Prompt:

Requested by SolarFlamedFlare

She/Her❥

1st POV
♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎

Sweat had began to fog up my already-messed up vision. There was no way around it; I am doomed. The Clone Wars had ended only a few short weeks ago, and the Republic had formed into an Empire, which none of the good people agreed on. Many of my friends and I had pledged our lives to the Republic... not whatever this is. Now, I am on the run for stealing some meek supplies from a small trooper encampment,

"Get back here now!" a voice shouted from behind me, causing sweat to further block my vision, which has already been altered by a rough punch to the face, "Your death will be swift if you comply!"

"No thank you, bucket head!" I shouted in response, the little amount of courage I had left burning brightly, "May the Republic live on through me and those who long for freedom!"

I had no real idea who was still alive after the attempt at stealing. I had brought my friend, a man named Leo, and he had brought along his boyfriend, a purple Twi'lek called Vince. Vince had dedicated himself to the cause only a short while ago, and unfortunately, he had no real knowledge when it came to war. He had been raised as a farmer and nothing more. Leo had essentially begged for his boyfriend to come along despite these things, and I am worried. Hopefully I am wrong, and the duo is still kicking.

Unlike the Twi'lek, I had always been surrounded by some form of combat, so I'd learned a few things in my time. Luckily, I could hone a few of my skills, and scale a small building if needed, and now was the perfect time. Kicking my feet swiftly off the ground, I gradually pulled myself up and up, finally wrapping my fingers around some roofing and tiles,

"Shit," I whispered; my muscles burning from the perusing troopers and finally climbing a building like this. Luckily for me, despite the excessive exercise, I had a good view of the land. Unluckily though, I couldn't see Vince or Leo anywhere.

Pulling out my com, I squatted down and prayed I'd get a response, "Leo?" I whispered quietly as a patrol of the Clone troopers stomped by angrily, "Please tell me you're okay. Just give me a sign."

No response. Figures, "Boys, I need a response," I continued, nibbling my fingernails as the seconds ticked by without a word, "Shit," I whispered to myself yet again. No need to just sit around here doing nothing. I need to get back to the ship and call for reinforcements incase Leo and Vince were somehow captured.

The Clone squad that was feverishly searching for me quickly disappeared into an out-of-sight alley way, which gave me the perfect opportunity to get the hell out of dodge. My ship was parked a little over a kilometer away, so the run back to it would be the easiest thing I do all night. Climbing back down the building was surprisingly more difficult than the climb up. The walls were very slippery, and I also plummeted a couple of times. As my feet touched the soft dirt below, I felt a few pairs of eyes on me. The hair on the back of my neck began to rise, and I pulled my blaster out; whipping around to meet the eyes of Vince; his shirt ripped in many places. Blood was flowing from his nose,

"Vince?" I questioned, as if I was seeing some ghost, "Thank the force you're alright! Where's Leo?"

The Twi'lek had a very sad smile sewed to his lips, "The Clones captured him-- ripped him straight from my arms. (Y/N), I couldn't do a thing."

I sighed and wrapped Vince in a tight hug; sadness overtaking me, "We will get him back. I swear it."

"You're gonna need more than the two of you to achieve something that extreme," a very familiar voice cracked through the silence-- the voice of a Clone Trooper.

Both Vince and I slowly separated from the hug; fear evident in both our faces. However, the Clone who spoke didn't have a malicious expression on his face, "You'll have to go through me to get to him!" I shouted, stepping in front of Vince. Vince is my responsibility until Leo returns, and I won't let anything ruin that,

"Kid, don't worry," the man continued, his hands slowly turning towards the sky in surrender, "My name is Hunter. That back there is Omega, Tech, Echo and Wrecker. We are just as wanted by our brothers as you are."

The group this Hunter spoke of was a very odd looking bunch. Omega was only a child, maybe 12. Tech was... interesting. He had glasses over his eyes that represented goggles far better than glasses, and he was hardly paying attention to the matter at hand. Far too distracted by his datapad. Wrecker was just as confusing as Tech. The man looked like he could easily rip my head from my shoulders without any effort, yet he had a kind face. Echo was the most normal looking member of the bunch, yet he looked more like a droid than a Clone,

"You need to explain fast before I blow your brains out," I snapped, my hand clenching my blaster with such a force that my knuckles turned bright white, "I trust no Clone."

Hunter extended his hands out and nodded, "I understand why. The reason for our brother's actions is because the Empire had chips put into our heads during our development. All the Clones' development. My squad, the Bad Batch, had issues with our chips, and we've had them removed just to make sure. We still wish to serve the Republic although that is impossible thanks to the death of the Jedi Order. But, if finding your friend can do some good for a galaxy my brothers have destroyed, then we are going to do it."

I shook my head; many different thoughts circling. This could be a trap. These men may kill myself and Vince. All hope would be lost. But there was also the thought that this Clone wasn't lying, and regardless, I need their help if I am to rescue Leo. I lowered my blaster and sighed,

"For both our sakes, I pray you're not lying."

Hunter dropped his hands, a smile forming at his lips, "We originally came to this planet to find Omega somewhere safe. As you can see, she's not battle-ready, and she is being hunted by numerous Bounty Hunters across the galaxy. It's obvious this planet isn't where Omega needs to be considering the immense amount of Clones around here. So, if we make it out alive, we can find a safe place for you and your friends to hunker down and collect yourselves."

I frowned instantaneously at that request, "No thanks, bud. We are fighting for our freedom. We don't have time to hunker down. I'm sorry this planet isn't safe enough for your daughter, but we aren't leaving until we absolutely have to."

The Clone nodded in understanding, his eye twitching at the daughter comment, "That's fine. Now, Twi'lek. Where did your friend get taken?"

The trip took around a half an hour. Between dodging patrols and trying to remember where we were going, we took way longer than anticipated. And to add onto this, Hunter wouldn't leave my side for anything,

"You're a little close, y'know," I commented, nudging into Hunter's side as the group peaked over the small stone wall blocking the gaze of the Clone patrols.

Hunter didn't respond. He was too focused on something, almost as if he could feel the thing he was focused on through the force, "I can feel your friend," Hunter commented, frisking his fingers through the loose, underfoot dirt.

A confused look rose to my face, causing a smirk to rise onto Wrecker's lips, "That's his thing. We all have one. I'm strong, Tech is smart, Echo is a mutant cyborg. A reg turned dysfunctional, and Crosshair... uh, Crosshair..."

An awkward silence rippled through the group. Hunter had appeared to lose focus at the mention of this 'Crosshair.' I cleared my throat uncomfortably and nodded, "Lead us to him then," I continued, trying to move on from the subject of this Crosshair.

The group didn't speak for the rest of our travels. Fortunately, the 'rest of our travels' was short. Their base was very close, close enough to hear a very aggravated Leo who was making himself heard,

"You'll regret holding me here, you tincans!" the man shouted while punching a Clone Trooper in the face. Leo screamed as his fist was enveloped in hot, fiery pain, "I'll kill every last one of you!"

The Clone Trooper who was punched by the rambunctious man immediately whipped around and laid a hard punch on Leo's cheek. A loud crunch was heard.

I gasped; tears threatening to fall. I then felt a hand grab mine and squeeze softly. It was just what I needed; a reminder that I will in fact get Leo freed thanks to this mysterious Clone Battalion.

Hunter rose his eyebrows at me, as if indicating for me to make the call. I glanced down at my hand and noticed it was indeed Hunter who attempted to calm my anxieties. The man who showed no emotion, and was only here for little Omega. Yet, he found empathy in his heart for me,

"Make the shot," I whispered as the Clone Trooper pressed another punch against my best friend, "Then we move in."

"Yes, ma'am," Hunter responded, removing his gloved hand from mine and lining up the Clone's helmet with the crosshair of his gun. He pulled the trigger effortlessly, and that's when all hell broke loose.

It was essentially a blur; these next few moments. Blaster fire filled the empty space around our group. Tech and Wrecker automatically began covering Vince, Hunter, Echo and I. My little group, while being covered, raced over to Leo, who was shivering from all the physical damage done to him.

I remember the Twi'lek aggressively hugging his boyfriend, but there was not enough time to reunite here. The battle has only begun.

I grabbed Vince's hand and pulled him away from Leo. Wrecker instantly knew what I was thinking, because he abandoned the fire fight and hoisted Leo up into his arms, "Cover us!" he yelled, which caused Echo to immediately abandon his fight against a patch of retreating Clones, and focus on the larger, more intimidating group. Their teamwork was astounding.

It all kinda goes fuzzy after Wrecker scooped up my childhood friend. My memories became a little less blotchy once we returned to the ship. Echo claims I suffered a head injury, but I don't even care,

"Is Leo okay?" I questioned, peering across the room. Both Vince and Leo were alone in the man's quarters. Only Echo was permitted to go in since he had a bit of medical knowledge from the war.

Echo nodded, his gaze turning to Hunter, "He will survive. But, Hunter and I can't help but wonder what your plans are when your friend is back to normal."

I shook my head and rose from my seat, "I know what you're insinuating, and I understand you all are different from the others, but I can't risk joining up with Clones long term. I'm sorry."

Echo's face dropped slightly. It broke my heart to decline their request, but the Rebellion would never approve of Clones joining the cause. Maybe once some of this starts to settle down, I could maybe invite them to fight against the Empire, but until then, it would be foolish.

I silently opened the door to the outside, and stepped out for a moment. I need air.

The world around me was insanely silent. I wish I could remember what happened during that fight. Where are all the Clones? Are the locals okay?

"Mind if I sit out here with you?" the voice of Hunter began. I could feel his eyes on me.

I just nodded, peering over at him. The moon illuminated his already-handsome features, but I kept that to myself,

"The loyalty you have for your friends and your cause is admirable," the Sergeant began, "I hate to reiterate what Echo said earlier, but you should really think about joining us. You have a fiery hate for the Empire that rivals all of us. You're talented in battle, and you're fearless. We need someone like you to fight for us."

I sighed inwardly, and squeezed my hands into fists, "Hunter, my fight with the Empire is different than yours," I began, loosening my fists, "I'm going for the Emperor. I'm gonna kill him myself."

Hunter's eyes widened, but he didn't make any judgmental comments. He only laid his arm onto my shoulders, "Let me help you then. You'll need all the firepower you can muster for someone like the Emperor."

He was sincere, I could tell. I began nibbling my nails in nervousness, but Hunter intercepted; wrapping my hand with his, "You don't need to make a decision now. Just know you've got a squad in your corner until you know what is best."

I softly leaned against Hunter's side; his arm tightening around my shoulder, "I've come to realize the Emperor is something I must do on my own. I haven't even told Leo about my plan, because I don't want to bring him any unnecessary pain."

"Then why'd you tell me?" the Sergeant questioned; his gaze rising to the moon.

This question made me feel quite dumbfounded. Why did I tell Hunter?

"Because I don't want you to risk yourself over something like this," I finally spat out, "If you know what I'm getting into, you'd be smart to not follow me."

"I guess I'm one dumb Clone," Hunter responded, looking me in the eyes, "I'll follow you across the whole galaxy if you asked. You're different, (Y/N)."

I sighed, leaning my forehead against his, "Please don't."

Hunter didn't respond. He just pressed his lips into mine, and the whole world melted away. All my worries about this war, Leo's injuries, and all the death I've witnessed. Hunter made it all go away. Now, I know best that Hunter must come with me, because if he dies without me being there for him, it'll be the same as me dying, only more painful because I couldn't help him. If I die, I want to die with him in my arms.

This is what I always feared... and it's happened. As the Jedi always said; attachment is a road to the Dark Side. I understand this now— Hunter has jeopardized everything I've fought for, but honestly, I don't care...

December 9th, 2021