Unwritten Path [PAUSED]

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚-𝑺𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏

22 BBY, Month 10

The night air bit sharply as it swept across the open grasslands, carrying with it the lingering scent of damp earth from the forest behind them. The makeshift camp was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the low murmur of the clones as they exchanged shifts. Their chosen spot offered a balance of safety and visibility, with the forest's dense cover close behind and the sprawling grasslands stretching out in front like a calm sea. Lexi believed it was perfect for the group, can hear the rustling of leaves behind them and the open grasslands. Each brings a benefit to them.

Lexi's gaze drifted to Comet, who was leaning against a sturdy tree trunk nearby. His armor caught the faint glimmer of the rising dawn, his posture relaxed yet alert. Giving him a tired smile, her breath visible in the crisp air as the time night began to change. The faint colors of sunrise began to bleed into the horizon as the dark hues faded.

Comet shifted slightly, his voice breaking the serene silence. "I hope you slept well, Commander. It's going to be a long walk to the village... and who knows what lies between." His tone was steady, but there was a weight behind his words that she notched right away.

She followed his gaze to the open land ahead, her eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to see beyond the horizon.The sun's light touched the tips of the grass, casting a golden glow over the field. It was beautiful, a sight she wished she could cherish. However, the circumstances were not allowing her to do so. Lexi nodded in acknowledgment, her attention shifting back to the group behind her. The clones were starting to stir.

"I'm up," Moon mumbled groggily, his voice muffled as he tried to shake off sleep. Before he could properly rise, Eel gave him a sharp whack on the arm.

"Sure you are," Eel muttered, sarcasm dripping from his voice as he snatched Moon's blaster from him before the man could fully react.

Moon sat up quickly, blinking wide-eyed as he processed what had happened. He gave his brother a sheepish look, muttering something under his breath before stretching out his stiff limbs. His brown eyes darted around, his hair gave it away that he was a newbie.

Eel, on the other hand, looked every bit the seasoned soldier. His pitch-black hair was cropped short, and the scar on the side of his neck told a tale he rarely spoke of. He smirked as Moon sheepishly muttered something under his breath while sluggishly stretching.

"You're not winning any races," Eel quipped, handing Moon his helmet. His tone carried a teasing edge, though there was an unspoken bond of care beneath it.

Coal remained at the edge of the group, silent as ever, his focus entirely on the task at hand. His natural hair was dusted with gray streaks, contrasting the scar running from his forehead to the back of his head. His expression was one of quiet intensity as he checked his weapons with practiced efficiency. A bag rested against his side, loaded and prepared, and beside it sat the other helmets. All three lined up with precision and showed their differences.