I awoke, the lingering remnants of shadows still clinging to my mind, and the weight of fear hung heavy in the air. The beast could take me to where Ripper awaited, but that thought did little to quell the unease coiling in my stomach. I sighed deeply, sitting up in the bed as daylight filtered through the cracks of the walls, a fragile beacon of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Rubbing my eyes, I tried to shake off the remnants of the night's terror. Just a nightmare, I told myself, though the seed of doubt gnawed at the edges of my thoughts. It felt too real, too vivid, but I had to push those fears aside. Today was a new day, and whatever awaited me in the light was mine to face.

I stood, dressed and ready to face the day, the lingering shadows of the night still haunting me. With a sense of purpose, I made my way to the mess hall, the familiar scent of breakfast wafting through the air. There, amidst the hum of chatter and clatter of trays, I spotted Kix. His face lit up with a genuine warmth that chased away some of my lingering unease.

"Can't have my favorite patient dead now, can I?" he teased, his eyes sparkling with a playful mischief. "How about you and I eat together?" He gestured toward an empty table, conveniently located in the middle of the mess hall, a beacon of familiarity in the bustling space.

I sighed but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto my lips. "Of course, my friend," I replied, feeling a flicker of gratitude for his unwavering support. With Kix by my side, the day seemed a little brighter, even if the shadows still loomed in my thoughts.

Suddenly, the air was filled with a laugh that echoed like a melody from the past—Rucos, always a breath of life in any room. "Well, if it isn't our favorite commander!" Hardcase declared, striding over with his characteristic swagger, and nudging me playfully. I couldn't help but smile, warm as the sun breaking through the morning clouds.

"Hello, Hardcase," I responded, catching sight of Echo and Fives trailing behind him, along with Jesse. "Boys," I greeted, the camaraderie lifting my spirits further. Echo and Fives seemed a touch shy, their usual banter replaced with a hesitance that made me snicker inwardly. When you ravage someone mentally, they will always remember, I mused, the memory of our shared struggles binding us tighter.

"Why don't you come and sit here with us?" Kix suggested, patting the nearby bench, his smile encouraging. Hardcase nodded enthusiastically, and before long, they all settled around us, with me nestled comfortably between Echo and Fives. It felt like a embrace of familiarity, a moment of solace amidst the chaos of my thoughts. The world beyond faded for a while, replaced by laughter and the warmth of friendship.

"How are you feeling, Commander?" Echo asked, his voice a quiet whisper that sent a slight shiver down my spine. I turned to him with a bemused look, noticing the way his gaze lingered a little too low for my comfort. It dawned on me that he was asking about my physical well-being after our eventful night a week ago.

I chuckled softly, nudging him playfully in return. "Just fine, thank you, sweetheart," I whispered back, a teasing lilt in my voice as I turned my attention back to the food laid out before us. The lighthearted banter felt good, a necessary distraction that made the lingering seriousness of our situation feel lighter.

The conversation flowed around me as Kix piled a plate with breakfast items and the rest of the boys engaged in their usual teasing and lighthearted exchanges. It felt good; I could almost forget the weight of the world outside this mess hall, held together by laughter and camaraderie.

I suddenly felt the familiar presence of Obi-Wan in the mess hall. Looking up, I locked eyes with him, seeing his jade gaze piercing through the gathered crowd. He nodded slightly, gesturing for me to follow him, and I couldn't help but let out a small sigh, feeling the warmth of Fives's head resting on my shoulder.

"Sorry, boys, but duty calls," I said, gently patting Fives on the head, earning a soft groan from him as he lifted his head. I shared a knowing wink with Echo before I stood and made my way toward the tactical area of the mess hall. The sound of the boys teasing one another faded as I focused on the task ahead.

Meeting Obi-Wan at the edge of the mess hall, I placed my hands behind my back. "Master," I greeted him respectfully, feeling the weight of the training session ahead.

Obi-Wan returned the greeting with a gentle pat on my shoulder. "Ready for our training session?" he asked, his tone both encouraging and steady.

I nodded firmly, determination flooding me. "Yes," I replied, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline that always accompanied a training session with him. There was something comforting about the routine, about being pushed to my limits—and I couldn't wait to see what he had planned for us today.

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"Are you certain you can manage this?" Obi-Wan inquired, his lightsaber glowing with a faint hum as he waved it toward me. I hesitated for a moment, drawing in a deep breath, before seizing the weapon he extended. Obi-Wan's eyes widened, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features.

"What—" he began, but his words were cut short as I propelled him with a forceful burst into the wall of the training facility.

"Didn't see that one coming," he groaned, picking himself up from the ground, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. I glanced down at my hand, surprised to find it unmarred, the flickering remnants of power still crackling at my fingertips. Perhaps I was capable of more than anyone, even I, had dared to believe.

A smile danced across my lips as I moved closer to him, my confidence swelling with each step. In a swift motion, I aimed a kick at his legs, catching him off guard. He grunted as he tumbled to the ground, landing flat on his back with a thud.

From the edge of the training room, Anakin and Ahsoka had gathered to witness the spectacle. "Master, get yourself together! She's handing you your butt!" Anakin teased, his laughter echoing warmly through the facility, a contagious melody that filled the air.

"Hey!" I shot back, feigning indignation. "I thought you were on my side!"

With a playful wave, he called out, "I am!" His grin was wide, and joy sparkled in his eyes, urging me to embrace the playful rivalry we had cultivated over the years. In that moment, amidst the banter and the warmth of friendship, I found a newfound strength, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

"You are becoming stronger, Padawan," Obi-Wan remarked, a warm smile spreading across his face as he regained his footing. "Truly, I didn't see any of those attacks coming. And now you can grab our lightsabers by the blade? That's something few have ever managed to master."

He stepped closer, his demeanor shifting with purpose as he drew his own lightsaber, its blade illuminating the space between us with a brilliant azure hue. "But let's see how you fare against me in a lightsaber duel."

The challenge hung in the air, electrifying the atmosphere as I felt the weight of his words. My heart raced at the prospect, the thrill of combat igniting within me. I steadied my resolve, recalling the lessons I had absorbed from him and the fierce determination that had driven me through countless training sessions.

"Ready when you are, Master," I replied, tightening my grip on the lightsaber he had bestowed upon me, anticipation coursing through my veins like fire. The training room faded away, leaving only the two of us, warriors poised for the dance of skill and instinct, each determined to push the other to their limits.

He struck first, his lightsaber slicing through the air with a fierceness that caught me completely off guard. Instinctively, I twisted away, barely avoiding the blow. My breath escaped in a determined growl as I retaliated, swinging my saber toward his head with all the ferocity I could summon.

Obi-Wan ducked just in time, the blade whizzing overhead as he backed away, a look of measured caution in his eyes. "Careful," he said, his voice stern yet edged with amusement, "We're not trying to kill each other here."

I snorted, a brave grin spreading across my face. "Just testing your reflexes, Master!" Without another moment's hesitation, I leaped into the air, spinning gracefully. My foot connected with his chest in a solid kick, sending him staggering back.

In that split second of surprise, I harnessed the Force, summoning his lightsaber from the air. It flew from his grasp, clattering to the floor at my feet. With a flourish, I scooped it up, now standing with both sabers pointed at my master, the thrill of victory swelling within me.

Obi-Wan stood before me, breathing heavily, an approving smirk playing at the corners of his mouth despite the unexpected turn of events. "Well, it seems you've certainly been practicing," he acknowledged, admiration clear in his eyes. "But let's see how long you can hold that stance."

I steadied my position, ready for his next move. This was a duel not just of strength, but of wits – and I felt more alive than ever.

An alarm blared through the facility, its shrill wail echoing off the walls and piercing my ears. I screamed, the abrupt cacophony sending a jolt of adrenaline through my body. "Nyx!" Anakin shouted, rushing to my side as I crouched down, hands pressed tightly over my ears, trying to drown out the noise.

"Ahsoka," Obi-Wan called out urgently, his tone firm and commanding. "Turn off the alarm."

The young Togruta, always ready for action, nodded swiftly and darted toward the control panel, her fingers flying over the buttons. The blaring siren felt like it was reverberating through my very core, making it hard to think straight.

As I sat there, disoriented and clamoring for calm, Anakin dropped down beside me, his presence an anchor amidst the chaos. He placed a steadying hand on my shoulder, his voice low and soothing. "Nyx, hey, hey, look at me."

I opened my eyes, meeting his reassuring gaze, and tried to steady my breathing. The frantic pounding of my heart matched the alarm's tempo. "You're not in danger," he continued, his eyes never leaving mine. "It's just an alarm for something unimportant, okay? Focus on my voice."

His words cut through the panic like a warm blade, and I took a deep breath, swallowing hard until the tremors in my hands began to fade. The sound of the alarm was still overwhelming, but Anakin's calm demeanor helped me regain my focus.

"Just breathe, Nyx," he encouraged, his thumb gently rubbing circles on my shoulder. "In... and out." Together, we inhaled deeply, lifting our hands in unison, before exhaling slowly. It was a simple rhythm, but it grounded me further, pulling me away from the noise and chaos.

Obi-Wan's voice soon joined us, "Ahsoka, how's it coming?"

"Almost there!" Ahsoka replied, her tone more focused now, as the alarm gradually began to fade into silence. I felt the tension in my shoulders lighten, and as the last echoes of the siren disappeared, I finally felt a sense of peace returning to the room.

Anakin squeezed my shoulder in reassurance. "See? All better," he said, the corner of his mouth lifting in a reassuring smile.

Obi-Wan stood, arms crossed but with a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Now that we've successfully avoided being startled to death, shall we resume the duel?"

I grunted, the exhaustion settling heavily in my limbs as I pushed myself upright with Anakin's help. "Preferably... not," I panted, the adrenaline from our earlier sparring session now waning and leaving me drained. "I need to get out and let off some steam. I'll be back," I said, determination driving my footsteps as I walked briskly toward the room's doors, which slid open with a soft whoosh.

Behind me, I could sense the concern radiating from Anakin as he exchanged a worried glance with Obi-Wan. "What just happened?" Ahsoka asked, hurrying over to the two men, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"I don't know," Anakin replied, his brow furrowed in thought. "But it didn't look good."

Obi-Wan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I think the sound disturbed the creature inside her," he said, his voice measured and calm. "She told me once that she was always tortured with loud noises back in the lab where she was created. It drove her mad."

Anakin's jaw clenched at the thought, his eyes darkening with a mixture of anger and sympathy. "What kind of monsters do something like that to another living being?" he snarled, the bite in his tone revealing the deep-seated rage that lurked just beneath the surface.

Obi-Wan shrugged, his expression revealing the weight of the memories. "I don't know. She never told me their names. Just bits and pieces—enough to know that whatever they did, it left a mark."

Ahsoka, standing between them, looked back toward the door where I had exited. "We have to help her," she said softly. The worry in her voice was palpable.

"Yes," Anakin agreed, his anger shifting to resolve. "We will. But first, we need to give her the space she needs. Nyx has faced a lot, and we can't force her to confront it all at once."

Obi-Wan nodded, his gaze settling on the door for a moment before shifting to Ahsoka and Anakin. "We'll be here for her when she's ready. For now, let's focus on keeping our minds sharp and ready for whatever comes next—without any alarms."

With a small understanding smile, Ahsoka added, "Maybe we can train in silence... or just talk about anything that isn't terrifying."

As they discussed their options, I stepped into the corridor, the noise of the facility fading behind me as I sought refuge in the open air. I needed to feel the wind against my skin, to let it wash away the remnants of that panic. All the while, I pushed thoughts of the lab and those tormenting sounds to the back of my mind, promising myself to face them when I was stronger. For now, escape was my only goal.