10 Years Later…

An almost-15-year-old teenage girl stood between two men; a woman stood on the other side of the younger male.

The teen wore a red midriff singlet that exposed her toned abs and muscular arms (by female standards); a black hooded cape draped over her broad shoulders. Parts of a black cloak made into a double layered garment hung from her belted waist, brown near-skin-tight pants covered up her legs. Her long white hair flowed past her tailbone, a Padawan Braid slung over her right shoulder. A chrome, black and gold Lightsaber hilt hung from her belt. Thick leather arm guards protected her forearms.

She looked at the man on her left. Her blue eyes scanned him; she could feel he was nervous.

"Are you alright, dad? You're sweating," she stated in concern.

The Jedi - still a Padawan himself - briefly glanced down at her.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"

"You know you can't hide your feelings from her, Anakin. No one can," the eldest one on the right remarked.

The other woman looked down at the teen, "Your father is nervous, Hazazelle, because we're seeing the Senator."

"It's been 20yrs. What if she doesn't remember me?"

Hazazelle raised an eyebrow, glancing between the three.

"It will be fine, Anakin. Just relax."

Hazazelle was going to ask "What's so nerve-wracking about Senator Amidala?" when the elevator stopped, opening its doors. She was sure she'd missed something. But, like always, she would find out one way or another.

The squad strode out of the elevator which opened up to the Senator's quarters. They stopped at the door, Obi Wan giving a gentle knock on the metal.

The doors immediately whoosed open, exposing the inside of the quarters.

The room was nice and open. There was the Senator's huge bedroom at the back. A sitting room was right in the middle with orange-yellow couches and a small glass table in the centre. Tall windows - reaching from the ceiling to the floor - made the place have an excellent view of Coruscant.

"It's good to see you again, Master Kenobi," a muscular brown-skinned man greeted as he walked up to them.

Hazazelle noted he had an eye patch. She kept an eye on him as they made their way over to a small group. The man reminded her of a space pirate Captain the four had to put a stop to.

Hazazelle could feel her father/master stiffen as they got closer.

In front of them was a beautiful woman in a dark dress. Her long brown hair was all nicely done up in a braid that wrapped around the back of her head. The Senator's face lit up with a smile, instantly recognising the Jedi in white.

"Obi Wan Kenobi. It's good to see you," she greeted, walking up to them, "It's been too long."

Obi Wan smiled, "Indeed."

Senator Amidala turned to Anakin and Sarai. Her eyes widened, "Ani? Sarai? My, have two you grown!"

"So have you. Grown more beautiful, I mean," Anakin replied.

Sarai rolled her emerald eyes, "It's good to see you, too, Padamé."

Hazazelle raised an eyebrow, glancing between Obi Wan, Anakin, Sarai and Padamé Amidala. They obviously knew each other; and the Senator hadn't even acknowledged the young girl was even there. Her father didn't seem to pick up on it, either.

"I'm glad you're all here," Eye-patch began, "The Senator doesn't think she needs protecting, but we insisted she had someone to watch over her at this time."

"That's because I don't need protection."

"With all due respect, Senator Amidala, but with the person looking to assassinate you, you do need protecting," Hazazelle stated matter-of-factly.

Padamé stared at her like she'd come out of nowhere, "And who might you be?"

Hazazelle didn't like the tone in her voice; the Senator was a bit rude about it. She internally scoffed, "Not that you'd expect anything less from a person in parliament."

"I am Hazazelle Skywalker. I'm Anakin's Padawan and daughter… ma'am."

"Oh. She's your daughter?"

Obi Wan gave Hazazelle a look when Padamé turned to Anakin. Kenobi could tell she didn't like the way the Senator asked her question. Hazazelle's blue eyes briefly glanced at him, showing her frustration.

"My adopted daughter, yes," Anakin replied.

"If you have a Padawan, does that mean you're a Jedi Master?"

Sarai laughed, "No. He's still a Padawan. I'm a Jedi Master, though."

"My, does time fly by!"

"Excuse me, Senator, but I believe we should start discussing your protection," Obi Wan suggested.

"Like I said, I don't need protection. I just need someone to find the one who's trying to kill me."

Hazazelle's mind was now made up. She did not like this woman. It hadn't even been 15mins, and she was already getting on her nerves.

"We will find out who's trying to kill you, Senator. You have my word," Anakin said.

Obi Wan gave him a scolding look, "Anakin."

"Well, there will be an investigation. I'll be leading it personally, Master Kenobi," Sarai stated calmly.

"The Jedi Council has made up its mind, Senator," Hazazelle began, a little of her annoyance coming out in her voice, "We will find out who wants you dead. Until then, you need protection, which is why we're here."

"Hazazelle," Anakin scolded, "Mind your manners, my young Padawan."

Hazazelle's heart sunk. A visible flood of shame washed over her. She took a few calming breaths.

"I'm sorry, for my outburst, Senator," she almost whispered, her apology glazing her blue eyes.

Padamé smiled, "That's alright. I know I'm not being very co-operative."

"No, Senator. It's not 'alright'. Hazazelle knows better. We'll be having a talk about it later," Anakin said, crossing his arms.

Hazazelle's eyes lowered, her head staying in its place.

"It's fine, Ani, really. She wasn't being disrespectful," she gestured for them to follow, "Come. Let's discuss our situation and go from there."

"Good idea, Senator," Sarai agreed, following her close behind.

Anakin gave his daughter a glare as he passed, earning her to face the ground. A tear fell from her eye at the thought of dishonoring her father - her master.

Obi Wan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, guiding her to the couches.

"It's alright, Hazazelle. I think you handled that rather well," he whispered encouragingly.

The Hikaarian just gave him a small smile in response.

While everyone sat on the couches, Hazazelle stood behind Anakin, her head still lowered.

"Why don't you sit down, Hazazelle," Obi Wan asked.

"You're more than welcome," Padamé added.

Hazazelle shook her head. She briefly looked at them, showing another small smile, "Thank you for the offer, but I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, thank you."

When the attention was off her, Hazazelle looked back at the floor. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sarai and Obi Wan exchange glances. She could still sense Anakin's disappointment and frustration with her.

Before she knew it, the little meeting was over.

"So, it's settled, then," Obi Wan began as he stood, "We will take turns being your bodyguard, if you will, while the other three conduct the searches."

Padamé nodded, "Yes. Thank you for your time."

"When, uh," Hazazelle stopped and cleared her husky voice, "When will this be starting?"

"Tonight. You'll be watching over her while one of us comes and checks on you every now and then," Sarai answered.

"Now. I must go prepare for a Senate meeting."

Padamé smiled at each of them, "It was good to see you all again. It was nice meeting you, Hazazelle."

"Likewise, Senator Amidala," Hazazelle smiled back.

"Please. Call me Padamé."

"As you wish, Padamé."

The Jedi bowed, Padamé doing the same before she went off to her quarters with her maid-servants.

The Jedi turned and briskly walked out. When the doors closed behind them, Anakin looked down at his daughter - his Padawan.

"You're lucky Padamé didn't find your little outburst disrespectful," he scowled, "If she had, you'd be grounded to your quarters."

Hazazelle's head drooped once more. This time, instead of feeling guilty, she was almost angry about it. She took a deep breath in.

"I'm sorry, dad."

"So you should be."

"Anakin, that's quite enough," Obi Wan said, "The Senator didn't find what she said offensive, so just drop it. I believe she handled herself well in her first political situation."

Anakin sighed, making it more like a huff. He walked ahead to the elevator.

"Thank you, Master Obi Wan," Hazazelle sighed, letting her tension out.

Obi Wan smiled, "Your welcome. And I meant what I said about how you handled that. Well done."

"Thanks, master," she smiled back.