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Chapter Text

You know all those stories about magical creatures and people who can cast spells? Well, this story contains those kinds of things, but that's not the only kind of magic you may see.

You see, when you hear the word 'Magic', what comes to mind first for you? A magician pulling a rabbit out of his top hat? The Tooth Fairy appearing in your bedroom to take your baby tooth and leave money under your pillow? A fairy godmother turning a maid's outfit into a fancy gown? Or Santa Claus flying through the sky on his magic sleigh pulled by flying reindeer? Well, those are magical experiences, but magic can come in forms that are not necessarily sorcery.

You see, the thing about witchcraft, to put it simply, the kind to avoid altogether is when you try to play God and mess with the delicate balance of nature, but if somehow you were granted special powers, it is because there is something in you only a greater force can see. But, how you choose to use that power, it's either giving a gift back to your maker, or losing yourself in abusing your gift.

You don't have to take my word for it, if you so choose. The truth is though, you don't need the power to read minds or to turn rocks into diamonds to experience magic, because there are all kinds of magic in seemingly ordinary places.

There is magic in nature when new life comes about, especially in the spring when lots of beautiful flowers bloom, the trees grow lots of beautiful new green leaves, and many baby animals are born. There is also magic in imagination. All you have to do is let your mind wander for a moment, allow your thoughts to piece together, and sooner or later, you'll have a picture in your head that can lead to all kinds of great ideas, like a design for a new outfit, a story or a poem to write, or even a solution to a problem.

But a truly special kind of magic is the magic of love. Love, however, is a very complicated type of magic. It comes in a lot of forms, but what all of them have in common is that it is always between at least two people. There's love between a bride and groom, love between brothers and sisters, love between parents and children, love between best friends, love between a boyfriend and girlfriend, even love between pets and their people. However, love is often mistaken for other things. Love can be mistaken with greed, pride, fear, and especially lust. In turn, that becomes a leading cause of heartbreak and people falling apart.

Despite the complexity of the entire concept of love, it has a way of bringing people together, especially families.

In the case of a young couple by the name of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala Naberrie, or rather Padme Skywalker, there was a lot of love in the air.

If there was one thing that showed the very beacon of the power of love, it was a wedding. You know, the event when a man and a woman come together, get all dressed up, and they make a vow to each other to always be loyal, love each other, support each other, and to get through all the tough times together as a team. Marriage was not anything to enter into lightly, this not every couple knew. And at this particular time, the groom thought very hard about it and chose to risk it all to propose to the woman he loved.

At the moment, Padme and Anakin spent some time alone in Padme's quarters, the bride still in her wedding dress as she had her new husband's arms around her, and they were kissing non-stop. Anakin would need to return to the Jedi Temple soon. Most brides and grooms had a big party with a beautiful cake and lots of dancing or they took off in a beautiful limo or horse-drawn carriage on their way to their honeymoon. However, this couple was in a forbidden love story, which meant they needed to keep their romance and their marriage secret. The only ones who knew about it besides them were the five witnesses they had at their private ceremony. They would've invited Padme's family, but they had to be very discreet about the whole thing.

For the time being, Anakin wanted to make the most of what time he had left with his new wife before returning to the Temple.

Kissing his wife, Anakin felt like the most blessed man in the galaxy to be with such an angel. He pulled her closer and sighed happily feeling her lips against his. Padme felt the same as she deepened the kissing. The two barely stopped for air. It was as though kissing replaced breathing for them.

"I don't know how I ever got along without you." Anakin sighed, gently resting his forehead against Padme's.

"Oh, Ani, I love you so much." Padme sighed.

"I love you too... Mrs. Skywalker."

Padme closed her eyes with another sigh.

"Kiss me again, Ani."

"As you wish, my angel." Anakin whispered, closing his eyes and kissing his wife once more.

Padme knew as well as Anakin that keeping their marriage secret wouldn't be easy, but then again, no marriage was without its hardships. Plus, they would be going through this together, because marriage was a team effort, and so was parenthood.

As much as Anakin wanted to spend more time with his wife, he needed to return to the Temple with his sister and daughter. Anakin shared one last kiss with his wife and promised her he would do everything in his power to return to her as soon as possible. Until then, he told her anytime she missed him, the wooden ring he made her would serve as a reminder of his undying love for her.

A war had just begun between the Galactic Republic and a new group called the Separatist Alliance, who were being led by former Jedi Count Dooku, and he wasn't alone. Dooku had apparently taken a bride, a bride by the name of Gray Yolanda Morphina, but she went by Lady Morpha. And Gray had a sister who called herself Mariverde.

Most of the Republic didn't know much about these two sisters, but that was what the Jedi Council summoned Anakin and Kara to their chambers to discuss.

Carousella waited outside of the Council chambers on Anakin's command, but the alicorn had her ear against the door to listen in.

According to Chairwoman Laverne, who was on holo-call with the Jedi Council, Mariverde and Lady Morpha were sisters both in crime and biologically. Both of them were on the EHC's Most Wanted list, and their species, Doresho Gypsies, were among the most dangerous of all the dark creatures. According to notes of their past crimes, Lady Morpha was known to enslave people with her moths and to control moths to the point of doing anything she wanted, including murder. And, she was also infamous for seducing powerful men in order to use them for nefarious purposes, but this was the first case they'd heard of her marrying a man. Maybe there was something about Dooku that made him particularly attractive to her, like a moth to light, only this time it was a moth attracted to darkness.

Mariverde, however, though she was the younger sister, was much scarier and a lot more dangerous. No one had ever seen her face because she always kept it hidden under a standalone hood, and she almost never appeared out in the open. Little was known about her, but according to what little they did know about her, Mariverde was very manipulative, and she literally created villains using what she called mariclavas, which she used usually on inanimate objects, but sometime she used them on living creatures too, and she was very sneaky too.

To make matters worse, it appeared that while Lady Morpha was captured, it merely served as a distraction for Mariverde to commit another crimeâ of unlocking every cell in M.A.R.E.D.

"What's MARED?" Gabby asked.

Chairman Laverne explained that MARED was an acronym for the Maximum Armed Rogue Enchanteds Detention; it was the most secure maximum security prison in all of Enchantra, which inhabited many of that system's worst criminals. In that prison, criminals were in magic-proof walls that were custom made to be inescapableâ at least until Mariverde managed to use her mariclavas to trick the guards into releasing all of the prisoners and deactivating the irremovable tracking collars all of them wore for the rare event any of them escaped. But all of them at once?

"How many prisoners are we talking about exactly?" Kara said.

"Just about a few... Hundred." said the chairwoman awkwardly.

"Pfft! We faced a few thousand battle droids, that's nothing." Anakin huffed.

"But did those battle droids have dark magic that could bring your worst nightmares to life, manipulate natural disasters, and cause inanimate objects to attack?!"

That was just the tip of the iceberg, though. There were criminals of many species that used to occupy that prison, and all of them were wanted for different things in various kingdoms, most of them more than two. Many of them were in there for years, some centuries even, and not just because some naturally lived longer than others. M.A.R.E.D also had a spell on some of its cells that prevented certain prisoners from aging to force them to live a very long sentence rather than take the easy way out, because think about itâ what's the point of having eternal youth if you're trapped in a literal prison?

The Jedi could see they were going to need help with this battle, so the commission discussed with the Nine Kingdoms, whose leaders agreed to send some of their best warriors, as well as experts to teach them everything they needed to know about various enchanteds and their abilities.

And, the commission sent over a special tool. A whole crate of it, in fact. Inside were what looked like gold bracelets, each with three butterfly shaped stones on it. A little green one, a little red one, and a big white diamond. These were called clava-detectors. The green stone, if tapped once, would turn into a real butterfly, and could be used to locate a person if given the name. The red stone, if tapped, could be used as an emergency beacon if a wearer needs to call for help, and the diamond changed color. If doresho magic was anywhere nearby, it would change from white to green, and the closer it was, the greener it changed. Plus, they were very fashionable.

"Pretty." Gabby gasped, her eyes lighting up when she admired the new bracelet on her wrist.

"Yes, they're very pretty, little one." Chairman Laverne chuckled. "But remember, don't touch the red gem unless it's an emergency."

Every Jedi Council member put a clava-detector on his or her wrist, so did Anakin and Kara. It was imperative that they kept them on at all times, and remember the three main rules of fighting dark enchanteds:

Know your target Do not engage unarmed

And most importantly…

Never try to fight a dark force enchanted alone.

"And since you have an enchanted child in your midst, she will require a bodyguard of sorts."

"As luck would have it," said Anakin. "She has one now. The best in her field."

"Excellent."

The Council thanked the Commission for their time, and they ended the transmission to get down to some business they had to deal with in regards to Gabby's new guard. As many were aware, Anakin and/or Kara couldn't be with Gabby every second of the day, and there could come an event where at least one of them was too sick or injured to play babysitter. The Council members looked after her sometimes, but they had a million places to be too. And being a princess, Gabby required a special guard.

Anakin let Carousella enter the Council Chambers so the Council could meet her. Some of the masters felt a hint of deja vu; they definitely experienced something like this before, except this horse was purple, younger, and she wore armor.

"This is Carousella Mareheart." Anakin said.

"Newly recruited Lieutenant of Equinaro's royal guard," said Carousella.

"How old are you?" Mace asked.

"Eight years old."

The Council was confused; Queen Reigna let a child run the royal guards?

"My father is general of the guard and my mother is one of the highest ranking guards, and rest assured, the queen wouldn't stand for nepotism. I've trained since I was two."

"She was sent for me, and I really love her!" Gabby said excitedly, hugging Carousella. "Can she stay, please?"

The Council needed a bit of convincing though. So, Carousella decided to give them a little demonstration. Carousella's sweet demeanor changed to that of a drill sergeant. She had Gabby and her family stand back.

"You... Master Windu, front and center." She stomped her hoof.

Master Windu stood up and approached Carousella.

Carousella circled around Mace and looked him head to toe like she was inspecting him. For a kid, she had a serious attitude, and not like she had a problem with authority.

"A thing about horses, they can sense the energy and intentions of an individual ten miles away. Me? I learned how to detect from a thousand miles away, because my job requires me to find the threat before it finds the target."

Inspecting the energy surrounding Mace, Carousella could sense a bit of arrogance and someone who could strike a blow, but that was small potatoes to her.

"You must be quite a warrior to be second in command of this council."

Mace was shocked, so was the rest of the council.

"How do you know I'm second in command?"

"Positioning of the seats and quality of Master Yoda's robes. As far as I can see, his robes have a more cape-like quality, and noting the distance between the various seats, yours is two inches closer to Yoda's than Master Mundi's."

"And how do you know everyone's names already?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Simple. Gabriella is very talkative, and she spoke of each of her quote unquote, 'aunts and uncles' in detail. Uncle Obi-Wan being her favorite, I might add."

"I thought I was your favorite," said Kit, seeming hurt.

"I never said anyone was my favorite," said Gabby.

"As I suspected. Master Fisto, you are more sensitive than you let on. Deep down, many of you compete for the girl's attention and affection because none of you have had the chance to raise children of your own."

"By God. She's like a mind reader!" Master Koth said.

Part of being a guard was being observant.

"Not to mention, I know how to disarm an opponent easily." Carousella said, rolling Mace's lightsaber under her hoof.

Mace felt his belt and found his weapon missing.

"How did you do that?!"

"That's my little secret."

Carousella kicked the weapon to Windu's feet.

"Still don't believe my skills?"

"HYAH!"

Carousella broke two boards with her strong hooves. Then five boards, and ten boards. That was just a warmup for her.

Carousella was a black belt in every form of martial arts, and she was quick to demonstrate her physical abilities. She could put serious dents in solid steel, shatter cinder blocks, kick a boulder ten times her size, and she had the keenest sense of smell of most horses in Equinaro.

And when the council put her up against the little ball that shot lasers to train younglings in lightsaber combat, she dodged every shot and kicked it right into the wall.

Carousella was shown to be very alert, intelligent, and physically capable beyond belief. But most importantly, she was good with kids. She was friendly enough to pet, young enough to interact with a child, and she was a very special type of alicorn: a music-corn.

"A music-corn?" Obi-Wan said, sounding confused.

Carousella smiled and switched from her armor to a lovely pink saddle before she place Gabby onto her back.

"There's a reason my name is Carousella," said the alicorn. "Remain seated and keep your hands on the rein and feet in the stirrups at all times.

Carousella started to run and then she spread her wings and started to fly as her horn began to glow, and something magical sounded.

(Cue: "Be Our Guest" Carousel version)

Carousella flew around, going up and down and round and round like on an actual merry-go-round, to Gabby's delight.

"This is even better than the merry-go-round at the park!" Gabby squealed in delight. "Woohoo!"

"Be careful!" Anakin exclaimed, a bit worried about his daughter being up so high, especially when Carousella did a loop.

Once the ride started, Gabby didn't want it to end, but Carousella stopped to calm Anakin and speak to the council.

"That's what a music-corn does."

The Council was impressed by Carousella's performance.

"Can she stay? Can she?" Gabby fluttered her lashes at the Council members.

The Council said they needed to think about it, but Anakin gave them a look. Obi-Wan in particular looked at Anakin, who was clearly saying something in his eyes, and he had a good sense of what.

"There is a chance of attachment," said Mace.

But then Obi-Wan reminded the Council about what happened years ago when Anakin had a pony sent for him, and then the council decided he couldn't keep her. Obi-Wan remembered all too well.

After Anakin had the news broken to him that Sapphire wouldn't be allowed to stay with him, the poor boy was heartbroken. Anakin spent all night the first night crying, and in the daytime, he couldn't stop thinking about her. He'd draw pictures of her all the time and stick them to his bedroom wall.

While Gabby and Carousella went to play, Anakin went to his room and pulled something out from under his pillow. A blue ribbon. The same blue ribbon, in fact, that Sapphire had given him ten years ago to remember her by. He hadn't seen or heard from her since. People kept telling Anakin to forget, to let go. But he couldn't. He missed her so much; Sapphire was the first real friend he had since he was freed. The first friend who really showed him how to be a kid. She promised she would never forget him, and Anakin believed she meant it, so he refused to forget her.

Now, Gabby had a pony and the council said they had to "think about it," which meant a chance that Gabby would get her heart broken too.

Anakin curled up into a ball and held the ribbon close to his heart, tears stinging his eyes.

Anakin decided he needed to talk to Gabby about something serious. He had her sit down on her bed as he explained to her that there was a chance the Council might not let Carousella stay.

"Why not?" Gabby asked, sounding worried.

"This happened to me when I was a little boy."

Anakin explained to Gabby what happened with Sapphire years ago and how the council said she couldn't stay because of the attachment rules. Gabby, however, didn't understand. If Sapphire loved Anakin and he loved her, shouldn't that have been enough reason to let them stay together? Anakin had just lost his mom and his potential teacher and the only father figure he knew before Obi-Wan. And they just had to make him lose a dear friend too.

"The difference between then and now, we can have Carousella live at the penthouse, and you'll get to see her whenever you're with your mom."

Gabby was still a little confused. If Jedi were supposed to be compassionate, why would they have rules against forming relationships? It didn't sound fair.

"Yeah, it never made much sense to me either, even now." Anakin said.

"Then how come you never just left the order so you could stay with Mommy and me?"

"Believe me, I thought of it, Baby Girl. But, your mother insisted I shouldn't have to give up on my dream of being a Jedi. So, I stayed to complete my training. And right now, with the war going on, we need every fighter we can get. And attachments and love... they're not the same thing."

"Why?"

"Well, when you're attached to someone or something, you become possessive of it. Kind of like when someone has a toy and they don't like to share it with anyone else, and they treat it like it's more important than anything else. But, loving a person. That's something special. The people we love, unlike material objects, can never be replaced. Family is one of the most important things to appreciate in life, and that's why I'm fighting for them. When we love someone, we fight for them no matter what."

Anakin showed Gabby the blue ribbon he got from Sapphire.

"That's why I keep this ribbon. Sapphire gave it to me so I'd always remember her, and every time I see it, I feel like she's still here."

Gabby could see Anakin was on the verge of crying again. She hugged her father.

Anakin froze and wrapped his arms around his little daughter; he wouldn't be surprised if one of her powers were magic hugs, because they certainly put a spell on anyone she hugged. And in this case, his tears started to fade away.

Eventually, the Council made its decision. After much debate, the Council realized with the war beginning and the dangerous criminals running amok in the galaxy, Gabby was going to need more protection than ever before. So, they said,

"YAY! CAROUSELLA CAN STAY!" Gabby squealed.

In case you hadn't guessed, Carousella was allowed to stay.

Carousella didn' stop at being Gabby's guardian, however. She took safety very seriously. She even had a notepad to write citations.

"Lack of emergency hammers regularly placed by windows, insufficient supply of fire extinguishers, several ships lacking safety restraints, and Master Windu should not be allowed within ten feet of any cooking appliances."

Gabby didn't say it out loud, but that last notice, she believed to be true. After the last time she walked by Master Windu's apartment and smelled smoke, Anakin made it clear Mace was not to cook anything when he was watching Gabby.

"Is she a royal guard or a cop?" One of the younglings said.

"She and Obi-Wan are gonna get along just fine." Anakin sighed.

However, playtime was going to have to wait, because Anakin was called to go on a mission on Christophsis, and Kara was assigned to attend another mission in Equinaro.

Anakin rushed to a ship to head on the mission, but he didn't know that there were two extra guests on the ship.

Gabby and Carousella were conducting another inspection to make sure the ship had everything in order, but the next thing they knew, it was moving. Carousella was quick to fly to keep her balance as the ship rocked back and forth, and she grabbed Gabby by the back of her dress with her teeth.

"Gotcha!"

"What's happening?" Gabby gasped.

"We're taking off."

There wasn't enough room for Carousella to run and activate her magical horseshoes, so she quickly got Gabby onto her back again.

"Looks like we're going for a new kind of bumpy ride, Gabby." Carousella said. "Hang on, Princess."

Chapter Text

Clone Wars episode Cat & Mouse

Sorry it took me so long to create a new chapter, dear readers. I've been so busy with assignments since the spring semester started. But don't worry. When June comes around, I'll definitely have plenty more chapters and stories published and in the works.

An impenetrable defense. Separatist ships blockade the resource-rich planet of Christophsis, trapping Senator Bail Organa and his relief effort. Desperate to aid the esteemed senator, a Republic task force under the command of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker must break the impasse, but time runs short for the senator and the good citizens of Christophsis.

Senator Organa was an old friend of Padme's, and one of few people who knew she and Anakin were together, so Anakin could definitely understand the importance of helping him. Gabby loved him too, and she called him one of her uncles; Jedi weren't the only aunts and uncles she had. Even without people knowing she was a half-Jedi princess, she was still a target for many criminals.

There were huge tanks and swarms of battle droids marching on Christophsis, and explosions galore! It was like a terrifying parade out there.

Senator Organa was in a safe area, at least safe for now, where he managed to get a message to Anakin's team.

"Separatist forces have overrun our position." Bail ducked as another explosion hit. "We are out of food, water, and munitions. Our situation is desperate."

Anakin and Admiral Yularen stood on the ship listening to the senator's message, only for it to begin shorting out.

"Senator Organa?" Anakin said, sounding worried. "Senator Organa."

No response.
"General," called a clone. "Another cruiser's been hit."

Just like the clone said, a Jedi cruiser had been hit.

"Master Kenobi better get here soon," said Anakin. "Or this is gonna be one short rescue mission."

"Unless by that you mean getting it done quickly, I agree with you." said a female voice.

Anakin froze for a moment, and then he looked to his left to see…

"Gabby?! Carousella! What are you both doing here?"

Gabby winced when she heard her father raise his voice; he rarely ever did that toward her.

"We were loading supplies, and then you took us with you by accident." Carousella explained.

"We didn't know the ship was going to take off with us on it." Gabby shrugged.

"You should know, the cargo hold needs better restraints in there too."

This wasn't good; there was no time to send the girls back home; it was too dangerous to send them out on another ship. For the time being, they would just have to stick around.

"I'm a highly trained royal guard. I can take care of myself," said Carousella. "The one who truly needs protection is the two-year-old I'm carrying."

Suddenly, BOOM!

Gabby nearly slipped off Carousella's saddle as the ship shook around.

"The command ship is bearing down on us," exclaimed Admiral Yularen. "Full forward shields! Incoming fire!"

Blaster fire was shooting forward as fast as wildfires spread.

The cruiser shook again, Gabby screaming as the ship quaked.

On the other side of this battle, the enemy team was being led by a harch, a spider-like humanoid-type creature, named Admiral Trench.

"Fire forward cannons. Cut off those Republic supply ships. Separate them from their escort cruisers." Trench ordered, getting up from his chair. "I smell fear, and it smells good.

It was not looking good for the Republic team at the moment.

"General, one of the supply ships has been hit," said a clone.

"Overfire all reactors," said Anakin. "We're gonna blow right past this guy, whoever he is."

Just then, another clone caught another notification.

"General, a Republic cruiser is coming out of hyperspace behind us."

Anakin had a pretty good idea who it was.

"Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan and Commander Cody stood over a holo-table to oversee what was currently happening with the battle.

"Looks like General Skywalker's already engaged the enemy." Cody said.

Obi-Wan replied, "That's nothing out of the ordinary, especially since I gave him a direct order not to."

That was Anakin alright; never following direct orders.

"The Republic ship is not breaking off its attack," said a commando droid to Trench.

But Trench wasn't willing to give up either.

"Intensify forward deflectors."

The battle droids did as instructed.

Anakin saw the battle was getting more intense by the minute, but he wasn't backing down now. Except, he was going to have to, as Obi-Wan called in, telling him he wanted Anakin to withdraw.

"Withdraw?"

"I brought a new toy that might give us an advantage." Obi-Wan said.

"Is now really the time to play with toys?" Gabby asked.

"Not that kind of toy, Gabriella." Then Obi-Wan realized who he'd just spoken to and looked at Anakin. "You brought a two-year-old to a battle?!"

"Long story," said Anakin. "And it wasn't my idea either."

"WIth respect, General." Admiral Yularen said. "Now might not be a bad time to regroup."

Anakin was reluctant, but he thought again and figured at least he could keep his daughter safe.

"Tell the transports to fall back to Obi-Wan's position. We'll cover their retreat as they escape behind the moon." Anakin sighed. "I don't like this. I hope Obi-Wan knows what he's doing."

"Uncle Obi-Wan is smart. He alway knows what to do." Gabby said.

Anakin stifled a chuckle. It was always adorable to hear the child sing praises of the other Jedi.

The enemy quickly saw Anakin's fleet was fleeing.

"They are escaping," said the commando droid. "Should we go after them?"

"No," said Trench. "Our orders are to blockade, not chase. I have won this round. Re-cycle the shield and let the cannons reset to a full charge."

"Roger, roger," said two battle droids, only to bump into each other and fall down.

Admiral Trench took a seat in his chair.

"And the enemy will soon return, and when they do… we shall be ready."

Anakin took a small shuttle to meet with Obi-Wan on his fleet's cruiser, and he wasn't alone. Carousella and Gabby came with him both so they could keep the little girl safe and to figure out what to do next.

Gabby's legs were getting restless though from sitting on Carousella so long.

"I need to stand up." Gabby said, starting to climb down, but she was too little to get down by herself, and she hung from the saddle.

"Gabby, be careful!" Anakin grabbed Gabby and set her on the floor, only for the girl to start running. "Gabby!"

Anakin sighed.

"I got her!" Carousella flew to catch up to Gabby, only for her to crash into something and fall down. "Ouch!"

Anakin winced at that sight.

Carousella was seeing stars when she picked herself up from her stomach.

"Carousella! Are you okay?" Gabby asked.

"I worse hits taken have." Carousella said dizzily, her eyes spinning around. She shook her head and regained her composure. "I'm fine."

"Tell me about this new weapon," said Anakin, walking over.

"You're looking at it," said Obi-Wan.

"Looking at what exactly?" Anakin stopped.

"Two steps forward and you could end up like Carousella." Obi-Wan knocked on something invisible.

Gabby copied Obi-Wan. It felt like it was made of metal, and it felt really big too.

And then, the invisible something changed to become visible. It was another ship.

"Wow! It's magic!" Gabby said.

"Not quite, but close." Obi-Wan said. "It's a stealth ship."

"You might want to place a warning sign where you park it though," said Carousella, wriggling her nose. "Someone could get hurt."

If a royal guard horse couldn't sense it when it was invisible, it must have been great at hiding.

"Hmm. That's some trick," said Anakin.

"Let's hope the Separatists think so," said Obi-Wan.

"So I assume scanners can't detect it."

"As far as we know, but this is the first real field test."

"That's encouraging." Anakin said sarcastically.

"I second his sarcasm." Carousella said.

"I figured you'd be up to the challenge," said Obi-Wan, referring to Anakin.

"So I can move in undetected and take them out from behind." Anakin said. "That's a pretty small ship to destroy a whole fleet. Are there more?"

"No. This is the prototype, and you won't be on the offensive. I need you to run a mercy mission down to the planet's surface. The ship can carry enough supplies for Senator Organa's headquarters."

"Oh, I'm still the delivery boy?" Anakin groaned. "We don't need the whole fleet. I can do this myself."

Obi-Wan gave Anakin a stern look.

"Anakin, slow down and do what I tell you. It's more important to save lives than destroy ships. I need you to continue the mercy mission."

Anakin sighed, and then he felt something, or rather someone wrap around his leg. He looked down to see Gabby hugging his left leg like it was a teddy bear. She must've sensed that he was disappointed and was trying to make him feel better, and it worked a little bit.

Meanwhile, Admiral Yularen was doing some research based on the enemy's ship, fighting patterns, as well as the painted patterns on the outside of the ships. He came across a symbol that resembled the face of a tarantula. But he was shocked when he found the profile that matched the M.O.

"Impossible. It can't be him." He immediately contacted a clone trooper. "Tell General Skywalker to hold his departure."

"Yes, sir."

Anakin stood in the cruiser by the ship, waiting for Admiral Yularen to arrive with his news.

"Thank you for waiting, sir." Yularen said. "I am sorry for holding you up."

"No apologies, Admiral. What have you got?" Anakin asked.

"Something about this morning's engagement struck me familiar, so I did a bit of research."

"And…?"

"I believe the opposing commander is none other than Admiral Trench."

"You mean that big spider?" Carousella said, surprising the two men. "I've been studying Republic military history."

Gabby, however, squeaked and hid her face. She was scared of spiders.

"If I remember my military history," said Anakin. "Wasn't he vaporized at the Battle of Malastare Narrows?"

"That's what I thought too," said Yularen. "But the tactics employed the efficiency of the droids' maneuvers, and then there's this."

Admiral Yularen showed Anakin the symbol he'd come across earlier.

"The last time I saw that symbol… well, let's just say I lost a lot of good men that day."

"I knew spiders were monsters!" Gabby said.

"What do I need to know?" Anakin said.

Admiral Yularen had witnessed Trench's work firsthand. According to him, a corporate fleet was blockading Malastare, one led by Trench, which used tactics much like the ones the Republic fleet was facing now.

"He tore our ships apart. We barely escaped with our lives," said Yularen. "In the end, a Jedi-led task force moved in to settle the matter. Trench's ship was destroyed and we assumed he went down with it."

"Spiders are hard to get rid of," said Gabby. "A spider got in my crib once, and I tried to hit it with a book, but missed a bunch of times."

"If this is Trench, you'd probably need an awfully big book to squash him." Carousella said.

Anakin asked Yularen if he was sure it was Trench.

"It's possible. Not every captain goes down with his ship."

"Well, we may be in luck, then, Admiral." Anakin said. "My orders are not to engage Trench, just to deliver supplies to Senator Organa."

That was the only reason Gabby and Carousella were allowed on this ship now. Delivering supplies wasn't nearly as dangerous as engaging in battle with a giant spider, at least he hoped.

"With all due respect, General, I do not believe we will have a choice in the matter." Yularen said. "If it is indeed Trench, he will come for us."

Gabby screamed that time, and she went to hide behind some of the crates.

"Don't let the spider get me!" the girl cried.

"Us?" Anakin said.

"Yes. I am volunteering my services as consultant, General."

"Welcome aboard," smiled Anakin. "Before we go, would you mind helping find the princess?"

The ship was soon ready for take-off.

"Hurry up, rookie. We're taking off." said one clone.

"CT 1284, Spark, reporting for duty, sir." the rookie saluted.

"We lost one of our starting lineup, kid. You ready to step up and take his place?"

"Yes, sir! Just show me my station."

"You'll be sitting right across from me, where I can keep an eye on you till you're up to speed."

Clone 1 let Anakin know everyone was on board and ready to go.

Anakin sat down with Gabby in his lap, ready to go on his mission. Gabby was still scared of running into a spider, but she'd always wanted to see what it was like at the front of a ship.

"Dispatch, we are powering up and ready to- don't touch that."Anakin stopped Gabby from pressing a button. And then another one. "Don't touch that either."

Gabby looked out the window and was fascinated by everything that was going on, especially when the ship took off.

"Going silent in ten," said a clone trooper.

All the clones got to work getting to their stations, preparing to engage the cloaking device on Anakin's command.

And like magic, the stealth ship became invisible.

With the cloaking shield up, the ship would not be detected by scanners, or so the team hoped. Everyone had to be very quiet, as one of Trench's ships started to fly by. Gabby covered her mouth, scared to make a sound, and it didn't help that she suddenly felt like sneezing.

"It doesn't look like they can detect us," said Anakin.

"Yes, but if you get any closer," said Admiral Yularen. "They may not need scanners to know we're here."

"Hey, you wanted to come on this ride."

"This ain't no merry-go-round, you know." Carousella pointed out.

"Achoo!" Gabby sneezed a cute sneeze. "You think the Separatists heard that?"

Anakin chuckled. "They'd need pretty good ears to have heard that from far away."

Meanwhile, Trench's commando droid found himself unable to calculate why the Republic fleet hadn't launched another attack.

"What is the status of the assault on Christophsis?" Trench asked.

"Resistance is crumbling, sir. I would estimate a half rotation before it is over."

Trench clicked a bit before strategizing what to do next.

"We need to add some pressure on those who were sent to rescue our enemies on Christophsis. Hmm." He chuckled as an idea came to mind. "Send the hyena bombers to hit Senator Organa on the surface. That should draw those cowards out from behind the moon."

Trench's army of bombers was sent out into space to draw the Republic fleet out.

The bombers were quickly detected on the stealth ship's radar.

"General, we have incoming bombers with fighter escort." said the clone sitting next to Anakin.

Sure enough, the bombers were closing in by the second.

"What's our defensive capability?" Anakin asked.

"We've got torpedoes and anti-aircraft cannons, sir, but we'd have to decloak to use either."

"Yeah, and if they don't know we're here, that would give our position away pretty quickly."

Gabby started to hide her face in Anakin's chest.

"The last thing we need at the moment," said Carousella.

The bombers were getting even closer.

"Have they detected us?" asked Yualren.

"Can't tell, sir."

"If we are going on the offensive, we must do it soon." Yularen said.

Count-down in T-minus five thousand.

"Stay cloaked. Power everything else down." Anakin said. "Let her drift."

The bombers were getting even closer!

"They're going to hit us!" Yularen exclaimed.

But, Admiral Yularen was proven wrong.

"They missed us. They don't know we're here."

"They're heading for Bail Organa in the command center." Yularen said. "They're going to bomb it!"

"Uh-oh!" Gabby gasped.

"Uh-oh is an understatement," said Carousella.

Down below on Christophsis, sure enough, the bombers attacked Senator Organa's location, and everyone barely managed to escape getting hit.

"Get me General Kenobi!" Bail shouted.

"We are under attack by the Separatist fleet. They're coming by air and ground." Bail said over holo-chat. "We can't hold out any longer. There's little chance for survival. Help us, General Kenobi. You're our only hope."

And the transmission ended.

"Get me Anakin," said Obi-Wan.

Cody got Anakin on the transmission

"Anakin. I've just spoken to the Senator. They're in dire need of our help. Continue your mission to the planet's surface. I will engage Trench's fleet with the ships I already have."

"General Kenobi, with all due respect," said Admiral Yularen. "You do not have the resources to engage Trench openly. He wants you to attack."

"In other words, you'll be walking right into a trap," said Carousella.

"They're right, Master." Anakin said. "You won't stand a chance."

Obi-Wan looked and spoke at Anakin like a stern father to a child.

"Anakin, I've got enough problems without you becoming one of them. Get those supplies to the refugee camp. I'll worry about Trench. Just stay on course and-"

"Your tactic won't work." Anakin looked at Admiral Yularen. "Prep torpedo tubes one through four. Fix range on Trench's command ship."

Admiral Yularen thought Anakin sounded crazy right then and there.

"You heard me, Admiral.

"What are you doing?" Obi-Wan asked.

"We need to destroy Trench, and this ship has the best chance of doing that."

"I want those supplies on the surface now." Obi-Wan said firmly.

"Don't worry, I'm on it."

Before Obi-Wan could say anything else, Anakin hung up on him.

"Well, that was rude." Carousella snorted.

"The Republic fleet is holding position," said Trench's commando.

"This is unusual," said Trench. "What can they be planning?"

"Hang on, little one. It's gonna be a bumpy ride." Anakin said, and Gabby held onto him.

Anakin steered the ship to head toward Trench's ship.

"Prepare to decloak on my command. Prep torpedo tubes one through four. Fix range on Trench's ship."

"I thought we were on a relief mission," said Spark.

"You learn pretty quickly when you serve under General Skywalker," said the clone next to him. "You're always on the offensive. Now, get ready to cycle those shields."

"You realize our torpedoes may not be enough," said Yularen.

"All I want is for Trench to think about us instead of the people on the planet below." Anakin said. "It's time to introduce ourselves."

The clones got to work following Anakin's every order, ready to decloak on his command, prepping the torpedo tubes, but Carousella was a bit worried. It was important to divert Trench's attention away from the people on Christophsis, but this ship also had a little girl she was supposed to protect. She thought it best that she stand closer to Anakin and Gabby so she could shield them both, worse come to worst.

Trench, meanwhile, was beginning to get suspicious when no new attacks appeared to come.

"Something odd… is going on out there."

"Ready torpedoes. Lock on to primary target." Anakin instructed.

Everyone did as Anakin commanded, though some were questioning what was going on in Anakin's head at the moment.

"Disengage cloaking device."

The stealth ship became visible again, and Trench was quick to take notice.

"There! A cloaked ship!"

And on Anakin's command, torpedoes were fired. Trench immediately ordered the shields to be activated. The shields were up and they stopped the torpedoes from hitting right in the nick of time.

"Foolish Republic scum! Your punt torpedoes are no match for my thermo-shields. Prepare to fire all cannons!"

"Well, that did little good," said Yularen.

Anakin began a countdown for recloaking, but Admiral Trench was calling for more shots to be fired in the stealth ship's direction.

"Pilot, prep the flares."

"Too late, General!" Yularen exclaimed.

"Launch flares."

Carousella, however, lit up her horn and formed an energy shield around everyone in the cockpit. Then, the ship was cloaked again.

"Fire a string of lasers!" Trench ordered.

Lasers were shot in the direction of the ship, but Anakin, being Anakin, steered the ship out of the shot.

"We missed." Trench's commando confirmed.

"Yes, but we have learned something," said Trench, not sounding upset. "No clone could successfully fly through that many lasers. We are dealing with a Jedi. Patch me into the comm channel, open frequency."

Back on the stealth ship, Spark noticed a red blinking button.

"Whatcha got, Spark?" asked the clone beside him.

"There's an open communication signal… coming from the enemy."

"Better tell the general."

So, Spark headed for the cockpit to notify Anakin.

"Now that they know we are here, what's your plan?" asked Yualren.

"I'll think of something, Admiral." Anakin said.

"Did we bring bug spray?" Gabby asked.

"No, but I've got Trench right where I want him, thinking about us."

Just then, Spark came in.

"General, there's a transmission on the open frequency. It's the enemy."

Anakin placed Gabby on the floor and told her to just curl up in a ball so she wouldn't be seen. Carousella ducked down too, and then Anakin ordered the transmission to be put through.

Admiral Trench's hologram appeared. Now Anakin was glad Gabby wasn't looking at this, because this big spider probably looked like a monster from a scary movie to a little kid.

"Hello, ugly."

This was definitely no itsy bitsy spider.

"I am Admiral Trench. If you are listening, Jedi, you've made a bold move and a grave mistake. I appreciate your decision to face me ship-to-ship to play this little game. It's been so long since I had a worthy opponent. You have an impressive new vessel, but I warn you, I have dealt with its kind before. Your technology will not save you and your friends on the planet below shall perish as a result of your failure. The people of Christophsis and her resources shall join the Separatist Alliance. Turn back now. Retreat while you can, for I am your doom."

Yularen looked down a bit.

"He said he's dealt with this kind of ship before."

"How?" Anakin wondered out loud.

"I calculate the Jedi will not turn back as you request, Admiral." said the commando.

"Hmm, of course not." Trench said. "I do not expect him to. He'll attack again. A stealth ship could have passed our blockade easily. This Jedi chose to attack."

Anakin's team contacted Obi-Wan for a little discussion regarding Trench.

"You are right, Admiral. There are records of Trench's battles and a few against ships with cloaking devices." said Obi-Wan.

"And?"

"It seems in each case, he used tracking torpedoes to hit the ship somehow whether it was cloaked or not."

"Then he knows a way of detecting us," said Yularen.

"Tracking torpedoes?" Anakin said. "Hmm. What class ship was he fighting?"

"Mostly cruiser-to-cruiser. Nothing as small as your ship."

"Well, no ship this small usually has a cloaking device." Anakin said.

"Or a horse training in battle flight." Carousella added. "Back in Equinaro, all guards with wings practice various strategies. Some of us alicorns can use magic as a cloaking device, while others hide in the clouds or trees. But sometimes the enemy can track us by more than just sight."

Anakin thought about what Carousella and thought maybe Trench was tracking the ship's magnetic signature.

"Thanks, Obi-Wan. Hold off your attack until we destroy Trench."

Obi-Wan face-palmed.

"Might I remind you that this was not your mission?"

"With all due respect, General Kenobi," said Carousella. "Lives are at stake, and if Trench has his way, it'll take a lot more than a broom to untangle this spider web."

Anakin ended the transmission and ordered Admiral Yularen to prepare to disengage the cloaking device and fire. So, everyone got to their stations.

"Can I do anything?" Gabby asked.

Anakin picked Gabby up and placed her on Carousella's back.

"You can stay safe with Carousella."

"Aww!" Gabby pouted.

The ship was decloaked once more, and four more torpedoes were fired, and Anakin counted down for the ship to be recloaked again.

"Lock us onto that ship's magnetic signature," said Trench.

Looks like Anakin was right about how Trench was tracking them.

Once the magnetic signature was locked on detection, Trench ordered torpedoes to be armed and fired on his command.

"But, sir, we cannot fire unless we lower our shields," said the commando droid.

Trench looked at the commando impatiently.

"Lower shields and fire!"

The commando droid did as commanded.

"Anakin, I hope you know what you're doing," said Carousella, seeing the torpedoes heading for the ship.

"So do I, Carousella."

Anakin steered the ship and turned it around. Just like Anakin said, the enemy was locked onto their magnetic signature, even as the ship was cloaked again.

"He took the bait," smiled Anakin. "Turn off the cloaking device. Divert all power to the engines. Carousella, how big can you make your protective shields?"

"Biggest is about the size of a palace," said Carousella. "Takes a lot of power."

"Be ready to make one ship-sized on my command."

"Yes, sir."

Anakin steered the ship, but not away from the enemy ship. He was heading right for it!

Trench saw that the Republic ship was heading right for his!

"Raise the shields!"

"We cannot," said the commando. "The shields are still recharging."

Anakin continued to steer the ship, it dragging against Trench's a little bit before taking off, and allowing the torpedoes to blow up Trench's ship bit by bit.

Everyone cheered as the mission was done! Trench's ship was hit and it looked like he was defeated… for now at least.

"I hate to admit it, but good job, Anakin." Obi-Wan said. "We're beginning our attack on the Separatist fleet."

"Have fun," said Anakin. "I'll be delivering the supplies to the surface, Master."

The stealth ship finally got to land on Christophsis so supplies could be delivered.

Gabby wanted to help out with delivering, but the crates were too big for her to lift or even push. All she could do was count them. Well, up to 10 anyway. Carousella helped her count past that, so it looked like the little one was definitely learning things on this trip.

Senator Organa came to thank Anakin personally.

"General Skywalker, I have no idea how you did it, but you saved a great many lives today."

Spark received some congratulations too. An official member of the crew he was now.

Anakin looked at Admiral Yularen and said, "Well, looks like we make a pretty good team."

"I must admit I am a bit surprised at the reckless nature of your tactics, though I cannot argue with their results."

Anakin chuckled.

"Well, you'll find I like to do things differently from time to time."

"Indeed." Yularen said. "The Chancellor mentioned as much, though he insisted it was the highest compliment."

Anakin rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Gabby, on the other hand, hugged Anakin's leg again. There was still no way to safely send Gabby and Carousella back to Coruscant.

"Well, Princess. Looks like for now you're getting to experience something most toddlers don't." Anakin said.

"And with good reason," said Carousella. "Then again, most toddlers probably don't have guard horses."

This was definitely going to be quite the adventure for everyone.

Hope this new chapter was worth the wait. Please review.

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Episode: The Hidden Enemy

A planet under siege! Separatists batter the beautiful and elegant world of Christophsis. Unable to defend themselves any longer, the people of Christophsis call on the Jedi for assistance.

Hoping to save lives and prevent further destruction, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker plan a daring ambush, which could turn the tide in the fight for this crucial star system.

Obi-Wan contacted Anakin over his comlink to ask how his team was on their end.

""We're set," said Anakin. "I've got some guys here that are anxious to get going."

"Glad to hear it."

Then Anakin hung up. However, this mission was unlike the Jedi expected, because a young alicorn mare named Carousella Mareheart and her young rider Gabby Skywalker, as the result of an accidental pickup, were joining in on the mission.

Carousella was enthusiastic for this mission because it was her first outside of Equinaro, but this was no time for cartwheeling like a cheerleader. She took her job very seriously, and in this case, she had to multitask because she was also a royal guard for the only other girl on this mission.

"Ready to kick some robot chassis!" Carousella said, almost kicking a couple of clones behind her.

"Hey, watch it!" one of the clones said.

"Sorry."

Obi-Wan watched outside through some binoculars as a couple of clones entered the room.

"We're back, General."

"Good." Obi-Wan said. "The show is about to begin."

"How's that cannon coming, boys?" said one of the clones.

"We'll have this one back in business in no time, sir." said another one.

Outside, there was a battalion of droids headed right for the south tower where Obi-Wan and his men were, and the droids were splitting into multiple formations.

"The droids are advancing."

A clone named Gus took a look for himself. A full battalion right on schedule, and…

"Tanks! They brought tanks."

However, the droids did something no one anticipated. They split up, to Gus and the other clones' confusion.

"Something's gone wrong." said Obi-Wan. "Prepare all troops for..."

Blast! There were droids entering Kenobi's post from the elevator, more of them coming in fast. Obi-Wan got out his lightsaber to deflect the droids' blaster bolts as the clones fired at the droids.

Slick backed up to another door and saw more droids coming.

"Abort the mission!"

"Our position's been compromised." said Slick over the comlink.

From Anakin's position, it was clear trouble was brewing.

"Uncle Obi-Wan!" Gabby exclaimed, scared when she saw the blaster fire.

"Obi-Wan, what's going on?" Anakin said over the comm.

"We're cut off. The droids are onto us." Obi-Wan said.

"Uncle Obi-Wan!" Gabby exclaimed, running to the window and looking to see if she could spot him.

"Gunship, come in. Hawk, we need an evac in the south tower."

"Roger that, sir. We're coming." said Hawk.

"South tower? We're in the North." Rex pointed out.

"You might wanna work on your geography, Anakin," said Carousella.

"We won't be in the North for long," said Anakin, taking out his lightsaber, which he used to make an X on the window in front of him, then used the Force to blast the glass clean off. "Rex, fire your cables."

Three clones fired some cables across to the south tower. Anakin had Gabby piggyback on him as he and the clones swung across the cables and burst into the south tower, where Anakin met Obi-Wan and declared the path clear. Carousella flew out first and shielded the others with her magic horn as the droids attempted to blast them. One clone did fall, but Carousella swooped down and caught him on her back and managed to shield the others until they were in the South tower.

Anakin took down some droids and declared the way clear.

"How did you get over here?" Obi-Wan asked, still fighting.

"I improvised," Anakin said.

Obi-Wan used the Force to throw a large object at the droids, but more entered the scene until Carousella swooped in and stomped them with her strong hooves. She even managed to use her tail to swipe a blaster.

"Go! I'll keep them distracted!" Carousella shouted.

"Carousella!" Gabby cried.

The Jedi entered an elevator to get to the roof where they would meet their evac ship, but there was none at the moment.

"Now what?" Anakin said.

Just then, Carousella came in, her mane a little unruly and her bow a mess.

"I think we have a problem!" Carousella said.

And that was when more battle droids came in, leading the clones and Jedi to fight again.

More and more droids exited the elevator, including a tactical droid.

Luckily, the evac ship soon arrived. The clones and the Jedi all rushed as quickly as they could to get to the evacuation ship and escape the droids, and one of the clones, with a little help from Carousella's karate kicking, managed to take a tactical droid's head, which Rex believed might hold intel as to how the Separatists knew their plans.

And soon, they were all safely on board the ship.

"Maybe this tactical droid will tell us how they knew our plan," said the clone.

Later that night, Clone Captains Cody and Rex plugged the severed tactical droid's head into the briefing table and found that it did know their intel.

The Republic Army is in the north and south towers, level 46.

"It just doesn't make sense," said Rex.

Unfortunately, the droid's head shorted out before it could tell them anything else.

"Blast!" Cody cursed.

R2-D2 blipped as though agreeing with Cody.

"Well, at least we're not the only ones having a bad day." Anakin said quietly, but loudly enough for the clones to hear him. He was carrying Gabby in his arms.

"Generals." Cody lowered his voice. "Why are we whispering?"

Anakin motioned to a certain princess who was sleeping in his arms.

"We just got her to sleep, and she gets really cranky if you wake her up," said Anakin.

"Okay... anyway, they had all our intel," said Cody.

"That would explain the ambush." Anakin said. "How could we have left ourselves so vulnerable to a security breach?"

"I don't think we did." Obi-Wan said.

"You think someone infiltrated our defenses?"

"Possibly."

"It'd have to be someone cunning and resourceful enough to gain access to all our plans," said Carousella. "

"But that still wouldn't explain how they got our intel." Anakin said.

"No. You're right. They wouldn't act alone. They'd have someone working with them."

"A spy, sir?" Cody said, sounding worried. "But who would want to betray our troops to the Seppies?"

"Excellent question, Commander." Obi-Wan said. "Perhaps it's time we made a visit behind enemy lines. I think we'll find our answers there."

"We'll get right on it."

"I'll come too," said Carousella.

"No, Captain. I need you here to find the security breach."

"And we need you to look after Gabriella," said Anakin to Carousella.

"You can count on us, sir."

"One more thing: this mission is extremely confidential. The spy could be anyone. Let no one know of our mission."

Anakin looked at Gabby, then at the clones and said, "Think you can handle looking after Gabby too?"

"Sir, babysitting wasn't exactly in our training." Rex said.

"Well, we can't exactly bring a two-year-old behind enemy lines." Anakin said. "So, now might be a good time to learn. Carousella can fill you in on childcare procedures, can't you, girl?"

"Childcare is my middle name."

"I thought it was Arianne." Anakin joked.

Carousella rolled her eyes and Anakin carefully passed the toddler into Rex's arms.

"Just make sure she's with someone at all times and doesn't leave the base." Anakin says.

As soon as the Jedi left, Carousella's ears wiggled as she heard a slow-paced beeping sound. Cody heard it too, and he found a comlink that was left on. That could only mean one thing: Someone had been listening in and knew everything.

Rex looked out into the hall and saw a clone running off. He ordered them to stop and began running after them.

"After him!" Carousella exclaimed.

Carousella, Cody, and Rex ran after the clone, but whoever it was, he was a pretty fast runner.

"I'll follow him," said Cody. "You take the west corridor."

Everyone split up. There was no way the perp would be able to outrun a horse, but they were able to take a different route than her. For Rex, it was a little harder for him to handle his gun while holding a toddler in his other arm. And the only clone he ran into was Cody, and then Carousella came along. They stopped by the mess hall, and when they checked inside, the only people in there were... brothers.

"We've got a big problem," said Cody.

Gabby started to stir and fuss as all the commotion woke her up. Rex quickly started shushing her, trying to calm her down.

"I'll say. You woke the baby." Carousella said.

"Don't cry, Princess. It's okay." Rex begged.

"Give her to me," said Cody, taking the girl and gently bouncing her like he'd seen Obi-Wan do once when he held her. "Settle down, Princess."

Gabby was awake now, but at least she'd calmed down when Carousella sat her down and started licking her like a mother horse with a foal. When she learned that one of the clones was a traitor, she was scared.

"One of us?" Rex questioned. "Great. But which one?"

"We'll have to wait for his next move." Cody said.

"That might be hard," said Gabby. "A lot of clones look pretty much the same."

"To the untrained eye, maybe." Carousella said. "But I've noted differences in all the clones. Well, most of them, appearance and personality-wise."

"We all have to keep this to ourselves." Cody said.

"Better contact the Jedi." Rex said.

"I'm on it."

Unfortunately, he couldn't get a signal through, no doubt because whoever the traitor was saw to it that communications were jammed.

"We can't reach General Kenobi." Cody said. "Whoever it is has blocked out communications. We're gonna have to find this guy ourselves."

"Ooh. We get to be detectives." Gabby smiled. "Too bad I don't have a magnifying glass."

"This isn't a game, little one." Rex said. "This is a matter of life and death. R2, come over here and plug in."

R2 beeped and plugged himself in.

"What are you doing?" Cody asked.

"The guard got his messages out there somehow." Rex said. "We just gotta find them."

"What do you think? He just sat down and wrote a note?"

"You have to start somewhere."

"True. There's no such thing as a perfect crime," said Carousella. "Even for criminals who take every precaution to clean up the scenes of the typically most concrete evidence, there is always one clue they overlook."

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan and Anakin were riding on their hover-scooters toward the enemy lines.

"We appear to have picked up some friends," said Anakin.

"Indeed," said Obi-Wan. "In fact, I believe the number of eyes watching us has been steadily growing."

"Great. Perhaps this means our adversary has learned about our mission."

"Perhaps it does."

"Of course, nobody's tried to stop us yet."

"Also true."

"They want us to get to the Separatist headquarters, which means this is a trap."

"I imagine it is."

"Well, that's unfortunate… for them."

Anakin smirked, but Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.

Cody, Carousella, and Rex got the results from R2. The droid definitely was not left empty-handed, or empty-whatever-he-had.

"What is it?" Cody asked. "Is it the traitor?"

"It's hard to tell," said Carousella, looking at the tablet Rex was holding.

"Maybe." Rex said.

"Well, what is he looking for?" Cody asked.

"Wavelength interference, weak frequencies, spotty, irregular."

"See how it shows up every few days and then disappears?" said Carousella. "Day to day, it would go unnoticed…"

"It's the pattern. The band's only coming off one terminal in the whole base. Check it out."

Rex handed the tablet over to Cody.

It was Slick's barracks.

"Only Slick's men would have access to that terminal."

"Yeah. Slick's not gonna like that." Rex looked down.

"How do you know ick-slay's ot-nay the aitor-tray?" Carousella said.

"What?" Rex was confused.

Carousella rolled her eyes.

"Let me guess, Pig Latin wasn't in your training either?"

"Either way," said Cody. "if one of his men is giving away out intel, we have to find him and sort this out."

"You know what else we need to sort out?" Carousella said, looking around. "Where's Gabby?"

Meanwhile, Gabby slipped away from her babysitters to look around and see if she could spot any clues as to who might have been the traitor. She knew for a fact this wasn't gonna be easy. It wasn't like the clues in this scenario would come in the form of blue paw prints. But if there was anything she learned from all the detective stories her mother read to her, it was that clues could be found in the most unlikely of places, and younger detectives were always underestimated by the enemy. So, Gabby's age and size gave her a bit of an advantage.

She walked through the halls and saw different clones doing different things. One was cleaning his blaster, some were in the mess hall having a meal, and another was just getting out from the infirmary. Of course, Gabby gave him a kiss to heal his wound. She made sure she looked at each clone very carefully to notice any details that would help her remember which ones she had seen later. Any detail from hairstyle to markings on their skin or armor.

Of course, she didn't notice anything that could've pointed anyone to the crime. But then she thought, maybe the others found something she didn't. So, she ran back to the command center to find them.

"There you are, Princess." Cody said. "Where'd you scamper off to?"

"Just walking around the base." Gabby said.

"Well, be careful." Rex said, picking up the child. "With a traitor here, there's no knowing if he might go after you."

"They're right, Gabriella. Don't run off like that again," said Carousella firmly. "Ever."

Anakin and Obi-Wan soon arrived at the enemy base.

"No guards, no barricades. Huh." Anakin commented. "You'd think the Separatist headquarters would be better protected."

The two men stood in front of the door for a bit.

"But clearly," said Obi-Wain. "Keeping us out is not what they intend."

Obi-Wan opened the door with a wave of his hand, and in he and Anakin went.

Gabby was filled in on how the clone captains suspected one of Slick's men was the traitor. Of course, Slick was in denial.

"No. No way. My guys are the best. No way they're capable of something like this."

"Something like what?" asked a clone named Chopper.

He wasn't alone. A few other clones entered the room with Chopper, and they were all equally curious what Slick was talking about.

"You called them here?" Slick asked, surprised.

"Of course we did." Rex said. "We're getting to the bottom of this. Now."

"Look, let me have a few minutes with them first." Slick practically begged. "It's gonna hit them hard. They trust each other, and if one of our own betrayed us..."

"I don't think that's necessary." Cody interrupted, walking toward the five clones who stood in a line. "Your men are tough, right? Take a seat, gentlemen."

And the clones obeyed, taking a seat on a crate or cot.

"We have a turncoat in our midst, and we think it's one of you."

"Don't be afraid," said Gabby. "We just wanna talk to you all. No one will be hurt."

"What are you doing?" Cody asked.

"Being the good cop?" Gabby said. "Would you prefer I be the bad cop who yells a lot?"

"No, that won't be necessary, Princess."

"I don't know," said Carousella. "It might help us know who's spilling and who's lying."

Meanwhile, Anakin and Obi-Wan exited an elevator and entered a room that looked like it was made of crystals.

"So this is the belly of the beast." Anakin said.

But he didn't notice a hooded figure entering from behind him. Whoever it was walked in front of Obi-Wan and Anakin and pulled down their hood to reveal a bald woman with pale skin and piercing blue eyes.

"Ventress," said Obi-Wan, stroking his beard. "And here I thought this mission would be unpleasant."

"The pleasure's all mine, my dear Obi-Wan." Ventress removed her cloak in a rather flirtatious manner. "I've missed you."

A clone named Jester was the first to be questioned. Carousella shined a light with her horn, a classic interrogation move

"I don't know, I was doing the things I always do after a mission." Jester said.

"Things like what?" Rex asked.

Jester fiddled his hands nervously.

"I'm sorry, sir. I'm just a little nervous. You're my C.O."

"The way I figure it, you tell the truth," said Rex. "You got nothing to be nervous about."

"Jester is telling the truth," said Gus. "He cleans his weapon after every mission. First thing, every time. He's kind of obsessed that way."

"He's telling the truth." Gabby said. "I saw him cleaning it when I was roaming through the halls."

"Is that right? You were cleaning your weapon?" Cody asked.

"Yes, sir." Jester replied.

"Go on the computer while you were in here?"

"No, sir. I didn't Even power it up. You can check."

"Show me your weapon." Cody ordered.

Jester handed over his weapon. It was freshly scrubbed. Carousella smelled it.

"Mmm. Lemon scented." said the alicorn.

"The rag's over there in the corner." Jester said.

Rex and Cody questioned the other clones who each gave an alibi. Gus and Sketch were in the mess hall together at the same time, eating and sitting together. A clone named Punch told them he was in the infirmary, and Gabby confirmed every single alibi, as she had seen each of them while she was walking through the halls.

"Doc's got all the records there, if you wanna check." Punch said.

The last clone questioned was named Chopper. When Rex asked for his alibi, Chopper said he was in the mess hall.

"No you weren't." Sketch and Gabby said in unison.

"I mean, you..." Sketch said.

"If you know something, kid, you should speak up." Cody said.

"Chopper came in a lot later," said Sketch. "after everyone else, and after the princess left."

"Which is why I didn't see him." Gabby said.

Slick approached the young clone.

Ventress activated two red-bladed lightsabers, while the two human men lit up their blue ones.

Ventress ran up to the top of some stairs, but not because she was fleeing.

"My loyal informant let me know you were coming," said Ventress.

"Well, then, we thank you for your hospitality." Obi-Wan said.

Anakin, on the other hand, charged right at Ventress and engaged in battle, though it hardly seemed fair for him to have one sword and her to have two. But luckily, Obi-Wan joined in the fight as well.

"Where were you before you went to the mess, Chopper?" Rex asked.

"Nowhere." Chopper said. "Walking around."

"Walking around where?" Carousella said. "And from where to where? Was anyone with you?"

"Son, you know we'll need a better answer than that." Cody said.

"I was hiding at the south exit. I didn't want anyone to see me string these together." Chopper pulled out what looked like a bracelet with...

"Battle droid fingers." Rex said.

"I just... I just wanted something back. I guess I felt like they owed me."

"I always knew there was something deficient about you." Punch said.

"This isn't good, Chopper." Slick said. "Lying about where you were, taking forbidden items from a battlefield. I know. I put up with the attitude 'cause you have skill. But if you could break these rules, your whole character's in question here."

"Wait, no! Hang on. I'm no spy!" Chopper defended.

Gabby looked between the two. She wasn't sure who to believe, but she had a feeling that they were very close to finding the traitor, and it had to be either Chopper or Slick. But Carousella looked at Slick, and her ears folded to the sides a little.

Obi-Wan and Anakin continued to fight Ventress, who was a lot stronger than she looked. She attempted to hit Obi-Wan with a large sheet of metal, but the latter sliced the sheet like paper with his lightsaber.

"Chopper, we're all brothers." Slick said. "But how can we trust anything you say now?"

"No, sir, I'm telling you, I did not..." Chopper began, but Slick put a hand on his shoulder.

"It's okay. We'll get you a proper investigation. You don't have to say anything till the Jedi come back and talk to you."

The Chopper stood up to Slick, and got more and more into his face as he interrogated him.

"Maybe you should talk, sir. Tell them where you went. I was at the south exit, remember? I saw you go in, sir. I saw you."

"Chopper, I have been patient-"

"Everyone else turned right toward the barracks and the mess. You turned left, toward the command center. Where were you going, sir?"

"Obviously, the kid feels cornered." Slick said, looking at anyone but Chopper.

"Only one problem with what you just said," said Carousella. "About the Jedi."

Cody quickly realized Carousella was right and decided to question Slick himself.

"Sergeant, what did you mean, "Till the Jedi come back"?"

"Why else would the princess be here unless you were babysitting?" Slick said, trying to cover himself.

"How do you know I didn't just slip away from the Jedi?" Gabby pointed out.

"Now I really wish you two hadn't noticed that." Slick said, then he punched Cody and Chopper and leaped before running out of the room.

"It's Slick? Slick's the traitor?" Rex said in disbelief.

"I knew it!" Carousella exclaimed, running. "Boys, watch Gabby!"

Gabby tried to run with the others, but Gus quickly grabbed her.

"No, no, no. You're staying here, where it's safe, Princess." Gus said.

Ventress continued to fight with Obi-Wan and Anakin, at one point using a bunch of books to try and hit them, only for Obi-Wan to push them back with the Force.

Meanwhile, Rex, Cody, and Carousella scoured the perimeter, looking for Slick. Carousella tried to use her keen ears and nose to find Slick, but Rex was the one to track something.

"I've got someone by the gunships." Rex said.

"That's our Slick." Cody said.

"Now that he's exposed, he has to get out of this base." Carousella said. "But he won't while I'm on the job."

"There's no escape now, you piece of rankweed." Rex called.

Except, Carousella's ears twitched as she sensed danger, and it wasn't from a human.

"Guys…?"

And sure enough, when the clones turned a corner, the something that was beeping on Rex's rader wasn't Slick. It was a bomb!

Carousella quickly got Rex and Cody down and stood above them to shield them with her body. Cody peeked from under Carousella's wing.

"Slick knew where we would be looking for him," said Carousella.

"He blew up our weapons depot," said Cody.

"He's not trying to escape," said Rex. "He knows all our moves before we even make them."

Carousella snorted in frustration.

"He may know your moves, but he doesn't know all of mine," Carousella dug her hoof onto the ground. "Time to teach this traitor a lesson he won't soon forget."

"Give up, Ventress." Obi-Wan huffed.

Ventress sat on the floor in meditation.

"I'm all yours, Obi-Wan," said Ventress.

Obi-Wan scrunched his nose at that, but he and Anakin began approaching the woman, only for Ventress to ignite her lightsabers, hitting the floor directly, and sending the two men falling to the floor below, but to both their great surprise, a blue energy bubble formed around Anakin and Obi-Wan, popping when they were close enough to the floor to land on their feet.

Ventress, admittedly, was surprised too, but she was more interested in taunting them.

"You've served your purpose."

So it was a trap, but not the kind the Jedi were expecting.

"We have to get back, now!" Anakin told Obi-Wan.

"It's already too late," said Ventress. "So hard to know whom to trust these days, isn't it?"

"What's the plan, Master?"

"Bringing us here was a huge mistake, my sweet." Obi-Wan told Ventress. "You've overestimated your abilities."

"Really?" Ventress didn't seem too worried though.

She took off, Obi-Wan and Anakin Force-jumping back up to her floor in pursuit, but Ventress broke the glass window and stood at the edge of the building, where not too far were some ships hovering in front.

"Come and get me, boys." Ventress teased.

"You didn't tell us you were bringing friends." Obi-Wan said.

"Poor Obi-Wan. You've been betrayed. And now we're about to take control of this world."

Meanwhile, Gabby was back in the barracks, playing Patty Cake with Gus, when they suddenly heard a loud explosion outside that turned out to be the weapons depot being blown up. She couldn't just sit and watch, so she decided to look for Slick herself. If there was one other thing she learned from crime stories, it was that criminals always returned to the scene of a crime.

Rex and Cody didn't know what to do, but Carousella was determined to find Slick and teach him a lesson.

"Now, where would he go next?" Carousella asked herself.

Suddenly, a pair of clones ran over to tell Rex and Cody that Slick ran to the common center.

"You guys stay here. Seal the perimeter," said Cody.

And so, the two clones, and the alicorn ran like the wind toward the command center.

But they weren't the only ones facing a battle.

Obi-Wan and Anakin jumped down onto the giant building decoration Ventress stood on, slicing two of its limbs, causing it to fall, taking the three bipeds with it, but they kept fighting until Obi-Wan shouted for Anakin to jump.

And at just the right moment, the two Jedi jumped and landed on two hover-scooters, knocking the battle droids off of them.

Ventress, although she was peeved by the Jedi escaping, told the droids to be ready to march on the city.

"Have General Loathsom delay the Jedi as long as possible." she told the tactical droid. "I will need time to execute the next part of my master's plan."

"Yes, mistress." said the tactical droid.

Cody, Rex, and Carousella all rushed to the command center, blasters or magic horn at the ready. They all entered carefully, searching for Slick.

"Pretend you're Slick. What's in your head?" Rex asked. "My cover's blown, it's time to go, but I decide not to use a ship because it's too obvious."

Carousella tapped her hoof and motioned upward with her eyes. The three of them knew Slick had to be hiding in the air ducts.

"The lockdown," said Cody. "He wants to get around the lockdown."

"He's blinded us by taking out the power," said Rex. "He could disable the entire security system."

"Yeah, but he knows we'd expect him to do that."

Cody set his blaster down on the table.

Slick decided this was his chance.

"Yeah, I see what you're getting at," said Rex.

"Go to the south exit," said Cody. "Both of you."

"What are you gonna do?" Carousella asked.

"I'll stay here, get the power back up. That'll help."

"Got it."

And so, Rex and Carousella went outside the room and shut the door, ready to pounce.

Slick, on the other hand, climbed down and grabbed the blaster.

Cody didn't even look back; he knew Slick would come out and try to use the gun against him.

"Hey there, Slick. Gun's empty." Cody held up the ammo.

Rex and Carousella came on either side of Slick.

"You know what's funny, traitor?" Rex said. "We knew you'd never take a chance on the exits while they were blocked."

Cody took back his gun to load it while Slick spoke.

"I'd stay here to open them myself. Just like you."

"Don't do a job till you've guaranteed the best odds, right?" Rex said.

"You knew I would be here, didn't you?"

"Of course we knew. You think we wouldn't have a plan?"

"I'm not the traitor. You are!"

Slick attacked Rex and swiped his gun, and then he attacked Cody too, but then Carousella spread her wings and swooped at Slick, doing so over and over, throwing him off balance before kicking him hard against the wall and trapping him in a magical hold.

"All of you…" Slick heaved. "Just blindly following orders… and for what?"

"Traitors are the ones who are truly blind," said Carousella. "The thing about betrayal, it never comes from enemies."

"At least I got something out of all this suffering."

That was when Gabby arrived at the scene. When she saw what was happening, she wanted to help out too. Gabby concentrated and made some roses grow, and she made them tie around Slick's arms and legs.

"Got him!" Gabby cheered.

"Stay back, Gabby. This is dangerous work." Carousella said.

"I bet you sold out your brothers for some real shiny coin." Rex said, glaring at Slick.

"Yes, she offered me money. But she offered me something more important. Something you wouldn't understand. Freedom!"

"I think freedom's gonna have to wait, kid."

Anakin and Obi-Wan soon arrived back, Gabby running straight to into her father's arms

"Slick? It was you?" Obi-Wan said with disbelief.

"He gave us a bit of a chase, sir." Rex said. "But the princess and her guard aided in his capture."

"You couldn't be a greater disappointment, Slick." said Anakin. "How could you do this to your brothers?"

"Only a Jedi would ask that." Slick scoffed. It's the Jedi who keep my brothers enslaved. We do your bidding. We serve at your whim. I just wanted something more."

"Don't you dare talk about slavery in front of Anakin Skywalker!" Gabby said angrily.

Gabby knew her father's story all too well. He might've been not much older than Gabby when he was sold as a slave with his mother, but he remembered the trauma clear as day. It still haunted him now, and Gabby knew now it was why he was so protective of her and was so determined to give her a happy life and why he gave her as much freedom as possible.

"And all you had to do to get it was put the rest of us all at risk." Rex said.

"I love my brothers. You're too blind to see it, but I was striking the blow for all clones." Slick said.

"I've learned a lot about love." Gabby said. "It makes people do crazy things, but this is not the kind of crazy it's supposed to make you do!"

"If you loved your brothers, you wouldn't have put them at risk." Cody said.

"You betrayed every one of us." Rex added.

"Can I bite him?" Carousella said.

"No." Obi-Wan said.

"Why not?" Anakin said.

For once, Carousella didn't follow an order, and she nipped Slick anyway, on his hand.

"Ouch!"

"Take him to lockup."

And Slick was taken away to be locked up.

"Were you able to salvage anything from the weapons depot?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Slick pretty much scorched the whole thing." Rex said. "That seemed to be what he was going for all along."

"We managed to save the heavy cannons, though." Cody said.

"That's good, 'cause there are about 1,000 battle droids on their way here," said Obi-Wan.

"Unfortunately, with our ships blown up, we can't send the princess back." Anakin said. "So, it looks like you're gonna get your chance to prove yourself, after all, little one. The fight goes on, gentlemen."

Gabby was very eager to prove her worth and fight beside her father and honorary uncle Obi-Wan. But, it wasn't going to be as easy as she thought.

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Movie: Part 1

A galaxy divided. Count Dooku's Separatist forces have taken control over important hyperspace lanes, separating the Republic from the majority of its clone army. With few clones available, the Jedi generals cannot gain a foothold in the Outer Rim as more and more planets choose to join Dooku's Separatists. With the Jedi occupied fighting a war, no one is left to keep the peace. They had to resort to asking the royals of Enchantra for help. Even with their help, chaos and crime still spread throughout the galaxy, and the innocent became victims.

Now, a crime lord named Jabba the Hutt has become a victim of a heinous crime. His son has been kidnapped by a rival hand of pirates. Desperate to save his son, Jabba put out a call for help. A call the Jedi are cautious to answer.

"Jabba requests that anyone who can help us find his kidnapped son," said Jabba's protocol droid. "send any information they have immediately."

"We must help Jabba. This is the opportunity we've been looking for," said Chancellor Palpatine. "The Jedi must rescue Jabba's son.

"I don't like it," said Jedi Master Mace Windu. "dealing with that criminal scum. This is a dark day for the Republic."

"I agree, my friend, but what choice do we have? The Hutts control the Outer Rim, and we'll need their space lanes in order to move our troops."

"There is more to this kidnapping than it seems."

"Then you must send as many Jedi as you can."

Mace shook his head. "Impossible, Chancellor. The droid General Grievous has our forces spread thin. The only Jedi we can spare are Skywalker and Kenobi. They just captured the planet Christophsis."

"Then contact them immediately." the chancellor ordered.

But, Generals Kenobi and Skywalker were currently unreachable. Admiral Yularen theorized that it might have been a solar storm or they were rebooting their communication system.

"I'm sure the blackout is temporary." Admiral Yularen said.

"A messenger, we are sending, with important orders for General Kenobi." Yoda said.

"See to it that she gets there as fast as possible." Mace said.

"Yes, sir." Yularen said. "As soon as we load relief supplies."

"No time, there is. Immediately the messenger must go." Yoda said.

"I understand, sire. I will personally take an unloaded ship to drop her off then return to pick up my reinforcements."

Meanwhile, on Planet Christophsis, Anakin Skywalker and his team were running into battle. He called over Obi-Wan to let him know that there were tanks coming their way.

"I told you this victory was too easy." said Obi-Wan. "We never should have sent the ship back for supplies."

"It wasn't my idea to send the ship back," said Anakin.

"Can you guys settle this argument later?!" Carousella shouted, blasting another wave of droids with her magic.

"All right, men. Second wave incoming."

Gabby was determined she could handle the big stuff even though she was so small. Most would've expected a two-year-old to want to spend her time finger painting, playing with dolls, or being pushed on a swing. But, this two-year-old was smarter than the average toddler. So, she ran in with her father and his men and started to use her powers against the droids. She quickly found that her lightning strikes helped take down the droids instantly. Unfortunately, she could only take out two at a time, given that she was still learning. But luckily, she had a royal guard alicorn, whose magic proved more than effective.

"Just keep striking," said Anakin.

Despite being against allowing his two-year-old daughter into the field, Anakin didn't have any better options. There wasn't enough space or time for Carousella to use her magic horseshoes to apparate home, they didn't have any other ships to send the girls back to the Temple in, and there was no safe place they could put her on Christophsis.

All they could do was let Carousella do her job of protecting the princess.

The droids kept coming in fast, but the clones kept firing and sending in more troops every second, but the Separatists were fighting pretty hard. And as the fight got fiercer, Anakin had Gabby hold onto him and ride on his back to ensure her safety, and so he always had someone to watch his back.

"What's our plan of attack, sir?" Rex asked.

"Follow me," said Anakin. Then he flipped down onto one of the bigger droids and deflected blaster bolts with his lightsaber while the clones continued firing.

Gabby had to concentrate really hard to target her lightning on the droids, and even tried making little tornadoes to throw them off course. The cannons kept the droids from getting too close to the Republic's base, but that didn't stop them from moving.

"There's too many of them!" Gabby said as she and Anakin met with Obi-Wan.

"We're gonna need reinforcements," said Anakin.

"We haven't been able to get through to the Admiral." Obi-Wan said.

"Tap the red gems!" Gabby said, tapping the red gem on her clava-detector.

That did seem like a good idea, so Obi-Wan and Anakin tapped the red gems on their clava-detectors too. All they could do afterward was hope someone came to help them.

When the Separatist forces found that they couldn't get past the cannons, they came up with another plan to set up deflector shields, so they pulled back.

That turned out to be good luck for the Jedi, as a ship soon arrived, and they thought the Republic had sent help.

"Our cruiser must be back." Obi-Wan said.

"Which means we'll be able to get our reinforcements." Anakin said.

Now that it was calm, at least for now, Carousella let Gabby down so she could stretch her legs.

Gabby had to walk in front of Anakin because she was too short to reach up and hold his hand as they walked to the landing area.

"Then it looks like our problems are solved. Fresh troops, new supplies, and perhaps they brought my new Padawan with them."

"What's a Padawan, again?" Gabby asked.

"That's what we call students who learn under a specific Jedi Master as their teacher." Anakin said. "It's like having a private tutor. But, Obi-Wan, do you really think it's a good idea to bring a Padawan learner into all this?"

"You have a little girl and her pony in this," said Carousella. "And I'm just a young mare, yet became lieutenant of my kingdom's royal guard."

"I spoke to Master Yoda about it. You should put in a request for one. You'd make a good teacher." Obi-Wan said.

"Yeah. You taught me how an R2 unit works, and I'm only two." Gabby said, walking backwards and then falling down. "Ow."

"We do a little mentoring kind of thing in Equinaro too. Except, we call the students colt cadets."

Anakin chuckled, then helped Gabby up and said, "No, thanks."

"Anakin, teaching is a privilege." Obi-Wan said. "And it's part of a Jedi's responsibility to help train the next generation."

"A Padawan would just slow me down," said Anakin. Then he motioned to the toddler clinging to his leg "Plus, I've already got a charge here who's hard enough to look after."

"Hey, you got me to help out." Carousella said, picking Gabby up with her mouth.

The ship's door opened, and out came a fourteen-year-old Togruta girl the generals and the girls had never seen before.

"A youngling?" Obi-Wan questioned.

"And who are you supposed to be?" Anakin asked.

"I'm Ahsoka. Master Yoda sent me." said the Togruta. "I was told to tell both of you that you must get back to the Jedi Temple immediately. There's an emergency."

"Well, I don't know if you've noticed, but we're in a bit of an emergency right here," said Anakin.

"Yes, our communications have been a bit unreliable, but we've been calling for help." Obi-Wan said.

"Master Yoda hadn't heard from you so he sent me to deliver the message." Ahsoka said.

Anakin sighed and said, "Great, they don't even know we're in trouble."

"Maybe you can relay a signal through the cruiser that just dropped me off," said Ahsoka.

The Jedi managed to get a signal through, and a clone troop promised to try to contact the Jedi Temple for them. They were contacted by Master Yoda. As it turned out, everyone who had a clava-detector noticed the red gem glowing, indicating someone was calling for help, but when they couldn't get a signal through to Anakin and/or Obi-Wan, they got concerned, and then came the signal from the cruiser that dropped Ahsoka.

"Master Kenobi, glad Ahsoka found you, I am." said Yoda.

"Master Yoda, we are trapped here, and vastly outnumbered." Obi-Wan explained to the Jedi Grand Master. "We are in no position to go anywhere or do anything. Our support ships have all been destroyed."

Yoda promised to send reinforcements, but the signal started to get spotty, and they lost the transmission. And more enemy ships were arriving too, attacking the Republic cruisers.

"Well, I guess we'll have to hold out a little longer." Anakin said.

Obi-Wan looked at Ahsoka and said, "my apologies, young one. It's time for a proper introduction."

"I'm the new Padawan learner. I'm Ahsoka Tano."

"I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi, your new master."

"I'm at your service, Master Kenobi, but I'm afraid I've actually been assigned to Master Skywalker." Ahsoka said, pointing to Anakin.

"What?" Anakin, Carousella, and Gabby said at the same time.

"No, no, no. There must be some mistake," said Anakin, pointing at Obi-Wan. "He's the one who wanted the Padawan."

"Either my ears heard wrong, or there was a mix-up of some kind," said Carousella.

"No, Master Yoda was very specific. I'm assigned to Anakin Skywalker, and he is to supervise my Jedi training." Ahsoka said.

"So, that means we're both under his care." Gabby said, walking up to Ahsoka. "We're practically sisters."

Ahsoka looked at the little girl and immediately couldn't help smiling. "Oh my gosh. Aren't you the cutest thing I've ever seen?"

"I see you've met Gabriella Amidala, princess of Naboo." Obi-Wan said.

"You can just call me Gabby." Gabby said.

"And I'm Carousella Mareheart, Princess Gabby's protector."

"But wait, this doesn't make any sense." Anakin said, referring to getting a Padawan he never asked for.

"We'll have to sort this out later." Obi-Wan said. "It won't be long before those droids figure out a way around our cannons."

"I'll check on Rex in the lookout post."

"You'd better take the girls with you." Obi-Wan said.

"Hey, Ahsoka. Ever ridden an alicorn before?" Carousella asked.

"No."

"Well, hop on if you want a ride."

Ahsoka looked at Gabby, and she nodded. So, she stepped up and took the rein.

Anakin rolled his eyes, then he picked up Gabby and carried her with him, Ahsoka and Carousella following.

Anakin, Gabby, and Ahsoka met Captain Rex on the lookout post to get a status update.

Riding a horse turned out to come naturally to Ahsoka.

"Quiet for now, sir. They're gearing up for another assault." said Rex, then he noticed the new girl. "Who's the youngling?"

"I'm Master's Skywalker's Padawan," said Ahsoka. "The name's Ahsoka Tano."

Rex looked at Anakin and said, "Sir, I thought you said you'd never have a Padawan."

"There's been a mix-up. The youngling isn't with me." Anakin said.

"Stop calling me that!" Ahsoka said.

"She has a name, you know." Carousella said.

"You're stuck with me, Skyguy." Ahsoka said.

Rex laughed, but Anakin seemed offended.

"What did you just call me?" Anakin said, scrunching his nose and glaring at Ahsoka. "Don't get snippy with me, little one. You know, I don't even think you're old enough to be a Padawan."

"I thought you told me you were nine when you became a Padawan." Gabby pointed out.

"And I became a lieutenant at age eight." Carousella smirked.

Ahsoka smirked. "Master Yoda and these two think I am." she said.

"Well, Gabby's only two and she's only here because we don't have a safe way to send her back to the Temple." Anakin said. "And you're not with Master Yoda now. So, if any of you are ready, you better start proving it. Captain Rex will show you how a little respect can go a long way."

"Right." Rex said. "Come on, younglings."

"Padawan/Princess." Ahsoka and Gabby corrected under their breath.

Carousella snorted a sigh; this was going to be a long day.

The Togruta, alicorn mare, and human princess walked with Rex and talked about ideas for battle.

"Have you thought about moving that line back?" Ahsoka asked. "They'd have better cover that way."

"Thanks for the suggestion, but General Skywalker thinks they're fine where they are." Rex said.

"Daddy always acts like he knows everything." Gabby said, rolling her eyes.

"Daddy?" Ahsoka asked.

Gabby quickly realized she'd let her tongue slip. She knew if Ahsoka told the Council what she called Anakin, they would be in big trouble. So, she quickly thought up a cover story.

"It's a nickname for Master Skywalker." Carousella said, smiling awkwardly.

She looked at Gabby, saying with her eyes to play along. So, Gabby thought made up something else to say.

"I don't have a daddy. Just a mommy, so I call him that sometimes because he takes care of me, but not all the time so the Jedi Council doesn't think I'm too attached to him. Please don't tell. It's our special thing."

"Okay..." Ahsoka then looked at Rex. "So, if you're a captain and I'm a Jedi, then, technically, I outrank you, right?" Ahsoka asked.

"In my book, experience outranks, everything." Rex said.

"He's got a point," said Carousella. "A lot of people call me best in the business, but it took more than my dad being a captain or being best friends with the crown princess for me to earn my title. I spent most of my life training, pushing past the limit of my strength, and endured countless tests of resourcefulness, strength, and courage. War in any form, it's not for the faint of heart."

"Well, if experience outranks everything, I guess I better start getting some." Ahsoka said.

"Me too." Gabby said. Then she and Ahsoka both noticed something.

"What's that?" Both girls said.

A big red bubble was forming in the distance. An energy shield, according to Rex.

"That's gonna make things... dang near impossible." Rex said, avoiding using a bad word around a toddler. "If you wanted experience, little ones, it looks like you're about to get plenty."

The Separatist tanks were closing in quickly, and the energy shield grew and grew by the second.

"Heavy cannons are gonna be useless against that," said Rex.

"As they get closer, I suppose we could try to draw them into the buildings." Obi-Wan suggested. "That might level the playing field."

"If that shield's gonna be such a problem, why don't we just take it out?" Ahsoka asked,

"Easier said than done." Rex said.

"Well, I, for one, agree with her," said Anakin.

"Me too." Gabby said.

"Someone has to get to that shield generator and destroy it. That's the key."

"Right, then. Maybe you three can tiptoe through the enemy lines and solve this particular problem together."

"Can do, Master Kenobi." Ahsoka said.

"Yes, Uncle Obi-Wan." Gabby said cutely.

"I'll decide what we do," said Anakin sternly.

Obi-Wan came up with a plan for himself and Rex to engage the troops to give Anakin and the girls time to get to the shield generator, but it wouldn't be easy with the number of droids.

"We'll figure out a way," said Ahsoka, picking up Gabby. "Come on, Master. Let's go."

"If we survive this, Snips, you and I are gonna have a talk." Anakin said.

"If you say so, Daddy." Ahsoka teased. Gabby blushed when Anakin looked at Gabby.

Gabby hid the side of her mouth from Ahsoka with her hand and mouthed to Anakin, "She doesn't know," referring to their little secret about Anakin being her biological father.

Anakin watched the droid army and the shield approaching through his scopes, while Ahsoka got her backpack ready.

"So, what's the plan?" Ahsoka asked.

"I thought you were the one with the plan," Anakin scoffed.

"No, I'm the one with the enthusiasm."

"I'm the one with the athletic skills," said Carousella.

"And I'm the cute one." Gabby said, skipping around cutely.

"You're the one with the experience, which I'm looking forward to learning from," said Ahsoka.

"Me too."

Anakin smiled a bit at the enthusiasm of all three of his girls, then he looked out again and said, "Well, first, we need to get behind that shield, then get past their tank lines."

"Why don't we just go around? Outflank them?" Ahsoka suggested.

"That'd take too long." Anakin said.

"Sneak through the middle then?" Carousella suggested.

"Impossible. Unless you can turn yourself into a droid." Anakin said.

"We could hide under something so they won't see us." Gabby added.

Anakin stopped talking when he heard his daughter's suggestion.

Ahsoka said, "Alright, you win. My first lesson will be to wait until you come up with a plan."

"Well, the wait's over. I've got a plan."

As expected, the cannons were useless against the energy shield, not even at full power.

"That shield is certainly putting a crimp in my day," said Obi-Wan, observing through his scopes.

"It's no use, sir!" Rex shouted. "Even at full power the cannon doesn't affect it."

"All right, Rex. It was worth a try. Tell the men to fall back!"

Meanwhile, Anakin, Ahsoka, and Gabby were all hiding under a big box-like piece of war debris. Unfortunately, it wasn't big enough for Carousella to join them, so she would have to fly and see if she could find another way in from above. Everyone under the box kept really quiet as the shield eventually passed over their hiding spot, and the droids walked right past them.

"This is a stupid plan." Ahsoka said. "We should fight these guys, instead of just sneaking around."

"Except for the fact that their deflective energy shield just passed over us." Anakin said. "If you can't cross their lines, let their lines cross you."

"If you say so."

And the trio started crawling underneath the crate to get closer to the generator.

"Just when I finally mastered running after walking, I'm back to crawling." Gabby said.

Obi-Wan's forces had the same idea of letting the shield cross them so they could fight the droids easier too. Everyone hid behind some form of debris to avoid being seen.

"We're inside the shield," said Obi-Wan. "Just stay away from those tanks."

Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber, and leaped out to slice a droid, to the battle droids' shock. Some clones pounced in on ziplines, firing their guns and taking out more droids.

"I think we made it past all of them, Master. We may pull this off yet." Ahsoka said.

"I don't hear any droids close by," said Gabby.

"We still have a ways to go before we get to the generator station." Anakin said.

"Do we still need this thing on? I can't take it anymore. I have to stand up."

"Me too. My knees are starting to hurt."

And the trio stood up, Ahsoka and Anakin being the only two tall enough to hold the crate above their heads.

"You have got to be careful! Especially with a toddler around." Anakin scolded. "You never know what you're gonna run into."

And they bumped into something that made Gabby scream. It was a destroyer droid with its own personal shield.

"Get behind me, Gabby!" Anakin said, and Gabby obeyed as her father and Ahsoka deflected the droid's shots with their lightsabers. "Run!"

"What? Jedi don't run!" Ahsoka said.

"I said run!" Anakin ordered.

The Jedi began running, Anakin quickly grabbed Gabby in his free arm, and the droid began rolling toward them like it was doing somersaults.

"Ahsoka, stop!" Anakin ordered.

"Make up your mind." said Ahsoka.

"I said, stop!"

The Jedi stopped, and Ahsoka took the chance to slice the droid with her lightsaber.

Anakin put his lightsaber back into his belt and said, "Good. You take direction well."

"Well, it looks like you guys had fun," said Carousella, blowing a strand of hair out from her eye.

Obi-Wan sliced yet another droid and Force-pushed it away. He and the clones with him were able to take down the ones closest to them, but this was far from over.

"They're right behind us, sir!" Rex panicked. "They wiped out most of my unit. We had to pull out of there."

BOOM!

Quickly, Obi-Wan and Rex hid behind a panel.

"The shield has almost reached the heavy cannons."

And as quickly as Obi-Wan's team took down the big droids, blaster fire filled the air again.

"We're not gonna be able to stop them, sir. Move your troops back to the heavy cannons. Do everything you can to protect them. I'll delay the droids."

"But-"

"That is an order, Captain!"

Rex took off to obey his orders, while Obi-Wan attacked a droid that tried to jump him. Sometimes, it was like he had eyes in the back of his head, or something.

Quickly, Obi-Wan leaped into action and began deflecting more blaster fire with his lightsaber. However, the slew of droids that was approaching him just might prove too much, even for him.

The Jedi trio and the alicorn soon came up to the shield generator.

"There it is. Come on." said Ahsoka.

"That shield's going down." Gabby said, preparing a cloud.

"Don't try a cloud yet, Princess." Anakin said. "That goes for you too, Carousella."

Carousella made her horn stop glowing with a snort.

"Aww!" Gabby groaned. "I never get to do any magic."

"You'll get to do magic soon enough, you adorable thing." Anakin said, tickling the girl, and little bubbles appeared from out of nowhere."

"Aw, even your powers are adorable!" Ahsoka smiled.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan was surrounded by droids, but he didn't panic or try to fight them. And out from a tank popped General Loathsom.

"You must be the unfamous General Kenobi," said the Kerkoidan.

"I surrender," said Obi-Wan.

One of the droids took Obi-Wan's lightsaber, all of them aiming their blasters at the Jedi.

"Now, Master Kenobi, order your troops to stand down."

Except, in an unusual twist, Obi-Wan used the Force to pull over three pieces of battle debris and place them like a dining table.

"General, have a seat."

General Loathsom was confused.

"Have you gone mad?"

"I've conceded the battle. Now we simply have to negotiate the terms of surrender."

Loathsom grew suspicious though.

"Don't try any of your tricks, Jedi."

"Surely there's no reason we can't be civilized about this."

Of course. Even in the middle of a war, Obi-Wan knew how to behave like a gentleman. Put him into some fancy clothes, you might mistake him for a monarch or blueblood of some kind.

Loathsom exited his ship with a little bunny droid, and took a seat at the makeshift table.

"'Tis a rare honor to be able to meet one's opponent face-to-face." Obi-Wan charmed. "You're a legend throughout the Inner Core."

"Thank you. The honor is all mine. I'm so glad you decided to surrender."

"Well at some point, one must accept the reality of the situation." Obi-Wan coughed. "Might we have some refreshments?"

Loathsom bellowed for one of his droids, asking it to bring something to drink.

"Thank you," said Obi-Wan. "This shouldn't take long."

Up in space, Admiral Yularen stood in a cruiser, and was notified by a clone that the Separatist blockade was holding position.

"Deploy the fleet." Yularen ordered. "Have the cruisers protect the transports."

"Yes, sir." the clone replied.

Just then, Master Yoda walked in.

"Admiral, hurry we must, if we are to aid General Kenobi." said the little green man.

"It will not be easy to breach the blockade, Master Yoda." Yularen said. "It's what stopped our relief ships before."

"Last time, not as many ships, did you have. Get past it, we must. Get past it, we will."

Carousella ran with the three Jedi on her back to get closer to the generator, Anakin still holding the younger child.

"Stay close. We've gotta be careful." Anakin said.

"Come on!" Ahsoka said, jumping down as they were getting closer to the generator.

Anakin tried to stop Ahsoka, but he was too late to prevent her from tripping an alarm, and then more droids popped out from the ground. Carousella whinnied as she was spooked.

"Forget the droids! Set those charges!" Anakin ordered.

Ahsoka climbed onto the generator but didn't realize one of the pieces of a droid she sliced triggered more alarms and brought out more droids. Gabby held onto Anakin as he jumped off Carousella and fought the droids.

"Sorry!" Ahsoka said.

"Whose side are you on, anyway?" Anakin asked.

Ahsoka went back to setting the charges as her master ordered, while Carousella blasted more droids with magic or kicked them down with her strong legs.

The clones continued to fight, but the shield was getting even closer!

"General Kenobi's been captured! There's no one else left." said another clone to Rex.

But Rex said, "We've got to hold out! We can't let that shield reach the cannons. Keep fighting!"

Carousella soon found herself surrounded by droids, and she was a little busy fighting them to help Anakin, who found himself backing up as more droids closed in on him and Gabby.

"We could use a little help!" Anakin said.

Ahsoka saw where he was standing and shouted, "Skyguy, don't move!" And she used the Force to pull down a big wall behind him.

Anakin looked up and saw what was happening.

"What? No, no, no!" Anakin held Gabby tightly, and Gabby screamed as the wall came down on them, but they were unharmed, as the wall had a hole big enough for them to fit through while the rest of the wall crushed the droids.

Anakin grunted in frustration. "You could've gotten my charge killed!" He was more concerned about his daughter's safety than his own now.

"I know what I'm doing." Ahsoka said.

"I had everything under control." Anakin said, walking past Ahsoka.

"I just saved your life." groaned Ahsoka at how ungrateful her master was being.

Carousella came over and said, "So, you've seen Anakin's protective side."

"More like 'ungrateful side.'"

"Don't take it personally. He's protective of Gabriella. Loves her like his own. He strikes me as a man who'd blame himself if anything happened to an innocent little girl."

"There's too many of them!" screamed one clone.

"Fall back, fall back!" shouted another.

More and more clones got shot down, and they were going to need more than a medic. At this point, they would need a miracle!

Obi-Wan continued to sit quietly across from General Loathsom, stirring some sugar into his tea and sipping like a gentleman, whereas Loathsom just gulped his down in one full swing.

"And, of course, once you've taken custody of my troops, arrangements will need to be made for their food and shelter. Tell me, do you have enough supplies-"

But General Loathsom was out of patience at this point and banged the table.

"Enough of this! You are stalling!"

General Kenobi kept his cool though.

"Nonsense. General, there are numerous details to be discussed."

And then, Loathsom flipped the table and ordered his droids to seize him. Two big droids held Obi-Wan up from under his arms, like he was a child.

"Unless you call off your troops right now, I will have no choice but to destroy you."

Obi-Wan looked at the shield, which was still very much up.

"Truthfully, I was hoping your shield would be knocked out by now."

When Ahsoka was far enough, Gabby told Anakin, "Daddy, you shouldn't be so hard on her. You just met her and you're hardly giving her a chance."

"I never asked for a Padawan in the first place."

"You never asked for me either," said Gabby. "And look how I turned out."

"That's different."

"Because you didn't get to raise her like a daughter like you did with me? Ahsoka might know how to do things you don't even know about yet. If Uncle Yoda thinks she has skills, she must be good."

Anakin started to think about what his daughter said, but he had bigger fish to fry at the moment. Carousella arrived with Ahsoka on her back.

"Did you get the charges set?" Anakin asked Ahsoka when the other girls arrived.

"Yes," said Ahsoka.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

Ahsoka pressed a button on her wrist, and the shield generator exploded, taking down the shield almost instantly.

Obi-Wan saw the shield falling and sprung back into action, and once he was free from the droids, he hugged General Loathsom to hold as a hostage.

"Don't fire!" Loathsom ordered.

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Movie Part 2

In a palace on the scorching desert planet Tatooine, Jabba the Hutt sat and watched a Twi'lek woman performing a dance for him, when his protocol droid was notified that the bounty hunters Might Jabba had sent out to find his son had returned.

Jabba ordered the bounty hunters to be sent in. Except, two guys carried a stretcher with nothing but four severed heads on it! It was like something out of a horror movie!

This was getting serious. Jabba ordered immediate contact with the Supreme Chancellor.

Sometime a little later on Coruscant…

Jabba and his protocol droid were on a holo-chat with Chancellor Palpatine, who stood with two senators beside him.

"The all-powerful Jabba demands to know why the Jedi are not looking for his son," said the droid.

"Ah, Mighty Jabba, rest assured the Jedi are on their way." Palpatine said.

"They better be if you want the Republic to have safe passage through Jabba's territory," said Jabba in Huttese, his droid translating.

Carousella had a lot of questions regarding the mission.

"So, these Hutts. You're telling me, those giant slugs are basically huge crime bosses and you're supposed to make a deal with them in order to gain essential routes to give you an advantage in the war?"

"Sounds like you understand," said Anakin.

"Ugh. Something tells me this won't be anything like when I had to rescue my brother from a baby kraken."

"A kraken?" Ahsoka said.

"It's a really humongous squid!" Gabby said. "I saw one in a movie once. It ate an entire cruise ship!"

"Even the babies are enormous," said Carousella. "And Crescent, my older brother, got too close to one during one of our aquatic scout training sessions and almost became fish food. I still have a blot of ink to prove it."

Carousella removed part of her armor to reveal a small black spot that appeared to be fading.

"It takes a while to wash out with the amount we got covered in."

Anakin and Gabby held back from laughing when they imagined Carousella fighting a squid and getting covered in ink. Carousella rolled her eyes, and in came the sarcasm.

"Oh, yeah, it's real funny until you have to take seven baths just to get most of your color back to normal. Do you know how hard it is to get ink out of fur and long hair?"

"I wouldn't know," said Ahsoka.

Anakin left Gabby with the older girls, then approached a ship that just arrived after finding where Jabba's son was being kept.

"Lieutenant, did the kidnappers see you?" Anakin asked.

"No, sir. We're the best scouts in the regiments." said the clone lieutenant.

"What about the bounty hunters? Are they still down there?"

"I don't think so. We haven't seen them in a while."

"Well, what are we up against?"

The lieutenant showed Anakin a hologram of a monastery that was guarded by at least two droid battalions, according to their knowledge, and too heavily fortified to land there. Anakin told the scouts to get some rest and then left.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka, Carousella, and Gabby were with a group of clones, sharing their story from Christophsis.

"I heard you were surrounded by droids," said one clone. "How did you ever get the shield down?"

"Okay, so there's a wall behind him with a hole in the middle, so I pull the wall down on top of the droids, destroying them and saving the general and the princess."

"And he was so scared," said Gabby.

"I was not!" Anakin said, probably too quickly.

The clones just laughed.

"Is that true, sir?" Rex asked.

"Well, most of it." Anakin said. "Except the being scared part."

"You were hugging me like I was a teddy bear!" Gabby said.

"Quiet, you." Anakin said, getting embarrassed as his daughter did not appear on his side with the story.

Carousella whacked Anakin in the face with her tail.

"Pfft! Carousella!"

"Lighten up, will you?" said the alicorn.

Even the droids were laughing.

"Alright, men, we still got a job to do." Anakin said.

"Yes, sir." Rex said. "You heard the General, move it!"

As all the clones left, Anakin walked up to Ahsoka and said, "Would this be a good time to teach you that a Jedi is humble, my young Padawan?"

"Sorry, just trying to keep the boys inspired is all." Ahsoka said as she walked with her master and new little sister figure.

As Gabby skipped along, she grew lots of pretty flowers and some grass, which some clones found pretty adorable as she pranced around like a happy fairytale princess. Carousella liked stopping to smell the flowers, and eating the grass; guard duty made her hungry.

"Does that happen a lot?" Ahsoka asked.

"Mostly when she's happy," smiled Anakin. "Which is most of the time. Better get used to it. She's still learning to control her powers."

"How does she even have powers, anyway?"

"I don't know," shrugged Anakin. "They just, sort of appeared. As far as I know, Senator Amidala, her mother, doesn't have any magic of her own."

"What about her father?"

Anakin froze for a bit.

"We don't really know anything about her father." Anakin said. "All I know is that it's a good thing some of our allies happen to be magical creatures, otherwise it'd be impossible to know how to train her."

Anakin thought though. He knew he and Kara were biologically related, and both of them also held magical amulets given to them by Qui-Gon Jinn. Could one of their ancestors have been magical and that was where Gabby inherited her powers from?

"Maybe I should talk to Kara later about this."

"Talk to Kara later about what?" said a familiar voice.

"Auntie Kara!" Gabby exclaimed happily, rushing over to her aunt.

"Kara, you're here." Anakin said, surprised.

"My mission on Equinaro took less time than expected. I heard you were having some trouble." Kara said. "I thought I could help out."

Anakin introduced Kara to Ahsoka.

"Ahsoka Tano, meet my half-sister Kara Talhin."

Kara was happy to meet Ahsoka, though she too was surprised that Obi-Wan and Master Yoda decided to spring a Padawan onto her brother. For now, though, they needed all the help they could get to rescue Jabba's son.

The Jedi got themselves onto a gunship to be ready for the mission, but not before getting their cloaks on. They even had a little one for Gabby.

"Even in a cloak, you look adorable." Kara smiled, holding her niece in her cloak.

Obi-Wan soon arrived on Tatooine with his astromech R4.

"Don't worry, I'm sure Jabba is in a good mood," said Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan landed his ship outside of Jabba's palace, where he was greeted by Jabba's protocol droid and some guards.

"We should not keep the wise and powerful Jabba waiting," said the droid.

"I wouldn't dream of it," said Obi-Wan."

R4, however, beeped worriedly as Obi-Wan left, especially when he saw Jawas approaching. But one zap, and they were fleeing like a rat in a cat convention.

"Mighty Jabba, one of our most powerful Jedi is on his way to rescue your son," Obi-Wan promised. "We will not let you down."

Jabba spoke in Huttese, his droid translating, "The most gracious Jabba has one more small condition. He demands you bring back the slime who kidnapped his little punky muffin."

"Punky?" Obi-Wan stifled a chuckle at that nickname Jabba had for his son.

But then again, he'd heard plenty of funny nicknames when Gabby was learning to talk. For one, when she was smaller, she couldn't say "Ki-Adi," so she used to call Master Mundi "Kitty."

Regardless of how silly his nickname for Junior sounded, Jabba wanted his son's kidnapper brought to him dead or alive.

"If you do not succeed," said Jabba, his droid translating. "Count Dooku and his droid army will."

Anakin, the girls, and a team of clones all rode on a gunship as Obi-Wan Kenobi reported what he learned on Tatooine.

"All right, Anakin, here's the story. Jabba has given us only one planetary rotation to get his son back home to Tatooine safe and sound."

"Won't take us that long, Master." Anakin said.

"Well, take extreme care. We have no idea who's holding Jabba's son." Obi-Wan said. "When I've finished negotiations with him, I will join you."

"Don't be too long, Obi-Wan," said Kara.

The ships got closer and closer to what appeared to be a temple of some kind.

Ahsoka looked at her master.

"Stay close to me, if you can." Anakin told his Padawan.

"It won't be a problem, Master." Ahsoka said.

Then Anakin turned more serious.

"This isn't practice, Ahsoka."

"I know, and I'll try not to get you killed."

"Don't forget we got a baby on board too." Anakin said.

"I'm two and a quarter!" Gabby corrected.

"Nonetheless, everyone must be cautious." Kara added.

Suddenly, the ship started to rumble. A clone alerted Anakin that they were taking blaster fire.

"Close the blast shields, Lieutenant!" Anakin ordered. "Get us under those guns!"

The blast shields were closed, Anakin had Gabby hold onto him tightly while the clones readied their weapons, and the gunships landed on the ground below.

As soon as the light turned green, the door opened, then Anakin ignited his lightsaber and ran out with his men following, and then Ahsoka conjured a protective shield over Anakin since he was carrying Gabby.

Many explosions and blaster bolts fired as the droids attempted to shoot down the Jedi Forces.

The Jedi and the clones had their backs against the bottom of the cliff, where the battle droids couldn't see or hit them easily. Carousella supported herself with her wings. One battle droid looked over the cliff so far that he fell off the edge.

"So, this is where the fun begins." Ahsoka said.

"Race you to the top," smirked Anakin.

"I'll give you a head start."

"Your mistake. Hold on tight, Princess."

Anakin jumped up onto the wall of the cliff, grabbing a vine while carrying Gabby on his back and deflecting blaster bolts with his lightsaber.

Kara rolled her eyes. Anakin just had to make everything a competition, didn't he?

"Right behind you, master!" Ahsoka exclaimed, grabbing another vine.

The clones fired up ascension cables while Ahsoka and Anakin were racing each other. Kara also took the vines to make sure those two didn't hurt themselves.

"Look out!" Carousella shouted, seeing a couple of droid corpses falling, and she blasted them with magic before they could hit anyone.

Ahsoka saw a walker climbing up the wall and swung onto it while her master continued to use the vines. Battle droids came in on speeders, trying to shoot her down, but she fought them off on her own, but nearly fell off the walker, and more droids came in to attack. Luckily, Anakin came in and took down the droids, but also took one of their speeders for himself to get to the top of the cliff.

"Gotta keep up!" Anakin teased as he and Gabby zipped away.

"Hey, no fair!" Ahsoka whined.

"Need a lift?" asked Carousella, flying by.

The Jedi and clones continued to race to the top, Anakin jumping in. Gabby squeaked in fear when she saw they were surrounded by droids.

"Surrender, Jedi!" said one droid.

But then, Anakin jumped up and fought the droids off with his lightsaber, only for more attack droids with energy shields to appear.

"Blast it, Ahsoka, I told you to stay close to me." Anakin said.

Gabby held on tightly to her father as the droids were closing in, the little girl beginning to choke her father as her grip tightened. Suddenly, the droids in front of them were blasted.

Anakin and Gabby both looked back to see Ahsoka and Carousella standing on a tank with the blaster that destroyed the droids.

"I can't get much closer, Skyguy." Ahsoka said.

"Gabby, let go. You're choking me!" Anakin said, getting Gabby off his back.

"Sorry." Gabby said, and her father set her down.

"I knew you'd get here, Snips, eventually."

"Always in time to save your lives." Ahsoka smiled, stepping down from the tank.

Kara arrived at the scene and dusted off.

"I hope you two don't forget that war is serious business," said Kara.

"Lighten up, Kara." anakin said.

The clones scanned the perimeter, and confirmed it was safe.

"All clear, General." Rex told Anakin.

"Nice work, Rex." Anakin said. "Have some men look after the wounded."

"Roger that, sir. Gunships are holding at a safe distance."

But the people didn't know that they were being watched from a balcony up above, where stood a hooded woman and a droid.

"The droids have done their part," said the woman. "Now it's your turn."

"Too many droids here for them to be renegades," said Anakin.

"What's 'renegade' mean?" Gabby asked.

"Someone who leaves their team behind." Anakin said. "I sense Count Dooku's hand in this. Let's find Jabba's son and get outta here."

"If Count Dooku's involved," said Kara. "Lady Morpha and/or Mariverde could be as well."

"We haven't come across any butterflies yet, so there's a chance they might not be." Carousella said. "But let's hope we don't have to find out."

"No problem. The hard part's over." Ahsoka said.

"I wish you wouldn't say that," said Anakin before walking into the monastery. "Stay close, Princess."

Gabby clung to her father's leg.

"Not that close." Anakin said, shifting his ankle to get the child to let go.

Ahsoka laughed at how cute the little girl was. Anakin then picked up the child and placed her in Ahsoka's arms.

"You can look after her for now, Snips." Anakin said. "Get better acquainted."

Ahsoka looked at the toddler in her arms and couldn't help smiling when the little girl smiled at her.

"You're so cute." Ahsoka said. Then she started to follow her master, the clones following close behind into the monastery.

It was really dark in the monastery. The clones had to turn on their helmet lights to see where they were going.

"I don't like this place," said Rex. "It gives me the creeps."

"This looks like one of those B'omarr monk monasteries that I read about in my studies at the Temple." Ahsoka said.

Gabby held onto Ahsoka as they journeyed farther into the monastery.

"What's wrong?" Ahsoka asked, noticing the girl was shaking. "Afraid of the dark?"

Gabby holding on a little tighter answered that question.

Carousella took care of that by lighting up her horn and playing pretty music.

"If this is a monk monastery, why isn't anyone home?" Carousella asked.

"Smugglers take these monasteries over, turn them into their own personal retreats." Anakin explained.

"And the monks just let them?" Ahsoka asked, sounding surprised.

"Smugglers usually get what they want one way or another."

"That's not very nice." Gabby said.

"Smugglers don't play nice. Neither do the Separatists." Kara said. "And we've got the injured soldiers to prove it. You can always stay back at the Temple."

"No, I wanna help." Gabby said. "Somebody has to teach them what happens when you don't play nice."

"She's got ya there," said Carousella.

Suddenly, there was the sound of metallic rattling, which made Anakin and Kara ignite their lightsabers, and Gabby got ready to use her magic.

"Good guy or bad guy, Master?" Ahsoka asked, holding Gabby away to protect her if she had to.

"Who are you?" Anakin demanded from the droid.

"Merely the humble caretaker, O mighty sir." said the droid. "You have liberated me from those dreadful battle bots. I am most thankful."

"Where is the Hutt?"

"The battle bots kept their prisoners on the detention level. I must warn you it is very dangerous down there, my friend. Not a place for servant girls."

"Do servant girls carry these?" Ahsoka put Gabby down and held her lightsaber up. "I am a Jedi Knight."

Anakin glared at Ahsoka, making her deactivate her weapon.

"Or soon will be."

"And I'm a Jedi Initiate." Gabby said. "And princess of Naboo."

"A thousand apologies, young ladies." said the droid as the girls passed.

"Captain, we'll get the Hutt." said Anakin. "Stay here and keep your eyes open."

"Copy that, sir." Rex said.

And with that, the Jedi left to search for the Hutt.

Meanwhile, the same hooded figure, none other than Asaaj Ventress, was contacting her master Count Dooku.

"They have taken the monastery, Master. Skywalker is here. He's on his way to rescue the Hutt."

"Well done, Ventress." said Dooku. "All is going according to plan."

"I could easily take them now, especially the little girl they brought with them."

"Patience. Collect the data I need." Dooku said. "You will get your chance at revenge soon enough. And you must leave the princess unharmed."

Dooku was pushed out from the hologram, and in came a familiar woman.

"Repeating my husband's last words. Leave the princess unharmed," said Lady Morpha. "She is a critical piece to another mission."

"You have my word, your ladyship. Collect the data, don't harm the girl."

"Good."

With that, Morpha hung up.

"Mistress, the Jedi have entered the dungeons." said a battle droid.

Anakin, and the girls were walking through a dark hall.

The girls looked around and could see battle droids nearby.

"Master, you know you're walking us into a trap?" Ahsoka said.

"There are droids here," whispered Gabby.

"I know." Anakin said.

Ahsoka and Gabby both got nervous as they continued to pass droids, and Gabby started to make a cold breeze blow through the hall as she was getting scared.

"We just passed two more droids." Ahsoka said, wrapping her arms around herself as it started to feel cold.

"I know," said Anakin.

"Well, I don't like this. Can I just take care of them?"

"Oh, well, if you feel so strongly about it, go ahead." Anakin said.

Ahsoka quickly brought out her lightsaber and sliced the droids' weapons one by one and then destroyed the droids themselves.

"Not bad. You remembered to destroy their weapons first." Anakin said.

"I'm improving your technique." Ahsoka smiled.

Then, Gabby screamed, and a bolt of lightning struck one more droid in the other hallway, electrocuting it to death.

"Of course, you did miss one." Anakin said.

"I did that on purpose. So Gabby could have a turn." Ahsoka said.

"I took down a droid." Gabby said. "Did you see?"

"That was a pretty good shot, Princess." Anakin said, picking Gabby up and gently tapping her nose. "But it'll take more than one electrocuted droid to win the battles in this war."

The Jedi walked into another hall and found a door, where Gabby immediately held her nose. Carousella whinnied and snorted as though trying to get a bad smell out of her nostrils.

"I sense our kidnapped Hutt is in here." Anakin said.

Ahsoka exclaimed in disgust. "I smell him, too."

"You're not the only one." groaned Kara, holding her nose.

"He needs a bath." Gabby said, still holding her nose.

"More like two baths," said Carousella, fanning the air with her wings.

Anakin used the Force to open the door, and he and the others were surprised when inside they saw what looked like a little slug-like creature that was whining.

"He's a lot younger than I thought he'd be." Anakin said.

"Oh, he's just a baby." Ahsoka said, looking at the baby Hutt with a hint of love in her eyes.

Gabby couldn't help finding the little Hutt pretty cute too. She always loved babies, especially baby animals and other species.

"This will make our job a lot easier." Ahsoka said. "Oh, he's so cute."

"Stinky, but cute." Gabby smiled.

"Just wait until you see what he'll grow into." Anakin said.

Meanwhile, on Tatooine...

Obi-Wan Kenobi was leaving Tatooine. Not only because he was done with the negotiations, but also because he was getting tired of the intense heat. How his former Padawan could stand the heat, he had no idea.

"I know, R4. I want to get out of here too."

And Obi-Wan was going to need a serious drink of water after spending time on this desert planet.

But Obi-Wan didn't know that he was being watched by Count Dooku as he left.

Elsewhere, Lady Morpha sat like she was meditating, some little gray moths fluttering around her. There was no way she was going to risk sunburn on Tatooine.

"The last thing my beautiful face needs is double sun spots," she had said.

Morpha picked up a handheld mirror and adored her reflection for a bit before speaking a spell to it.

"Magic mirror, in my hand, let me speak to my one and only man."

Dooku could hear Morpha speak to him in his mind.

"The Jedi is gone, my love. Now enter Jabba's lair, and speak thy words of which you were assigned."

Dooku walked into Jabba's lair to deliver some false news he hoped would get the Hutts to join the Separatist alliance.

"O Great Jabba, I have news of your son." said Dooku, removing his hood. "I have discovered it is the Jedi who have kidnapped him."

Jabba then spoke in Huttese to his protocol droid, who translated, "How have you come by this information?"

"I have my ways. More importantly, might Jabba, I bring a warning. The Jedi are planning to destroy you."

Jabba once again spoke Huttese, sounding appalled. His droid translated. "The most wise Jabba demands proof."

"And he shall have it." Dooku said.

The clones checked the perimeter, and the sergeant came to Captain Rex with a report.

"No sign of any more droids, Captain."

"All right, Sergeant." Rex said. He activated his wrist comm to contact Anakin. "General Skywalker, the castle is secure, and it's nearly midday."

"Thanks, Rex." Anakin replied to Rex's message while the girls were in the cell with the baby. "We've got Jabba's son. Any sign of General Kenobi yet?"

"No, sir." Rex said over the com.

"Master, my Jedi training didn't prepare me for this," said Ahsoka. "What are we gonna do?"

"Well, since you think that smelly larva is cute, you're gonna carry it." Anakin said. "I got someone cuter to carry."

Kara rolled her eyes; of course her brother would favor holding his own kid over Jabba's.

Gabby went to her father, knowing he meant her, and he picked her up and kissed her cheek before leaving Ahsoka with the Huttlet, who started crying.

Obi-Wan, meanwhile, arrived at the Jedi cruiser, where he met with Commander Cody.

"Commander, tell Admiral Yularen to get underway. We need to reinforce Anakin and Kara."

"Right away, sir." Cody saluted.

The Jedi walked out from the monastery, Anakin carrying Gabby, and Ahsoka carrying Baby Rotta.

"How do you like your little buddy now?" Anakin asked Ahsoka teasingly. "Still cute?"

"You know, he's reminding me of you more and more." Ahsoka said, holding the baby up a little bit, and the baby smiled and cooed at Anakin.

"Aww, he likes you." Gabby said.

"See? You're two of a kind." Ahsoka said.

"Maybe you should carry both of us then." Anakin joked.

Gabby giggled and said, "You're too big."

Cue the dream cloud:

Gabby imagined Ahsoka trying to carry Anakin in her arms bridal style. But Anakin was too heavy for her, and she lost her balance and fell back under his weight, both of them piled on top of each other on the ground. It was actually kinda funny to the child.

"Anakin, lighten up. He's just a little baby." Kara said. "If I recall, it wasn't that long ago Gabriella was this young."

Anakin rolled his eyes and started to walk away with Gabby in his arms, while Ahsoka turned Jabba's son to face her, the baby whining again, but also coughing.

"Master, I think this little guy is sick. He's burning up with a fever." said the Togruta.

Anakin stopped and let Ahsoka approach him. He felt the huttlet's forehead, and sure enough, he had a fever.

"You're right. We've got to get him back to the ship immediately." Anakin said.

"I could give him a kiss," shrugged Gabby. "It would heal him."

"I don't think that's wise." said Kara. "You might catch whatever he has, and there's no telling if it's dangerous for humans."

Anakin gave Gabby to Kara and called for a trooper.

"Trooper! Get me a backpack!"

A trooper brought the Jedi a backpack, and they began to place the huttlet in it.

"Will you just let me do it?" Ahsoka said.

"Don't cry, Baby." Gabby cooed. "We're going to take you home to your daddy."

"Shh. Calm down, little guy." Anakin said calmly, gently stroking the huttlet's head. That was how he sometimes got Gabby to stop crying when she was a little baby. "You're perfectly safe with us."

"Those mean Separatists can't hurt you anymore." Gabby said, gently tickling the baby. "Cootchie, cootchie, coo."

Kara took the baby and started rocking him to calm him, like she helped do with Gabby when she was a baby, and Carousella tried trotting cutely and doing funny dances since babies usually liked dancing animals.

"Baby, look at the pretty pony." Carousella sang.

It seemed to work, but none of them knew then, however, that they were being recorded by the same caretaker droid from earlier.

"My lord, I have the recording you requested." Ventress told Dooku over a holo-transmitter.

"Transmit it at once." Dooku said. "Your new objective is to recover the Hutt."

"And deliver him to Jabba unharmed?" Ventress finished.

"Precisely. Do not fail me."

But when Jabba was shown the holo-recording, it was hard to believe that the Jedi were trying to harm his son while at least one of them was going gaga over him and the other was actually trying to calm him down gently. But, Dooku thought of a way to make sure Jabba didn't see the truth.

"Do not be fooled by the seemingly gentle behavior." Dooku said. "The Jedi have your son and are indeed plotting against you."

Jabba said something in Huttese. Then Dooku said,

"My droid army has already initiated a rescue. Rest assured, mighty Jabba, your son will be saved."

Jabba then spoke, and his droid translated, "Mighty Jabba wishes to know what you ask in return."

"Perhaps you would consider joining our struggle against the Republic."

Meanwhile, Ahsoka was carrying the huttlet in the backpack as she and Anakin received a holo-call from Obi-Wan.

"Anakin, did you locate Jabba's son?" Obi-Wan asked.

"We have him, but it looks like the Separatists are behind his abduction." Anakin said. "This smells like Count Dooku to me."

"I think it's little Stinky you smell." Ahsoka said.

Gabby tried growing some lavender flowers on and around the backpack, hoping the scent would overpower Rotta, the huttlet's stench. She took a sniff of the air.

"That's better." Gabby smiled.

"Much." Carousella sighed with relief.

"I'll bet Dooku is using us to get Jabba to join the Separatists." Obi-Wan said.

"Uh-oh."

"Master Kenobi, we have another problem." Ahsoka intervened. "This Huttlet is very sick."

"I know a lot of medical procedures from my guard training, but none of them covered Hutts." Carousella said.

"And we can't be sure if his illness is dangerous to humans," said Kara. "Therefore, we cannot risk Gabriella kissing him."

"I'm not sure we can get him back to Tatooine alive, Master." Anakin said. "This whole rescue may backfire on us. I still don't think dealing with the Hutts is a good idea."

"Anakin, you know they control shipping routes in the Outer Rim." Obi-Wan pointed out. "Jabba's cooperation is crucial to the war effort. If you let anything happen to his son, our chances of a treaty with him will disappear."

Carousella's ears shot up suddenly, and she snorted, Kara was quick to notice the alicorn hunching over like she was getting aggressive.

"Something's coming. I feel it." Carousella growled.

Suddenly, there came a noise. Ahsoka looked up.

"Master? We've got trouble!"

"Defensive positions!" Rex exclaimed, and the clones got to their battle stations.

"Anakin?" Obi-Wan said.

"I'll have to call you back, Master." Anakin said. "We're under attack. We could use a little help here if you have the time."

"And see if you can find out what kind of plants can be used to make medicine!" Gabby added quickly.

"I'll get there as soon as I can." Obi-Wan promised. "Protect the Hutt, all of you."

And the transmission ended.

Anakin put Gabby down, and the little one ducked behind her father as he and Kara deflected blaster bolts from the ships, Carousella firing more spells.

"We've got spiders inbound!" One clone shouted.

That scared Gabby. She hated spiders! But the clones would need a pretty big book to squash the kind of spiders they were dealing with.

While the clones were blasting at the droids, Gabby started to use whatever magic she could muster. She made wind to throw the flying ships off course a little bit, and grew plants to trip the droids. But there were so many droids, and more and more shots were getting fired by the second.

"Get inside!" Anakin told his Padawan. "You too, Gabby!"

Gabby followed Ahsoka as she ran back into the monastery, R2 following. Carousella picked Gabby up with her teeth and ran with her as a blaster bolt hit her tail.

"Ow! My tail!" Carousella yelped.

The others fell back soon after as the droids continued to close in and there were still too many to fight.

The droids stopped as the door closed, and Ventress arrived.

"Mistress, the Jedi have barricaded themselves inside the main vault," said a battle droid.

"They have nowhere to run." Ventress said.

Everyone hid in the monastery. Carousella was licking her tail like a cat, trying to soothe the irritation she felt from the blaster fire until Gabby kissed her muzzle to heal her.

"Thanks."

Kara took a turn holding Stinky so Ahsoka's arms could have a rest, but there was still another problem.

"Captain, we'll stay here until General Kenobi arrives with reinforcements." Anakin declared.

Ahsoka looked disapprovingly at Anakin, and so did Gabby. "What?"

"Master, do you honestly think we can hold them off?" Ahsoka said. "We've got to find a way out of here."

"Our mandate is to protect this Hutt, and that's what we're going to do, Ahsoka."

"Our mandate was to get this Hutt back to Tatooine, and time is running out."

"I suppose you have a plan." Anakin said more as a statement than a question.

R2 beeped.

"Yes," said Ahsoka. "Or I think so, R2 willing."

"All right, Snips. I'll trust you on this one." Anakin said, he looked at Gabby for a moment.

Deep down, Anakin knew that if his daughter were in Rotta's position, he would want whoever rescued her to be able to save her the way Ahsoka insisted they did with the Huttlet.

"Captain, hold them here as long as you can." Anakin told Rex before leaving with his girls.

"Will do, sir." Rex said. "You heard the General! Get ready to turn those clankers into scrap metal!"

The Jedi managed to find a place R2 could plug himself into in another part of the monastery.

"If there's a way out of here, Artooie will find it." Ahsoka said.

"Make it quick." Anakin said. He looked at the backpack to see Rotta sleeping. "Finally asleep, huh? Put him down. Get some rest yourself."

Gabby rubbed her eyes and yawned a bit. Carousella stretched out her spine; even the best guards got tired at some point.

"Someone else sounds tired now," sang Anakin, picking up the princess. He spoke in his normal tone then. He told Ahsoka, "It's been a long day for you too, little one."

"I can hold him, Master." said Ahsoka. "I'm not tired."

"Okay, suit yourself." said Anakin as he sat and started rocking Gabby to sleep. He spoke quietly, but loudly enough for Ahsoka to hear him. "I don't see why you won't just listen to me."

"You're one to talk." Kara crossed her arms.

"I do listen to you, Master." Ahsoka said. "I just don't like being treated like a youngling."

"You must have patience. What are you trying to prove anyway?"

"That I'm not too young to be your Padawan."

By that time, Gabby was fast asleep, so Anakin gently lay her down on the bench so she could rest, and he stood up to talk to his Padawan.

"Ahsoka, a very wise Jedi once said 'Nothing happens by accident.'" Anakin said, remembering what Qui-Gon Jinn said years ago before he disappeared. "It is the will of the Force that you are at my side. I just want to keep you there in one piece, just like I've been keeping Gabby safe since she was born."

"My grandpa always said the same thing," said Carousella. "He was the wisest stallion my family ever knew."

Ahsoka then gently placed the backpack down to rest herself.

While the clones kept watch from behind the closed door, the battle droids were trying to figure out which wire to cut.

"The red one?" asked one droid.

"No, not that one." said the other.

"The blue one?"

"No, not that one."

Tired of the nonsense, Ventress sliced all the wires with her red lightsaber.

"That'll work," said the battle droid. And the vault door opened to let them in.

"They've cut the lock," said one clone.

The clones immediately readied their weapons and started firing as the first and second wave of droids entered the premises.

"Here they come!"

And begin the battle did.

Anakin and Ahsoka could hear the commotion from where they were as it shook the room and woke Gabby. Carousella neighed.

"What was that?" Gabby said.

"That sounded bad." Anakin said.

Just then, R2 beeped and held up a hologram of the monastery that showed them a new way out.

"A backdoor landing platform!" Ahsoka exclaimed happily.

"We'll call for a gunship when we get there." Anakin said. "Lead the way R2."

Anakin turned to leave, but then noticed the backpack Rotta was in was empty now.

"Ahsoka, wait. Where's Stinky?"

"You told me to put him down!"

"Find him!"

"I think I already did." Gabby said, looking under the bench. "He's gonna need Hide and Seek lessons."

"Come outta there, you grubby little slug." Anakin said, reaching in and carefully pulling Rotta out and taking him into his arms so he could place him back into the pack for Ahsoka.

"Anakin! Be more gentle with him." Kara scolded.

Meanwhile, Ventress ordered her droids to stand guard while she took care of Anakin.

"I'll take care of Skywalker," said Ventress.

"Roger, roger," nodded a battle droid.

"Seal the main gate and all portals. Let nothing escape this castle."

"Yes, Mistress."

Suddenly, that battle droid was blasted into oblivion by a clone's blaster, and the one who blasted him was none other than Captain Rex. He tried to get Ventress too, but she deflected his shots with her lightsabers, took his blaster with the Force, and began Force-choking the clone.

"Where is Skywalker?" Ventress demanded from Rex.

"I don't talk to Separatist scum." Rex gasped.

Ventress dropped Rex and performed a Jedi, or rather Sith, mind trick on him.

"You will contact Skywalker now." Ventress ordered.

"I will contact Skywalker now." Rex said, under the sith's spell.

Anakin managed to get Rotta safe and secure in the backpack, this time having Gabby make safety straps out of some daisies and vines.

"Let's see you get away this time." Anakin smirked. "Daisies suit you surprisingly well too."

"Anakin, come in," said Rex over the com.

"Anakin?" Ahsoka said, confused. Rex and the clones never called Anakin anything other than 'General Skywalker' or 'Sir.'

"We've held the droids, sir." said Rex.

"That's not like Rex." Anakin said quietly.

The look on Kara's face said she agreed.

"What is your location?"

"Ventress." Anakin whispered before hanging up.

"Dooku's assassin?" Ahsoka asked.

"She's here to kill the Hutt. Come on." Anakin said.

"Mistress, I must inform you that Republic reinforcements have arrived," said a battle droid as Ventress approached.

"We must hurry," said Ventress.

"Roger, roger."

A Republic cruiser arrived just off-planet, and numerous ships were unleashed.

"Skywalker is in trouble," said Obi-Wan. "You know the drill."

"Copy that, sir." said a clone.

And the Jedi warships flew in to save Skywalker and his team.

Ventress spoke to another battle droid over holo-call, letting them know Jedi warships were approaching.

"You must hold them off until I finish my mission. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. I mean, ma'am, sir. Launch all fighters!"

And all fighters were launched. This was going to mean trouble for Obi-Wan.

Anakin, Gabby, and Ahsoka arrived at the landing platform, where Anakin immediately contacted Obi-Wan.

"Skywalker to Obi-Wan. Mark my location." Anakin said into his wrist com. "I need a medical ship immediately. Do you copy?"

Obi-Wan, meanwhile, was getting bombarded with blaster shots.

"Anakin, do you read me?" Obi-Wan said. But, his transmission didn't get through. "They're jamming our transmissions. I hope Anakin is having an easier time than we are."

"I can't get ahold of Obi-Wan." said Anakin. "I'll see if I can find Captain Rex."

Anakin tried to contact Rex, but got no answer, as he didn't know Rex and some other clones were being held prisoner by the battle droids... until a battle droid came too close, hearing the sound from his wrist, and Rex literally hit the droid's head off and then swiped his blaster, which he used to fight the others and get his men to assist in taking down the battle droids.

"Rex, do you read me?" Anakin said, trying once more.

"I read you, General." Rex said. "We're pinned down in the courtyard."

"Do you need help?" Anakin asked, and when all he heard was blaster shots, he said, "I'll take that as a yes, Captain. Stand by, we're on our way. Skywalker, out."

"Master, Stinky is really sick." Ahsoka said. "He's turning every shade of green except the one he's supposed to be!

"The mission was to get him back to Tatooine alive." Gabby added.

"Obi-Wan will get here eventually." Anakin said. "Right now, we need Rex to help us find a ship."

"Maybe Carousella can fly him out." Gabby asked. "Her horseshoes can take her anywhere."

"Carousella? Think you can do that?" Anakin asked.

"I'd have to run pretty fast while carrying him, but give him to me, and I'll do it."

But before anyone could even try putting Rotta in a saddle bag, there was a metal rattling sound headed right for the group.

"Oh, great. Rolling death balls." Ahsoka said.

The Jedi deflected the blasts with their lightsabers, while R2 went to close the door. That was also when Ventress arrived.

Fortunately, R2 managed to close the door before the deadly droids or the assassin could reach them. Unfortunately, Ventress' lightsabers easily cut into the steel door.

"I think now's a good time for a retreat." Anakin said.

"'Retreat'? That's a new word for you." Ahsoka said.

"And one that I know what it means." Gabby said.

"Maybe into the jungle." Anakin said, running to the edge of the platform.

"Wait, I remember the jungle was a bad place." Ahsoka pointed out.

"Well, are death balls any better?" Kara said.

Just then, two spider droids blasted at the platform, scaring some big dragonfly-like creatures out of their hive.

"So much for going that way." Anakin said.

"Well, we can't go that way!" Gabby said fearfully, pointing at the door, where Ventress was halfway done cutting a doorway for herself.

"Looks like we're out of options." Anakin said.

The baby started to fuss like he was trying to point something out.

"Not now, Stinky." said Ahsoka.

"Look! Stinky found something! Over there!" Gabby said, pointing to what Stinky found.

Ahsoka looked and saw it. "Master! Another landing platform!"

"With a ship on it." Anakin said.

"Nice work, Stinky." Ahsoka said.

Ventress was almost through the door, and some spider droids were climbing in the Jedi's direction.

"So, how are we gonna get over there?" Ahsoka asked.

"Leave that to me." Anakin said, and he jumped off the platform, landing on one of the giant dragonflies.

"I hope I don't have to learn that." Ahsoka said, looking down.

That was when Ventress made her way through. Gabby screamed as Ventress attempted to attack her and Ahsoka.

"Where is Skywalker?" Ventress demanded.

Suddenly, Anakin appeared on a dragonfly.

"Right here, Ventress!" Anakin said. He made the dragonfly swoop and knock Ventress over.

Anakin had his dragonfly come back around. "Hop on, Snips!"

Kara quickly picked up Gabby and jumped onto Carousella's back, while Ahsoka grabbed Anakin's hand to get them both onto the dragonfly with him just in time as the platform collapsed. Luckily, R2 was able to rescue himself with the help of his rockets, and Carousella spread her wings to take off. And everyone flew all the way to the other platform.

Ahsoka did not like the look of the ship they found, however.

"We're taking this junker?" Ahsoka said. "We'd be better off on that big bug."

"It's not a horse-drawn carriage, but it'll do." Gabby said.

"Get on board and prime the engines. Assuming it has engines." Anakin said.

"It may not be too late for Carousella to try her shoes," said Kara.

"Not exactly a lot of room here for me to do the proper run." Carousella said.

"How far do you need to run to work those things?"

"A kind of long distance while they're still new."

"That would be easier if I knew how to work a ship."

Gabby followed Ahsoka as she approached the ship, and they spotted a familiar droid.

"Hey! You're that caretaker droid." said Ahsoka. "I wondered what happened to you."

"Me too." Gabby said.

"Oh, young ones. I mean, princess and soon to be Jedi Knight." said the caretaker droid. "I had to get away from that terrible..."

That was when a battle droid exited the ship and said, "Okay, everything's loaded. Let's get out of here."

"Why, you-" Ahsoka began but was interrupted by Gabby.

"You tin-plated traitor!" the princess said angrily.

Ahsoka ignited her lightsaber.

"Blast them!" the caretaker droid ordered.

The droids attempted to blast the girls, but Ahsoka deflected their shots with her lightsaber, and

Gabby started growing a bunch of vines to grab the droids and hold them still.

"They're at it again," said Kara.

"Let's go," said Anakin.

Ahsoka took out the last of the droids, including the caretaker, and it was finally safe to enter the ship.

"Let's get out of here before more droids show up," said Carousella, entering the ship.

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Movie Part 3

Obi-Wan and the reinforcements finally arrived within the planet's atmosphere, but they were still being bombarded with blaster fire.

"Commander Cody, prepare the gunships for ground assault."

"Yes, sir." Cody said, and he ordered the ships to "Go, go, go!"

It was an epic battle down below between Rex's men and the battle droids. There were several close shots, and a couple of men got shot down.

Obi-Wan had R4 take over piloting the ship; it was time to take on this battle face-to face.

Captain Rex quickly found himself surrounded by battle droids.

"Surrender, Republic dogs!" said a battle droid.

"We've got you outnumbered!" Rex retaliated, aiming his blaster.

The droid seemed confused. He started counting droids, but then all of them were shot down in two blasts, and Obi-Wan flipped down from his ship and began deflecting blaster fire and slicing droids with his lightsaber.

With Obi-Wan's added assistance, the clones started to blast more droids that entered the picture. But Obi-Wan saw someone was missing.

"Where's Skywalker?" he asked Rex.

"Best guess is he's still in the castle, sir."

"Keep the droids occupied. I'll go find him!"

Meanwhile, Dooku contacted Ventress and asked for a report on the Huttlet's whereabouts.

"Skywalker is still in possession of the Hutt and has temporarily eluded me, but he will not escape the system alive." Ventress explained.

"Need I remind you whoever gains Jabba's favor will control the war in the Outer Rim?" Dooku said. "Only we must be allowed to return Jabba's son to him alive."

"I understand, Master. I will double my efforts."

"I hope so, for your sake."

"Wait!"

Ventress turned around to see Obi-Wan running in her direction. He came looking for Anakin, but ran into Ventress instead.

"Master Kenobi. Always chasing after Skywalker." said Ventress. "How predictable."

"Anakin leaves quite a mess," said Obi-Wan. "Which always leads me to you, Ventress."

Obi-Wan was prepared to fight, but so was Ventress.

"Take him."

And the droids began firing, Obi-Wan deflecting each shot with his lightsaber. In the midst of it, Ventress vanished, Obi-Wan in pursuit. Obi-Wan ran into a small room where he thought he'd seen her run, only to find it empty. It was like she totally disappeared.

Anakin, meanwhile, got the kids all ready to go.

"Let's get Stinky out of here." said Anakin.

Anakin pressed a button to start the ship, but it didn't work.

"If we can," said Kara.

Anakin kept trying, but the ship only made sounds like a car that wouldn't start.

"Stupid piece of junk."
"No need to make the ship feel bad about itself, Anakin." Kara said.

"Not now, Kara."

Ahsoka and Rotta both started to whine impatiently. Carousella decided to make herself comfortable.

"You know, I know a thing or two about engines." said the alicorn.

"That won't be necessary," said Anakin. "I know how to work this kind of thing."

"Is this because I'm a girl?"

"No, it's because I don't need help."

But the ship just made a bad engine sound again.

"Poodoo!"

"Language!" Kara scolded.

Gabby sighed. "I'll be old enough to go to school by the time this thing starts at this rate."

"Relax, ladies." Anakin chuckled. "R2, see if you can spark the ignition couplers."

R2 tried to spark the ignition couplers, and the ship still wouldn't start.

"No, that's not it." Anakin said. "Try opening the fuel lifters all the way."

R2 tried that, and it worked.

"Good work, buddy." Anakin smiled.

And they were off.

The girls looked out the window and saw the battle still going on.

"Uncle Obi-Wan is here." Gabby said.

"Now we'll see some real fireworks." Ahsoka said.

"Excuse me?" Anakin said. "What do you call what I've been doing all day?"

"I don't know. The words 'reckless' and 'babysitting' come to mind."

Gabby giggled at that.

"Very funny, Snips." said Anakin sarcastically before turning serious and pressing some switches. "Back to work. The troops still need our help. Charge the main guns."

"How are we gonna help? Stinky's getting sicker and sicker." Ahsoka said.

"But we promised Rex we'd help them." Anakin said.

"Master, we've got to get him to the medics on the Jedi cruiser. It's our only chance to get Stinky back to his father still breathing."

Kara glared at Anakin. Gabby did the same.

What would you do if I was the one sick like the huttlet, Daddy? Gabby asked Anakin in her mind through the Force.

She couldn't use the Force the same way her father, his Padawan, and her aunt could, but she could still use her mind to send Anakin a message or two.

"I know you have a rotten past with the Hutts, Ani." Kara said. "But is that any reason to let an innocent baby die?"

Anakin didn't need to think twice when he felt his daughter and his sister's words hit him.

"Captain Rex, this is General Skywalker." Anakin said over the comm. "We're not going to be able to help you."

"Don't worry about us, General. We'll be alright." Rex said. He watched as the ship flew off. "The mission always comes first, sir.

And the Jedi took off to save the Huttlet once more.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan was in a rather dangerous game of Hide and Seek with Ventress.

"Ventress, I know you're here," said Obi-Wan. "You can't hide. I feel your frustration. Let me guess, you're after Jabba's young son, too."

That struck something in Ventress. The Sith jumped out and attempted to strike Obi-Wan down, but he blocked her attack with his lightsaber. But Ventress unwrapped the skirt she wore and attempted to incapacitate Obi-Wan with it, only for the latter to slice the cloth in half and block her next attempt.

"You'll have to do better than that, my darling."

It was amazing how Obi-Wan managed to remain calm through such events, even as Ventress managed to knock his lightsaber right from his hand.

"Well, now I'm impressed."

Now that Obi-Wan was unarmed, Ventress tried to hit him again, but missed every time. But she had him cornered, and she was ready to end this.

"Now you die."

But again, Obi-Wan evaded her attack, and managed to fight her off with his gloved hands, and Force-pulled his weapon back to his hand.

"Shall we continue?"

"My pleasure."

Anakin piloted the ship while Ahsoka continued to hold the baby Hutt, and Gabby just sat with Kara, Carousella laying down in the back beside R2.

"Master, today I did my best to stay calm, focused, and when I did, everything seemed so easy." Ahsoka said.

Suddenly, there was a loud booming sound, and the Jedi quickly found themselves in the middle of a battle.

"Well, get focused, 'cause things just got a lot harder." Anakin said.

Anakin quickly steered the ship to evade some enemy ships that attempted to blast them.

"All we've got to do is land on that Jedi cruiser." Anakin said.

"But, Master." said Ahsoka. "Their deflector shields are up."

The ship was then shot.

Ahsoka gasped.

"They must think this grease bucket is an enemy ship." Kara said with realization.

"We're toast." Gabby said.

"That's not the hopeful girl I know and love." said Anakin. "Jedi cruiser, hold your fire!"

"Who is that?" said a clone over the comm. "Incoming ship, identify yourself. Repeat, identify yourself."

"This is General Skywalker. We have Jabba the Hutt's son. He needs medical attention. We must board immediately."

"Stand by," said the clone.

"Stand by?" said Ahsoka, less than pleased. "That's helpful."

Anakin had to steer the ship around once again as the real enemies tried to blast them again.

"Hang on!" He exclaimed.

The kids all screamed and held on tight as the ship turned upside down. Carousella had to start flying to avoid hitting the ceiling.

"See? This is why I said these things need seatbelts!"

Luckily, Admiral Yularen quickly ordered for the deflector shields to be lowered to allow Anakin's team to fly on board.

"We've made it!" Ahsoka and Gabby exclaimed at the same time.

"Jinx!" Gabby exclaimed. "You owe me a soda."

Except, the lower rear hangar was attacked by more real enemy ships and blown up, leading Anakin to steer the ship away.

"That changes our plans," said Anakin.

"What do we do now?" Gabby asked.

"Looks like we're gonna have to take this bucket of bolts all the way to Tatooine." said Anakin.

"Let's hope we can keep the baby alive until then," added Kara.

"Just hold on, Stinky." Gabby begged, looking at the Huttlet in Ahsoka's arms.

Obi-Wan continued to fight the relentless Ventress. Despite his usually calm demeanor, even he had his boiling points.

"We know of Dooku's plot to turn the Hutts against us," he told her. "It will not succeed."

"It will when the truth dies with you." Ventress said.

Ventress attempted to hit Obi-Wan again, but he escaped by jumping out of a window.

"You can't run."

Anakin managed to steer the ship clean out from the battle.

"We're clear to make the jump to hyperspace." Anakin confirmed. "R2, program the navicomputer."

R2 beeped and went to do as ordered.

Ahsoka, meanwhile, looked at the baby Hutt, seeing him looking so much worse.

"I don't think he's gonna make it, Master." Ahsoka said. "There's gotta be something we can do for him."

"Don't ships carry medical supplies or first aid kits somewhere?" Gabby asked. "Mommy always keeps a first aid kit and emergency supplies in different places in case of big emergencies."

"Good idea, Princess." Anakin said. "Kara, you and Ahsoka take a look in the back and see if you can find any medical supplies."

"We're on it." said Ahsoka, who then left her seat, Gabby following suit.

"Don't die on me now, little guy." Anakin said, gently petting the Huttlet's head. "Just hang in there."

Carousella came by Rotta's side and wrapped her wing around him to keep him warm.

"My mom always did this whenever I got sick as a foal.

Then, Anakin hit a couple more switches. "If you've locked the coordinates, R2, let's go."

And so, R2 launched them into hyperspace.

"Whoa!" Gabby shouted as she fell onto her stomach from the sudden jump throwing her off balance.

"Not used to standing in hyperspace, huh?" Ahsoka chuckled, helping Gabby up.

"Nope." Gabby brushed her pink Jedi tunics off and fixed the pink ribbon she wore in her long hair.

Ventress froze for a moment as she and Obi-Wan were once again in a standoff.

"I sense it too," smiled Obi-Wan. "Anakin is gone. You've failed, Ventress."

In a fit of anger, Ventress attacked Obi-Wan with her lightsabers connected into a double-bladed single weapon. But Obi-Wan sliced them back in two and held the blades both down with his.

"Your master will not be pleased."

Ventress tried to fight Obi-Wan again, only for one of her sabers to fall over the bridge on which the two stood. She then hit a button on her wrist.

"Jedi scum."

And resume the fight did.

"The Hutt is safe," said Obi-Wan. "There's no point to fighting any longer. We've won. Lay down your weapon."

But instead of surrendering, Ventress saw the red light on her wrist turn green, and she leaped off the bridge, landing on a big but small flying droid

Kara, Gabby, and Ahsoka looked around for anything that might be helpful. They brought the Huttlet with them to what looked like a medical examination room.

Gabby tried to reach for what looked like some buttons, but she was way too short to reach them. She couldn't even jump high enough to reach them.

"Right now, it would be so useful to have Tigger's bouncing abilities." Gabby said, jumping once more.

"Or to be taller." Kara chuckled.

"Looks like this hasn't been used in a while." said Ahsoka.

Gabby sneezed from some dust she breathed in.

Kara pressed a button, and a hologram of a medical droid appeared.

"Hello? Dr. Droid. Can you hear me?" Ahsoka asked.

"Yes," said the hologram. "What seems to be the problem?"

"Great. We've got a sick Huttlet." Kara explained as the baby was scanned.

"You got a remedy?" Ahsoka asked.

"Oh, yes. I see. You must dispense one of these medical boosters into the infant's mouth."

A compartment opened up with some little blue tubes inside.

"If you have any problems, please call an actual doctor to assist you," said the hologram before disappearing.

"I hope this works," said Ahsoka.

"Me too." Gabby said.

"Okay, sweetums. We've got some yum-yum for you."

Ahsoka picked up the Huttlet and tried to give him the booster, but the baby wouldn't take the pill. Gabby giggled at the little scene before her; it reminded her of the time she'd caught a cold from being out in the rain a few months ago, and Padme tried to give her medicine to make her better.

"Come on, little one." Kara cooed. She took the pill and tried a trick she'd done with Gabby as a baby. "Here comes the starship."

But still, the baby wouldn't take it.

"Hmm. It worked on Gabriella as a baby."

So, Ahsoka resorted to a different method.

"You'll take this and like it!" Ahsoka said, finally getting the baby to take the medicine.

The baby gulped the medicine and let out a loud belch.

"There you go. Good boy."

Gabby and Ahsoka both held their noses from the nasty stench of the Huttlet's breath.

Obi-Wan managed to find his way back to Rex, who confirmed Anakin and the girls escaped.

"On some beat-up old space freighter. I'll be surprised if he even makes it to Tatooine in that junker."

Obi-Wan wasn't too worried though.

"If anybody can fly a bucket of bolts through hyperspace, he can."

A little later, Ahsoka lay the Huttlet down and was happy to see that he was steadily recovering. Carousella kept him warm underneath her wing, like a mother pegasus with her foal.

"The medicine is working!" Gabby said happily.

"All he needs now is rest," said Kara.

"His fever broke," said Ahsoka with a smile. "I think he's gonna live to stink another day."

"You hear that, Baby?" Gabby cooed. "You're gonna be okay."

"Great. Keeping him alive wasn't as easy as you'd hoped, was it?" said Anakin, who was fixing up some parts of the ship.

"Master, if you have taught me one thing," said Ahsoka. "It's that nothing is easy when you are around."

"Join the club" said Kara.

"But he is good at finding a way out." Gabby said. "That's what makes him such a great Jedi. I wanna be just like him when I grow up. And I wanna be a great queen like my mommy was."

"Someday you will, little one." Anakin said, not looking away from his work, but Gabby could tell he was smiling.

"You think Rex and Master Obi-Wan made it out okay?" Ahsoka asked.

"If I know my old master, he has things well in hand. Now help me with this. I want the primary systems fully repaired by the time we reach Tatooine."

Ahsoka picked up a tool and handed it to her Master.

"You grew up on Tatooine, right?" Ahsoka said. "So, for you, this trip is like going home."

"Yeah." Anakin said, sounding slightly frozen. "Home."

"Not exactly," said Kara, shaking her head.

"What do you mean?" Ahsoka asked, confused.

"Well, you see-" Gabby started, but was interrupted by her father.

"Gabby, what's our most important rule?"

"No using your lightsaber to roast marshmallows?" Gabby guessed.

"No, not that one."

"No riding Carousella in the apartment?"

"No!"

"Don't start pillow fights in the meditation chamber?"

Ahsoka struggled not to laugh at that last one.

"That explains the scattered feathers last time I was in there."

"We don't talk about my past on Tatooine." Anakin said.

"Oh... yeah. That rule." Gabby said, looking down guiltily.

"It's a touchy subject for Anakin," Kara whispered. "He'll open up when he's ready."

Meanwhile, the Separatists continued to persuade Jabba that the Jedi were the real enemy.

"The Republic had too many clone troopers, my lord." Ventress told Dooku. "By the time we were able to find Jabba's son, Skywalker had already... killed him."

That caused a great deal of panic in the room, and fury in Jabba.

"Most unfortunate," said Dooku. "This is a very unexpected turn of events. I take it you at least defeated the Jedi?"

"No, Master. The Jedi escaped and are headed to Tatooine."

"I'm sure you did the best you could. We will discuss your failure later."

"Yes, my master." Ventress bowed before ending the transmission.

Jabba spoke and his droid translated, "Glorious Jabba demands to know why the Jedi would dare come to Tatooine."

"To kill you, Jabba." Dooku said. "The Jedi plot is quite clear now. They only promised to rescue your son to win your trust. Now Skywalker is coming here to finish his true mission... to wipe out the entire Hutt clan."

Jabba said something else, and then Dooku said,

"If it pleases you, mighty Jabba, this time I will deal with Skywalker personally."

Dooku was soon contacted by his wife. But he didn't use a comlink. For his wife specifically, he held a small compact mirror through which she spoke to him.

"Dooku, I understand you shall soon take care of Skywalker." Morpha said.

"Indeed, my queen. He shall arrive very soon, I believe."

"Good. But Skywalker, I understand, is a powerful warrior. My sister believes it best we send some of our babies to assist you."

"By all means, send them, my love."

Morpha blew Dooku a kiss and ended the call.

Mariverde called forth several green and black moths, while Morpha called more of her gray moths.

"Come to me, my pretties. Heed my command." Mariverde said to the bugs. "We shall send you to eliminate a specific man. By the name of Anakin Skywalker."

The Jedi's ship soon came within reach of Tatooine.

"I was hoping I'd never have to lay eyes on this dust ball again." Anakin said.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm gonna need a lot of sunblock?" Gabby said.

"Because you might." Kara said.

"Okay. What happened that you wouldn't let Gabby say anything earlier?" Ahsoka asked.

"I don't want to talk about it." Anakin said.

"It's a touchy thing for him. That's all I can say." Gabby explained.

"How's Stinky holding up?"

Ahsoka and Gabby both looked at the Huttlet still sleeping under Carousella's wing. Carousella touched her nose to his little head to check his temperature.

"He seems to be feeling much better. His fever is gone," said Carousella.

"Even you have to admit he's cute when he's asleep." Ahsoka said.

"So cute." Gabby said.

"I admit I like him better when he's quiet, but only a little." Anakin said. "And I still say a certain princess wins the cute contest easily here."

"He's talking about me." said Gabby, fluttering her eyelashes cutely.

"You're pretty cute too." Ahsoka said, tickling the human girl a little, making her giggle cutely.

R2 beeped something to Anakin.

"No, R2. I want the cannon operational first." Anakin said. "Leave the rear deflector shields for later."

"No rear shields, Master? That's awful risky." Ahsoka said.

"Yeah, what if something attacks us from behind?" Gabby said. "Remember every time I pounced you in a game of Tigger Tag?"

That had Kara laughing.

Anakin remembered all too well. Ever since he started reading Gabby the Winnie the Pooh storybooks, she'd been imitating the character Tigger by bouncing all around, jumping on the bed and the couch, and even playing a game she called Tigger Tag, which involved Gabby pouncing on anyone she could. How she managed to knock adults down so easily every time, Anakin might never know.

"A strong attack eliminated the need for defense, girls." Anakin said.

Just then, an alarm sounded.

Ahsoka checked the dashboard and found that attack ships were closing in fast!

"Somebody doesn't want Stinky to get home in one piece." Anakin said.

"I will guess it's the Separatists," said Kara.

The ship got hit with a couple of blaster bolts.

"Wow, quite the welcome home party." said Ahsoka with a hint of sarcasm.

Anakin ordered R2 to set the approach vector and make ready to land as he flipped the switch.

"Ahsoka, activate the guns!"

Ahsoka tried to activate them, but...

"All the guns are locked in the forward position," she said.

"It's too bad you decided not to repair the rear deflector shields." Kara added.

"Not now, Ahsoka!" Anakin and Gabby said at the same time, sharing the same seriously unamused expression.

The ships continued to blast at the Jedi, Anakin quickly steering to dodge.

"R2, see if you can unlock those guns!" Anakin ordered.

"Sometimes a good defense is the best offense." Ahsoka said.

"Sounds like Uncle Obi-Wan." Gabby said.

"Why don't you go secure your little Huttlet friend?" Anakin said.

"None of us are secure with you flying!" Ahsoka said, knowing Anakin's reputation for crash landing ships.

Ahsoka got up to help Carousella secure the baby, while Gabby held on tightly to her seat and made some vines grow to act as seatbelts, finally managing to make ones strong enough to hold her in place. And just in time too, as Anakin was once again swerving and spinning the ship, and caused Ahsoka to fall down, luckily catching Rotta. Unluckily, it woke the Huttlet up and he started crying, and Carousella fell on top of Kara.

"Great! You woke the baby!" Ahsoka said.

"I'm a little busy here!" Anakin said.

Gabby started screaming too as the ride got rougher. Anakin aimed the guns, and blasted one of the enemy ships.

"Got one of them!" Anakin cheered.

"What about the other one?" Ahsoka asked.

"One thing at a time!"

And the other ship got struck with what looked like a fireball.

"Whoo! I'm on fire with my magic now!" Gabby cheered, as she was the one to create the fire ball with her powers.

"Impressive, little one. But save those attacks for after you've had more time to practice them in a more fire-proof environment."

"Carousella, get off of me!" Kara groaned.

"A little hard to stay off you when Captain Joyride keeps swerving this thing." Carousella said, slipping once more as Anakin turned the ship again like a giant seesaw. "Her we go again!"

Anakin managed to steer the ship safely once more, at least for a few seconds before the ship started to act up a little from the damage it sustained.

"Strap in, Ahsoka." Anakin said.

"You've got that 'we're in trouble' look." Ahsoka said, looking at Anakin's face.

"There's a look?" Anakin asked.

The Huttlet cooed as though agreeing with the Togruta.

"You can't miss it."

"Very funny, Snips." Anakin said, then he tried to get ahold of his master. "Obi-Wan, come in! Do you copy?"

"Kenobi, here." said Obi-Wan, answering the call. "Anakin, have you reached Tatooine yet?"

"Almost, but we ran into some old..."

"Anakin, did you get shot down again?"

"Yes!" The girls answered in unison.

"This ship is too slow," said Anakin. "I haven't had time to modify it yet."

"Excuses, excuses." Kara shook her head.

"I'm still cleaning up your other mess, but I'll get there." Obi-Wan said before ending the transmission.

"So much for reinforcements," sighed Kara.

The ship was getting closer and closer to entering Tatooine's atmosphere.

"Hang on, this landing could get a little rough." Anakin warned.

"A little?!" Gabby said as though her father were crazy, which she was beginning to think he was.

"Crashes are rough," said Ahsoka. "Landings are not."

"Then it's a crash landing." Anakin said.

Anakin steered the ship, and they started to jump from hill to hill of sand, just barely missing some Jawas that ran by.

"Mighty Jabba, my battle droids have shot down Skywalker's ship." Dooku told Jabba.

Jabba spoke in Huttese again, and the droid translated, "Jabba will send out his bounty hunters to see that he is dead."

"Allow me. I have much more experience dealing with Jedi, and my wife has provided me with the means guaranteed to finish the job."

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan managed to get a message to Master Yoda, who sat in Chancellor Palpatine's office in the Senate building. He explained to Yoda that they believed the entire plot was engineered by Count Dooku and the Separatists were determined to intercept Anakin as he was attempting to return Jabba's son. And the plot was to convince Jabba that the Jedi kidnapped his son.

"If believe this, the Hutts do, ended will our chance of a treaty with them be." said Yoda. "Join Dooku and the Separatists, Jabba will, yes."

"That would be a disaster," said Chancellor Palpatine. "We must have this alliance with the Hutts if we are to win the war in the Outer Rim."

"In Skywalker is the Republic's only hope. Return Jabba's son, he must."

"Anakin's experience with the Hutts should help." Obi-Wan said. "He'll come through."

And as the transmission ended, a new figure entered the room. She was none other than Anakin's secret wife and Princess Gabby's mother, Senator Padme Amidala.

Chancellor Palpatine dismissed Master Yoda so he could speak with the young Senator.

"Greetings, Senator Amidala." Yoda greeted.

"Master Yoda. So good to see you." said Padme with a bow.

"Good it is, to see you, Senator."

And Yoda left.

"Ah, Padme," said Palpatine. "We were to discuss..."

"The new security measures you put into effect on Naboo." Padme said. "My security chief tells me there are several new battles in the Outer Rim."

"Including a small skirmish with Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin, and Princess Gabriella."

"Anakin? Gabby? Are they in danger?" Padme asked. "What's my daughter even doing on a mission?"

"I'm uncertain of why that is so. But I'm afraid, on a more pressing matter, that the Jedi's efforts to strike a secret treaty with the Hutts have gone terribly wrong. Jabba believes Anakin has abducted his infant son."

"A Jedi would never do such a thing!" Padme insisted. "Perhaps I can get that treaty signed. I will go to the Hutts and convince them of Anakin's innocence, as a representative of the Senate, of course."

"That is very courageous of you, Senator, but far too dangerous. Besides, we've attempted to contact Jabba, he won't accept communication from us."

"Jabba the Hutt has an uncle in the old downtown area here on Coruscant. Perhaps I can reason with him and reopen negotiations."

"Please, my dear, I beg you, reconsider this." the chancellor begged. But there was no swaying Padme.

"Don't worry, Chancellor, I've dealt with far worse than the Hutts."

"Do take care, Senator. The Hutts are vile gangsters."

And off Padme went.

The Jedi started to exit their crash landed ship.

"Wow! It's hot here!" Gabby said, fanning herself from the intense heat that started as soon as they opened the door.

"Try having hair all over your body!" Carousella panted, using her magic to tie her mane back, put on some sunglasses, and cast a cooling spell on her armor.

Gabby immediately used her clothes transforming magic, which she'd already mastered, to change her tunics into a very lightweight sundress perfect for a day at the beach. She even managed to get herself a pair of pink sunglasses and tie her hair back into a ponytail.

"Much better." Gabby sighed with relief.

Kara tied her hair back in a ponytail too. How her brother survived on this planet for nine years, she may never know.

"Welcome home, Stinky." Ahsoka said.

"Jabba's palace is on the far side of the Dune Sea." Anakin said. "We'd better hurry if we're gonna make it by morning."

Ahsoka placed Rotta into the backpack on Anakin's back, and the oldest Jedi jumped down first, the baby starting to cry as he wasn't with Ahsoka anymore.

"I'm coming." Ahsoka smiled. Then she jumped down too.

Gabby just walked down on a staircase she made from some clouds. She could practically feel the hot sand through the soles of her boots as she stepped onto it.

"Yow! Hot!" Carousella cried when she felt the hot sand on her hooves.

She used magic to place some sandals on her hooves.

"That's better. Ugh. I've walked through hot places, but not this hot."

"Now I understand why you didn't wanna come back here." Gabby said, giving Carousella a drink of water. "Even the kingdom of Mammoh-Yah isn't this hot."

"You should've felt the heat when the castle's air conditioning broke down last summer." Carousella said.

R2 was the most nervous to come down.

"I'll clean your servos later." Ahsoka promised. "Come on."

And with that, R2 came down.

"If it weren't so hot here, it'd probably be a great place to build the biggest sandcastle in the whole Galaxy." Gabby said.

"Well, just be ready to use your water powers if anyone gets thirsty and we run out of water." Anakin said.

After the Jedi left, Jawas did not hesitate to rush to their ship.

Meanwhile, at a bar in the downtown district, a Bith band was playing some jazz music.

A big purple Hutt was sitting on what looked like a stage of some kind. He was smoking a cigar of some kind, when one of his servant droids approached him with some news.

"What is it, Kronos-327?" asked the Hutt, whose name was Ziro.

"My mission to the twelfth of Yout has failed.

Ziro laughed and said, "After all these years, my most trusted of assassins has finally failed."

"O Ziro the Hutt, master of the Hutt clan on seven systems, I am sorry, your highness. It will not happen again."

"I know. Take him away and use him for spare parts!"

Kronos-327 begged for mercy as he was taken away by two other droids. The bar was silent for a moment. Then the band started playing some upbeat tunes.

Padme soon arrived at the bar, wearing a headdress that covered her hair and most of her face to avoid being recognized right away.

"Your majesty, you have an important visitor," said another droid.

Padme uncovered her face to speak to Ziro.

"Greetings, Ziro. I am Senator Amidala of the Galactic Congress."

"A senator? In this neighborhood?" gasped Ziro. "Hmm."

Ziro snorted some smoke, which Padme fanned away.

"I know that you are the uncle of Jabba the Hutt of Tatooine. I've come to ask a favor of you."

"A favor? Hmm?"

Ziro blew some smoke again.

"There has been a grave misunderstanding between Jabba and the Order of the Jedi."

"How many I serve you, Senator?"

"I was hoping you and I could resolve this dispute and broker a treaty between the Republic and the great clan of the Hutts."

"A treaty? A treaty?" Ziro sounded appalled. "A treaty is impossible. My nephew Jabba's son has been kidnapped by your Republic Jedi scum."

"But, sir, there's been a misunderstanding."

"There is no misunderstanding."

"It is the Jedi who have rescued his son. If you can put me in touch with Jabba, I am confident I can convince him of the truth."

Ziro seemed to think about it for a moment, and he said…

"NO! No more discussions. Escort her out!"

Still, Padme was persistent.

"Please, Ziro! Your nephew Jabba is in danger. You're being deceived."

"I said throw her out!"

One of Ziro's droid began escorting Padme out, albeit forcefully.

Later, the four Jedi, the Huttlet, the alicorn guard, and the droid were still crossing the desert as the two suns were setting.

"Master Yoda has a saying." Ahsoka said. "Old sins cast long shadows. Do you know what he means by that?"

"He means your past can ruin your future if you allow it. But you forget it was Master Skywalker who said, 'I don't want to talk about my past.'"

Kara placed a comforting hand on Anakin's shoulder.

"Okay, fine." Ahsoka sighed. "There is so much more we can talk about out here. Like the sand."

"Yuck! I got sand in my shoes." Gabby whined.

"The desert is merciless. It takes everything from you." Anakin warned.

"Those are some happy thoughts," said Ahsoka sarcastically. "It won't take us, Master. Right, Artooie?"

R2 beeped.

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Movie Part 4

Padme had no luck convincing Ziro to help her with convincing Jabba to hear the truth, so now she was escorted to a cage-like elevator by one of Ziro's droids. But, being the stubborn woman as she was beautiful, Padme wasn't going to back out so easily. When the droid wasn't looking, Padme kicked its blaster away and squeezed out from the cage. The droid attempted to pull her back by her clothes, but she simply removed the scarf and took off to go see Ziro again. Except, she found something utterly scandalous.

Ziro was on a holo-call with someone. None other than Count Dooku!

"Your plot is coming apart, Count Dooku! A senator from the Republic was here. What if she found out I helped you kidnap Jabba's son?"

Padme couldn't believe her eyes or ears!

"Don't worry, I have convinced Jabba that the Jedi have murdered his son and are on their way to kill him." Dooku explained.

"Jabba will slay the Jedi on sight!"

"Then the mighty Jedi Order will be forced to bring Jabba to justice, and you, my friend, will be left to take control of all the Hutt clans."

"Then the plot against my nephew Jabba has succeeded. But what about this meddling senator?"

"If she continues her investigation, have her meet with an accident with extreme prejudice. I will have someone in the Senate cover it up."

Padme knew she had to get word of this to the Jedi! She was about to take off, when she quickly found that another Kronos droid stood right behind her! She shot it down with her gun. Probably not the best idea, because Ziro heard her, and then another droid grabbed her and threw her towards Ziro.

"Count Dooku." Padme glared. "So, the poisonous traitor rears his ugly head once again."

"I am equally delighted to remake your acquaintance, Senator." Dooku replied. "Amidala, isn't it?"

Padme picked herself up and said, "I was just leaving."

But a droid stopped her.

"I'm sorry, that cannot be permitted now." Dooku turned to Ziro and told him, "Ziro, this particular senator is extremely valuable to my Separatist allies. They will pay a handsome price for her, and even more for her young daughter."

"Hmm. I like the sound of that." Ziro said. "Take her to the dungeon."

"You will regret this, Ziro!" Padme said angrily.

"No, I think I will become rich with this!" Ziro laughed. "Thank you, Count Dooku. This has been a most profitable alliance."

"I will contact you when the Huttlet has been disposed of," said Dooku. "Your high exalted master of the Hutts."

Just then, a battle droid approached Dooku.

"We have picked up six life forms crossing the desert, one is a very young Huttlet, and another is a very young human girl."

Dooku deduced exactly whom the droids discovered.

"Skywalker."

The two suns were setting already, one of them beginning to pass the horizon.

Suddenly, Anakin and Ahsoka stopped, and so did the rest of their team.

"We're not alone," said Ahsoka.

"I sense it too." Anakin said.

"It's the dark side of the Force." Kara finished.

"I don't like it." Gabby said.

Rotta whimpered and hid himself under a blanket in the backpack.

"What would I give for that backpack to be big enough for me too?" Gabby said, envying the Hutt for having a place to hide. Carousella raising her wings came close.

"Whatever it is, it's coming for the Hutt." Anakin said. "Time to split up."

"We'll face it together, Master." Ahsoka insisted. But Anakin placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Not this time, Snips. I have a more important mission for you, Carousella, and Gabby."

"More important than keeping you alive?" Ahsoka said, sounding scared.

"Girls, I need all three of you to trust me on this one."

The girls were hesitant, but Carousella was a guard. She was used to following orders, even those that were terrifying to follow.

Meanwhile, Padme was escorted into Ziro's dungeon by a Kronos droid, her holo-comm and gun confiscated. That was when her holo-communicator started beeping.

"What's that?" asked a battle droid.

Two battle droids approached the table where the beeping was coming from.

"Don't touch that! Whatever you do, keep away from it." Padme panicked. "Please, I beg you."

But the battle droids approached it anyway.

"Could be dangerous. I better check it out."

The battle droid activated the communicator. It was C-3PO.

"At last, you answered! Oh, I've been so worried." But then Threepio realized who he was speaking to. "Wait! Who are you? You're not Mistress Padme!"

"Threepio, get help! I'm being held by Ziro the Hutt!" Padme shouted.

"You're in trouble! I knew it!"

Before Threepio could say anything else, the Kronos droid smashed the communicator. The droid then approached Padme's cell.

All Padme could do at this point was hope for a miracle.

Anakin traveled with Kara through the desert of Tatooine as its three moons rose into the nighttime sky. He was soon met by Count Dooku, and ignited his lightsaber.

"Surrender the Huttlet or die, Skywalker." Dooku said.

"You'll have to get through both of us, Dooku." Kara said, igniting her lightsaber.

Dooku shot Sith lightning at the two young Jedi. Anakin and Kara quickly shielded themselves with his lightsaber. Dooku then ignited his own lightsaber and engaged in an all-out fight with both Jedi.

"Your training has come a long way, boy." Dooku said as he pushed his sword to Anakin's.

Anakin said nothing and continued to fight Dooku.

"Now I remember. This was your home planet, wasn't it? I sense your strong feelings. Feelings of pain, loss."

Those feelings were still very fresh in Anakin's mind and heart. The suffering he and his mother Shmi had gone through as slaves, and then Anakin and his mother were freed, only for her and Qui-Gon Jinn to vanish on Naboo. Those words Dooku uttered motivated Anakin to Force-push the Sith Lord away, blowing a cloud of sand at him, but Dooku fired it right back, making Anakin drop his lightsaber. Luckily, Anakin managed to pull it back into his hand and defend himself from Dooku.

That was when Dooku brought out the secret weapon Morpha had given him. He took out what looked like a small jar. But when he broke it open, out came an enormous swarm of moths of green and silver, and they fluttered right toward Anakin and Kara!

"Finish them!" Dooku ordered.

The two Jedi swung their lightsabers at the moths, which repelled some of them, but more kept coming and coming! And then, bunches of them managed to knock the lightsabers out of Kara and Anakin's hands and Anakin fell down. But before the moths could touch either of the Jedi, something unexpected happened.

A red glow came from Kara's chest and a blue one from Anakin's. Then a large energy bubble of purple formed, pushing the swarm of moths away. No matter how many moths swarmed, they couldn't touch either of the Jedi. But that wasn't all. Just as the last of the swarm attempted to hit the Jedi, the energy bubble glowed and a more powerful spell formed in the form of a purple half sun and moon symbol, and it shined brightly, making all the moths disappear!

Dooku couldn't believe what he'd just seen; neither could Kara or Anakin.

"What just happened?" Anakin asked, still sitting on the ground.

"I have no idea." Kara asked.

Then, as Anakin was getting up, Dooku sliced the backpack from Anakin's back.

Anakin looked up at Dooku.

"Despite whatever trick you performed, you've failed, Jedi. I have just killed Jabba's son." Dooku said.

Anakin smirked and said, "You've fallen for my little trick, Count." Anakin pulled off the backpack to reveal... "It's nothing but rocks."

"The Huttlest is with my brother's Padawan, safely at Jabba's palace." Kara said, purposely overlooking to mention her niece.

"I expected such treachery from a Jedi." Dooku said. "I assure you my web is strong enough to catch your insignificant little Padawan. As well as your little princess."

Anakin's eyes widened at that.

"They're more skillful than you think." Anakin said.

"You deceive yourself!" Dooku said, and he, Kara, and Anakin fought once more.

And then, Kara decided to try something very daring.

"Think fast!" Kara exclaimed.

And then Kara started running at a sonic speed Anakin had only ever seen Jedi use once for a few seconds. But to Anakin's great surprise, Kara was doing it for longer than just a few seconds, and the speed of her running was creating a small sandstorm that was blinding Dooku and making it very difficult for him to fight.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka, Carousella, Gabby, and R2 were on their way, getting closer and closer to Jabba's palace. Suddenly, Ahsoka sensed something, so she ignited her lightsaber. The droids were armed with sticks that had electricity burning at either end, but Carousella got into a defensive stance as well and reminded Ahsoka she wasn't alone.

Ahsoka tried to fight the droids with her lightsaber, but they were really fast. Carousella also flew and fired magic from the air. But then, Gabby activated her plants. However, something was different this time. When she summoned plants, cacti popped out from the sand, and the droids got stuck. And when Gabby tried to summon vines, out came some really thick jungle vines, rather than the typical ivy and grapevines she grew.

Ahsoka had a little easier time fighting the droids as they were distracted, and she managed to slice them all to pieces.

"Since when can you run so fast!" Anakin shouted, his eyes shut from all the sand.

Anakin started spitting sand, as some got into his mouth when he spoke to his sister.

Kara screeched to a halt when she managed to knock Dooku into the ground.

As he fell, Dooku dropped his communicator, and it showed Ahsoka, Carousella, and Gabby fighting droids.

"The kids are in trouble!" Kara panicked.

Anakin grabbed a hoverbike, Kara taking the wheel.

"You've crashed enough vehicles today, Ani."

As soon as the two Jedi left, Dooku gasped for breath as he Force-pushed his way out of the sand.

Mariverde spotted the events in her magic mirror, and she couldn't believe her eyes when she saw what happened with the purple glowing energy bubble. Especially when she saw the sun and moon symbol.

"It can't be!" she gasped. "It must be an illusion. No. It couldn't really…. Is it?"

The three younger girls and R2 continued to fight the droids. Carousella kicked one into another while Ahsoka blocked another one's attack with her lightsaber.

"Take this!" Gabby exclaimed, hitting another droid with some big flowers.

But during the fight, Ahsoka got knocked down the hill!

"Ahsoka!" Gabby screamed.

Ahsoka tumbled pretty roughly in the sand, and Rotta started crying.

"What? I thought you liked to play in the sand." Ahsoka groaned.

Back on Coruscant, a Nabuian ship arrived. And on this ship was Padme's protocol droid C-3PO.

"This part of town is definitely not my kind of town." Threepio whined. "Thank the maker, young Princess Gabriella is safe with the Jedi."

Padme was brought before Ziro by a Kronos droid for a little discussion.

"You tried to call for help, Senator." Ziro said. "I believe you are too dangerous to be kept alive."

"Killing a Galactic senator here on Coruscant?!" Padme exclaimed. "Are you out of your mind?"

"I have powerful friends in the Senate. I'm not afraid of…"

Suddenly, there was some high-pitched beeping and a big but small explosion out in the hall.

Threepio peeked into the room.

"Is anybody home?"

"Threepio?" Padme gasped.

"What is that?" Ziro gasped.

And then a slew of clones entered the premises.

"Go, go, go!" exclaimed one clone.

And all of them began shooting down Ziro's droids, which gave Padme a chance to grab a blaster, shoot down the Kronos droid, and stop Ziro.

"Stop right where you are!"

Ziro was quickly surrounded by Padme and clone troopers.

"Mistress Padme, are you all right?" Threepio asked worriedly. "Was I too late?"

"Threepio," smiled Padme. "Your timing was perfect."

"Oh, thank the maker! I'm so relieved."

"Should we arrest the Hutt, Senator?" asked a clone trooper.

"I had no choice," said Ziro. "Dooku said he'd kill me if I didn't help him kidnap Jabba's son. You have to believe me! I love that Huttlet!"

"Oh, I believe you." Padme said.

The droids were relentless as they continued to fight the two younger Jedi and Carousella. This battle was getting crazy. But as blessings would have it, the girls heard the hover-bike Kara and Anakin were riding.

"Master! Over here! Master!" Ahsoka screamed.

Carousella whinnied as loudly as she could, but neither of the Jedi heard.

"He never listens." Ahsoka groaned.

"Forget listening. Jabba will kill them if he finds out that they don't have his baby!" Gabby screamed.

"Then we'll have to fly!" Carousella said.

Anakin and Kara meanwhile, arrived at the entrance to Jabba's palace, where some guards were waiting for them.

"Where is my Padawan?" Anakin asked.

"Right this way," said the protocol droid. "Your weapons please."

Kara and Anakin were hesitant, but they handed over their lightsabers.

Carousella mustered up her strength, and karate kicked the droids down to the ground and smashed them to pieces.

"Huh. I shoulda done that from the start." snorted the alicorn.

"Come on. Let's get this kid home."

Ahsoka and Gabby both hopped onto Carousella's back, and the pony started galloping up the sandy dunes.

"Being a Padawan is harder than I thought." Ahsoka said. She patted Gabby's head. "Be glad you still have time to prepare."

Anakin and Kara were brought into Jabba's palace, where they were introduced to the crime lord himself.

"As Count Dooku said, your son is not with them," said Jabba's droid.

"What? Your son's not here?" Anakin said, shocked that his Padawan and daughter were no-shows.

"How is that possible?" Kara gasped.

Jabba said something in Huttese.

"Where are Ahsoka and Princess Gabriella?" Anakin asked.

No one gave an answer, but Jabba sure seemed upset.

Anakin Force-pulled his lightsaber back to him and pointed it at Jabba.

"What have you done with my Padawan and my little princess?" Anakin demanded.

Jabba said something in Huttese, and his droid said, "You came here to kill Jabba."

"Mighty Jabba, we both came here to negotiate." Kara said.

But, the Hutt did not appear to believe either of them.

"You came here to die," said Jabba's droid.

"Stop!" exclaimed three young female voices.

And in came R2, accompanied by Carousella carrying Gabby and Ahsoka, who carried a healthy and alive Rotta in her arms.

Ahsoka handed Rotta over to Jabba, who looked so happy to have his little 'punky muffin' back, the baby equally delighted to see his father again. And Gabby immediately jumped down from the pony and clung to her own father's leg, happy to see him alive. He was happy to see her okay too, and he took her into his arms. But, that happy moment was immediately shattered when Jabba gave an order that his protocol droid translated as,

"You are to be executed immediately."

"What?!" The rescue team exclaimed in unison, and guns were aimed at them.

Gabby immediately clung to her father in terror as she feared this was the end.

"But we didn't do anything wrong! We returned the baby!" Gabby said.

Ahsoka and Anakin ignited their lightsabers in defense.

"Does this always happen to you?" Ahsoka asked.

"Everywhere I go." Anakin said.

"Now see why I'm protective of you?" Kara said.

That was when a ball started glowing and beeping close by Jabba's protocol droid, as Jabba's Uncle Ziro was calling.

The call was from none other than Senator Amidala.

"Mommy!" Gabby said happily.

"Greetings, honorable Jabba." Padme said to the crime lord. "I am Senator Amidala of the Galactic Congress. I have discovered a plot against you by one of your own. Your uncle will admit he conspired with Count Dooku to kidnap your son and frame the Jedi for the crime."

Ziro was then placed in to talk to his nephew.

The Hutts spoke to each other in Huttese. Gabby didn't understand a word they said, except when Ziro said 'It was Count Dooku!', but she could tell Jabba was furious with his uncle.

"Ziro will be dealt with by the Hutt family most severely." Jabba's droid promised.

"Perhaps now you will allow the Republic to use your trade routes and hostilities can come to an end," said Padme.

Jabba chuckled and said in Huttese that he agreed and a treaty was in order.

"You will not regret this, Jabba."

"The clone armies may move through Jabba's territories," said Jabba in Huttese.

"Senator, you have my undying gratitude." Anakin smiled, his love for his secret wife growing as it did every single day.

"No, Master Skywalker, it is I, and the Republic who owes you thanks." Padme smiled. "I hope to see you soon, my sweet girl."

"I love you, Mommy." Gabby smiled as she waved goodbye before her mother ended the transmission.

Ahsoka and Carousella couldn't help finding that little Mommy-daughter interaction adorable

"Jabba would be most appreciative if you bring Dooku to justice for his crimes against the Hutts." said Jabba's droid.

"You can count on it, Jabba." Anakin said.

"As the senator said, you won't regret this," said Kara.

Dooku, as you can imagine, was not happy that the plan failed. It was not any better that he had to report the failure to his master.

"It is most unfortunate, Master. The Jedi armies will now have their supply routes to the Outer Rim." Dooku explained. "Our fight has become far more difficult."

"Allow the Jedi their small victory, my friend," said Darth Sidious. "for the engines of this war turn in our favor."

"Remind me again why we're concerned about that symbol?" Morpha said.

Mariverde brought out a familiar book. One with a symbol on it that looked like two hearts that united a symbol of the sun and the moon. Just like the symbol from the energy source Anakin and Kara experienced.

"Do you recall that surge we felt ten years ago?" Mariverde said, opening the book to a picture of the same symbol. "I thought it was simply a disturbance in the Enchanted forces, but now I know for sure…"

Mariverde held her sister's shoulders with urgency.

"It was Solaran magic!"

Morpha, however, didn't believe that.

"But that's impossible! Solaran magic has been extinct since Mother took out the last descendant."

"Apparently she didn't wipe out the last one. But it doesn't matter. We know there are more heirs somewhere, and this time, we will make sure to get our hands on their artifacts. And that kingdom shall be ours at last."

A gunship soon arrived at Jabba's palace, one that held Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, who both looked very proud of the three younger Jedi for succeeding in the mission together. Now they only needed to continue fighting to defeat the Separatists and restore peace to the Galaxy.

Chapter Text

The mission to rescue Jabba the Hutt's son was done, but Anakin and Kara had a new mystery on their hands. Actually, on their chests.

Anakin and Kara both checked under their robes and found that their heart amulets were glowing. Neither of them knew why, but they remembered Qui-Gon told each of them that they were very special amulets. But then Kara remembered she still had the book about the Hearts of Sunrise that she'd retrieved from Solaris before the Battle of Geonosis.

"Well, Ahsoka. Now that we're Master and Padawan, you get to share a little responsibility, which is taking care of the little princess here." Anakin said.

"Okay." Ahsoka said.

Gabby had gotten pretty dirty during the battle on Tatooine and the rest of the journey. Her hair was a mess, she got covered in dust, dirt, and her clothes were filthy now. Anakin figured since they had some time before they would be called on another mission, now was a good time to give Gabby a bubble bath and get her to bed.

"And a thing to know is that looking after even a smart two-year-old is no easy task. One of the hardest being bath time."

Ahsoka couldn't help finding it adorable when Gabby blew on some foamy bubbles as she sat in the tub. Gabby loved making funny shapes and disguises with bubbles, and splashing with her rubber ducky.

"Hold still, little one." Ahsoka said, shampooing the girl's hair.

Bathing the little one didn't seem so hard, but Anakin warned Ahsoka for a reason. He spoke from experience.

"The important thing is to keep your eyes on her at all times." Anakin said. "Hmm. That's weird. I thought I brought out a towel before we ran the tub. Ahsoka, watch Gabby, please."

Anakin stepped away to look for a towel, when Ahsok took her eyes off of Gabby only for a moment to pick up a shampoo bottle she knocked over.

"Oops! I'll get that." Ahsoka said.

But when Ahsoka wasn't looking, Gabby got playful.

"Uh-oh! Look out, Ducky!" Gabby reached under water and pulled out a Baby Shark toy. "Shark attack!"

And she started splashing with it in the water.

Ahsoka quickly found herself getting splashed with water and foamy bubbles. Now it seemed Ahsoka was getting a bath too, but she was supposed to be bathing the kid.

"Gabby! Cool it with the shark, please? You're getting me wet." Ahsoka said, shielding herself with a loofa, not that it did much. "Gabby! Hold still so I can finish cleaning you up."

But Ahsoka didn't realize while she was trying to get Gabby to sit still, she accidentally bumped the still open bottle of bubble bath with her elbow, and it fell into the water. And Gabby continuing to play Baby Shark Attack was going to lead to a little more trouble in just a moment.

"Now I'm starting to think the Huttlet was easier to take care of." Ahsoka then looked up. "Uh-oh!"

By the time Anakin returned with a towel, there was a mountain of foamy bubbles forming in the tub!

"Ahsoka! What happened?!" Anakin exclaimed.

"I don't know! I looked away for a moment and this happened."

Anakin immediately started digging through the bubbles, looking for his daughter.

"Gabby? Gabby! Where are you? Speak to me!" Anakin panicked.

"Ah-ah-ACHOO!"

Gabby sneezed a big sneeze, making a bunch of bubbles fly all over the washroom. The little one was fine, aside from being covered in bubbles. But she didn't seem to mind.

"There were so many bubbles!" Gabby said happily. "Maybe a million of them!"

"Well, I'm glad one of us enjoyed that." Anakin said. "But let's rinse you off and get you ready for bed, little one."

A good cleaning of the bubbles and one drying off later, Gabby was bundled up all cozy in a pink onesie as Anakin read her a story, the child falling asleep in his lap. Ahsoka was already in her quarters for the night, which left Anakin a little Daddy-daughter alone time.

Anakin gave Gabby a kiss goodnight and gently placed her in her crib. Of course, he didn't neglect to give Gabby her teddy when he tucked her in. She still shared a room with Anakin, but soon she would be old enough to sleep in the Initiates' dormitory with the big kids.

"Sweet dreams, my little princess."

Anakin gently stroked the soft brown hair on Gabby's little head and smiled lovingly as he watched her sleep. The little sure was cute when she was sleeping, but Anakin had bigger fish to fry. So, he left Carousella to sleep beside Gabby's crib, while he went to speak with Kara.

"Take a look at this," said Kara.

Kara showed Anakin some information about the Hearts of Sunrise. According to the book, the Hearts of Sunrise were very powerful because not only did they contain powerful light magic, but they also protected their wearers. When worn by a member of the royal family of Solaris, or someone chosen by a member of the royal family, it will connect to their emotions, and when it senses when the wearer was in danger, it would protect them somehow. But the amulets could be unpredictable at times. There was a laundry list of things the amulets were known to do to protect their wearers:

Enhance their powers, teleport them out of harm's way, turn attacker's into stone, and form protective energy bubbles.

"Many enchanted criminals have attempted to steal them in the past, but none prevailed." Kara said. "But one clan did come very close to doing so many years ago. A doresho gypsy by the name of Amathea Cinnabar, about three hundred years ago, attempted to steal the hearts of sunrise, but the three holders of that time united and defeated her entire army, just the three of them, with their amulets."

And then Anakin remembered something! He and Kara had seen moths in their dream right before they found Solaris! Maybe they had something to do with the amulets getting lost.

"Does it say anything about how they got lost?"

Kara looked into the book. Unfortunately, the book dated back to about a hundred years ago. In other words, any new information they wanted, they would have to find somewhere else.

"No. It doesn't date anywhere near our time. And given that every site we search blocks us from searching, it looks like we may need to solve this mystery ourselves. And that starts with finding the third amulet."

"How are we supposed to do that if their power is unpredictable?" Anakin asked.

Kara and Anakin put their heads together. They knew Qui-Gon gave each of them their amulets, and that each amulet was given to a child based on what order they were born, and since Kara was older and given the red amulet that was typically given to the first born child, and Anakin had the blue one, then it seemed safe to assume that they had a third sibling somewhere. But, if Kara and Anakin did have a third sibling, how were they supposed to find them? They didn't even know which parental half they shared. And for the third sibling, they weren't sure if they were looking for a brother or a sister, how old they were, or what they looked like.

"We'll need to read more into this. Do you still have that book about the kingdom of Solaris?"

"You mean the one where you can't turn a page until you've read the others?" Anakin guessed. "Yeah, I have it."

"Then you continue reading that one. The more we know about this Solaris kingdom, the more we may be able to uncover as to why Master Qui-Gon gave us these amulets."

Anakin went to his room and started to pick up where he last left off in his book about Solaris' history. But so far, all the next few pages showed him were the history of several castles in Solaris. The big white one was the royal family's home, but there were actually sixteen castles in the kingdom, most of which were made for charitable causes by various royal families over the years. Five of them were reconstructed to be homes for needy families and orphans, three of them were made into senior homes, four more were converted into animal sanctuaries, two were used as venues for school dances and big parties, another was turned into a castle-sized library, and the last one served as a vacation home in the countryside.

"Wow, Solaris must've been a crazy rich kingdom." Anakin said, turning the page now that he was finished. "Finally a new chapter!"

But…

"Ugh! Just a chapter about Solaran agriculture." Anakin sighed. "Oh, well. Best just keep reading."

Anakin froze as he heard a sound, and it turned out to be Gabby. She didn't seem like she was having a bad dream though. But Anakin couldn't help looking at her, wondering what she could be dreaming about.

Gabby's dream…

Gabby dreamed she was at the beach, building a sand Jedi Temple. And she wasn't alone. Carousella was with her too, picking up seashells, and her parents were sitting in the sun together, enjoying the day.

But then, all of a sudden, Count Dooku appeared and knocked down Gabby's sandcastle. But Gabby took out something she wouldn't have until she was older. A lightsaber.

In her dream, Gabby had a pink lightsaber, and she used it to fight Dooku until he fell to the ground and surrendered.

Anakin went back to reading his book. It looked like it was going to be a while before he found anything remotely useful in it.

"I hope Kara's having better luck than I am."

Anakin yawned as he was getting sleepy himself. He didn't know if Master Qui-Gon could hear him through the Force at the moment, but he had something he wanted to say to him.

Anakin pulled the blue heart diamond from underneath his robes and looked at it. He could practically see his reflection in it.

"Master Qui-Gon, wherever you are. I wish you could've told me more about why you gave me this amulet. I don't know why, but I get this strange feeling it's a key in finding out what happened to you and Mom. I miss both of you so much."

Anakin felt tears in his eyes, and one of them fell on the amulet. It seemed to glow as his tear hit the gem.

Anakin wiped his eyes and lay down in bed to get some rest. He was going to need it. But that was going to be hard as he felt himself tempted to start crying as he thought more and more about his mother.

Kara, on the other hand, looked at another page in her book about the Hearts of Sunrise.

"Legends say that there were times where these hearts were lost," read Kara. "No one knows for sure how it happened, but one thing the royal families did notice is that these hearts always found a way back to each other. But how did they find their way back to each other?"

Kara looked at the red heart jewel for any answers.

"If you're as magical as Master Qui-Gon said, can't you show me where to look for the third one at least?"

The jewel didn't seem to do anything.

Kara decided that for now, it was a good time to lay down and get some sleep.

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Episode: Rising Malevolence

A short time had passed since the rescue of Jabba the Hutt's son Rotta. With access to the trade routes in the Outer Rim, the Republic had an advantage that would hopefully help them win the war, and they needed every warrior they could fight. And some of those warriors were very young, one being literally only two years old. Well, two and a half now, technically, but still. Her name was Gabby Skywalker, but to the public, her name was Gabby Amidala.

Being only a toddler, Gabby needed to prove herself more than any other fighter, and she was determined to do so. The young princess had managed to use her magic to help her equine friend Carousella, as well as clone troopers Captain Rex and Commander Cody defeat a clone traitor and some battle droids, but she learned it would take more than three lucky shots to prove herself worthy of fighting.

Since Gabby didn't know how to read yet, she found the next best thing: movies and tv. She watched different films that were about martial arts and fighting for what was right, and she paid very close attention, copying all the movements to strengthen her little body and improve her coordination. She even learned to improve her coordination through dancing. Carousella helped out too; she was a black belt in more forms of martial arts than Gabby could count, and she could already count past ten now.

Little Gabby Skywalker was definitely not your typical Jedi. She liked to create her own little adventures and was always eager to show affection by hugging everyone she met. She even grew to see a lot of Jedi as family, some Jedi Masters she grew close with and started calling her aunts and uncles. It only made sense since the Jedi called themselves brothers and sisters in the order. And, the Masters actually liked hearing the little one look up to all of them so much.

Learning to control her magic on her own wasn't easy, this Gabby knew. But her father always said "The best teacher is experience." So, Gabby got plenty of it, especially when she found ways of playing around with her magic and learned more about how they worked along the way.

Carousella helped Gabby out a little bit with learning to cast spells too. However, since she wasn't sure what kind of Enchanted Gabby was, teaching methods were not always simple to choose. But based on the fact that Gabby's magic came from her hands rather than a wand, Carousella hypothesized Gabby was most likely a fairy of some kind, but she didn't have wings. That was to be expected at her age though, but it was also possible she could be a sorceress. Not all of them used wands. Carousella's magic was channeled through her horn, which meant her spell casting took a lot of mental strength.

Despite being smarter than the average toddler, Gabby was not without a little kid's natural curiosity and desire to play and have fun exploring the world around her.

Carousella was also pretty smart for her age, and she was very skilled too. She came from a long line of powerful guards, her great-great grandmother being one of the first female royal guards in Equinaro. Carousella was determined to make her family proud by upholding their legacy, but of course, she was still a kid too.

While Carousella took her job as a royal guard very seriously, she enjoyed being Gabby's playmate too. Giving her rides on her back, playing Hide and Seek, reading stories and acting them out, and putting bows in each other's hair.

It was just another day in the Temple. Today, Gabby and Carousella were riding in the hall together, Carousella making music from her horn like a merry go round horse.

Gabby liked riding the merry go round, but Carousella was so much better. I mean, how many carousel horses are cuddly and can go everywhere, and be your best friend?

But for the moment, play time would have to wait because Carousella was asked to do more thorough inspections of the ships. Since she came around, all warships were flagged for violations Carousella spotted, and they were making the modifications as quickly as they could, starting with adding more safety restraints.

At the moment, there was a huge concern regarding ships besides the lack of seatbelts. Recently, dozens of Republic warships were destroyed in merciless surprise attacks that left no survivors.

There were rumors of a terrible new Separatist weapon.

In the face of growing fear, the Jedi Council decided to send Master Plo Koon to hunt down the Menace before it struck again.

Master Plo Koon was a Kel Dor. He was a bit of a strange looking fellow, in part because of the mask he always wore, but there was a good reason behind that. You see, on the Kel Dor's home planet, Dorin, the atmosphere was composed of a unique gas and helium that they breathed. However, oxygen, which was prevalent on a lot of worlds in this sector of the galaxy, was toxic to Kel Dor's the way pesticides are dangerous to humans as well as bugs.

Master Plo stood quietly watching from a Jedi cruiser. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at the moment.

A clone approached Plo with a message.

"The enemy ship has reduced its speed, General."

"They must have realized we are tracking them."

Plo Koon was calm though; that was another thing about him, he had a very calm temperament. It takes a lot to rattle him, but to some, that was kind of scary. One time, he was watching Gabby, and she got too excited while jumping on the furniture and accidentally broke a vase in his quarters. Gabby had hidden her face then; she was sure Plo was going to yell at her for being so reckless, but instead he was more concerned about making sure she didn't cut herself on the shards.

At the moment, though, a broken vase was nothing compared to what General Grievous had in store for the approaching Republic ships.

"We're tracking three Republic cruisers," said a battle droid. "What should we do?"

Grievous roared.

"Jam their transmissions," said Dooku.

"The fleet is holding its position, Sir." said the clone.

"I think it wise to report our position before we attack." Plo said.

"Skywalker's fleet is nearby, in the Bith system."

"Good. Perhaps he can reinforce us."

So, the Kel Dor and the clone got to contacting Anakin's fleet.

Ahsoka answered the call, and she wasn't alone. Anakin was with her, and he was holding Gabby. It appeared someone forgot to check the cargo for life forms again. So, Gabby and Carousella were on for the ride too.

"Koh-to-ya, Maser Plo." Ahsoka greeted.

"Koh-to-ya, little 'Soka." said Master Plo.

"Hi, Uncle Plo!" Gabby waved.

"Koh-to-ya, little princess."

Plo was always happy to see the girls, but this was a serious matter.

"How's the hunt for the mystery weapon going?" Anakin asked.

"We've tracked it to the Abregado system," said Master Plo. "We need reinforcements."

"I'll have to ask the Council, Master Plo. I was given strict orders to protect our staging area."

The call started to go static.

"Uh-oh!" Carousella said.

"Master Plo, what's happening?" Ahsoka asked, but Plo couldn't hear her finish her sentence. And the transmission was lost.

"What is wrong with the transmission?" Plo asked the clone beside him.

"There's too much interference, Sir. We've lost 'em." said the clone.

Carousella tried kicking the communicator.

"Horse feathers! That usually works," said Carousella.

"Uncle Plo might be in trouble!" Gabby said. "We gotta go find him."

"She's right, Master." Ahsoka said. "You heard Master Plo. He needs our support. We have to go help him."

"We have to see what the Council decides first." Anakin pointed out. "This is an important meeting, girls. Remember, be mindful and speak only when spoken to."

"What is this, medieval times?" said Carousella.

"Don't I always." Ahsoka sighed.

The three Jedi and the pony entered another room on the ship, where some members of the Jedi Council and Chancellor Palpatine were having a holo-meeting.

"This mystery weapon has struck in a dozen systems and disappeared without a trace," said Master Windu over another transmission.

"We cannot afford to lose any more ships, my friends." Chancellor Palpatine said, noticing Anakin. "Ah, Master Skywalker. Have you had any success in finding General Grievous' secret weapon?"

"Gabriella, what are you doing on board?!" Obi-Wan exclaimed when he saw the child in Anakin's arms. "You know better than to stow away."

Gabby hid her face in Anakin's chest in shame.

"It's not her fault," said Carousella. She motioned to Anakin with her eyes. "Someone forgot to do a cargo check before takeoff again."

"Save the lectures later." Anakin said, pressing a button on the table, which activated a hologram of a red planet. "Master Plo was here in the Abregado system when we lost contact.

Meanwhile, Master Plo and his men were in their ship in the Abregado system as a Separatist ship was closing in.

"The enemy ship is closing." said a clone trooper.

"Prepare for battle," Master Plo ordered.

On the enemy ship, battle droids were preparing to launch the Separatists' mystery weapon.

"General Grievous, this will be a suitable test for our new weapon." Lady Morpha said over a transmission. "You may fire when ready."

"Yes, my lady." said Grievous.

The droids prepared to fire on call.

"Fire!"

Master Plo shouted for his men to brace for impact as a big purple energy field was blasted right toward their ship, and when it hit them, the ship lost all power, leaving them defenseless. And the Separatists began tearing them apart one by one. Just like Grievous to attack people who could not fight back. It was uncertain if he was more heartless or cowardly in such a matter.

Luckily, the escape pods still worked, so Master Plo immediately ordered everyone to get to the pods.

Quickly, Plo Koon urged everyone to get into the escape pods as quickly as they could.

"We don't have much time. Get inside. Hurry!" Plo Koon shouted.

Everyone, including Master Plo, managed to get to the escape pods just in time, as the ship was being blown up by several shots fired.

General Grievous seemed rather pleased with the results.

"Another successful test, wouldn't you say count and countess?" Grievous said.

"We must keep our position secret." Count Dooku said. "Send out the hunters. I want all of those life pods destroyed."

"In the event the hunters cannot do their jobs, be sure to take the little cuties with you." Morpha told them. "They will ensure the life pods are destroyed."

Grievous was all too happy to oblige.

"And we've had no contact with General Plo Koon." Anakin explained. "The absence of distress beacons indicates that his fleet was..."

Anakin paused as the girls looked at him with fear in their eyes.

"That his fleet was destroyed, like the others." He continued. "We are about to prepare a rescue mission."

"Hasn't Clone Intelligence reported this weapon never leaves any survivors?" Chancellor Palpatine pointed out.

"The Separatists are being unusually tidy. They don't want any witnesses." Obi-Wan said.

"Tragic are these losses, but prevent more, we must." Master Yoda said.

Gabby didn't like the sound of that. She tried very hard not to cry front he thought that she may have just lost one of her uncles forever.

Meanwhile, Master Plo and three clones sat together in an escape pod. Unfortunately, like the ship it came from, it had no power.

"The power grid is burned out. We've no engine, communications, or... or life support recharge." said one clone.

"So we'll just sit here and hold our breath." said another clone with gray hair, whose name was sinker.

"Someone will come looking for us, right?" said a third with red hair named Boost.

"Let's get the power restored so we are here to be found." said Master Plo, standing up.

"All our battle groups will be reassigned to guard our supply convoys, including yours, Skywalker." Mace Windu said. "I'm afraid we can't risk any more ships with a rescue mission."

"Wait!" Ahsoka exclaimed "Just because there haven't been any survivors before, doesn't mean there won't be any this time."

"Yeah! Maybe Uncle Plo and some of the clones might have made it through and need help!" Gabby supported.

"It's true," said Carousella. "For all we know, maybe there were survivors, but they were kidnapped to be used as leverage. And if I recall, Master Plo is not so easily destroyed."

"Boldly spoken for three so young," said the chancellor.

"They are all learning from Anakin," smiled Obi-Wan.

"Excuse my Padawan and my charges," said Anakin. "We will deploy, as you've instructed, Master."

The call ended.

"Ahsoka! Gabriella! Carousella!" Anakin scolded. Gabby winced; it was serious whenever someone called her by her full first name.

"If anyone could survive, Master Plo could." Ahsoka defended. "I don't understand why-"

"What you don't understand is Jedi protocol." Anakin interrupted. "Or your place, my young Padawan. Same for you, Princess."

"Is this because we're girls?" Carousella said, glaring.

"Don't try to change the subject, young mare." Anakin scolded. He looked at Gabby "And, you, young lady, you're on timeout when we get back to the Temple."

That was when some clones arrived and the admiral.

"Admiral. We'll split up our ships to maximize our defense area. I'll scout ahead for enemy activity."

"Isn't that risky with the mystery weapon out there?" The admiral pointed out.

"It might be, but I know you won't argue my orders." Anakn said. "Come on, Snips. And here, watch the little one." Anakin placed Gabby into Ahsoka's arms.

"At least neither of us are alone in this, huh?" Ahsoka said quietly and gently tickled the younger one, making her giggle, which made some bubbles in the shapes of flowers appear in the air. "I didn't know you could make bubbles like that."

"Neither did I." Gabby said.

"The air in here is getting a bit stale," said Commander Wolffe.

"Don't look at me," said Sinker. "It's Boost, sir. He only takes a bath when he's on leave."

"Save it. Just keep working on the pod, not your jokes."

"Do you think we've got a chance, general?" Boost asked.

"I don't believe in chance, commander." Plo said. "I know if we work together, we will stay alive, and someone will find us."

"With all due respect, general..." said Sinker. "strategically, it doesn't make sense for someone to come look for us. If I was in command, I'd be hunting that weapon down."

"I value your life more than finding that weapon."

Boost then spotted and pointed out another pod outside.

"If we only had power, we could contact them," said Wolffe.

"Well, how about we just wave 'hello' when the viewport comes around?" Boost suggested.

Master Plo sped up the process by turning the pod around with the Force, only to find the viewport window smashed, and the passengers dead.

"Someone busted that pod wide open," said Wolffe.

Master Plo didn't need to be Force-sensitive to know exactly what this meant.

"We are not alone out here." He said.

Back at the Jedi cruiser, Anakin took his Padawan and the other girls onto a ship, which they took out into space.

"Set those new coordinates, R2?" Anakin said, the droid confirming with some cute beeps.

"Master, I should tell you why I spoke up before-" Ashoka began, until Anakin interrupted her.

"You don't need to explain anything."

Anakin pressed a few buttons and switches.

"Buckle up girls." Anakin warned. "This might be another rough ride."

Gabby did as her father said and got a safety belt on, which Carousella was quick to tighten. And the ship zipped into light speed.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan was with his squad, and one clone confirmed that their ship was in defensive formation.

"All right, commander. I'll check on Anakin's progress." And he contacted the admiral on Anakin's ship." Obi-Wan said. "Admiral. How goes escort?"

"Oh. Convoys are proceeding on schedule, general." said Admiral Yularen. "No sign of enemy activity."

"And where's Skywalker?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Uh, the general felt a redeployment of this fleet would increase our defensive perimeter."

"I see. Thank you admiral. That'll be all." He hung up and decided he needed to make another call.

"Everything okay, sir?" asked a clone.

"Anakin has just redeployed himself... again."

If Obi-Wan knew his old Padawan, he was always doing something reckless. And, he was passing those lessons onto his own Padawan and their first Jedi princess, which Obi-Wan didn't hesitate to point out was no doubt how the toddler got the idea to stow away on missions, even if it was unintentional.

"Thank God the little one has a guardian." Obi-Wan sighed. "I only hope she's as good as she says."

Ahsoka ordered R2 to set up the scanners and modulate for incoming mystery weapons. But, as R2 rolled off to obey orders, a certain Jedi Knight had another idea.

"No, R2, tune the scanners for life forms." Anakin said. "Highest sensitivity."

"Why would we scan for life forms to spot an enemy weapon probably just filled with battle… droids." Ahsoka looked out to see a red planet. "The Abregado system. Huh. So it's okay when you don't follow what the Council says."

"Pretty good example for the little one here," said Gabby with sarcasm.

"I second her sarcasm," said Carousella.

"Doing what the Jedi Council says, that's one thing." Anakin said. "How we go about doing it, that's another. That's what I'm trying to teach you, my young Padawan. And our little princess."

"So you always meant to come out here for survivors?" Ahsoka said with surprise as well as joy in her voice.

"Lives are in danger, Ahsoka. We can't just turn our backs on them."

"We wouldn't be very good friends if we did that." Gabby said.

"That's right, little one." Anakin smiled. "You catch on quick."

"That's what I said back in the briefing room." Said Ahsoka. "You're praising Gabby for being right, but not me?"

"Gabby is a toddler. Barely three, not even in kindergarten yet, and she still has a lot more to learn," said Anakin. "You're a teenager, and the way you said what you said was wrong. Hurry up. Switch on the illuminator."

"What can I do?" Gabby asked.

"You can go sit in the back with R2 and stay out of trouble." Anakin said, noting the disgruntled pout on the child's face. "I only brought you here so we could keep an eye on you. So, be a good girl and let the grownups do their jobs."

So, Gabby reluctantly went and sat in a chair, but she didn't neglect to tighten Anakin and Ahsoka's seatbelts.

"Gabby." Anakin said.

"The way you fly, I'm pretty sure we're all gonna need those tightened." Carousella said.

"We haven't got much time before the fleet misses us." Ahsoka said.

And so, the crew embarked on their rescue mission.

The clones kept trying to restore the power to their pod, but they were having no luck fixing it.

"No, that's not it." said Sinker. "This one goes there. That one goes there."

"Are you sure? We don't want to make things worse." said Boost.

"How are we going to make things worse?"

"When you ask for trouble," said Plo Koon. "You should not be surprised when it finds you."

"I think trouble already found us, sir." said Sinker

"What if we connect these two wires right here?" said Boost And he connected two wires together.

The ship started to get some power and a few red lights turned on.

"I'm getting something." Boost confirmed.

A voice came over the comm, but it sounded faded. It was from another pod that was apparently under attack. And they were screaming about some creatures attacking them.

"That signal is weak. They must be close by." Plo said.

And indeed it was. Unfortunately, Separatist forces reached that other pod, and locked onto it, then out came some strange creatures with little space helmets, who began tearing the ship apart, sending the clones into space to die.

"Things just got a lot worse." said one of Plo's men.

"The scanners are practically useless. Got anything on the emergency channel, R2?" Ahsoka asked. R2 beeped.

"He says no." Gabby said, finding nothing else to do.

"Got a four?" Carousella said, looking at some cards.

"Go fish again," sighed Gabby.

Gabby and Carousella were getting bored. But, they were both as worried about Master Plo as much as Ahsoka was,

"Now, Ahsoka, we might find something you don't wanna find." Anakin reminded his Padawan.

"I know, Master. But I have to believe." Ahsoka said.

Carousella nuzzled Ahsoka. As proud as she was of Ahsoka for having faith, she was inclined, as a guard and in individual, to agree that there was the possibility of an unpleasing find.

"How do you know Master Plo, anyway?" Anakin asked.

"He's one of my oldest friends. It was Master Plo Koon who found me and brought me to the Temple where I belonged, when I wasn't much older than Gabby is now. Now he's lost, so I thought maybe I could find him."

Ahsoka felt a little hand touching hers and looked down to see Gabby, who held sympathy in her eyes. The young Padawan couldn't help but smile a little at the princess showing she cared.

"We'll find him." Gabby said. "I know we will. Have faith."

That was when an incoming transmission beeped.

"I think someone noticed we're gone." Ahsoka said.

"Uh, you think?" Carousella said.

"Anakin, where are you?" Asked Obi-Wan, who called.

"Oh, hello, Master." Anakin said. "Uh, we made a quick stop in the Abregado System."

"A rescue mission, I suppose. You had other orders." Obi-Wan pointed out.

"It was my idea, Master Obi-Wan." Ahsoka said.

"Oh, I'm sure." Obi-Wan said. "And why bring Gabby on a potentially dangerous rescue mission?"

"I can help!" Gabby said. "I'm not afraid, Uncle Obi-Wan."

"Plus, she has me." Carousella said.

"I'm sure of that, little one." Obi-Wan then turned his attention to Anakin. "Have you found any survivors?"

"No, you were right," said Anakin. "The Separatists don't want any witnesses."

"All the more reason for you to rejoin the defensive escorts. We need you, Anakin. You're going to miss the rendezvous with the fleet if you don't hurry."

"I know, Master. We're on our way." And Anakin hung up. "I'm sorry, Ahsoka." Just then, R2 beeped. "What is it, R2?"

"I think he found something." Gabby said.

"She's right," said Ahsoka. "R2 thinks he's got something on the emergency channel."

"Can he trace it?" Anakin asked.

R2 beeped excitedly.

"Let's get going." Ahsoka said, and they hurried on their way. And they had to hurry too.

"I think they see us." said a clone.

Suddenly, plop! Some ugly lizard-like creature with big ears plopped onto the window, scaring and disgusting the clones. It started to claw at the windows and mess around with the walls.

"What is that thing?" Wolffe said.

"It's time to go." Plo said.

"Go? Where are you going, sir?" asked Boost.

"Outside, to destroy the enemy. I can withstand the pressure for a brief time. Put your helmets on."

"If you say so, sir." said a clone, whose name was Wolffe.

"This is a difficult situation, but there remains a possibility we will survive."

"That's good enough for me. Come on, let's go."

"Wolffe, keep the communications signal alive. It is our only chance someone will find us."

"Let's just hope someone's looking for us," said Boost.

Meanwhile, the rescue team was still searching for Plo and his team. They searched through the debris of a lot of destroyed ships and pods.

"I thought Uncle Obi-Wan said the bad guys were being tidy." Gabby said. "This place is messier than my playroom at home after a game of Dress Up."

"Well, let's just say the kind of cleanup they do is like a game of Hide and Seek you definitely don't want to lose." Anakin said, trying to explain it in a way that wouldn't scare his daughter too much.

"Because the Separatists don't play nice," said Gabby.

"You got that right." Anakin looked at Ahsoka. "Are we still picking up that signal?"

"Yes, but why aren't we finding anybody?" Ahsoka asked.

"I don't know, Ahsoka. I don't know."

"Let's just hope they can hold out long enough for us to get them out of there." Carousella said.

Then, Carousella's ears shot up.

"What's wrong?" Gabby asked.

"I'm sensing trouble. Creature trouble."

It turned out there were more of that strange lizard-like thing. One of them looked at Master Plo standing on top of the pod, and it pounced on him, trying to mess with his mask.

"Get off!" Plo yelled, trying to get the little monster's claws off his mask.

Plo activated his lightsaber and the clones began blasting the creatures, but then the creatures started swiping the Jedi's lightsaber too.

"Give me that!" Plo said, in a Tug of War with the creature. "You can cut yourself with that."

And the creature let go, sending Plo flying into Sinker and they both fell down. The creatures laughed at them.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka started to attempt communication with the signal she found.

"What the heck are these things?!" Boost said, shooting another one of them.

Whatever these creatures were, they were very fast, mischievous, and ugly too.

The creatures started to attack the outside of the escape pod when Wolffe got the signal.

"It's Ahsoka," said Boost. "She must be close."

"Keep the signal alive, commander." Plo ordered.

"R2, see if you can boost the reception." Ahsoka instructed.

R2 beeped and got to work. Ahsoka and Gabby both groaned as it seemed to be taking forever in their perspective.

"Patience," said Anakin. "We're trying to boost the power. Hang on."

Master Plo's team was still getting hammered, but as the creatures kept attacking, Plo kept fighting them with his lightsaber, but the pod couldn't take much more damage, and the creatures were digging into the wiring and destroying the pod piece by piece, bolt by bolt.

"Sinker, your turn." Plo said. Then he used the Force to throw Sinker behind the creatures and give him a clearer shot.

"Eat laser, creatures." Sinker taunted, shooting the droids.

Master Plo then used his lightsaber to slice the Separatist lock from the pod and used the Force to bring Sinker back to the pod, onto which the Jedi and the clones held on. But, Grievous was smart enough to realize that when they realized many life signals for each of the creatures were disappearing, they had to have encountered some tough survivors.

"I thought those creatures were supposed to be masters of destruction." Morpha growled.

"That is something we cannot allow." Dooku said.

Meanwhile, on Coruscant, in the Senate building...

"We must find a way to destroy this mystery weapon," said Mace.

"In this war, a step ahead of us Dooku always seems." Yoda said.

"Tell me," said Palpatine. "has there been any word from Master Plo Koon or his fleet?"

"No, we must fear the worst." Mace said. Then Obi-Wan spoke up.

"Actually, I just received word that Anakin has found the remains of Master Plo's fleet and is searching the debris for survivors."

"On whose authority has he done this?" the Chancellor asked.

"His own, I'm afraid." Obi-Wan answered.

"With his fleet out of position, we are left vulnerable." Mace pointed out.

"Oh, his fleet is right where it should be. He's taken only a small ship, Princess Gabriella, Carousella Mareheart, and his Padawan."

"Four times the trouble they have become." Yoda said. "A reckless decision Skywalker has made."

"Let us hope it is not a costly one." Chancellor Palpatine said.

"Well, general, this is another fine mess we've gotten into." said Sinker.

"Your sense of humor is improving." Plo said.

"I don't mean to say I told you so, but I never believed anyone would come looking for us."

Anakin's team eventually got a call from the Chancellor. Gabby hid behind Anakin's chair; she was afraid of the Chancellor. She didn't know why, but she got a rather unpleasant feeling around him. And it seemed Carousella did too, judging by her snorting.

"Anakin, the Council is furious. Why have you left your post?" Palpatine asked.

"I decided we couldn't just give up on Master Plo Koon." Anakin answered.

"A noble gesture, Anakin. But the Council feels your daring may put others in danger. Please listen to me, Anakin. Return at once."

"Yes, Excellency."

Suddenly, Ahsoka had this strange feeling inside.

"Time to go, girls." Anakin said, picking Gabby up and setting her in his lap.

"We have to stay, Ahsoka said.

"Ahsoka, I want to believe Master Plo's alive, but I just-"

"I know he's alive! I can sense it." And Ahsoka took control of the ship.

"Ahsoka!" Anakin exclaimed as Gabby started screaming and Carousella started whinnying and sliding.

Good thing Anakin had his seatbelt on.

By this time, it appeared the team got rid of all the creatures, at least the first wing of them.

"Sergeant, why are you so certain no one is coming?" Plo asked Sinker.

"We're just clones, sir." said Sinker. "We're meant to be expendable."

"Not to me."

That was when a light came into view, as a ship came in.

Ahsoka steered the ship until they came across the very escape pod where Master Plo and his three men were.

"I see them!" Gabby said.

"Ready tow cable," said Anakin.

"No need. Already got 'em!"

"What do you mean-?" Anakin looked and saw a large vine wrapping around the pod and pulling it towards the rescue ship.

"You've been waiting a long time to show off like that, haven't you?" Anakin smirked.

"I learned from the best, Master Anakin," said Gabby, winking cutely.

Carousella smiled at the young princess and snorted playfully on her head.

The group then went to check on their rescues as the vine pulled the pod on board and lowered it safely to the floor. The clones seemed very weak.

"Come on, hurry." Ahsoka said.

"Right behind you." Gabby said, running in with Ahsoka and Anakin.

"Are you okay, Master Plo?" Ahsoka asked, helping the Kel Dor sit up. Then she noticed, "There's someone in the pod."

Carousella used her magic to take the window off and let the clone out.

"Will they be alright?" Anakin asked the med droid.

The med droid confirmed they were given some protection by their pressure suits but required assistance for recovery.

"Or I could just do this," said Gabby.

Gabby walked up to each clone, removed their helmets, and gave each one a kiss on his cheek, allowing her healing power to work on them. When she said she could 'kiss it and make it better,' she meant it literally.

"Aww, thanks, Princess." said Sinker, touched by getting a kiss from the sweet little princess.

"Your men are safe now," said Ahsoka to Plo Koon.

"Tell me, were there any survivors?" Plo asked.

"We… couldn't find anybody else," said Anakin sadly.

"The hunters must've destroyed the rest." Plo said, sounding sad.

"I'm sorry, Master Plo." Ahsoka hugged Master Plo, and Gabby joined in a group hug.

And of course, Gabby didn't forget to give Master Plo a kiss both to heal him, and because she was happy he was safe.

But then, Carousella noticed claw marks on some of the clones' armor.

"Um, where did those markings come from?" Carousella said worriedly.

"Some creatures attacked our pod," said Sinker. "Why?"

"Because I've seen markings like this from only one creature."

Anakin, Ahsoka, and Master Plo returned to the cockpit, the Kel Dor holding the youngest child.

"We tracked the mystery weapon to this system." Master Plo explained. "That is when we found out it was an ion cannon."

"An ion cannon?" Gabby and Ahsoka asked in unison.

"A weapon that neutralizes all power to our ships, leaving the targets defenseless."

"That sounds scary." Gabby said.

"And if I remember my creature studies, based on your descriptions, the monsters that attacked you were gremlins. They're notorious for destroying all kinds of machinery, and I imagine the battle droids were no exception."

That was when the scanner beeped.

"It's about to get scarier." Anakin said. "There's a massive vessel approaching."

"Shut down the power systems before they detect us." Master Plo said as he started to turn everything off.

Gabby quickly scurried under Anakin's chair and was shaking in fear.

"What are you doing?" Anakin asked his daughter.

"Hiding."

Ahsoka quickly turned off R2 as well.

"That is one big cruiser-crusher." said the Togruta.

"There's still no signal from the pod hunter," said a battle droid.

"Reduce speed and activate your scanners." Grievous said. "We will find who is responsible."

"And send more gremlins out there, while you're at it."

Meanwhile, down below, the clones were being checked out by the medical droid, when Boost noticed the lights were out and he wanted to know why.

"Maybe that ship has returned, or worse, those creatures," said Wolffe. "We should get up to the bridge."

But then Wolffe felt a little dizzy.

"You are too weak," said the med droid. "Let me go see what is wrong."

For a while, all was quiet up in the bridge. Too quiet.

No one made a sound.

Unfortunately, the Separatists were still able to detect the ship.

"We are picking up a faint signal from a droid," said one of the battle droids. "Not one of ours. They're right behind us."

Grievous roared.

"Move us into attack position."

"You know what to do, my love." Morpha sang.

That was when Anakin spotted the enemy ship turning around.

"They're coming back," sang Anakin.

"Are all the systems shut down?" Plo asked.

"Is there a problem, sir?" asked the medical droid.

"The doctor droid!" Gabby exclaimed.

"We forgot to turn him off." Carousella face-hoofed.

"We've got to get the power back on now." Anakin said as he, Ahsoka, and Plo hurried to turn the power back on.

"Can I be of assistance?" the medical droid asked.

"No thank you. Just get in the back and take care of the clones." Anakin said.

"That is my programming, sir." And the droid left.

"What about me?" Gabby asked.

"Just stay low." Anakin said. "Come on. We have to get out of here."

"I know. I know." Ahsoka said.

Just then, Gabby screamed as she saw something out the window. A gremlin.

"Uh-oh!" Carousella said. "We've got company."

"It's just one." Anakin said, using the Force to push the monster away. "There. Problem solved."

"You don't get it. When it comes to gremlins, there's never just one."

And that was when more gremlins appeared out the window.

"This is not good." Plo said.

"Leave it to me!" Carousella said, getting her armor on. "I've handled these things before. Get the ship ready."

So, while Carousella stepped outside to fight the gremlins, the grownups began to hurry the ship to get out of the system as General Grievous ordered the cannon to fire.

Anakin ordered R2 to get the ship ready, but...

"You forgot. We turned him off." Ahsoka said.

Master Plo hit a button on R2.

"Kah-to-yah, droid." Plo said as the R2 unit woke up.

"R2, program the hyperdrive." Ahsoka said. R2 beeped to ask where. "Anywhere. Hurry!"

Carousella, meanwhile, found herself karate fighting gremlins in all directions, blasting them with magic in front of her, kicking more behind her, and sometimes grabbing them with her tail and whacking them into each other.

"I like you guys better the way ordinas portray you in movies," said Carousella.

Carousella soon made her way back into the ship.

"All the gremlins are gone! Let's get out of here!" said the alicorn.

The ship was still shaking despite the lack of gremlins.

"We're not gonna make it!" Gabby panicked.

"Anytime, Ahsoka." Anakin said, sounding scared.

The pulse was approaching fast. It got closer and closer, and it didn't look like they were going to make it. Just as Ahsoka was about to flip the switch, something pink surrounded them as the ion cannon also hit. Shockingly, the ship wasn't affected.

"What just happened?" Ahsoka asked, confused.

Anakin looked out and saw that the ship looked to be caught in some big energy bubble that was protecting them. And when he looked at Gabby, he saw her crossing her arms in front of her face like she was trying to shield herself from something.

"Are we out yet?" Gabby squeaked.

"Not yet," said Anakin. "But keep working your magic just a little longer."

Gabby concentrated for as long as she could to keep the shield up until they were ready to make the jump.

"Okay, now!" Anakin said, and Gabby released her hold on the magical bubble. And Ahsoka flipped the switch, getting everyone to safety, much to Grievous' dismay and anger.

"Your failure is most unfortunate." Morpha said.

Dooku said, "I will have to discuss this with my master."

"And I with my sister."

The Jedi eventually arrived at the cruiser, all of them glad to be safe and sound.

"Thanks for getting us out of there in one piece, General Skywalker." Wolffe said as he and Anakin walked out of the ship together.

"You have my Padawan to thank for that." Anakin said, looking at Ahsoka as she was fixing up R2. "She always said you guys would pull through."

Anakin then felt someone hug his leg. He chuckled and said, "And so did a certain princess."

"General Plo said someone would come for us," said Boost. "We're glad he was right."

"Skywalker, it is time to give our report to the Council." Plo said as he exited the ship.

"Right, the Council report." Anakin said, sounding less than excited.

But, before Anakin and Ahsoka went to give the report, Carousella received a notification that Padme was expecting Gabby to arrive soon..

"Anakin, Padme says it's time for me to bring Gabby to her."

Anakin remembered. Gabby needed time to learn under her mother's teachings as well. Being princess of Naboo, it only made sense that the last queen of Naboo would be the one to oversee her princess training.

"Ready to go see your mommy, little one?" Carousella said, lowering her wing to motion for the girl to get on her back.

"Yes, Carousella." Gabby said.

Gabby gave her father a big hug goodbye, hoping she would see him again soon.

"Be a good girl, okay, Princess?" Anakin said, placing Gabby on Carousella's back.

"Okay." Gabby then whispered into Anakin's ear so no one else would hear. "I love you, Daddy."

And with that, Carousella apparated herself and the young princess off the cruiser to meet with Padme.

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Episode: Shadow of Malevolence

Previously on Forces of Magic…

A deadly weapon unleashed. The Separatist battleship Malevolence advances unopposed through Republic space, tearing apart any ship that stands in its path.

After a daring rescue and narrow escape, Anakin Skywalker prepares a counterattack on the enemy ship and its diabolical droid commander, General Grievous.

Admiral Yularen stood beside Anakin Skywalker as the two men were briefing a small group of clone troopers, R2-D2 providing visual aids.

"This strike force has been commissioned by the Senate to hunt down the enemy's new battleship." Yularen explained. "As the bulk of our fleets are engaged on the front lines, we'll be on our own. General Skywalker has prepared our attack strategy."

"Thank you, Admiral." said Anakin. He stepped up to address the troops. "While our capital ships are vulnerable to the enemy's attack, I believe a squad of bombers can out-maneuver their ion weapon. Our target will be the bridge and General Grievous."

Of course, the clones thought such a daring target was basically suicide. Out of the non-magical enemies they had to face thus far (not that they faced many enchanted ones yet), General Grievous was one of the worst and scariest.

"Ha, the head clanker." said one clone. "Skywalker's getting pretty ambitious."

"Our bombers will attack at high speed to evade the enemy's ion weapon." Anakin continued.

Anakin pointed out the bridge superstructure as the firepower concentration point.

"We destroy General Grievous, and the ship will fall with him. Any questions?"

Then the same clone who spoke before stood up and said, "Just tell us where that metal-head is, sir."

"Yeah," said another one. "We've been waiting for a chance to take him out."

All the clones agreed too, albeit at once.

"All right, men. Settle down. This is an important mission."

"Skywalker is correct," said a new voice. New to the clones, but familiar to Anakin.

Anakin saw Kara arrived, and she wasn't alone. Beside her was a creature that looked to have the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.

"We destroy Grievous, we can bring the war to a quicker end. However, we have also been provided a little aid in this mission."

"Kara. Who's your friend?"

"Everyone. I'd like to introduce Sparrow Alder, General of Plumalas' royal guard. He assures me some of his kingdom's finest have been assigned to aid in this mission."

With the Clone War affecting both the Enchanted and the non-enchanted realms of the galaxy, all the kingdoms began to train their finest and any willing civilians to aid in the fight since the Separatists appeared to have beings of dark magic in their midst as well.

"After Master Plo's report that gremlins were involved, I contacted our Enchanted allies to determine the best course of actions."

"Gremlins are one of my people's natural prey," said General Alder.

The clones couldn't believe how majestic the griffin was. None of them had ever seen a griffin before.

"What is he exactly?" asked one clone.

"A griffin. A creature with fur and feathers. Most ordinas know us for being half-eagle, half-lion. But there are many breeds of us. I, specifically, am half mountain lion, half harpy eagle. For short, I'm a mountain harpy griffin."

According to General Alder, a group of griffins and hippogriffs, which were like griffins, but with half a horse rather than a lion, would be accompanying them on this mission to fight off gremlins and help strategize flight paths. If there was one thing plumammals (magical mammals with feathers) of prey knew, it was how to fly without being seen.

"Pilots, prepare your bombers," said Anakin.

"Mammals, you know your jobs. And don't eat anyone." General Alder ordered.

All the clones stood up, and all the griffins and hippogriffs saluted with their wings.

"Skywalker, this is an aggressive plan." Master Plo said. "Are you sure your squadron can complete this mission?"

"Let's ask them. Matchstick, you think our boys can pull this off?"

"Yes, sir!" Matchstick replied. "There hasn't been a mission Shadow Squadron couldn't complete."

"That's right," said a clone next to Matchstick. "Minimal casualties, maximum effectiveness."

"Help!" screamed one clone, a female griffin holding him down and growling.

"And this, funny man, is what happens when you don't watch your step!" growled the griffin.

"It was an accident, I promise!"

"Raven, down. Let him go," said General Alder. "Apologies. She's got a lion's share of a hot temper."

The griffin got off the clone, who ran off like a scared puppy.

"Okay, can't say we've done it with giant winged cats. But we can do this."

"I admire your confidence, pilot." Plo said. He turned to Anakin. "Even so, minimal casualties may be enough to prevent you from breaking Grievous' defenses."

"Master Plo is right. With Grievous on that ship's bridge, it's bound to be well-protected."

"Don't worry, Ahsoka," said Anakin. "We'll destroy that bridge and Grievous alone with it."

"And that's assuming there aren't more gremlins on his ship to do it first." Kara joked.

Anakin took his leave with Admiral Yularen, and Kara went with him.

"Master Skywalker seems to inspire great confidence in his men."

Ahsoka chuckled and said, "He does lead by example."

Kara found a moment alone with her brother. He had the sense she was here for more than just introducing some new teammates.

"Did you find anything new about the… you-know-whats?" Anakin whispered that last part.

"Yes. Maybe." Kara said. "It didn't say much in the books about how we can find the third one. But it did show me something last night when I asked for a hint."

Kara discreetly took out her necklace and whispered to it, "Show my brother what you showed me last night."

The red heart glowed, and it showed a small hologram of some kind. It was a bit of a blur, but its became clear enough to show… Gabby?

"Wait a minute. What does Gabby have to do with this?" Anakin asked.

"I thought the same thing. Somehow, she's connected to this."

"But how? I mean, she's smart, but she's just a little girl and barely begun training. And, I've seen her jewelry box. She doesn't have a necklace like ours, but she has asked Padme if she'll get her one for her next birthday."

"Whatever her connection to the third heart, we best ensure her safety." Kara said. "Where is she now?"

"With Padme. Carousella took her a few hours ago."

"At least for now, she'll be safe, then."

War was raging out in space as the Separatist ship Malevolence continued its ruthless reign of terror.

Grievous coughed as he saw more ships were being defeated by the minute.

"So much for the Jedi escort." Grievous said.

"The last transport is fleeing, general." said a battle droid. "You've got them on the run."

Like the battle droid said, one ship was fleeing.

"They won't get far," snarled Grievous. "Charge the plasma rotors."

And on Grievous' orders, before the last ship had the chance to jump to hyperspace, the ion cannon was fired.

"Boy, this is a lot more fun when they're not shooting back." the same battle droid said.

"I still can't seem to hit anything," said another one, only to have his head punched off by Grievous.

"Grievous, those battle droids are expensive." Dooku scolded. "The Jedi are never that harsh with their clones."

"Which only shows how easy it will be to defeat them," said Morpha.

"The care the Jedis show for their troops is a weakness."

"One we shall continue to exploit." Morpha chuckled. "Now, the coordinates for a new target, I believe are necessary for the next course. Dooku."

Dooku pulled up a hologram of a funnel-shaped station.

"The Republic's secret Outer Rum Medical Station."

"Not so secret anymore," said Morpha. "No thanks to my magic mirror."

"Actually, it was my mirror," said another voice. That turned out to be Mariverde. "According to my findings, that station is unprotected and treating over 60,000 wounded clones. It will be up to you, Grievous, to be a good samaritan and put them out of their misery."

"Once we have destroyed it, there will be nowhere for the Jedi to send their wounded," said Dooku until Mariverde slapped the back of his head. "Ouch!"

"I believe I was the one speaking?! Yadda, yadda, nowhere for the wounded, and they will die. You get the picture."

"It will be a pleasure, my ladies." Grievous said.

"If you mess this up, you'll be spare parts! Don't test me on that!" Mariverde said.

And the call ended from there.

"General!" exclaimed another battle droid.

As it turned out, some escape pods were sent out via the ships. Of course, Grievous ordered them to be targeted.

"I have a reputation to uphold." Grievous said.

Meanwhile, the Jedi and the griffins were all getting ready to fight in battle.

"Which one's mine?" Ahsoka asked.

"You're with me." Anakin said. "You'll be my gunner."

Ahsoka gave Anakin a look.

"Somebody's got to watch my back."

"He's speaking from experience." Kara said, noogie-ing Anakin's head.

"Kara!" Anakin whined, pulling himself out and fixing his hair, amid his sister walking away laughing.

"Broadside could do that." Ahsoka said. "Be your gunner, I mean. Besides, you have R2."

R2 whistled.

"But I so enjoy your company, my Padawan." Anakin said, then he mumbled, "Partly 'cause you're too short to noogie me."

"Just admit it. You don't like my flying."

"No, I… No, it's not that. It's just I-"

Anakin was interrupted when Admiral Yularen called for him.

"Skywalker, the enemy ship has attacked our convoy of medical transports near Ryndellia."

"Medical transports?" Ahsoka gasped. "Only General Grievous would go after clones who can't fight back."

"The Ryndellia system, near Naboo." Anakin said.

Anakin knew that system because that was where his wife was from, but also because…

"Isn't that where our medical base is? I'll bet that will be his next target."

"There are many star clusters in that area." Plo Koon said. "With a ship that big, he will be unable to chart a course that's less than ten parecs."

"Looks like we're gonna have to take a shortcut. Admiral, warn that station what's coming."

Yularen left to go do as ordered, but Plo had some concerns.

"This journey may be treacherous," said the Kel Dor. "If you lose any ships before you reach the target…"

"We won't lose anybody." Anakin said stubbornly.

"I will come along and fly fighter escort."

"And I will fly in as backup," said Kara. "and to make sure my brother doesn't hurt himself crashing again."

"Any help is welcome, Master Plo." Anakin said. "And Kara, I'm not a little kid anymore, I don't need a- whoa!"

Anakin's foot slipped on the ladder, and he fell down, but Kara caught him in her arms.

"You were saying?" Kara smirked.

Ahsoka struggled not to laugh when she saw her master being held like a baby by his big sister.

"Just put me down." Anakin groaned. He climbed the ladder again. "Try not to fall behind."

"I had a feeling you'd be coming alone." Ahsoka said, looking at Plo. "Your ship has already been prepped."

Behind his mask, Master Plo was smiling.

Admiral Yularen managed to get ahold of the medical station. Unfortunately, he didn't get the response he was hoping for.

"Even if we had the transports," said a Kaminoan named Nala Se on the holo-call. "It is not possible to evacuate all of our wounded in time."

"You must try," said Yularen. "You won't stand a chance against that battleship."

Just then, Obi-Wan joined the call.

"Nala Se, I only just received word. I've contacted the Naboo," said Obi-Wan. "They are sending ships to help you, and I am on my way as well."

"Thank you, Master Jedi." Nala Se said.

"If they reach us in time," said a clone. "Do you really think they're going to stop that thing?"

"It is our only hope."

Yularen stood on a cruiser, ready for battle.

"Launch the fighters."

And the fighters were launched, each one equipped with at least one griffin to assist in choosing flight paths.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Anakin." Obi-Wan said over the comlink.

"Well, if I don't, I won't be around to hear the 'I told you so'." Anakin said.

"That's reassuring," shrugged Obi-Wan. "Well, take your shortcut, and I'll take the long way. But you'd better be there before I arrive."

"I'll be there, Obi-Wan."

"Shadow Squadron, tighten formation," said Anakin. "Call in."

"Shadow 2 standing by."

Shadows 3 and 4 were also standing by.

R2 beeped something to Ahsoka.

"I know, R2-ie." Ahsoka said. "This is gonna be a tough one."

"Cut the chatter, Ahsoka. Pft!" Anakin felt something fluffy flap in his face. "Do you mind watching your tail?"

That tail turned out to belong to a golden brown griffin named Birdie, General Alder's niece.

"Sorry. Has a mind of its own sometimes."

Everyone else, however, was ready.

"Fighter escort standing by." Plo confirmed.

"Backup standing by." Kara said.

"This is Admiral Yularen. You are cleared for hyperspace jump. Good hunting, sir."

"Thanks, admiral," said Anakin. "All right, boys, let's go."

"Broadside, if we make it through this one, drinks are on me." said one clone.

"I can already taste it," smiled Broadside.

And so, the jump to hyperspace began, although the griffins and hippogriffs would probably need a little time to get used to the jump, as some dug their claws into the floors of the ships.

Except, they weren't the only ship entering hyperspace.

Grievous sat in his ship, getting impatient.

"What's taking so long? I want to get there before too many wounded clones escape."

"Sorry, sir." said a battle droid. "The navi-computer has had to calculate a complex course around a large nebula near the medical station."

Grievous groaned.

"They told me this ship was fast."

While Grievous's ship took a course around the nebula, the Shadow Squadron chose a different strategy.

"Okay, if we can just manage to navigate through my shortcut, we'll be alright." Anakin said.

"A nebula can be very unpredictable." Plo pointed out. "I advise caution."

"Like flying in a thunderstorm." Kara added. "Which is why we have the griffins with us. They're known to be able to fly through many treacherous conditions because they can sense threats before they happen."

"Don't worry about us, Master Jedi." said Shadow 2. "We can hold our own. Right, Shadow Squadron?"

"Copy that, Shadow 2."

"Does anyone care what the Padawan thinks?" Ahsoka said.

"Of course we care, Snips." Anakin said. "But we're still going through that nebula-achoo! Birdie! When I said to keep your tail out of my face, I didn't mean put your feathers in its place."

Birdie, however, was busy pecking at her wing, as her feathers did need to be fluffed a bit, and her wings stretched. But her feathers tickled Anakin's nose.

"Well excuse me for not getting to groom myself before the mission," said Birdie.

R2 beeped.

"Thanks R2-ie."

Meanwhile, transports were sent to the medical station to retrieve as many wounded as they could rescue.

"The evacuation is proceeding slowly, madam." said a man over the comm.

"We will have to move the patients in stable condition first," said Nala Se. "The more critically injured patients will have to wait."

"What about the bacta tanks? Many of those men can't be moved at all."

"I know, commander. Guide the patients that can be moved onto transports as quickly as you can."

"At once, madam."

The Shadow Squadron made their way into the nebula.

"This soup is thick. Can you see anything?" asked one clone.

"Just keep your eyes on my thruster, Shadow 2. And your eyes on the flight path, Birdie." Anakin said.

Ahsoka banged on the scanner as it beeped like there was something wrong.

"They'll have to. The scanners are useless."

"This is old-fashioned flying," said Anakin. "You have to feel your way through to stay on course."

"Except a machine is the one doing the actual flying." Birdie said.

"Nonetheless, Skywalker is right, Ahsoka. Clear your mind, young one, and you will see the path."

"Right now, I can't see anything at all," sighed Ahsoka. "Wipe that grin off your face, Master."

"I always know where I'm going," said Broadside.

"Yeah? Where's that, Broadside?" said another clone.

"I'm gonna blow up that battleship."

"A clear path if there ever was one." Plo said.

Grievous's ship was still on course, the head clanker growing more impatient by the minute.

"Sir, the navi-computer indicates we only have one parsec to go," said a battle droid.

"Good, we will maximize our casualties with this attack."

Then another droid spoke up.

"General, there's an incoming transmission from Count Dooku."

Grievous went to answer the call.

"General Grievous, I have received intelligence from Lord Sidious. The Republic has launched a small strike force to attack the Malevolence."

Grievous wasn't scared, though.

"Let the Republic come." He said. "Our ship is unstoppable."

"Skywalker is leading the mission. Do not underestimate him."

"I assure you, Count, if anything, it is Skywalker who will underestimate the ship and its power."

So far, so good. With the griffins and hippogriffs around, there was no sensing of any upcoming danger.

"So, Skyguy, how did you know about this shortcut?" Ahsoka asked.

"It's an old smugglers' route." Anakin replied. "The pilots used to talk about it on Tatooine."

"Smugglers' route? Huh! That makes me feel better."

"No need for sarcasm, Ahsoka." Kara said.

"They call in The Balmorra Run." Anakin said.

"Balmorra Run?" Plo said, clearly sounding scared.

"What's wrong?" Kara asked.

"I'm picking up a contact," said Ahsoka.

However, on all the ships, the griffins and hippogriffs all started to growl and snarl, baring their sharp talons, which meant they sensed a threat ahead.

"There's trouble here," said General Alder from another ship. "We can't continue on."

"Skywalker, listen to me." Plo called via comlink. "We need to turn around."

"We can't. Not if we're gonna catch Grievous," said Anakin.

"Another contact," said Ahsoka. "This one's much larger."

"Skywalker, Balmorra's the nesting ground of the giant neebray mantas." Plo said.

Then, Kara remembered.

"Uh-oh!"

Suddenly, out from the clouds came a giant neebray manta! It was huge and had at least half a dozen eyes, big sharp teeth, and the rest of their bodies kind of looked like giant manta rays.

"Those gas-gulpers are huge."

"Give me a helmet and I'll chew them out," said Birdie.

"No," said Plo. "Don't attack them or they'll panic," said Plo.

"They'll panic?" Ahsoka said, thinking Plo was crazy. "I'm about to panic."

Right now, Anakin was definitely glad Gabby was sent away for Padme; she probably would've screamed loud enough to scare the neebrays.

"There are so many of them," said Broadside.

Everyone took evasive action, trying to avoid the neebrays, but they couldn't miss all of them completely. One of them lost their stabilizers.

"Pull it together, Matchstick," said Anakin.

Fortunately, Matchstick managed to get the ship back on track, at least for now.

"I'm okay. I got it."

Unfortunately, the number of neebrays started to grow.

"Either I'm seeing more of them, or those things just got bigger." said Kara.

"These things are gonna make a meal out of us," panicked Ahsoka.

"All wings, line up behind me," Anakin instructed.

"Roger that, boss."

So, everyone quickly began engaging in a rather dangerous game of Follow the Leader behind Anakin, like ducks in a row.

"Hurry! They will not follow us beyond the nebula." Plo said.

Everyone continued to steer their ships to follow Anakin's.

Ahsoka got scared when she saw another one baring its big sharp teeth.

"That one looks hungry," she panicked.

"Nah, it's just smiling at you." Anakin said.

Before they knew it, the entire Shadow Squadron was out of the nebula, away from the neebray mantas.

"Let's hope your shortcut paid off," said Ahsoka.

"We're not far behind Grievous now." Anakin said.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan was on a video call with Admiral Yularen.

"The medical station reports 50 percent of patients evacuated." Yularen confirmed.

"That's not good enough." Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "They'll never be finished before the enemy arrives."

"General Skywalker still has a chance to catch Grievous."

"If he does, we have to be ready."

"Yes, sir."

The Shadow Squadron continued on their way to the medical station. For now, the Jedi were glad that so far, everyone made it out alright. However, Master Plo was quick to notice Matchstick's stabilizer was acting up again.

"Shadow 2, what is the damage to your ship?"

"Just a scratch, sir."

"We must not take any more unnecessary risks. If we lose even a single ship, our mission is that much closer to failure."

"Understood, Master Plo." Anakin said. "But we didn't lose any ships, and I didn't-"

Anakin was interrupted when one of the clones caught wind of another contact.

"I thought those things wouldn't follow us," said Ahsoka.

"Not following. Coming out of hyperspace. It's a ship."

"Grievous!" Kara was sure of it.

"It's the Malevolence."

Anakin suddenly became more determined than ever for this mission to succeed. This was the moment they'd all been waiting for.

The Separatist ship Malevolence was closing in on the medical station, but so were the Republic fighters.

"A squadron of Republic fighters is approaching."

"Skywalker." Grievous growled. "Launch fighters and bring the ship around."

"There are several medical transports surrounding the station."

"Target the transports first. I want every single ship destroyed."

"Roger roger."

"Send out the creatures."

"Not those things!" whined a battle droid.

"Do it!"

Reluctantly, the battle droids hit some buttons, and they launched something after the ships, but it wasn't lasers they shot after the ion cannon. Rather, it was a pod filled with a flock of gremlins ready to get destructive.

Ahsoka was quick to point out the fighters coming in. Except, when the troops got ready to fight, all of them were flashed by some ugly orange lizard-like creatures.

"Ahh!" Ahsoka screamed. "What are those things?"

"Gremlins!" Anakin said.

"Griffins! You know what to do." Kara said.

"You heard her, flock!" Alder said, getting a space helmet on. "Helmets on and go for the hunt!"

And so, the griffins and hippogriffs abandoned ship to fly out and fight the griffins.

But even with the griffins clawing and capturing the gremlins, fighters still came and fired lasers, and unfortunately, a griffin or two got caught in the blast.

To make matters worse, the ion cannon hit two of the ships. Matchstick and Tag's to be precise, the former of whom who'd been flying with Birdie's uncle.

"Uncle Sparrow! Are you okay?" Birdie called over the comm. "Speak to me!"

"Don't worry, Birdie. I'm okay." General Alder. "Wish I could say the same for a few of our own."

"Shadows 6, 7, and 10 were caught in the ray," said Ahsoka.

At least all the gremlins were gone.

"We may be down some men," said Kara. "But we still must do our best to ensure their sacrifices will not be in vain."

"Seems as though Skywalker has failed," said a clone on the medical station. "He's lost almost half his ships. We should go, madam."

"I will stay," said Nala Se.

More shots were fired at the Republic fleet.

"Stay on course," said Plo.

"This flak is heavy," said Broadside.

"All deflectors double front." Anakin said.

"Master, we need a new plan." Ahsoka said.

"We can make it, Ahsoka. Hang in there."

"I hope you know what you're doing, Anakin." Kara said, just barely dodging another shot.

"Sir, the enemy fires are closing, and it looks like they defeated the gremlins," said a battle droid.

"Let them come," said Grievous. "Prepare the ion cannon. First, we will destroy the medical station. Then we will finish off Skywalker."

"I have a bad feeling about this."

"Watch those towers, boys."

But one of the clones saw something wrong with their current formation.

"We're too close. Loosen up."

Too late. They squad lost two more ships. To make matters worse, Grievous was closing in on the medical station.

"Master, you can make it, but everyone else is getting shot down." Ahsoka said. But when Anakin didn't respond… "Master!"

Fortunately, Master Plo had an idea.

"If we can do enough damage, the weapon may overload when Grievous tries to fire."

Anakin thought, and he said, "Shadow Squadron, new target. We're taking out the starboard ion cannon."

"If any griffins have any gremlins still living, now you know a great place to put them." Kara said.

"Aww! I don't get to eat mine?" whined one of the griffins.

So, the Shadow Squadron got to work. Everyone prepared their torpedoes and began firing at the ion cannon, while the griffins landed the gremlins on the ship to do even more damage.

And when Grievous ordered the ion cannon to fire…

The ship began blowing up. Boom! Boom! BOOM!

It appeared Grievous was defeated.

"Good work, Shadow Squadron." Plo said.

"Nice job, Ahsoka." Anakin praised his Padawan.

"Griffins, excellent work." Kara said.

Grievous, however, was far from happy at the moment.

"Damage report."

"We've lost both primary weapons," one droid responded.

"Huh?"

"The hyperdrive has been disabled."

"Impossible!"

As if things couldn't be worse for Grievous, three Republic warships were detected entering the system.

That Republic squad entering the scene turned out to be that of none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"Anakin, do you copy?"

"I'm here."

"Congratulations. It looks like your mission was a success."

"Partially, but Grievous is still alive." Anakin said. "The battle was pretty rough on my men. We're heading for the medical station."

"We'll take it from here." Obi-Wan said. "But don't worry, we'll call when we need you."

"I'll be waiting, Obi-Wan."

"All right, let's finish what Anakin started. Ahead full."

Grievous immediately ordered his team to make for Separatist space. There was no way even he was foolish enough to continue at this point.

Anakin exited his ship to meet with Master Plo and Ahsoka.

"I see you kept your balance this time." Kara commented.

Anakin rolled his eyes.

"Great job, Master Skywalker." Plo said. "Your leadership skills are most impressive."

"You didn't do so bad yourself," smiled Anakin.

"Uh, excuse me?" Ahsoka said, sounding offended. "I believe it was my suggestion to change the plan."

"She has a point." Kara smiled.

"That's kind of true, Snips." Anakin shrugged.

"From a certain point of view," said Plo."

Kara rolled her eyes as her brother and Master Plo walked away.

"Men. Don't like to admit when a girl achieves something."

Anakin and Ahsoka arrived at the medical stations to check on those who remained. But first, Anakin had one more thing to settle.

"Make sure our ships are ready." Anakin told a trooper. "We'll only have a short time before Obi-Wan calls us for support."

"Yes, sir."

And so, Anakin and Ahsoka met with Nala Se.

"General Skywalker, I wanted to thank you for your valiant effort today." Nala Se told the older Jedi. "Do not take the lives you save lightly."

"I don't." Anakin looked down slightly. "But I also can't take the lives I lost lightly."

"I see."

"If you will excuse me, I must prepare for the coming battle."

Off Anakin went.

"Your master is a very curious Jedi," said Nala Se to Ahsoka.

"He is one of a kind," said Ahsoka.

Soon, she was on her way too.

Anakin stood staring out into space with R2 beside him, Ahsoka joining him. Despite the fact that a new battle would likely start any minute, it was nice to have this moment of peace, and these Jedi were going to enjoy it while it lasted.

Chapter Text

Episode: Destroy Malevolence

While Anakin was busy on a mission, young Gabby Amidala-Skywalker and her pony Carousella Mareheart arrived on Coruscant to meet Padme.

"Mommy! Mommy!"

Gabby ran excitedly into her mom's office, but she wasn't there yet.

It turned out Padme was just getting out of a meeting with Chancellor Palpatine about some secret information from the Banking Clan that would go a long way to shortening the war. But, Gabby wasn't so sure following that information was such a good idea, and decided she had to go with Padme on this mission. Naturally, Carousella came too.

Padme was initially against Gabby going on missions, but this time it seemed more like it would be a negotiation, and she knew her daughter needed to learn as much as she could about being a leader if she was going to be queen of Naboo someday. Besides, she had her protocol droid C-3PO to watch her. He might not have been a guard droid, but at least he served as someone to keep an eye on her.

"Come on, Gabby." Padme called.

"Coming, Mommy." Gabby said.

She had one thing to care for first. Gabby picked up her teddy bear and placed it on her mother's office chair.

"Sorry I can't take you with me, Teddy. This mission could get too dangerous for teddy bears. You can watch Mommy's office while we're gone. Senator Teddy."

"Come on, Gabs. Playtime can wait." Carousella said, getting the child onto her back so they could leave.

Soon, the ship was prepared, Gabby got strapped into a seat, and the senator, the princess, the pony, and their protocol droid were on their way.

Meanwhile, the Jedi were relentlessly pursuing the Malevolence.

"Commander, what is the damage to the enemy ship?" Obi-Wan asked.

"She's lost her primary shield and stabilizers," said the commander. "But the ship is so massive it can take all the fire our cannons can give it."

"We must summon reinforcements," said Master Plo.

"That's why I'm here, Master Plo." said a new voice. Anakin, to be precise.

"And me," said Kara.

"Anakin, were you able to contact Master Luminara?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes, Master. She's busy with a fleet of Separatist reinforcements nearby." Anakin said.

"In other words, no support until she's turned them away," said Kara.

"Then we'll have to make do with what we have." Obi-Wan said.

Sure enough, the Malevolence ship, though massive, and strong, was sustaining a lot of damage from the blasts. The forward engines were shutting down, and the hyperdrive was disabled.

Obi-Wan soon asked Admiral Yularen for a report, and he said that the enemy wasn't attempting to jump into hyperspace. It had to be due to damaged hyperdrives.

"This is our chance," said Kara, beating Obi-Wan to it.

"All ships, target the bridge, maximum firepower." Obi-Wan instructed.

Grievous, meanwhile, was in contact with Count Dooku and Lady Morpha.

"It has not sustained extensive damage."

"General, I have arranged a trap, which will give you an advantage over the Jedi." Dooku said.

"I assure you, that is unnecessary."

"Do not compound your failure this day by allowing our prize warship to fall."

"My lord, they will never capture me or this ship."

"Heading towards you is a very important galactic senator. With her as your hostage, they will call off their attack. However, my wife and her sister also request that you capture an important child as well. If she is with the senator, capture the girl, and bring her alive."

"As you wish, my lord."

As the Naboo ship flew through hyperspace, the group was ready for their mission as they neared their destination.

"My lady, are you sure the information from Chancellor Palpatine is reliable?" Threepio asked.

"Yes, it was secretly given to him by the supreme executive of the Banking Clan himself." Padme explained. "If they leave the Separatist Alliance, it will go a long way to shortening this war."

"Did the chancellor let you talk to the banking clan guy?" Gabby asked.

"No, why?" Padme asked.

"How do you really know it was him, then?" Carousella pointed out.

"What if it's a trap?" Gabby gasped.

"Gabby, the Chancellor would never intentionally put any of us in danger."

I wouldn't be so sure about that. Gabby thought to herself.

Gabby looked at Carousella

The scanner beeped to let them know they were almost there.

"We're approaching the system." Padme said, only for them to enter into the middle of a fierce battle, to the droid and the others' shock.

"This isn't right. That's a droid warship." Padme said. "We're in the middle of a battle."

"Really? I thought it was a party." Gabby said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Not the time for sarcasm." Carousella said.

Padme began to steer the ship away. "Hold on."

"Sir, we're scanning a small ship off our bow." Said a battle droid to Grievous.

"Good. Our hostage has arrived." Grievous said.

Meanwhile, the Jedi cruiser picked up something on their scanner.

"Master, I'm picking up a signal near the enemy vessel," said Ahsoka. "Something just came out out of hyperspace."

"Enemy reinforcements?" Anakin guessed.

"No, it looks like a Naboo ship."

Obi-Wan ordered the gunners to stand down immediately. "What in blazes are they doing out here?"

Anakin got worried and ordered Ahsoka to contact the ship.

Padme kept trying to steer the ship out of the battle, only to keep running into more debris and gunfire to dodge.

"Naboo cruiser, identify yourself." Ahsoka's voice over the comm.

"This is Senator Amidala."

"Padme, what are you doing out here?" Anakin became scared.

"I was sent on a special mission." Padme said. "The Senate was told the Banking Clan wanted to negotiate a treaty."

"And it turned out to lead us to this instead!" Gabby said, having escaped her booster seat and appeared on the hologram.

"Gabby! In your seat!" Carousella picked the girl up with her mouth.

"Gabby?!" If Anakin wasn't worried before, he definitely was now; both his wife and his daughter were in danger. "Padme, get out of there as fast as you can. Now!"

Unfortunately, that became impossible as Grievous ordered another activation.

The Naboo cruiser started to shake and shift, making poor Gabby fall down and slide across the floor as she no longer had her restraints on.

"That's what I get for- ouch! not remembering to- Aah! keep my seatbelt on!" Gabby scolded herself as she slid back and forth before grabbing on to something.

"You think?!" Carousella managed to catch herself by flying.

"Padme, what's happening?" Anakin asked.

"We're being pulled inside the droid cruiser by a tractor beam." Padme said.

The ship was pulled in.

"Oh no!" Gabby exclaimed, seeing that they were being pulled into the ship, and she started crying for help. "Someone help us, please!"

"I will not let my daughter be made a Separatist bargaining chip. You have to find a way to get her out of here and destroy this monstrous ship."

Not willing to allow his family to die, Anakin ordered the admiral to tell their ships to cease fire.

Don't worry, Gabby. Daddy's coming. Anakin thought.

Padme's ship was brought into the droid cruiser, and the Malevolence was falling apart from the inside.

"It does not look safe out there, my lady." Threepio said.

"Mommy, I'm scared." Gabby said, shaking.

"I know, Baby. I see now this whole thing was a trap. And I'm afraid I brought you right into it." Padme said, pressing a few buttons. "But I won't let the Separatists get you."

"Neither will I," said Carousella.

Grievous ordered some droids to get a repair team together to fix the ship while he went down to the hangar bay.

"This ship must be returned to Count Dooku intact."

Grievous stepped onto a rail jet.

"There is no room for failure."

"Come on, I've overloaded the power system."

Padme picked up her daughter and began to carry her out of the ship.

"Oh, we're doomed." Threepio whined.

"Only if you keep that attitude," said Carousella.

Anakin began to leave the ship, ready to rescue his girls.

"Where do you think you're going?" Said Obi-Wan.

"Somebody has to save her skin," said Anakin.

"Padme or the little one?" Obi-Wan said.

"Mostly Padme. I get the feeling the little one might be a lot harder for the Separatists to catch, knowing how fast Gabby runs."

"And someone has to watch your skin," said Kara, accompanying her brother.

"I thought you might say that," said Obi-Wan.

Therefore, Talhin, Kenobi, and Skywalker headed on their way.

"There he goes again," said Master Plo, referring to Anakin. "Craving adventure and excitement."

"You get used to it," said Ahsoka.

Padme got herself and her daughter out of the ship. Carousella flew out, flapping some smoke away with her wings.

"Come on, Threepio. Hurry!" Gabby said.

"Hurrying, my princess." Threepio said. "I'm not sure this is such a good idea."

Grievous continued to ride the jet rail until it stopped at substation 9-4. He came across two battle droids, whom he ordered to accompany him, while some more were putting out the fires.

Safely hidden behind some crates, Padme carried Gabby in her arms as they, Carousella, and Threepio watched Grievous and some battle droids entering their ship. Gabby got even more scared and started to make some thorny plants grow in the floor, but Padme held Gabby close to calm her down.

The ship soon blew up, and the three stowaways ran away from the scene to avoid capture. More firefighter droids arrived at the scene, one of them sending himself flying with a hose. Unfortunately, Grievous survived the explosion.

"Sound the alarm. We have stowaways on board." Grievous said.

Anakin got a ship ready for him, Kara, and Obi-Wan to set off on a rescue mission to save Anakin's secret family.

"I trust you've already devised a brilliant plan to rescue the senator and princess?" Obi-Wan said, having a feeling of what Anakin would say.

"As a matter of fact, I have," said Anakin confidently

"But do we have a plan 'B?' Every operation needs a backup, Anakin."

"I don't have a backup… yet, but I do have a plan for getting on that ship."

"Oh, really?"

"This is why I tend to come up with the backup plans," said Kara."

Anakin rolled his eyes. "The enemy sensors are obviously damaged, so we'll sneak in behind them and dock at the emergency airlock."

"That's your plan? Just fly there, land, hope they don't spot us, and walk in the door?" Obi-Wan said.

"Basically," smiled Anakin.

"Oh, brilliant. Let's get going."

And off they went.

Padme and her group walked through a hallway on the cruiser until they came up to a panel.

"Stay close, Gabby." Padme said, setting her daughter on Carousella's back.

"Pardon me, but might I suggest we keep moving?" Threepio suggested. "I think I hear battle droids approaching."

"But we also need to contact the fleet," said Padme. "If I can just get this comm panel working."

"Let me try something," said Carousella, aiming her horn at the panel.

That was when they heard metal footsteps. Gabby gasped as she recognized that very sound.

"My lady, I'm afraid I was right." Threepio said.

The group quickly rushed to hide just before Grievous could spot them.

Soon, on the same panel, a droid contacted Grievous to let him know that the hyperdrive was almost repaired.

"I must inform Count Dooku," said Grievous. "Stay here. Continue the search. Find the stowaways and bring them to me."

Grievous and the battle droids soon left. As soon as the droids were all gone, Padme carefully opened their hiding spot, only to find that someone was missing.

"Threepio, where's Gabby?!" Padme said worried.

Gabby was only two and a half. Even being smart for her age, she was still a child and could get seriously hurt in a place like this.

Anakin steered the ship to land at the ship Malevolence's emergency docks.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Anakin." Kara said. "If they spot us, we'll be pulverized."

"I'm inclined to agree." Obi-Wan said.

Anakin wasn't worried though.

"They're too busy repairing the ship. They don't have time to notice us."

"Subtlety has never been one of your strong points, Anakin." Obi-Wan sighed.

"No, it has not." Kara shook her head.

"Everything I know, I learned from you, Master." Anakin smirked.

"Oh, if only that were true."

So, Anakin got to work, spinning the ship so it would land at the emergency dock.

Gabby rode Carousella through the halls all alone, terrified of running into the battle droids, or worse, General Grievous. She quickly hid as two more battle droids came along, and then the ground shook.

"What was that?" Said one droid.

"What?" Said the other.

"Didn't you hear it? It sounded like a ship docking at one of the emergency airlocks."

"Your circuits are loose. No one's crazy enough to do that."

But that was where they were wrong; she knew just who would be crazy enough to do such a deed.

"Daddy," she whispered. She wanted to go find him, but she needed to get those droids out of the way first.

"We'll need a distraction." Carousella said. "Now, we just gotta strategize.

But Gabby, like Anakin, was not exactly subtle.

As the droids were about to start walking again, a big green vine suddenly started to grow from the floor and follow them. It eventually tapped one of them on the shoulder, and when the droid turned to look, the vine wrapped itself around him like a rope, and then another vine grabbed the other, and both droids were smacked into the walls, the floor, and the ceiling, and they were tossed around like the plants were playing Hot Potato.

"Or, you could do that." Carousella chuckled.

Gabby couldn't help rolling on the floor, laughing at the droids as they were tossed all around, and lots of pretty flowers grew and butterflies appeared around her as she laughed. But, she eventually calmed herself and continued on her way, calling for her mother and for Anakin, but called him by his name in case any other Jedi were with him.

Anakin and Obi-Wan soon arrived at the dock.

"Anakin, you're crazy." Obi-Wan said. "Spinning is not flying."

"But it's a good trick," Anakin smiled.

"We do not want to be spotted." Kara said.

And the door opened. No droids in sight, and they headed on their way, only to quickly spot some droids still being tossed around by the vines, and a lot of flowers growing in different places, and butterflies flying all around.

"I don't recall the Separatists having a taste for gardening," joked Obi-Wan.

"Gabby must be nearby." Anakin said.

"Gabriella! Are you here? Carousella?" Kara called. No answer.

"You stay here, R2." Anakin said.

"If Gabby comes before we do, make sure she gets on that ship."

Meanwhile, Ahsoka and Master Plo got in contact with Master Luminara.

"Another bold strategy by Skywalker, I presume." Luminara said.

"That's my master," said Ahsoka.

"Once they make it off that ship," said Plo. "We'll need reinforcements to finish off the enemy."

"I am on my way, Master Plo." Luminara said before hanging up.

Just then, Admiral Yularen approached, and he had a message.

"We're receiving a transmission from inside the Malevolence. I believe it's the senator."

The three Jedi hurried down the hallway, just as Ahsoka contacted Anakin.

"Master, we've found the Senator. I'm patching her through." Ashoka said before patching Padme through.

"Padme?" said Anakin."

"Anakin," said Padme.

"Are you alright? Where are you?" Anakin asked when his wife answered.

"On the lower levels. I'm fine, but I don't know for how long. And Gabby's missing. She must have gotten scared and ran off when she heard the droids. They're everywhere."

"Obi-Wan, Kara, and I are on board too. We're gonna get you off," said Anakin, looking up and beginning to see more flowers and some butterflies flying around. "And judging by all these flowers and butterflies, I'm guessing the princess is close by. Ahsoka, how can we get to the senator?"

Ahsoka looked at a map of the ship.

"According to our scans, there seems to be a large open area in the center of the ship. It should be halfway between the two of you."

"We're on our way," said Anakin. "Padme, did you hear that?"

"I'll be there." Padme said.

"Obi-Wan, Kara, you get a head start, I'll find Gabby and meet you there." Anakin said, following the colorful trail to find his daughter.

Anakin called for Gabby. "Gabby, where are you?"

"Anakin?" said another female voice. It wasn't Gabby though. It was Carousella.

"Carousella! Where's Gabby?"

Before Carousella could answer, a certain two-year-old popped out upside-down in front of Anakin, hanging from a vine.

"Hi, Daddy." Gabby smiled, and she let go, allowing herself to fall into Anakin's arms.

Anakin gave his daughter a big hug, he could feel how scared she was as she was shaking.

"Shh. Shh. Don't be scared, Baby Girl. Daddy's here. Daddy's got you." Anakin whispered.

"The droids couldn't get me. I used my plants to fight them by myself," said Gabby.

"I saw." Anakin smiled and kissed his daughter's cheek. "Now let's go find Mommy, Aunt Kara, and Uncle Obi-Wan and get out of here."

"Hop on!" Carousella said.

Anakin got on board Carousella, and she took off running.

General Grievous came to meet some of his droids, who notified him that they'd detected an unauthorized communication from within the ship.

"What did it say?" Grievous asked.

"Well, we don't know. We didn't catch it in time." said the battle droid.

Grievous roared.

"Monitor all internal communications. I want that senator on this bridge."

Anakin and Gabby soon met Obi-Wan and Kara at the opening where all the jet rails were.

"Hi, Uncle Obi-Wan. Hi, Auntie Kara." Gabby said.

"Hello, Gabby." Kara nuzzled the girl's tiny nose.

"Good to see you safe, little one." Obi-Wan said. He looked around for Anakin. "But I don't see the mother anywhere."

"She's gotta be here somewhere." Carousella said, keeping her eyes and ears peeled.

Padme and Threepio arrived at another substation, but they couldn't see their friends.

"This is where we're supposed to meet them." Padme said. She didn't see Anakin anywhere. "He's probably late again."

"But we do have company of another sort," said Threepio.

And it wasn't the company of a pleasant sort.

"Blast them!"

And the battle droids began open fire, Padme firing back with her gun.

Gabby fixed the pink bow on her head and looked around for her mom, and she saw blaster fire, her mother and Threepio in the middle of it.

"Mommy!" Gabby exclaimed, immediately getting the grownups' attention.

"Kara! Get Gabby and Carousella to the ship!" Anakin exclaimed.

Kara immediately rushed to get the children out of there.

Anakin and Obi-Wan ignited their lightsabers and jumped to the rescue on top of a jet rail train.

"Look, Jedi." Said a droid. "Attack!"

"No wait!" warned another droid, but too late. The droids fired, only for the Jedi to backfire their shots with their lightsabers.

Padme and Threepio jumped or were pushed onto separate trains.

Anakin jumped onto one across from the one Padme was on. Unfortunately, the one Padme was on was headed for a gap made by the droids blasting the bridge.

"Jump to me!" Anakin shouted. "I'll use the Force. You have to trust me."

And so, Padme jumped, and Anakin carried her into his arms with the Force.

"Good catch," called Obi-Wan. "I'll fetch the droid."

Padme and Anakin hugged as they went into a tunnel.

"Oh, the things you do to get me alone," joked Anakin.

"Stop talking," said Padme, and she leaned in for a kiss.

Obi-Wan jumped onto another train, making his way to Threepio as close as he possibly could. Once he was close enough, Obi-Wan concentrated and used the Force to lift Threepio out from a crate, but before he could get the droid up all the way, another train sped in and Threepio splattered onto it like a bug on a windshield.

"Stop me, please!" Threepio screamed as he was carried through a tunnel.

"Blast, that's not good."

Just as Anakin was about to kiss Padme, Obi-Wan called over the comm that he'd lost Threepio.

Anakin sighed, "I'll take care of it." He looked at his wife. "We'll meet you back at the Twilight. Kara should be there with the kids by now."

"No, we can't leave yet." Padme said. "I overheard Grievous. Their hyperdrive is almost repaired."

"I'm already headed in that direction, so I'll make certain that the hyperdrive stays offline."

"Good." said Anakin. Then he contacted his sister. "Kara, what's your status?"

Kara sliced another battle droid with her lightsaber.

"A little rough at the moment."

"Don't blast the kid! Grab her!" A battle droid said.

But Carousella kicked three more of them, knocking down another two in the process.

"Strike!" Carousella shouted.

"They're after Gabriella!" Kara said. "I could use some help!"

Grievous laughed as he heard the whole conversation over the interception.

"We'll see about that, Jedi." He grabbed another droid. "Come with me."

Anakin called R2 and told him he needed help finding Threepio, but R2 beeped in annoyance.

"Look, just find him for me, and I'll be there soon."

R2 made his way to a panel where he dug in to find the rail jet that Threepio was trapped on.

Meanwhile, Gabby was hidden under Carousella as more battle droids came, trying to grab her, but having no success.
"Run, Gabby! Run!" Carousella said. "We'll hold them off!"

So, Gabby took off for her young life. But none of them knew someone else was watching them.

Mariverde watched in a magic mirror as the child was now alone and vulnerable.

"Sending a mere child all alone. Foolish decision, so-called guardian." she chuckled.

Mariverde called a butterfly to her hand and enchanted it with dark magic.

"You know what to do my little mariclava."

And she sent it to its destination through the mirror.

Gabby continued to run, not seeing the black and green moth fluttering by. The bug made its way over to a space where there were old droid parts, and when it landed on part of it, something dark and magical began to happen.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan made his way over to a room that turned out to be the location of a control panel where two battle droids were working. At least, he thought there were only two. That was when several droids of various models ran or rolled in and surrounded the Jedi, including General Grievous.

"Hello there," said Grievous.

Obi-Wan didn't show any fear as he was surrounded, but Grievous didn't care.

"General Kenobi, did you really think I would leave the hyperdrive unguarded?"

"Anything is possible. You haven't exactly surprised me today."

Grievous laughed and said, "Kill him."

The droids prepared to fire, but Obi-Wan outwitted the droids by Force-jumping very high and flipping over the droids, Force-pushing some more into each other. He even made one of the droideka droids roll through some battle droids like a bowling ball getting a strike. He repeated this motion, and used a remaining one for a shield before hitting his third bowling strike.

Obi-Wan got three strikes, but it was the droids who were out.

Grievous roared again.

"Guard the hyperdrive! I will deal with this Jedi myself!"

Meanwhile, Gabby continued to run for her young life, stopping for a moment to catch her breath.

"Phew! Why aren't there any maps in this place?"

Suddenly, Gabby heard metal footsteps… from right behind her!

Gabby froze. She turned around very slowly, and there, right behind her, was a big green and black spider.

Gabby screamed, and the spider shot some green and black goopy stuff. The child ducked, and the stuff hit the wall, but the spider tried again, and missed again.

Gabby took this as her cue to run.

"You can run, but you can't hide, little one!" sang the spider.

"Mommy! Spider!" Gabby cried.

Anakin and Padme continued to fight more of the battle droids, Padme firing back with her gun, and Anakin with his lightsaber.

The couple managed to find a safe spot, at least for now, where Anakin tried to contact Obi-Wan and/or Kara.

"Anakin, I'm afraid Grievous is on to us." Obi-Wan said.

"Yeah, we noticed."

"Anakin! We lost Gabriella. Something's on this ship, and it didn't look like a droid." Kara said.

"You lost Gabby?!" Anakin and Padme said at the same time.

"Whatever it was…" Carousella said on the comm, sounding like she was struggling. "It's very quick and strong. Be careful."

"We'll rendezvous back at the Twilight." Obi-Wan said. "The fleet must engage the-"

Suddenly, Obi-Wan was cut off.

"Obi-Wan? Come in. Obi-Wan!"

"What's wrong?" Padme asked.

"They're jamming us."

Anakin deflected more shots from the super battle droids and then sliced them with his lightsaber.

"That might buy us some time. Hopefully to find Gabby."

Suddenly, that was when a certain two-year-old came running around the corner, she was crying like she'd seen a ghost, and she ran right into Anakin's arms.

"Oh, here she is." Anakin picked up Gabby as she cried a little harder. "Hey, what's the matter?"

"Spider!" the girl squeaked.

"Gabriella, we've gone over this. Spiders are really small and-"

"Not this one!" Gabby interjected. And then she screamed when she saw something down the hall.

It had her parents screaming too as the giant green and black spider came around the corner and spat more of its goop. It just barely missed the Skywalker's trapping one of Anakin's feet.

Anakin tried to pull his boot free, but this goop, it turned out to be some kind of spider silk.

"This stuff is really sticky!" Anakin grunted.

The spider started to get closer. Gabby screamed again.

"Go! Go! Go!" Anakin screamed.

There was hardly any time to get his boot free. So, he slipped his foot out of it and ran with his wife and daughter.

"This was my favorite pair too." Anakin whined.

The giant spider continued to pursue the family, Gabby's fear growing by the second.

Anakin started using the Force to throw random objects in the spider's direction to slow it down, but the spider just spat more silk at everything Anakin threw.

"Gabby, you gotta power up!" Anakin said.

Gabby tried to use magic, but because she was so scared, it was hard to concentrate. Mostly briars grew, but at least it was something.

Meanwhile, Threepio was having a calm situation compared to what the others were facing.

"I do believe I'm lost… in enemy territory." said Threepio.

If droids could sweat, Threepio would be neck deep in it by now.

"And all alone."

Suddenly, a light shined on Threepio, the protocol droid immediately raising his arms.

"Don't shoot! I surrender!"

"Threepio, it's just me." R2 whirred.

"R2-D2, oh, my, you are a sight for short circuits."

R2 whirred again to tell Threepio Anakin sent him to find the latter droid.

"Well, what kept you then?"

So R2 beeped, "Where to begin?"

In the control room, there were some more battle droids working.

"The General is demanding a status report," said one of them. "Is the hyperdrive repaired yet?"

"It's almost done," said another.

"I'll give him the good news. Uh…"

Before that droid could leave, someone else entered through the elevator. Anakin started to fight the droids with his lightsaber, when Padme warned him that super battle droids were behind him. That prompted Anakin to Force-push his wife and daughter back into the elevator as it closed until he sliced all of them.

"Ever since I've known you, you've been playing with droids." Padme smiled.

"I used to put them together," said Anakin. "Now, I take them apart."

"What about the big spider?" Gabby said.

Anakin couldn't sugarcoat it; that was no itsy bitsy spider. He'd need an entire bookshelf, no an entire library to crush that spider!

"Don't worry, Princess. That spider's way too big to fit up a water spout, much less an elevator." Anakin said. "It can't get you while we're here. Where the Separatists got one, I'm not so sure."

"For now, we need to take care of another problem." Padme said.

"Your mother's right. First, we need to get rid of these droids so they won't know we were here." Anakin said. "I'm gonna hot-wire the ship, give Grievous and that not so itsy-bitsy spider a little surprise."

"I guess I'll clean up the droids then." Padme said.

"I'll help, Mommy." Gabby said.

Just then, Anakin noticed something green glowing from underneath his glove. He rolled it off to see his clava-detector. And the center jewel turned green!

"Uh-oh!"

Carousella, meanwhile, managed to get herself free and then Kara too with a little magic from her horn.

"What was that thing?" Kara said, dusting the web from her robes.

"I don't know. But I've never seen a spider that big before. Even in the Enchanted realm, the biggest spiders are the size of a lion, but that one was about the size of the ship I arrived in! I'll make my way back to the ship and warn the others."

It was then Kara realized her clava-detector was glowing too!

"Carousella, tell them it's doresho magic!" Kara exclaimed before Carousella disappeared.

Back on the cruiser, Ahsoka approached Master Plo and Admiral Yularen.

"Our ships are in attack position. Any word from Master Skywalker?"

"No," said Master Plo. "The droids are jamming our transmissions."

"We need to give him more time."

Suddenly, Carousella appeared with a whinny.

"Ahsoka! Master Plo! Gabby! Spider! Danger! Clava!"

Master Plo held Carousella's muzzle.

"Calm down, Carousella." Master Plo said. "What seems to be the trouble?"

Carousella explained to the others that a giant green and black tarantula spitting sticky silk was after Gabby, and according to Kara, it had something to do with doresho magic.

"What exactly are we supposed to do about that?" Ahsoka said.

"I'm not sure." Plo answered.

But then Carousella remembered.

"Don't you guys have clava-detectors too? Hit the red gem!"

Master Plo looked underneath the armor on his arm. He had a clava-detector, and so did Ahsoka. Both of them hit the red gems.

Obi-Wan, meanwhile, was leaping from droid to droid with Grievous in pursuit, blowing up piles of crates to catch up. Obi-Wan needed to think fast. Quickly, he jumped towards a claw that came up and swung over to Grievous, igniting his lightsaber and fighting Grievous directly.

Soon, Obi-Wan was laying on the roof of the rail jet. Grievous thought he would finish Obi-Wan right then and there, but the human rolled off the train and sliced part of it with his weapon, and he landed on another train headed away from Grievous.

"That ought to do it. How's the housecleaning going?" Anakin asked his wife.

"Done. Let's get out of here." Padme said.

"What about the spider?" Gabby panicked as the door closed.

As the humans left, some more battle droids entered from the other lift.

"I guess repairs are finished. Prepare to charge up the hyperdrive."

Meanwhile, R2 and Threepio made their way to the ship.

"R2, are you quite certain the ship is in this direction?" Threepio said, concerned. "This way looks potentially dangerous."

R2 chirped.

"I know the whole place is dangerous! I suggest we stay here and let Master Anakin find us."

Speak of the devil. The elevator opened with the Skywalkers inside.

"Threepio, what are you doing?" Anakin said. "Don't just stand there. Let's get back to the ship."

"Before the spider finds us." Gabby said.

Kara, Obi-Wan, and the Skywalkers all made their way towards the ship. Unfortunately, something else was there waiting for them.

Gabby screamed again, and there it was! The spider!

The Jedi all got out their lightsabers as the spider spit out its silk again and came at them. The lightsabers sliced the silk, but the spider kept coming after Padme, trying to get to Gabby.

"Where did this thing come from?!" Obi-Wan said.

"Whatever it is, it's enchanted!" Kara said. "And it's after Gabriella."

"Don't let it take me!" Gabby cried, covering her eyes, hoping it would just turn out to be a nightmare.

Anakin and Kara looked at each other; if this spider wanted their girl, it would have to get through them first.

"You know. I've killed spiders with my boot, a book, and a bottle." Anakin said. "But what do you say we try something a little different?"

Kara understood what Anakin was getting at, and she looked at Obi-Wan and said, "Split approach!"

Anakin jumped on top of the spider, Obi-Wan slid underneath. And Kara sped all around the spider, all of them going quickly to miss the silk. Padme took Gabby behind a wall and held her to protect her with her gun against any droids that came their way. And all together, the Jedi ignited their lightsabers, slicing the spider from different directions.

When Kara sliced the spider's left third leg, out came the mariclava, and the spider turned into a bunch of mechanical parts, to the Jedi's confusion.

"Well, that was weird." Anakin said, amid more blaster fire.

"Maybe save the wondering for later?!" Kara said. "Come on!"

And so, everyone ran as fast as they could to get back to the ship.

"I'll contact the fleet," said Obi-Wan.

Anakin immediately got the ship ready for takeoff. "R2, release the docking clamp"

R2 got to work, and soon the group was on their way out of there. They weren't the only ones either.

It turned out, Grievous made his way out as well, and the ship started to shake.

"Time for some clever tricks, Anakin." Obi-Wan said.

"That's what I was thinking."

It also turned out the red gem alerted some of Enchantra's emergency guards, and they came along to aid in the battle.

"All batteries, open fire!" Master Plo ordered.

Spells were cast, blasts were fired, but the Separatists were still shooting too.

The Twilight shook again.

"You know, we have guns. You can shoot back any time." Anakin said.

"I was just about to-" Obi-Wan said.

"I got it." Padme said, and she began firing.

Grievous's firing was practically spot on, but Padme began firing back.

"She seems to know her way around."

"Never underestimate a woman by her beauty." Kara said.

Meanwhile, Grievous was notified that the hyperdrive was completely repaired.

"Should we retreat to friendly space?"

"Engage the hyperdrive. I'll meet you at our secret base in Sector Four."

"You heard the General. Prepare to make the jump to hyperspace." said a battle droid on the Malevolence.

"Yes, sir."

And the droid at the panel began to engage the hyperdrive.

Big mistake.

Padme managed to hit another enemy ship from the Twilight; it looked like the battle would be won this time around.

"Nice shot, Senator." said Obi-Wan.

"Beginner's luck," said Padme.

R2 then beeped something.

"Pardon me, Master Ani, but R2's scan of the enemy's ship indicated their hyperdrive is activating." Threepio said.

"Don't worry about it." Anakin smiled.

"What?" Obi-Wan and Kara said in unison.

"Coordinates are locked," said one droid. "Hyperdrive is engaging."

Except, the panel started sparking. That wasn't good.

"Uh, I think we have a problem."

The droids immediately contacted Grievous.

"General, there's something wrong with the hyperdrive."

"I thought the hyperdrive was fixed," growled Grievous.

"Uh, the navi-computer is heading us right into the moon!"

"Fools! Reset the navi-computer!"

The droids got to work to quickly reset the navi-computer, but Anakin's adjustments to the panel resulted in…BOOM!

"I imagine you had something to do with that," said Obi-Wan more as a statement than a question.

"That's my little brother for you." Kara ruffled Anakin's hair.

Anakin sighed.

"All part of the plan, Master."

However, although the Malevolence was defeated, there was still another matter to attend to.

The Jedi had to give a report to the Emergency Guard regarding what happened on the Malevolence. Gabby told them all about the big scary spider. They even gave her crayons so she could draw a picture of what she saw.

"It was huge!" Gabby screamed. "I thought it wanted to eat me. But then it turned into a bunch of broken droid parts."

"It's true. We have no idea what that thing really was or how it got there." Anakin said.

"I do recall seeing a butterfly flying out of it when we defeated it, though." Kara added.

That caused a great deal of concern in the guard. According to them, that M.O. matched Mariverde big time. It appeared Mariverde was doing a test run of her magic in the war, and she started out small by letting one of her mariclavas create a new body for itself so it could capture Gabby. But, why Mariverde wanted to capture her specifically, they had no clue.

Hope you guys are enjoying the story. Please comment if you do. And I mean real comments. If you're just a "Commission Artist," don't bother. Your messages will be ignored, deleted, and reported.

Chapter Text

Episode: Downfall of a Droid

Featured song:

Excerpt from "Superhero" from Austin & Ally

Anakin held Gabby until it was time to place her on another ship to be escorted home. That giant spider really scared her, but to make matters worse, Anakin reported this to the rest of the Jedi Council, and when they heard from the EHC's emergency rescue team, concerns grew as it appeared the young princess was a primary target for capture by the Morphina Sisters. They weren't sure why, but the Council agreed that it was a good thing they allowed Carousella to stay, because Gabriella was going to need plenty of extra protection until they could alleviate this threat.

"Be safe, little one." Anakin said, giving Gabby a kiss as he placed her in a seat. Of course, he saw the child was reluctant to leave again. He whispered, "Don't worry, little one. Daddy will come home again soon."

Gabby was so happy to be safe at home again with her mom after they were rescued from the starship Malevolence. And it was good timing too because there was a package delivered. It was from Padme's parents.

"Wait a minute!" Carousella said.

Carousella took the box with her magic and inspected it. She sniffed it, tapped it, and used her horn to do a magical scan on it just to make sure it wasn't anything dangerous.

"It's clean." Carousella said. "And it looks like it's for you."

"Isn't that sweet?" Padme smiled. "Looks like Grandma and Grandpa got you a gift."

"Really?" Gabby said, surprised. "It's not even my birthday, is it?"

"No. But in most grandparents' eyes, everyday is their grandkids' birthday. They love to spoil the little ones. Go on, little one. Open your present."

Gabby was excited as she opened the box, and inside she found something that made her smile. It was a CD. She couldn't read what it said on it, but she could tell by the picture on the cover it was…

"Baby Shark! Yay!"

Gabby couldn't wait to try it out.

The minute she put the CD on, she was happily dancing around and enjoying the song. Then, she played it again, and again, and again until it was dinnertime. But it wasn't just at home she played it.

When it was time for her to be back at the Temple about a week later.

"Play it again, R2!" Gabby cheered

R2 beeped happily and activated his speakers and played the CD again.

Baby shark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo.

Baby shark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo.

Baby shark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo.

Baby shark

Anakin didn't mind the song at first. He had to admit, it was pretty catchy. But after a while, it was just getting annoying. He just didn't have the heart to get rid of the CD, though.

But in the Temple, quite a few Jedi were losing count of how many times she played that song, and it wasn't just her.

"Don't the children ever get tired of that song?" Mace groaned.

"Better get used to it," said Master Billaba. "Every little kid on this planet has been playing that song over and over."

"If they would only take a break," sighed Master Mundi. "That song is stuck in my head!"

Gabby, who was sitting down nearby, playing with her teddy bear, started humming Baby Shark.

"Gabriella, please don't hum that song in here, okay?" Anakin said.

"Sorry." Gabby said.

If there was one thing Padme and Anakin knew about their daughter, it was that she inherited most of her personality from her father; determined, daring, and a deep love for friends and family. But, unlike Anakin, Gabby wasn't too interested in machinery. She preferred artistic types of hobbies like dancing, singing songs, making music, and using her imagination to create fun adventures no matter where she was. But, when it came to droids, there were at least two she was fond of.

Threepio might not have been able to do much except serve his masters and enlist protocol, as he was programmed to do, but Gabby liked talking to him anyway. But, the droid Gabby really loved was R2-D2.

R2 knew how to entertain Gabby in his own special way. Whenever Anakin asked R2 to look after Gabby, he always let Gabby pick out a music disk to play, and he would play with her and roll around like he was dancing as Gabby danced and sang along to the music. It was a pretty adorable sight. Plus, according to Anakin, R2 was the only babysitter who hadn't lost Gabby after looking away for just a second. But, R2 wasn't playing babysitter today, not alone at least. At the moment, he was standing by his master Anakin Skywalker on a cruiser to strategize the fleet's next move.

After some disastrous defeats, the Republic's foothold in the Outer Rim was in jeopardy. Commissioned to protect the strategic world of Bothawui, Anakin and his weary battle group are all that stands between the system and domination by the droid army.

Obi-Wan was on the holo-call to discuss the strategy.

"Among our most recent losses was the battle group at Falleen. The Separatist fleet commanded by General Grievous is headed your way."

"Seems like that coward always knows where and when to attack us," said Anakin.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Mariverde may have something to do with that," said Carousella, knowing Mariverde worked with magic mirrors.

"You're heavily outnumbered. Anakin. I advise retreat."

But Anakin, as usual, disagreed with his old master's advice.

"If we run, the Separatists will take control of this sector. I can't let them do that."

"And that is your problem."

"Master Kenobi is right," said Kara. "We should regroup."

Ahsoka agreed too.

"We don't stand a chance against-"

The young togruta was interrupted by Anakin scolding her.

"Suicide is not the Jedi way, master."

"You should listen to your Padawan and your sister."

"As you listened to yours, my old master?" Anakin remarked.

"Uncle Obi-Wan has a sister?" Gabby joked.

"No. No, we are going to stay and fight." Anakin hit some buttons. "And I think I know how to beat Grievous at his own game."

But Anakin hit the wrong button and…

Baby shark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo.

"Did I ask for the Baby Shark song?!" Anakin angrily punched a button to make it stop.

Gabby and Carousella both laughed at Anakin's expense.

Anakin sighed and got to pulling up the right hologram this time.

Out in space, the Separatist fleet was ready to beat yet another wing of Republic fighter's. Grievous entered the cockpit to oversee progress.

"Our spies were right, General." a battle droid said. "The Jedi have positioned a fleet beyond the planetary rings."

Grievous then gave his army orders to move the ships through the asteroid field to engage the Jedi, but the droids thought he was crazy.

"If we attack from above, they will have the advantage," said Grievous. "So we will go through the rocks."

That might not have been the best decision, though, because, not surprisingly, the asteroids began to hit the ship, but Grievous wasn't worried; he was confident the asteroids would protect his ships so the Jedi couldn't attack from behind or in front.

While the girls stayed on the cruiser, Anakin joined the clones in going out to battle.

"Gold Squadron, tighten formation." Anakin ordered from his ship. "Slow approach. Let's draw them in."

"Yes, sir." said one clone from his ship.

"Be careful out there, little brother." Kara said, over the comm.

"I'm not a little kid, Kara." Anakin groaned.

I swear, she can't go one day without treating me like a baby? Anakin thought.

R2 beeped, almost as though he were agreeing with Kara.

"Don't worry, R2. Grievous is falling right into our trap."

Ahsoka and Kara watched the computers, while a clone soldier readied the blasters.

"Resolute command to Gold Leader," said Ahsoka. "We are standing by."

"Enemy closing to zone six." said a clone. And he counted down from there.

"Patience, Ahsoka." Anakin said.

And out from the asteroids appeared the enemy ships, right on cue.

"General, we have a clear shot at their cruisers."

Grievous was delighted by the sight of this. He had the Jedi right where he wanted them, or so he believed.

"They're right on top of us," said a trooper. "Should we commence firing?"

"Wait, wait." Ahsoka said.

"Stand by," said Kara. "And don't chew your nails, Gabriella."

Gabby froze as she was about to start biting her nails nervously. She started to think her aunt must have eyes in the back of her head, because she wasn't even looking at her to say that.

"Concentrate fire on the closest Republic cruiser." Grievous commanded.

"Roger, roger."

And fire!

The ship shook as it was hit. Carousella managing to keep Gabby from falling off her back. Unfortunately, the guns were taken out by Grievous' fleet.

"We're outgunned!" Kara said.

"We're not gonna last a mynock minute out here." Ahsoka said fearfully.

"Hang on, Ahsoka." Anakin reassured. "We've got 'em right where we want 'em."

More shots were fired, but the Gold Squadron quickly found that the enemy fleet was coming at them pretty hard.

"Gold Squadron, take evasive action." Anakin ordered.

"Sir, yes, sir. Breaking off."

So, the squadron split up and retreated. All except for Anakin, which concerned R2.

"No, R2, we're not retreating. Good thing you gave us that extra power."

Anakin skillfully spun his ship around the asteroids. However, one laser practically brushed against the ship as he got closer to the enemy. But Anakin, being Anakin, showed no fear.

"Ahsoka, they're in position. Unveil our little surprise."

"Right away Master," said Ahsoka. "Rex, old boy. It's time to join the party."

"With pleasure, sir." Rex answered as he and a squad of clones started moving a group of walkers on an asteroid.

"All units fire at will," said one clone. And the clones began firing, blasting Grievous' ship with ease.

Grievous, of course, couldn't believe it; the tables were officially turned.

"Forward cannon, let 'em have it," Ahsoka ordered.

"Show those bad guys who's the best in this war!" Gabby cheered, dancing around and doing the splits like a little cheerleader.

Ahsoka chuckled at how cute the child was being. But, the battle suddenly started to get fiercer, and Anakin started chasing after Grievous.

Go get him Daddy! Gabby thought. She had to resist shouting it out.

"This is too easy." Anakin bragged.

Anakin flew his ship around some more, probably just to show off, that being his thing.

Even Grievous wasn't going to keep gambling the risks at this point.

"Get us out of here!" He shouted.

But in an asteroid field, that would be considered a tall and hard order.

Anakin continued to fly his ship until he saw another one fly by, and he knew exactly who was flying it.

"Grievous!"

Anakin quickly began to pursue the cyborg and relentlessly attempted to blast him.

"Let's finish this," said Ahsoka.

"You're dead meat, Grievous!" Gabby said with full support.

"Scrap metal too." Carousella said. "Or, scrap… meat metal? What kind of scraps do you get with a cyborg?"

"Don't ask me."

"All batteries, target that command bucket." Kara ordered.

Meanwhile, Anakin and R2 continued chasing Grievous.

"He's powering up his hyperdrive, R2." Anakin said. "Hang on."

Anakin maneuvered the ship and ordered R2 to accelerate. But R2 pointed out a little fire.

"See what you can do about that, buddy."

Anakin and R2 flew faster and began shooting at Grievous's ship again, but missed every time. And to make matters worse, Anakin's ship started to malfunction, catching fire to a wing, and then his ship spun out of control, speeding towards an asteroid field.

"Oh no!" Gabby exclaimed in horror, seeing her father's ship heading for certain doom.

Ahsoka quickly alerted their squad, and told Gabby to go wait in the med bay, just in case.

Some time later, Anakin felt someone kissing his cheek, and he slowly woke up, his daughter's face being the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes. She looked worried at first, but then a big smile appeared on her face as his vision became clear.

"Hi," the little girl smiled.

"What happened?" Anakin asked.

"You owe Rexster your skin, Skyguy." Ahsoka said.

"Just doing my job, sir." Rex said. "It was your plan that won the day."

"Grievous is AWOL, but his fleet of tinnies is nothing but spare parts."

"Good work, both of you." Anakin praised. Then he ruffled his daughter's hair. "And thank you for the magic kiss." But then he looked around and noticed a certain droid was missing. "Where's R2?"

"I'm sorry, Master. He's gone." Ahsoka said sadly.

Anakin sighed and lay back down in despair. Gabby hugged him to try to comfort him. Carousella tried licking him. It usually worked with Gabby.

Later, Obi-Wan was on a holo-call with Anakin and Ahsoka.

"Congratulations, Anakin. Your resourcefulness always amazes me." Obi-Wan praised.

"Thank you, master." Anakin said, but didn't sound happy.

"You look troubled," Obi-Wan pointed out.

Gabby jumped up and pulled herself up onto the table so she could see better and Obi-Wan could see her. Or, she tried to.

Carousella let the girl onto her back again.

"He's sad because R2-D2 got lost," Gabby said.

"Well, R2 units are a credit a dozen. I'm sure you'll find a suitable replacement." Obi-Wan said, but Anakin clenched a fist at that.

"I could take a squad out there and track him down!" Anakin said.

"Yeah. R2's our friend. Maybe he's still okay." Gabby added.

"Anakin, you and Gabriella both know attachment isn't acceptable for a Jedi," said Obi-Wan. "Besides, it's only a droid."

"Well, he's not just a droid to me!" Gabby said angrily, as she made a dark cloud and thunder boom, and she turned her back on Obi-Wan. "Hmph!"

"Gabby, you're clouding." Carousella warned.

"It isn't just that, Master." Anakin said, turning away from his daughter's little tantrum. "How do I put this?"

Obi-Wan suddenly looked concerned. Kara was also concerned, because she remembered something about R2 that only she and Anakin knew about.

"I... didn't wipe R2's memory." Anakin confessed.

"What?!" Obi-Wan exclaimed. "He's still programmed with our tactics and base locations? If the Separatists get a hold of him... what possessed you not to erase that droid's memory?"

Anakin looked down in guilt, and then Ahsoka stepped in.

"Master Obi-Wan. Sometimes R2 having that extra information has come in handy."

"Well, then find that droid, Anakin. Our necks might very well depend on it."

"Right away, master." Anakin said with a smile.

"Yay!" Gabby said, and her storm cloud vanished, but she nearly fell flat onto the floor after slipping off the saddle.

"I got you!" Kara quickly caught her niece before she could get hurt. "You must be more careful, little one."

Anakin began heading into the hangar to start the search for R2. He was determined to find his friend for the sake of how much he cared, as well as protecting his squad. But, he had a much bigger reason than both of those combined.

Anakin knew that war stuff was just some of what R2 had recorded in his memory over the years, but there was more. He also held a video of his and Padme's wedding night, as well as many home videos of him and Gabby together, and in a lot of the videos, Gabby called Anakin 'Daddy,' and he knew that if the Separatists saw those after getting a hold of R2, it would put her and Padme in danger.

Anakin took out his amulet for a moment. He looked at it and wondered about something Kara experienced before.

"Hey. One of your fellow hearts showed my sister something related to finding the third one. I don't know what my daughter has to do with it, but if you can find each other, is it possible you can help me find my friend too?"

But, the amulet didn't do anything. Anakin sighed and just hid it under his robes again.

Gabby was first to meet Ahsoka, and she spotted her with a gold droid that looked like R2. Kara was polishing the new droid's dome.

"Ooh! A yellow R2." Gabby said, liking the shiny droid.

"Ready to go, girls?" Anakin said, arriving at the top of the ladder.

"Master, they just delivered your replacement astromech droid." Ahsoka said, which quickly made Gabby look at her with a frown.

"Replacement?" said the child.

"This is R3-S6." Ahsoka introduced, ignoring the younger girl's question. "I've heard that the new R3s are far faster in thinking skills and more powerful than the old R2 units." She knelt down and motioned to the droid's color. "And best of all, master, he's gold. A gold droid, for Gold leader, of Gold squadron."

"I think we get that he's gold, Ahsoka." Kara said, rolling her eyes.

"But does he have a heart of gold like R2?" Carousella said. "Or a gold sense of humor?"

"Can he even play music?" Gabby asked.

"You can't replace R2." Anakin said to put it simply. Then he picked up Gabby and carried her into the ship.

"Don't worry, Goldie. You'll get to know them later." Ahsoka reassured.

"Ahsoka, you have to remember," said Kara. "Anakin's experienced loss before, and in ways much worse than losing a loved one in battle."

Ahsoka

The Gold Squadron flew into the scene of the previous battle, scanning the perimeter.

"There's my ship!" Anakin said, spotting the ship. But, when it turned around, R2 wasn't in there.

"R2's gone." Gabby said.

"He must've escaped." Anakin said.

Gabby looked for a microphone on the ship, and started to shout 'R2' into it.

"Gabby, what are you doing?" Anakin asked.

"Shouting is what you do every time you look for me." Gabby said. "Ooh! Wait."

Gabby looked at her clava-detector, and she tapped the green stone, and it turned into a little green butterfly.

"Find astromech droid R2-D2." Gabby told the butterfly.

"I'm not sure a butterfly is going to be much help, Gabriella." Kara said. "But it was a smart idea to try and use it."

The butterfly, however, began to fly toward the windshield, particularly near the top right corner.

"R2 isn't on the scanners," said Kara. "But there is a ship out there."

"Looks like a Trandoshan scavenger. Probably combing the battlefield for salvage." Anakin said.

"You think they might have picked up R2 and he's on that ship?" Gabby asked.

"Exactly, what I'm saying."

"Well, then we can ask them if they did, right?"

"It might not be that easy, Princess. These scavengers tend to keep what they find and don't give it back but sell it instead."

"That's mean," said Gabby.

"The historical texts say-" Ahsoka began.

Anakin interrupted with, "Archive texts can only teach you a part of the picture, my young Padawan. You'll learn a lot more through some hands-on experience."

The crew arrived on the scavenger ship. Everyone put a poncho over their Jedi robes. Carousella, on the other hand, wore just a regular saddle to avoid appearing as a guard.

Ahsoka groaned in disgust, and Gabby and Carousella held their noses.

"What's that smell?" Ahsoka groaned, trying to fan the smell away.

Carousella started flapping her wings to fan the smell away.

"It smells like a hutt took a garbage bath in here!" Gabby whined. "Pft! Carousella! Don't fan it this way!"

"You'll get used to it," said Anakin.

"I wouldn't be so sure," said Gabby, who quickly started to make some flowers grow that spurted some sweet-smelling pollen, hoping to overpower the odor.

Suddenly, something that looked like a metal eye popped out from the wall, and someone spoke in another language.

"Hey, we'd like to buy a droid." Anakin said. "You selling?"

Soon, a door started to open, though not very much. And a scavenger soon squeezed through the hole, but broke a little extra wind into the stink, and made Gabby collapse, nearly fainting completely.

Kara picked up the child again and got her to wake herself up.

"We're looking for an R2 unit." Anakin said. "You happen to pick up any recently?"

"An 'R' series?" The scavenger seemed to think about it. "No, no, not for a long time."

"Pookums here really has her heart set on another R2." Anakin said, wrapping an arm around Ahsoka. "She lost the last one."

"Pookums?" grumbled Ahsoka, rolling her eyes. "Oh brother."

The Trandoshan then noticed the R3.

"Nice R3 unit." the scavenger said. "Trade for a C-14?"

"Not on your life, lizardo." Ahsoka said.

"We just wanna find an R2, pretty please?" Gabby said, making puppy eyes at the scavenger.

No one knew how Gabby did it, but whenever she looked at anyone with big sad eyes, they couldn't very well scold her, be mad at her, or really try anything without feeling guilty. You'd have to either be really tough, or totally heartless to do that. In this case, it seemed to hold the scavenger for a little bit, and Anakin sealed the deal.

"Now let's see how much I have here," he said, pulling out a few credits and pretending to count them.

"Tell you what. I may have an R series buried somewhere in the hold."

The Trandoshan scavenger led everyone to his storage area.

"Help yourself. But be careful. There are many, um, unique items down here." The scavenger explained. "And try not to let the child or your pet break anything."

The group walked in without a word, but as soon as the door closed, Carousella snorted, while Gabby stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry, offended by how the scavenger thought she'd break something.

"Why does everyone always think because I'm two I'll break something?" Gabby whined.

But, then it got dark.

"Yipe!" Gabby squeaked. She immediately ran and clinged to Anakin's leg, shaking in fear.

"It's scary in here," said Gabby.

Anakin held Gabby. "It's okay, Princess. It's just a little dark. It won't hurt you."

Carousella lit up her horn.

"There. Problem solved." she said.

The group looked around the hall, seeing a bunch of broken droid parts. It looked like a horror movie, only with droids.

"Master?" Ahsoka said.

Anakin turned around and looked at what Ahsoka found, while Gabby just clinged to his cloak and his her face in his shoulder.

"These must be the 'unique' items we were warned about." Anakin said. "These assassin droids can be very unpredictable. And I don't mean Gabby 'unpredictable.'"

"They're switched off, they don't look so scary to me." Ahsoka said.

"I don't care how they look. I don't wanna find out how scary they can be." Gabby said, her voice muffled slightly by Anakin's cloak.

"She's right. Take my word for it, they're deadly." Kara said, then she and the others continued their way down the hall. "R3, access the computer and find the inventory manifest. R2's gotta be around here somewhere."

As R3 got to work, there was a familiar beeping sound.

"Did you hear that?" Anakin said.

"Hear what?" Ahsoka said.

"That sounded like R2." Gabby said. She tapped her gem again and told it to look for R2.

"How can either of you tell the difference?" Ahsoka asked as Anakin ran down the hall.

"It came from down here," said Anakin, stopping at another door, which actually happened to be where Gabby's butterfly landed. "R3, get this open."

Instead, R3 turned on the lights.

"Well, at least it's less scary in here." Gabby said.

"No, Goldie. The hatch." Ahsoka said.

Gabby pressed her ear against the door and listened.

"R2? Are you in there? Say something." That was when Gabby remembered something. "If you're in there, play my CD."

"What CD?" Ahsoka asked.

"I put a CD in R2 earlier, but I never took it out." Gabby said.

That was when music played. Anakin was prepared to hear Baby Shark again, but to his surprise, he heard piano music, and then someone singing.

Sometimes love's a scary place

It's like standing in the dark

Flying through the universe

Trying to fix your broken heart

It's okay to let it go

You don't have to be so brave

Take a chance if someone else

Is gonna sweep in and save the day

"R2's in there! That's a song from my new CD." Gabby said.

"When did you get a new CD?" Anakin asked.

"More importantly, how do we get R2 out?" Carousella said.

"I'll open it myself. Stand back, girls."

Anakin ignited his lightsaber and started to cut through the door as R3 seemed to try to get the hatch open again, only to end up activating something entirely different.

Gabby screamed as she saw something rising behind Ahsoka, and the Togruta looked, only to get grabbed.

"Master!" Ahsoka exclaimed.

Anakin jumped in to help, and so did Gabby. Well, she hid behind a crate, but she started to make a small ball of fire in her hands.

"Goldie, shut these droids down!" Ahsoka ordered, but the assassin droids unplugged themselves before they could be deactivated.

"I'm afraid R3 is a little slow on the uptake." Anakin said.

"Fire in the hole!" Gabby shouted, which caught her father and sisterly figure's attention, and they ducked as Gabby shot two little fireballs at the assassin droids, powerful enough to destroy one of their weapons and throw one off balance, and then some strong thorny vines grew around, but one droid jumped up on a high shelf, so Gabby maneuvered the vines to chase the droids.

Anakin, Kara, and Ahsoka deflected every shot they could with their lightsabers, and Gabby kept using her vines, but also started to make the hall look like a jungle with all the vines and flowers she was growing everywhere. Anakin even managed to get himself caught in a couple of them.

Meanwhile, Carousella started using her magic to loosen the door so she could kick it down easier.

"Hold still, droids!" Gabby shouted, and she concentrated harder to make another plant grow. And eventually, Gabby grew from one of the shelves, a huge Venus flytrap that chomped the droids and swallowed them almost whole.

"Well, that's one way to get rid of a couple of bugs," said Ahsoka.

"They were definitely starting to bug me," said Gabby.

"Hey! A little help here?" said Anakin's voice.

Gabby looked up and to her left and giggled when she saw her father hanging upside down from some of the vines tangling around his legs. Some of them also seemed to have a mind of their own as they tickled his stomach and torso.

"Haha! Stop it!" Anakin begged, laughing. "This isn't funny! Hahaha!"

Ahsoka and Kara laughed too.

"I didn't know you were so ticklish, Skyguy." said the Togruta.

"Not now, Ahsoka! Hahaha!" Anakin laughed harder as the vines continued tickling him. "Gabby! Make them stop! Please!"

"Vines. Let him down." Gabby told the vines, and they quickly turned Anakin around and unraveled, leaving the grown Jedi to fall on his rear.

"Ow!" Anakin groaned, getting up from his now sore behind. "Your plants don't seem very gentle with humans."

"Sorry," blushed Gabby in embarrassment.

"You were right about the hands-on experience, Gramps. Much better than the archives." Ahsoka said.

"Well, now you know what we meant by Gabby's level of unpredictable." Kara said.

"But you missed one." Anakin sliced the head off the last assassin droid, then he glared at R3. "As for you, Stubby, you'd make a poor excuse for a light switch."

"I'm sure he did his best," Ahsoka defended.

"His best to get us killed?"

"Maybe he's just barely been built and is still learning." Gabby said. "Like me."

"Whose side are you on?" Anakin said. "Besides, he's a droid, not a little kid. R2 would never have made that mistake. Gabby wouldn't even have made that mistake, and she knows very little about machinery. R3 couldn't even get the door open."

"But I did." Carousella said.

And on the other side of the now empty door frame was none other than the trandoshan scavenger.

Anakin quickly aimed his lightsaber at the scavenger, and Carousella aimed her horn.

"If you didn't have a lightsaber, you'd be a dead man." Said the scavenger.

"Where's my droid?" Anakin demanded.

"Master, what are you doing?" Ahsoka said, running in. "R2's not here."

"Yes, he is!" Gabby said. "R2! Play another song! Louder!"

Let me be your superhero

There isn't a place I won't go

Whenever you need me by your side

I'll be there, be there

Never be afraid if you fall

I'll carry you away from it all

Let me be your superhero

Let me be your superhero

Then the room was filled with the song blasting everywhere, making the adults cover their ears.

Gabby followed the music and the little butterfly until she found a metal containment unit. She knocked on it to see if R2 was there.

"R2? Is that you?" Gabby asked. She was answered by some beeping. "He's in here!"

Anakin immediately rushed over, but the scavenger tried to stop him, only for one of Gabby's vines to wrap around him and restrain him tightly, and Carousella threatened to hex him if he tried any funny business. Then, the Jedi Knight used his lightsaber to open up the containment unit, and in there they found R2.

"R2!" Anakin and Gabby exclaimed.

Gabby hugged the droid when he rolled out.

"Are you okay? Did anyone hurt you?" Gabby asked.

R2 shook his dome and beeped to say no, that he wasn't hurt.

"Let's get out of here," said Anakin. And they quickly got back to their ship, safe and sound.

"That was easy," said Anakin.

"And a little close for comfort." Gabby said. "But I'm glad R2 is safe now."

R2 started to play the music again. Anakin had to admit, this CD was definitely a nice change from the Baby Shark CD.

"Finally outgrew Baby Shark, huh?" Anakin said.

"No. I still listen to that one. But this is a new set of music." Gabby said. "Mommy took me to the store, and everyone was going after them."

But, this easy mission, unbeknownst to the crew, was just the beginning of a much more dangerous mission.

Let me be your superhero

There isn't a place I won't go

Whenever you need me by your side

I'll be there, be there

Ahsoka listened to it, and she had to admit, whoever the artist was singing that song, he definitely had a very clear and powerful voice.

"Do you know who that singer is?" Ahsoka asked.

"Uh, no. I couldn't read the name on the CD. I know the names of the songs though because the guy on the radio said them."

"Whoever he is, he's definitely talented."

Chapter Text

Episode: Duel of the Droids

After R2-D2 was rescued from the Trandoshan scavenger ship by Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker, his Padawan Ahsoka Tano, Kara Talhin, and young Princess Gabriella Skywalker, the scavenger was forced to arrive at General Grievous's listening post empty handed. And, as expected, he took it about as well as you might imagine.

"What do you mean you lost the droid?!" Grievous shouted angrily. "You had one job! How hard is it to hold on to a stupid R2 unit?"

"It was not my fault, General." The scavenger said. "Some Jedi, a horse, and a magical little girl took it."

Grievous was immediately intrigued.

"What magical little girl?" the cyborg asked.

"Some little brat in pink with flowers growing from her hands." Said the scavenger.

Grievous laughed as he knew exactly who he was talking about. He knew if the Jedi were coming after him again, they would likely have something much more valuable than a droid.

Count Dooku had already tried to kidnap Gabby once for his master Darth Sidious, but was unsuccessful. During the Battle of Geonosis, he gave her to someone else for a moment, and the next thing he knew, the little one crawled away. But, Grievous knew that if he could get a hold of the child, he could bring her to the Morphina sisters. But, capturing her wouldn't be easy. And her last ten babysitters would agree; it was impossible to get that girl to stay in one place for even five minutes.

"There might be a use for you yet. That little brat would be Princess Gabriella. She is the one Jedi unable to use her Jedi powers. My master has been after her for years. If you wish to make up for what you have lost, you can bring the girl to me. She will be much more useful than any droid."

Meanwhile, Anakin and his crew were heading to the listening post, all ready to face whatever was coming. Gabby, on the other hand, was wrapped warmly in Carousella's wing, taking a nap, a little tired from the last battle they were in.

Anakin ordered R2 to scramble the signal so the Separatists wouldn't detect them. Then, he looked over at his sleeping daughter as she rested peacefully. He smiled at how cute she was when she slept. In the field of battle, it was unlikely she would get to nap on schedule every day. So, Gabby started taking whatever time she had between battles to nap so she would be well-rested for the next mission.

"Hopefully she'll get enough sleep this time around," said Anakin quietly enough to avoid disturbing his daughter, but loud enough for Ahsoka to hear.

"You deserve some rest too, Carousella." Kara said.

Kara knew as well as Anakin that protecting the little one was hard work, and she'd be shocked if Carousella didn't need a rest after a while.

"I'm fine. Really." Carousella said. "This is what I'm trained for. No sleeping on the job for me."

"She's lucky she even gets a break after every battle." Ahsoka said, whining a little.

They soon got into contact with Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"Anakin," said Obi-Wan.

"Master," said Anakin, but pausing as he heard Gabby stirred. Then he lowered his voice a little. "Shh. I believe we found your Separatist listening post.

"Excellent. Back up and wait," Obi-Wan ordered, also lowering his voice. "I'll send two main line cruisers to help you destroy it."

"Good, and with R2 here, it'll be a cinch."

"Be more careful with your droid, from now on Anakin. We cannot allow him to fall into enemy hands again."

"I know. Luckily, it was easy rescuing him with a certain sleeping beauty and her horse helping." He stepped aside to look at the sleeping princess again.

"I still debate allowing a two-year-old into the battlefield." Obi-Wan said, sounding concerned.

"I know, but I've seen many learn the hard way not to be fooled by her cuteness."

"Or mine." Carousella tossed her mane back.

"Just keep protecting her. If she fell into enemy hands, it could be much more catastrophic. She may need more than one bodyguard, now that she is joining the fight."

"No worries, the Separatists can't get to her now, and Carousella can take care of her for now."

Of course, Anakin, being Anakin, decided they needed to fly closer to keep an eye on the Separatist battle sphere, and look for the best way to destroy it. Of course, Anakin told R2 that they were gonna stick together this time. But, when Ahsoka said they should give R3 a chance, Anakin said...

"If Stubby wants to prove himself, he can stay here and help Carousella watch Gabby." Anakin said. "Which should be easy while she's asleep. If he can pull that off, he'll have earned my trust."

"Make sure she stays asleep, Goldie." Ahsoka said. "You might not know this, but she's a wild one when she's awake."

R3 beeped at her.

Meanwhile, as the grownups were searching the listening post, R3 did a little tweaking in the ship. He had to get to Grievous because he was actually a Separatist spy droid. He was programmed not just to capture R2, but to recognize any other assets that would be useful to the Separatists, including a certain magical princess the Separatists had been after for years. Already Gabby was known to be strong in the Force, but the only reason not all criminals were swarming to take her was because they didn't know she was daughter of the Hero With No Fear Anakin Skywalker. Had they known, there would really be trouble.

Gabby continued to rest as R3 was making some adjustments to force the ship to get a little bit closer, but accidentally caused the ship to tip a little bit, which made Gabby slip from Carousella's wing.

"Whoa! Hey! What's the big idea?" Gabby whined, cranky that she'd had her sleep disturbed so roughly.

"I got you!"

Carousella bit Gabby's dress and stopped her from sliding again.

That was when R3 rolled over to her.

"Oh, hi R3. Where is everyone?" Gabby asked.

But, instead of answering, R3 just untied the pink ribbon on Gabby's head and rolled away with it.

"Hey! That's my favorite ribbon!" Gabby said angrily and ran after the droid. "Give it back!"

Gabby chased the little droid around until they came to the open door of the ship. Gabby tried to stop herself, but she slipped and she fell off the edge of the ramp, plummeting towards the sphere. R3 used his rockets to slow himself down, but Gabby needed another way to land safely, and quick!

Carousella flew down as quickly as she could so she could catch Gabby before she hit the ground.

Gabby quickly concentrated, and created a big puffy cloud on the ground that was strong and able to be sat on, and it caught the child, giving her a safe landing. The child breathed heavily and her heart raced as she nearly met her doom before she even lived to be three.

"How does Daddy do that every day?" Gabby mumbled to herself as she got down from her cloud.

"Don't scare me like that again. Ever." Carousella scolded.

R3 waved Gabby's ribbon around as though teasing her and quickly rolled away.

"Oh no you don't!" Gabby said. "You're gonna need more than a repairman to fix you up when I get through with you!"

R3 then started to contact someone.

"Oh, boy." Carousella sighed, running after her girl.

"Report, Agent R3" said Grievous as R3 contacted him.

R3 beeped to let him know he had the young princess following him right into their trap, but the Jedi were also there.

"The Jedi are here?!" Grievous said. "Delay the Jedi until I arrive. I must find the child before they do."

R3 hung up while Grievous gave orders to sound the alarm. Then, he rolled away, eventually stopping, which gave Gabby a chance to grab her ribbon and tie it back onto her head.

"That was so not funny, R3." Gabby said. "Never touch my ribbon again."

Inconveniently, that was when a door opened behind her, and Gabby felt herself being picked up with a scream.

Gabby looked behind her to see her captor was none other than that scavenger from before.

"Happy to see me, Princess?" The scavenger sneered. Then Gabby spit a raspberry in his face. And while he rubbed the saliva off his face, the child managed to slip from his grip, only to be grabbed all over again, and become even more terrified when she saw General Grievous.

"No need for fear, dear child." Grievous said. "We're your caretakers now."

Gabby breathed heavily, then she took a big breath and shrieked at the top of her little lungs, hoping her father or someone else would hear her.

Luckily, someone did.

Ahsoka quickly found R3 and wondered what he was doing there.

"Wait, if you're here..." Ahsoka quickly called her master as she heard the loud shriek echoing through the halls. "Master! I think Gabby's on the post!"

"I heard her!" Anakin responded. "Where is she?"

"Judging by that scream, she either saw a spider, or a certain general cyborg."

"We have to find her now!" Anakin said. "There's no time to waste."

Carousella, however, kicked General Grievous and blasted him and the scavenger with magic and carried Gabby away on her back.

"I thought I sensed something was off! But somehow I never thought a droid would be making me think that."

Carousella stopped and set Gabby down, telling her to hit the green gem so she could look for her family while she kept Grievous distracted.

Gabby ran as fast as she could down the halls, but she was scared; the last time she ran through enemy territory alone, she'd run into a giant spider. She really hoped there wouldn't be another one in this enemy hallway.

"Please, don't let there be any more spiders," she prayed.

Anakin and Kara hid behind a wall as some battle droids passed them by when the former got a transmission from Rex.

"We found the reactor room, sir. The alarm triggered another security door, ray-shielded."

"This could take a while to bypass," said Ahsoka.

"Good luck with that," said Anakin.

"Go ahead, Goldie. Make me proud." Ahsoka told the droid.

R2, however, beeped in offense.

"You'll get your turn, R2-ie."

Suddenly, there was the sound of metal footsteps marching. Rex began to get worried that the droids were getting very close.

"Do you think R3's going to open up that door anytime soon?" Rex asked.

"He's working on it." Ahsoka defended. "Patience, captain."

And just as Rex feared, the droids were getting even closer. One of the other clones offered to hot-wire it, but Ahsoka was insistent that R3 do it.

"Hurry up, Goldie." Ahsoka said.

"I think we've run out of time." Rex said.

"Blast 'em!" exclaimed a battle droid.

Then, blast the droids did, and so did the clones. Ahsoka deflected the shots with her lightsaber, but even more droids started to come in. Battle droids, and super battle droids too. But that wasn't the worst part. Instead of undoing the ray shield, R3 closed the doors.

Ahsoka ordered Rex to get out the droid poppers, and Rex didn't hesitate to throw them out, taking out many droids at once.

Carousella continued to fight Grievous, but he wasn't alone for much longer. He called in some droids to help, and Carousella managed to fight them off too… until some of them hit her with a stunt blast from behind, knocking her unconscious.

Grievous laughed when he saw the guard horse was defeated. He didn't capture Gabby, but he had her horse.

"Secure this horse and bring her to my ship."

Meanwhile, Gabby continued to run until she found her father and aunt.

"Where's Carousella?" Kara asked.

"She stayed to fight Grievous and told me to look for you." Gabby panted.

However, Grievous was not in the same space as Carousella anymore.

"They sent a child to destroy my ship?" Grievous laughed when he saw Ahsoka. He ignited a lightsaber. "The Republic must be running out of Jedi."

"You must be General Grievous." Ahsoka said. Grievous laughed at her, but Ahsoka paid no mind. "He's just another tinny, boys. Let's scrap him like the rest."

Ahsoka attempted to attack Grievous, but despite lack of Force abilities, Grievous was able to strike back and knock Ahsoka against the wall, but the clones continued firing. But that didn't last very long.

Grievous then saw Rex as he lay unconscious, and he attempted to strike him down with his lightsaber, but Ahsoka blocked his attack with hers.

"Sorry to interrupt your playtime, Grumpy, but wouldn't you prefer a challenge?"

"That wouldn't be you, unlike the brat's pet."

At first, Ahsoka didn't know what Grievous was talking about, but then she heard loud whinnying echoing.

Grievous took out a second lightsaber and started fighting Ahsoka again until she ran off with R3 and R2. Seeing that that fight ended quickly, Grievous contacted more droids and told them to watch for a second Jedi and a child loose in the station.

Carousella struggled as she was roped and pulled by some droids, a black ball stuck on the end of her horn to prevent her from using magic. She whinnied as loudly as she could, hoping someone could hear her and would come rescue her.

Suddenly, the doors at the end of the hall opened, and Kara and Anakin appeared.

"Carousella!" Gabby exclaimed.

Anakin quickly put his daughter in a safe spot, then he and Kara started deflecting the blaster fire with their lightsabers as they ran to rescue the girl's horse.

"Hang on, Carousella!" Anakin shouted.

"Please hurry!" Carousella whinnied.

Gabby was horrified to see her friend in trouble. She had to do something, but what?

Kara and Anakin continued to fight the blaster fire, but the other droids took Carousella through some doors, which closed before the Jedi could stop them.

Meanwhile, Grievous continued to pursue Ahsoka.

"Where is the fight you promised me, youngling?"

Ahsoka distracted Grievous by using the Force to move a box that made a noise, prompting Grievous to follow it. Unfortunately, Ahsoka's comlink started beeping. Quickly, she covered it and answered.

"Ahsoka, it's me, Rex. There are only two of us left. Should we abort the mission?"

"No, complete the mission. Set the charges and rendezvous at the landing bay."

"But, sir-"

"That's an order, Rex. I'll keep the general busy. Ahsoka out."

So, while the clones went to do their job, Ahsoka continued to play a deadly game of Hide and Seek with Grievous.

"Come here, child. I'm looking for you. So far, you have failed to impress me."

Ahsoka soon spotted R3 and quietly called him over, but R3 shined a light on her.

"Goldie, no!" Ahsoka gasped as she was almost hit by a blue lightsaber.

In the midst of the shock, Ahsoka lost her communicator, and Grievous stomped it to oblivion.

"Your friends won't help you. You're stuck with me." Grievous said.

Ahsoka quickly slid through a shelf to escape Grievous, but that would only do so much for so long.

Carousella continued to struggle with the droids escorting her to Grievous's ship.

"Let me go!" Carousella growled.

No matter how much she struggled, Carousella couldn't get free. The droids threatened her with shock sticks each time she tried to run, and since she was bound with metal binders, she couldn't chew them off.

Anakin soon arrived via air ducts with help from his lightsaber. The droids stopped when Anakin landed.

"You have something that belongs to us." Anakin said.

The droids released the restraints, and they got ready to fight Anakin. While the droids were distracted, Kara sped in and started to slice the chains and removed the ball from Carousella's horn, but when she tried to cast a spell, nothing happened. It appeared its effects hadn't worn off yet.

Even still, Kara and Carousella both jumped in to help Anakin fight the droids. And it turned out, they got a little extra help from someone who shot lightning at the droids and caught more of them with a bunch of roses.

"No one kidnaps my pony and gets away with it!" Gabby kicked a dead droid.

Except, that one wasn't quite dead. Gabby screamed as it tried to grab her, but something else shocked it. And that "something" turned out to be R2.

"You alright, Carousella?" Anakin said.

Carousella shook herself.

"Shaken up, and kinda scratched, but nothing broken." Carousella winced. "Okay… nope. My wing!"

Carousella could barely move her right wing. She must have hurt it when Grievous knocked her out.

"Not to worry, Carousella." Kara picked Gabby up, and the little girl kissed Carousella's muzzle.

"Oh! That's better." Carousella flapped her wing as it felt better.

Just then, Anakin's comlink beeped.

"Rex? Rex, can you hear me?" Anakin asked. No answer from Rex. "R3? R3, is that you?"

"Anakin, no! R3's with the Separatists!" Carousella said.

"What?"

Anakin couldn't believe it and neither could Kara. But Carousella told them it was true, and that he was the reason she ended up captured, all while Grievous attempted to catch Gabby.

R2 beeped angrily at Anakin.

"No you didn't tell me that." Anakin said.

R2 beeped again.

"Well, I told you it was Obi-Wan's idea. Not mine. Look, we'll talk about this later." Anakin hit his comlink again. "Twilight, this is Skywalker. Rendezvous at the south landing bay immediately for evacuation."

"Acknowledged, general. I'm on my way."

Meanwhile, Ahsoka was hiding on one of the highest shelves, from which she spotted R3 in a conversation with Grievous.

"That stubby little backstabber." Ahsoka grumbled.

"So, Skywalker and Talhin hold the source my mistress is looking for." Grievous laughed. "Go and make certain they do not escape."

Ahsoka was confused. What source was Grievous talking about? And what did her master and his sister have to do with it?

Anakin, Kara, and the kids met at the landing bay, where the Twilight landed.

"Well, there's the Twilight," said Kara.

"But where's everyone else?" Anakin wondered aloud.

A clone trooper came out and saluted to the two Jedi. Suddenly, they were met by the beeping of R3-S6.

"Hey, Stubby? Where's Ahsoka?" Anakin demanded.

Carousella quickly flew and landed in front of R3.
"Not so fast, tin can!" the alicorn snorted.

"General Skywalker." Rex called, running in with the other survivor. "Explosives are in place, sir. Objective completed."

"Where is Ahsoka?" Anakin asked.

"She engaged General Grievous."

"Alone?!" Anakin gasped.

"She distracted him while we completed the mission. It was on her orders, sir. The droid was with her."

"You mean the traitor?" Carousella threatened R3 with magic. "Where is she, you little rust bucket?"

But it didn't look like R3 was talking.

"We got to find her."

"I can take you to her, sir."

But as the clones were about to escort Anakin through the door, it closed. So did the landing bay door. The humans looked to see R3 was the one who closed the door.

Carousella tried kicking R3, but it didn't stop more droids from dropping in. Literally. And to make things worse, super battle droids entered the scene too. Everyone quickly drew out their weapons. The droids began open fire, the Jedi deflecting with their lightsabers.

Ahsoka, on the other hand, found herself cornered by Grievous.

Grievous held Ahsoka around her neck and grabbed her lightsaber. He laughed at her saying, "Another lightsaber to add to my collection. My spy droid, R3, has trapped your precious master and your princess. When I've finished with you, they're next."

"You're wrong." said Ahsoka. "They're gone by now, and my master's gonna blow up your precious spy station."

"Not this time."

The droids continued to fire. Anakin and Kara continued to deflect shots, while Carousella protected Gabby as she made more roses.

"Captain! Trigger the explosives!" Anakin said.

"But, sir, we're still in the station." Rex pointed out.

"And so is a two-year-old!" Carousella added.

"You just let me worry about the details." Anakin said.

"Sir, yes, sir."

So, reluctantly, Rex activated the explosives, and the station began to fill quickly with loud booms!

Ahsoka could hear the explosions from her current position as well. She managed to escape by fracking Grievous to slice off his own hand with her lightsaber, allowing her to flee by jumping on the shelves and making them fall like dominos as she jumped into an air duct that was too small for Grievous to fit through.

Grievous tried to go after Ahsoka, but she Force-pulled her lightsaber to her hand and fled through the vent.

Although Grievous was too big to fit in the vent, he could still stick his lightsabers in.

Meanwhile, the droids were still firing. Even Anakin retreated to hide behind the crates.

"R2, I need you to get the hangar door open." Anakin said.

"See if there are any controls on the outer platform." Kara added.

R2 rolled into action, meanwhile, Grievous fled on his ship.

R2-D2 made his way to the outer platform and started to dig into the control system, only to find he wasn't alone. R3 managed to escape and followed R2 to the platform, where they began to fight each other.

Anakin and Kara continued to fight the droids, but even together they were struggling. But soon, they had one more girl joining the battle.

Suddenly, through a laser-cut circle in the air vent popped Ahsoka, who leaped on top of one of the droids and began slicing them to death.

R2 and R3, on the other hand, or servo, or whatever droids have, engaged in an electric fight R2 fried the enemy droid's circuits, and made his way back to the controls.

Ahsoka beat another droid and stood back-to-back with her master.

"So, what'd I miss?" Ahsoka asked.

"Oh, the usual." Anakin said.

"On your left!" Carousella exclaimed, swooping by, and she kicked another droid's circuits out. "Twelve down. Many more to go."

Anakin, however, could not wait until after the battle to reprimand his Padawan.

"It was foolish of you to take on Grievous by yourself." He said.

"Well, I was leading the mission, and it seemed like a good idea at the time." Ahsoka replied.

"Did he tell you your stubby little gold droid pal works for him?"

"He might have mentioned it. I guess we were all fooled."

Anakin gave her a look, then he deflected another shot.

Kara quickly sped through at least half a dozen droids, slicing them with her lightsaber, but more just kept firing.

"General Skywalker," Rex called. "There are fuel cells over here."

"Get ready, Rex." Anakin said.

Kara grabbed Gabby while Anakin Force-threw a crate into the air. Rex fired at the box, and the explosion took out many of the droids.

Meanwhile, R2 got to the control panel, and he managed to get the hangar door open, but behind him a certain enemy droid was waking up from his not-so-permanent slumber.

R3 bumped R2 to try and stop him.

Anakin called for R2 over the comm, but R2 was a little busy fighting to answer.

R2 and R3 fought once again, but this time, R2 squirted oil on R3.

While everyone else got onto the ship to escape the station, Anakin went after R2.

"Don't wait for me. I'll be right back." Anakin told them.

And off he went.

The oil may have made R3 slip, but he had another trick up his sleeve, or rather his panel. R3 shot out a suction cup and hit R2 with it, attempting to pull him off the end of the bridge with him.

R2, however, knew just what to do. He turned on his rockets, but not to fly. The flames from the rockets set the oil on fire, which incapacitated R3, and R2 used a little buzzsaw to slice the cord on the suction cup, sending R3 falling into the rest of the debris.

And right in the nick of time, Anakin swooped in on his ship.

"Come on, R2."

R2 beeped and happily obliged, boarding the space in the ship where he belonged.

Anakin was tackled to the floor by Gabby the moment he got back on board. But getting tackled wasn't the scariest thing he'd had to deal with, or even the exploding station.

"So let me get this straight, Anakin." Obi-Wan scolded. "You risked the mission, all your men, even your Padawan, to save a horse."

"To be fair, they tried to capture Gabby first." Carousella said.

"Carousella protects Gabriella and she's gone above and beyond to protect the rest of us too. Besides, she's a child herself." Anakin defended. "We couldn't just leave her there, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan sighed. He couldn't really scold Anakin for rescuing a child, but still. One of these days Anakin would be the death of him, he was sure of that. And he ended the transmission there.

"I'm glad we got out safely, Master." Ahsoka said. "But there's one thing I don't understand."

"What's that, Ahsoka?" Kara asked.

Ahsoka told the two older Jedi that she'd overheard Grievous saying how R3 learned that Kara and Anakin were a source his masters were looking for.

"What was he talking about?" Ahsoka asked them.

Anakin and Kara looked at each other, equally confused. But then they both started to think. Grievous worked for Dooku, who also worked for Lady Morpha and Mariverde. What if they knew something about the Hearts of Sunrise that Anakin and Kara didn't?

The first chance Anakin and Kara got, they looked back in their books, and recalled how one of the last times the Hearts of Sunrise were threatened, it was a doresho gypsy who tried to steal them. But they couldn't know now for sure if that was what they were after

"You know, you never told me how you were able to pull off Force speed so much better than any Jedi I've ever seen." Anakin told his sister.

Kara sighed. She figured maybe now was a good time to tell her brother.

"I can't tell you, because I don't know." She said. "It began

Kara told Anakin that she began to realize she could move at supersonic speed when she was four years old. None of the masters could explain why; they all just assumed it was because she was new to controlling her connection to the Force. But Kara began realizing that her speed didn't just activate when she ran. Kara quickly found she could do everything at practically light speed from reading to fighting. It did prove to come in handy when she had a million chores to do and a lot of assignments to get done in little time, but it proved a bit chaotic when she needed to get a short distance away, only to miss her destination by about thirty miles.

Kara didn't know what to do, but then Qui-Gon came along, and he helped her. He told her she needed to take it slow; calm her mind, don't overthink things, and take just one step at a time. By and by, Kara found herself more capable of controlling her speed. But, then came the times her hands would unleash a strange red glow. Eventually, Qui-Gon gave Kara her amulet, which he said was very special and would help protect her as long as she protected it.

"What does this all mean?" Anakin wondered out loud.

"I'm not sure. But, whatever it is, it may have something to do with how we can find the third amulet, and what happened to Solaris."

Anakin was silent for a bit.

"I… I need some time to think."

Anakin took some time to himself. He looked at a tablet where he saved some drawings he'd made. Since he was a kid, he'd been drawing pictures of a beautiful blue horse he knew so long ago. Seeing how Gabby bonded so well with her horse, it made him think about Sapphire.

Anakin looked at the last picture he'd started. It wasn't finished yet. He proceeded to get a stylus and add more blue marks for her mane. He'd gotten better and better at drawing, which was good because he wanted to make sure he never forgot her, but he wasn't sure if she remembered him. It'd been ten years, and Anakin never heard from her again.

Anakin hugged the picture and started to cry. He was able to get R2 back, but he never got to see Sapphire again. R2 was a great friend too, but Anakin couldn't ride a droid, and droids didn't have hair to brush, and they weren't as cuddly as a horse.

Ahsoka passed by and caught a peek in her master's quarters. She'd never seen him cry before, but even she knew Anakin had feelings.

"Uh… Master?" Ahsoka said quietly.

Quickly, Anakin hid the tablet under a cloth.

"Y-Yeah, Ahsoka?" Anakin sniffed, quickly drying his eyes.

"Are you alright? Were you… crying?"

"No! No, I just have… allergies."

Ahsoka didn't need the Force to know Anakin was lying. Before she could ask anything else.

"Coming, Kara." And Anakin took off.

Against her better judgement, Ahsoka peeked at the tablet Anakin was looking at and found the many drawings Anakin had made of Sapphire over the years. She had to admit it was kind of adorable seeing how Anakin drew when he was a kid, and amazing how much he improved over the years. But she saw a lot of them seemed to have messages written on them.

Dear, Sapphire. I miss you. A lot of them said.

Ahsoka felt really concerned about her Master, but he was so stubborn when it came to talking about his past, she wasn't sure how she could help.

Chapter Text

Episode: Bombad Jedi

With Carousella as Gabby's guardian, Gabby's parents wouldn't have to worry about her being brought on missions. Or so they hoped. For today, Carousella was accompanying Gabby as she accompanied Padme, C-3PO, and Gungan Representative Jar Jar Binks on an important mission to the Outer Rim planet Rodia.

Carousella also saw to it that she and Gabby went over some basic safety and emergency procedures, starting with three basic trigger words: Cast, Music, and Soar.

'Cast' was the trigger word for Carousella to spring into action with attack and defense spells, 'Music' meant Carousella needed to take a musical approach to a situation, and 'Soar' let Carousella know to fly and swoop in to rescue someone.

As battles raged across the galaxy, more worlds succumbed to the seductive lure of the Separatists and left the Republic. Thus, this mission would hopefully ensure the essential world of Rodia remained loyal to the Republic.

On the way, Padme was talking to Chancellor Palpatine over the comm, while Carousella was brushing Gabby's hair with her magic.

"Senator Amidala," said Chancellor Palpatine. "I just received word that you have ventured through enemy territory in the Outer Rim."

"Senator Farr requested me personally, chancellor." Padme explained. "His planet is in crisis. His people are starving. He's a very old family friend. I could not refuse his plea for help."

"I understand, but in these dangerous times, you should be accompanied by a clone escort."

"This is a mission of peace. I put my faith in diplomacy. We can't solve all of our problems by throwing troops at them."

Jar Jar stood up and said, "Yousa no needin' to worry, chancellor." But as he spoke, he didn't realize he accidentally spun Threepio. "As representative of Nab-"

"Jar Jar, look out!" All the females on the ship exclaimed.

Jar Jar tripped and slipped and accidentally hit a button that threw the ship off course. Padme quickly took the wheel and managed to steer the ship, but not before Gabby fell out from her seat. Luckily, she landed on Carousella's back.

"What is happening?" said Threepio.

"Threepio, are you okay?" Gabby asked, taking the protocol droid's hand and helping him up, Carousella pushing him off his back to help.

"May I recommend that only those who are qualified for these delicate peace talks participate in them?" the chancellor suggested.

Padme looked hesitant at Jar Jar and the other girls as they helped Threepio back up and said, "I will follow your advice, chancellor. Thank you."

And so, the group continued on their way, soon arriving at Rodia.

Sliding doors opened on a giant dome that sat over a palace in a swamp to let the Naboo cruiser in.

"Lookee, lookee, it's a swamp planet just like home." said Jar Jar excitedly. "Meesa have to get going."

"Jar Jar, you would be doing me a great favor by staying with the ship." Padme said.

"Messa knowing meesa be big help with the negotiations." Jar Jar said.

"I need you to watch over Gabby and Threepio. You know how they always get themselves into trouble."

"Trouble, me? Really?" said Threepio.

"Plus, you got me to help out." Carousella said. "I'm a professional royal guard."

"I know you'll do a good job as usual, Carousella." Padme said, stroking the pony's muzzle. "Be good for Uncle Jar Jar, Baby. I won't be long."

"Yes, Mommy." Gabby said.

"Meesa understands, my lady." sighed Jar Jar, looking down.

And Padme left the ship to go meet with Senator Farr.

"H'chu apenkee, o'diogran, Tor-sene-ke Farr." Padme said, speaking Rodian to Senator Onacanda Farr.

"Chowbaso." said Senator Farr, greeting the young senator.

"Oh, I've missed you so much."

"I was afraid you might not come," said Farr. "We are such a small and humble system."

Padme walked with Ono as they conversed.

"Uncle Ono, you are very important to me." Padme said. "We've been friends since I was a little girl, when you were my father's strongest ally in the Senate. Rodia is very important to the Republic, and of course, I'd come to help you."

"You speak of friendship I have not witnessed of late." said Ono, sounding upset. "Where was the Republic when our supply ships were destroyed by pirates? Where was the Republic as my people starved and began disappearing? We have been stranded out here without any help at all. I know it is not your fault, but my people starve all the same."

"I'm sure the Republic Senate will approve a relief effort." said Padme, who then recalled how Gabby was getting better with her plant growing magic. "And my daughter could potentially use her powers to help supply food. The vote was postponed, but you will get your food."

"I am sorry. It is too late, my sweet." Ono said regretfully. "The Separatist leader Nute Gunray has promised to support us with a very generous relief effort." He sighed and looked down. "Neh-soo-bo-wah. He is giving us food, ships, and protection."

"Nute Gunray cannot be trusted. He will bring war to your system just as he did to mine many years ago."

"I am afraid I have already done what I must for my people."

That was when battle droids ran in, pointing their guns at Padme, who could not believe her family friend's betrayal to the Republic and to her. Ono then held up a holo-communicator, which showed Viceroy Gunray.

"Viceroy. I should have known." Padme said with disgust.

"You won't get away this time, senator." said the Viceroy. "Your friend made a deal with me, and you and- wait a minute. Where is the princess?"

"She's not here," Padme lied. "She stayed with the Jedi, where she'll be safe."

"No. I know you are tricking me, senator. It will not work. We will have her."

Padme immediately began to call Threepio, only for one of the battle droids to grab her wrist and smash her communicator under its foot.

"No one can help you now," said Gunray.

"I am so sorry, my sweet." said Ono. "I had no choice."

"There's always a choice," said Padme. "To live in fear is no life at all."

"Take her away." Gunray ordered the droids. "And find that child!"

"Please, Uncle Ono, don't do this." Padme begged as the battle droids took her away.

"You have made a wise decision, senator." Gunray told Ono. "My provider will arrive within the hour to bring food for your people and I will arrive to collect my prizes."

In a town somewhere on Rodia, several people heard knocks on their doors and found that someone left them a flyer about a relief effort of food being brought to a special location, and all they had to do was follow the instructions to get there.

There were at least a dozen who went through with this. Strangely enough, they found that the instructions led them into the jungle, and as they got farther in, the air smelled like sushi, and there were traces of seaweed on the ground, which was weird because they were on a swampy jungle planet, not a saltwater beach planet.

"What kind of relief effort is this?" said one man.

But he never got an answer, and instead screamed filled the air as a large green, sticky net was dropped and wrapped around everyone who entered into the jungle. And they all screamed when they saw a giant spider was the one wrapping the green stuff on them.

"Now this is what I call a catch of the day. Hope you're all hungry, because I sure am." A male voice said.

Meanwhile, Jar Jar, Threepio, Gabby, and Carousella were all outside of the ship for fresh air.

"How rude!" Jar Jar said as some animals made a bunch of nasty noises at them.

"I'm afraid the local swamp life doesn't have a very high opinion of us." Threepio said.

"I agree. But they should at least know to respect royalty." Carousella said.

"Whaten dey speaking?" Jar Jar asked the protocol droid, since he spoke over five million languages.

"I couldn't possibly repeat it," said Threepio. "especially in the presence of young children."

"Ah, theesa swamp dwellers just like meesa." Jar Jar said. "I will convince them of our good fellowship."

"Do be careful, Jar Jar. I don't think they're quite like your friends on Naboo."

Low guttural noises sounded from the ground below. Jar Jar started to speak in a foreign language to whatever it was down there. Then, something made a noise in response.

"Meesa make contact." Jar Jar said happily. And he started talking in the other language again.

"What is he saying?" Gabby wondered out loud.

"I don't know. I speak twenty-four languages, and Gungan is not one of them." said Carousella. Then her ears shot up as she sensed something, and she bit the back of Jar Jar's shirt to pull him down before some balls with orange liquid could hit him, hitting Threepio instead.

"I don't think that requires translation," said the droid.

"Yup."

"Thisen is a different swamp altogether. Sorry." Jar Jar said.

"I just hope Mommy is okay." Gabby said. "She's been gone a long time already."

"Something weird is going on here. I can feel it." Carousella said, then she stuck her ear out to listen.

That was when a door opened to reveal battle droids. Gabby screamed.

"Oh my stars." said Threepio.

"Battle droids!" said Threepio and Carousella at the same time.

"Weesa in trouble now." Jar Jar said.

"Stop where you are." said one battle droid.

Jar Jar let Carousella run into the ship first with Gabby on her back before running in himself. Carousella pressed a button with her hoof.

"Threepio!" Gabby exclaimed, realizing the protocol droid was the only one not on board.

"Wait for me!" Threepio begged.

Jar Jar quickly reached out to pull Threepio in, but fell out instead.

"Jar Jar, you great webfoot, you're squashing my circuits." Threepio said.

"Blast 'em," said a battle droid.

Jar Jar quickly rushed up to avoid getting shot, but as he was running, he tripped on a wire and accidentally flipped a switch that maneuvered a magnet towards Threepio.

"Oh, no! I'll be crushed for sure." Threepio said.

"Hang on, Three-So!" Jar Jar exclaimed, trying to get his foot loose.

"It's 3-PO."

"Oops."

Jar Jar flipped the switch again, this time stopping the magnet just in time to save Threepio. But then, Jar Jar flipped it again, and Threepio stuck to the magnet this time as it activated and lifted him up. Jar Jar tried to get the protocol droid down, but only succeeded in swinging Poor Threepio around.

On the ship, Gabby was worried as she watched the fight going on.

"How do we get out of here?" Gabby asked. "What if my mommy's in danger?"

Carousella knew if it were her mother out there, she would do almost anything to make sure she made it out alive.

"Don't worry. I won't let anything bad happen to you or Padme." Carousella promised.

Meanwhile, Padme was being escorted to a tower by two battle droids and Senator Farr. However, Padme tried to reason with her honorary uncle.

"It's not too late," said Padme. "Uncle Ono, you can stop this madness."

"Keep moving, prisoner," said one of the battle droids.

Padme moved forward. Ono, on the other hand, felt horrible about what he was doing. Deep inside, he only hoped at least Padme's little girl would make it out safely.

In the hangar, a crab droid soon came in.

"Look out, Jar Jar! A crab droid is headed right for you." Threepio warned.

"Headed for Meesa?" Jar Jar said.

"Yes, yousa!"

The crab droid began shooting blaster fire at the Gungan, who ran behind a crate for protection, but the crab droid found him and started to attack him.

"Carousella, Cast and Soar!" Gabby exclaimed.

As Jar Jar was thrown around on the crab droid's back like a mechanical bull ride, Carousella quickly swooped in and carried Jar Jar on her back and blasted the droid with her magic, blasting it to bits as it fell over the edge into the swamp below.

"Oh, thank yousa. Yousa be savin' my life." Jar Jar said.

"I despise those things." Carousella huffed. "Saving those in need is what I do."

"You're a superhero!" Gabby cheered.

"Well, first we gotta save your mom."

"If you want to be a hero, I need help." Threepio said.

Carousella flew up and touched her horn to the magnet, creating a spark that demagnetized it, and sending Threepio falling to the ground... until Gabby made a giant sunflower catch him and lower him safely to the ground.

"That was close." Gabby said.

"Do be more careful in the future, please." Threepio begged.

"But theysa saved you," said Jar Jar, tripping once more, accidentally hitting the control panel for the fifth time, and making the magnet crush the Naboo cruiser.

"Jar Jar!" the girls scolded.

"Well, that's the end of our ship." Threepio said. "Typical."

"What do we do now?" Gabby asked.

"Don't worry. My royal guard training had some very simple rules to remember. And one of them was 'Don't panic, calm down, and assess the situation.'" Carousella said. "We can figure this out together."

Padme was brought into the tower, where she was placed into the cell by the battle droids and had her hands chained over her head.

"Are those chains necessary?" Ono asked.

"Welcome to the Separatist way, senator." Padme said.

"Viceroy Gunray's orders." said a battle droid.

And as the cell doors closed, Padme had one last speech for Ono.

"I hope it's worth it for you."

Back at the crushed ship, the rest of Padme's crew was checking the premises for anything that could be useful.

"We're obviously not going anywhere the way we came here, that's for sure." Carousella said.

"Thisa one big mess." Jar Jar agreed.

"Perhaps we should try to contact the clone troopers." Threepio said.

"I'll try calling the Jedi Temple for help." Gabby said, getting out her communicator. "They might be able to send someone to help."

Gabby pressed the button, but couldn't get a signal.

"Rats! We must be too far out of range."

"Oh, lookee." said Jar Jar. "Here's a button that's still working."

Jar Jar pressed the button, and a hissing sound came from behind.

"What did you break now?" Threepio said.

"Meesa doing nothing." Jar Jar said.

Carousella looked at where the sound came from.

"That button just opened a closet." Carousella said.

"Thatsa looken like a Jedi robe."

"It must be Daddy's." Gabby said.

Only a select few Republic senators and representatives Padme trusted were aware Anakin was Gabby's biological father, and they were bound by the Perpetual Promise to never tell anyone, and Jar Jar was one of those few.

"Our only hope is to hide in this closet until Mistress Padme returns." Threepio said.

"Even if we did wanna hide, that closet isn't big enough for all of us." Gabby pointed out. "Carousella's almost too big to fit in there by herself."

"If those droids attackin' us, Padme's probably in trouble." Jar Jar said.

"My lady gave us very specific instructions to remain here," said Threepio.

"Well, as your younger lady and future queen, I'm giving you new instructions." Gabby said. "We have to rescue my mommy. She needs our help, and we have to find a way off this planet."

"Gabby isa right." Jar Jar said, taking the robe out from the closet. "We musta hafta try and savin' her."

"Jar Jar Binks, have you gone completely mad?" Threepio said. "You'll do more harm than good."

"Have a little more faith, Threepio." Gabby said. "If an eight-year-old can graduate top of her royal guard class, and a two-year-old can survive the battlefield, why can't clumsy Jar Jar stage a rescue?"

"He's got more than one Enchanted around here to watch his back at the moment," said Carousella. "It's not like we have any other, better, options."

Meanwhile, Senator Farr's assistant arrived to let him know that Viceroy Gunray was on his way.

"Good," said Ono. "I shall meet the viceroy when he lands. What about Senator Amidala's daughter and companions?"

The assistant told him there was no sign of anyone else.

"If there are no signs of her friends, they must have fled into the jungle. Yes, this is perfect. I want no sign of trouble. Our people need those supplies."

Except, the rodian senator was also notified that apparently several people went into the jungle as well, and not a single one had returned.

Several rodians were in a dark cave somewhere, all of them in a cage of some kind. Something was put into the cage for them. Mostly candy and pastries.

"Eat up everyone," sang a male voice. "You'll be out sooner if you do."

So, because everyone was hungry, they did start eating, some of them fighting for it.

"Hey, no fighting in there. Plenty to go around."

The owner of the voice came out from the shadows, revealing a horse who looked to be made out of kelp. He was green all over, aside from two red scars over his right eye. He licked his mouth as he watched the people in there eat, and looking like they were gaining weight within seconds as they stuffed their faces.

"I can practically taste them now."

And then, a comm that was wrapped around the horse's neck beeped. He took on a human form to answer it.

"Talk to me."

"I need you to search for a child."

"That happens to be my specialty."

"Not for eating! Bring her to me. The rest of the citizens of this planet, you can eat as many as you want. But the Naboo senator and her princess are mine."

"Whatever floats your boat. Just tell me about my target, and I'll find her."

"Hold still, Uncle Jar Jar!" Gabby exclaimed. She was standing on Carousella's back, trying to help the Gungan put the Jedi robe on properly.

"Wait. Meesa eyeball's stuck in the sleeve." Jar Jar said.

"It'd be easier to get unstuck if you just stop wiggling."

"Meesa can't help it! Meesa ticklish."

"Just look at you." Threepio said.

"Something's wrongo here."

"Because you've been trying to put this on backwards." Gabby said. "Daddy won't be happy if he finds that you ripped his robe. It'll be the third robe he's gotten destroyed this year if you rip it."

"The battle droids will surely capture you, or worse, me. Or Mistress Gabby." Threepio said.

"Not with thisa on." Jar Jar said as Gabby managed to help him get it on properly before getting down and putting on her own Jedi robe. "Theysa won't be recognizing me." Then he looked at Gabby. "Aww! Yousa cutesie in a robe."

Carousella smiled when she looked at her charge in her mini-Jedi robe. "You gotta admit. You do look pretty adorable."

"Thanks, but this is no time for cuddly cuteness," said Gabby. "Mommy needs us now."

"I have a very bad feeling about this." Threepio said.

"Threepio, you get bad feelings about jumping on the bed."

Viceroy Gunray soon did arrive to meet Senator Farr.

"The citizens of Rodia welcome you, Viceroy." said Ono.

"Where are Senator Amidala and Princess Gabriella?" Gunray asked.

"The senator is awaiting your arrival, as promised," said Ono.

"And the princess?"

"She was not with her mother, as she said. We have searched, and she is nowhere to be found."

The viceroy was disgruntled that they did not have the child in their custody, but decided they would settle for just Padme for now. And, he had someone else looking for the girl now too.

"No matter. I do not wish to keep the senator waiting," said Gunray. "Shall we go?"

What they didn't know then was that Padme's companions were all hiding behind a nearby post, eavesdropping on their conversation.

"We are holding the senator in the detention tower." Ono told Gunray.

"I hope it is not too painful for her," said Gunray.

The group looked up to where the tower was.

"Sheesa up in that tower?" Jar Jar said.

"Typical. Putting a princess in a tower." Gabby said, unamused by the cliche of how princesses were treated or expected to be.

"Weesa get to recuin' her."

"Carousella, do you think you can fly us up there?" Gabby asked.

"We'll have to be as stealthy as possible to get in and then get your mom out." Carousell said.

Unfortunately, the group was spotted.

"Look, two Jedi." a battle droid said.

"Jedi?" Gunray said, surprised.

"Jedi? Where's two Jedi?" Jar Jar asked.

"Well, I am one, but..." Gabby began, realizing the robes made her recognizable as a Jedi.

"I do believe they also mean you." Threepio finished.

"Meesa not a Jedi." Jar Jar said.

"Kill the Jedi," said Gunray.

"Carousella, music time!" Gabby exclaimed.

Carousella made her horn glow and hit the enemies with a loud blast of calliope music played at a very high pitch and crescendo dynamic.

Gunray and Ono covered their ears while the battle droids were thrown off course.

"Weesa run!" Jar Jar said.

"Let's go save Mommy!" Gabby said, and she snapped the reins on Carousella to get her to run. "Giddyup!"

Carousella stood on her hind legs with a whinny, making Gabby's hood fall back to reveal her face.

"The princess is here!" Gunray said, seeing the princess.

Gabby gasped when she realized she was spotted, and she ordered Carousella to go faster. The winged musicorn immediately began running and quickly spread her wings out to fly and save the senator. Meanwhile, the battle droids tried to go after Jar Jar once they regained their balance, only to find the bigger Jedi robe hanging on a door on a grate that stood above water.

"Is he dead?" Gunray asked.

"The older Jedi got away." said a battle droid. "He slipped through this grate and went underwater."

Luckily, Jar Jar was fine, as Gungans were great swimmers and could breathe underwater. Unluckily, Gunray was still after him and Gabby.

"Sound the alarm." Gunray instructed. "Find that Jedi and capture the princess."

"I can see you're busy, so I'll just be going now." Threepio said, trying to leave as he was now the only one left.

"And take that Republic droid scum to the dismantling center." Gunray said, to Threepio's horror, and he was taken away by battle droids.

"Take me to Senator Amidala at once," Gunray instructed the Rodians.

Once the droids and viceroy were gone, Jar Jar returned to the surface to grab the Jedi robe and figure out how to save his friends.

"There's a bad boogie monster down there, you betcha."

Jar Jar put the robe back on.

"Don't be fearing, Padme. Meesa coming." But then he looked around and saw someone was missing. "Hmm. Wheresa you supposin' little Gabby and Carousellie are?"

Meanwhile, Carousella managed to hide Gabby by landing on a ledge and moving a bunch of vines over them to make them less visible to the battle droids.

"That was close." sighed Carousella. "Well, they know you're here now. But I won't let that stop us from saving Senator Amidala."

"Then what are we waiting for, a royal invitation?" Gabby said.

"Patience, Princess. We must be strategic about this. Rescue missions such as this one aren't like in fairy tales where you just run in with shining armor on a beautiful steed, pull out a sword, and the princess is saved."

Carousella waited until the battle droids were far enough before flying Gabby into the jungle so they could strategize how to get Padme out without being seen.

"Okay, here's what we know now. Our ship is damaged, Gunray thinks Jar Jar is a Jedi… hmm. That's a new one."

Carousella set Gabby down so she could think, when Gabby heard a voice calling her name.

"Gabriella, where are you?" called a female voice.

Gabby recognized that voice.

"Mommy!" Gabby ran in the direction of the voice.

"Gabby, wait!" Carousella ran after her charge.

Gabby ran deeper into the jungle as she thought she heard her mother calling for her, and then, she saw her mother standing there in a green dress.

"There you are, my little one. I've been so worried." Padme smiled, holding her arms out to the child. "Come to Mommy."

And being the eager little girl she was, Gabby ran towards her mom and hugged her, but then she noticed her mom's new dress.

"Mommy? When did you have time to change clothes?"

"I change more than my clothes, little one." said 'Padme,' her voice sounding deeper.

And who Gabby thought was Padme shapeshifted into a big green snake who wrapped around the child as she screamed for help.

Carousella rushed to the scene as quickly as she could, but the snake shifted into a kelp horse, shed some of his skin, and threw it at Carousella, trapping her in a net of sticky seaweed.

"HELP ME!" Gabby screamed as she was taken away.

Meanwhile, Padme was still locked in the tower.

"Better watch out." said a battle droid guard in the tower. "There's a couple of Jedi on the loose."

"Uh-oh," said two more battle droids.

"You know, you will soon be destroyed," said Padme. "I can't tell you how many times I've seen battle droids sliced in half by a lone Jedi."

"Quiet, you." said a guard.

"All right, cut the chatter," said another. "I want you troops to go outside and secure the perimeter."

Padme then pulled herself up and pulled something out from her boot and started a bit of acting.

"You made it! I'm rescued at last. Hurry, before the battle droids figure out what's happening."

Padme used the screwdriver she pulled out to pick the lock and break out from her cuffs.

"Quiet in there," said a droid.

"Thank you. Let's get out of here, Master Jedi." said Padme.

Confused, the droids opened the cell door and found no Jedi and no prisoner inside. That was when Padme jumped out and karate kicked a droid to the ground, swiped its blaster, and used it to take out the guards before they could sound the alarm, and she pressed a button to activate a bridge that would take her to the other side of the palace.

Above, Carousella was flying as she was looking for Gabby, and she spotted Padme running with a blaster.

"I guess you didn't need us to save you, huh?" Carousella said. "Is Gabby with you?"

"You lost Gabby?!" Padme exclaimed.

"Hop on! I'll explain on the way!"

Padme let Carousella place her onto her back, and the alicorn flew as fast as she could so they could look for Gabby, wherever she was.

"No!" Gabby screamed as she was taken and placed into a cage by her kidnapper.

Her wrists were tied together with some super strong kelp that made it very difficult for her to use magic, and the cage was locked up tight. The little one cried.

"Don't cry, little girl." said the kelpie. "Lucky for you, the viceroy wants you alive. At least for now."

Meanwhile, Threepio was being escorted to the dismantling station.

"I am a protocol droid, fluent in over six million forms of-"

"Quiet," said a battle droid.

Suddenly, out of the blue, Carousella swooped at the battle droids, and Padme blasted them to death. You can bet they were relieved to see each other, but Padme was disappointed to not see Gabby with Threepio.

"Mistress Padme! Thank the maker you're alive." said Threepio. "Have you-?"

Padme covered Threepio's mouth with her hand as battle droids were approaching.

Padme and Threepio had their backs against the wall, while Carousella flew up to the ceiling.

"Where's Jar Jar?" Padme asked.

"Well, I'm afraid he and Gabriella went to rescue you." Threepio explained.

"Gunray and the droids think he's a Jedi because he's wearing Anakin's robe." Carousella added.

"That's not good," said Padme. "This is our chance to capture Viceroy Gunray, but I need all of you to stay calm. Go back to the ship and call for help."

"I'm afraid 'Uncle Jar Jar' broke the ship." Carousella said.

"All right, then find a communications room and send out a distress signal." Padme said. "Hopefully, there are some clone ships within range. I'll track down Jar Jar."

"I'm afraid that's not the worst part." Carousella said, taking out a small device.

With the news going around that several enchanted prisoners escaped, all royal guards in every kingdom were required to hold a device that gave them access to the mugshots and profiles of every escaped criminal in MARED's database.

It turned out, the physical description of the kidnapper Carousella witnessed matched that of a kelpie named Lesley Boakelp, who was nicknamed Junk Foodie, sometimes Feeder. His M.O? He used his shapeshifting abilities to prey and lure innocent victims into traps so he could feed them large amounts of junk food contaminated with a chemical called inflarium in order to fatten up his victims and eat them. But it took a while to capture him because he mainly targeted people who would be least likely to be missed. Homeless people, orphans, or in this case… planets overlooked by the Republic. And one couldn't put it past the Separatists to allow him to eat anyone who spoke against them.

Padme then remembered Ono said something about people disappearing. If this escaped criminal was on Rodia, then its people were in danger!

"And to make matters worse, bad kelpies are known to have a terrible favorite meal…" Carousella gulped. "Children!"

Padme gasped.

"Then we have to hurry and find her! And Jar Jar, wherever he is. Hopefully he can take care of himself or find and rescue Gabby first."

Jar Jar was climbing a vine outside the detention tower, not knowing Padme was already out.

Meanwhile, Senator Farr was escorting Gunray to the tower to meet Padme.

"Viceroy Gunray, when can we expect the supplies to arrive?" Ono asked. "My people are starving."

"They haven't arrived yet?" said Gunray. "I'm sorry. Your request will be taken into consideration after Senator Amidala's execution."

"Execution?" Ono was shocked. "You can't. Senator Amidala is a prisoner of war, and the princess is only a child. We were promised."

"You are under my protection now, and you will do what I demand of you."

Suddenly, a big green bird arrived with a little cage in his talons.

"Hook, line, and sinker." Junk Foodie said. "And I didn't feed her anything, like you said. Though, she does look tasty."

Gabby just started crying in response.

"Good. Good." Gunray smiled. He told a battle droid, "Contact Mariverde. Let her know the child she desires is in custody."

Ono's assistant said something to him.

"Padme was right," said Ono. "I have made a grave mistake joining with the Separatists."

His assistant said something else.

"I know. I know. We must appease Viceroy Gunray so he does not destroy us all. Be on alert for that Jedi. He is our only hope."

As Jar Jar continued climbing, the Viceroy met a battle droid at the detention tower.

"Bring Senator Amidala before me." the viceroy ordered.

"Um, she caused a great deal of damage to our droids," said the battle droid. "and she escaped, sir."

"Escaped?" said Jar Jar, climbing onto the edge of the bridge, and accidentally exposing himself.

"It's the Jedi!" exclaimed the droid.

Gunray ordered the droids to shoot Jar Jar, who lost his grip on the bridge. Fortunately, his ankle was wrapped in a vine, and he bounced up and down like he'd been bungee jumping.

"Thisa rescuin' is hard jobbin'." Jar Jar groaned, trying to get his foot unstuck.

He managed to get himself free, only to run into more battle droids.

"Jar Jar!" a familiar voice exclaimed. It was Padme. She shot the battle droids as Jar Jar jumped back into the water.

"Capture her!" a battle droid shouted.

Padme fought the droids with her blaster as best as she could, but the droids also dropped a bunch of bombs into the water to terminate the 'Jedi'.

Carousella spotted the big green bird with the cage in his talons and saw Gabby trapped inside. She became determined to rescue the princess before she became a snack.

Meanwhile, Threepio walked alone towards a communications room, posing as one of the Separatist droids.

"The Jedi has been spotted in the south hall," said the protocol droid.

"Let's go." said one battle droid, and the guards left.

"I think that was rather clever," said Threepio.

"Sir, over there!" exclaimed a battle droid who saw Jar Jar swimming beneath the grate. "The Jedi is escaping."

"Not likely," said a super droid.

And the droid fired a blast into the water.

Jar Jar quickly found himself not only being pursued by a ball of red light, but by a green monster of some sort too. He wasn't sure which he was more afraid of then.

Battle droids turned a corner, where they thought Padme would be, but instead found an empty space.

"Where did she go?"

And then, one of the droids was shot down.

Padme kept shooting the droids, while Jar Jar was dodging bombs and a sea monster underwater.

Padme ran as quickly as she could to escape the droids. Then all of a sudden, there was an explosion of water, and a big splash burst from the grate door Jar Jar had gone into.

"Jar Jar... no." said Padme with sadness.

"Senator Amidala," said the dreaded Viceroy Gunray behind Padme. "So good to see you at last."

Carousella, on the other hoof, had bigger fish to fry. Junk Foodie placed the girl down for a moment, when all of a sudden, something big and purple swooped at him. Then he saw it was Carousella.

"Put the girl down!" Carousella snorted.

"Why don't you make me, little pony?" said Junk Foodie.

So, Carousella swooped at him again, but he transformed into a huge green dragon!

"Uh-oh!" Carousella became a little worried.

Fighting a dragon was a multi-guard job, but she had to save her girl, or die trying.

"Hello? I say, is anyone there?" Threepio said, pressing some buttons on the panel. "Why is there never an R2 unit when you need one?"

Thankfully, he finally got an answer.

"This is a restricted frequency. Who is this?" said a clone.

"I am C-3PO, human-cyborg-"

"No droids. This code is for military use only."

"This is a priority message from Senator Amidala on Rodia. We require immediate assist-"

Unfortunately, that was when a pair of battle droids entered.

"Hold it."

"You're under arrest."

"So, you didn't find the Jedi, then?" said Threepio.

"You got him, boss," said a battle droid to the bomb droid. "Too bad you can't take out that slug monster."

Then, the sky started to turn dark with thundering storm clouds.

"Or control the weather."

And it was true about the slug monster. In the water down below, the slug monster spat out Jar Jar, having saved him from the explosion.

"Yousa okay, Bogey?" Jar Jar asked. "Yousa save-ed me. Yousa my new palo."

Jar Jar kissed the slug on his cheek, and the beast grumbled affectionately.

Carousella continued to swoop as Junk Foodie attempted to snap her. And the more he did so, the more scared Gabby got, and the more scared she got, the darker and stormier the wind and clouds got.

Soon, a powerful wind filled the air, making it difficult for either creature to fly, and rain started to pour from the clouds, which wasn't good for the kelpie. Because now that he was getting wet while he was out of the water, the water forced him to transform to his true form.

"No, no, no!" cried the kelpie, and he dropped the cage with Gabby in it!

Carousella quickly dove down and grabbed the little cage before it hit the ground, and she used a hairpin to pick the lock, opened the cage, and chewed the seaweed off Gabby's wrists before getting the child out.

"Carousella!" Gabby cried.

"It's gonna be okay, Gabby. Hit the red gem on your clava-detector, and tell it that prisoner Lesley Boakelp has been spotted on Rodia."

Threepio was escorted to where Padme was surrounded by battle droids.

"Mistress Padme, have you found Jar Jar?" Threepio asked.

"I think Jar Jar's dead, Threepio." Padme said sadly.

"Not again. Oh, poor Jar Jar. He was always such a misfit." Threepio said.

Unfortunately, that was when the two friends found themselves surrounded by droids.

Carousella chose that moment to drop and stand protectively in front of Padme and Threepio.

"You'll have to get through me first if you wanna harm the senator."

"I want to make sure this time." Gunray said.

"Don't do this, viceroy." Ono begged. "I beg you, do not kill them. There must be another way."

"Silence!"

Carousella had an idea. Obviously, Nute Gunray wasn't aware that although she couldn't use the Force yet, Gabby still had powerful magic that was growing, and she was mastering it day by day. And as Gabby practiced with Carousella, they came up with code names for various attack and defense spells.

"Gabby, operation: cloud block!" Carousella said.

Gabby concentrated. Combining her water and air powers, Gabby started to create thick clouds of mist and fog. The cloud got bigger and bigger, and it got thick enough to blind everyone, including the battle droids.

Carousella flew above the fog with Gabby and Padme on her back, Threepio wrapped in Carousella's long tail.

Jar Jar, meanwhile, found the robe as the fog was clearing up.

"Where have they gone?" Gunray said angrily.

"There they go!" A battle droid said, spotting Carousella flying everyone away.

But before the battle droids could start shooting, Ono exclaimed, "Look, it's the Jedi!"

Gabby looked back and happily exclaimed, "Jar Jar's alive!"

"Carousella, we have to go back!" Padme said.

"As you wish!" Carousella said, turning back. However, they were met with another problem.

Now that the storm was over, Junk Foodie managed to shift again, and become a dragon again, and he attempted to grab them all again. But this time, Carousella shot magic at him, and so did Gabby. Gabby made lots of bubbles appear with her magic, and they got into the kelpies' eyes.

"Ahh! My eyes!" cried the kelpie. "Can't see!"

That made it a lot easier for Carousella to swoop at him again and again until he crashed into a tree, and this time, Carousella wrapped him in a trap like he'd done with her earlier.

"That oughta hold him until the authorities arrive."

"It's the J-J-Je..." Gunray stammered.

"Jedi," said Padme and Gabby as Carousella landed.

"Leave my ladies alone," said Jar Jar.

"Uh, that Jedi is going to attack," said a nervous battle droid.

"Shoot him! Shoot them all!" Gunray ordered.

Gabby quickly threw out a protective energy bubble, but Jar Jar let the droids shoot at him, jumping every shot until out popped the slug monster, who attacked the droids.

"That Jedi has summoned a monster!" Gunray exclaimed.

Viceroy Gunray tried to escape with a couple of remaining battle droids, but Gabby caught the droids with her vines, and Carousella tackled the viceroy to the ground and wrapped him in her tail. Jar Jar's monster even knocked the Viceroy's ship into the water.

"I made a very good friend," said Jar Jar.

"Hold it right there, viceroy." Padme said, pointing the blaster at the trapped viceroy as he struggled to escape the horse's tail wrapped around him.

"Don't bother," said Carousella. "I've trained my tail to stay firmly in place when holding a prisoner."

That was when Onaconda came in with another blaster.

"At last, we can finish this." said the Rodian senator.

Carousella snorted and made her horn glow in a threatening manner.

"Onaconda, it is about time," said Gunray. "Blast that Jedi, and shoot the senator!"

"Don't even think about it unless you like poison ivy." Gabby said, making some leaves that were not poison ivy grow to make a point.

Padme looked at Ono, who shared a mutual look in his eyes.

"Uncle Ono, I think it's time to tell the viceroy about our little secret," said Padme. "how you never meant to leave the Republic and how you truly care what's best for your people."

"What is she talking about?" said Gunray, confused.

"Sorry, viceroy, she is right." said Ono. "I am with the Republic, and you are under arrest."

"You will pay for this treach-" He gasped as Carousella made her tail tighten its grip.

"Yeah, yeah. We've all heard it before. Pay for treachery, pay for this and that, yadda, yadda, yadda." Carousella said sassily to the viceroy.

Gabby couldn't help giggling at the sight of a Separatist being overpowered by a colorful magical horse.

"Viceroy, you are going to spend the rest of the war in a cell." Padme said, pointing the blaster at the Viceroy.

"Bad things happen when you're bad." Gabby said before sticking her tongue out at the viceroy.

"Your victory will be fleeting, senators." said Gunray.

That was when a Republic cruiser happened to arrive, and down came clone gunships to the relief of the senators and their friends, and the enchanted authorities arrived and placed Junk Foodie in a muzzle and chains.

"Got your message, General." saluted a clone. "What are your orders?"

"Our message got through." Threepio said.

Carousella released the viceroy from her tail so the clones could take him.

"Take this Separatist scum away." said Carousella, whacking the viceroy in the face with her tail. "Oh, and Senator Onaconda. Would there happen to be any caves or hot water geysers nearby?"

Ono wasn't sure why Carousella would ask that, but according to Junk Foodie's profile, he was known to place victims in caves so he could fatten them up and eat them, especially if they were near hot water geysers where he could boil them alive.

A little map searching and coordinate discovering later, the authorities sent out search parties to rescue and treat any surviving victims of Junk Foodie's.

"I'll get the apples ready," said one enchanted officer.

"What are the apples for?" Padme asked.

"They treat the effects of inflarium overdoses." Carousella answered.

Viceroy Gunray was taken away, and Junk Foodie, a.k.a. Lesley Boakelp, was now being returned to jail.

Ono approached Jar Jar.

"Master Bombad. On behalf of the people of Rodia, I thank you. You're either the bravest or the most foolish Jedi I have ever met."

"I'm just a Gungan." said Jar Jar, pulling the hood down. "And I don't think I'm either."

"Well, I think you're a... a little of both." Threepio said.

"Me too." Gabby said, raising her hand.

That was when the Chancellor called, prompting Gabby to hide behind Jar Jar.

"Senator Amidala has brought your people's needs to my attention," said the chancellor. "And I have already sent a convoy of supply ships to your system."

"Thank you, Chancellor," said Senator Farr.

"The capture of Viceroy Gunray is a major victory for the Republic. All of you should be commended for your courage, and from what I hear, especially you, Representative Binks."

"Ah, it'sa nothing." Jar Jar said modestly.

Padme looked at Onaconda.

"Can you ever forgive me, Padme?" asked the Rodian.

"It is the Republic that should be asking your forgiveness, my old friend." Padme said. "Far too often, we forget that our most important allies are not always the most powerful."

Mariverde growled when she saw in her magic mirror that Gunray failed to capture the princess, even with the help of an escaped prisoner. But she figured she should've expected that.

"A hungry kelpie to capture a child. What was I thinking?" Mariverde said. "And Gunray has managed to find himself captured."

"Shouldn't we send someone after him?" Morpha asked.

"Your husband can take care of that. Did you not have him obtain an apprentice?"

"I did, Sister."

"Good. Just remember everything she must learn. This war must continue on for my plans to be realized, and your hubby is a big part of it."

"Don't you worry. I've got him wrapped around my well manicured finger, and I get a palace out of it." Morpha said, admiring a shiny ring on her finger.

"Do you ever spend your time doing anything besides accessorizing?"

"Well, unlike you, I can show my pretty face."

Mariverde grabbed her sister by her throat and threatened to kill her right then and there if she dared speak another word about her face.

"I don't want to hear another peep out of you for the rest of the day. Do you understand me?"

Morpha just gasped, and Mariverde banged her against the wall.

"I said, 'do you understand me'?!"

Morpha just coughed and collapsed.

"Hmph! That'll keep her quiet for a while. She was getting on my nerves."

And Mariverde walked off, not even bothering to step over her sister, allowing her high heel to dig into Morpha's back.

"Ouch!" Morpha screamed.

Chapter Text

C lone Wars Episode: Cloak of Darkness

Featured song:

Excerpt from "Trust in Me" by Scarlett Johannson

Viceroy Nute Gunray was captured on Rodia. After a failed attempt to execute Senator Padme Amidala and to kidnap her daughter Princess Gabriella, along with having an escaped fugitive kelpie named Lesley Boakelp aid in this crime, he was to face trial for his many war crimes.

However, the viceroy had to be taken to Coruscant first. So, the Jedi Council dispatched Master Luminara Unduli, Anakin Skywalker's half-sister Kara Talhin, and his Padawan Ahsoka Tano to escort him under heavy guard.

Luminara stood in the cockpit of the ship escorting Gunray to Coruscant. She was a mirialan, and a powerful Jedi at that, with very few people able to match up to her.

At the Temple, before Gabby could even count past ten, she noticed she had a lot more uncles than aunts, but the few she had, she found Luminara to be inspiring because she was a tough woman, and very wise too.

"Captain, have you made contact with the cruiser?" asked Luminara.

"Yes, general. We'll patch you through now." said a clone captain.

On the screen were three men in blue armor.

"Jedi cruiser Tranquility," said Luminara. "This is General Luminara Unduli requesting permission to land."

"You are cleared, general." said the captain. "We await your prisoner's arrival."

"Thank you, Captain Argyus. I look forward to delivering him to you."

Gunray, on the other hand, like a lot of high-end criminals, tried to bribe his way out of jail.

"I am a man of great wealth, and I can be very generous to my allies."

"That is a very tempting offer, viceroy." said Gree. Then he brought out some cuffs. "In the meantime, I have a gift for you."

Ahsoka, meanwhile, was relieved they would land soon.

"Finally. It's been such a boring trip." Ahsoka said.

"I see my brother's rubbing off on you." Kara chuckled.

The ship soon came to land at the Jedi cruiser, where Gunray was escorted down a hall.

"This is an outrageous miscarriage of justice," Gunray whined. "I demand my litigator."

"And I demand to know if you have an off button," said Kara.

"Keep moving." the clone commander Gree said, bumping Gunray.

The group was soon greeted by Captain Argyus and four other guards.

"Greetings, general. We have the brig all ready for this traitor."

"Very good, captain. Commander Gree, let's get underway."

"Right away, sir. Let's move!" Gree shouted at the viceroy.

Viceroy reluctantly walked with the senate commandos, but Ahsoka was confused.

"How does a money-grubbing worm like Gunray rate all this security?" Ahsoka asked. "He doesn't look that dangerous."

"Don't let your overconfidence give Gunray another advantage, Ahsoka." Luminara said. "Even now, his allies may be conspiring against us."

"She's right, Ahsoka." Kara nodded. "Besides, looks can be deceiving. Even the most pleasing sight to the eyes can be an illusion to lure one to their downfall. Remember when you first met Gabriella?"

Ahsoka had to admit Kara had a point, recalling how the little one could literally shoot lightning from her hands, and she had even the most serious Jedi masters going "Aww!" whenever they saw her giggling or just acting like… well, a little kid.

Meanwhile, on a Separatist ship…

Dooku knelt down as Lord Sidious' hologram stood before him.

"Gunray's capture could be a serious threat to us, my friend." Sidious said. "The viceroy will not last any longer under Jedi interrogation than any suitor to your sister-in-law."

"Oh, leave my marriages out of this!" Mariverde said.

"I have already put a plan into action, my lord." Dooku said. "My best agent, Asajj Ventress, will infiltrate the Jedi ship and either free Gunray or silence him."

Sidious, however, did not like the sound of that idea. Ventress failed to kill Jabba the Hutt's son in the past.

"You are putting a great deal of faith in an operative who has failed us in the past."

"She is a gifted assassin. You have my word, she will complete her mission to the letter."

"Not alone, she won't." Mariverde said. "The kelpie was a failure, but unlike my sister's fool of a husband, I have backup plans. And I have located and recruited a known assassin in the enchanted realm. She will arrive shortly."

"Very well. You may proceed."

And as the call ended, the doors opened to reveal Asajj Ventress behind them, but she wasn't alone. Beside her came someone with a green and brown scaly hood which concealed their face.

"Master."

"There is no margin for error this time, child." Dooku said. "You must prove yourself worthy of being my apprentice."

"I am worthy, as you shall see."

"And you must be Mariverde's recruit?"

"I am, sir." said the woman, hissing with that last word, and every time she made an 'S' sound. "Not to worry. No Jedi is prepared for a woman of my skill set."

Back on the Jedi cruiser, the senate commandos were watching the panel, one of them leaving to ask Commander Gree how the interrogation of Nute Gunray was going. It turned out he was a hard nut to crack at the moment.

"Neimoidians are a slippery lot, but the Jedi will wear him down." Gree reassured.

Inside the cell, the three women were interrogating Gunray.

"Your thoughts betray you, viceroy." Luminara said calmly. "I can sense your concern, the fear that you will lose the wealth and the power that the war has given you."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Gunray said.

Kara and Ahsoka stood silently as Luminara took charge.

"You hide a great many things," continued Luminara. "The names of your secret allies, the locations of their bases."

"I am an innocent pawn in all of this."

Luminara scoffed. "If you're merely a pawn, then who are you protecting?"

"No one. I… I know nothing."

"Liar! Liar!" Ahsoka ignited her lightsaber. "I'm tired of all this whining."

Ahsoka held the lightsaber to Gunray's throat.

"Tell us what we want to know right now, ir I will gut you like a Rokarian dirt fish."

Gunray fell to the floor in response to Ahsoka's outburst, and quite possibly wet himself. Luminara, on the other hand, pulled Ahsoka away like a mother scolding a child for misbehaving.

"Padawan, terror is not a weapon the Jedi use."

"I wasn't serious." Ahsoka whispered. "But the only way he'll talk is if he's scared enough."

"And perhaps I was too hasty," said Gunray, picking himself up. "Let us negotiate."

Kara, however, stood alone with her eyes shut as she was sensing a disturbance of some sort. She couldn't tell what it was for sure, but she knew it was something bad coming.

Suddenly, BOOM!

Gree called the captain and requested a status report.

"Droid fighters, incoming. They've brought boarding ships." said the clone captain.

Just like he said, there were boarding ships outside, ready to infiltrate the Jedi ship. In response, shots were fired.

"Green company, prepare to repel the enemy."

The alarm was sounded as clones prepared their weapons.

Several boarding ships jammed their way into the hangar, several super droids dropping in, and they immediately started firing at the clones, who hid behind some crates for protection. But as the Green Team leader contacted Commander Gree, he quickly found the super droids weren't the only thing that came on the boarding ships.

"They're headed for the detention level… agh! We need…Let go!"

Green Team Leader sounded like he was having trouble breathing over the comm, and then blaster fire was heard, and then… static.

"That doesn't sound good." Kara said.

Luminara was inclined to agree.

"Commander, I'll need your assistance." And she started to leave.

"Let's go," said Ahsoka, but then Luminara stopped her.

"You will stay here with Captain Argyus and General Talhin. Guard the viceroy."

"But…" Luminara gave Ahsoka a look. "As you wish, Master."

Gunray peeked from his cell.

"It appears you are in no position to negotiate after all, Padawan." Gunray said. "Perhaps after my rescue-"

"Rescue?" Ahsoka scoffed. "Maybe they're here to make sure you won't talk."

Gunray gulped.

Back in the hangar, there were several super droid corpses laying the floor, as well as something long, thin, and scaly slithering across the floor.

Up on the ceiling, out from one of the ships came Asajj Ventress, along with the snake hooded woman whose face remained concealed.

Ventress readied her two lightsabers, and Anna held what looked like a wooden flute with a round head.

Ventress spotted one surviving clone, who brought out his blaster as the former ignited her sabers.

"All units, there's a bald-"

But he never got to finish his sentence, as he was killed by Ventress, who then used her swords to open a hole in the air vent, and she took the dead clone's transmitter.

Several super droids were headed down the hall, all of them firing at the clones. But it turned out they weren't alone.

On the floor, the clones heard something hissing, and some even felt something crawling up their legs. That something turned out to be…

"SNAKES!"

The clones panicked, as they had not prepared for snakes. But then Luminara came in and helped to fight off many of the droids and some of the snakes. But she had no clue where they were all coming from.

Meanwhile, Ventress snuck into the room where the ship's engine was, and there was a little droid that looked like it had binoculars for a head entering. It almost caught Ventress in the act, but she evaded the droid's optics, and stayed hidden as two clone troopers entered.

"See anything?" asked one clone.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary from the clones' perspective, but for now they would lock it down, and they left 327, the little droid, to do his job.

327 beeped something, seeming upset.

"Okay, okay. 327T."

"You know droids never like to be called by their nicknames," said the other clone, already out the door.

As soon as the clones left, 327T went back to work, but was unaware of Ventress tossing a small device against the wall, and she swiftly threw more onto the walls, sneaking past 327T like a ninja, and then escaping through the vent.

Luminara continued to slice droids while Gree shot more of them down.

"Looks like that's the last of the droids, general." Gree said, amid the fact that a python was wrapping around his torso.

"Yes, commander," Luminara said, using the Force to get the snake off the clone. "But I sense our troubles are not over."

And then Luminara gasped as she felt something wrap around her waist, and it made her do something Jedi typically didn't do.

Back at the detention area, Kara and Ahsoka were babysitting Gunray.

Ahsoka smirked at Gunray.

"Sounds like your rescue didn't work after all."

"I am ready to discuss our bargain again." Gunray said.

Just then, Captain Argyus walked in.

"Padawan Tano, may I have a word?"

"Certainly, captain." Ahsoka looked at Gunray. "If I leave, you won't go anywhere, will you?"

Gunray laughed sarcastically.

"I've got the all-clear. The enemy has been repelled."

"And their attempt to free Gunray has… failed?"

The sound of someone screaming echoed through the vents.

"That was Luminara screaming!" Kara said.

Ahsoka got worried; it would take something really terrifying to scare a Jedi that much, and that wasn't the only problem. She looked up and saw a red lightsaber cut through the ceiling, and out dropped Ventress, who fought the commandos.

Ahsoka and Kara both got out their lightsabers.

"If it isn't the hairless harpy." Ahsoka said.

"Now, Ahsoka. What has a harpy ever done to you?" Kara teased.

"If it isn't Skywalker's filthy, obnoxious little pet and his equally obnoxious sister." Ventress retaliated.

"How nice of you." Kara said. "Tell you what, we'll give you a merciful death."

So together, Ahsoka and Kara began fighting two on one with Ventress. Normally, that wouldn't be much of a fair fight, but then again, Ventress had two lightsabers.

Luminara struggled as an anaconda snake wrapped itself around her and it squeezed her and several other pythons were squeezing the clones.

Master Luminara usually kept it a secret, but she was actually afraid of snakes since she was a little girl, when she was bitten by a venomous one and almost died.

She tried to escape, but the snake's squeeze force was very powerful, and it didn't seem to help as their master came in and played her snake charmer's flute.

"Good job my sweets." The snake charmer hissed.

Luminara noticed the hooded woman had a green and black tattoo on her right forearm that looked like a snake with the letters A.C. in the middle.

"Keep these prisoners occupied. I've got someone else to snare."

And she left, leaving Luminara and the clones to struggle.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka and Kara continued to fight Ventress, the Sith just barely missing the two Jedi.

"Shoot her!" Ahsoka commanded the senate guards.

The two Jedi got out of the way as the guards attempted to blast Ventress, only for her to deflect their shots with her lightsabers, and then throw the last one against the panel, knocking him unconscious.

"Skywalker's not here to save you now." Ventress snarled, holding both lightsabers against Ahsoka's.

"Good thing I don't need saving," said Ahsoka, doing a split and blocking Ventress' next attack.

"Over here!" Gunray called from his cell. "Open this door, and I'll buy you a planet."

Ventress went after Gunray, and so did Ahsoka. She tried to stop Ventress from getting Gunray out of the cell, only to end up in the cell herself.

Gunray laughed at Ahsoka saying, "Oh, yes, yes, such delicious irony."

"You mean the irony that you missed one?" Kara said, coming up behind Gunray.

Except, before Kara could launch an attack, the sound of a snake charmer's flute filled the room, and Kara found herself wrapped by a pair of king cobras. Kara dared not to make any sudden movements, knowing these snakes were highly venomous.

Meanwhile, Luminara continued to struggle as the snake brought its face closer to hers. Although the anaconda wasn't technically a venomous snake, it was known to have deadly squeeze force, and for what seemed like the first time, Luminara was fearing for her very life. She was going to need help on this one.

And then, out of the blue, or rather out of the pink, there appeared a lovely full-grown pegasus mare with a bottled message around her neck. She was mostly a cinnamon brown with little white squiggles above her hooves that looked like frosting, and her mane was mostly blue with little streaks of red, green, and purple.

The mare whinnied at the site of the snakes.

"Not the welcome I was hoping for," said the pegasus mare.

All the mare did was start flying, and that seemed to get the snakes to loosen up and start to slither off. But why? That didn't matter for now, though, because the clones were relieved to be able to breathe. Although, the air smelled strangely of cinnamon.

"Whatever you did, thank you…." Luminara breathed.

"Gingerbread Pastry," said the pegasus mare.

"Yes, but no time for introductions."

Luminara quickly took off, knowing through the Force that Ahsoka and Kara were in trouble.

Quickly, Luminara made her way to where Ahsoka and Kara were trapped. Luminara used the Force to deactivate the ray shield on the cell, and she ran to fight Ventress, and more clones came in with Gingerbread, and for some reason all the snakes started to slither off as quickly as they could, and the same hooded woman from before began gagging and holding her nose.

"Surrender." Luminara said.

Ventress did raise her arms, only to reveal a blinking red light on her wrist, indicating the bombs were exploding.

As the explosions shook the ship, Ventress fled, whereas Luminara pursued her and Kara took on Anna, who began playing her flute to summon more snakes, but everywhere Gingerbread was, the snakes slithered off, and Anna seemed determined to stay away from her too.

Unfortunately, the snakes provided the distraction Ventress and Anna needed to take off via elevator or hallway.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Ahsoka said, trying to go after Ventress, only for Luminara to pull her back, and good thing too, because the lift dropped in and would've crushed Ahsoka had she gone down two seconds ago. "Thanks."

"Everything's running haywire," said a commando. "The doors, lifts. Communication's down. Propulsion's dead."

"Not to mention all the snakes," said Kara, getting one off her leg. "Who was that other woman, and why does it suddenly smell like cinnamon in here?"

"I'm not sure, but I sense she has something to do with these little beasts." Luminara said, amid another snake.

"As for your other question," said Gingerbread. "I'm a pega-scents pony. A pegasus that naturally smells of pleasant aromas. In my case, cinnamon, which is repulsive to snakes."

"Whoever the other one is, our attackers have come for Gunray." Luminara said. "Stay here and guard him. I'll confront Ventress myself."

But Ahsoka has some concerns.

"Master, all due respect, but Ventress is too powerful for any one Jedi to fight alone. Let me help you."

"Not to mention, the other one." Kara said, looking through the one device that was working right.

According to the MARED database, the other woman who attacked was an assassin by the name of Dr. Anna Conda, a former herpetologist and biologist who specialized in snakes before an experiment to see if it was possible for a human to gain the ability to shed all of its skin and replace it with clear new skin like a snake went horribly wrong. In her picture, she was shown to have dark tan skin with spots of green scales, her green eyes looked like a combination of human and snake eyes, and she wore her hair in snake braids now. According to her M.O, she used a special flute to charm snakes into doing her bidding, and there were three things that you had to avoid doing if you got close to her. Keep any exposed body parts away from her mouth, don't look her in the eyes, and never take your eyes off her until she is fully restrained.

"Dr. Conda is a dangerous woman. I know you're capable of dealing with a lone assassin, Lu." Kara said. "But knowing how you feel about snakes, I'm afraid Ahsoka's right."

"I can handle one with undisciplined fighting skills," said Luminara. "Kara, you and Ahsoka stay here and watch Gunray."

So, Luminara jumped down the lift and stopped at a floor where there were several clone corpses.

But she didn't know that she was also being watched by someone fully taking advantage of her dislike of snakes.

"Luminara Unduli may be a Jedi Master." Ahsoka said, pacing. "But she has no idea what that bog witch is capable of." Ahsoka said. "No idea."

Kara returned with Gingerbread a report. She got off the horse's back.

"We've gathered as many of the snakes as we could. Gingerbread seems very helpful in that area."

"In other words, stay out of the storage closet until we can land and call animal control." Gingerbread added.

"The only problem is we can't seem to locate their mistress. She's as slippery as snakes themselves."

Luminara made her way to the engine room, where she awaited Ventress' attack. But Ventress made some kind of gas spurt out, some of it hitting Luminara's left eye.

Ventress quickly came after Luminara with her lightsabers, and she wasn't alone.

"I can't let her face that lowlife alone." Ahsoka said. "Wouldn't we have a better chance of stopping both assassins if we helped? Or at least one of us?"

"Sometimes, being a good soldier means doing what you think is right," said Captain Argyus. "That's why we're superior to droids."

Luminara continued to battle Ventress, although it was a little harder with a hurt eye.

"Do you think you'll still be able to call on the Force after I've separated your head from your body?" Ventress asked.

"Even with my vision clouded," said Luminara. "I recognize the fighting style of Count Dooku. Your version is unrefined, amateurish, sloppy."

Ventress screamed and tried to strike Luminara down, but the mirialan Jedi was easily able to fight off Ventress.

Ahsoka was still debating what to do next.

"I can't disobey a direct order and leave my post, can I?"

"I wouldn't," said Gree.

"My brother might." Kara said. "Oh, who am I kidding? He would."

"Don't worry. We've got this under control, Master Jedi." Captain Argyus. He motioned to Gunray. "Your friend won't be going anywhere."

"All I know is I never risk my own skin if I don't have to." Gunray said.

"Quiet you." Kara said.

Ahsoka then decided what she had to do.

"Watch him closely," she told Argyus. Then she noticed someone else missing. "Where's Gingerbread?"

Dr. Conda charmed another snake to hold Luminara in a tight grip, and she lowered her hood, forcing Luminara to look into her eyes, even if only one was working.

"Don't be afraid, Lulu." Dr. Conda chuckled. "You can trust me."

Dr. Conda:

Trust in me, just in me

Shut your eyes and trust in me

You can sleep safe and sound

Knowing I am around

Luminara found herself in a trance that should have made her unable to fight back, but because it was only one eye that was working right, Luminara was only hypnotized halfway, so she managed to remain self-aware long enough get one hand free and Force-push the snake lady away and wriggle out from the snake's hold, and fight Ventress again, only for the Sith to Force-push Luminara off the edge until something swooped in and caught her.

"Hold on!" Gingerbread exclaimed.

Ventress sliced some metal pipes and made several pieces of metal fall towards the Jedi and the pegasus. Gingerbread tried to escape, but a big piece of metal threw her off course and caused her to fall, another large piece landing on her wing and another on her tail as she dropped her rider, who got her leg caught underneath another pipe.

Ventress stood victoriously on some fallen pipes.

"Now you fall, as all Jedi must."

But before Ventress could make another move, she was Force-pushed away by none other than Ahsoka Tano.

Ahsoka used her lightsaber to cut a hole in the pipe on Luminara's leg, and she did the same to free Gingerbread's wing and tail.

"I know, you told me to stay behind." Ahsoka said.

"Well, as long as you're here." Luminara smiled.

However, this fight was far from over, as Ventress re-emerged, and Dr. Conda called upon more snakes with her flute, but then Kara came in and aided in fighting off the snakes, and so did Gingerbread.

But while the snakes kept the three Jedi distracted for a moment, Ventress and Dr. Conda made their way out of the engine room.

"We have to find them," said Luminara. "We can't let either of them get to Gunray."

Luminara and Ahsoka both Force-jumped. However, Gingerbread's wing was too injured for her to fly. Fortunately, Kara used the Force to lift her up to the platform before Force-jumping up there herself. The four ladies ran out to search for the assassins, but they didn't know that Ventress already signaled someone else, and it wasn't Dr. Conda.

Back at Gunray's cell, Captain Argyus received a signal on his transmitter.

"What is going on?" asked Gunray.

"Nothing you need to worry about, sir."

And then, Argyus began shooting at the clone troopers, including Commander Gree, who fired back as he shielded himself the best he could. He used his elbow to open the cell and pulled Gunray out of the cell.

"No, please don't!"

Captain Argyus held Gunray in one arm and fired with the other.

"Oh, do shut up. Count Dooku is paying me a fortune to deliver your slimy carcass, so please try to stay alive."

"It's not him who needs to worry about staying alive," said a female voice.

Back in the engine room, Luminara, Kara, Ahsoka, and Gingerbread were looking for Ventress. They spotted some debris moving, but it turned out to be 327T underneath.

Luminara had something she needed to confess.

"Ahsoka…"

"What happened to 'Padawan Tano'?" asked the togruta.

"This assassin. I've… never faced an adversary like her. Or like the other one. Most don't know this, but I have a terrible fear of snakes, which Dr. Conda took advantage of. I should have listened to your advice."

"Master, I never meant to overstep my boundaries, but-"

Suddenly, Luminara's comlink beeped.

"General Unduli, we've been betrayed." said Gree. "Argyus has freed Gunray."

"I knew I sensed something sour about him." Gingerbread said.

"I've been a fool." Luminara said.

"Let's get back there." Ahsoka said.

"Hop on!" Gingerbread said, motioning for the others to hop on her back.

Except the door closed, trapping everyone inside.

Ventress got out her lightsabers again and fought all three Jedi at once.

As for Gunray…

Several snakes slithered swiftly into the hall and constricted Gree and Gunray, but Dr. Conda had Captain Argyus against the wall.

"Do you not understand how this works?" Dr. Conda smirked. "The bounty goes to whomever turns in the prize. And Mariverde is paying me to make sure Dooku's assassin does not fail, which means… bad luck for you."

Dr. Conda opened her mouth, baring sharp fangs as she positioned Argyus' neck.

"No, no! Please!"

Meanwhile, Ventress continued to fight the Jedi.

Ventress threw various pieces of debris, but Kara and Luminara sliced it with their lightsabers.

Gree struggled as the snake tightened its grip around his arms and torso, Argus' body laying on the floor as Dr. Conda held Gunray with more snakes as she took the wristcom from Argyus' arm.

"Like you told the Padawan, Argyus. Sometimes, being a good soldier means doing what you think is right. And as a soldier in the area of bounty hunting, I think it's right to keep you out of my way."

And so, Dr. Conda took Gunray with her to complete the mission, but not without notifying Ventress first.

Ventress received the signal she thought was coming from Argyus, and she planted one more bomb before escaping through the vent.

Ahsoka tried to go after her, but the explosion stopped her, and she might've fallen to her death had Luminara not grabbed her hand in time. Kara quickly helped out, and so did Gingerbread to lift Ahsoka up.

Dr. Conda brought Gunray to a ship. With the ship in turmoil, it would be too easy to escape.

"Alright, ladies, let him go." Conda said, and the snakes released Gunray, who gasped for breath.

"I would have walked." Gunray said.

"Now where would the fun in that be?" Dr. Conda said flirtatiously.

Ventress, on the other hand, took an escape pod, and both she and Dr. Conda escaped before any of the Jedi could reach them.

"As successful a rescue as one could hope for it to be," said Dr. Conda. "I will be a legend for this."

"You impress me, Dr. Conda." Gunray said. "And not a bad looking woman, I might add."

Dr. Conda hissed as though purring when Ventress entered.

"You see, Ventress? That is how you do a job." Dr. Conda said. "And I will, of course, make sure your contributions are noted in my report to Count Dooku."

Ventress was about to use her lightsaber on Dr. Conda… only for something to bite her in the leg and send her collapsing to the floor.

"And of course, I made sure to come prepared." Dr. Conda took Ventress' lightsabers and placed them in her snakeskin fanny pack, and picking up the coral snake on her arm. "Don't worry. Coral only paralyzes, not kill. Isn't that right my little cutie coral snake?"

She fingered at the snake's little head like it was a kitten.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka got a report to Anakin and Master Yoda on holo-call.

"I'm sorry that despicable wealth-worm Gunray got away. Not to mention an escaped fugitive got away too."

"It's okay, Snips." Anakin said. "I know you did your best."

"Good news is the authorities managed to get a hold of most of the snakes Dr. Conda left behind." Kara said. "And no one was bitten by any of them but that traitor Argyus."

"But I did injure my wing," said Gingerbread.

"Troubling is the treachery of the Senate guard, Captain Argyus," said Yoda. "Revealed all around us, our enemies are."

"I'm not sure all is lost," said Luminara. "Gunray and his accomplices stole a Republic ship to make their getaway."

"It could be tracked," said Anakin with realization.

"Indeed."

"A coward Viceroy Gunray is," said Yoda. "But powerful allies he has. Swiftly, we must move if we are to recapture him."

"Master Fisto's fleet was near Gunray's position," said Luminara. "I've already contacted him to follow the signal."

"We at least know Gingerbread here is an effective shield around Dr. Conda, seeing or rather smelling as she smells naturally of cinnamon." Kara said, petting the mare's muzzle. "But her wing will need time to heal or she will need a kiss from Gabriella."

"For now, Ahsoka, I'll meet you and Kara at the rendezvous point." Anakin told his Padawan.

"Yes, Master."

"See you, then, Little Brother." Kara smiled.

And the transmission ended there.

"Master Luminara," said Ahsoka. "I guess this is goodbye for now."

"I owe you my life, Ahsoka." Luminara said.

"Protecting a Jedi Master is the role of a Padawan."

"And teaching is usually the role of the master. Master Skywalker should be proud. Farewell."

"Thank you, Master." Ahsoka said, and she and Kara took their leave.

But as Kara and Ahsoka left, Luminara had one more thing on her mind, and it regarded Gingerbread.

Gingerbread was laying down, licking some water from a bucket one of the clones brought out for her, when Luminara asked her how she knew to come.

"My queen sent me," said Gingerbread. "And by the look of when I met you, it's a good thing she did when she did."

Luminara took the bottled message from around Gingerbread's neck, but also noticed she didn't appear to be wearing armor like Carousella did.

"Are you a royal guard?"

"No. I'm a baker."

It turned out, Gingerbread actually worked in a sweet shop, and was a skilled gingerbread house builder for someone without a horn. But Luminara wasn't sure how a baker was supposed to be helpful in the battlefield aside from being a walking snake repellent. But, Gabby had received a horse who was a child, yet the best guard in the business, and it couldn't hurt to try.

"Commander. See if you can modify some extra armor to fit a horse." Luminara said.

"Yes, general."

Hope you guys enjoyed the newest chapter. Please review and leave Kudos if you did.

Chapter Text

This chapter includes a couple of excerpts from Clone Wars episode "Lair of Grievous"

En route to Coruscant to stand trial for war crimes, Viceroy Gunray was freed by Count Dooku's sinister agent Asajj Ventress and Mariverde's paid fugitive assassin Dr. Anna Conda.

Alerted to the daring prison break, Jedi Master Kit Fisto has traced the stolen ship to a remote system, hoping to recapture Gunray and return him to justice.

Kit's astromech droid R6 beeped at his master.

"I know we're in the middle of nowhere, R6," chuckled Kit. "but that's the Republic beacon we're looking for. Contact the Outer Rim command."

So, R6 did as he was ordered, and got Kit in contact with Master Luminara and Ahsoka Tano.

"Master Luminara, I have tracked the location of our stolen ship to the Vassek system."

"So has your old Padawan, Nahdar Vebb." Luminara said. "He's already on the surface."

"It'll be great to see Nahdar again," smiled Kit.

"I'll transmit the coordinates for the rendezvous point." Ahsoka said, her smile disappearing. "And Master Fisto, sorry we lost that slimy double-dealer."

"Don't worry, Ahsoka, we'll catch Gunray yet."

"Be careful, Master Fisto. He was helped to escape by a dangerous escaped convict who literally controls snakes."

"Not to worry. I've faced worse than a few snakes."

And so, Kit Fisto went on his mission to recapture Viceroy Gunray.

Meanwhile, in an office on Naboo, Padme was sitting in a private meeting with a couple of members of the Enchantra High Commission.

Chairman Laverne was highly concerned. One escaped convict had been captured, but another escaped, and the one who had was among the most dangerous.

Mrs. Laverne brought her ten-year-old daughter Fiona with her, it being Bring Your Kids to Work Day at the office, and it was just as well. With Mr. Laverne away visiting his parents and unable to get a ride back by tonight, she was not about to risk her daughter facing a crazy snake-controlling assassin.

Carousella brought out a jigsaw puzzle for the two human girls to work on together while the senator and chairwoman were talking. Chairman Laverne pulled up Dr. Conda's profile.

"Dr. Conda initially worked as an agent for us," said the chairman. "She worked as a bounty hunter for tracking criminals no one else was brave enough to face… until she took her hunting skills too far."

According to Chairman Laverne, Dr. Conda was a skilled bounty hunter, but she developed a philosophy that sometimes in order to get the target, one had to get the job done quickly, no matter who she had to trample in the process. In other words, anyone who got in her way, innocent or not, typically found themselves boa constricted, falling off a cliff trying to escape a king cobra, or being bitten and paralyzed or killed by another loose snake.

"All we know now is according to the autopsy of that traitor Captain Argyus, he was indeed bitten with the venom of a Queen Emerald Snake, a beautiful but highly venomous snake in the enchanted realm."

Chairman Laverne pulled up a hologram of the snake in question. It kind of looked like a king cobra, but it was all green with spots on its head and around the base of its neck that looked like a crown and jewelry, and black markings on its eyes that looked like it was wearing eyeliner.

"Ooh! She is beautiful." Gabby said, admiring the picture. "And I normally don't like snakes."

"Yes, it is beautiful, but like I said, very dangerous. Its bite can kill a dragon in three days, but an ordina like Argyus… it only took a few seconds for the venom to kill him."

"Luckily, the queen emerald is a very rare type of snake, and they can only be found in the Hazivale Jungle." Fiona said, tying her brown hair into a braid.

Padme worried about her own daughter's safety. Not only was Gabby more afraid of snakes than she was of spiders, but with a fugitive who controlled them on the loose, there was no telling what could happen.

Suddenly, Chairman Laverne jumped like a Jedi who sensed a disturbance.

"Is everything okay, Chairman?" Padme said.

"I… I'm not sure." the chairman said. "Listen, you didn't hear it from me, but there have been a strange number of occurrences of strong magical surges in Enchantra."

According to Mrs. Laverne, every member of the High Commission, when they were instated, took a special potion that allowed them to sense every surge of powerful magic there was, as to uncover the whereabouts of dark enchanteds or missing enchanted artifacts. But, for at least the last few months, there were a few powerful surges of a magic thought long gone, but for some reason, the commission hadn't been able to trace it. Every time they sensed it, they rushed to the area where it'd come from, but after that, the trail ran cold.

"I know I don't have magic of my own," said Padme. "But is there anything I can do to help out?"

"Well, there actually might be." Mrs. Laverne said. But then she looked at the children in the room.

Mrs. Laverne gave Fiona's nanny some money and asked her to take the two girls to get ice cream so she and Padme could talk alone.

"When Mom sends me out for ice cream, it usually means she's talking something confidential… meaning secret." Fiona told Gabby.

Once the kids were out, Chairman Laverne showed Padme something.

"Everywhere we've traced the magic surges, we've discovered this symbol hidden somewhere."

The chairman showed Padme a picture of a sun and moon heart symbol. She explained to the senator that every spell left a mark that told a story. What kind of creature cast it, their kingdom of origin, and how long ago the spell was cast.

"Normally, only enchanteds can see it with their naked eye." Mrs. Laverne explained. She brought out what looked like a pair of purple sunglasses. "But, our enchanted scientists have worked on these that will help."

The glasses looked like ordinary sunglasses, but they were really U.M.V, short for Ultra-Magic Vision. Ultra-Magic Light was the scientific term in Enchantra for what allowed enchanted eyes to see the magic markers, and U.M. light was invisible to ordinas.

"Since the spaces where the surges of magic originate are pretty random, we can't be sure where or when the next one will occur. But seeing as your daughter has magic of her own, one instance of a strong surge could occur at any time around either of you."

"Hmm… maybe you could tell from her markers where she gets her powers from too?"

"Usually, that would be the case. Unfortunately, even enchanteds who get their powers early don't leave magic markers until they're five years old. We don't know for sure why, but it might be that they are still learning to channel their abilities. You said Gabriella's father is an ordina himself, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"And you don't have any enchanteds in your side of the family at all?"

"Not to my knowledge." Padme said. "So, we don't really know where her powers came from, but we have managed to help her keep them under control, and Carousella's been a big help."

"Good. She is a unique case, but I believe the arrangements you've made with the Jedi are helping her greatly to progress."

Padme agreed with Mrs. Laverne. Spending time in different worlds seemed to do little Gabby a lot of good. She was curious, and that helped her to learn a lot. When she was with Padme, she learned a lot about negotiating and dealing with all kinds of delegates, ambassadors, and politicians she may have to deal with when she was queen of Naboo someday. But when she was with Anakin, things got kind of loose.

It didn't matter which Jedi Gabby was with; she was always finding ways to make the Jedi's typically simple life… not so simple. If she wasn't splashing Anakin at bathtime, she was going around hugging all the Jedi masters, drawing pink digi-flowers on the holo-tables, cartwheeling down the hallways, sticking her drawings on the walls, or taking herself on adventures with her active imagination.

Before the kid was born, the Jedi masters might've discouraged this behavior, but they couldn't help finding it adorable whenever their days babysitting the girl were done and they found a drawing she made for them somewhere in their apartment. And seeing that perky child just being herself seemed to help them de-stress from all the war going on.

It wasn't just Jedi masters who benefitted from having Gabby in their lives either.

Anakin was resting on board a ship on his way to the next battle. Rest was not exactly a regular thing in war time; everyone typically slept in shifts to make sure someone would be awake and alert to any oncoming dangers.

As Anakin was asleep… he started to hear a voice calling his name. A familiar voice.

Anakin looked around and found himself in what looked like a forest surrounding a crystal blue lake. He looked around. It was quiet.

"Hello?" Anakin called. "Anyone here?"

"Anakin…." said the voice again.

Anakin's eyes widened.

"Master Qui-Gon? Is that you?"

"Indeed, Anakin. It is me."

Anakin looked around again, but didn't see Qui-Gon.

"Where are you?"

"I am closer than you think, Anakin." Qui-Gon said. "There is much you do not know about your past. I don't have much time. Listen carefully. By now, you've discovered that your amulet holds great power, and that there is a third one, and there is a third child you must find."

Anakin was intrigued. This was just the answer he and Kara were looking for. Anakin had so many questions. But before Anakin could ask another question, there was the sound of an alarm blaring that had Anakin covering his ears.

Anakin sat up on his cot with a gasp. He looked at his amulet again. It was glowing.

"Great. I was just about to get answers, and now I gotta go fight." Anakin said, reluctantly getting out of bed.

Gabby licked her ice cream as she and Fiona sat down on a bench. The little one had some stuff on her mind. Lately, she'd noticed her father and aunt were talking about something they weren't letting anyone else hear. Even Padme didn't know remotely anything about it, which was scary because Anakin never kept secrets from his beloved.

"Fiona… do grownups keep secrets from you because they wanna protect you? Or is it because of something else?"

Gabby thought Fiona would be a good person to ask since she was a big kid and might know more about how grownups behaved.

"Hard to say." Fiona said. "When your mom's the leader of an entire lawmaking commission, you're pretty much in the dark all the time, or at least you're sworn to stay in the dark. I'm not allowed to talk about what I see when I visit Mom's office."

Fiona's life was a little complicated. Her mom being the chairwoman, it was typically her and her father at home, but he was also busy with his accounting job, so her nanny took care of her. But according to her, grownups did have a tendency to keep a lot of secrets, especially from children.

Child blocks on the television were one thing, but hiding life-changing things were another. Some secrets were good to keep because it led up to a pleasant surprise like a surprise birthday party, or your favorite relative sending you tickets to see your favorite band or singer. But some secrets, when revealed, lead to something bad happening, like when you find out your boyfriend's been cheating on you with your sister or your best friend. Although, that could count as a good thing because then you save yourself from a bad relationship, and like Fiona's mother said, "It's better to hurt someone with the truth than to comfort them with a lie." And some things were better kept unknown because chances were once you saw it, that secret something would haunt you in your nightmares for the rest of your life.

"I don't know everything that goes on in the Commission's office. All I know is Mom only tells me anything when she knows it's a matter of life and death."

Later…

Gabby was once again skipping down the hallway of the Jedi Temple again as she was now back with the Jedi. She wasn't tired enough to go to bed yet, and it was good because the sunset was really pretty out the window today, and Gabby loved to admire the sunset.

And, Gabby saw someone she was happy to see back from a mission.

"Uncle Kit!"

The little girl ran over and gave the nautolan Jedi a big hug.

"It's nice to see you too, Gabriella." Kit said, patting the girl on her back.

But, Gabby's smile quickly vanished when she noticed a hint of sadness in Kit's voice.

"Uncle Kit, are you sad?" Gabby asked.

"A little." Kit said. "It's complicated. Don't worry about me, little one. You go on and play."

And Master Fisto left to enter the Council chambers.

As it turned out, the tracking beacon from the stolen Republic ship was used as bait in a separatist trap. There were no snakes at what turned out to be General Grievous' house, but there was a giant, vicious beast that required more than a flute to defeat, and unfortunately, not everyone made it out alive.

Kit stood before fellow council members Mace Windu and Yoda, whom he shared what happened at the lair of Grievous.

"What about your former Padawan?" Mace asked.

"His heart was in the right place," said Kit sadly. "But he tried to answer Grievous' power with his own."

Yoda's ears seemed to droop in response to that.

"To answer with power, the Jedi way this is not." The grandmaster said. "In this war, a danger there is of losing who we are."

Kit obviously needed a moment to grieve and get himself together. A certain little girl didn't need to have been in the private meeting to know Kit was sad.

As Kit was sitting down thinking to himself, Gabby climbed up and sat beside him, leaning against him, thinking he needed a little company.

Master Fisto looked down silently to see the child. She looked at him with kindness in her eyes, like she knew what he was going through. Losing his former Padawan was taking a toll on him, but somehow the presence of a small child conveyed a sense of comfort in him.

It was amazing how fast Jedi Initiates and Padawans grew, this Kit knew very well, although he hadn't got as much experience watching a child grow as he'd gotten since Senator Amidala's little girl entered the picture.

Gabby offered to share her teddy with Kit. He may have been a grownup, but Kit couldn't deny he appreciated the gesture.

"Never lose sight of what's important, little one. You hear me?" Kit tapped the girl's nose.

Gabby responded by hugging him.

"I hear you, Uncle Kit."

Shorter than my usual chapters, I know, but the next ones will be longer and more exciting too. Until then, please review (And 'Commission Artists' STAY OUT!)

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Episode: Dooku Captured

Of all the Separatist leaders, Count Dooku was one of the worst. A former Jedi Master who once taught Obi-Wan Kenobi's master Qui-Gon Jinn, and fell to the Dark side as one of the most infamous Sith Lords known. To make matters worse, he got married to Gray Morphina, the elder sister of Mariverde, and a powerful doresho gypsy.

Lady Morpha wasn't as terrifying as her sister, but she was dangerous nonetheless, especially since she and Mariverde knew Kara and Anakin had access to a powerful source of magic.

Capturing both of them would be a big step into ending the war, and Anakin was reluctant to let Gabby onto this mission. Dooku had already captured her once, and may very well have taken advantage of her young age to turn her to the dark side, and use her powers for the Sith's personal gain. Or worse, give her to Mariverde.

After attempting to capture the count and countess, Anakin Skywalker and Gabby go missing. Now, Obi-Wan has gone on a rescue mission, boarding Dooku's ship to find his missing friends.

Obi-Wan boarded the ship, where he met a couple of friends who also snuck on board to help.

"Good to see you made it in one piece, Master Kenobi," said Carousella. And, she wasn't alone.

With Carousella was none other than Kara Talhin.

"Now let's hope my brother and Gabriella are also in two single pieces." Kara said.

Obi-Wan opened the door to one cell, in which there were two prisoners, but not the ones he was looking for.

"Don't bother getting up." Kara said. "You're not the prisoners we're looking for."

Kara pressed the button to close the cell.

Carousella sniffed around some more cells, stopping at the one next door.

Obi-Wan opened the cell and stepped inside. Except, he didn't see Anakin, but he sensed something behind and above him, and it wasn't the girls.

Anakin jumped down from the ceiling, Obi-Wan igniting his lightsaber.

"Oh... it's you." Anakin said.

"Hello to you too, Anakin." Kara chuckled.

"This is how you thank us for rescuing you, pounce on me from the ceiling?" Obi-Wan said.

"A little difficult without a...lightsaber." Anakin took his weapon. "Thanks."

"Did you manage to locate Dooku before-augh!" Obi-Wan was interrupted as someone else pounced him from the ceiling, this time knocking him to the floor on his stomach. He looked over his shoulder to see it was none other than Gabby.

"Before you got pounced?" Gabby kissed Obi-Wan's cheek and giggled. The other girls laughed too.

Anakin chuckled and picked up his daughter saying, "I know he's on board. Might've been a little easier if I had my weapon or you let Gabby use her powers, or at least have her guardian nearby."

"It was important for you to arrive without your weapon, and Gabriella to appear unprotected and unable to fight to make your capture convincing." Obi-Wan explained.

"You still have you-know-what, right?" Kara said under her breath.

Anakin confirmed with Kara that he still had his amulet. He also knew Lady Morpha was on board, and she tried to get it out of Anakin where the amulet was, but he refused to talk. He was relieved when he could finally take it out of his boot, where he'd been hiding it when he was captured in case he was searched.

"Oh, they were convinced alright," Anakin said. "But how come I'm the one getting caught all the time?"

"What about me?" Gabby added. "I'm more than just an adorable face."

Anakin agreed with his daughter on that; as reluctant as he was to bring his little girl to battle, he didn't like leaving her to play a damsel in distress.

"She's got a point. It doesn't look good for either of us."

"Anakin, when you're a Jedi Master, you can make the plan." Obi-Wan said. "And Gabriella, you can handle the bigger things when you're older."

"And receive more training." Kara added.

"That's just it. How can I become a Jedi master if I'm always getting caught?" Anakin asked.

"At least you're a master at getting caught," joked Kara, beating Obi-Wan to it.

"Very funny," said Anakin sarcastically.

Anakin placed Gabby onto Carousella's back before he, Kara, and Obi-Wan walked into a room, where they found Count Dooku who seemed to be meditating. The three grownups ignited their lightsabers while Gabby stood in a crane stance, ready to show off what karate Carousella taught her… until she lost her balance and grabbed onto the saddle before she fell off.

"Surprise, surprise." Anakin said with more sarcasm.

"If it isn't Count Dooku," said Obi-Wan simply.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi and Kara Talhin. I thought I sensed an unpleasant disturbance in the Force." Dooku said. "I see you've freed young Skywalker and the princess. Where would they be, if you were not always out to rescue them?"

A droid then reported a Jedi cruiser attacking.

On that very Jedi cruiser, Ahsoka stood beside Captain Rex. Five of their friends were on that cruiser though, and two of them were children. They had to be careful!

"Let's try not to blow up the ship before they get off this time," said Ahsoka.

"Your ship is surrounded, Count." Kara said. "Republic troops are boarding as we speak."

"Jedi fools," said Dooku, and then he dropped into a trap door that led to what looked like a slide.

"I should have seen that coming," said Obi-Wan, unsurprised. Then becoming surprised when Anakin approached where Dooku made his exit. "What are you doing?"

"Following him," said Anakin.

"Not that way. We need to cut him off."

"You cut him off. I'll follow him and meet you at the hangar."

"Why do I even bother?" Obi-Wan asked himself, running back in the girls' direction. "Let's go, girls!"

Anakin jumped in and followed Dooku, while Obi-Wan went the other way, hoping to cut Dooku off at the hangar. Kara followed down the chute in case Anakin needed help, while Carousella and Gabby went with Obi-Wan.

If Anakin weren't in the middle of pursuing a Sith Lord, this would be the most fun sliding down of his life! He was catching up to Dooku, but he fired up Sith lightning, which Anakin blocked with his lightsaber. Probably not the best choice, because the light got so bright it blinded Anakin temporarily.

By the time Anakin's vision cleared, he realized he reached a fork in the slide, and he didn't know which one Dooku had taken.

"Oh, great." Anakin facepalmed.

And then Kara landed beside him.

"Take the left, Little Brother." Kara said.

Dooku landed in the hangar, where some battle droids and a certain moth gypsy were waiting for him.

"About time you arrived, my love." Gray said, stroking the count's beard.

"Your ship is ready, sir." said a battle droid.

"Good." Dooku said.

Obi-Wan and the girls managed to catch up to Dooku at the hangar, but Dooku had already boarded his ship.

"There's Lady Morpha!" Carousella exclaimed.

Carousella attempted to use her magic horn to stop the ship, but Lady Morpha summoned several moths and made them surround Carousella like a little tornado of bugs, sending the alicorn to swat them with her wings and tail.

Gabby tried to use her vines to grab the ship, but she wasn't fast enough, and Dooku and Morpha flew away.

"Dang it!" Gabby said. "Of all times for my powers to go AWOL."

"Get off me! Get off me!" Carousella shouted, snorting more bugs out of her face. "Bleh! I hate moths!"

"Worry about that later," said Obi-Wan, and they quickly rushed to another ship, Anakin and Kara joining them soon after.

"I thought you two were following Dooku," said Obi-Wan.

"We were," said Kara.

"We followed him here." Anakin finished, starting up the ship. "Hang on, girls!"

And off they went to pursue Count Dooku and Lady Morpha.

"Ahsoka, Dooku and Morpha managed to escape." Obi-Wan said into his comm. "We're in pursuit, but we could use reinforcements. Follow us in what ships you can round up."

"We'll get there as soon as we can." Ahsoka promised.

Obi-Wan handled the blasters, and managed to hit Dooku's ship.

"That was easy," said Anakin.

"Lucky for you, I'm an excellent shot." Obi-Wan said.

"Well, now those fighters are attacking," said Kara, looking out the windshield.

"I'm on it."

"Uh, he's getting too close." Anakin said.

Suddenly, the ship got hit, and it started to plummet towards a nearby planet.

"We're gonna crash!" Gabby screamed.

"Lucky for you, I'm an excellent pilot." Anakin said. "Time to literally hold your horse, Princess."

Gabby held on tight to Carousella and grew some vines to act as restraints and seat belts for everyone. Anakin managed to begin landing the ship, but in a very bumpy manner.

"For all your expertise, this is not a very smooth landing." Obi-Wan commented.

"I'm used to it by now," said Kara, holding Gabby.

The ship started to spin around as they hit the ground.

"And if you'd hit that second fighter, we wouldn't be in this mess." said Anakin.

Obi-Wan fell forward onto the dashboard.

"See? That's exactly why these things need seatbelts." Carousella said.

The ship rocked a little bit before it finally stopped, and all the passengers got off.

Anakin carried Gabby off the ship as she was shaken up from the craziness.

Carousella shook herself like she would if she were wet.

"Well, that could've gone a lot worse," said the alicorn before she sneezed from the dust in the air.

"I've had better landings," said Obi-Wan, brushing himself off.

"Dooku," said Kara, seeing the count's ship.

Gabby clinged to Kara as they approached the ship, and they found a homing beacon on it.

"What's this?" said Obi-Wan. "A homing beacon?"

"Which means the distinguished aristocrats are waiting for help," said Anakin. "So, they can't be far off."

"Their engine is damaged," Obi-Wan said, feeling the ship. "They're not going anywhere."

"It'll be more difficult to do that without a beacon," said Carousella, and she kicked the homing beacon, smashing it in.

Carousella started to sniff the ground, and she pointed with her nose when she got to a particular spot "I got his scent. He went this way."

The Jedi followed Carousella, leading them to some caves.

"Caves are an excellent start," said Obi-Wan. "Excellent work, Carousella."

"Just following my nose," smiled Carousella.

Obi-Wan, Kara, and Anakin looked around, and sensed a lot of life forms. And Dooku and Morpha were two of them. So, the grownups activated their lightsabers for light, while Carousella lit up her horn.

"Stay close, kids." Anakin said. "No telling what's in here."

Gabby clung to Kara, being afraid of the dark.

"It's okay, little one." Kara placed Gabby onto Carousella's back. "You're safe with us."

"Let's try to get Dooku and/or Morpha before something else does." Obi-Wan said.

Suddenly, there was the sound of rumbling and growling. And Carousella's ears shot up, as they did only when she sensed danger. Then the group looked up and saw rocks falling.

"RUN!" Obi-Wan shouted, and everyone scattered as the rocks crashed into the ground. But, Carousella didn't realize she dropped something, or rather someone, when they ran.

It turned out Count Dooku was the one who made those rocks fall. And he found a lightsaber on the ground.

"You won't be needing this anymore, Skywalker." Dooku sneered, clipping the lightsaber to his belt. But, that wasn't the only thing he found.

On the ground not too far from him, lay a certain little girl in pink Jedi robes. Judging by how crooked the ribbon on her head was, she must've been moving very quickly, and probably hit her little head. She was barely conscious, and therefore unable to defend herself.

"Aw, what a little angel." Morpha chuckled. "We couldn't leave a little caterpillar here alone, could we?"

So, Morpha picked up the child and carried her out of the cave before Dooku dropped tons of rock and sealed the opening.

Morpha and Dooku walked back to where they had landed with Gabby sleeping on Morpha's shoulder, and the pair saw a huge saucer-shaped ship nearby. And when they got down, he came across some pirates scavenging around his ship. The crew was led by none other than Hondo Onaka, who was quick to notice them.

And quite a few of that crew caught a glimpse of a pretty lady with Dooku.

"Well, well. What do we have here?" said Hondo.

"Who are you?" Dooku said.

"More importantly, my friend, who are you and your lovely friends?"

Meanwhile, in the cave...

Anakin was searching through the rocks for everyone.

"Master! Obi-Wan, can you hear me? Carousella? Kara?" Anakin called out.

"I'm over here. Help me, please." Carousella called, sounding like she was crying in pain.

"Stay where you are, Carousella. I'm coming."

Anakin followed a purple light he knew came from Carousella's horn until he found her, but her wing got caught in a rock, so she couldn't fly. Anakin used the Force to carefully get the rock off of Carousella's wing.

"Are you okay? Where's Gabby?"

"No, I'm not okay. My wing hurts a lot." Carousella winced as she found she could barely move her wing. "And I can't find Gabby anywhere."

Anakin immediately panicked. He started calling for his daughter desperately. That was when more rocks fell, but this time Carousella tackled Anakin and got them both out of the way just in time.

"Thanks," said Anakin, getting up and brushing off.

"Anakin, when I tell you to run, run." Obi-Wan said, dusting himself off as he came in.

"Master! You're alive." Anakin said, slightly relieved. He wasn't who he was seeking at the moment, but he was relieved, nonetheless.

"And where's your lightsaber?"

"It... got knocked out of my hand."

"By a rock?" Obi-Wan said in disbelief.

"Yes, by a rock."

"That's the least of our worries," said Carousella. "I'm supposed to be Gabby's protector, and now she's missing! And so is Kara."

"No I'm not," said another voice.

Kara dug herself out from more rocks and dusted off her hair.

"But I haven't seen Gabriella anywhere either. Gabriella, if you can hear us, shout out!"

No response.

"Let's not worry yet. She can't have gone far," said Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan tried to ignite his lightsaber, but it started sputtering.

"Silly old thing. It was just working a minute ago."

"No worries. I got this," said Carousella, and she made her horn glow a beautiful purple light.

Anakin couldn't even be bothered to tease Obi-Wan about his broken lightsaber while his daughter was missing and he was unable to rescue her.

"Don't worry, Anakin." Kara said. "We'll find her."

Everyone started calling for Gabby, but they didn't get a response at all, which made her father and aunt worry even more. To make matters worse, a gundark suddenly appeared.

"Oh, this should be interesting." Obi-Wan said.

The gundark tried to pounce at the Jedi, but Carousella swooped at it to keep it distracted from the humans. At this point, she really just hoped it didn't find Gabby first.

Hondo took some time to look at Dooku's ship.

"Your Solar Sailer is very beautiful." the pirate commented. "It's a pretty rare ship, very expensive. What are you doing all the way out here?"

"I sustained some damage in an asteroid storm and had to make a landing." Dooku explained. "Feel free to help yourself to it."

An ugly rat-like creature climbed on Morpha's shoulder and sniffed at the still sleeping child.

Morpha however, screamed when she saw the rat and grabbed it and threw it off, which in turn woke Gabby and caused her to start squirming as Dooku held her.

"Disgusting creature."

"Let me go! Let me go!" Gabby demanded.

Gabby tried using magic, but all she managed to do was make it rain, getting everyone wet. Morpha screamed again when she found herself wet. But Gabby was relieved because Dooku dropped her, but she also noticed he seemed to get dizzy. She thought maybe Morpha's screaming was giving him a headache, but if that wasn't the case, Morpha clocking him in the head with part of the ship likely did.

"That's what you get for being such an incompetent." Morpha said, and she grabbed the girl again, this time wrapping her hands tightly in a scarf. "And you, behave yourself or you're getting a serious timeout."

Morpha was soon holding Hondo by the front of his shirt.

"Tell me how I can get off this planet asap, or I will let you see just how terrifying I can realy be."

"If you require transport, Madame, the nearest planet is Florrum." said Hondo. "It's six parsecs away."

"Is it civilized?" Morpha asked.

"That depends on your definition of civilized." Hondo said as the countess began following him. "But you, your husband, and your little girl would certainly be more comfortable there than here. Vanquor is no place to be after dark. Especially for little children."

"Perhaps I shall take you up on your offer."

"Very good. Now all that's left to do is, uh, settle my fee."

"Fee?"

"Just a little something to cover my expenses. It shouldn't be a problem for someone so obviously wealthy as yourself."

Morpha made sure the lightsabers were well hidden before speaking again.

"My husband would be happy to compensate you for your services."

"That's it, boys!" Hondo called out. "We are heading home."

And the pirates escorted themselves, their findings, and their three new passengers onto their ship.

Gabby struggled with the restraints Morpha placed on her hands. But she didn't realize Lady Morpha was up to something.

While Dooku was still unconscious and the pirates weren't looking, Morpha began drying herself off enough to cast one spell. She summoned another moth, and got out her makeup bag too.

"This is why I never engage aquatic enchanteds."

Carousella used some defense spells she knew to repel the gundark as it was chasing Anakin, while Obi-Wan was trying to repair his lightsaber.

"Jump in anytime!" Anakin said.

"Oh, you're doing fine." Obi-wan said. "She seems to like you."

"Yeah, lucky me." Anakin said, jumping down onto some lower rocks. "This isn't as much fun as it looks!"

"Yeah, 'cause something tells me if this gundark gets Anakin, she's not gonna be tickling him." Kara said, throwing a rock at the gundark, which made her chase Kara and gave Anakin more time to get away.

"I thought gundarks were only found on Vanquor," said Kara.

"Then this system must be Vanquor." Obi-Wan said as the gundark pursued Anakin again after grabbing Kara and managed to grab him too.

"So that would make this one..." Anakin began.

"The mother of all gundarks, precisely."

"Are you gonna help us?" Anakin asked, sounding scared as the gundark held him and his sister upside down.

Kara spotted her lightsaber on the ground, which she Force-pulled and used to strike the gundark on its paw, making it drop her and Anakin, and Carousella caught Anakin on her back before flying out of the way so the Jedi could bring more rocks down onto the gundark.

"It's a pity, I was really starting to sense a connection." Anakin said.

"Five more minutes, and we both would've made a connection with her stomach." Kara teased.

"Come on, let's get out of here before she wakes up." Carousella said, heading for the sealed opening.

Carousella tapped the rocks with her hoof.

"Hmm… looks like I'm gonna have to calculate the best spot and trajectory to break this down."

Meanwhile, Gabby and the two Separatist leaders were brought to Florum. By that time, Dooku finally woke up and recovered from being knocked out.

"Welcome to Florum." Hondo said.

By that time, Gabby also managed to get her hands free and get Morpha wet again, making the woman drop her, and she ran and hid behind Hondo. At this point, she'd rather be in the custody of a total stranger than a Sith Lord or a dark sorceress.

"Not again!" Morpha groaned, squeezing some water from her hair.

"The bad lady can't use magic if she's wet!" Gabby exclaimed, pointing at Morpha.

Morpha growled.

"Do you have any idea how hard it is to dry this material?" Morpha referred to her dress.

Then, Dooku felt his belt and found Gabby to be not the only thing he and Morpha lost.

"Lose your flashy sword?" Hondo said, and he pulled out both Dooku and Anakin's lightsabers. "Are these what you were looking for, Jedi?"

"I am more powerful than any Jedi." Dooku said, and he raised his hands, threatening to use the Force. "Know that you are dealing with a Sith Lord."

"You are still outnumbered." Hondo said as his men raised their weapons. "The leader of the clanker army and a Sith Lord, no less. As well as his wife, a sorceress, I believe you are. Someone is sure to pay a pretty price for both of you."

"Provide me with the proper means of communication. I will arrange for any ransom to be paid." Dooku said.

"And you will arrange for your armies to crush us as well. You don't survive on the Outer Rim by being stupid." Hondo said.

"Then how are you still alive?" Morpha asked.

"Oh, you're a feisty woman. If the Separatists will pay to get you back, chances are, the Republic will offer even more."

"What about the kid?" Asked one of Hondo's men. "What'll we do with her?"

"The legendary princess of Naboo..." Hondo looked at the little girl and held her chin in his hand. "Hmm. You are even more adorable in person. The Republic is sure to offer a handsome reward for your safe return."

Gabby was silent; she still wasn't sure what she could do, but she was scared.

"Don't worry, little one. You will be safe here."

He picked Gabby up and gave her to one of the others, ordering them to babysit.

"Ugh. Babysitting," said the pirate, seeing the look on the princess's face.

She didn't look like she thought he knew how to take care of a little kid any better than he did.

Carousella concluded that using a magic blast would more than likely cause a cave-in, so their best bet of getting out was to move a few rocks at a time. Since Carousella was the expert here, she guided the Jedi on which rocks to move first.

Suddenly, there was another growling sound as the Jedi were moving a couple of big rocks.

"Sounds like another gundark," said Kara.

"It's too far away to worry about," said Anakin.

"It won't stay far away." Obi-Wan said.

But then, Carousella saw where Anakin and Obi-Wan held up their latest lift, and sensed something bad if they dropped it!

"Don't drop that rock-!" Too late. "There."

And right where the guys dropped the boulder, clouds of green gas quickly formed.

"Uh-oh. New problem." Anakin started coughing.

"Um… you think?!" Carousella coughed, covering her nose with her wing.

"Gas." Kara coughed.

"Yes. Probably toxic gas," coughed Obi-Wan.

"That's good," said Anakin, fanning his face. "Maybe it'll kill your gundark."

"And maybe it will kill us!" Kara said.

"Come one. Let's get out of here."

Carousella immediately held her breath and started using magic to move more rocks, and the three Jedi moved as quickly as they could, but it was very difficult to make much progress while holding their breath.

"This isn't gonna work." Anakin coughed.

"As always, I'm open to suggest-" Obi-Wan coughed.

All three Jedi, and soon Carousella too, were all struggling to breath from the poisonous gas in the air. But then, something happened. Something magical. Something blue glowed on Anakin's chest, and a blue energy bubble surrounded him and the others.

Anakin didn't know what was happening, but it seemed to be blocking the toxic gas from touching him and his friends. And then, something else happened just as the bubble began to disperse.

The rocks started to rumble, the cave shook, and a small opening formed near the top of the rock pile, and in came Ahsoka.

"Master!"

Everyone got up and started coughing. Carousella shook herself off of all the dust that got in her hair.

"Looks like I got here just in time."

"What do you mean 'just in time'?" Anakin said.

"You were in very big trouble."

"Trouble?" said Obi-Wan. "We were simply searching for Count Dooku and Lady Morpha."

Anakin coughed and said, "Yeah. We had the situation well under control, my little Padawan."

Kara rolled her eyes at that.

"Oh, I see." Ahsoka said with disbelief. "So which part of the situation did you have under control? The blocked entrance, the poison gas, or that gundark behind you?"

"Gundark?" Kara looked behind her and gasped.

"Oh, you mean the one that's too far away to worry about?" Obi-Wan asked Anakin.

Carousella whinnied and shot magic at the cave again, this time causing a cave-in that trapped the gundark inside.

"Well, that's taken care of," said Carousella. "Now, Ahsoka. Did you or any of the clones see Gabby anywhere out here?"

"She's missing?" Ahsoka gasped.

That answered Carousella's question.

"Then Dooku and Morpha must have her." Anakin said.

"You let them get away?" Ahsoka gasped again.

"No, not get away exactly. Just…."

Anakin was stuck in an awkward silence. He glanced at Obi-Wan while Ahsoka gave her master an annoyed look.

"Chime in anytime."

"Oh, no. I'm enjoying this far too much," chuckled Obi-Wan.

Anakin glanced at Kara. Her chuckle said it all.

Meanwhile, Hondo contacted the Republic to tell them they had Count Dooku, Lady Morpha, and Princess Gabriella.

"If you want the Sith Lord and the gypsy, it will cost you a million credits for each of them, plus a reward for the safe return of the princess." Hondo explained. "The payment will be in spice, delivered in an unarmed diplomatic ship."

"We will need proof they are all alive before agreeing to your terms." Chancellor Palpatine said.

"Let me present your fearless Sith Lord." Hondo pulled Dooku into the picture. "I'm afraid he's too embarrassed to speak."

Hondo pushed Dooku away and then pulled in Morpha, who was still soaking wet, and unlike Dooku, she was in a net, which seemed appropriate for a moth.

"A hologram can be faked."

"You want proof?" Hondo then ignited Dooku's lightsaber. "This is the count's lightsaber."

"Hmm. Belongs to Dooku, that lightsaber does." Yoda said.

"This scum having possession of Dooku's lightsaber proves nothing." Palpatine said. "And what of the princess?"

That was when Padme came closer to the hologram.

"If you really have my daughter, you have to let me see her right now." Padme said

"I assure you, dear Senator, she is being well cared for." Hondo said, and then he seemed to look at something. "Child, be careful! Hold on for a moment. Come over here!" And he ran off for a second and returned with the girl in his arms. "Here she is. As you can see, she is fine."

"Mommy!" Gabby exclaimed happily.

"If you refuse..." Hondo grunted, trying to hold onto Gabby as she started squirming around again. "I am sure the... Separatist Council will be more than willing to beat my... price. Okay! I'm putting you down now."

Hondo set the child on the floor, only for her to run off again, and something to make a crashing sound. And then the sound of something breaking.

"Oops!" Gabby said off-hologram.

It was gonna be a long day for the pirates.

"They have my daughter," said Padme to the chancellor. "And we may never have a better chance to capture Dooku or one of the Morphina Sisters."

Padme told Hondo that before they delivered a ransom, they would like to send two Jedi to confirm they had Gabby and Dooku. But Hondo said they had to be unarmed, but Padme didn't like the sound of that.

"They will be safe," said Hondo. "We have no interest in getting involved in your war."

Since Obi-Wan and Anakin were closest to Florum, the Jedi Council members decided to contact them to handle the mission. But, they decided they needed to bring in a couple of enchanted experts too. This was Lady Morpha they were talking about.

Masters Windu and Yoda contacted Anakin's team and explained the situation to them.

"His only stipulation is that you arrive unarmed," said Mace.

"Unarmed?" Anakin said, sounding alarmed.

"We know very little about these pirates," said Obi-Wan. "We may be walking into what could very well be a hostile situation."

"We can't let Dooku slip through our fingers again. Much less Lady Morpha" Mace pointed out. "And Gabriella needs you. We've gotten in contact with the Commission, and they're sending officers to assist you. Report back as soon as you arrive."

"Well, this should be fun." Carousella said sarcastically. "But either way, my girl needs me. She needs us."

The group soon arrived on Florum, where they were scanned by Hondo's men for weapons. Carousella snorted.

"Easy, girl." Obi-Wan said to get the alicorn to calm down by stroking her muzzle.

It turned out, the officers of the EHC beat the Jedi there. They had the base surrounded by guards, all of them with very sophisticated-looking weapons. The moment they heard Lady Morpha was involved, they didn't hesitate to go, even just to surround the premises.

"Follow me," said one of the pirates, and they guided the group in.

Initially, they weren't sure what to make of the alicorn, but she posed aggressively, they stood back and held up their weapons.

When they walked in, they would have expected to see the pirates just drinking. Instead, a bunch of them were chasing a very energetic Gabby all over the place, and the child looked to be having a blast messing with them, jumping from place to place, and sometimes swinging on a vine just to keep them from nabbing her.

"Too slow!" Gabby said as she dodged another pirate.

"Get over here, you little brat!" One pirate exclaimed, trying to tackle her, only for her to jump back and literally walk over the pirate when he landed.

"How do the Jedi handle this kid?" Many pirates wondered.

Gabby jumped from the table again, this time being caught by Obi-Wan's strong arms.

"We all wonder the same thing."

"Hi, Uncle Obi-Wan." Gabby smiled.

Carousella nuzzled Gabby, relieved to find that she was okay, and Gabby kissed her muzzle, which healed her injured wing.

"Finally," said Hondo, sounding relieved. "Your princess is more of a handful than the count or his wife put together."

"Congratulations on your capture of Count Dooku, by the way." Obi-Wan said. "Very impressive."

"Yes, it was." Hondo bragged. "Even a Sith Lord is no match for my warriors. He put up almost as good a fight as the child. Blasters, cannon, that glowy thing."

"You mean a lightsaber?" Obi-Wan said.

"That's it. And I don't need to tell you, those things can do some damage. Carved up some of my best men pretty good before I could get the jump on him."

"And how exactly did you get the jump on him?" Asked Anakin. "With this?" And he used the Force to take back his lightsaber. The pirates cocked their guns. Then, the ugly rat-like creature was about to take back the lightsaber… until Kara grabbed it and the rat first.

"Control your pet, sir." Kara said, placing the rat on the table/

"It's not very nice to take things that don't belong to you." Carousella said in a sing-song voice.

"We have no interest in disagreeing with you." Obi-Wan said. "All we want is to confirm you are holding Dooku and Lady Morpha, and we'll go."

Hondo agreed to arrange a meeting. But the children had to stay where they could be supervised. Kara volunteered to stay with the kids while her brother and Obi-Wan confirmed the targets' whereabouts.

The Jedi walked into the cell, where Dooku was restrained on his arms and legs.

"Look how the mighty Sith Lord has fallen," teased Obi-Wan.

"This place suits you, count." Anakin said.

"It wasn't so long ago that you and your child were in similar surroundings on my ship." Dooku said.

"Yeah, but now we're free, and you're not."

"I'm confident the situation will rectify itself soon."

"Soon, you will be put to trial by the Senate and most likely spend a very long time in a cell," said Obi-Wan. "Just like this one."

"And that's if you're lucky." Anakin added.

"Oh, my naive young Jedi." Dooku said. "You must be overly optimistic if you think these Weequayans plan to let you leave this planet."

Anakin chuckled and said, "They're planet-hopping thieves looking for a quick score. They have no interest in picking a fight with Jedi or magical creatures."

"They are devious and deceitful, and most importantly, stupid." Dooku said.

"It's a wonder you don't get along with them, Dooku." Obi-Wan said. Then, he and Anakin left the room. "You and your wife have so much in common with them."

"Speaking of your wife. We'll let her know you're just fine." Anakin concluded.

One down. Now they needed to check another cell.

It turned out Morpha was restrained a little differently. Being that she was an enchanted, the pirates weren't exactly prepared for whatever she would've done had Gabby not gotten her wet.

She was looking into a little pocket mirror, when a timer went off, and another Weequay poured a bucket of water on her head.

"AGH! That's freezing!" Morpha shivered.

Anakin and Obi-Wan couldn't help finding it amusing that all it took was getting Morpha wet to defeat her. Gabby was smart to tell the pirates Morpha couldn't use magic when she was wet, but…

"We best tell the Republic to arrive with the ransom before she catches a cold." Obi-Wan chuckled.

Morpha sneezed then.

"Too late." Anakin said.

"I don't know about you, but I could use some rest," said Anakin.

"Remember, Anakin, this could still be a trap." Obi-Wan reminded his friend.

"You're not worried about the lovebirds, are you?"

"No, I'm worried about these pirates."

And judging by the way two pirates behind them were picking a fight with each other, Obi-Wan was probably right to be worried.

"Jedi!" called a pirate. "Now that your business is completed, we invite you to join us in the grand hall for a banquet. And a true Weequay banquet is not to be missed."

Later, the Jedi confirmed Dooku was in the pirates' custody, and they could send the ransom.

"Dooku is being securely held?" The Chancellor asked.

Anakin, who was carrying Gabby in his arms, laughed and said, "Yeah. And very cranky about it. And they just gave up the princess. She proved a little too much even for them."

"Lady Morpha is being securely held too," said Kara. "We've advised the pirates to let the officers take her before their hold of her takes a toll on their water bill, but allowed them to hold Dooku until the ransom is brought."

"Good. Senator Kharrus and Representative Binks will be dispatched immediately." Palpatine said.

Morpha was in cuffs as she was escorted into a cell by one of the EHC officers.

"You're going away for a long time, Gray." said the officer. "But don't worry. Your sister will be joining you soon enough."

But Morpha smirked and said, "Oh no. It is I who will be joining her soon enough."

Morpha lifted her skirt and removed an anklet that had a silver butterfly charm on it. She tapped the butterfly and whispered into it.

"Send them in, Sister."

Mariverde held several mariclavas in her hands and looked at an image of the Jedi temple in her magic mirror.

"You heard her, my pretties," sang Mariverde. "Search their homes. Find any clue to the Hearts of Sunrise. If they have the amulets, we'll find them yet."

Meanwhile, the Jedi and the kids were later at the banquet with the pirates.

While the pirates were all drinking. Carousella, however, was laying on the floor, relaxing, but staying alert as Gabby was now brushing her mane. Kara, on the other hand, stood close by both the girls, glad that her niece was safe, especially with Lady Morpha being arrested.

"Now can I persuade you to join us for a drink?" Hondo asked the Jedi. "It's a tradition, in the name of friendship."

"All right," said Obi-Wan, motioning to Anakin. "But nothing too strong. He's flying, and we have children on board."

"Bring our guests some... refreshments."

The grownups were given some alcoholic drinks, while Gabby was given some juice. But, what none of them knew was that their beverages all held a little surprise inside. Except for one. Before even taking a sip, Carousella sniffed her cup and smelled something that shouldn't be in there, and she 'accidentally' knocked over hers, but Gabby had already drunk hers.

After a little bit, the humans began to feel strange, and they collapsed.

The pirates tried to grab Carousella, but Carousella bit the pirates and shot them with magic. Unfortunately, they couldn't get the humans before the pirates, and the pirates managed to knock Carousella out, allowing them to take her along with the humans.

Meanwhile, Mariverde's mariclavas searched the insides of Anakin and Kara's bedrooms. There was no trace of an amulet in either of them. But… the mariclavas did find several books, all marked that they were from an old library in Solaris.

Mariverde couldn't believe her eyes! Kara and Anakin had access to old Solaran texts! But how?

"How did they know where to find Solaris?"

As far as anyone knew, Solaris' location was long forgotten by many, which was part of why the kingdom was such a ghost town by the time Anakin and Kara found it.

Mariverde's curiosity grew then.

"If those two know the location of Solaris, it's almost certain they have those amulets. And they will be mine if it's the last thing I ever do. For now… mariclavas, you know what to do."

Morpha was about to be taken into custody, when the officers were attacked by mariclavas! The mariclavas took over the shuttle and knocked all the guards unconscious or killed them before freeing Morpha from her cell and allowing her to get her pocket mirror so she could teleport herself out of there and to Dooku's palace.

"Ah, home sweet home." Morpha sighed. "Sister… the Jedi are trapped. I think we have some time to search for the amulets."

"Don't bother. I already checked. Only books were found. If the amulets were in there, they wouldn't be kept in such an obvious place. The Jedi may be more competent than Sidious says, but they cannot hide anything forever."

"Why don't we just tear their rooms apart then?"

"Patience, Gray. We don't want them to suspect any more than they already do."

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Episode: The Gungan General

Anakin groaned as he and Obi-Wan slowly woke up, finding themselves in binders and in a cell.

"What happened?" Anakin asked.

"It seems that pirate crew is stronger than we thought." Obi-Wan said.

"I only took a sip," said Anakin, referring to the drinks from earlier.

"We were drugged, obviously."

"Why would they risk losing the ransom?"

"The deal appears to have changed. They must be trying to triple their payday two times over."

Except, when Anakin looked around the cell, he didn't see Kara, Carousella, or Gabby anywhere.

"Wait, where are the girls?" Anakin asked.

"Anakin!" called a female voice, which Anakin determined came from across the hall. "Over here!"

"Me too!" Gabby called.

"And Carousella." said the alicorn.

"The pirates even decided to separate the women from the men in this scenario." said Obi-Wan.

"A shrewd observation, Master Kenobi." Dooku said, sitting in the darker side of the cell.

"Oh great, it's you." Anakin said sarcastically.

"I did warn you these pirates were devious." Dooku said. "You will notice our shackles are bound together. I have tried to separate us to no avail."

"It's bad enough we have to be in the same cell," said Anakin, starting to get up, only for Obi-Wan to hold him back. "But could you at least spare me the sound of your constant chatter?"

"And while I hold my tongue, the two of you will devise a brilliant strategy for getting off this godforsaken planet?"

"Yes!" The Jedi and the girls all said in unison.

"Excellent," said the count.

Carousella already managed to get her magic working and got her shackles off, and Kara's and Gabby's too.

"The pirates must've thought we'd be asleep until they could hand us off." Carousella said. "Because they obviously didn't account for me using magic to unlock these things."

"Good, then you can blast us out of here?" Anakin asked hopefully.

But, Carousella shook her head.

"It's not that simple. If I blast us out, the pirates will notice. Even with my horseshoes on, I can't carry everyone on my back to get everyone out at once. These things still take at least an hour to recharge once I've used them."

"If we had our lightsabers, we could all get out easily." Kara said. "For now, we'll just have to improvise."

Kara started to think, and then she had an idea, but she needed time to strategize.

Meanwhile, Hondo stood by a window.

"I told you kidnapping the Sith Lord was a stroke of brilliance," said Hondo.

Then another Weequay came. His name was Turk.

"I can almost smell that spice now." he said. "It'll be worth twice as much to us on the black market. But I think we could've gotten a bigger ransom from the separatists. Not to mention giving his wife to those magic police."

Hondo sighed.

"Oh, you fool. Sometimes I wonder why I bother to keep you around. If we tried ro ransom Count Dooku and his wife off to the Separatists, they would simply send their droid and demon armies here to wipe us out.

The two pirates walked through the hall.

"Now, as my sweet mother always said, 'Son, if one hostage is good, two are better.' And three? Well, that's just good business. Six? Twice as good."

Hondo laughed victoriously.

"How much do you think they'll fetch? You sure we wanna ransom the horse? She could be handy."

"Don't you worry about how much. You'll get your cut. Besides, the horse poked me with her horn. Just see to it that the Republic's ransom gets here, and whatever you do, don't turn your back on that horse. Once we get the ransom for the Sith and the princess, then we'll get the ransom for the Jedi. Thank you, Mom."

Hondo looked up, hoping his late mother heard him.

Turk sat at a holo-table with another Weequay to talk.

"Hondo asked me to go out and meet the Republic Senators and bring them here with the ransom. But I want you to intercept that ship and force it down. Be careful. I want that spice intact."

If there was one thing you could count on in any pirate crew, it was at least one crewmate who wanted more of the treasure for himself than whatever cut the captain gave.

"Eh, it's too risky," said the eye-patched weeuquay. "What about Hondo?"

"Yeah, that nitwit couldn't kill a nuna. He depends on me for that. I'll tell him the ship was destroyed with everyone on it, including the spice. By the time he finds out the truth, we'll be long gone."

In the Chancellor's office, Senator Kharrus was on a holo-call with the chancellor, who was accompanied by Master Yoda and Mace Windu.

"And we will be landing-"

"Hidey ho, Chancellor," said Jar Jar, stepping in. "Mesa have a question."

"In a moment, Representative Binks." Chancellor Palpatine said. "Good work, Sneator Kharrus. I am relieved you're about to arrive at the pirates' stronghold safely. Captain Hondo, the leader of those brigands, will accept the ransom and turn Count Dooku over to the Jedi. And then they will bring him back with you."

"Once we have landed, our signal will be strong enough to set up proper communications." Senator Kharrus said.

And the chancellor ended the call there. But they didn't know then that there was a little surprise waiting for them.

Everyone was told to take their seats, but Senator Kharrus was a bit worried.

"The last time I went on one of these ransom missions, I spent three weeks in a dungeon."

Jar Jar, meanwhile, was struggling to undo a restraint so he could sit down.

"Representative Binks, stop fooling around. We're landing. Secure yourself."

"Mesa trying. Isa stucken." Jar Jar tried pulling harder.

Outside the Republic ship, another ship flew a short distance behind. A pirate ship, but not the kind you might be used to. This one fired lasers, which the Republic passengers were quick to notice.

Missiles were fired, and in the commotion, because he didn't have a safety restraint on, Jar Jar fell into a button that brought one of the clone pilots' seats down.

"Jar, Jar, what are you doing?" said Mack, the co-pilot.

"Mesa sorry. Mesa fix it."

Jar Jar pressed the button to send Mack back up, but he was sitting in his lap.

"Mack, what's going on back there?" asked the other clone

"Sir, you… you must get out of the cockpit.

Quickly, Mack got Jar Jar out of the cockpit as the ship began shaking harder, and Senator Kharrus got Jar Jar to finally sit in the proper seat as the ship was going down, down, down!

Back at the pirate base, the girls left the guys behind to execute Kara's plan; the guys had no clue what they could be up to, but the ladies had been gone for a long time. Either way, Dooku began to get impatient, so he moved to the door and saw a fruit-filled plate sitting on a crate just outside the prison gate.

The count started to float the plate up.

"Don't you think our priority should be escape first, eat second?" Anakin grumbled, not in the mood for a snack.

"Do control your protégé's insolence so I can concentrate." Dooku said, continuing to float the plate, which he dropped to float a knife toward the keyhole.

"Anakin..." Obi-Wan began.

"What?" Said Anakin.

"Control your insolence. The count is concentrating."

The knife hit the keyhole perfectly and opened the door.

"Well done…If I do say so myself." Dooku said.

"Most impressive," said Obi-Wan.

The guys began walking through the hall, Anakin and Obi-Wan hoping the girls were okay.

At the crash site of the Republic ship, Jar Jar and some clones who survived picked themselves up and realized Senator Kharrus was missing.

The pilots were dead… and so was Senator Kharrus.

This wasn't good. Not only were they down a Republic senator, but their ship was destroyed.

"We've got to figure out a way to contact Coruscant," said Commander Stone.

The one-eyed weequay returned to Turk and told him the Republic ship crashed in Doshar Field.

"Good. Good. And you have the spice?" said Turk.

"Uh, no, not exactly. No. I think there are survivors. Uh, we have to call it off. Uh, maybe we should tell Hondo."

But Turk tackled the pirate and pinned him to the ground.

"No one tells Hondo anything! If anyone survived that crash, we'll take care of 'em. Trust me, we're getting that spice."

And so, Turk Falso and his men took off to go take the treasure for themselves.

Meanwhile, the guys were passing through the hallway, Dooku leading the way.

"We do know where we're going, don't we?" Anakin said.

"Hush, Anakin." Obi-Wan said, then repeated Anakin's question.

"Quiet," said Dooku, knocking one pirate out. "I was brought this way when I was captured. It was open then."

Anakin found the door key on the unconscious pirate's belt and took it.

"Are you sure it's safe?" Obi-Wan asked as Anakin used the door key.

"Of course it is," said Dooku.

The door opened, and sure enough, there were pirates. But, they were all trapped or fighting a bunch of trees, big flowers, and vines that were grabbing them and their weapons, tangling them up, or tossing them around. No doubt a certain princess had been there already.

But then, more pirates came and held their guns.

"Hold it right there, Jedi."

Carousella managed to quickly fly through the magical plants and escape the pirates, to the guys' dismay. Now they really had no means of getting out, and they were brought back to their cell.

"What were we thinking, following a Sith Lord?" Anakin said, feeling so foolish.

Hondo walked around the three remaining prisoners.

"Oh what to do? What to do? I don't want to kill you per se." Hondo said. In fact, you seem like decent fellows. Even you, Count. This is just business, and once I get my money, we can go back to being friends."

"You won't get as big a payday without the girls, though." Anakin pointed out.

"Perhaps not," said Hondo. "Unless my men find them first. Now, try not to complicate things by breaking out again."

"Unbelievable. Three girls were able to escape when we couldn't?" Anakin said once the pirates left.

"To be fair, two of them are magical girls, and at least one of them is trained as a guard." Obi-Wan said. "Now we must escape as well before the Republic arrives with the ransom."

"For once, I agree with you," said Dooku.

Back at the crash site, the clones tried to repair the homing beacon to contact Coruscant, but they had no luck.

Jar Jar, on the other hand, with help from another clone, buried Senator Kharrus' body in rocks, and planted his staff on it in his honor.

"You-sa find rest, senator." Jar Jar said. "Thosa withen good in their heart always passen too soon."

One of the clones was curious about something else.

"Sir, with the death of Senator Kharrus," he asked Commander Stone. "Are you now in command of the mission?"

"Technically, no." said Commander Stone.

"Then, uh, who is?"

"Representative Binks is the highest-ranking person here."

Unfortunately, there was a new problem in the form of acid spitting geysers, but that wasn't the only issue. Without a working ship, how would they get Dooku back and deliver the ransom?

Obi-Wan came up with a new idea. One that involved Jedi mind tricks.

"You do not want to stand guard." Obi-Wan said.

"I do not want to stand guard," said the guard, under the trance.

"You want to deactivate the cell bars and go out drinking."

"I want to deactivate the cell bars and go out drinking."

And the guard did just that.

"Not bad." said Anakin.

"Oh, yes, most impressive, Master Kenobi." Dooku said.

Meanwhile, Carousella flew in the air, making her horn glow.

"I sure hope Dad and Uncle Serenado didn't forget how to do this," said Carousella.

She managed to find the Republic crew consisting of Representative Jar Jar Binks and a few clones. They were hiding in what looked to be geysers filled with acid as some of the pirates were stealing the ransom spice, and they were quickly climbing out as some animals ran away, signaling the geysers were about to erupt.

The pirates shot the already crashed ship and took the spice.

Unfortunately, as the pirates were leaving, the geysers began to rumble again!

Jar Jar very nearly fell back in as the geysers were erupting, but Carousella swooped in and grabbed him with her teeth.

"I got you!" Carousella said, flying him to safety with the clones just in time!

"Meesa owe you big time," said Jar Jar.

"No worries." Carousella said. "It's what I do."

"Your Princess Gabriella's horse," said one of the clones.

"Carousella. Boy am I glad to see you guys. We could really use your help."

Carousella told the crew about what happened with the pirates, and that she managed to escape, but they had to get to the base before the pirates did.

"Those pirates are on speeders." said one of the clones. "Unless you can carry all of us, I don't see how we can get there in time."

Meesa be havin' a idea." Jar Jar said.

Anakin led the way this time as he, Obi-Wan, and Dooku snuck through the halls.

"Hurry it up, Dooku." Obi-Wan said, pushing Dooku down behind some crates.

All three prisoners were silent as another pirate passed by. Once it was safe, they stood up again.

"You should be more patient, master. After all, the count is an elderly gentleman and doesn't move like he used to."

"I suppose you're right," smirked Obi-Wan.

"I would kill you both right now if I did not have to drag your bodies," grumbled Dooku.

Meanwhile, Carousella managed to talk to a few creatures and convince them to help the crew. The clones rode the beasts from around the geyser fields, and Jar Jar rode Carousella, who flew up to get a clear view. But had trouble holding the Gungan.

"Stop yanking my mane, Jar Jar!" Carousella shouted angrily. "And don't hold my neck so tight, you're choking me!"

"Sorry, meesa no wanting to fall." Jar Jar said.

"Let's just hurry and save our friends!" Carousella said, and they hurried on their way. However, they were soon met by a bunch of tanks that came to attack, forcing Carousella to land so they wouldn't become easy targets.

One clone told Jar Jar it was up to him to negotiate with the pirates.

An alarm went off as the three Force users ran to the door that led to what would be an exit if there weren't a big wall in the way.

"Now we just need to get beyond that wall." Obi-Wan said.

"Let's go." Anakin said.

Anakin grabbed a long metal pole and began running, some more pirates in pursuit.

Anakin timed it very carefully, and at just the right moment, he propped himself and the other two up with the pole like a pole vault jumper in the olympics. Unfortunately, it wasn't high enough to get all three of them over, or even one of them.

Anakin managed to grab onto the edge, but Obi-Wan and Dooku were both really heavy. Now he wished Carousella had been bound to him; she was strong enough to lift three grown men.

"Don't let them get away!" shouted one pirate.

The pirates began firing, one shot hitting the binder holding Dooku on Obi-Wan. Dooku would've fallen to his death had Obi-Wan not grabbed him. But that didn't help Anakin.

"Hey, what are you guys doing?" Anakin groaned. "You're too heavy. I can't… do it."

Just then, Anakin's amulet started glowing again, and startled, Anakin's hands slipped, but before he and the others could hit the ground…. Some kind of magic happened that slowed down their fall, to the pirates' confusion, but before any of them could do anything else, they were caught for the third time.

"I guess this means we won't be friends," said Hondo.

Where the heck were Kara and Gabby? Anakin wondered.

Gabby was very quiet as she set down what looked like a rolled up green rope in another part of the base. Being as small as she was, she could sneak through the air vents easily. Now if only they weren't so filthy.

Gabby activated her comlink to contact her aunt.

"I got the last one, Auntie Kara. Now what?"

"Be ready, little one." Kara said. "It's almost time. When I give the word, you know what to do."

Hondo sat for a drink when Turk returned with another message, which was actually a lie.

"Well, Turk, did the Republic arrive with my spice?"

"The Republic deceived us. They didn't send the ransom. They sent an army. They ambushed us in Doshar Field. I suggest we counterattack with tanks."

"Where are your men?"

"I was the only survivor. I think they will attack us to try and free the Jedi."

Hondo snarled.

"I warned them. I didn't want to torture anyone. But now, even in a galaxy at war, you hope to find some honor."

"Let me take our tanks. I'll make 'em pay."

"Go. Stop them before they reach the compound. I will deal with the Jedi."

"Yes, captain."

"We have to find a way out of here before Senator Kharrus and Jar Jar arrive."

"Where are the girls?" Anakin said.

"Wherever the girls are, we'll look like fools if they go through with the ransom."

"I think it's time to lose the dead weight." Anakin stood up and looked at Dooku.

But before either of the Jedi could do anything, in came another pirate.

"Hey, you two, come with us."

Anakin and Obi-Wan were escorted from the cell.

Instead of being released, Obi-Wan and Anakin found themselves bound up in the air by some energy forces.

"I take it the Republic didn't arrive with the ransom?" Obi-Wan asked, and the pirates just laughed.

"Ah, your Republic obviously doesn't want the Sith Lord." Hondo said.

"They didn't show?" Obi-Wan was confused.

When Hondo told the Jedi that the Republic only sent an army, they were filled with disbelief.

"You calling me a liar?" Hondo said.

"Uh, isn't that kinda what you do for a living?" Anakin asked rhetorically.

Offended, Hondo got out a remote and pressed a button, but instead of shocking the Jedi, it started playing Baby Shark really loud, making many pirates cover their ears.

"Turn it off!" shouted one of the pirates.

"I'm trying!" Hondo banged the device against a table until the song stopped, to his and his men's relief.

"I despise Baby Shark." Hondo grumbled. "Where is the right remote?"

Just then, Hondo heard someone blowing raspberries, and he looked to see Gabby sticking her tongue out and spitting raspberries at the pirates, and she was holding the remote.

"Looking for this?" Gabby said. "It's mine now."

"Little princess… be a good girl and give Uncle Hondo the control."

But instead, Gabby ran with it, making the pirates pursue her again, Gabby dodging every one of them. And soon she wasn't alone. Out of the blue, some reinforcements arrived in the form of several guards from Equinaro, including Carousella's parents.

Lavendera kicked the pirates and swooped at them with her powerful wings, and then came a lavender pegasus with a darker purple mane and a crescent pattern on his side. His name was Crescent, and he really let the pirates have it.

"That was for imprisoning my sister!"

Gabby continued to run around, and the pirates all soon found themselves spinning like crazy as something zipped right by them and tied them up in some vines Gabby left in various spots. And Gabby grew more plants to distract the pirates, and one of the rose plants helped itself to ripping off Hondo's pants, exposing his underpants.

"Ahh!" Hondo tried to cover himself.

Gabby laughed really hard.

"Nice undies, Hondo!" laughed the princess

"He has kitty cats on his underwear!" Crescent guffawed.

Hondo tried desperately to cover himself, which gave Gabby time to regain her composure and use the remote to undo the trap and use her weather magic to lightning strike it to oblivion.

"Thanks, Princess." Anakin said.

Kara got the last wing of pirates tied up in the vines, all the pirates struggling to get free.

"Sorry we took so long," said Kara. "It took a while to set up our little trap."

"I knew you'd come through, Big Sis." Anakin smiled.

Suddenly, the power went out.

"Did I do that?" Gabby asked, surprised, as she had not intended to do that.

And with the power out, Dooku took his chance to escape from the cell and choke the guard to death.

Kara managed to tie Hondo up, when suddenly a couple of tanks arrived.

"Looks like your forces were destroyed, Jedi" Hondo said.

And Jar Jar and Carousella popped out.

"Looks like you were wrong," said Carousella.

"Ani! Obi!" Jar Jar exclaimed, happy to see them okay.

"Jar Jar?" said Anakin, surprised.

"They arrived with the spice, but crashed." Carousella said, glancing at Turk. "Courtesy of a certain star banded weequay, I believe?

Carousella was ecstatic when she got out of the ship and saw her parents and her big brother arrived after getting her message. A thing about unicorns' horns, they could do more than cast spells. They could be used to call other unicorns, who in turn, could grab an army of royal guard horses to aid in a rescue mission.

"Excellent," said Obi-Wan. "Assuming the pirates still have Dooku to trade."

Inconveniently, Dooku flew off in a ship.

"Well, that answers that question." Anakin said. And the Jedi continued their way to the ship.

"So, what are you going to do now, Jedi? Arrest me?" Hondo asked.

"No, but I'll do much worse to you for kidnapping my baby," snorted Lavendera.

"Lavi! Captain Mareheart said. "Allow me!"

Captain Mareheart pointed his horn at Hondo.

"Anakin, let him go." Obi-Wan said.

"What?" Anakin, Carousella, and Gabby all said in shock.

"Captain, you have nothing we want, and since we're not prisoners anymore, you have no bargaining power." Obi-Wan said. "Let's leave on even terms."

Kara reluctantly undid Hondo's knot.

"You might want to use scissors to free the others," said Kara.

And so, everyone went to board the ship.

"Ladies first," said Obi-Wan.

"What a gentleman." Carousella said before entering the ship, along with Kara and Gabby too.

Hondo's men were about to start a fight, but he stopped them.

"Jedi, after everything, you're just going to walk away?" Hondo said.

"We have no quarrel with you, and we seek no revenge." Obi-wan said.

"A very honorable gesture, Master Jedi."

"Jedi might be okay letting go," said Gabby. "But be warned that Dooku won't play nice."

Obi-Wan picked up the child and said, "She's correct. Dooku does not share our sense of honor, and he knows where you live."

"And so do I." Lavendera said, making a motion with her hoof that she was watching them, and she snorted at them before turning back into the ship.

Carousella snorted and motioned that she was watching for the pirates, still mad for how they threatened the very lives of her princess and her family.

And so, the Jedi and their friends took off, once again safe.

Gabby sneezed as she was still covered in dust. She wasn't kidding when she told her aunt the vents needed a serious cleaning.

"Looks like someone's gonna need a bath and a wardrobe change," chuckled Anakin, dusting some excess dust from his daughter's clothes.

"You think?" Gabby said, sneezing again.

"That's my fault." Kara said. "Unfortunately, she was the only one small enough to fit in there."

So, once they got back, Kara helped Anakin give Gabby a bubble bath and got her into some clean clothes.

"Who knew you could grow so many plants so fast?" Anakin said as he tied a new pink ribbon in Gabby's hair.

"I didn't," said Gabby. "Mostly 'cause I hadn't been counting them so much."

"Looks like her magic is starting to get stronger." Carousella said. "Who knows what else she might be capable of?"

That did raise a little concern for Anakin. Gabby's powers were indeed starting to get stronger and potentially more dangerous if she didn't master them properly.

Just days ago, Gabby's botanical magic grew entire full-grown trees that bore fruit and blossoms instead of just simple flowers, grass, and dandelions. Gabby even found herself able to grow more types of cacti from time to time. That power seemed to grow fastest. But, the only power Anakin had not yet seen Gabby use was using the Force to levitate anything.

According to Master Yoda, it was a possibility that Gabby's age along with her other powers growing in were interfering with her connection to the Force, and her ability to use it the same as the other Jedi, but she would get her power over that later. In the meantime, Anakin had to teach her in any way he could, and so did the other Jedi.

Meanwhile, Kara went to look into her books on Solaran history, but she found that several of them were left open. That seemed strange. But when she touched them…

Kara sensed seriously dark magic had been in contact with them! She immediately went to warn Anakin and check his books.

Both Jedi checked their books. None of them seemed to be missing any pages or be damaged in any way. But… it made them both curious.

"How could any dark creatures get in here?" Anakin wondered out loud.

"I don't know. But I think we may need to start asking someone for help." Kara said. "The only question is who?"

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Episode: Jedi Crash

"We now return to Republic Galactic News," said a male announcer on the TV. "Live for today's news story is our lead reporter Shera Nova and her co-host Darrel Trent."

At the news desk sat a blue Twi'lek woman dressed in a navy pantsuit beside a well-dressed human male.

"Good morning, Republic viewers," said Shera. "For those of you who don't know me, I'm Shera Nova, here with my co-host Darrel Trent, coming to you live with the latest in out of this world news. According to our latest sources, battles have been escalating in various parts of the galaxy, and we've just lost another world to the Separatists. However, there are those brave enough to choose neutrality, including Mandalore, whose leader Duchess Satine Kryze is adamant about despite rumors a terrorist group may be planning an uprising."

On the set, Padme was set to give Shera an interview, while Gabby was in a special area. Shera seemed like a very nice lady, and she had a little boy she adopted named Gio, who was Gabby's age.

It was soon Padme's turn to be on camera.

"Joining me for today's story is Naboo's own beloved Senator Padme Amidala. Welcome to the show, Senator."

"Hi, Shera. Thank you for having me here today." Padme smiled.

Shera and Darrel both asked Padme a lot of questions about her opinions on the current outcomings of the war, and how this was affecting her people in particular.

"I confess, I do worry about the war at times, but I choose to have faith. It just so happens I know a couple of Jedi personally, and one of them happens to be the best fighter I've seen thus far, that was proven when he rescued my Gabriella during one of the more frightening moments we faced in this war."

"How touching." Shera smiled, thinking of her Gio. "A mother myself, I understand your side, Senator Amidala."

Gabby and Gio watched intently as their mommies conducted an interview.

"Mommy's the best reporter." Gio whispered. "I wanna be just like her when I grow up."

"Me too. I wanna be like my mommy and help people." Gabby said.

"That's a lovely ring you have, Senator." Shera said. "From a special someone, I assume?"

"Yes, actually. My husband, actually."

"So the rumors are true that you have a man in your life? Will we get to meet this special man of yours?"

"I wish you could, but he prefers to keep his privacy. Makes Daddy-daughter time easier, you know."

Shera did understand that. She was unmarried, but she understood how hard it could be to find time for just you and your kids when you were in the limelight. And unlike most reporters, Shera knew how to respect even famous people's privacy.

Normally, Gio was supposed to stay off-camera, but sometimes he couldn't help crawling over to his mommy, like today.

"Manny, I thought I told you to watch Gio." Shera said.

"Sorry, Ms. Nova." said one of the crew members.

Shera figured she might as well pick up Gio and set him on her lap. She couldn't really be mad at Gio; he was just a toddler.

"Eager to start training for newswork like your mommy, are you?" Shera cooed.

Gio held a paper on the desk to confirm.

"I'm Gio Nova, junior reporter. This just in…" He showed the paper to be a picture of a tiger he colored. "I drew this for my mommy."

Padme as well as many viewers couldn't help finding that adorable. That was just one big reason Gio was allowed on set; his unexpected cameos seemed to grab a lot of attention for the channel.

Gabby looked at her mom hesitantly, not wanting to get in trouble if she shouldn't be on camera.

"Go on, Princess. Join your mommy." Shera said.

So Gabby did.

Shera commented on how Padme was a very lucky lady to have a bundle of joy to remind her to stay hopeful during this time of war. Just before the war started, Gio lost his biological parents in an attack. Shera never had much luck finding a husband, and she wanted to be a mom so bad… so she chose the next best thing. Adoption. And when she saw that little twi-lek bouncing in his crib at the orphanage last year, it was love at first sight. The moment she held him in her arms for the first time, she felt complete, and she loved her baby boy so much.

So, yes. There were rumors that Senator Amidala did have a husband. What else would people assume once they noticed a ring on her finger? But, Padme wouldn't be the first politician with a secret spouse, 'secret' meaning they don't show their face or reveal their name. Most of them did so for security reasons because family members of politicians were primary targets for criminals looking for a big ransom, but Padme doubted most of them hid their spouses because they were secretly married to Jedi and had a baby with them.

Part of being the child of a Jedi and senator in a secret relationship involved being very careful not to spill the beans, which was surprisingly easy for this two-year-old.

You've probably heard of Bring Your Kids to Work Day. You know, when kids of all ages get to see where their parents work. Usually, that place in office buildings and maybe the occasional country club or art studio. Most kids didn't spend that day on the battlefield!

A normal Bring Your Kids to Work Day, well normal for Gabby at least, would be in her mother's office at the Senate building, maybe on Naboo, or at the Jedi Temple with her father. But Anakin wasn't in the Jedi Temple right now.

This time, Anakin Skywalker, his sister Kara Talhin, and his Padawan Ahsoka Tano were on a mission to rescue Jedi Aayla Secura, whose fleet was outnumbered in the far reaches of the Quell system.

"Hurry, Skywalker. We're depending on you."

Aayla prayed Anakin would make it there on time to get her and her fleet out.

"Prepare the gunships," ordered Anakin.

Everyone got onto the gunships, Anakin signaling Admiral Yularen to let everyone out.

And the Jedi and clones rode in to rescue Aayla, while Carousella flew Gabby in, the two of them in a protective energy bubble.

"Rocket droids, incoming!" shouted one clone.

"Carousella, cast!" Gabby shouted.

"I'm on it!" Carousella said, and she blasted as many droids as she could with her magic to give the gunships more time and space to fly in.

Super droids were also flying in, boarding Aayla's ship.

"Those droids are boarding Aayla's ship!" Anakin shouted over the noise.

Even with Carousella there to blast the clankers, that didn't stop more from coming in and boarding some of the clones' ships to attack them, including the one Anakin and Ahsoka were on.

"Take care of that clanker!" Anakin ordered. "I'll be on board Aayla's cruiser."

"Master, are you that's the wisest thing-" Ahsoka started.

"And there he goes." Kara rolled her eyes. "Again."

But Anakin, being Anakin, didn't wait for her to finish, and he jumped onto one of the clankers and got onto Aayla's cruiser, Ahsoka and their team soon flying in. Carousella landed beside Anakin, and Gabby began shooting balls of fire at whatever droids came along. The group ran and soon came across Master Secura and the rest of the team.

Everyone began slicing and blasting droids, or in Gabby's case, hitting them with trees or lightning strikes.

"Nice entrance, Skywalker." Aayla said as she and the other Jedi began deflecting blaster shots with their lightsabers. "Now how do you plan on getting us out of this mess?"

"Well, I have a ship." Anakin said, slicing another droid.

"It's in the lower hangar as we speak," said Carousella, kicking another clanker. "We have to hurry! Anakin, on your left!"

Anakin sliced another droid that almost got him.

"Thanks, Carousella."

The team ran and ran until they came across a single battle droid. Anakin held up his lightsaber, and more droids appeared. But then, Carousella blasted them with her magic.

"All too easy," sang Carousella. Then the team rushed to the docking bay.

"Let's go!" Anakin exclaimed, leading his team away, making sure everyone got to the dock to board the ship.

They soon came to the docking area, and Ahsoka pressed a button to get them access.

"We made it." Ahsoka said.

As the team was about to get onto the ship, there was an explosion. Anakin looked back and said, "It's too late."

Anakin quickly Force pushed everyone into the docking bay as the door was closing.

"Master!/Daddy!/Anakin!" Ahsoka, Gabby, and Kara exclaimed at the same time as they and the others were all thrown into another room, some landing more roughly than others.

Anakin tried to hold the door down and block the explosion, but he could only hold it for about five seconds before tons of flaming debris burst at him and hit him right into the door he'd sent the others through.

There was another explosion from the other side of the door. Gabby panicked as she quickly got up from where she fell off Carousella and started banging her fists on the door.

"Daddy? Daddy! Can you hear me?! Are you okay?" Gabby screamed, banging louder. "DADDY!"

"Don't move the ship!" Ahsoka ordered.

She opened the door as quickly as she could, and found Anakin unconscious and in critical condition. Kara gasped when she saw her brother's condition.

"Ahsoka, we have to leave now!" Aayla said, helping Ahsoka gently pull Anakin to safety. "Hurry. Get him on the ship."

Carousella grabbed Gabby and rushed to get her to safety; she knew Anakin would want her to keep protecting the little one.

The Jedi managed to lay Anakin down safely in the ship. This would be a simple fix; all Gabby had to do was kiss Anakin's cheek, and he'd heal right away. Or so they thought.

"This is where you come in, Gabs." Ahsoka said.

Gabby climbed onto the berth and kissed Anakin on his cheek. But, something was wrong. Nothing happened. He didn't heal at all. So, Gabby kissed him again. Nothing happened. Then she kissed him for a little longer, and then a bunch of times. Still no healing

"Shouldn't he be healed already?" Kara said, worried and confused.

Gabby kissed Anakin one more time. Still, nothing happened.

"It's not working! My healing power isn't working!" Gabby panicked.

"How is that possible?" Carousella wondered out loud.

"Why isn't it working?" Gabby asked, looking at her sisterly figure and aunts.

The older girls all quickly saw that Gabby had a little scratch on her bottom lip; probably from when she fell off Carousella.

"That scratch on your lip might be why." Carousella grimaced.

"You must've hit your mouth when you fell." Kara said.

"In that case, Anakin will need old fashioned medical attention." Aayla said.

Anakin was hooked up to a life support system on the ship, and General Secura contacted Admiral Yularen.

"You'll never be able to dock your ship with this battle going on," said Admiral Yularen.

"We have no choice, Admiral." Aayla said. "General Skywalker's condition may be critical."

"Are all Jedi so reckless?"

"Just the good ones."

However, during the battle, the ship was hit, activating the hyperdrive, and it couldn't be shut down. This wasn't good.

"General Secura, what's going on?" asked Admiral Yularen.

"We're going into hyperspace." said Aayla. "Detach! Detach!"

Admiral Yularen immediately ordered evasive maneuvers to avoid the ship taking the cruiser with them into hyperspace, and the ship zoomed off.

"Plot every course along their last known trajectory." Yularen said. "We need to finish this battle and find them."

As Anakin was hooked up to the life support, Ahsoka stood by her master's side, and Gabby was laying close beside him, crying. Kara held Gabby and hugged her, while Carousella tried nuzzling her, but it had no effect.

Aayla came to fetch Ahsoka, saying she and Commander Bly were needed at the bridge immediately.

"I should stay." Ahsoka said. "Commander Bly doesn't need my help. Anakin does."

"You can help Anakin by getting this ship to safety." Aayla said. "Carousella and Kara can stay and look after Anakin. Gabriella, we'll need you too."

"But, Aunt Aayla, my magic isn't working. Remember?" Gabby reminded her.

"Your healing power isn't. But you have others that should."

"Go, Gabriella. They need you." Kara said.

So, Gabby agreed to go.

Aayla picked up the child and held her in her arms as Commander Bly came in, reporting a problem. He reported that the navi-computer's inputs were done incorrectly in their haste to escape and now they were headed for a star, and not the magical kind that granted wishes.

While Carousella stayed to watch Anakin, the others went to take care of the problem.

Unfortunately, the navi-computer was completely fried,

"Shut down all power circuits to reset the coordinates." Aayla ordered.

"That will cut off Anakin's life support!" Ahsoka said.

Gabby gasped. she was only almost three, but she knew exactly what that meant risking. She couldn't lose her father now. How would Padme react?

"I don't like it any more than you do, but it is a risk we're going to have to take." Aayla said.

"We're switching off the primary power units." Ahsoka reported.

"Cutting it awfully close." said Rex, seeing as they were almost about to hit the star.

"Ready to shut off auxiliary power," said Aayla.

"On three." said Ahsoka

The team got ready to cut off all power in three... two... one.

And lights out!

Rex, Aayla, and Gabby all got thrown to the back of the ship, Rex catching the child on his stomach with a grunt.

"We're out of hyperspace! Resume all power!" Commander Bly exclaimed.

Aayla concentrated and used the Force to flip the switch and restore all power. It was a close one, but they managed to steer the ship away from the star, only to head for something else.

"Well, we're not going to crash into the star, but we're definitely going to hit that planet." Ahsoka said.

And the ship engulfed itself more in flames as it entered the new planet's atmosphere.

Gabby screamed as they made a rough landing, and she clung to Rex until the ship finally stopped.

Carousella kicked the exit door open, carrying Gabby on her back.

"Everyone out! Hurry!" Carousella called.

Carousella got Gabby out and helped the clones out while Ahsoka, Kara, and Aayla helped Anakin out. And Gabby used her weather magic to make rain pour over the fire, putting it out before it could spread.

"We made it. And Master Skywalker is still alive." Aayla said with relief.

"I'm just glad he wasn't awake to see that landing." Ahsoka said.

"He would have been proud." Kara said. "If he weren't injured right now, I'd slap the living daylight out of him for being so reckless."

"I've certainly mastered the art of demolishing ships and almost getting my master killed." Ahsoka groaned.

"Daddy!" Gabby exclaimed, running to her father. She was more worried about her father's life than how Aayla and the others would react to Gabby calling him 'Daddy.'

Gabby knelt down by Anakin, pressing her ear to his chest. She could hear his heart beating, and his lungs still breathing, just barely.

"What do we do? What do we do?" Gabby panicked, tears coming to her eyes. "We can't let him die."

Kara picked Gabby up again.

"Don't cry, Gabby. We'll figure something out."

Carousella nuzzled Gabby again in an effort to comfort her.

The crew managed to set up a small camp using some scrap metal to make a protective tent for Anakin, and Gabby was relieved her other powers were still intact, and she used them to make a soft cloud for Anakin to rest on.

Luckily, Carousella had some medical training while she trained as a guard. Unfortunately, most of it was for equines and/or centaurs, one of which was only half-human, so it was difficult to figure out the best way to treat him.

"Please be okay, Daddy." whispered Gabby.

Aayla took a look at Gabby and Anakin. She heard Gabby call Anakin 'Daddy', which Ahsoka told her was apparently a nickname for Anakin. But, the Twilek Jedi wasn't so sure about that.

"Gabriella, stay still for a moment." Aayla told the child.

Aayla took a careful look at Gabby's face and then looked at Anakin, and she noticed some things. Gabby had the same nose as Anakin. And the same ears. She also recalled when she'd seen one or both of them smile, and they seemed to have the same smile too. And, personality-wise, Gabby showed she was just as stubborn as him sometimes, and sometimes rebelled against what the Jedi Council said. And, the facts of Anakin not hesitating to accept when Padme chose him to be Gabby's bodyguard, him being there when she was born, and that Gabby's full first name was a feminine version of Anakin's middle name. All of it was too strange to be a coincidence.

"Kara… have you noticed Gabriella and Master Skywalker seem to look alike?" Aayla said/

Kara scratched behind her right ear, which she typically did if she was hiding something.

"No… why bring up her appearance? Anakin's the one not looking so good right now."

"Kara, if there is something you are not telling me…"

"Will you stop interrogating Auntie Kara already?!" Gabby shouted angrily. "My daddy needs help, and you're wasting time asking silly questions!"

But then, Gabby realized what she'd blurted out in her fit of anger.

"Don't worry, Gabriella. We are going to help your father," said Aayla.

Gabby became scared.

"Please don't get Daddy in trouble!" She begged.

"Wait a minute. I'm lost now." Ahsoka said. "So…Anakin is actually your real father, and you knew all this time?"

Gabby looked down. She couldn't deny it any longer, and tears came to her eyes as she answered.

"Yes. I'm so sorry I lied to you. Please don't be mad."

"Did you know about this?" Ahsoka looked at Kara.

"Yes." Kara sighed.

"But they had a very good reason for keeping it secret." Carousella said.

"Carousella? You too?" Aayla asked.

"I was sworn to secrecy when I joined the family. Besides, since I'm not a Jedi, I'm not obligated to tell any Jedi."

"We will worry about that later." Aayla said. "Anakin doesn't have much time. We need to find help tonight."

"Okay, you and Bly go south. Rex, Gabby, Carousella, and I will stay with Anakin." Ahsoka said.

"No, Ahsoka. In order to get help quickly, we must work together."

"I can't leave him. Master, if I was hurt. I know he'd never leave me behind."

"I know this is hard, Ahsoka. But Anakin has to stay behind and we have to go now." Aayla said firmly. "There's nothing more we can do for him. We must do all we can to get off this planet. As a Jedi, it is your duty to do what is best for the group.'

Ahsoka looked at Gabby. The little girl gave Anakin a kiss; even though it didn't heal him physically, she just wanted to show him how much she loved him.

Rex soon found something, a plank of wood with a picture carved into it. The planet was obviously inhabited.

"If you don't mind me asking, General Secura... where exactly are we going?" Commander Bly asked.

"To go find the people who live on this planet." Aayla said.

"Where are we gonna find them? We don't even know where they are."

Ahsoka looked at the wooden picture and said, "It seems to me that. the people we're looking for live near giant trees."

"Very perceptive, Padawan." Aayla said.

Ahsoka looked at her Master resting on his cloud.

"Be strong, Master. Just a little longer." She said.

"Don't worry, Daddy." Gabby said. "We'll get you help. Carousella, fly up and see if you can spot any giant trees."

Carousella did just that. She looked around until she spotted something in the distance. It looked like… a village.

"I can see a village. Straight ahead, that way." Carousella said.

"Perfect! Let's go!" Gabby said, beginning to run.

"Gabby! Wait up!"

"I guess that means we go that way." Ahsoka shrugged.

Kara, however, stayed behind to watch over Anakin with Rex. Since she had experience with some medical care, she would work to stabilize her brother as long as she could. That, and she pressed the red gem on her clava-detector. This was an emergency, no doubt.

It felt like hours as the Jedi and clones kept moving. Even with Carousella carrying everyone in shifts, it took a while to get there.

Ahsoka and Gabby were both very worried about Anakin, and Aayla could sense it.

"I can sense you're worried about Anakin," said Aayla. "Your attachments to him."

"I just get so confused sometimes." Ahsoka confessed. "It's forbidden for Jedi to form attachments, yet we're supposed to be compassionate."

"It's nothing to be ashamed of Ahsoka. I went through the same thing when I was your age with my own master." Aayla said.

"Really? you?"

"He was like a father to me. I realized that for the greater good, I had to let him go. Don't lose a thousand lives just to save one."

"Maybe, but that doesn't mean I can't try to save his life." Ahsoka said.

"Yeah. And letting go shouldn't mean kicking out emotions or connecting with people completely." Gabby said.

"Right now, you are too young to understand, Gabriella." Aayla said.

"I am not!" Gabby made Carousella get in front of everyone, making them stop. "You don't know Daddy like I do. Daddy loves me and my mommy, and he's become a better Jedi and a better person because of it. So don't you dare tell me that his choice to be my daddy is wrong."

"I never said that, little one." Aayla said. "But if your father has formed attachments to you and your mother, he has violated the Code. A single attachment alone is very dangerous. Two is another story."

"Oh, so it's okay for a Jedi Master to have gotten a steed, and for Gabby here to have a steed, but not for Anakin to be her dad? How does that make any sense?" Carousella pointed out.

"Yeah! Daddy may be reckless, stubborn, and disobedient to orders, but he's not stupid. He told me that love and attachment are two completely different things. Attachment is being possessive but loving someone and being part of a family... that's something special. And Mommy told me that letting go is never easy for anyone, but with loved ones by our side, they can help us learn to confront negative emotions instead of ignoring them."

"How can someone so young know so much?" Ahsoka wondered.

"I just told you. Mommy and Daddy taught me. Both of them." Gabby said.

"And like Queen Reigna always says, negative emotions are like a virus. If you ignore them they don't go away. They get worse. But if you treat them, they do go away and you're ready for them when they come back."

"I don't care what the Council thinks of me if we ever get off this planet, but if they're too stubborn to see that Daddy-"

"We can worry about that later." Aayla said. "We must keep moving if we want to save your father."

Night soon fell. Kara slept by Anakin's side while Rex took the first shift watching for any danger.

Rex soon heard rustling in the grass, and turned on his light, searching around.

Kara woke up, then she sat up and looked around, seeing nothing. But, she sensed something was nearby. She got her lightsaber to have it ready just in case. She looked at her brother.

"Don't worry, Ani. I won't let you go down without a fight." Kara said.

The search party eventually came by a giant tree. There were no signs of life, and little Gabby was starting to get sleepy.

"Watch out!" Aayla shouted, tackling Bly out of the way of a giant pod seed.

Gabby screamed as Carousella and she barely managed to dodge one.

"Jeepers! That was close!" Carousella exclaimed.

"No wonder it's deserted." Ahsoka said. "It's a death trap."

"You'd have to be crazy to wanna dodge these everyday!" Gabby added.

"Ditto." Carousella panted.

That was when Aayla spotted a dirt trail caused no doubt by a pod being dragged across the ground.

"It looks like someone or something intelligent enough to figure out a use for the pods has dragged them away. All we have to do is follow the trail. Let's go."

Ahsoka hopped on Carousella's back.

"Run like the wind, Carousella!"

Ahsoka snapped the reins, and she rode with Gabby as fast as the alicorn could run down the trail.

Meanwhile, at the camp. Anakin started to wake up, and he started to sit up as he heard a growl.

"Anakin, are you okay?" Kara said, getting him to lay back down.

"Be... behind you." Anakin said.

Kara looked and saw a griffin-like creature approaching.

"Rex! Look out!"

The creature grabbed Rex by the arm with its jaws. Rex tried to get his gun, but the creature pinned him down with its paws. Then, Kara jumped in and began fighting off the creature herself, managing to scare it off with her lightsaber, Rex helping with some blaster bolts.

"That was a close one," said Kara.

It was close to dawn as the search party came across some tall grass. Gabby and Carousella were starting to get sleepy. That was when they heard a low growl.

Gabby yawned and woke herself up, and then she was really awake when some big creatures came and attacked their team. Carousella blasted magic and kicked the creatures, and Gabby managed to nab them with her vines, and scare them off with some storm clouds, but not before Cameron, Lucky, and Flesh were killed.

"We have to keep moving." Aayla said, her Bly, and Carousella, trying to run faster than they'd ever run before.

By morning, the team finally found signs of civilization. A civilization that was pod central. It was a cute village filled with little houses made from the giant pods, and the villagers looked like lemurs.

"They're so cute," Carousella gasped with a smile.

Ahsoka waved hello as they walked into the village.

"Hi, there." Gabby waved.

An older villager, who seemed to be the leader, came over.

"What have you come here for?" said the leader, whose name was Tee-Watt-Kaa.

Gabby jumped down from Aayla's arms, wanting a chance to speak.

"Hello. My name is Gabriella Amidala, Princess of Naboo. And these are my friends, Jedi peacekeepers from the Galactic Republic. Our ship crashed here a few miles away and one of us is very badly hurt, and we need your help. Please."

It surprised the older Jedi and Commander Bly how good the young princess was doing for her first time negotiating with another leader.

"Violence breeds violence. Jedi are no peacekeepers," said Tee-Watt-Kaa, glaring at Aayla's lightsaber.

Gabby wanted to say something else, but Ahsoka interrupted.

"We're fighting for freedom," said the Togruta.

"And freedom and peace require fear and death?" said Tee-Watt-Kaa. "We colonized this system to find solace from your wretched war. We came to find peace. You must leave. You will only destroy what small amount of peace is left in the galaxy. You will only bring the destruction of us."

"Regardless of the Clone Wars and our part in them, we still need your help." Aayla said. But still, the leader of the pod village refused.

"I must do what is best for my people. We cannot help you."

"Please!" Gabby begged, tears forming in her eyes. "Can't you at least give us some medical supplies? My daddy is the one who's hurt, and he could die!"

That seemed to have sold the leader. And he called over a younger creature.

"I cannot ignore a plea for help," said Tee-Watt-Kaa. "I will send my son Wag Too to help your father. He is a healer. But only one Jedi may go with him. The other and you, Princess, must stay for assurance. We wouldn't want a surprise attack on our village. Or the kidnapping of our only healer."

"Bly and I will stay," said Aayla. "Padawan, go and help your Master."

"No, the clone and his blaster and the unicorn and her horn cannot stay," said Tee-Watt-Kaa. "They will go with the young one."

"I can do it. I don't need help," Ahsoka reassured.

"Ahsoka," Aayla began.

"Don't worry."

"Be mindful of your surroundings, Padawan. Those creatures are still out there."

"Gabby, whatever you do, don't leave this village. I mean that!" Carousella said sternly.

"We won't be long." Ahsoka promised as she and Bly got on Carousella's back and rode off with Wag Too.

While Aayla went to talk with Tee-Watt-Kaa, Gabby looked around the village and started to play with some of the Lurmen, as she learned they were called, by tumbling on the ground like they did, and she showed that she was one of the good guys by dancing happily and growing lots of pretty flowers around them. The Lurmen seemed to like it, and it distracted Gabby for a while from how worried she was about Anakin, but not completely.

Gabby had a lot to think about now. Her secret was out all because she had a slip of her tongue, and because Aayla noticed similarities between her and Anakin, and the Jedi Council would surely want a DNA test to know for sure. What could she do? What would she do? What should she do?

The Council would no doubt be furious at Anakin for keeping such a secret, and even more once they also learned Anakin married Padme. Given how much Anakin showed he had a connection with Padme, it was pretty clear they were more than just friends. Even though they didn't marry just because they had Gabby, a lot of other couples tended to do that if they had babies before marriage, from what Gabby heard. And what about the fact that Kara knew? She was a Jedi Master. She wasn't a member of the Council, but she still would be obligated to say that she knew of another Jedi breaking the rules, even if it was her own brother.

Gabby couldn't bear the thought of her father or her aunt being expelled because of her, or all three of them. But she figured she would've preferred the second possibility, because if just her father and her aunt left, there might've been the possibility she might never see them or Padme again. She couldn't bear even the thought of growing up without her parents.

What if it also meant she wouldn't get to see her friends? And what about Carousella? What if the Jedi forced her to cut off all ties with everyone she loved and kept her in the Temple like a princess locked up in a fairytale just to keep her from forming new attachments?

Okay, that last one might've been dramatic, but give the kid a break.

Tee-Wat-Kaa gave Aayla a special drink to help restore her strength, for which she was grateful.

"I am sure you are aware that the Jedi did not initiate the Clone Wars." Aayla said, hoping to make peace with the Lurmen leader. "Our only intention is to end it and restore peace to our galaxy."

"What difference does it make who started the war and who only wants to end it?" said Tee-Watt-Kaa. "No side is free of fault. It takes two to fight."

"But isn't liberty worth fighting for?"

"But is it worth killing for? Fighting for something doesn't necessarily mean you have to destroy everything in your path. Only when you lay your arms down and pursue a course of nonviolence can you make this claim to me that the Jedi are peacekeepers."

Carousella flew as fast as she could with Bly, Ahsoka, and Wag Too on her back. This was the first time Wag Too ever rode a flying horse, so Carousella warned him to holler if he had to hurl. Flying seemed a lot faster than running, and Anakin needed help now, now, now!

Kara looked again at her clava-detector. Still no emergency responders.

"What am I on, a waitlist?!" Kara exclaimed in frustration.

"Still no word from emergency services?" Rex asked.

"Nope. Either we're out of range or something's keeping them from getting here."

Suddenly, Rex and Kara heard moaning and groaning. Kara looked to see Anakin painfully trying to get up.

"Ani, you need to maintain your rest." Kara said, getting her brother to lay down again.

"I can't rest." Anakin groaned, trying to stand up. "Kara, they're coming. I can hear them. We must fight."

"Anakin!" Kara just picked Anakin up and held him like a baby. "If this is what it takes to get you resting…"

Then there was the sound of creatures squealing, and the same creatures from before pounced from the tall grass. Rex immediately fired at one of the beasts, killing it. But with Kara's hands full, she couldn't help Rex, and the surviving creature knocked Rex down.

Fortunately, a magenta blast of magic hit one of the creatures, and that turned out to be from Carousella as she swooped in with Commander Bly and Ahsoka. Ahsoka was about to use her lightsaber, but Wag Too stopped her and used a rope to tie the surviving beast's leg, and with Carousella, Ahsoka, and Rex's help, they took the monster down with a thud, and Wag Too tied him up.

"Good work, little guy." Ahsoka said.

Carousella giggled when she looked at Kara.

"Aww. Kara's taking good care of her baby brother by the look of this."

"Master!" Ahsoka ran over.

Although he was embarrassed that his Padawan was seeing him being held like a baby again before Kara gently set him down, he was happy to see her.

"Good to see you, Snips." he chuckled.

"This is Wag Too." Ahsoka introduced the lurmen. "He's a healer. He can make you well again."

"Don't you worry." Wag Too said. "I can fix you right up."

It felt like days to Gabby until she saw, Kara, Ahsoka, and Commander Bly arriving with Anakin on a stretcher, Carousella arriving close by with Rex on her back, his arm injured. Many lurmen gathered and looked at Anakin curiously.

"Uh... Snips?" Anakin said, feeling uncomfortable being stared at by all the villagers.

"Hey, give the guy some space," Kara said, shooing the lookie-loos.

"Daddy! Daddy DADDY!" another voice screamed.

But then Carousella looked to her right and exclaimed, "Incoming at twelve o'clock!"

The lurmen quickly scattered as Gabby ran in and practically screeched to a stop, letting dust fly behind her.

"Daddy! You're alive!" Gabby exclaimed, getting down and carefully hugging her father, showering his face with lots of kisses.

Even though the kisses wouldn't magically heal him, Anakin was more than happy to receive lots of love from his little princess.

"Good to see you, Baby Girl." Anakin said. "Told our secret, huh?"

Gabby turned red in shame.

"It was an accident. I swear. It just slipped out." Gabby said, sounding sad again. Then she hugged her father again. "I just don't wanna lose you, Daddy. I love you. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Princess." Anakin smiled, stroking Gabby's hair.

Anakin was brought to Wag Too's healing tent, where he used a special natural oil to aid in healing Anakin.

"The oil from the pods will aid in the healing process." Wag Too said.

Wag Too placed the oil on a couple of towels, which he placed over Anakin's head and his chest. He also used a small bit of it to apply to dab on Gabby's scratched lip so it would heal. With hope, Gabby would be able to kiss and make it better again in no time.

"Don't worry. You and your father will be all better soon," said Wag Too.

"Thank you so much for helping Daddy, Wag Too." Gabby smiled.

"He's very lucky to have such a brave and caring daughter like you."

Gabby only hoped she could be brave long enough for them to fully recover and for the Republic to find them so they could go home.

Kara looked in the tent later as Anakin was laying down asleep, Gabby curled up right beside him. The little one absolutely refused to leave his side now that he was finally in a space where he could heal.

"Get better soon, Ani." Kara said. Then she kissed Anakin's forehead.

Kara might not have the power to heal with a kiss, but Anakin needed the love more than ever now.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka and Aayla sat on a hill to rest a bit themselves. Ahsoka had quite a bit on her mind after all that happened, and she had something she needed to tell Aayla.

"You were right all along, Master Secura."

"About what?"

Ahsoka picked up a rock and looked at it.

"If I had stayed with Anakin, we probably wouldn't have found this village in time to save him." She sighed and stood up. "At least this whole ordeal is over now."

Aayla agreed that at least the hard part was over, but…

"We still have to find a way off this planet."

"Well, I'm sure Admiral Yularen and the Republic fleet are looking for us. And enchanted emergency workers. It shouldn't take either of them too long to get here."

Chapter Text

Clone Wars Episode: Defenders of Peace

Where we last left off, young Princess Gabriella's secret of her father being none other than Anakin Skywalker had been revealed to Jedi Master Aayla Secura and Padawan Ahsoka Tano just as they landed on a new planet and Anakin Skywalker was terribly injured. To make matters worse, Gabby got a busted lip in battle, temporarily preventing her from using her healing power, leaving the team to search for medical assistance from someone else. Fortunately, they received help from the Lurmen village's healer Wag Too, son of the Lurmen leader Tee-Watt-Kaa. Unfortunately, the group still hadn't found their way off the planet.

About a day went by since Anakin received help, but no Republic ships found them yet, and Kara kept pressing the red gem on her clava-detector. So did Ahsoka and Aayla, hoping emergency workers from Enchantra would come help them. But, Anakin was still receiving treatment, and Gabby's lip was getting better quickly since her wound wasn't too serious, and the Lurmen were a peaceful and kind species. And Kara, she made sure Anakin rested and watched Gabby for him.

Commander Bly helped some villagers with a stack of jogan fruit baskets, and they gave him one as a snack.

Gabby continued to contribute a little magic to the Lurmen village, making flowers and more fruit trees grow. The lurmen definitely didn't mind having some color in their village, especially when Gabby showed them how she made some of them into flower crowns and braided some into the lurmens' hair

Meanwhile, Rex was sitting on a hill when he spotted a droid ship headed their way. He immediately alerted Commander Bly, who told Rex to meet him back in the village.

Gabby went to check on her father and decided to give her healing power another go now that the scar was disappearing. She kissed Anakin's cheek as Commander Bly entered.

"General."

"Yes, Commander?" Anakin said, bandages wrapped around his head and torso.

"We've got a Separatist ship incoming."

"This is neutral space," said Wag Too.

"It won't be neutral for long." Anakin said. "No if the Separatists have their way. Help me up."

Anakin tried to get up, but he grunted in pain.

"Okay, I guess we know now my healing power still isn't back yet." Gabby said, looking over her father.

"Don't struggle," said Wag Too. "I'm sorry, but you're still too injured to move."

"He's right, Ani." Kara said. "If we do leave this planet, we don't want you leaving in a coffin."

Gabby squeaked in response to that. Probably not the best idea to say that in front of a two-year-old.

Tee-Watt-Kaa came in as the droid ship landed a short distance from the village.

"What menace have you brought to our village now, Jedi?" Asked the Lurmen leader.

"Father, you can't blame them." Wag Too said.

"He's right," said Ahsoka. The Separatists don't even know we're here.

"And they can't know," said Aayla. "We've got to hide."

"Your presence here endangers us," said Tee-Watt-Kaa. "You must leave before your enemies find you."

"But you'll need our help. You can't fight them alone." Ahsoka said.

"We will not fight them at all. We would rather die than to kill others."

"Are you nuts?" Carousella said.

"You're going to surrender?" Gabby asked with surprise.

"But, how can you-?" Ahsoka began, but was interrupted by Anakin.

"Girls. Stop. All of you," Anakin grunted. "If the Lurmen want to remain neutral, we won't force them into war."

"See to it that they leave," Tee-Watt-Kaa told his son. And he left to see what their "new visitors" wanted.

The Jedi were given some food for the journey. The clones carefully helped Anakin up, and Gabby climbed onto Carousella.

"Take it easy, Sir. We'll assist you." Bly said, and they headed on their way.

Carousella quickly hid herself and Gabby behind the pods as they moved. Being so brightly colored, they were very noticeable, and could easily become the Separatists' first targets.

Meanwhile, Tee-Watt-Kaa was introduced to General Lok Durd of the Separatist Alliance. Tee-Watt-Kaa asked the general why he came, and Lok Durd said,

"You are now under the protection of the Separatist Alliance. I congratulate you on your good fortune."

"Thank you," said Tee-Watt-Kaa as the Separatist general and the battle droids walked away. "But we enjoyed good fortune well before your arrival."

Tee-Watt-Kaa followed the Separatists as they walked across the land, heading for the Lurmen village.

"We are a peaceful people, General." Tee-Watt-Kaa explained. "I do not condone your presence here."

"Then stand aside," said Lok Durd. "I would like to inspect my new colony."

Lok Durd took one look at the village and ordered the droids to "ransack this dung heap."

Ahsoka and the other young girls watched in horror as General Lok Durd had his droids tear apart the Lurmen's homes, and Gabby felt even worse that she couldn't use a defense spell without revealing her or the others' presence.

"Why are they tearing apart our homes?" Wag Too asked. "We've done nothing to them!"

"Violence," said Ahsoka. "That's what those droids are programmed for."

"Can't we do anything?" Gabby said. "I could make a big flytrap to eat those droids."

"No. If we are discovered, all the Lurmen will be slaughtered." Aayla said.

"Unfortunately, she's correct." Kara sighed.

"We'll be okay," said Anakin, looking at the grass nearby. "If we make it to the tall grasses. And try not to drop Gabby in there, Carousella."

Carousella scoffed. Anakin was never going to let her live that down, she thought.

"I only dropped her because you Force-pushed me off course! Sheesh."

"Let's just go before your yelling at each other gives us away," said Kara.

And so, the Jedi made their way to the tall grasses to hide.

General Lok Durd approached the battle droids, who reported no evidence of weapons or Republic contraband.

"In the future, we may conduct more periodic searches like this one," said Lok Durd. "In order to maintain security."

"Because we are such an obvious threat to you," said Tee-Watt-Kaa sarcastically. "We will offer no resistance."

"Your species is smarter than you appear."

While the Lurmen were left alone for the moment, the droids followed their general to await new orders.

"Father, are you okay?" Wag Too asked his father, but he said nothing and just walked off, his son following. "At least the Jedi escaped."

"Yes, but they nearly brought harm to our entire village," said the lurmen leader.

"But now, thanks to you, we're safe to grovel before every petty tyrant who enters our system."

Tee-Watt-Kaa stopped and turned to face his son.

"You would mock our very way of life?" the father scolded his son. "I have just ensured we will have peace."

"Yes, but for the moment, and at what price?" Wag Too sounded angry with his father. "Are you not concerned about the Jedi at all?"

Other Lurmen became curious about what was happening at that moment.

"I have no quarrel with the Jedi," said Tee-Watt-Kaa. "but we cannot help them without being drawn into their war."

Since there was no reasoning with his father, Wag Too asked his friend Tub to follow the Jedi and make sure they got off world.

You know, I can't figure those villagers not wanting to fight," said Bly as the group sat in a clearing in the tall grass.

Rex scoffed. "No pride, I guess."

"I call it no courage," said Ahsoka, about to bite into a ration.

"Sometimes it takes courage to stick to one's beliefs, young Padawan." Aayla said. "As any Jedi well knows."

The team really needed to find a way off world. The ship they arrived was obviously unfit to do the job. They couldn't use Carousella's magical horseshoes either because one, they took ten minutes to recharge, time which they might not have; two, Carousella could only carry two people (plus Gabby if one adult carried her) on her back; and three, even if Carousella could carry everyone, Anakin's condition could be aggravated by riding on a horse so quickly.

That was when Gabby saw something metal in the grass.

"Um... Daddy?" Gabby said.

"Not now, Gabby. We have to find a ship," said Anakin. "And I think the only one here belongs to the Separatists. We know they have a landing ship. They must have a shuttle."

"Auntie Aayla..." Gabby started to say again, but was interrupted by Rex.

"Sir, you talking about stealing from one of the clankers? Count me in."

Anakin didn't need to see Rex's face to know he was smiling at that idea.

"Auntie Kara!" Gabby panicked, pulling her aunt's robe.

"We have to find them first." Aayla said.

"HEY!" Gabby shouted. She pointed to the grass.

"I think we just did." Ahsoka said.

The adults quickly saw what Gabby was trying to warn them about. A spy droid!

"Blast it!" Anakin exclaimed.

Rex and Bly quickly started shooting at the droid.

"Jam its signal!" Aayla added.

"After it!" Ahsoka exclaimed, and the team was in pursuit of the droid. But, Anakin stopped as he felt a pain in his lower torso.

"Daddy?" Gabby said.

Gabby and Aayla both stopped and looked worried.

"I'm fine. Just go!" Anakin shouted.

Gabby was reluctant to leave her father, but she ran to help.

The team kept chasing after the droid, but it was really fast.

Gabby suddenly pounced out from the tall grass, tackling the droid and bringing it to the ground.

"Tigger tagged you!" Gabby exclaimed. "Get it, Carousella!"

Carousella swooped in, and she kicked and stomped the droid very roughly with her strong hooves until it was nothing but dented scrap metal.

"That was for almost putting my friends' lives in danger again," said Carousella to the droid's corpse.

"Somehow I knew playing Tigger Tag would come in handy someday." Gabby smiled.

"I wonder where it was headed." Ahsoka said.

Then, Ahsoka and the others saw Gabby climbing up a nearby tree.

"Good idea, Gabby. Maybe we can see from up there." Kara said, climbing the tree herself. "Be careful!"

It was a good thing Gabby was good at climbing, otherwise the adults might've gotten really worried.

Anakin soon joined the rest of the group in the tree thanks to Carousella flying him up.

Ahsoka sensed Anakin coming and said, "I hope you're feeling better, Master 'cause look what we found."

Anakin chuckled as Ahsoka handed him her binoculars. "I'm getting stronger all the time, Snips." Then he looked through the binoculars and saw a huge droid army base. "But, I'm not sure I'm ready for that."

The grownups looked at the base and observed what was there.

"That shuttle's our ticket off this rock," said Kara.

"It's not gonna be easy, Sir." Bly pointed out. "There don't seem to be any flaws in their security line."

"Not even air vents?" Gabby asked.

But, Anakin said. "We don't need a repeat of that messy incident, Princess."

But, Gabby wasn't listening, as she spotted the Separatists bringing something out.

"What's that?"

Anakin looked through his binoculars to see what his daughter was talking about.

"Apparently the Separatists have a new, and probably very dangerous, toy," said the Jedi. "See if you can get a closer look."

And so, the clones went to get a closer look at the new weapon.

"Is the defoliator capsule ready?" asked Lok Durd.

One of Lok Durd's soldiers confirmed it was ready, and he made an announcement to the droids.

"Today is a grand day for the separatist cause. We test a new weapon of my own design which is capable of catastrophic destruction. A weapon which will destroy organic matter, but leave machines unharmed."

The droids all cheered in response to that.

"But first we need two volunteers."

All but two droids stepped backwards, thus leaving them as involuntary volunteers. They were ordered to go to a ridge, the same one in fact, where Rex and Bly were!

"Uh-oh!" Gabby gasped. "We got a problem!"

"Stay down, boys." Anakin said, hoping his men would be okay.

General Durd was contacted by Count Dooku and Lady Morpha.

"Count Dooku. Countess Morpha." Lok Durd bowed. "I have located a world in which we can test my-"

"Your?" Morpha cleared her throat.

"Excuse me. Our new weapon."

"I hope it turns out to be worth the expense." Dooku said. "You may proceed."

"Yes, my lords. Ready?"

The Jedi watched as the weapon was tested out on a ridge close by with two battle droids in the weapon's path. The moment the missile hit the ground, a giant wildfire started, and it destroyed all organic and plant matter, but left machines unharmed alright.

Rex and Bly were almost hit, and Bly was almost fried when his rope misfired. Luckily, Aayla used her lightsaber to slice a vine she used to swing down and pull him up to safety, and Carousella ran away to warn the Lurmen. And the droids started heading in that same direction.

"That's some toy," said Ahsoka.

"It destroyed every living thing," Gabby added; she felt like she could start crying at the mere thought that anyone would create such a cruel toy. "The lurmen will be toast! Literally!"

"She's right. Carousella wouldn't have run in that same direction unless she meant to go warn them," said Anakin. "First we'll take out the droids' communication station. Then, after we get a shuttle, we'll go back and help the lurmen."

"But Tee Watt Kaa said he doesn't need our help." Ahsoka pointed out.

"I say I don't need help all the time," said Gabby. "Turns out I usually do, especially reaching high shelves."

This time, Kara agreed with Ahsoka.

"There's also a difference between pulling innocents into a war and leaving them to extinction." said Kara.

As night fell, the Jedi and clones set off to start their new mission: take out the droids' communication, get a shuttle, and save the Lurmen.

Anakin used the Force to move a rock, which caught the guarding droids' attention, and the guys lured one into the grass, Anakin slicing them with the lightsaber.

The girls went over the wall.

"Get to the door," whispered Aayla to Gabby and Ahsoka. "I'll handle the droids."

Ahsoka and Gabby managed to find the door, and Ahsoka and Kara sliced two droids in half before opening the door to let the guys in. And they snuck onto the communication station and took out the droids.

Meanwhile, Carousella was relieved she reached the village before the Separatists did, and after drinking some water, she warned Wag Too first. But, Tee-Watt-Kaa still wouldn't accept help.

"They did not attack us before." He said. "There's no reason to think they will this time."

"Did one of those pods clobber you in the head?" Carousella said, standing up. "I saw that weapon with my own two eyes, and it's no joke. It barbecues all living things in its path, including you and your people!"

"Father, they would not be coming back here unless they intended to do us harm," said Wag Too. "This is war."

"But not our war," said Tee-Watt-Kaa. "We've done nothing to provoke them, and we will not. That is their way."

"So you'll sit here and let your people, including your own son die?!" Carousella said, flying only two feet off the ground, enough to look intimidating to a lurmen. "Have you no self-respect or dignity?"

"Father, even if we don't fight the Separatists, we must defend ourselves." Wag Too said.

"Take it from me, I worked alongside many royal guards. It's like handling a bully. If the enemy is allowed to take one victim down, they always go for more somewhere else, especially if they believe the other side won't even try to protect themselves."

"Mounting a defense is still engaging in battle." Tee-Watt-Kaa said. "If we sacrifice our beliefs, we're no better than they are. Our philosophy has helped us to survive for generations, and we will not change our morals now or ever."

"Hey, Grandpa. Not all generations follow traditions. Granted, it's not always the smartest decision, but you get my gist." Carousella said with a bit more sass. "And for the leader of this clan, I wouldn't say that you're setting a good example, and I've walked alongside kings and queens of many species."

Meanwhile, the Jedi were still on their mission, and they found a shuttle.

"Daddy, look!" Gabby said, spotting shield generators. "Shield generators."

"Good find, Princess." Anakin said, ruffling the girl's hair. "Let's take 'em with us."

The clones got the shield generators ready to go, while the Jedi all boarded the shuttle.

The next morning, the Jedi arrived in the shuttle. Carousella was so happy and relieved to see they made it there in time.

"Everyone, please, please listen." Aayla said. "The Separatists will be here in moments."

"What are you doing here? I told you not to return." Tee-Watt-Kaa said.

"Even if they weren't here to protect you, they still had to pick up their horse," said Carousella.

"I'm afraid the Separatists don't care whether you're in the war or not." Anakin said.

"Yeah, they're nothing but a bunch of bullies." Gabby added.

"We need to get you to safety before they arrive." Kara nodded.

"We will not abandon our homes," said Tee-Watt Kaa.

"But they've got a new weapon." Ahsoka said, and Carousella gave an 'I told you so' look to Tee-Watt-Kaa.

"It'll burn this place to a crisp." Ahsoka continued.

"Is this what all of you really want?" Gabby asked loudly.

"If it is our destiny to be destroyed in your war, so be it." Tee-Watt-Kaa said, then left.

But, being the peacekeepers and protectors, the Jedi decided to protect the village anyway, whether Tee-Watt-Kaa liked it or not.

The team worked together building a wall out of some of the pods. Gabby added some protection by growing thorny briars to hold the wall together and to frame the outside.

"We could use a few more briars over here, Sweetie." Kara said.

"Okay, Auntie." Gabby concentrated her magic more where Kara said to do.

"Droids inbound. We've got eight minutes, tops." Rex reported.

"Come on guys! Let's get these shield generators in place." Anakin ordered.

They had to hurry if they were going to save the lurmen village. Of course, as expected, Tee-Watt-Kaa was against everything the Jedi were doing.

Meanwhile, General Lok Durd and his army were on their way in a small group of tanks.

"When Count Dooku sees how successful my weapon is against civilian targets, I will no dobt be promoted to a more, mm, substantial position within the Alliance."

"Okay, right," said a battle droid looking through binoculars. "Well, the villagers appear to have some pods and thorns put together in a barrier around the village."

"Pods?" Lok Durd laughed. "How quaint."

But then, he took a look through his own scopes and spotted something he didn't expect, and it wasn't Carousella nipping at an itch underneath her wing.

"Jedi? What are they doing out here?"

"Pray, stop what you're doing." Tee-Watt-Kaa ordered. "Stop building that wall."

"Why? We're just having fun building." Carousella said mockingly.

"Carousella that's enough." Anakin said sternly.

"I did not ask you to defend us," said Tee-Watt-Kaa, ignoring the musicorn's sass.

"This battle is inevitable. You can stand by your beliefs, but let us stand by ours."

Tee-Watt-Kaa left without another word.

"Thank you for what you're trying to do," said Wag Too. "I'm sorry, but I cannot help. My father is very..."

"Stubborn?" Gabby guessed.

"Strong-willed and set in tradition." Wag Too continued. "Many others agree with me, but we were raised under a very strict code."

"Join the club," said Gabby, referring to the Jedi and herself.

Both as a Jedi and a princess, she faced two codes. For one, the Jedi Code, and the other being how everyone expected a princess to behave, and she preferred to be the happy-go-lucky, free-spirited girl she was. But she was often discouraged from that because as a princess, she had to be a role model, and as a Jedi, she had to basically refrain from free spirit and be what she considered totally boring. And one day she would be forced to choose which world to stay in. Even with that being twelve birthdays, soon to be eleven, left, she still didn't think that would be enough time to decide between both worlds.

"We must follow and respect it, even if we don't agree." Wag Too finished.

"I know how frustrating that can feel," said Kara. "Especially when it involves your family."

Rex reported that the droids were getting ready to fight.

"They won't charge us, not if they can hit us from long range first." Anakin said. "But if we can withstand that weapon, we'll draw them in."

And they did fire, Lok Durd confident the Jedi were bye-bye. However, the shield generators were quickly activated, protecting the village from the heat of the dangerous weapon.

"It worked!" Kara smiled."Now they'll have to get their hands dirty and meet us face-to-face." Anakin said.

"Then come in to play with us, droids." Gabby shouted tauntingly.

"Squad One! Prepare to charge!" Lok Durd shouted.

And the droids readied their weapons. On Lok Durd's command, they charged.

There were a lot of droids coming, and they were coming fast.

"That's a lot of droid," said Ahsoka worriedly.

"We've got to stop them before they get through that shield." Anakin said.

So, the team went out as the droids began firing.

The Jedi used their lightsabers, the clones used their blasters, Carousella used magical blasts, and Gabby used fireballs, thorny vines, and storm clouds to fight the droids. The first squad was destroyed within seconds. But there were more coming, and this time they fought harder.

"Here we go again," said Gabby.

The team went to fight the second and third waves that came out together.

"Snips, get Gabby back to the village. Kara and I'll handle the weapon!" Anakin said.

Ahsoka quickly grabbed Gabby and started to carry her back to the village as the droids were breaching the shields, eventually taking out the shield generators.

Eventually, against Tee-Watt-Kaa's wishes, the Lurmen began to join in the fight.

The Jedi fought even harder now that the shields were down.

Suddenly, one of the battle droids caught sight of Anakin and Kara running toward them.

"Uh, sir. There are two Jedi heading straight for us."

"Then blast them, you idiot!"

Lok Durd and the droid tried to blast the two Jedi, but Kara sped over to them and got a head start keeping the droid distracted so Anakin could pursue the general.

Finally, against his father's wishes, Wag Too gathered some friends and declared they were going to help the Jedi.

"I forbid this," said Tee-Watt-Kaa.

"What more would you have them do before we are allowed to defend ourselves?!"

"But-"

"We have to do this."

Without another word, the lurmen jumped in to join the battle. Like Gabby, they might not have been very big, but they proved themselves to be quite the fighters.

Together, Anakin and Kara sliced the tanks to pieces with their lightsabers.

"Help! I'll be defoliated!" Lok Durd took this as his cue to retreat.

But Kara and Anakin saw him running.

"Oh no you don't!"

Kara jumped in front of Lok Durd, and Anakin behind him, but to both their great surprise, their amulets glowed, and Lok Durd was trapped in a purple energy bubble of some kind.

"There goes my promotion."

Despite his initial shock for what happened, at least the general was contained.

"The weapon has been disabled." He said into his comm.

With the weapon disabled, that meant taking the droids down was all that was left to do. Rex and Wag Too tied the droids together and knocked them down like dominos, and Ahsoka sliced through them with her lightsaber almost like she was dancing.

And so, the battle was officially won.

Now that the fight was over, the Jedi were able to bring the Separatist general under their custody.

"Thank you, Wag Too." Anakin said.

"Thank you," said Wag Too. "Our village would have certainly been destroyed without your protection." Then he saw his father and told him he was just offering the Jedi thanks.

"Perhaps we do owe you thanks." Tee-Watt-Kaa said. "But I still wonder, at what cost?"

That was when they heard the sound of engines and saw Republic ships in the sky, as well as ships from Enchantra Emergency services.

"They found us! The Republic found us!" Gabby said happily.

"Looks like we're heading home today," said Anakin.

But that happy moment was quickly halted when another thought hit Anakin and Gabby's minds.

Now there were at least two Jedi who knew Anakin was Gabby's father. Anakin felt sure Master Secura would report this to the Council, and that would raise a lot more questions. He couldn't bear the thought of the Jedi potentially separating him from his daughter as punishment, or what would happen if even more people found out.

As they got on the ship, Anakin managed to find some place to lay down and rest.

"Daddy? What's gonna happen now?" Gabby asked, sounding worried. "Is the Jedi Council gonna take me away from you and Mommy? Is Auntie Kara gonna be in trouble?"

Anakin sat up and looked at his daughter. He could see a lot of fear and sadness in her green eyes. But he picked her up and set her in his lap.

"I don't know what will happen when we get back to the Temple, Princess." Anakin said, gently holding Gabby's face in his hands. "But no matter what the Council says, I'm not going to let them take you from me or your mother. You're my little girl, I love you, and there's noting the Jedi, the Separatists, or anyone else could do to change that."

Gabby then wrapped her arms around Anakin in a hug, and Anakin returned the embrace, holding his daughter close to his heart.

A single tear fell from Anakin's eye as he feared what might happen when the Council learned of what secrets he kept for the last three years.

Ahsoka looked at Anakin as he and his daughter were hugging each other so tightly, so warmly in what had to be the most heart wrenching embrace she'd ever witnessed. She hadn't even been Anakin's Padawan for a year yet, but she'd already grown very close with him. She and Gabby grew close with her too, and Ahsoka loved Gabby like the little sister she never had, and always felt so touched and powerful when the little girl said she saw her as her big sister.

Ahsoka never knew her father, but Master Plo treated her as his own daughter from the moment he met her and brought her to the Temple. It was clear he had a special bond with her, which was why the Council did not approve of him being Ahsoka's teacher. Thus, Ahsoka thought, if she were in Gabby's shoes right then and there, she would be as scared as the girl was. But, apparently she didn't need to be in the princess' shoes to be that scared.

And, as expected, Aayla Secura, when she gave her report, the Council noticed she had something on her mind.

"I'm afraid we have just learned that Gabriella Amidala may actually be Gabriella Skywalker." She told the Council, leaving them in total shock. And they promised they were going to have a very serious talk with Anakin and Kara when he got back to the Temple. But, they first asked Aayla to not let Anakin or Gabby know they knew until they could get sufficient evidence that they were related.

Meanwhile, one of the officers caught sight of the energy bubble and before the Jedi left, asked Kara to show him where it took place. So, the officer asked if Kara wouldn't mind coming to speak with the Commission about something serious.

Later, at the Jedi Temple...

The Council chose not to jump to conclusions about what Aayla. After all, Gabby called all of them her aunts and uncles. So, it would make sense for Gabby to call Anakin her father since he was also there when she was born, and he protected her like a father would. But, Aayla also pointed out that Gabby herself told her and Ahsoka, and a DNA test as well as a look at Gabby's birth certificate proved it was true; Anakin was indeed the baby daddy of the princess known as Gabriella Amidala, or rather Gabriella Skywalker or Amidala-Skywalker, as her certificate listed. But, that wasn't the only thing they uncovered in their research.

According to some other records the Council found, it was revealed that Anakin and Padme were married by a holy man on Naboo shortly after Gabby's second birthday.

"Troubling news, this is." Yoda said. "Summon Young Skywalker, we must."

While Gabby was in her crib, taking a nap, the Jedi Council had Anakin stand in the middle of their Chamber as though he were on trial, which in this case, he technically was. Carousella, being trained as a royal guard, managed to find a spot outside the Council Chamber tower to avoid being spotted or sensed, and to listen in on the meeting.

Chapter Text

With Kara missing in action, Anakin had to face the dreadful meeting with the Jedi Council on his own.

"Young Skywalker," began Master Yoda. "Learned we did that birthed a child and broken the Jedi Code by marriage, you have."

"We've taken a paternity test that confirms you are the father of Princess Gabriella, daughter of Senator Amidala, your wife." Mace added. "Do you deny it?"

Anakin guiltily shook his head. He'd been caught red-handed, and he knew it would be useless to even try lying because he couldn't even fool himself at this point. Wherever Kara was, he hoped she had a good reason for not being present. He couldn't even tell the council why she was absent because he didn't know himself.

"No. It's true. I am married and a father. Becoming a parent wasn't on purpose, but I wouldn't change a thing, and deep down, I know none of you would either, seeing how much you've each bonded with her as well."

The council was silent for a moment, but then Master Windu spoke up.

"How long have you known about this?"

"Padme told me shortly after she realized she was about two or three months along, I think."

Anakin explained to the Council what happened at the ball almost four years ago with the spiked punch and the waking up in bed with Padme, and later finding out Padme was pregnant. Coincidence? He thought not.

"I was going to come clean before, but the more time passed, the harder it became to do so." Anakin said. "I didn't plan on falling in love with Gabby, but once I saw my baby girl for the first time, I never looked back. Padme and I planned to come clean after the war was over, but obviously that didn't go as hoped."

"And your sister Kara Talhin knew about this as well?"

"Yes, but only because I made her promise not to tell. This isn't her fault."

"And you kept your fatherhood secret to feed your attachment to the girl?" Ki-Adi Mundi said.

"I'm not feeding any attachment to her!" Anakin said angrily. "I'm trying to protect her."

"From the Jedi Council?" Master Tiin asked.

"No, from those who already threaten her even without knowing she's my daughter. You see, if the Separatists or any bounty hunters found out Gabby's bloodline is half-Jedi, and half of the Chosen One, no less, she'll be an even bigger target. A half-Jedi princess is an extreme rarity with a bounty bigger than all the biggest bounties on the market put together. Every bounty hunter, crime boss, common criminal, and Sith Lord in the Galaxy would be after her!"

The Council all looked at each other and realized Anakin was right; the more people knew who Gabby's father was, the more she would be put in danger.

"Anakin, does anyone else know you're Gabby's father?" Obi-Wan said. "Besides Carousella or Kara?"

"A few people. But not Jedi. Only people Padme and I both trust can protect Gabby if anything happens." Anakin said. "Just the royal families from the Nine Kingdoms of Mythiria, Padme's family, a couple of friends from the Senate, and our droids R2-D2 and C-3PO. And now Master Secura, Ahsoka, Captain Rex, and Commander Bly know too."

The Council did agree that Anakin was right to protect the secret of who Gabby's father was, but there was still the matter of how he got married despite the Jedi Code forbidding it. But, they said that he had the option of getting divorced. Anakin just thought they were crazy and refused.

"I love my wife," said Anakin. "Not even being a Jedi Master is worth giving her up, and I won't abandon my daughter either. Do what you want with me, but leave my sister out of this!"

The Council looked at each other, each thinking either the same or different things.

"Anakin was much too old to train when he arrived. It was only by the wishes of Master Qui-Gon Jinn that he was allowed to be here. The girl, however, is still young enough to receive training and needs to be taught properly in the ways of the Jedi," said Mace. "I vote Anakin Skywalker be expelled indefinitely and Gabriella be kept here at the Temple. With luck she'll eventually forget all about her attachment to her parents."

Anakin couldn't believe what Mace just said. Out of all the Jedi who didn't believe in him, Mace was the least trusting of them all.

"You've already made a decision, haven't you?" Anakin said. "This meeting is just a formality!"

The Council members all looked at each other and did make a decision, though there were some who disagreed. Anakin was to be indefinitely expelled from the Jedi Order, and Gabby would indeed be staying.

"Take him away," Mace ordered, and two guards came to escort Anakin out. But Anakin, of course, fought off the guards, and he rushed to find Gabby so he could get her out of there.

Meanwhile, Gabby was sitting in her crib, playing with her teddy bear. She was worried about what was happening.

"I wish I knew what was happening, Teddy." Gabby told her plushie. "I'm really worried about Daddy."

That was when Anakin burst in and picked Gabby up, not bothering to pack anything.

"Time to go, Gabby!" Anakin said.

"Daddy? What's happening?" Gabby asked.

"No time to explain! We have to get out now!"

Gabby held onto her father and her teddy bear tightly as he rushed to get them out of there, but the Temple guards were ordered not to let Anakin leave with Gabby. But, Anakin used the Force to push them away.

Upon an alert from the guards, the Jedi Council took matters into their own hands. But, Anakin refused to give up his daughter, especially without a fight.

"Hang on to Daddy, Princess." Anakin said, having Gabby hold onto him while he took out his lightsaber.

Anakin fought and fought whichever Master came toward him to take his daughter. Gabby was horrified by the sight of the people she called her uncles and aunts fighting to take her away from her father.

Anakin Force-pushed any Master who attempted to fight him, and took out his lightsaber and held it out as a threat. Obi-Wan was the last one brave enough to step up, and the only one to actually try to reason with Anakin.

"Anakin, I don't want to fight you. You have to surrender your daughter." Obi-Wan said. "She'll be safe here."

"No one is taking Gabby away from my wife and I. She's our baby, and we decide what's best for her." Anakin growled. "And I'll protect her even from you if I have to."

Gabby hid her face in her father's chest and held on tightly to him.

"Anakin, listen to reason."

"You're telling me to listen?!" Anakin said, stomping his foot, not noticing an unusual green glow illuminating underneath his boot. "Maybe you didn't hear me the first time! Gabby is my daughter, and no one is taking her away from her family!"

And when Anakin stomped, something unbelievable happened.

Vines started to form on the walls, and suddenly, every Jedi who came after Anakin found themselves being grabbed and wrapped in several of these vines.

"Quick thinking, Princess." Anakin smiled.

"I didn't do that." Gabby said.

"You didn't?"

Now Anakin was confused. But, with the Jedi distracted by the plants and trying to carefully get untangled, Anakin took that as his chance to run with Gabby in his arms. To his great surprise, none of the vines tried to grab him. On the contrary, each time a Jedi or a guard tried to stop him, another vine, tree branch, or flower popped out of nowhere, snagging people by their robes, spurting pollen on them, tripping them by wrapping vines around their ankles, or a tree grew from underneath their feet and got them stuck up high. And every single plant was covered with prickers and thorns.

Anakin didn't know what was going on, but he didn't care at the moment. All he cared about was getting out of there and getting Gabby home. So the moment he ran into Carousella, he got on her back and snapped the reins.

"You know where to go, girl! Hyah!"

Carousella whinnied and ran with Anakin and Gabby on her back, making her way to the nearest exit and flying away as fast as she could into a very traffic-filled path so the Jedi couldn't follow them even if they did escape the plants.

Carousella stopped at a different district of town, knowing the Jedi would expect Anakin to go home or to the Senate building. She was panting, exhausted from the rigorous flying and taking an alternate route.

"I think we lost them by now." Carousella said.

"That was too close for comfort," sighed Anakin.

Gabby, however, was crying.

"What's wrong, Baby?" Anakin asked, getting Gabby to look at him.

Gabby was so scared by what happened. She'd been scared of the adults she loved being mad at her, but she never thought she'd have to fear any of them trying to take her away from her family.

"They were gonna take me away. I loved them like family, and they were gonna take me away!" Gabby cried. "Why would they do that?"

Gabby hid her face in her father's shoulder and cried, Anakin taking that as his cue to hug her tightly and gently stroke her hair.

Anakin couldn't stand to see his baby girl so upset. He thought he had it bad, missing his mother. But Gabby just had to watch as the people she'd called her aunts and uncles since she started talking tried to force her away from the parental figure she loved the most, and she was barely three weeks away from being three years old!

No amount of therapy was going to make this okay. Anakin didn't know what would happen with the Jedi, now that he'd basically left, but he did know that he still had a job as a father and a husband. And the first job he had now was to comfort Gabby.

"Shh. It's okay, Baby. Daddy's here. Daddy's got you." Anakin soothed, gently patting her on the back. "Shh. No, no, no. Don't cry, Sweetie."

As much as Anakin tried to comfort Gabby, seeing her cry made him feel like crying, and little blue flowers started growing around them, to Anakin's great surprise. But, he didn't let that concern him now; the only flower he cared about was his precious little flower in his arms.

"It's going to be okay, Princess." Anakin said. He tried to think of a way he could cheer Gabby up. "Hey, since we just got back after another victory, what do you say we go get some ice cream before we head home? I'll buy you two scoops of any flavor you want."

Gabby sniffled and said, "With rainbow sprinkles?"

"Any toppings you want, Princess." Anakin wiped Gabby's tears away.

So, the two began making their way home.

Meanwhile, back at the Temple, it was a real mess back there. There were vines wrapped around furniture, leaves covering the windows, and some Jedi's allergies were being provoked by all the extra pollen in the hallways.

Every Jedi Council member used their lightsabers or put on some gloves to carefully move the plants to rescue any trapped Jedi. They even had to get soap and water to free anyone who stepped in sticky sap.

"Is everyone alright?" Obi-Wan asked.

Fortunately, not too much harm was done... aside from a few Jedi who apparently got a case of poison ivy.

"So itchy!" Master Mundi panicked, using Yoda's cane to scratch a spot on his back he couldn't reach.

"I didn't even realize Gabriella could grow poison ivy." Obi-Wan said.

The Council called another meeting regarding what to do now. Anakin was no doubt going to tell Senator Amidala about this incident, and it was not going to look good for the Jedi's standing with the Senate. What to do about this, they had no clue.

But, Ahsoka had a different idea. Call it attachment if you will, but Ahsoka was so disappointed to see what had happened, and she couldn't imagine how scared the little girl who'd become like a little sister to her was now. She hadn't known Gabby very long yet, but she began to form a special bond with her as she did with Anakin.

"Maybe one of you can just talk to him?" Ahsoka suggested. "Try to work something out. Maybe there's a compromise to be made."

"I doubt Skywalker will listen any better now. Like he ever did before." Mace said. "As for you, Padawan Tano, we'll be placing you under Master Kenobi's care for now. You may go and grab your things to change quarters."

Ahsoka couldn't believe the decision the council came to so quickly. Two of their most famous students just ran out, and they weren't going to do anything else? All they seemed concerned about was dealing with the Senate, but not how all this was affecting Anakin, Kara, and/or Gabby.

"Is something on your mind, Ahsoka?" Obi-Wan asked his now new Padawan.

"It's just... I can't help worrying about Gabby." Ahsoka said. "Before all this, she had to watch as her father almost died trying to protect her and his friends. But, now she had to watch as she was almost taken away from him in a manner worse than death."

Obi-Wan heard what Ahsoka was saying; he couldn't deny it. Gabby had called the Jedi her aunts and uncles since she'd started talking. He remembered when she walked to him for the first time after she started taking her very first steps.

Ahsoka remembered what Gabby had said just before they'd found the Lurmen village, about how attachments and loving bonds were completely different things. Sure, Anakin didn't want to let Gabby be taken, but it was because he was her father and felt she needed him to grow up properly, and he was trying to protect her, like he'd done when rescuing Master Secura and willingly risking his life to get everyone else to safety. And now he was set to be punished for choosing to love his family? What was fair about any of that?

Ahsoka never knew her parents, but she didn't think it was fair that Gabby would be forced to forget hers. She didn't have any siblings either, at least that she knew of, but she couldn't say she blamed Kara for keeping the secret either; she clearly loved her brother and her niece very much. More so, Ahsoka couldn't stand to see Gabby or Anakin so unhappy. And Obi-Wan was Gabby's godfather; she remembered Gabby saying how Padme said she couldn't think of any other Jedi more fitting for such a role, as Anakin already had the job of being her guardian.

Ahsoka had seen Gabby run up to Obi-Wan a few times when she saw him, and she made him a primary target in Tigger Tag. If Gabby makes you a favorite target, it means she likes you and wants your attention.

"You've known her longer than I have," said Ahsoka. "Does this really not affect you in any way?"

Obi-Wan sighed.

"There's not much more we can do, Ahsoka. Anakin made his decision. We must let go and move on, regardless of bonding." Obi-Wan said. "Even if I did raise Anakin as a promise I made for my master before he vanished, and Gabriella has had an impact on pretty much everyone here."

It was then Obi-Wan walked into what used to be Anakin's room, and he found a little something in there the child had left behind underneath her crib. It turned out to be some drawings she'd been working on.

"She was always quite the little artist, wasn't she?" Obi-Wan said, looking at one of the drawings Gabby left.

Obi-Wan couldn't help laughing when he looked at a couple of them. In one of them, Gabby had drawn a picture of the Jedi Council in a meeting, and she made all the chairs pink and threw glitter all over. In another, she drew a picture of Master Yoda out by the tree in the courtyard, and there were little butterflies she drew flying around.

No matter what scene she drew, she always found a way to add her own touch of sweetness to it.

Then Obi-Wan found another drawing Gabby had hidden under her pillow. It looked like a drawing of Gabby holding hands with her parents, and they all looked so happy together.

Suddenly, Obi-Wan felt bad. He lived by the Jedi Code, but looking back, he started to realize how every time Anakin was with his daughter, he became more responsible, more emotionally stable, and even showed gentler behavior. He suspected for a long time that Anakin and Padme were in some kind of relationship for a while, but having a baby together? That was a complete surprise to him.

But, Obi-Wan could sort of understand why Anakin kept it secret. In part, to protect his little girl from becoming a bigger target for capture, but also because he felt he needed to complete his own training in order to be able to train Gabby himself. And with the way Anakin fought the entire Jedi Council while holding Gabby close to him, it showed he was definitely willing to fight hard and take risks in order to protect his baby.

Gabby definitely seemed to feel a little better as she licked up her rainbow sprinkle covered strawberry ice cream cone. She even shared it with Anakin, getting him a little messy.

"Have some, Daddy." Gabby giggled as her father got more ice cream on his face than in his mouth.

"Thank you, Gabby." Anakin chuckled, amid the ice cream that got on his nose.

Gabby happily licked her ice cream again, strawberry ice cream smeared all over her little mouth. Anakin thought it was so adorable, and at least she wasn't crying anymore.

Anakin was glad to see Gabby was cheering up a little bit, and he carried her in his arms the whole way through the city as they and Carousella made their way home.

Anakin absolutely refused to put Gabby down until they were back home, safe and sound, and Carousella took her royal guard duties more seriously than ever, and was very alert, ready to fight to protect Gabby by any means necessary.

After finishing her ice cream, Gabby fell asleep. Anakin let her rest her head on his shoulder, and he held her tenderly so she could rest as he continued walking.

But, as Anakin was walking down the street, flowers started to grow, which Anakin was quick to notice.

"What the-?!" Anakin gasped. He looked at Gabby as she was still sleeping. "I didn't realize she could grow stuff in her sleep."

"I don't think those are Gabby's plants, Anakin." Carousella shook her head.

"What do you mean?"

"Look at your feet."

Anakin looked down at his feet, and to his great surprise, grass was growing underneath his boots, and growing more and more around him!

Anakin was flabbergasted by this! He started to run, more plants starting to grow as he did so.

"Okay... running obviously doesn't do any good."

"No, but calming down usually does." Carousella said. "Just take a deep breath."

Carousella made her horn glow, and from it played a piano version of "You Are My Sunshine," and started guiding Anakin to calming himself.

"Come on, Anakin. Just listen to the sound of my voice. Now, take a deep breath slowly... in..."

Anakin took a deep breath in, Carousella breathing too in order to guide him.

"And slowly… let it out."

Slowly, the former Jedi and the guard horse exhaled.

"Good. Again. In…"

They took another deep breath slowly, then slowly let it out again. Then they did it again.

"One more time. In..." she breathed in. Then slowly exhaled. "And out."

Anakin slowly exhaled one last time and found that grass wasn't growing beneath his feet anymore.

"Yes!" Anakin exclaimed happily, only for a bunch of colorful flowers to grow. "Rats!"

"It's okay, Anakin. Look. I guess similar to Gabby, you grow colorful stuff whenever you're happy or excited."

"But... why can I suddenly do this?" Anakin asked. "Am... am I where Gabby got her powers from?"

"Maybe. But, I'm still in the intermediate level of my enchanted studies. We'll have to see if we can consult an expert on this matter. And don't worry, enchanted schools and laws don't separate families. In our realm, we believe family and true friends make us stronger, not weaker."

"Yeah. For now... let's just go home."

Carousella picked some of the flowers Anakin grew.

"Padme might appreciate you bringing her flowers when you come home," said the alicorn.

Anakin entered Padme's place, where he was greeted by his old friend C-3PO.

"Master Ani! How wonderful it is to see you again. And little Mistress Gabriella."

"Shh!" Anakin hushed. He whispered, "She hasn't finished her nap yet."

Anakin carried Gabby to her bedroom, where he carefully laid her down in her new bed with her teddy and covered her with a soft blanket, looking at her with no other expression but love as he did since the day she was born.

"Rest well, Baby Girl." Anakin whispered.

Anakin gently planted a kiss on Gabby's little head and left the room to let her sleep, Carousella standing guard, just in case.

Anakin sat down on the couch with a sigh. This was a lot for him to process. First, the Jedi nearly took away his baby girl, and then he suddenly found out he could grow plants with a wave of his hand, which was shown as he lifted a hand to his head, and a bunch of green bushes started to grow around the coffee table.

"Oh come on!" Anakin groaned, only for a cactus to pop up behind him.

Anakin just sighed.

"Hmm...I wonder."

Anakin adjusted his position so he was in a cross-legged stance like he was going to be meditating. And he started to concentrate on the plants and see what kinds he could grow.

A few hours later...

Padme came home from work as it was nearly suppertime, and she was shocked when she walked inside to find that the apartment looked like an enchanted forest... mixed with a jungle?

"What in the world?" Padme gasped.

There were bushes and begonias growing around the den, grass lined up along a lot of the halls, vines hung like curtains in some of the entrances that didn't have a door, and there was a rainbow of flowers practically everywhere.

"Gabby, get down from there right now!" Anakin groaned.

Padme came to enter the dining room and found... a peach tree?

"Gabby, I mean it. Get down before you hurt yourself." Anakin said firmly.

"But I like it up here." Gabby said.

"Alright, if you won't come down, I'm coming up."

Anakin made his way up the tree's trunk until he was beside Gabby, and he grabbed her and carried her down.

"I see someone got a little excited with the plant growing." Padme said, crossing her arms.

Gabby was first to notice Padme was home.

"Hi, Mommy." Gabby smiled.

"Believe it or not, this actually wasn't Gabby's doing." Anakin said, dusting some leaves from his hair.

"It wasn't?" Padme said. "Carousella?"

Carousella shook her head.

"Not guilty." she said.

"Then... who?"

Anakin smiled awkwardly and pointed to himself. As expected, Padme couldn't believe it... until Anakin wiggled his fingers and in his hand appeared a little bouquet of marigolds.

"Uhh... those were supposed to be roses." Anakin blushed, presenting the flowers to his wife.

"That's okay. They're lovely, Ani." Padme said, sniffing the beautiful flowers. "But, why didn't you tell me you could do that?"

"I didn't even know I could do that."

As the family sat down for dinner. Anakin explained to Padme everything that happened earlier at the Jedi Temple and that was when all the plants started growing. Anakin tried to get in contact with Kara, but still no answer.

"I thought Gabby was growing them at first, but after we got out, we learned I was making them." Anakin said. "I don't know why I can suddenly do it though. I mean, Gabby was able to do it when she was only one."

"Maybe it has something to do with your amulet?" Carousella wondered.

"Hmm… maybe. That would make a lot of sense."

That made Gabby curious.

"Daddy? What are you gonna do now that you're not a Jedi anymore?" Gabby asked.

Anakin hadn't really thought that far ahead; all he'd cared about at the time he'd been running was getting Gabby home safely and not letting the Jedi force her to forget everything she knew and loved. But, now without the Jedi Order, he hadn't thought of anything else to do. He could get a job like most civilians. But, he thought again. Padme made enough money for their family to live comfortably on her own, and Gabby was still hardly much more than a baby. Not a lot of nannies she'd had before lasted long, which wasn't surprising since most of them didn't tend to look after enchanted children.

"Well, for now, Sweetheart. I'm gonna stick to my most important job of all." Anakin straightened Gabby's bow. "Being your father and taking care of you. In short, I'm gonna be a stay-at-home dad. Lots of families have stay-at-home parents. And that means, we'll get to spend more time together, you and me."

Gabby liked the sound of getting more Daddy-daughter time with Anakin. It meant she wouldn't have to resort to stowing away just to be with him, and he would have more time to play with her and maybe do things she'd seen other girls do with their dads but never got to do because no one could know he was her father. But, a part of her also felt sad. She had just started to bond with Ahsoka, and now it seemed she wouldn't see her again, and now she couldn't look at the other Jedi the same way either; she called them her aunts and uncles, and they'd just broken her heart by putting old rules above her feelings. They didn't even ask her if she wanted to stay in the order or leave with her father.

Gabby didn't understand the rules of no attachment either. She might not have been three yet, but she knew the difference between rules that helped keep things safe and in order, and unreasonable rules that basically outlawed anything beyond sentient beings' control. Now, she understood letting go was hard, but she still didn't see it as a reason to forbid anyone from having families of their own if they wanted to.

After dinner, Padme and Anakin read Gabby a story before putting her to bed. Most days, Gabby had one parent or the other tucking her in, but there was the rare occasion when both her parents would be there to tuck her in. Padme held her in her lap while Anakin read the book. And then, Padme sang Gabby a lullaby called Right Here in My Arms. Gabby loved that song since before she could remember, and it definitely made her sleepy.

"Goodnight, Baby." Padme smiled, fluffing the pillow and giving Gabby a kiss.

Anakin got playful and made Teddy dance.

"Teddy is ready to get in beddy." Anakin sang, placing the bear by Gabby's side, making the child giggle. Her father certainly had an interesting sense of humor.

Anakin kissed Gabby's head and covered her up. With a yawn, Gabby lay her head down on her pillow and closed her eyes, slowly drifting off to sleep into dreamland.

Anakin and Padme got into their jammies and got into bed themselves.

Padme still couldn't believe all that just happened. But the shock from her husband apparently having magic set aside, what really troubled her was the fact that the Jedi were going to rip a little girl from her family just because she turned out to be the offspring of the chosen one.

"I still can't believe it." Padme said. "They've seen how well you work together. Shouldn't that be enough?"

"Well, part of it might've been that I refused to leave you. They gave me the ultimatum, basically divorce my wife or leave the order." Anakin said. He caressed his wife's cheek. "And I don't regret my decision even a little."

"Ani, you shouldn't have had to give all that up for me."

"It wasn't just for you. It was for our baby too. I never had a father growing up, and there was no way I was going to let Gabby go through that too, especially not when the opportunity is right in front of me. So, if I had to choose again between being a Jedi and being a husband and father, I'd choose the latter every single time."

Anakin leaned forward and passionately kissed Padme's lips. This had to be another good thing about leaving the Jedi; now he and his wife were free to kiss as much as they wanted. Maybe now, Padme could formally introduce Anakin as her husband to her family. She loved Anakin with all her heart, and part of her felt sad that in order to protect her family, she couldn't share her happiness with anyone else.

As the couple was kissing, lots of beautiful red roses started to grow at the head of the bed and on the walls.

"I love you, Padme." Anakin sighed happily.

"I love you too, Ani." Padme sighed, resuming kissing with her husband, when she and Anakin heard crying down in the hall.

Padme took that as her cue to leave the room and go check on Gabby. She was quickly alarmed when she entered Gabby's bedroom and saw the girl tossing and turning; she was clearly having a bad dream. Gently, Padme placed a hand on Gabby's shoulder, which startled the toddler awake.

"Gabby, it's okay! It's just me." Padme said.

Gabby just responded with more crying.

"Sweetie, what's the matter?"

Gabby didn't say anything, and instead reached up to her mother, wanting to be held. Padme, being the loving mother she was, took her baby into her arms and hugged her tightly, giving her lots of kisses on her head.

"Shh. Don't cry, Gabby. Mommy's here. Mommy's here."

Gabby didn't say anything about her bad dream, but she definitely seemed to calm down in her mother's arms. So, Padme started to put her back to bed, but Gabby wouldn't let her. Padme looked into Gabby's teary eyes and started to gently wipe them dry.

"My poor baby. Are you scared?"

This time, Gabby nodded. Padme saw only one solution. Normally, she would do her best to have Gabby fall back asleep in her own bed to avoid any separation anxiety issues, as she'd read about in some parenting books, but tonight she decided it was a perfect time to make an exception.

Anakin was about to leave the bed too, when his wife suddenly returned with Gabby in her arms.

"Someone had a bad dream." Padme said.

Anakin immediately looked sympathetically as Padme lay Gabby down on the bed.

"Is that true, Princess?" Anakin cooed, gently petting Gabby's hair. "Did you have a scary dream?"

Gabby nodded again.

Anakin gently kissed Gabby's head and did his best to help calm her down. As he and Padme had her lay between them so she could sleep with them tonight, Anakin sang Gabby a little song to help her fall back asleep.

Anakin:

For one so small

You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

Anakin gently wrapped an arm around Gabby and held her so she could hear his heartbeat. He and Padme both hugged Gabby as Anakin sang the song. And lavender flowers and pink roses started to grow among the red roses as Anakin kept hugging his daughter and loving her so much, never wanting to lose her the way he almost did again. He felt a single tear fall from his eye, and it landed on Gabby's cheek.

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Gabby slowly settled down and started to shut her eyes again, this time much calmer than the first time she was put to sleep.

You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always

Always

Soon the song didn't just put Gabby to sleep. Slowly, Anakin and Padme were drifting off to sleep too. And... Carousella invited herself in, making herself comfortable on the rug. No way she was leaving Gabby alone, even if she was with her parents... and she was a little lonely.

The next morning, Anakin was still sleeping even as Padme gave him and Gabby each a kiss when she woke up. Padme had a lot of important work to get to at the Senate, so as reluctant as she was, she couldn't join the family for breakfast this morning.

Anakin, on the other hand, eventually woke up, and although he was disappointed not to wake up to Padme this morning, he knew she'd kissed him before she left, and he smiled as he still did wake up to a pretty face. That of his baby girl.

It was no contest what the most adorable sight Anakin had ever seen was. To him, it was clear she'd inherited her mother's beauty. He looked lovingly at Gabby as he gently stroked her soft brown hair; it felt as silky and soft as Padme's, and she was as beautiful as her mother when she was asleep too. Anakin sighed looking at his daughter. As much as he'd dreamed he'd be a Jedi when he was little, he found a new, much better dream in this little girl sleeping beside him.

Careers come and go, but if you're a parent, you only have one chance to watch each of your children grow. And Anakin knew from seeing the day his daughter was born that his mother would be proud of him for choosing to be the father he never had. There were so many things Anakin knew he wouldn't miss for the galaxy with his daughter. Seeing her first day of school, teaching her to ride a hoverbike, seeing her go to high school, getting a bouquet and getting all dressed up for prom, walking her down the aisle on her wedding day, all her milestones. But like many parents, he honestly wished he could just keep her little forever.

Anakin gently kissed Gabby on her head, the little one stirring as her eyes fluttered open until she was looking up at her father's smiling face.

"Morning, Baby Girl."

"Morning, Daddy." yawned Gabby, stretching her little body.

"Sleep better, Princess?"

"Mmm-hmm."

Carousella was awake too, stretching out her spine with a yawn.

"Morning, Skywalkers." Carousella said, amid her stomach growling. "Sounds like it's time for breakfast. I'm starved."

"I'm hungry too." Gabby said, rubbing her tummy.

"Then we'll just have to get down for some breakfast," said Anakin, starting to tickle Gabby's stomach, making the child laugh. And Anakin playfully pretended to eat her stomach, making her squeal with laughter.

In a lot of worlds in this galaxy, droids did the cooking for people, but some still knew how to cook for themselves. And Anakin was one. Most of his and Shmi's meals were pretty bland back on Tatooine, so when Anakin tried sugar for the first time, he was eager to try all kinds of food. So, seeing as he was a stay-at-home dad now, he decided a good activity for him and Gabby: cook breakfast together.

Anakin read the recipe for pancakes and showed Gabby how to measure ingredients, while he took on the stove work. Gabby seemed to have a lot of fun counting measurements and mixing everything together. She also liked watching the bubbles appear when she and her father poured the batter onto the pans. Anakin couldn't help finding it adorable every time Gabby's eyes lit up when she was learning something new. And pancakes for breakfast was definitely a great reward for showing how smart she was.

"Slow down, Gabby!" Anakin said as Gabby started wolfing down her pancakes. "You don't wanna give yourself a tummy ache."

"Sorry." Gabby said, eating more slowly.

Anakin looked at the vase of flowers that sat on the table and saw the poor things were drooping. Stroking his chin, he had a little idea. Carefully, he started waving his hand, and to his great surprise, the flowers actually started to rise and blossom more beautifully than ever.

"Hmm... interesting." Anakin said. "Hey, Gabby. What do you say we go to the playground after breakfast?"

"Yay!"

"I like that idea too." Carousella said. "These legs of mine need some running time."

So, Anakin did take Gabby to the park, where Carousella started running around, there being more room for her to do so.

Gabby, naturally, ran to the swings and practically begged Anakin to push her.

"Alright, Princess. Here we go!" Anakin said, preparing Gabby for a good push.

Gabby loved going as high as possible on the swings and feeling the wind in her hair. Swings were pretty much the one thing Anakin didn't crash. When it came to his little girl, Anakin steered away from reckless activity. As he pushed Gabby on the swings, Anakin could see other parents with their kids. Moms and dads catching their little ones as they came down the slide, helping them go really fast on the roundabout, or sitting on the bench and watching as their children were playing tag or on the jungle gym.

Of course, Anakin expected that Gabby would wear him out on this trip to the playground. She was running about, playing on all kinds of toys, and Anakin had to make sure she didn't hurt herself. Anakin didn't take much notice though to the fact that civilians noticed him and Gabby playing around together, especially not when he picked her up and started tossing her up and down like some other parents did with little kids.

Anakin nuzzled Gabby's little nose, and some others couldn't help finding it adorable that the famous Hero With No Fear had such a soft spot for little kids. Some were no doubt curious though. Shouldn't he have been fighting in battle right now or something? But Anakin couldn't care less what others thought. He only cared that he and Gabby were together, and now she would have her own choice of what she wanted to be when she grew up. For now, she was his baby to love and care for.

"Do I still have to avoid calling you Daddy?" Gabby whispered to her father.

"Only for a little bit, Sweetheart. Just to keep you safe." Anakin said. He nuzzled Gabby's nose with his. "But, we'll figure something out. For now, I think we better find out where your aunt scampered off to. Now I think I know where you got your disappearing talents from."

Chapter Text

Featured songs:

1. Excerpt from "Telephone" by Lady Gaga

2. "Littlest Pet Shop Pets" song from Littlest Pet Shop series

3. "Rip Up the Recipe" from Lyle Lyle Crocodile

Three days went by since Anakin had left the Jedi Order, and the Jedi Council officially decided Obi-Wan would be Ahsoka's new teacher, but the hard part would be figuring out who would lead the 501st. Captain Rex and the others were surprised to learn what happened too.

Rex was also one of few who knew Anakin was Gabby's father, but despite being only a soldier, he didn't think it sounded fair that Anakin would be shunned just for trying to protect his family.

Some are led to believe being a good soldier means always following orders, but a smart soldier knows the difference between loyalty to the ones they fought for and blind allegiance. After all, wasn't the whole reason they were fighting this war to make the galaxy safe again for everyone, including families? Rex wasn't a Jedi, but he'd spent enough time babysitting Gabby to have a taste of what it was like raising a child. She didn't make it easy, but her natural curiosity and eagerness to learn... none of the clones could help finding that adorable.

Truth be told, the Temple seemed... so quiet without the Skywalkers around.

Ahsoka felt kind of lonely without her old master or Gabby, and some of the Jedi Masters were starting to take notice of something missing.

Sometime that day, Mace was walking in the halls, when he suddenly shouted out, "Stop running in the halls, you two!"

"Um... who are you talking to?" said Caleb Dume, walking by with his master, Depa Billaba.

Mace caught himself at that moment. Around this time, he was usually yelling at Carousella and Gabby while they were racing in the hallway.

"Uh, no one." Mace said.

Meanwhile, Master Fisto walked by the water in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, but noticed it seemed sort of quiet around there. Granted, it was supposed to be like that, but... sometimes he would see Gabby making funny faces with her reflection in the water, playing with her rubber ducky and toy boat, or practicing her water magic. But, one of her favorite things to do was take on her mermaid form and play Hide and Go Splash.

Elsewhere, Master Mundi was digging through a gummy bear stash he hid in a cupboard in the commissary, and he jumped when he felt someone tap on his shoulder.

"Oh, it's only you." Ki-Ad sighed with relief.

"Digging for gummy bears again, Ki-Adi?" Obi-Wan said, crossing his arms.

"They are my weakness. My guilty pleasure." the Cerean shrugged, munching a few. "Normally by now, Princess Skywalker would be shouting out how I need more self-control."

Obi-Wan looked down a little. He didn't voice it, and most of the others didn't either. But those who'd grown close to Skywalker's daughter couldn't help missing the little tyke. 

A lot of Jedi Masters had come to think of Anakin as reckless, a rebel, out of control. But... when they really thought about it, when it came to Gabby, he behaved more responsibly. And though they disapproved of what appeared to be a clear attachment to her, they couldn't deny it was an adorable sight whenever Anakin came into a room with that little girl in his arms, or the clarity of the genuine smile on Anakin's face whenever he hugged her, nuzzled her, or played games with her.

But, the Council agreed they had to let both of them go... except... all of them felt very strange. The way they described it, they felt this weird sensation in their chests they couldn't quite explain. Except, to at least a couple... it felt slightly familiar, but somehow they still couldn't quite name it... and then they received word from the rulers of the Nine Kingdoms.

"We've received word about an incident regarding Princess Gabriella and her father," said Queen Sofia. "An incident regarding her father."

"Learned we did, that knew you did, Anakin was her father." Yoda said.

"Yes, and since we are not Jedi," said Queen Carnatia. "We were never obligated to tell you such a truth, and it turns out we made a smart decision not revealing it to you."

"All of us have come to an agreement," said Reigna. "Until the Jedi can change their ways and right what wrong they've committed, we will no longer be offering trade or services of any kind."

"But the war..." Obi-Wan said, until King Ignatius interrupted.

"Will be dealt with in our own regard. The Republic Senate has our loyalty. You do not."

That was when Queen Reigna looked down at her necklace and excused herself.

"If you'll excuse me, I must tend to a matter of the heart, which I cannot expect any of you to understand." Reigna said, and she hung up.

"You all have a lot to think about," said King Leofric, and he and his wife hung up too.

Queen Reigna came to the Equinary as her necklace had turned blue, which meant there was a boy somewhere in need of a special equine friend. Except, there was a little something odd about this particular glow... it was blinking too, and then it also turned pink, which meant a girl was in need of a horse. That hadn't happened before. Nonetheless, Queen Reigna did her usual routine with the Equinary.

"Equinary, Equinary, who are the lucky girl and boy? Show me thy face and the horses with heart with love to unfurl and to bring them great joy."

The Equinary opened up and turned its pages, and to Queen Reigna's great surprise, the book stopped with a picture of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"Hmm... the last someone I expected." said the queen.

Except, the book didn't stop there. The Equinary apparently said that there was... more than one rider in need of a special friend. Mace Windu, Ki-Adi Mundi, Plo Koon, Yoda, Saesee Tiin, Eeth Koth, Shaak Tii, basically nearly every member of the Jedi Council. Queen Reigna was a bit hesitant about this, given what had just happened with the Council and the Skywalkers. However... she had an idea.

The Ride of Love was about connecting beings, and often the horses who got matched with riders began as unlikely friends, but over time, they somehow learned they weren't so incompatible after all. So, Queen Reigna decided to go through with the ceremony. But, she decided she needed to make a special announcement first.

A few bottled message writings later, Queen Reigna stood on top of the rock from where she would cast the spell to bring them all to their riders.

"By light of heart, and beat of love, bring true beauty and true heart's form. To these folks in need, may love be the norm. Accepting with heart, strong and true, an equine to Jedi to learn the right to do."

The Jedi Council were soon in another meeting, and this was one of the rare occasions where the entire council was present. They were all sitting down to start the meeting, when they noticed a big sparkling heart appear in the middle of the room.

“What the-?” Obi-Wan gasped.

 All the Council members prepared to ignite their lightsabers, but to their great surprise, out from the heart came several colorful horses. Nine of them to be exact.

One of them looked around at the room. She was an alicorn mare, and seemed fairly young. Her coat was magenta and she had long silvery white hair tied in a high ponytail and was wearing what looked like a purple jacket and had jeweled sunglasses on, and she had a pattern all over her flank that looked like lots of little silver and white stars. In other words, she looked like a pop star.

“Hmm… so this is the Jedi Temple?” said the magenta mare. “Seems kinda small.”

She looked around and saw the Jedi before the group.

“Oh, good, Jedi. Like the queen said.”

“Um… who are you, Miss?” Mace said.

The mare scoffed.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of the great Mistress Majestica?”

That didn’t ring a bell for anyone.

“Maybe this will help.” 

Mistress Majestica then made her horn glow, pop music playing, and she started to dance and sing a song.

Can call all you want, but there's no one home

And you're not gonna reach my telephone

Out in the club, and I'm sippin' that bub

And you're not gonna reach my telephone

She ended the short performance by tossing her mane back. 

“Seriously? Nothing?”

“Sorry, we’ve never heard of you… or seen any of your friends here.” Mace said.

“Friends? Pfft. I don’t even know these ponies.”

“You literally learned our names before we came here,” said a pegasus mare in gold armor. She was all maroon, except for her purple eyes and her hooves, which looked like they were made of solid gold.

None of the Jedi Council understood what was happening, but they noticed that all the horses had bottles around their necks. By the look of them, most of them appeared to be teenagers. The magenta alicorn and the green earth horse appearing to be the oldest ones. It was then Obi-Wan remembered when Carousella first came; she’d had a bottled message from Queen Reigna.

“Are you all horses from Equinaro?” Obi-Wan said.

“Yes, we are,” said the maroon pegasus. “We were all sent for the Jedi Council .”

“Allow me to make the introductions.”

“You just said you don’t know us.” said a green earth mare who was older than the others.

“I learned a little.” Magenta said. “At least let me show why they should know me.”

Majestica:

I'm gonna tell you 'bout a few things

So just watch me go, steal the show, sit on back and try to follow

The name Majestica

It’s just a stage name

My real name’s Magenta, I sing the songs and represent-a

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yea-a-ah...

And then stepped in a pale pink unicorn mare with magenta eyes and spots all over her back that looked like sugar crystals. Her mane was mostly red with a few white stripes, and she had a big green bow on her head.

“Hey, I’m Peppermint Twist. I’m a candy-corn. Pretty sweet.”

Magenta:

Peppermint is my good friend

She knows how to sugarcoat, ‘cause you know she is a candy-corn

And when she's happy, yeah, you can tell

Just stick your nose up and give the room a quick smell

Sure enough, the air actually smelled like peppermint, which was coming from Peppermint the unicorn.

The green earth mare was definitely lovely. Her mane was very long and some strands of it were tied into little braids that looked like vines, and she had flowers decorating her mane that were blue like her eyes.

Magenta:

Yeah, that's Hydrangea Green over there

I'd like to say I know her, but to me she is a stranger mare.

But don't you worry

She's got a heart of gold

Not too old or young, but she's one of us!

Hydrangea glared at Magenta for making fun of her being the oldest there.

All:

We're the Jedi (Magenta: Jedi) Council's steeds

Yeah, the Jedi (Magenta: Jedi) Council's steeds

We're the Jedi (Magenta: Jedi) Council's steeds

Yeah, the Jedi (Magenta: Jedi) Jedi Council's steeds

There was another earth horse, but this one was a stallion. He was mostly yellow with some splotches of white, his mane a creamy orange color, and he had one big spot on his chest that looked like a gold breast plate in the shape of a heart.

Magenta:

Citrus Splat is the one who loves snacks

He’ll eat up almost anything, so keep the citrus stuff packed.

Citrus was munching and orange.

He’s gonna eat this.

And then an apple.

He’s gonna eat that

Okay, he's disappeared, does anyone here know where he's at?

Citrus was sniffing around until he found something in Ki-Adi’s pocket. A bag of red gummy bears.

“Ooh! Gummy bears!” Citrus immediately tore the bag open and started gobbling them up.

“Hmm. I’m not fond of cherry, anyway.”

A purple unicorn mare with a sunflower in her golden mane scolded Citrus for going so crazy. 

“Citrus, it’s not nice to just take snacks,” said the unicorn.

Magenta:

This is Sunheart Flora, she’s a medic

She can be quite a smarty, but that sounds pathetic

Sunheart snorted in offense.

Sure, she might mean well

And likes to make a fuss

But we don't mind at all because she's one of us!

All horses:

We're the Jedi (Magenta: Jedi) Council’s steeds

Yeah, the Jedi (Magenta: Jedi) Council’s steeds

We're the Jedi (Citrus: Jedi) Council’s steeds

Yeah, the Jedi (Citrus: Jedi!) Jedi Council’s steeds.

Then, there was another lovely pegasus mare. Her coat was hot pink, her mane a darker pink with a streak of red and white tied in a side braid, emerald green eyes, and she had markings on her forelegs that kind of looked like they’d been dusted with flour, but she tripped and spilled a basket of berries she was carrying.

“Oh, sugar!” the pink pegasus said.

A green pegasus mare then helped her up.

“Um, Magenta?” said the maroon pegasus. “Maybe the song should end soon. We seem to be making quite a mess here.”

Magenta:

This is Zipp, it’s short for Zeppeline.

And the green one is Grassi, she’s a sea pony

Magenta used her magic to pick up Strawberry’s strawberries.

Strawberry, are you okay?

I think that's everybody, so what do you say?

All:

We're the Jedi (Jedi) Council's steeds

Yeah, the Jedi (Jedi) Council's steeds

We're the Jedi (Jedi) Council's steeds

Yeah, the Jedi (Jedi) Council's steeds

We're the Jedi (Jedi) Council's steeds

Yeah, the Jedi (Jedi) Council's steeds

We're the Jedi (Jedi) Council's steeds

Yeah, the Jedi (Jedi)  Jedi Council's steeds

“Okay, now you know our names,” said Magenta. “So, which horse goes to who?”

“Did your queen tell you?” Kit said.

“Yes, she did.” Grassi said.

So, the list went like this.

Magenta was matched with Master Yoda.

• Strawberry Sundae with Mace Windu 
• Peppermint with Obi-Wan Kenobi, 
• Citrus for Plo Koon, 
• Sunheart for Shaak Tii
• Hydrangea for Saesee Tiin
• Zipp for Eeth Koth
• Grassi for Kit Fisto

Each horse approached his or her new rider and began sniffing their heads, which was how they

“Wait a minute,” said Kit. “It looks like you neglected to introduce one.”

And Master Fisto was right. Magenta forgot to introduce the youngest one.

She was an alicorn of a lovely green. She had a curly mane of orange and yellow, and she wore a purple and white beanie with a silver propeller on it, and she seemed to be wearing a big blue sweater too. She seemed kind of scared though and hid herself in her wings.

“Who’s she for?” asked Master Koth.

Zipp stood beside the young filly.

“This is Princess Comedia Evermare. Daughter of the duke and duchess of Neighway. Second cousin to Queen Reigna.”

The Council couldn’t believe this; one of them was getting a royal horse. Zipp looked at the bottle around Comedia’s neck to see who she was matched with.

“It looks like she was matched with… Ki-Adi Mundi.”

“Me?” said the Cerean, a bit surprised.

Zipp nudged Comedia with her muzzle.

“Go on, Princess.” Zipp said.

But Comedia backed up instead, shaking with fear.

Ki-Adi thought maybe Comedia was just a little frightened because she was so young and in an unfamiliar territory.

“It’s alright, young mare.” Ki-Adi said, starting to approach her, but she dug her hoof into the floor and hunched over, snorting.

That signaled Ki-Adi to back off. All the council had seen Carousella enough to know when a horse did that, it usually was a sign of aggression.

“I’m not sure she likes you very much, Ki-Adi.” Kit said.

“Oh, I couldn’t tell.” Ki-Adi said sarcastically.

Comedia didn’t say anything.

“Well, she is only ten.” Zipp said. “I’ve heard it’s actually common for younger equines to take longer to adjust. Perhaps if we spoke with her parents-”

Comedia squeaked, and then she galloped right over to Ki-Adi and rubbed against him like a cat being affectionate. That seemed a bit strange, but Ki-Adi welcomed the affection. He still couldn’t believe out of all the Jedi, out of all people, he got matched with a royal horse.

“You seem like a very sweet young filly.” Ki-Adi said.

He took a seat, only to hear… FART!

“Master Mundi!” Mace scolded.

Ki-Adi was embarrassed, but also confused.

“No, that wasn’t me!” Ki-Adi stood up, and then he saw a whoopee cushion on his chair, and then noticed Comedia giggling. “Comedia, did you put that there?”

Comedia didn’t speak. She just giggled some more.

Ki-Adi then looked at Comedia’s bottled message and read.

“Oh, I get it. You are a silly-corn, naturally drawn to comedic acts and committing the like.” He noticed something else. “And she has a tendency to wander off?”

Ki-Adi noticed Comedia was missing now.

“Like right now?” Citrus chuckled.

Ki-Adi sighed and went to go look for the young mare.

“Comedia, get back here.”

The other Jedi weren’t sure why they were all getting horses now, so they all looked at their bottled messages, and queen Reigna shared bits about each horse’s personality, but also had the same message to begin it.

After what has happened with you kicking a Jedi out for having a family, I have come to learn that this isn’t the first time you’ve denied a Jedi a loved one, particularly Anakin Skywalker. I believe perhaps you can all learn something from bonding with an equine of your own. Now, here are your instructions. Bond with your horses, get to know them, and uncover what each of them can teach you and what they can learn from you.

But, if the Jedi were going to have horses here, they were going to need food, water, and a place to sleep. And of course, each horse had his or her own needs.

Like Magenta sang, Citrus loved snacks, so for Master Plo, feeding Citrus would probably be a challenge. Although, Master Plo did find that Citrus really liked oranges. Ahsoka was willing to help out though.

Ahsoka found a nice plump orange for Citrus.

“Here’s a good-looking one.” Ahsoka held the orange, and Citrus nearly nipped her hand trying to eat it.

“Citrus! Slow down.” Plo scolded, getting a grip on Citrus.

But Citrus turned out to have a little problem with self-control, that being shown when he gobbled up a ton of popcorn.

“How can you eat like that and stay so fit?” Ahsoka asked.

“I’ve got a very fast metabolism.” Citrus replied.

Master Yoda had a bit of a troubled horse. 

Magenta seemed kind of, actually very demanding.

“This place really needs some color.” Magenta said. “Ever heard of feng shui? What’s a mare gotta do to get her entourage to bring her things in?”

“A luxury hotel, this is not.” Yoda said. “Comfortable, you shall make yourself.”

Magenta huffed. She was accustomed to five star treatment, being a big star.

“You know, now I’m starting to get why you never heard of me. My audience usually doesn’t consist of geezers. Although, if they’re all your size, I might’ve missed them.”

“Hmm. Arrogance I sense in you. Insecurities. Guilt. Regret.”

“You know nothing about me, Short Stuff.”

Magenta turned her tail at Yoda and walked away in search of communications.

Obi-Wan set out some mats and pillows he found to make a bed for Peppermint. It would have to do for now. He had to admit, Peppermint’s presence added a touch of freshness to his apartment, mostly because she naturally smelled of the plant that shared her name.

Peppermint, however, started to sugarcoat Obi-Wan’s apartment, starting with adding candy striped throw pillows to the couch, and putting a peppermint plant on the coffee table.

“What are you doing?” Obi-Wan asked.

“Well, if I’m gonna be your roommate, I can’t sweeten up the place a little?”

Well, that seemed fair, except when Obi-Wan went into the refresher…

“Peppermint, did you move my hair creams?”

“Yeah, got rid of them, actually.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Trust me, I’m doing you a favor. In the meantime, I left some better ones in there.”

“You know I’m not a horse, right?”

“Don’t worry, it works on human hair too.”

“Drop and give me thirty!” Zipp shouted, and she blew a whistle.

Eeth Koth dropped to the floor and started doing push-ups.

“Come on! I wanna see you sweating!”

It turned out Zipp was actually a trainer for the royal guard. Before that, she was a fitness instructor, and before that, a champion race horse, and she was only nineteen. Incredibly athletic too.

Strawberry Sundae, however, didn’t like the look of the kitchen in Mace’s apartment. The cooking materials looked like they’d hardly been used, and the ones that had were covered with burn marks or still had what she hoped was just old food stuck to them. The fridge wasn’t much better. 

“Frozen dinners? Really?” Strawberry grimaced at Mace.

“There are plenty of raw vegetables if you’re hungry.”

Strawberry wasn’t upset about that though.

“Did no one ever teach you how to cook properly?” Strawberry said.

It was kind of awkward for Mace. He didn’t like to flaunt the fact that he wasn’t a very good cook. But, the sixteen-year-old got out an apron and decided to change that.

“Then let me show you what real cooking looks like.”

“Need any help?” said Gingerbread, entering.

“Aunt Gingerbread!” Strawberry explained.

Ki-Adi, meanwhile, managed to find Comedia and brought her to his apartment, where the young mare started to look around curiously. 

“Look how curious you are,” said Ki-Adi. “I know it’s not the palace you may be used to, but it’s home, and we’ll make it work.”

Comedia looked around, unsure what to make of her new home, but Ki-Adi appeared to try and make it comfortable for her.

“Alright, I’ll make a nice area for you to-”

But then he spotted Comedia curling up on his bed.

“Comedia, that’s my bed!”

Comedia jumped right off and covered herself with her wings, whimpering like a scared puppy. That confused the Cerean a little.

“Comedia, you’re not in trouble. But you’ll get a space to sleep. One of your own.”

Now Comedia seemed confused.

When Ki-Adi wasn’t looking, Comedia decided to have a little fun. She waited until he was busy setting up a sleeping area for her, and she tickled under his arm with the feathers on her wings.

“Cootchie, cootchie, coo!”

“Comedia!” He chortled, making her stop. “Not now. We can play later.”

Days went by, but the Jedi seemed to have a little trouble getting along with some of the horses, and some of them even seemed to take over their apartments.

Strawberry Sundae got rid of all of Mace’s microwave dinners, Zipp woke Eeth at four in the morning to work out every day, Magenta had her entourage invade Yoda’s apartment and made it look like a disco ball and a glitter bomb had a baby in there, and turning his sleeping area into a recording studio. But it wasn’t just the masters who received horses who needed help adjusting.

Masters Oppo Rancisis, Secura, and Luminara were passing through the hall, when someone shouted.

“Incoming!”

And Zipp and Citrus came racing through the hall. Aayla and Luminara managed to go against the walls to avoid being run over, but the horses ran over Master Rancisis’ tail.

“Ouch!”

“Sorry!” Citrus shouted. 

Citrus panted as he struggled to keep up with Zipp.

“Come on, we’ve been at this for two hours!” Citrus panted.

“Yeah, good for a warmup, especially since someone said ‘I can run circles around you, Zipp.’”

“Yeah, circles, not across the Temple.”

Mace also jumped against the wall with Master Yoda.

“I was fine when we just had one or two horses,” said Mace. “But ten all together now?”

“Hmm. Challenging this is. But how bad I have it you should see. Magenta, as a mule, stubborn she is.”

As for Master Mundi, he was finding Comedia to be a challenge too. She absolutely refused to take a bath, she got scared at random times, and she seemed to gobble up every bit of food like she hadn’t eaten in days, but at the same time, seemed to play jokes.

Two days ago, she put blue dye in Ki-Adi’s shower gel, which turned him blue when he took a shower. He had to take a bath in lemon juice and vinegar just to get it out of his skin and smelled like a lemonade stand all day. Yesterday, he got hit with a glitter bomb when he opened the drawer to get his toothpaste, and today, his hand soap was replaced with honey. Today, his boots were filled with grape jelly when he got out of bed in the morning.

Almost two weeks went by. Everyone was still adjusting, but little by little, more Jedi masters were getting along better with the horses.

Ki-Adi was walking down the hall, when some younglings stuck their tongues out at him and blew raspberries and then ran away.

Ki-Adi was disgusted, but also confused, especially when the same thing happened as he walked down the hall. Younglings, Padawans, even a few masters stuck out their tongues and blew raspberries at Ki-Adi as he was on his way to the briefing room, where even a couple of clones did it.

“Okay, what is going on with everyone today?!” Ki-Adi said.

Then, Ahsoka noticed something.

“Maybe it’s that sign on your back?” said the Togruta.

Confused, Ki-Adi felt the back of his robes and found someone stuck a sign on his back that said, “Stick your tongue out and blow raspberries at me.”

“Comedia!” Ki-Adi groaned.

Comedia literally rolled on the floor laughing, and then everyone noticed a smell in the room.

“Okay, how long has she been wearing that sweater?” Ahsoka asked.

“Since she arrived, by the look of it.” Ki-Adi said. “That’s it! It’s bath time, Comedia.”

But Comedia took that as her cue to run like the wind.

“No! No bath!”

(Cue: Benny Hill Theme)

Ki-Adi ran after Comedia, who ran into the Council Chambers and hid behind a chair, but she wasn’t behind it. Then she popped out from another chair and hid again. Ki-Adi checked that one, and she was gone.

“Peek a boo!” Comedia peeked from under the cushion of another chair and hid again, but disappeared when Ki-Adi checked there too!

“How did you even fit in there?” 

But Comedia kept disappearing behind chairs and then ran out the door.

This chase continued in a hall of doorways, where Comedia ran into one door, Ki-Adi going after her, but then they both ran out another door and into another, running from a different door than the one they’d entered like in a cartoon. And sometimes, Comedia was chasing Ki-Adi. Then at one point, they crashed into each other, giving Ki-Adi time to grab Comedia.

“Come on, Comedia. We’re cleaning you up.”

Comedia tried to run away again while Ki-Adi ran the bath, but he grabbed her and said, “Now, now, Comedia. It won’t hurt you take a bath.”

Comedia, however, did one thing she hoped she wouldn’t have to do.

CHOMP!

Right on Ki-Adi’s forearm.

“Comedia! You bit me!”

With tears in her eyes, Comedia dashed off.

A little later, after Ki-Adi took a visit to the hospital wing to make sure the bite didn’t leave any infections, the Jedi Council decided to have a meeting regarding the horses. Fortunately, Dr. Nema diagnosed that it was only a flesh wound. But what provoked Comedia to bite him now, neither of them had any clue.

So far, the most challenging horses proved to be Magenta, Strawberry Sundae, and Comedia.

Master Yoda sensed something was eating at Magenta, but she masked it with overconfidence and showing off her musical stylings, Strawberry Sundae was insistent on keeping Mace out of the kitchen, although most of the Council agreed on that one, and Comedia… well, she wouldn’t say much except when she was pranking Master Mundi or anyone else, and she just wouldn’t let him take her sweater off.

“Try having Peppermint,” said Obi-Wan. “For someone who eats a lot of sugar and turns things into sweets, she can be a little salty before she sugarcoats things.”

“I just don’t know why Comedia behaves this way.” Ki-Adi said. “Sometimes she acts more like a jester than a princess, and sometimes she becomes frightened and hides from me.”

“And Strawberry Sundae… she seems to have a problem with authority.” Mace said.

“She is sixteen,” said Plo Koon. “Most of our horses are teenagers.”

Kit didn’t seem to have any problems with Grassi. She was fairly calm and loved being near the water. Hydrangea, she was pretty down-to-earth, and helped Master Tiin learn to relax, and Master Koth had to admit he was feeling more energetic with Zipp making herself his personal trainer.

“I can see why Queen Reigna hired her as a guard trainer.” Eeth said, showing off by doing push ups with one arm.

“Now if only get through I could to Magenta.” Yoda said. “Hmm. A challenge even for me she is.”

“I wonder if Master Luminara had problems like this when she met Gingerbread.” Obi-Wan said.

“Yes, we did have some trouble getting along at first,” said Luminara, mixing some icing. She was helping Gingerbread make a gingerbread castle.

“Well, how did you two get along better?” Mace asked.

“It was actually very simple. Once we got back here, I engaged in an activity she likes. According to her, as Jedi, we appear isolated to the public.”

Gingerbread confirmed that’s what the public thought about the Jedi, especially now. People thought the Jedi had no idea what the people needed or what the outside world was like. It didn’t seem like the Jedi got out much except when grocery shopping or running other errands. So, Gingerbread convinced Master Luminara to join her in one of her favorite activities: baking.

“My family is in a long line of bakers,” said Gingerbread. “My sisters run a shop with their husbands and children, and I run a bakery with my mother. Cookies are my specialty, and anything with cinnamon.”

“It is messy work, but frankly quite relaxing,” said Luminara, frosting another wall. “Surprisingly good for team building as well.”

“Well, Gingerbread. Strawberry being your niece… has she always had trouble with authority?”

“Well… I know she can get a little bossy, but she takes after her mother. Caramel Sundae… she knew how to take charge.”

Gingerbread got sad at the mention of her sister. But that's another story for another time.

“Strawberry Sundae takes cooking very seriously, and based on what I’ve heard, you could learn a thing or two from her.”

So, Mace got back to his apartment, where he saw Strawberry Sundae bringing ingredients together. 

“What are you doing?” Mace asked.

“Making a cake for Comedia. Master Mundi said Comedia seems to be a little troubled, so I suggested I make one of my specialties for her. Diversi-cake.”

“Why don’t you let me help?”

Strawberry blocked Mace’s hand with a wooden spoon.

“If you wanna help, you’re gonna have to do this right.”

“You haven’t let me in the kitchen for weeks.”

“Because I was busy restocking.”

As it turned out, Strawberry replaced most of Mace’s old kitchen supplies with her own, and added new, high quality ingredients she brought from home.

“But, now that I’ve got the supplies, I’ll give you some lessons. Step one, make sure we got all the basic ingredients.”

Mace checked the recipe and confirmed they had all the ingredients. He looked at the instructions and started to preheat the oven, but Strawberry glared at him.

“What?”

“You set the oven for 350 degrees.”

“The recipes says to-”

“This oven is a Tsunami 1200. You have to know the model and wattage of all your appliances when you’re cooking. All appliances cook at different speeds, and hold different temperatures. Place the wrong dish on the wrong appliance, it won’t matter how you set the dial, it’ll either cook too hot or too cold, leading you to burn or undercook stuff, and different ingredients have different cooking times.”

Mace, for what seemed like the first time, was overwhelmed. Strawberry named a lot of rules about how to cook right, and it all sounded complicated too.

“Every step counts, and every detail counts. Appliances are one piece of the puzzle. Cooking itself is a souffle. You make one mistake, the whole thing will deflate the moment you take it out of the oven, if it even inflates at all. And you gotta check the quality of ingredients too.”

Strawberry showed Mace how to check for quality in the ingredients by looking at them, smelling them, and feeling the texture to know if they were good for the recipe. Mace had no clue that white spots usually indicated a strawberry would be too sour, or that darker red meant the best strawberries if you want a sweet treat.

“Based on what I’ve seen in your previous attempts to cook in other apartments since I’ve arrived, I can see you spend way too much time trying to be by the book. As in, trying to do it how every cookbook tells you to do it. But you haven’t seen my family’s cookbook. Each recipe is hoof-selected, updated, and we don’t officially place it in the book until every detail is precisely detailed, tasted, and perfect. But, we’ll use this as an opportunity to teach you how to really improve your cooking skills, and personality too.”

“What’s wrong with my personality?”

Strawberry Sundae gathered the ingredients and just told Mace to follow her lead.

“There’s a lot more to cooking than following what all the books say. Sometimes, you gotta hang loose.”

Strawberry:

When you're cookin' somethin' up

And only tryin' the tried and true

You stick to the predictable you've known

Mace and Strawberry started out making some basic cake batter. But then, Strawberry did a little something unexpected.

Measure out the same amounts

Every teaspoon, every ounce

No surprises when the rules are set in stone

With her tail, Strawberry grabbed a jar of pink sugar crystals to add to the batter.

But when the sugar hits the fan

You make a mess of your perfect plan

And you're facin' the face of somethin' strange and new

If it's not what you had prepared

In the scramble, you can't get scared

Oh, let somethin' wild and wonderful break through

Next thing Mace knew, Strawberry was pulling him into a dance and placing an apron on him like hers. And she encouraged him to…

Start rippin' up the recipe

Let go of how it has to be

You forget about right and wrong

When you lose yourself in the song

It's perfect unexpectedly

When you rip up the recipe

Strawberry laid out lots of yummy looking ingredients to place into the bowls of basic batter. Strawberries, chocolate chips, blueberries, peanut butter, crushed almonds, roasted walnuts, banana slices. You name it, she had it out.

Strawberry, of course, picked strawberries, and she mixed in some bananas and chocolate chips.

Doot-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

“See what happens when you let loose?” 

“But, aren’t you essentially doing something that could have a bad outcome?”

“Well, it could just need more or less of something, but that’s why we experiment.”

Strawberry:

Livin' life inside the lines safe and simple, by the book

You keep sweepin' the uncertainty aside

But an unfamiliar spice might bring somethin' extra nice

Somethin' twice as good as what you woulda tried

So, Mace tried adding a little cinnamon to another bowl, and taking some time to trying smelling different ingredients, he added some chocolate chips and vanilla cream to the bowl he picked.

Soon, Mace started to open up to just mixing it up a little.

Strawberry & Mace:

'Cause when the sugar hits the fan

You make a mess of your perfect plan

And you're facin' the face of somethin' strange and new

Somethin's ready to wreck your day

You can pray that it goes away

Or let somethin' wild and wonderful break through

Things did get a little messy, but the cakes were coming together. Ingredients were together, now they just had to mix them all up and place them into the oven.

Start rippin' up the recipe

Let go of how it has to be

No, you can't plan it in advance

Gotta lose yourself in the dance

It's perfect unexpectedly

When you rip up the recipe

Doot-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Some thirty minutes later, the cakes were ready. They looked good. But Strawberry had some extra batter made into cupcakes so that she and Mace could taste them before serving the big cakes to anyone else. And they tasted amazing! 

Soon, they were on to the really fun part. Decorating the cakes. And having a dusty flour fight!

Start rippin' up the recipe

And make a little mess with me

You forget about right and wrong

When you lose yourself in the song

It's perfect unexpectedly

When you rip up the recipe

Doot-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doot-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo

Doot-doo-doo-doo, doo

When you rip up the recipe

The cake was absolutely lovely once it was decorated. It was decorated with purple icing, like Comedia’s hat, and decorated with little gummy bears, which Strawberry learned Comedia loved after hearing Master Mundi complain that Comedia managed to sniff out his gummy bear stash.

“If this doesn’t make Comedia happy, I don’t know what will.”

As for Magenta…

Magenta was currently singing into a mic with headphones over her ears, likely recording a new song, when Master Yoda stepped in.

His apartment was definitely a lot more sparkly than before, and Magenta just spent her every waking moment doing sound checks and choreography.

Yoda cleared his throat, but when Magenta didn’t stop singing, he decided to literally pull the plug.

“What the gallop?!” Magenta said. “I was in the middle of a sound check? You know? That thing singers do to make sure their voices, the very key of their career, works right?”

“Research I have done.”

“My dating Pony Gripp was just a rumor!” Magenta snapped. “Dude writes repetitive songs. Get a grip!”

Yoda chuckled and said,

“Not gossip. Why attracted people are, I understand not. But, parts of your past I have uncovered. Alone, always you were not.”

Magenta looked disgruntled.

“I got a hoof appointment.”

But Yoda closed the door before she could leave.

“Leaving you are not. Sit, you will. Talk, we will.”

Yoda got Magenta to reluctantly sit down. He also noticed she hadn’t taken off her sunglasses at any time. Others thought it was to look cool, but Yoda sensed otherwise.

“Your glasses. Remove them, would you?”

“I’d rather not.” Magenta shook her head.

“Very well.”

Yoda shared what he’d learned based on online research and what he could get from Peppermint. She was sixteen now and Magenta was nineteen, but three years ago, they attended school together, which was how they knew each other. Magenta was Peppermint’s senior guide when she started high school and they were friends for a while. But after Magenta graduated they lost touch. But according to Peppermint, Magenta was actually very nice and lots of fun, not an arrogant snob. And she used to be so upbeat and make music just for fun, and both according to her and a couple of sites, she actually was part of a brother-sister duo called Sis-Bro-Band with her little brother. They’d gotten their start on The Real Magic Show Idol, a show that featured magical creatures showing off their talents using both spells and natural talent, as the rules limited the contestants to only three spells per act, which meant they had to be creative and choose wisely.

“Won, you did. Seen old videos of you performing. Quite talented you are.”

“Of course. I gotta be to have the career I have now.”

“Hmm. But your brother, you are missing.”

Magenta looked down. Yoda couldn’t see her eyes, but he did see a tear.

There was a lot to Magenta she didn’t let out.

“Silver, has your hair always been?”

“It’s… not my real hair.”

Magenta used her magic and revealed the silver mane was just a wig. Underneath, she actually had beautiful long light blue hair.

“My old manager said my real hair looked too neon.”

“But beautiful, your hair is.”

“Well, beautiful hair can only get you so far. And what happened between my brother and I… not so pretty.”

“Ask, may I? Why your glasses, you keep on always?”

Magenta was silent. And then, she removed her sunglasses, revealing her blue eyes to be really red and bloodshot, like she’d been crying a lot.

It turned out, Magenta cried herself to sleep a lot. Most people look at big pop stars and assume their lives are perfect. All the money, the fame, being able to travel all the time and get all kinds of special treatments in stores and salons. But what they don’t know is the cost of growing fame.

“I’ve dreamed of making music for everyone since I was a filly. My brother and I, we did it together for years. Since our mom died, I’ve had to be his big sister and his mom all his life. And we promised each other we wouldn’t let anything come between us, but then one day, I broke that promise.”

Magenta explained that when she and her brother were growing in fame, they got a producer interested, but he was only interested in Magenta. At first, Magenta took the deal so she could somehow convince the label to let her brother in, but they never did. And over time, the fame did get to her head. 

But it also turned out the producer, who was a literal monster, a minotaur to be precise, was interested in her mainly because he found her attractive. He tried to assault Magenta, but he didn’t realize she knew self-defense because she had family in the royal guard, and after she escaped, she decided to deliberately trash a hotel room to get herself purposely fired from the label to get away from the abuse. And then, she became her own manager in order to make a living for herself, but she never changed her look because the fans liked her old manager’s version of her.

Sometime last year though, Magenta decided she wanted out. So, she wrote a letter to her brother telling him how sorry she was for breaking her promise and that she wanted to talk it out in person. Except, she never got a response. She took that as a sign her brother never wanted to see her again. So, she never went back home, and since then was filled with so much regret. And when the queen said she was needed for the Ride of Love, she was sure for once the Equinary would be wrong, and her new rider would be just like everyone else telling her that she would never be good enough.

Magenta started to cry again, this time pretty hard. That definitely wasn’t a pretty sight, but at least she was finally getting a huge weight off her shoulders, and Master Yoda was finally getting to see the real Magenta. It seemed similar to Anakin, she had a bit of trouble with her emotions, and in her case, she tended to face them by portraying a sense of dominance. Deep down, she knew she needed therapy, but she hadn’t met anyone with the patience to help her out, or to see more than just another troubled pop star.

“Good. Opening up, you are. Time it will take to mend your broken parts. Together, on, we will work. Willing, are you?”

Magenta sniffled.

“Do you always talk backwards, or is it just to sound wise?”

“What do you think?”

Magenta snorted a laugh. Master Yoda had a sense of humor after all.

As for Comedia, Ki-Adi was still struggling to get her to take a bath. The bath was warm and there were bubbles. Ki-Adi even put bath toys in it to attract Comedia.

“Come on, now. Comedia. If you take a bath now, Strawberry Sundae made you a cake, and you can have a nice big slice.”

Comedia’s ears perked up, and she jumped right in, but kept her sweater.

“Comedia, not with your sweater on.” Ki-Adi tried to take Comedia’s sweater off, but she wouldn’t let him.

And then, Comedia jumped out of the tub and ran off, soaking wet and covered in bubbles.

Master Mundi had the sense something was amiss. It seemed Comedia was adamant on keeping that sweater on, and he had the sense it wasn’t because she was cold.

Comedia ran as quickly as she could through the halls of the Jedi Temple, flying right past Mace and then being Force-pulled by Obi-Wan, much to the young mare’s chagrin.

Ki-Adi was about to grab, Comedia, when something crazy happened…

Comedia spread out her wings and hooves, and every Jedi within range was suddenly pushed into the walls and on the floor!

Obi-Wan lost his grip on Comedia, and the young mare took that as her chance to run like her life depended on it.

“What just happened?” said Grassi.

Chapter Text

Meanwhile, in a dark hideout somewhere two weeks ago…

Mariverde was sitting in her throne, watching the magic mirror, when she was contacted by Lord Sidious.

“Lady Mariverde…”

“I believe you are calling regarding Anakin Skywalker, are you not?” Mariverde said.

“Yes. It seems Skywalker has left the Jedi Order. This poses a huge problem towards my plans for the galaxy.”

“Not to worry, Lord Sidious. I’ve already concocted a brilliant plan to ensure our victory, starting with getting Skywalker back into the Jedi Order. Allow me to work my magic.”

In an office somewhere sat a human woman who wore a red beret over straight black hair. She was filing her nails when a call came in on her phone.

She answered it.

“Rumorville Gazette. Priscilla Surlei speaking.”

A mysterious distorted voice came over the phone.

“Anonymous source speaking. I have a story for you, Surlei, involving a forbidden love story between a Jedi and a senator.” The voice said.

Surlei was immediately intrigued.

“Keep talking.”

“Go to the front of your building if you wish to know more.”

So, Surlei did go to the front of the building, where she found a package waiting for her. Inside were some cameras disguised as houseflies, as well as a booklet with instructions on how to work them and all the pieces of the story that required evidence, and where to obtain it.

“This is going to be the biggest story of my career!” Surlei smiled.

Two weeks ago, at the Skywalker residence…

Kara arrived at the penthouse sometime the night after Anakin left the Jedi Order. But, the natural makeover in the penthouse did not go unnoticed.

“Kara, where have you been?” Anakin said.

“Sorry to have worried you, Anakin. Is Gabriella around? And why are there plants all over the apartment?”

“She’s asleep now. Again, where have you been?”