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Max's POV
"Jimmy," I called to my trooper and he halted his movements to turn, and glare at me - still clearly annoyed with my attitude from earlier, "I'm sorry for how I spoke to you, I was trying to be tough, but I do need your help." I used the wall to keep my dizzy-self standing.

Kill the- I took a deep breath, and continued to fight the control.

I watched the anger leave his eyes, then he sighed and fully turned around to come towards me, "I got you Captain," He wrapped my arm around his shoulder, and walked me near the medical bay. Which, granted, is where he's supposed to take me, but I needed to get him to go the opposite way.

"Wait," He paused, and looked at me with furrowed brows, "I...forgot my weapon near the entrance of the escape pods." I lied.

"I'll get it once I drop you off at the nurse," He offered with a smile; continuing to walk again.

I swallowed nervously. I couldn't just knock him out like Dax probably did to Edge, there's no way I can carry an unconscious trooper in my condition, "What if we run into one of the Generals right now?" I spoke quickly, "They'll surely be upset that I was careless enough to leave my weapon behind; and you know what they do to clones who make careless mistakes."

His steps slowed, his mind traveling to the many brothers we lost; the ones tossed away as if they never meant a thing. They've been getting rid of us for the smallest of things, like they were trying to make room for something else. But there's one thing this chip didn't take away from us, and that's our brotherhood. Which is how I knew this would work, "Fine," He sighed, and made a full turn to go back the way I just came.

I did my best to hide my relief as he led me back to the escape pods, where hopefully, Dax is waiting.

Anakin's POV
I felt guilty for what I said to Obi-Wan. I know he was only speaking out of worry and concern, and all I did was throw it back into his face. I was highly emotional and I said things I didn't even mean.

Apologizing to him is the first thing I plan to do when I get back.

"Thanks for this," I peered out the front window of the razor crest as Mando flew the ship through the atmosphere of Coruscant.

He nodded, "I prefer this than babysitting that little green thing."

I chuckled as I pointed towards a familiar building, and he guided his ship near it, "His name is Grogu, and I happen to think he's kind of cute."

"What species is he?" He asked curiously.

I paused with furrowed, "That is a damn good question that I do not have the answer to."

Mando flew through the sky, and I took notice to a few ships that held clones began to take an interest in us, "State your name, your business, your personnel number, and the same for anyone else on board." I heard one speak through the intercom as they flew behind us.

"My name is Pedro Pascal, and I'm alone," Mando pulled out a card from his small bag and brought it up to his visor to read, "My personnel number is four-one-nine-five-zero-one, and I'm simply here to gather a few supplies." Mando spoke confidently as he placed the ID, that I can only guess is fake, back into his bag.

There was silence on the other end for a split second, until finally; I heard news that lowered my anxiety, "Identification confirmed, you are given a two hour restriction to gather any needed supplies. The Empire is not allowing travelers on Coruscant any longer than that."

"I'll be gone in one, thank you boys." Mando responded before placing his hands back on his controls and flying through the sky; making me grab ahold of the seat so I wouldn't fall over. I know he was trying to get away before they could double check if he had anyone with him, but I was seconds from throwing up in this cockpit.

Is this how others feel when it's me that flies like an insane person?

I owe quite a few apologies.

"I'm gonna be sick," I placed my hand on my mouth as he made a slight sharp turn to avoid oncoming traffic.

He slowly turned his head, and I could feel his glare through his black visor, "Throw up, and I'll make you lick it up."

I thoroughly believed his threat, and it was enough for me to swallow anything that rose, back down.

"That building there?" He nudged his head towards a familiar building, one I haven't been to in years. Since before I was with (y/n).

I nodded and stood up; holding tightly onto a metal bar next to me for support, "Yeah, and it's the top floor so just hover over that platform and I'll drop down." I instructed him as I patted his beskar shoulder.

"Sounds good kid," He got close to the building, and I could already see Padme as she curiously peaked her head out to eye the ship with a look of confusion and worry, "I'll stay in the area, just call me when you're ready to leave. Also, don't forget that we have a limit before they try and shoot my ship down." He reminded me as I walked backwards towards the exit of his cockpit.

"I won't be long, scouts honor," I two-finger saluted him before leaving his presence.

I reached the ramp just as it began to lower, and I peered down at the platform that was only about ten feet below me. I held no fear in my body as I prepared for my leap; I've jumped from far worse heights.

I bent my knees slightly, and sprung out of the ship; landing safely onto the platform outside of Padmé's apartment, "Ani?" She asked in surprise as I slowly stood up from my crouched landing position.

I smiled as I met her wide eyes, "Hey Padmé, I hear you have something important to tell me."

Lilith's POV
"Amara."

I inhaled sharply as I shot my eyes open from my momentary slumber. I was still laying on the cold metal floor of my bedroom, so the first image I got upon opening my eyes; was the gray ceiling where I previously counted all the small dents and scratches before falling asleep.

I heard a voice, a deep male voice that seemed familiar, but not at the same time. Initially I thought of it as a voice in my dream, but when I heard it again; I knew I wasn't dreaming.

"Amara." This time I sat up. My body still felt weak, but it was in much better condition than what it was in before.

I slowly scanned the area around me with a menacing glare, wondering if anyone snuck in here while I was sleeping. But as I peered into the bathroom, and my gaze looked over every corner and shadow in the room - I realized I was actually alone.

Am I going insane? Was my Master's torture enough to drive me to utter madness? I've heard voices in my head before since waking up after being nearly killed by Anakin, but they were mostly low whispers that I knew were in my head.

I assumed they were murmurs from my subconscious mind, due to my concussion. Or at least that's what Sidious told me; 'it's just your subconscious mind trying to keep you on track with who you are, so listen to them'.

This voice however, sounded as if someone was standing right next to me.

I sighed as I placed my cold hand on my warm head, "I'm fucking losing it." I mumbled to myself before rubbing my sore temples.

"Amara, what has become of you my child?"

I froze and snapped my eyes open fully. My gaze immediately landed on a man who appeared to be glowing as he stood about five feet in front of me. On instinct I placed my hand on my weapon, "Who the hell are you?" I eyed him up and down. His long hair and beard seemed annoyingly familiar, but I couldn't place him.

He took a step towards me, his eyes holding a deep look of sorrow, "You look like your mother."

I half-smirked, one he was unable to see, "Does she also have an ugly scar, and lost the ability to breathe on her own?" His lips parted to give me an answer, but no words came through, "Thought not," I chuckled as I stood up and dusted myself off from the dirty floor, "So once again, who are you?" I slowly walked around him with my heavy boots clicking into the floor, "Or what are you?" I corrected myself when I saw he clearly wasn't in a physical form.

"Amare listen-"

I waved my hand to shut him up, "Why do you keep calling me that?" I scrunched my face in disgust, "Thats not my name, my name is Lilith."

"No it's not, it's Amara, I'm the one who named you." He held a look of desperation in his eyes, it was pathetic.

I chuckled again, "Even if that is true, why such an ugly name?" I rolled my eyes as I held tightly onto my lightsaber in preparation for anything.

"Sweetheart this isn't you, you're just a little lost and I've come to guide you back." He smiled as he took a step closer to me and I took two steps back. He eyed my movement pitifully, "I'm your father Amara."

Tricks.

"Sure you are," I dragged the words out sarcastically as I pulled my lightsaber out, and switched it on, "I already know Sidious is my father, so all I really care to hear from you is who sent you?" I asked as I spun the weapon in my hand expertly for fun. I may have lost most of my own identity, but I strangely didn't forget how to wield one of these; it's like muscle memory, "Was it Anakin Skywalker? Are you helping him trick me so he could take advantage of my fragile mind?" I pointed the end of my blade towards the man who looked as if he was on the brink of tears, which is most likely just for show. And he had the audacity to bring up my 'Mother', please like I'm going to allow him or anyone to manipulate me.

He shook his head, "Sweetie no, I love you, and Anakin loves you too-"

I couldn't help but laugh out loud at his treacherous words, "Love? He loves me?" I cackled as if it was the funniest thing in the galaxy, "That man left me for dead, twice I was told, and is even to blame for my current conditions. If that's love, then I don't really want it." I shrugged as I pushed my blade forward and it went straight through him, "How are you doing this anyway? Astro-projection?" I swiped my blade to the right like I was cutting him in half.

He looked down at the crimson light that was continuously swiping through him.

I was curious.

"No, I'm dead Amara." He stated bluntly.

"Right," I didn't believe him. I retracted the blade, and placed it back in my hilt now that I knew he couldn't physically do anything to me, "Well go back to your little friend and let him know that I'm not falling for it, and also tell him that I'll be seeing him very soon."

Sooner than he thinks.

The man shook his head and the tears I saw pooling in his eyes earlier broke free, "I'm sorry we all failed you sweetheart, but I swear you're going to be free again."

"Cute," His words did nothing for me for two reasons.

One, I didn't trust him - why should I? 

And two, I already had a voice in my head, Sidious's. I have no choice but to obey him to avoid any fatal repercussions. He's already proved to me that he could fry my brain in seconds if he wants to.

"Goodbye now." I waved my hand with the force, and just as I had hoped; the man faded away from me. The last thing I saw were his sorrow-filled eyes.

(TW: Violence - Just a little force choking, no death.)
Almost as soon as the man dispersed, the door to my room flew open and a clone rushed in. He took me by surprise, so in my startled state; I raised my hand and instinctively choked him until he fell to his knees, "Who are you to barge in here unannounced?"

He gasped for air as his hands reached his neck, "Senat-" He tried to get the word out, but couldn't. I released my hold on him to hear what he had to say, and he took a moment to cough violently before speaking, "I'm sorry Lady Lilith, but we have word from the Senator."

I used the force to stand him back up on his two feet, "Tell me it's good news, I would hate for you to have to be the bearer of bad news," I tilted my head as I waited for him to speak.

The powerful feeling of the force was beginning to surge through me again now that my strength was coming back. I no longer felt weak, I felt as if I had power coursing through my veins; a dark, malevolent power.

He nodded eagerly and I watched from the reflection of his helmet as my amber eyes glowed a little darker, "It's good, we have a location."

"Perfect," I walked past him and beckoned for him to follow me, "Get a ship ready and a few dozen of you clones, I'm feeling a little barbaric."

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I wasn't feeling very inspired for this book for awhile, but I finally began to feel it again after stepping away from it for a bit ♥️
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