𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔 | 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒙

𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓. 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆

"Where is she taking us?" Roxy asked Rex as soon as she came up beside him. "I'm not sure.."

"Where are you taking us?" Anakin asked, speaking up about everyone else's curiosity. "The Father, of course."

"Of course.." Ahsoka mumbled, rolling her eyes. Roxy looked around, seeing that there were no animals, no villages, nothing. It was strange to say the least. "Does anybody else notice anything strange about this place?"

"Yeah, there's no people." Rex said, confirming Roxy's thoughts. "Or animals. Not even a small village." Ahsoka added in, furrowing her eyebrows as she looked below. Roxy was brought out of thought by the sound of crumbling. She looked up, seeing a landslide headed their way and she quickly stopped dead in her tracks. "GET BACK!"

Roxy pushed Ahsoka back into Obi-Wan just as the landside came and wasn't prepared for Rex to grab her tightly and take the impact for her, causing them both to go over the edge. "ROXY! REX!" Ahsoka screamed, see the two disappear into the trees below.
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Roxy woke up, seeing a fire lit and someone tossing what she believed was wood into it. Startled, she gasped and sat upright quickly. "Hey, hey. It's alright. It's just me." She realized it was Rex and had immediately calmed down upon seeing his face clearly.

"Where are we?" She asked as Rex looked towards the fire then back at her. "I had to find us shelter. A storm was coming in, so I found this cave." Roxy nodded, seeing that it was still pouring outside and she immediately rubbed her arms together for warmth.

"Are you hungry? I found a few rations while I was out." Rex offered, handing her a piece of fruit that he found. She smiled, thanking him before taking the fruit and quickly started to nibble on it. "So, I guess since we're here, maybe we should get to know each other?"

"Yeah, yeah. That sounds like a good idea." Rex stuttered while scratching the back of his neck. Roxy got up from her spot and sat down beside Rex near the fire.

"So, what's it like? Being a Princess and all? I'm sure you get to have anything you want, right?" Rex asked as Roxy shook her head. "I'm no ordinary Princess, Rex. Yes, I could have anything I want, but I choose not to because that's selfish. Besides, even if I could, I don't get everything I want. Even, everything I need." Roxy began, Rex noticing her voice starting to break as she did. "Why?"

"Some families aren't perfect. I mean, my siblings are everything to me. It's my father. I've noticed since I was a little girl, maybe about 5, that my father never loved me. It started out as him degrading me for trying to be like my brother and sister, not being rewarded for any accomplishment ever, then it got to him not saying he loved me, him wishing that I never was born, that I should have died with my mother. Then, after that, he locked me in the palace. I was never allowed to leave, I wasn't allowed to train with my brother and sister, I wasn't allowed any of it. I was the laughing stock over my entire family. But, Lara and Morales, they never gave up on me. They did everything they could to prepare me in case we go to war. They trained me day in and day out regardless of my father's word. So, when I said even if I could get everything I want, I'll never get my father's love and approval."

Listen to her, Rex felt a weight on his chest. Like he knew how she felt. It pained him almost, to see this young woman in pain and hurt. He understand the desire to be approved. For her, it was from her inner circle. For him, it was society. Some people in the galaxy think clones are nothing but lab rats or mindless droids and they're never appreciated for their heroic acts. But, for Rex, he felt sympathy. All Roxy ever wanted was to be loved by her father and for that, she's punished for it.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I truly am." Rex apologized, reaching over to place his hand on her shoulder. Roxy looked at him, smiling sadly before she looked back at the fire. "Funny thing is, even though my father hates me, for Force knows what reason, I still love him and I'm worried about whether he's still alive."

"And that's nothing you should be ashamed of." She heard Rex say, causing her head to perk up at this. "What I mean is, you shouldn't be beating yourself up for your father not loving you. Its his loss for not appreciating and loving a young woman who is kindhearted, beautiful, and not to mention, his own blood.."

"Really?" Rex nodded, displaying a small yet kindred smile that stunned Roxy. In that moment, everything around her froze. That smile alone made her heart sputter out of control. She felt her blood run up to her cheeks and she quickly looked away, hoping he didn't notice it. "Thank you, Rex. That's really sweet.."

"Of course. It's true if you think it isn't." Rex assured as Roxy smiled bashfully at the ground. "Anyway, why don't you get some rest? I'll keep watch.."

"Are you sure?" Roxy asked worriedly while meeting his eyes. "Don't worry about me, your Majesty. I'll be fine."

"That's the thing, Rex. You're use to people not caring. I, on the other hand, am worried for you. Just..be safe. For me." Was all Roxy said before she got up from her spot near the fire and walked back to her original spot, plopping down softly to the ground and laying down.

Rex watched the young woman from afar, his mind replaying her words on a loop. Was she really concerned about his safety? She doesn't look like the type to act, so maybe she was serious. Rex didn't know, but he went back to keeping watch. Though it was unknown to him that they were about to have an unexpected visitor.