"Without humility, courage is a dangerous game."

☠⚡⛓

When Nyx and her new companions arrived at the Jedi Temple, she felt a knot of uncertainty tighten in her chest. She wasn't sure what to expect. Would they truly accept her after everything she had done? After all she had become? But whatever fears she harbored evaporated the moment they stepped off the transport.

Almost immediately, a figure came sprinting toward them from the temple steps, robes billowing in the wind. It was Anakin, his face lit up with relief and joy. He didn't hesitate for even a second.

"Nyx!" he shouted, his voice full of emotion as he threw his arms around her.

Nyx froze in surprise at first, her quills rattling faintly as his embrace caught her off guard. Despite the fact that she was taller than him now—her larger form towering over his—Anakin didn't care. His hug was fierce, his affection as unyielding as his resolve.

For a moment, Nyx remained stiff, her mind racing with everything that had happened. But then, slowly, she melted into his embrace. She closed her glowing eyes and lowered her head, resting it lightly on his shoulder.

The warmth and familiarity of the moment washed over her, grounding her in a way she hadn't felt in months. For the first time since leaving the Citadel, she felt like she belonged again.

"I thought I lost you," Anakin murmured, his voice trembling slightly.

Nyx exhaled softly, a small, grateful smile spreading across her lips. "I'm here," she replied quietly, her voice tinged with relief. "I made it back."

As Anakin finally pulled back, his hands lingered on her shoulders, his gaze searching hers with both joy and concern. "You've been through a lot," he said, his tone softening. "But you're still you. That's all that matters."

Behind them, Ahsoka stepped down the ramp, smiling warmly at the sight. Even Master Plo stood silently nearby, his usually stoic demeanor softened by the reunion.

And though the temple loomed large behind her, Nyx didn't feel overwhelmed anymore. She felt... safe.

Plo and Ahsoka stepped out of the vessel alongside Rexy and Ripper, their towering forms drawing curious glances from nearby Jedi and temple staff. Ripper let out a low growl as his sharp red eyes fixed on Anakin, who was still standing close to Nyx, his hands resting on her shoulders. The Indoraptor's growl wasn't loud, but it was protective, his instincts flaring as he eyed the Jedi.

"Relax, buddy," Rexy said soothingly, nudging Ripper with her massive snout. Her voice was calm but firm, carrying the weight of her natural authority. "These are her old friends. Let her have this moment."

Ripper hesitated, his claws flexing slightly against the ground, but after a moment, he lowered his head and backed off, a faint huff escaping him. He seemed to understand, albeit grudgingly, that this place was safe for Nyx. She was surrounded by those who cared about her, and for now, that was enough to ease his tension.

From a short distance, Plo and Ahsoka watched the scene unfold, their expressions marked by quiet satisfaction. They exchanged a brief glance, both of them clearly glad to see Nyx welcomed so warmly by her old friends.

"She's lucky to have so many who care about her," Plo said softly, his calm voice carrying a note of quiet pride.

Ahsoka nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face as she watched Anakin and Nyx talk. "She's been through so much, but she's still here. That says a lot about her strength—and theirs."

As the group began to settle into the surroundings of the temple, the air seemed to hum with a mix of relief and anticipation. Nyx wasn't sure what the future held for her, but for now, in the presence of her old friends and her new family, she felt something she hadn't felt in a long time.

Hope.

SCENEBREAK

Nyx, Ripper, and Rexy stood before the Jedi Council, the solemnity of the chamber pressing down on them like a tangible weight. The circular room, with its tall windows overlooking Coruscant, felt colder than she remembered. All eyes were on her—critical, cautious, and deeply measured.

Master Yoda sat in his seat, his wise, unblinking gaze fixed on Nyx. His clawed hand rested on his gimer stick as he tilted his head slightly, studying her glowing red eyes with a mixture of concern and scrutiny. "Trust you again, we must consider," he said, his voice calm but heavy with authority. "After all you did, do you think trust will come so easily?"

Nyx stiffened slightly, her quills rattling faintly as she held herself steady under the weight of his words. Before she could respond, Master Windu leaned forward, his expression stern and unyielding. "You took the lives of many of your own that day, Nyx," he said, his deep voice carrying a tone of gravity that echoed through the chamber. "The clones who trusted you. Who believed in you."

Her gaze faltered, and for a brief moment, she looked down at the polished floor beneath her claws. She knew the weight of what she'd done, the gravity of the blood on her hands. It wasn't something she had forgotten, and their words only made it sharper.

"I..." Nyx began, her voice low and measured, but she hesitated, the words catching in her throat.

Beside her, Ripper shifted his stance, his claws clicking softly against the floor. His red eyes scanned the Jedi warily, as if ready to spring into action if the situation demanded it. But he stayed silent, a steady presence at her side.

On her other flank, Rexy remained still, her golden eyes fixed forward, radiating a quiet but unshakable confidence. She wasn't a creature who felt the need to explain herself, but her presence alone spoke volumes. She was there for Nyx, a pillar of support no matter what came next.

Nyx took a deep breath and raised her head, meeting Yoda's gaze once more. "I know what I did," she said firmly, though there was a faint tremor in her voice. "I know it was unforgivable. I was... I lost myself. But I've fought every day since then to take back control. To make sure I don't lose myself again."

Yoda's ears twitched slightly, and his expression remained unreadable.

"I didn't come here to make excuses," Nyx continued, her voice gaining strength. "I came to face the consequences of my actions. Whatever they may be." She glanced back at Ripper and Rexy briefly, drawing strength from their silent support. "But I also came because I believe I can still make a difference. Not alone, but with them by my side."

Master Windu's eyes narrowed slightly, his fingers steepling in thought as he exchanged a glance with Yoda. The other council members murmured quietly among themselves, their expressions varying from wary to contemplative.

Finally, Yoda leaned forward, resting both hands on his cane. "Difficult this choice is," he said softly, his voice heavy with thought. "Much pain, much darkness surround you, Nyx. But... light, still, there is." His piercing gaze shifted to Ripper and Rexy, his tone growing softer. "Loyal, your companions are. A bond of trust, with them, you have built."

Master Windu studied Nyx for a moment longer before leaning back slightly. "Your actions can't be ignored, Nyx. The Council will deliberate on what's to be done. But until then..." He glanced at Yoda, who nodded slowly. "You'll remain under observation. And your... companions will as well."

Nyx straightened, her red eyes gleaming faintly as she nodded. "I understand."

Ripper let out a low rumble of approval, his sharp teeth glinting as he lifted his head higher. "She's worth it," he said, his voice steady and firm. "We all are."

Rexy gave a faint, approving grunt, her tail flicking slightly behind her. "You won't regret giving her a chance," she rumbled, her golden eyes locking briefly with Windu's.

The Council remained silent for a moment, their collective gaze weighing the hybrid trio before them. Finally, Yoda's calm voice broke the silence.

"Hope, we will hold," he said, his tone as measured as ever. "But prove yourself, you must, Nyx. To us, to them, and most of all... to yourself."

Nyx nodded, her quills settling slightly. Though the weight of the past still bore down on her, the faint flicker of hope that had carried her this far began to grow stronger. She wasn't alone anymore, and for the first time in a long time, she believed that she might just have a future.