blaster. My heart skipped a beat as I stared down the barrel.

"Well, well, if it isn't the intimidator Nyx. How are you?" asked Zu's wife, her piercing gaze locked on mine.

I grinned, my confidence never wavering as I swatted the blaster away from my face. "I'm fine, and it's Obsidian now. Nyx is dead," I replied, my voice low and dangerous.

Zu blinked, confusion flickering across her face. "Really? Then why are you here?" she demanded, her hand tightening on the weapon.

The tension in the air was palpable as we faced off, neither of us willing to back down. Little did she know, I had a few tricks up my sleeve...

Flicking my tail, I hissed slowly, my eyes narrowing. Hunter stepped closer, placing a hand on my flank. "Excuse Obsidian," he said at length, his voice low and soothing. "She's a bit... overprotective."

I glared down at him, huffing in frustration before stepping further into the field. As I reached the flat mark, two Twi'lek children suddenly burst out of the hut.

"Auntie!" they called excitedly, running towards me with arms outstretched.

I couldn't help but chuckle, letting them cling to my legs. "Hello, Shaeah and Jek," I said softly, a rare smile gracing my lips. "It's good to see some kind faces."

Just then, I caught the familiar scent of Clone and Cut as they emerged from the hut. Cut's eyes widened in disbelief. "I don't believe my eyes," he gasped. "Nyx, is that you?"

His wife cut him off sharply. "She calls herself Obsidian now," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "Whatever that's for."

Cut shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Whatever it is, it's good to see you, old friend," he said warmly, reaching out to pat my head.

I couldn't help but let out a low purr, the familiar gesture bringing back a flood of memories. But I quickly shook myself, remembering why I was here. I gently nudged Shaeah and Jek away, my voice soft but firm.

"Go and play, kids. I'll be with you shortly," I promised, my eyes following them as they scampered off.

Taking a deep breath, I slipped into the hut, feeling the others follow close behind. The air inside was thick with unspoken questions and barely concealed tension. As I turned to face them, I knew that the next few moments would change everything.

Cut turned to Hunter and the others, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "So, you boys gonna tell me why Obsidian is traveling with you? The latest intel I got from Rex is that she died on Mandalore."

I blinked in surprise, my mind racing. Why would Rex lie to a brother? I thought, my claws curling into the wooden floor beneath me. The tension in the room was palpable, and I could feel Suu's distrustful gaze boring into me.

"So, you've changed," Suu said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I take it you're still feeling guilty for attacking me when we saw each other first?"

I looked down at her, my throat bobbing with cold laughter. "No," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "You threatened my pack. I did what a real leader would've done."

I could feel the others sharing a look, their eyes darting between Cut and me. Tech cleared his throat, adjusting his goggles nervously.

"Um, if you don't mind me asking," he began, his voice hesitant, "how vicious was Obsidian when she was Nyx?"

Cut chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Quite a beast," he replied, "but I take it she's more vicious now?"

Wrecker's booming laugh filled the small hut. "Yeah, that's for sure! She attacked an officer just like that!" he exclaimed, snapping his fingers for emphasis.

I whirled around, fixing Wrecker with an icy glare. "I did what I had to do," I hissed, my voice low and dangerous. "He was treating you guys like shit, and no one - I mean no one - treats my pack like hell." The words came out cool and calculated, a stark contrast to the fire burning in my eyes.

Cut smiled, leaning back in his chair. "Seems her loyalty is still intact. That's good," he mused, a note of approval in his voice.

Hunter's smile was warm as he nodded in agreement. "Sure is," he said, his eyes never leaving mine. "She was loyal as a hound when we met her at the execution to save Echo."

I snorted, a mix of pride and bitterness coloring my voice. "Loyalty is engraved in my blood," I said, my words heavy with hidden meaning. "Meant to be used by Count Dooku and whoever trained me."

The room fell silent as the weight of my words sank in. I could see the others exchanging glances, trying to piece together the fragments of my mysterious past. The mention of Count Dooku sent a shiver through the room, reminding everyone of the dark forces that had shaped me.

Hunter's eyes softened with understanding, and I felt a sudden urge to look away. The intensity of his gaze was almost too much to bear. It was as if he could see right through my tough exterior, to the vulnerable core I tried so hard to hide.

As the silence stretched on, I could feel the questions building in the air. Who had I been before? What horrors had I endured under Dooku's command? And most importantly, what had brought me to this moment, standing among friends and foes alike?

The answers to these questions threatened to spill from my lips, but I held them back. Some secrets were better left buried... for now.

"Anyway," Suu said, breaking the tense silence. "I'll make some dinner. You guys get comfortable." She moved towards Cut, planting a soft kiss on his cheek before heading off to the kitchen.

I watched her go, a strange mix of emotions swirling in my chest. Without a word, I laid down on the floor, my body curling into a protective semicircle. Omega, sensing my need for comfort, came over and snuggled into the curve of my belly.

As she settled against me, I felt a warmth spread through my body. It was a feeling I wasn't used to – safety, belonging, maybe even... love? I pushed the thought away, but couldn't help the low purr that rumbled in my chest.

The others watched this display with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. I could feel their eyes on us, but I didn't care. In this moment, with Omega's small form pressed against me, I felt a peace I hadn't known in years.

The scent of cooking food began to fill the air, mingling with the earthy smell of the hut. As we waited for dinner, I found myself wondering how long this moment of tranquility could last. In my experience, peace was always fleeting – especially for someone like me.

But for now, I allowed myself to relax, to enjoy the simple pleasure of being surrounded by those who, against all odds, had become my family. Little did I know, the events about to unfold would test the strength of these bonds in ways I could never have imagined...