As I made my escape from Mandalore, I chose an unconventional method—one that would leave no trace of my presence. I shifted into a lone wolf, my powerful muscles propelling me through the atmosphere and into the vacuum of space. With single-minded determination, I charted a course for Coruscant.

The bustling metropolis of Coruscant came into view, a stark contrast to the barren landscapes I had left behind. The planet's surface was an intricate tapestry of urban sprawl and glittering cityscapes, teeming with life and activity.

As I landed, I reverted to my human form, shaking off the lingering sensation of flight. The hustle and bustle of the city enveloped me, a cacophony of sounds and smells assaulting my senses.

 Despite its gleaming facade, I knew that Coruscant harbored its own share of darkness.

I made my way through the crowded streets, my eyes scanning the faces of the countless beings that passed by. The underbelly of the city was a labyrinth of vice and corruption, and it was here that I would find my next lead. The path ahead would be treacherous, but I was prepared for whatever challenges awaited me.

Upon arriving at the Temple, I made my way to my quarters, seeking a moment of respite.

 However, two clones intercepted me—Rex and Cody. I suppressed a sigh. I don't have time for this, I thought to myself, putting on a polite facade as I addressed the two commanders.

"Can I help you, gentlemen?" I asked, keeping my voice even and professional.

Rex, his face hard and resolute, spoke first. "We have questions about Mandalore," he stated bluntly. "There are rumors of a coup, and we need to know if the Republic is at risk."

I weighed my options carefully, knowing that revealing too much could jeopardize my mission.

 "Mandalore is a complex situation," I began, choosing my words with caution. "There are forces at play that seek to destabilize the planet, but rest assured, the Republic is taking every measure to ensure the safety of its citizens."

Cody, his gaze unwavering, pressed on. "We've heard whispers of a Jedi involvement. Is there any truth to these claims?"

I tensed, the web of deceit and betrayal looming heavy in my mind. "The Jedi are committed to maintaining peace throughout the galaxy," I replied evasively. "We must be wary of misinformation and focus on the facts."

The two clones exchanged a glance, their doubts still lingering. Sensing that I had satisfied their questions for the moment, I excused myself, the weight of my secrets heavier than ever.

"But, Commander!" Rex called out, stopping me in my tracks. I winced, turning around to face the blonde clone, realizing that Cody had already left.

"This is off-topic, highly," he stammered, "but... what did you, Fives, and Echo do at that beach?"

I gave the captain a once-over, my gaze piercing. "You smelled it, didn't you?" I asked, sighing as I rubbed my temples. "I did wash myself," I muttered, a hint of embarrassment coloring my voice.

Rex's cheeks flushed, his discomfort evident. "Oh, no, no! I just wondered what you three were doing. They weren't in their barracks when I checked," he explained hastily, eager to dispel any awkwardness.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "Don't worry, Rex. We were just... blowing off steam. Nothing to concern yourself with," I assured him, though a small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have important matters to attend to."

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I returned to Coruscant, unscathed, the vibrant city sprawling beneath me as I unfurled my wings, gliding gracefully through the air. The sun bathed the skyline in a warm glow, illuminating the beauty of the metropolis below. As I soared over the towering spires and bustling districts, I couldn't shake the anticipation coursing through me—where were my friends?

Ahsoka had transmitted a message earlier, confirming that some of our comrades had indeed made it back to Coruscant. Yet, as I descended closer to the city, I sensed a growing tension among the two male Jedi in our group. Their concern was palpable, a silent unease hanging in the air like a storm cloud waiting to break. I could only hope that our reunion would wash away their worries and bolster our spirits in these uncertain times.

I was lost in my thoughts when the comm on my wrist beeped, pulling me back to reality. With a sigh, I adjusted my trajectory, banking hard to land on a flat rooftop where I'd be out of the way of any bustling ships below. Once settled, I pressed the button, and Obi-Wan's calm voice came through the receiver.

"Nyx, are you alright? Where are you?" he asked, his tone a mix of concern and urgency.

I could almost picture his furrowed brow, the way he always seemed to sense the weight of our responsibilities. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, the city sprawling out behind me like a canvas painted with our shared struggles and victories. "I'm fine, Obi-Wan," I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the swirling emotions within me. "I'm back on Coruscant, just checking in. What's the situation?"

"We just came back from Mandalore. You weren't there when we left, and we thought you might have a chance to talk with Satine. Could you meet us at the Temple Gardens? We would like to talk to you," he said.

I hummed in response, fluffing out my wings in a gesture of excitement. "I could do that. I'll see you in a bit," I replied, my voice laced with a hint of eagerness.

As I cut off the transmission, a sense of purpose washed over me. I took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill my lungs, centering myself before making my descent. The Temple Gardens were a sanctuary in the heart of this bustling city, a place of reflection, and it felt like the perfect setting for what lay ahead. With a final glance at the sprawling beauty of Coruscant beneath me, I took off, my wings catching the wind as I aimed for the tranquil refuge of the gardens.

Reaching the gardens, I spotted Obi-Wan and Anakin sitting on the steps of the golden-boabob tree. They were deep in conversation, their expressions shifting from serious to relieved as they looked up to see me approach.

I had reverted back to my human form, and I felt a familiar strain in my heart—a reminder of my true self that I usually kept at bay. But for now, I pushed it aside; I knew I'd have time to process it later when I was resting in my bunk.

"Nyx!" Anakin called, grinning as he jumped to his feet. "Glad to see you made it back safely!"

Obi-Wan nodded in acknowledgment, his demeanor more composed but no less welcoming. "We were just discussing the situation on Mandalore. There's much to address, and your insights would be invaluable."

I stepped closer, settling onto the step beside them. "What did you find?" I asked, trying to shake off the weight in my chest. I needed to focus on the mission ahead.

Obi-Wan sat back, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Well, firstly, Satine reported that her prime minister, Almec, has been killed. His body was found in his office, and there were marks on him—claw marks," he explained, his jade eyes narrowing as they locked onto mine. "Did you encounter any beasts while you patrolled?"

I shook my head slowly, feeling the tension rise. "Not on my patrol, but I sensed something unusual in the atmosphere," I replied, recalling the strange energy that had lingered in the air during our mission. "It felt like more than just political strife. There was something lurking beneath the surface."

Anakin frowned, concern etching his features. "You think what happened to Almec is connected to the unrest on Mandalore?"

"It's possible," I said, my mind racing as I pieced it together. "If there's a beast involved, it could be part of a larger plot to destabilize Satine's leadership. We need to investigate further, especially if there are other creatures out there."

Obi-Wan nodded, a plan already forming in his mind. "I believe that's our best course of action. We should gather more information from Satine and see if she has any leads on who might be behind this. Meanwhile, we'll need to be prepared for unexpected encounters."

Anakin grinned, the sense of adventure igniting in his eyes. "I'm ready for anything. Let's get to the bottom of this."

I felt a spark of determination as well. Together, we were stronger, and with the stakes at hand, we couldn't afford to fail.

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Finally, I settled into my bunk and breathed a sigh of relief. It felt good to rest and ease the worries that had crowded my mind. I couldn't shake the guilt of not telling Anakin and Obi-Wan the truth about Almec's death—that it had been me who killed him. But I couldn't bring myself to reveal that. They were better off not knowing, and besides, I needed to focus on the mission ahead.

I drew the duvet over my bare chest, feeling a mix of comfort and constraint from the bra I wore. It was a reminder of my human form, which I was still getting used to. As I nestled into the soft bedding, I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever truly be comfortable in my own skin again.

Sleep eluded me, thoughts swirling in my mind. I was still grappling with my dual identity. Was I more of a winged wolf or an indoraptor? In this form, I blended with humanity, but I knew that if anyone were to walk in who didn't know me, they would be terrified of the creature I could become.

The uncertainty gnawed at me. Would they still accept me if they knew? I closed my eyes tightly, trying to silence my racing heart. Each breath felt heavy, yet I willed myself to embrace the darkness, knowing that rest was what I needed to face the challenges tomorrow would bring. After all, the galaxy was vast, and my journey was far from over.

Soon enough, I drifted into dreams, and I found myself in a familiar place—the Garden of Life. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and rich earth, a place where I felt connected to both my human side and my more primal instincts. I yipped happily, turning around to see if any of my sisters were nearby. The garden was alive with colors and sounds, but there was a noticeable absence, an emptiness that tugged at my heart.

The scent of my sisters lingered faintly in the air, drawing me forward like a beacon. I followed it eagerly, weaving through the vibrant flowers and lush foliage until I reached their hollow. But as I entered, I found it empty, the soft earth unmarked, and the air still. A wave of sadness washed over me. Where were they?

I sniffed around, hoping to catch a stronger trace of their presence, but all I found was the fading echo of memories. Perhaps they were off exploring, as we used to do together, but the pang of isolation echoed in my chest. Despite the beauty surrounding me, the garden now felt lonely.

I sat for a moment, the weight of my dual existence bearing down on me. Would I always be caught between the two worlds? I howled softly, the sound mingling with the gentle rustle of the leaves, hoping that somehow, my sisters would hear me and return. In the silence that followed, I closed my eyes and focused on the connection we shared, wishing for their warmth and companionship once again.

As the sun began to set in this dreamscape, casting a warm glow across the garden, I resolved not to lose hope. I would find my way back to them, no matter how far apart we seemed. After all, bonds like ours were unbreakable, even across worlds.

Just as I turned toward the grove where my sisters usually kept their food stacks, a low growl made me freeze. My quills bristled with tension as I looked up to see glowing yellow and gold eyes piercing the darkness between the roots of a massive tree. My heart raced, and a primal instinct surged within me. I tapped the ground twice with my killer claw, snarling through jagged teeth, "Show yourself!"

The creature lunged at me, and I yelped in panic as a mass of black scales filled my vision. Something sharp pierced my leg, sending a jolt of pain through me. I screamed, stumbling back from the beast, my instincts screaming to flee. It snarled at me, bloodlust shining in its eyes, but then it seemed to recognize something within me.

"You're not like the White Sisters," it said, its tone shifting as a wicked smirk spread across its snout. "You're... different. You're a darksider, like me."

I hissed at the creature, keeping my wounded side away from it, unwilling to show any signs of weakness. "What are you talking about? What have you done with my sisters?" I demanded, my voice low and fierce despite the fear coursing through me.

The beast chuckled darkly, tapping a claw against the ground beneath us. "Oh, nothing. Just gave them a push toward my friend." Its eyes glinted with malice. "You know about Ripper, don't you?"

My heart sank at the mention of that name. Ripper was a creature of nightmares, a legend whispered about in dark corners. I felt the tension heighten as the beast continued, "He's your ancestor."

The revelation hit me hard, a mix of dread and confusion swirling in my mind. I opened my mouth to retort, but words failed me. My sisters were in danger, and this creature was toying with me. I took a cautious step back, trying to regain my composure. "I don't care about your games," I stated defiantly. "Tell me where they are!"

The creature tilted its head, its smile widening as if my anger amused it. "You think you can just bark orders at me? You're in my territory now." It leaned closer, the stench of predatory hunger washing over me. "But perhaps I could give you a chance to save them. If you're strong enough to face Ripper, that is."

I clenched my fists, determination igniting within me. I had to find my sisters and confront whatever horror this beast had unleashed. "You will regret underestimating me," I growled, feeling an energy building inside me. If I had to face Ripper, then so be it. My sisters were depending on me, and I would fight until my last breath to save them.