𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙃𝙔𝘽𝙍𝙄𝘿, clone wars ²

Echoes of Silence

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.