𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙃𝙔𝘽𝙍𝙄𝘿, clone wars ² ✔

Chapter Eight: Act Four; Trials of Redemption

"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."