On The Run || A Bad Batch Story || Hunter X Reader

6. Y/N

The Bad Batch and I had been hiding out on our little oasis for a few days now. Over the past few days, I had felt the most calm that I had in a long time. With the clones around me, I felt protected and safe. Even though there were people looking for all of us, we were together and were going to look out for each other. In fact, I had grown quite close to the clones over the recent days.

Each clone was unique in their own way, each having different tendencies and quirks that made them special. Echo was kind and resourceful, always standing up for what was right. Tech was honest and clever, never afraid to share the facts, even if to a fault. Wrecker was funny and sometimes childish, but in a way that brought joy to those around him. Omega was curious and compassionate, sometimes getting into trouble because of it. And Hunter... Hunter was the most interesting of all.

I was drawn to Hunter in a way that I knew could potentially be problematic. He was a fierce protector, a loyal friend, and a strong leader. All honorable, and attractive, qualities. As a Jedi, I was taught to let go of attachments as fear of those losing those attachments can lead to a path to the dark side. But lately, those attachments have become my motivation to keep going during these difficult times. I have felt more alive in recent days, happier since joining this interesting crew. Instead of letting go of these feelings, I found myself wanting to embrace them. But that's not what Jedi do. So I found ways to keep them out of my mind, but not fully cutting myself off from them.

It had been a quiet few days and some members of the group were getting a bit restless. "I want to explore. See the sights!" Omega complained.

"It's not safe, Omega." Hunter explained. "It's too risky."

Omega let out a long sigh. "But I'm sick of sitting around here. And we haven't noticed any signs of the Empire, why can't we just go into the town for a quick visit and come right back?"

Although I agreed with Hunter, Omega's argument was appealing. It had become rather boring and seeing something new would be a good change of pace. Despite my better judgment, I decided to go out on a limb. "I could take Omega into town."

"No." Hunter replied immediately.

"Come on, Hunter. You can't expect her to sit around in hiding for the rest of her life. If just she and I go into town, we can easily keep from drawing too much attention to ourselves." Hunter opened his mouth to say something, but I interrupted him. "And we can handle ourselves, can't we, Omega?" Omega nodded assuredly.

Omega and I looked at Hunter with hopeful eyes. He sighed, "Fine, but don't be gone too long and keep your coms on."

Omega jumped up and gave him a hug. "Thanks, Hunter! I promise you won't regret it!"

***

Omega and I walked through the village, stopping at different stands set up in their small market area. With my hood on, I made sure no one was able to get too close of a look at me. Although this was meant to be a leisurely trip, I found myself in a defensive mode. Constantly scanning my surroundings, making sure that no one approached either of us. Always keeping an eye on Omega, making sure she was safe.

We had decided that it was probably time for us to head back to camp when a large shadow loomed over the market. Looking up, I saw the underbelly of what appeared to be a pirate ship that was making its way to land. I grabbed Omega by the shoulder and pulled her into the closest alleyway. We watched the pirates disembark and my heart dropped into my stomach.

The group of pirates casually walked into the marketspace, clearly having been here many times before. The villagers handed over credits and items without question, but with obvious disdain. Leading the group was a confident looking weequay by the name of Hondo. He and I had had a few run-ins during the clone wars. On many occasions, he had helped the Jedi, but was also known to do whatever would benefit him the most. With a bounty of my head, I knew that he would only view me as a goldmine.

While I had been contemplating an escape plan in the event Hondo saw me, Omega must have been realizing what was happening to the villagers. "This isn't right..." she whispered. Outwardly upset by the arrangement the pirates had with the locals. Soon after, a disagreement broke out between one of the pirates and a young villager.

Within seconds, the villager was shoved to the ground as the pirates ransacked his stall. I went to grab Omega, to pull her further away from the action, but to my horror she had run out towards the commotion. "Leave him alone!" She demanded, standing between the villager and the pirates.

"What do we have here?" Hondo stepped forward and motioned to Omega. "A little mouse that has lost her way." The pirates in his crew laughed scornfully. "Step aside, girl." Hondo said more seriously now.

Omega drew her energy bow, "No."

"Foolish child." Hondo sneered. "Remove her." He commanded his pirates.

Before making one of the most foolish decisions of my life, I spoke into the com device that Tech had rigged together for me, "Get to the town now and ready the ship. Things are about to get messy." Hunter's panicked voice came over the com device, but I turned it off before I changed my mind. I steadily moved my lightsaber from my pocket to my hip, readying it in case the worst happened.

"Do not lay a hand on her." I yelled, my voice carrying over the commotion of the moment. Hondo turned and our eyes met. Surprise covered face first with a greedy look following before it returned to his unsettling calm charm.

"Long time no see, my Jedi friend." He called to me. Shocked whispers rang through the crowd that had formed. I placed my hand on my lightsaber. "I would ask what you've been up to, but in light of recent events, I'm sure I could take a guess."

"Leave the girl alone, Hondo." I demanded.

Hondo ignored my request. "I'm sorry for what happened to you and your friends, you know."

I took a deep breath, easing my nerves and emotions that were boiling up inside of me. "Let her go, now."

He threw his hand to his chest, feigning hurt. "No small talk? No catching up? You're not happy to see an old friend?"

All I could think about was getting Omega to safety. Even if it meant risking my own life, or my capture. His crew were growing antsy, things were escalating and I would do what needed to be done. I drew my lightsaber, "I'm not going to ask you again."

Any amusement on his face vanished. "I have a better idea. You, in exchange for the girl."

As our showdown was reaching its zenith, a familiar figure moved from out of the crowd and stood in front of me. "I'm afraid that won't be an option." Hunter said, his blaster pointed right at Hondo.

If Hondo was nervous, he didn't show it. "I like these new friends of yours, Y/N, they're feisty." He smiled, pausing to take in what he thought would be his triumph. "I'm afraid it has to end this way. Truly I am, but business is business." He said darkly, and signaled his pirates to move in.

"Now!" Hunter yelled, and immediately smoke bombs exploded, covering the area in dark smoke. Hunter grabbed my arm, pulling me towards his escape route.

"What about Omega?"

"Don't worry, Wrecker and Echo got her." Hunter assured me.

Within moments, we heard Echo's voice over the com channel, "We've got Omega."

"And I've got Y/N. Tech, meet us at the rendezvous."

"On my way." Tech responded.

As Hunter and I ran around a corner, we reunited with Wrecker, Echo, and Omega. The five of us continued our maneuvers with Hunter leading the way. The whir of the Marauder's engines sounded from above as Tech moved into position. We boarded the ship as quickly as we could. I took one last look towards the village and locked eyes with Hondo. To my surprise, he saluted me and turned back to his crew. He always kept me guessing, I'd give him that.