Surprise! It's the long-awaited second chapter of 'Star Wars: The Web Warrior'!

I know most of you are here for 'Harley Quinn's Red Mark' but this fic does have a small following and I have been wanting to update this story for a long time. I actually started writing this chapter when I was writing my short story but felt I had to solely focus on my short story or else I was never going to get it done.

Anyway, enjoy this new chapter!


Chapter 2: Getting Involved with Politicians

"Our presence here will be invisible, milady. I can assure you," said Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi as everyone took a seat in the living area of the penthouse suite in the Senate Apartment Complex.

He and his Padawan learner Anakin Skywalker were assigned to protect Padmé Amidala, senator and former queen of Naboo because she was the target of a recent assassination attempt. She and the two Jedi were allies during the battle for her planet against the Trade Federation ten years ago so Supreme Chancellor Palpatine believed they were the ones best suited to guard her.

"I'm Captain Typho of Her Majesty's security service," the man with the eyepatch introduced himself to the Jedi, "Queen Jamilla has been informed of your assignment. I am grateful you are here, Master Kenobi. The situation is more dangerous than the senator will admit."

Padmé spoke up, "I don't need security, I need answers. I want to know who's trying to kill me."

She was sitting between her handmaiden Dormé and Gungan Junior Representative Jar Jar Binks.

"We are here to protect you, Senator. Not to start an investigation," said Obi-Wan.

"We will find out who's trying to kill you, Padmé. I promise you," said Anakin, contradicting with what his teacher just said.

Ever since he first laid eyes on her when he was nine years old, the young Padawan has had feelings for Padmé and they have grown stronger over the past decade.

His teacher quickly interjected, "We will not exceed our mandate, my young Padawan learner."

"I meant that in the interest of protecting her, Master," Anakin responded in an attempt to cover up the real reason for wanting to find the one trying to assassinate her.

One of the rules of the Jedi Order was the exclusion of emotional attachments and possessions for they were sometimes paths to the Dark Side.

Obi-Wan spoke, "We will not go through this exercise again, Anakin. And you will pay attention to my lead."

"Why?" his Padawan said in an annoyed tone.

"What?"

Tension was starting to rise between the two and the other people in the room could feel it

"Why else do you think we were assigned to her if not to find the killer? Protection is a job for local security, not Jedi. It's overkill, Master. Investigation is implied in our mandate," said Anakin, hoping to persuade his teacher.

Obi-Wan replied, "We will do exactly as the council has instructed. And you will learn your place, young one."

Unfortunately for Kenobi, this kind of argument was something that happened often between the two of them. He had seen Anakin grow into a promising Jedi over the last ten years but his student was aware of his own talents and became quite arrogant. Obi-Wan hoped to counter this by doing his best to reign in his pupil and teach him humility, which was not going exactly as planned.

"Perhaps with merely your presence, the mystery surrounding this threat will be revealed," suggested Padmé in a hopeful tone, trying to lighten the mood a little.

Her words caused Anakin to smile a little.

She spoke again, "But I do hope that you two catch the assassin should the opportunity arise. For the sake of my protection, of course. After all, it would be irresponsible not to."

The Jedi Padawan looked to his teacher, "She does make a point, Master."

Obi-Wan thought for a second and could not help seeing the logic in their arguments and they would still be following their orders from the Jedi Council.

"I suppose so," he said and nodded.

Padmé smiled, "Good."

Captain Typho spoke up next, "Actually, milady, we might have a chance to find the culprit. No matter what happens during our time here."

"What do you mean, Captain?" she asked.

"Forgive me but after the chancellor agreed to assign Master Kenobi to protect you, I asked Masters Windu and Yoda if there was any way to have some extra security. They told me they knew someone who could help and even track down the assassin targeting you."

"They are sending extra help?" asked Obi-Wan.

The security force captain nodded, "Yes, Master Kenobi. They contacted me earlier and informed me of who they hired."

"Who are they sending?" asked Anakin.

The young Padawan felt annoyed that the Jedi Masters who assigned him to this very mission would bring in another; it felt like an insult to him. He was also mad because he felt robbed of the chance to protect and impress the woman he secretly loved by finding her would-be killer.

Typho was about to answer when the chime of the elevator rang out and he said, "Ah, that must be them now."

He went to meet with their newest guests while everyone else stayed in the room.

All they heard next was the security captain speak, "Thank you for coming. Please, come in."

It was not long until Captain Typho reentered the living room and behind him was Shadow Spider, Talon, and Hollsward. The sight of one of the galaxy's most notorious bounty hunters caused Dormé to gasp in shock and Jar Jar to yelp in fear. Padmé managed to stay composed but was still quite scared to see the infamous hunter.

Obi-Wan was not afraid since he had seen Shadow Spider countless times at the Jedi Temple and often interacted with him; he found the bounty hunter to be quite the interesting individual. Anakin, on the other hand, was furious to see the bounty hunter as well as the former Sith Lady and sent a death glare in their direction.

Typho spoke, "Senator Amidala, allow me to introduce-"

"Shadow Spider. Yes, I know who this is, Captain," said the Senator of Naboo.

She stood up, walked over to the bounty hunter and looked him up and down then smiled a little, "You have quite the reputation revolving around you."

Shadow Spider bowed in respect to her and said, "And the rumors speaking of your beauty don't do you justice. You are far lovelier in person, dear senator."

"Thank you," Padmé could not help smiling from the compliment.

Anakin was watching the interaction and did not like what was happening.

"Allow me to introduce my companions," the bounty hunter turned towards his crimson-skinned lover, "This is Talon, former Lady of the Sith."

Talon greeted the senator with a nod, "Senator."

"I've heard rumors of a former Sith traveling with the Shadow Spider but I thought that is all they were," said Padmé, stunned to see the Lethan Twi'lek and a little wary.

"Don't worry. You have nothing to fear from me. The last thing I want is to ruin a high-paying job. Especially when it's with my Spider," Talon started stroking her lover's arm in a seductive manner.

"Behave yourself, baby," Shadow Spider chuckled to her then he turned to his droid, "And this is Hollsward."

Hollsward stepped forward and gave a bow, "Greetings, Senator Amidala. It is a pleasure to be at your service."

"You're a Hollis droid, aren't you? I haven't seen one like you before," Padmé smiled in curiosity.

Spider responded, "My own modifications. And trust me, you are going to want him around. Plus he makes really good coffee, tea, and cocktails."

"I do. I really do," said Hollsward, "Just wait until you try my Nebula Sunset. It will melt your cares away. And is perfect for a cold when warmed up."

Padmé grinned, "Sounds delightful. I'll have to try it."

"Just say the word, milady and I shall not hesitate," responded the droid, assuming the typical stance of a butler.

She could not help finding this droid rather endearing.

"Thank you. But I'm afraid it'll have to be for another time," the senator looked at the trio as a whole, "I thank you all for coming. I hope you will discover who is trying to assassinate me."

"We will. I give you my word," nodded Shadow Spider.

He soon noticed the two Jedi and proceeded to greet the older one with a nod, "Kenobi. Good to see you again"

Obi-Wan returned the gesture, "Spider. It's been some time. How go your hunts among the stars?"

"Very well. I recently got through with a job that took me to a planet with some very 'friendly' locals. If you get what I am saying," said the bounty hunter.

The Jedi arched his brow and smirked a tiny bit, "Really? I'd like to hear about it sometime."

Kenobi then turned his gaze onto Talon, "And I hope you are staying out of trouble, Talon."

Talon crossed her arms as she smirked a little, "Of course."

Spider soon noticed Anakin, "Skywalker."

The Jedi Padawan stepped closer to him and looked him in the eye, "You're not needed here, bounty hunter. We can protect Padmé without your help."

An air of hostility started to rise from Anakin.

Shadow Spider responded, "Good. Which means I can focus on my job of hunting down the one trying to kill the senator."

Anakin stepped a little closer and glared, "Maybe I didn't make myself clear. You're not wanted here. So leave, Spider-Man."

"It's Shadow Spider. And you don't get to tell me what to do, Padawan. Your council is the one calling the shots here and paying for my services. And I intend to earn my money."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. And you best watch how you talk to me. I thought you would've learned that from the last time. Or maybe you need a reminder."

Anakin sneered, "You try it and I will-"

"Anakin, that's enough. Stand down," Obi-Wan said to his apprentice.

The Padawan learner kept his eyes locked onto Shadow Spider's and breathed in an angry fashion.

"Stand. Down," repeated his teacher.

This time, Anakin did what he was told and rejoined Obi-Wan.

"You need to control your emotions, my young Padawan," said the older Jedi.

His student replied, "This is insulting, Master. It's like the Council is telling us that we're not good enough to complete this mission."

"We have our orders to protect Padmé, Anakin. And Spider has his orders to catch the assassin. We are not being overlooked. The council has faith in us."

"But we can do this without any other help. Especially not from a scumbag bounty hunter, a service droid, and a former Sith who's more useful to the galaxy from inside a brothel."

His remark caught everyone's attention though Hollsward's reaction involved his eyes turning red.

"How dare you!" the service droid sprinted towards Anakin, grabbed him by his robes, and threw him to the floor.

Before Anakin could get up, he was pinned to the floor by Hollsward who started to strangle him.

"You are a very rude little bugger," growled the droid.

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan was about to rush over to help but Shadow Spider held him back.

"Trust me. You don't want to get in the middle of that," advised the bounty hunter.

"Spider, control your droid," urged the Jedi Knight.

"He's just doing his job."

Padmé joined their conversation though she was afraid for Anakin, "You're going to have to elaborate on that, Shadow Spider."

"It's the reason why I brought Hollsward. His programming is the combination of a service droid and a bodyguard droid. Most of the time, his service programming is the default but his bodyguard protocols kick in under certain circumstances. Though . . . there is a flaw."

The red-eyed Hollsward turned towards Talon, "Shall I crush his windpipe for you, madam?"

"Tempting. But I can defend my own honor, Hollsward," smirked the former Sith Lady.

"But I would so love to squeeze until his eyes pop out of their sockets," the droid's left eye twitched a little.

"His programs tend to bleed into each other and it makes him a bit unpredictable. But he is still reliable most of the time," said Shadow Spider.

Padmé spoke, "Regardless, please call off your droid."

The bounty hunter shrugged then called to his service droid, "Hollsward, stand down."

Hollsward's head twitched and his eyes returned to their normal yellow color then he stood up and returned to his group. It was a good thing he stopped when he did because Anakin's face was turning blue at that moment. The Jedi Padawan coughed a couple of times and stood up while rubbing his neck.

Shadow Spider looked back at Padmé, "Now that that's settled, let's get back to business. I normally don't do this but I must ask you, Senator – why are you being targeted?" asked the bounty hunter.

Padmé let out a brief sigh and replied, "I don't suppose you've heard of the military initiative the Republic is trying to pass?"

"I don't really follow politics. But it sounds like they are trying to build an army?"

"That's right. To help take on the Separatists."

"Them I've heard of," said Shadow Spider, "Let me take another guess. You're all for it and the Separatists want you out of the way so it doesn't pass?"

"Good guess, but no. I'm actually leading the opposition against the creation of this army," corrected Padmé.

"You are? Why?" Talon asked for her curiosity was peaked now.

"Because it's a declaration of war. If the Republic constructs this army, it just shows the Separatists that we are ready for a war that could last for who knows how long. The only way to properly deal with the Separatists is through peaceful negotiations, not violence."

"So . . . you think whoever is trying to assassinate you wants this army to be constructed?" asked Shadow Spider.

A new tension was starting to fill the air as everyone waited for Padmé to speak again.

". . . Yes. I do," she replied.

Her companions and the Jedi were shocked to hear of her theory.

Talon turned to her lover, "Darling, this could very well be an inside hit."

"Someone from the same side? Someone who wants this army created?" Spider asked.

"Exactly. Someone from the Republic. Maybe even the Senate itself."

Anakin spoke up next, "No. I refuse to believe another senator of the Republic would want to hurt Padmé. Let alone kill her."

"Don't be naïve, Jedi learner," said the Twi'lek, "Fear is a great and deadly motivator. It can drive people to do anything."

Obi-Wan stroked his beard, "I'm afraid she is right, Anakin."

"But would a Republic senator really want to target one of their own?" asked Anakin.

"If it meant the succession in creating this army, I would say so, my young Padawan."

"Obi-Wan and Talon are right. But Republican or not, someone wants this security measure to pass and will stop at nothing to ensure that it does," said Padmé.

"You have any idea who would want to have you killed or attacked?" asked Shadow Spider.

"I don't have any concrete evidence. But . . . I suspect Count Dooku. He leads the Separatists," she answered.

Obi-Wan spoke next, "He was also a Jedi. It's unlikely that he would do such a thing. Even if he leads the Separatists."

"But it's not impossible, Master," said Anakin.

His mentor thought for second then said, "No, not impossible. You are right about that, my Padawan."

"Well either way, I will catch this assassin. Then you can get your answers, Lady Amidala," said Shadow Spider.

"Thank you. I truly appreciate it, Shadow Spider," Padmé nodded in gratitude.

"You can count on me, milady," he bowed.

Off to the side, Anakin was scowling at seeing them interact.

Shadow Spider got closer to Padmé, "Anyway Senator, I would like to discuss something important with you."

"What's that?" she asked.

"May we speak in the other room?"

The senator nodded, "Of course."

She, Dormé, Shadow Spider, and his two cohorts walked out of the room together.

"I feel a lot better having both you and the bounty hunter here. At least Senator Amidala will be safe until this matter is resolved. I'll also have an officer on every floor while I'll be at the command center downstairs," Captain Typho said.

Obi-Wan nodded, "Excellent. And we will keep you informed if anything happens, Captain."

"Thank you," the security captain left for the command center.

Anakin rubbed his neck since it was still a bit sore from the strangling by Hollsward.

Jar Jar came over to him, "Yousa okeeday, Ani? That clanker is muy nutsen."

"Yeah, I'm okay, Jar Jar," said the Jedi Padawan then he glared at the door Padmé and the others left out of, "But unlike Captain Typho, I would feel a lot better if that bounty hunter wasn't around. I don't trust him around Padmé."

His teacher spoke, "You must really control that temper of yours, Anakin. Could get you into a lot of trouble one of these days."

"But don't you find it insulting, Master? Even a little? The Council sent him because they think we cannot protect Padmé."

"Anakin, I told you. The Council has faith that we will protect Padmé. Spider is here to hunt down the assassin. We will do our job and he will do his. Once that is done, we will go our separate ways."

Anakin sighed a bit then said, "Yes, Master. But I still would feel better if he wasn't around Padmé. I've heard of his reputation with women. She shouldn't have to be around someone like that."

"I'm sure Padmé can handle herself if he tries something," Obi-Wan tried to reassure his student.

"No offense, Master, but you did not see the way she smiled at him," retorted Anakin, "He was clearly working his charm on her."

"If it maken yousa feel any more good, shesa berry smilin to see yousa. Happier den mesa see-en her in longo time," smiled Jar Jar.

"Right now, it's best to keep yourself focused on our current duties, Anakin. Put those kind of thoughts aside," said Obi-Wan then he leaned closer to his student and smiled, "She was pleased to see us."

That comment brought a smile to Anakin's face.

His mentor placed a hand on his shoulder, "Now, let's go inspect the security."

"Yes, Master," grinned the Padawan then they left to go do that.

-(Hours later)-

Night had fallen though the city was still bright and awake; an individual in armor stood within the shadows of a skyscraper ledge. An attractive woman exited from a nearby Koro-2 all-environment Exodrive airspeeder and approached him.

"I hit the ship but they used a decoy," she said.

The figure replied with a man's voice, "We'll have to try something more subtle this time, Zam. My client is getting impatient. And I would prefer not to anger this one."

He holds a glass cylinder out to her, "Take these. But be careful, they're extremely poisonous."

Zam takes the tube and was about to leave when her mystery ally called to her, "Zam, there can be no mistakes this time."

She nods and puts a veil on across the bottom of her face before walking back into her airspeeder.

-(Inside Padmé's penthouse suite)-

Everyone was asleep except for Anakin, Shadow Spider, and Talon who were standing guard in the living room.

Obi-Wan entered and said, "Captain Typho has more than enough men downstairs. No assassin will try that way."

"Only the stupid ones would try that way. Maybe we'll get lucky," said Spider.

Talon couldn't help grinning at his joke.

"Any activity up here?" asked the Jedi Knight.

Anakin answered, "Quiet as a tomb. I don't like just waiting here for something to happen to her."

"Well unfortunately we have to. Can't do anything until something happens," said the bounty hunter.

"Spider's right. We just have to be patient," Obi-Wan pulls out a small scanner from his belt and uses it to check on the cameras in Padmé's bedroom but notices they were obstructed, "What's going on with the feed?"

"She covered the cameras. I don't think she liked me watching her," answered his student.

"What is she thinking?" the older Jedi said in disbelief.

Talon chimed in with a smirk, "Maybe the thought of a teenage boy leering at her from the other end of a camera disgusted her."

Anakin ignored her and answered his teacher, "Don't worry. She programmed Artoo to warn us if there's an intruder."

"It's not an intruder I'm worried about, Anakin. There are many other ways to kill a senator," responded Obi-Wan.

"Which is why Hollsward is in there too. An extra pair of sensors to catch anything that little astro droid misses. I need to catch this assassin after all. I gave the senator my word," said Shadow Spider.

Anakin caught on to what was actually happening, "You're using Padmé as bait."

His anger was rising.

"It was her idea. I wanted to use a decoy. But she was very adamant about using herself," said the bounty hunter.

Anakin frown and stepped towards him, "And what if something happens to her? Her blood is on your hands."

"Don't get dramatic. Like I said, Hollsward is in there to sound any kind of alarm. Plus we have Talon, Kenobi, and you. Lady Amidala will be fine."

The Jedi Padawan said nothing in responsive but his breathing revealed that he was aggravated.

Spider looked in the direction of Padmé's bedroom, "I gotta say I like her fire. It's quite attractive. I can see how she took back her planet from the Trade Federation. She'd make one hell of a bounty hunter."

Anakin was doing his best to not pull out his lightsaber and strike down the man in black armor.

"Well I still don't like it. It's too risky," said Obi-Wan.

"Sometimes you have to take risks if you want to achieve your goals. The senator seems to understand that. An admirable trait," said Talon.

Both Jedi still did not like this plan.

-(Within the city)-

On a high ledge of a building, Zam loaded the glass cylinder into the front of her ASN courier droid then the small robot flew away.

-(Back at Padmé's penthouse)-

Anakin was standing on an outdoor balcony, looking out onto the city while Obi-Wan stood in the doorway.

"You look tired," said the older Jedi.

His student replied, "I don't sleep well anymore."

"Because of your mother?"

The Padawan nodded then said, "I don't know why I keep dreaming about her."

Obi-Wan knew his student struggled with letting go of his past and his mother ever since he began his training. He did his best to help Anakin get through his emotional turmoil but it proved difficult since it felt like the Padawan was too afraid to let go of anything or anyone.

"Dreams pass in time," the Jedi Knight said gently.

His apprentice replied, "I'd rather dream of Padmé. Just being around her is . . . intoxicating."

Anakin walked back into the apartment as his mentor spoke, "Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin. They can betray you."

"Not these thoughts, Master. They are as true as you and I. I can feel it."

"But remember, you've made a commitment to the Jedi Order. A commitment not easily broken," retorted Obi-Wan.

He did not want to see all of Anakin's hard work be thrown away . . . but yet, some part of him wanted Anakin to have something more than just being a Jedi. It was an odd conflict.

"And those who do break it eventually become Sith. Driven by their selfish wants and desires," chimed Talon as she overheard their conversation and walked towards a window, "It wouldn't surprise me, Kenobi, if your apprentice fell to the temptations of the Dark Side."

The Jedi Padawan frowned at her, "I will never succumb to the Dark Side."

"Awww, your overconfidence is almost cute. But I bet countless other Jedi said the same thing before they abandoned the Order," replied the former Sith Lady.

"That will never happen with me. I have no desire to turn my back on the Jedi and the Council," Anakin said firmly.

A small and proud smile graced Obi-Wan's lips upon hearing his student's resolve.

Talon turned to Anakin and said, "Your feelings for the senator have a strong hold over you. If you're not careful, the Dark Side can manipulate you through them."

"You underestimate me. I will never let the Dark Side turn me," frowned the Jedi Padawan.

"I don't think I am. I can sense your arrogance. I've felt it before among the Jedi I face . . . It led to their own downfalls," she said.

"Well they were not me. And I am not them," Anakin said in a tone that echoed strong resolve.

Talon crossed her arms and looked unimpressed but she shrugged her shoulders and said, "If you say so."

She took a few steps away and smirked, "But to be honest, I doubt the senator would want a boy like you. A woman like her needs a man. A real man."

Her eyes fell upon Shadow Spider who was on the other side of the room, taking a small screwdriver to the armor on his right forearm. Anakin followed her gaze and he scowled at what the former Sith Lady was insinuating.


Padmé was sleeping in her bed while R2-D2 was in a sleep mode near the door and Hollsward was the same except by the senator's nightstand. Outside, Zam's ASN courier droid arrived at the window and used a quartet of beams to disable the security field. It proceeded to burn a hole through the glass and inserted the tip of the cylinder then opened it to release a pair of centipede-like arthropods into the room.

They immediately headed for Padmé and soon reached the bed though their movements were picked up by R2 who beeped to life. The arthropods hid themselves and the little astro droid scanned the room to find the source of the disturbance. When nothing was found, he returned to his sleep mode and the creatures resumed making their way towards Padmé.


"It's almost like a cheap romantic tale. A young Jedi leaves the Order for a woman he loves. Though I doubt the story would have a happy ending," said Talon.

Anakin frowned at her while Shadow Spider came over and asked his lover, "Why wouldn't it end happily?"

He knew the former Sith Lady was trying to push the Padawan's buttons but he could not help being curious.

"Isn't it obvious? His love for her makes him vulnerable to the temptations of the Dark Side and he ends up destroying the one person he cherishes above all others. He becomes a monster, unrecognizable to his former allies as well as himself."

Her lover was a bit taken back, "Whoa . . . that is sad."

"Well that won't happen to me," Anakin said firmly.

Talon chuckled, "We'll see."


Back in Padmé's bedroom, the creatures were getting closer to the face and neck of the senator. Their movement silently tripped Hollsward's sensors and his eyes began to faintly and repeatedly flash.


"You know nothing about me," Anakin scowled at Talon and looked ready to attack.

It was then an alert from Hollsward appeared on the heads-up display inside of Shadow Spider's helmet and notified him of an intruder in Padmé's bedroom. Spider immediately ran to her location; the Force users were confused by his actions until they sensed a disturbance coming from the senator's sleeping quarters and followed him.

In the bedroom, the arthropods reached their target and were ready to strike when Shadow Spider burst in, shot webbing at the creatures, and stuck them to the wall. Hollsward came online and his eyes turned red as a hidden compartment on his right thigh opened up. He reached in and pulled out a blaster then wasted no time in shooting and killing the venomous creatures.

Padmé woke up in a fright state from all the commotion as Hollsward's eyes retuned to normal.

He noticed the weapon in his hand and looked shocked by it, "Oh dear. I hate when that happens."

"Padmé!"Anakin called out and he hurried over to comfort the lady senator, "Are you all right?"

"I think so," she replied then she spotted the dead creatures above her head.

Obi-Wan came over to get a better look at them, "Kouhuns. Highly venomous. A bite from each of them would have killed her in less than a minute."

It was then a tingling sensation appeared in the back of Shadow Spider's skull and compelled him to look to his left. His gaze fell upon the ASN courier droid still outside the window and he knew exactly what was going on.

"Little bastard," he growled then broke out into a sprint towards the opening and called out to the Force users and Hollsward, "Stay with the senator!"

Spider smashed through the glass and shot a line of webbing at the ASN droid as it was trying to make its escape. The bounty hunter's sticky thread stuck to the bottom of the robot and he grabbed hold of his line tightly; the droid quickly flew away and took Spider with it.

Obi-Wan was surprised by the bounty hunter's actions and asked Talon, "Does he do that often?"

"He does," the former Sith Lady smiled, "But it just means he's on the hunt."

The Jedi Knight looked relieved, "Good. He'll catch the assassin and that'll be the end of this."

Anakin suddenly ran out of the room; his mentor noticed and hurried after him.

"Anakin! Anakin!" he called out while running past Captain Typho, Dormé, and a couple of guards who were coming in to investigate what was happening.


Anakin was getting into the elevator when Obi-Wan caught up and joined him in the cabin.

"Anakin, what are you doing?" the Jedi Knight asked.

His Padawan pushed the button for the ground floor and he answered, "I'm going to follow the bounty master, Master. He'll lead us to the assassin."

The doors of the elevator closed and the whole thing started to move downwards when Obi-Wan asked, "What?"

"We were sent here to protect Padmé, weren't we? Catching the assassin is part of the job."

"Anakin, we were sent to guard her-"

His student scowled, "Exactly. We were sent to protect her. This is our mission, not his."

Obi-Wan was a bit concerned as he could feel the anger and frustration coming from Anakin. He was aware that his Padawan was not the biggest fan of Shadow Spider ever since their first encounter where the Jedi learner ended up getting stuck to the wall by the bounty hunter's webbing. The incident was a huge blow to Anakin's ego and it filled him with an anger that seemed to have only gotten stronger during the past few hours.

The Padawan let out a loud exhale then asked his teacher, "Are you going to help me or not?"

Obi-Wan's response was a sigh.

-(In the city)-

The ASN courier droid flew through a skylane filled with airspeeders as Shadow Spider held tightly to his strand of webbing and dodged any and all oncoming traffic.

He began climbing up his thread, "Trying to shake me off, huh?"

Spider reached into a pouch on his utility belt and pulled out a small yet flat spider made of metal.

He closed the compartment, "You may lose me. But I'm not losing you."

The bounty hunter stuck the metal spider to the back of the droid and let go of his web-line. He fell through the air but did not plummet for too long since he dropped onto the front an airspeeder, accidentally scaring the driver inside.

Spider nodded at them, "Thanks for the catch."

He leapt off the vehicle and landed on another then proceeded to hop across more airspeeders until he jumped onto the side of a skyscraper and attached himself to it using only his hands and feet.

"That wasn't so bad," he said.

Shadow Spider turned himself onto his back and used only his feet to stay adhered to the wall. He tapped the side of his helmet twice then his heads-up display showed a blinking red dot moving at a fast pace through the city.

"Lead the way, little guy."

Spider quickly crawled up the side of the skyscraper and soon came upon a ledge located at a higher point. He stood on it then looked around at the surrounding area.

"Bit of a challenge. But I can make it work," he said aloud.

Suddenly, Spider leapt several feet into the air and shot a web-line at a nearby building. The webbing stuck onto the structure and the bounty hunter began to swing. He rocketed through the air then let go of his line at the end of the arc and shot a new length of web from his other arm at another building.

He continued this web-swinging in the direction he saw the blinking red dot going.

"This spider's coming for you," Shadow Spider said in a low tone.

-(Outside the Senate Apartment Complex)-

Anakin and Obi-Wan were running through a parking lot when the younger of the pair pointed at a green and yellow XJ-6 airspeeder.

"Let's try that one, Master," he suggested and ran over to it.

The Padawan jumped into the driver's seat as his mentor got into the passenger's side; the young Jedi turned on the vehicle and piloted it into the city.

Anakin asked aloud, "Where did you think the bounty hunter went?"

"Well, he flew off in that direction. Let's try our luck that way," answered Obi-Wan, pointing towards the city.

"Right," said the Jedi learner.

"Don't worry, my young Padawan. Trust the Force, we'll find him."

"It's not him want to find, Master."

-(On the ledge of a building)-

Zam was leaning against her airspeeder and looking through a pair of binoculars for any sign of her courier droid. It did not take long for her to spot the little robot flying towards her and a smile appeared on her face.

"About time," she said.

The assassin stood up straight and her droid approached then she spoke again, "It better be done."

She noticed the webbing still attached to the bottom of the hovering robot.

"What's this?" Zam took it into her hand, "Is this spider silk?"

She was confused on why there would be spider silk in this city since Coruscant was not home to any kind of arachnids.

"Whatever. As long as the job is done," she quickly dismissed it, pointed to her airspeeder, and commanded her droid, "Get in."

The little robot did as instructed and she followed suit by hopping into the driver's seat of the cockpit. Zam started up her speeder and pulled it away from the ledge before making her way into the city.

She took off her veil to reveal a confident smirk, "I could use a drink."

Suddenly, something landed on the left front mandible of her vehicle.

"What the?" she asked aloud.

The mystery object turned out to be Shadow Spider and he looked right at Zam.

Her eyes widened in fear upon seeing who it was, "You!?"

"Hi there," said the spider-themed bounty hunter in a slightly flirtatious tone.

Zam sped up her vehicle and the sudden acceleration caused Spider to lose his grip momentarily and stumble closer the cockpit. He would have fallen off completely if he had not regained his grip.

"They always run," Spider said to himself.

It was then Zam pulled out her blaster and took a shot at him but he dodged it by ducking down when the tingling in the back of his skull returned. He dubbed this sensation his 'spider sense' and it essentially worked as his personal warning system.

"And they always shoot at me."

He soon dodged another shot from Zam's blaster.


Obi-Wan and Anakin were searching for any sign of Shadow Spider as they flew through the city.

"Do you see him?" asked the Jedi Knight.

His apprentice kept looking but they both soon heard the sound of blaster fire off in the distance.

"Master, did you hear that?" asked Anakin.

"Indeed," replied Obi-Wan.

They looked around and it was then the Jedi Knight saw the streaking lights of a blaster being fired off in the distance.

He pointed, "There!"

"I see it," replied Anakin then sped up their airspeeder to where they saw the blaster fire coming from.


Zam flew her Koro-2 airspeeder through skylane traffic while still shooting at Shadow Spider who kept dodging her shots.

"Okay. Plan B," the bounty hunter said.

He crawled to the underside of the airspeeder's mandible thus giving him cover from Zam's blaster and made his way towards the bottom of the vehicle. The assassin tried to look for him but she noticed on one of her rearview monitors that another speeder was coming towards her general direction. Zam could tell the occupants were two men and when she noticed they were both in Jedi attire, she sped up her vehicle and went into a dive to get away from them.

Shadow Spider jerked from the sudden acceleration though he quickly re-anchored himself.

"What the hell?" he asked himself.

Back in their XJ-6 speeder, Obi-Wan and Anakin noticed Zam's Koro-2 going into a dive and saw Shadow Spider attached to the belly of the vehicle.

"There, Master," said the Padawan, pointing to the bounty hunter.

His mentor nodded, "I see him. After him."

"At once," Anakin said before he piloted their XJ-6 to Spider's location.

It was then the bounty hunter noticed the Jedi in the approaching speeder.

"What the hell are they doing here?" he asked aloud, "I told them to stay with the senator."

Zam's vehicle suddenly leveled off and Spider steadied himself in time for the Koro-2 to speed up.

"I'll deal with them later. I got a job to do," said the bounty hunter.

He crawled to the back of Zam's airspeeder then he knocked on the glass behind where Zam was sitting to get her attention. She turned and was shocked to see the spider-themed bounty hunter there.

"This is your only warning! Pull over!" he ordered.

Zam scowled and as she did, her face morphed into that of a Clawdite's thus revealing her true identity.

Spider was taken back by her real face and said, "Yikes."

Her face returned to being that of a human's but was still scowling then she returned to flying her Koro-2.

The bounty hunter called to her again, "Have it your way."

Four mechanical spider legs sprung out from his back and dug their tips into the hull of the airspeeder. This gave Spider a more secure hold on the vehicle and allowed him to free up his hands, which he took full advantage of by holding up his arms.

The gray tubes above his wrists each emitted a glowing blade similar to that of a lightsaber then he plunged them into the speeder. Small explosions soon followed, meaning that the blades had pierced something important and it was getting worse. Black smoke and flames started to issue from between the vehicle's plating.

Anakin and Obi-Wan saw the whole thing as well.

"What is he doing?" asked the older Jedi.

His student scowled, "He's about to cost us our only lead! He's a maniac!"

Anakin piloted their airspeeder to go faster and get closer to Zam's though the Koro-2 started to plummet out of the air thus staying out of their reach. Zam was trying her best to keep the speeder airborne and continue her escape; her efforts were in vain. During all of this, Shadow Spider retracted his light-blades and mechanical spider legs and crawled to the top of the speeder that was falling towards a busy street.

The crowd of pedestrians noticed the smoking Koro-2 trying to stay aloft and they were ready to move out of the way but Spider already had an idea formulating in his head. He shot a web-line at a nearby building and once it stuck, he attached the other end to the top of Zam's airspeeder and began repeating this process. Every new string of web worked in slowing the Koro-2 down and any ones that broke were immediately replaced.

By the time there were almost three-dozen web-lines, Zam's speeder had come to a stop and was suspended ten feet over the street though the vehicle was still smoking.

Shadow Spider let out a loud sigh of relief, "That was a close one."

It was at this point that Zam opened her door and took the chance to jump down to the street and make another escape.

Spider saw her and tried to shoot a web-line at her but nothing happened; he tried with his other hand and still nothing happened.

He looked at his wrists, "Dammit! I'm out."

Luckily, he noticed her running into the crowd and immediately leapt off the smoking speeder and landed on the ground below.

"Guess we'll do this the ol' fashioned way," he said and began pursuing Zam on foot.


The Jedi arrived on the scene in their 'borrowed' XJ-6 airspeeder and parked alongside the nearest curb. Anakin and Obi-Wan were stunned to see Zam's Koro-2 suspended in the air by Shadow Spider's web-lines; a small crowd was gathered around the abandoned vehicle as well.

"Well, you cannot deny that he does impressive work," Obi-Wan said as he and Anakin got out of their speeder.

His student briefly scowled, walked over to a human male in the crowd, tapped them on the shoulder, and said, "Excuse me."

The man looked at Anakin and was briefly taken back at seeing that he was a Jedi.

The Padawan spoke again, "Did you see a person all in black come through here? He might have also had a red spider on his chest as well."

"Ummmm, yeah. He ran off in that direction. After some woman," the man pointed in the direction he saw Shadow Spider run off in.

"Thank you," Anakin nodded and returned to Obi-Wan, "A witness saw the bounty hunter go that way after a woman."

"A woman?" asked his master.

"Yes, Master. Either the assassin or some lady of the night."

"Well let's hope it's the former, my Padawan. Let's go after him."

"Yes, Master," nodded Anakin then he and Obi-Wan took off running into the city.


Zam ran through crowds of people in an attempt to make her escape from Shadow Spider who too was running through the pedestrians to catch up to her. She eventually made her way into bigger groups that she could use to hide in and lose the bounty hunter. Spider, once he saw she was getting away, jumped onto the side of a building and climbed up high to get a better view of Zam's current position.

He managed to spot her weave through a large crowd and duck into some kind of nightclub.

"Now it's getting interesting," Spider said to himself.

He leapt from the building and made his way to the club but before he could go in, he heard someone call out to him, "Spider!"

Spider looked and there was Obi-Wan and Anakin hurrying towards him.

He crossed his arms, "I was wondering when you'd two would find me."

The bounty hunter was certain the pair used the Force to track him down; Talon taught him the capabilities of Force users.

Obi-Wan came up to him, "Where's the assassin?"

"In there. Most likely to hide in the crowds," said Shadow Spider, nodding towards the club.

"Then what are we wanting for? Let's go in and get them," said Anakin then he tried to make a break for the club but was stopped by the bounty hunter.

"What are you doing?" the Padawan asked with a glare.

Spider answered, "You are not going in there. Kenobi and I will go in.

"What?!" Anakin scowled.

"You heard me. You are to head to the back of the building. In case the assassin tries to make an escape while me and Kenobi are in there," replied the bounty hunter.

Anakin's scowl got a bit bigger, "You can't tell me what-"

"Listen, you brat. We don't have time for this crap. The longer you stand here complaining, the more time it gives the assassin to make her escape. So just do what you are told," Spider growled.

The Padawan could feel his anger rising and a desire to take his lightsaber and strike down the bounty hunter was slowly engulfing his mind.

His hand was beginning to twitch when Obi-Wan spoke to him, "Anakin, do what he says."

Anakin turned to his master and looked quite outraged, "What?!"

"He's right, Anakin," replied Obi-Wan, "Time is of the importance. And we cannot afford to give his assassin the chance to disappear forever."

"But Master-!"

His teacher placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke to him in a quiet tone, "Anakin, go to the back of the building and cover the backdoor. We'll meet you there once we have the assassin. Okay?"

Anakin was still fuming from Shadow Spider's words but let out a deep breath and said, "Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan nodded and patted his student on the shoulder then looked at Spider, "We're ready."

The bounty hunter nodded and he and the older Jedi proceeded into the nightclub while the Padawan learner went to the back of the building to cut off any potential escapes. Upon entering, Obi-Wan and Shadow Spider took notice of all the people mingling amongst themselves, drinking, and watching some sporting events on three massive screens. Both of them immediately knew this crowd was going to make their search all the more difficult and potentially dangerous.

"So, what are we looking for?" asked Obi-Wan.

Spider answered, "Clawdite shapeshifter. Female. Currently in a human disguise. Kinda cute. Curves in the right places."

"I see. Then we'll have to be extra cautious. She could be anywhere and anyone here. And could get the jump on us if we are not careful."

"Yep. But luckily, this is not my first time in this kind of situation."

"What would you recommend we do?"

"We take opposite sides of the club. I take one side, you take the other. Cover more ground."

"Very well. In that case, I shall take the side with the bar," said Obi-Wan then he started to walk towards the bar.

Shadow Spider did not bother objecting and smirked underneath his helmet for something told him that the Jedi needed a drink. The bounty hunter proceeded to move among the crowds in order to search for the assassin though he could not resist giving a flirtatious nod to every pretty female he came upon. As he prowled, Spider opened a small hidden slot on the underside of his forearm armor and a small rectangular device dropped into his free hand.

He slipped the rectangle into a pouch on his utility belt then pulled out another, slid the device into the slot, and closed it; he proceed to do the same procedure to his other arm.

At the bar, Obi-Wan was given a drink when a young male Balosar came up on his right and asked, "Hey pal, you wanna buy some death sticks?"

"You don't want to sell me death sticks," said the Jedi, waving his hand in the line of sight of the newcomer.

"I don't wanna sell you death sticks," the Balosar semi-repeated.

"You want to go home and rethink your life," Obi-Wan waved his hand again.

"I wanna go home and rethink my life," the young male departed.

The Jedi took a sip of his drink but was secretly proud of himself for using a Jedi mind trick to possibly give someone a chance at a new and better life. At the same time, Shadow Spider was still patrolling through the crowds in search of Zam as well as catching the eye of many females. He passed by a dark corner of the club and Zam emerged from it a few seconds later and began to pursue him; the noise of the nightclub helped to deafen her movements.

She kept herself at a distance as to not alert Spider to her presence as she pulled her blaster from its holster. Zam might have been hired to kill the senator from Naboo yet there was no way she was going to pass up the chance to kill the infamous Shadow Spider. Her reputation would soar to new heights if she were to succeed and make her the most respected and desirable assassin in the entire galaxy.

Spider stopped and scanned the area for any sign of Zam then suddenly, his spider-sense started to go off and it was getting stronger with every second. It did not take him long to realize what was going on and he whirled around, grabbed hold of someone's arm, and pointed it towards the ceiling. The sound of a blaster going off immediately followed and Spider looked to see it was Zam with her weapon in hand.

Silence fell upon the entire club as nearby people became fearful at what was happening and what could happen next.

Shadow Spider locked his eyes with Zam's and said, "Nice try."

He squeezed her arm, which made her yell in pain and drop her blaster then he shot a web-line at it and pulled it into his free hand while still keeping a hold on Zam.

"So, you wanna come along quietly this time?" Spider asked the disguised Clawdite assassin.

Zam gave a small frown and her eyes looked from his face to his hand holding her arm in an iron grip then to her weapon in his other hand. It was obvious to her that there was no escape and even if she did, Spider would just catch her again so she let out an irritated sigh and nodded.

"Good," said the bounty hunter.

It was then Obi-Wan came over, "Everything alright, Spider?"

He quickly noticed Zam, "Is this-?"

"Our target? Yep," said Spider.

"Oh. Excellent work," the Jedi smiled.

"Thank you."

Obi-Wan turned to the Clawdite assassin, "Anything to say for yourself?"

"Go jump in a sarlacc pit, filthy Jedi," Zam growled.

"Hey! Behave," Shadow Spider warned her.

She frowned and did not say another word.

"Anyway, we can go now," Shadow Spider said to Obi-Wan then he looked to the nearby crowds, "Nothing to see here. Just some bounty hunter business. Go back to your drinks."

He started pulling Zam towards the back of the building where the rear door was; Obi-Wan followed close behind.


Anakin was waiting at the back of the building for Obi-Wan and Shadow Spider to arrive though he would prefer if just Obi-Wan showed up. It was then the rear door opened and Anakin placed his hand on his lightsaber, ready to attack in case it was the assassin. He relaxed a bit upon seeing that it was Shadow Spider with some woman yet he still had a small desire to attack the bounty hunter.

"Got her," announced Spider then he pulled Zam out into the alley, pushed her against the nearest wall, and started to stick her there with webbing.

Obi-Wan soon came out of the building and Anakin approached him, "Is that really the assassin, Master?"

"Indeed it is, my young Padawan," replied his teacher.

"Good," Anakin nodded then they both went over to where Spider had adhered Zam to the wall, "Now, we can get some answers."

The bounty hunter heard what the young Padawan said and turned to both Jedi, "Before we do that and since we have time, I gotta ask you two. Whose idea was it to follow me?"

"Mine," Anakin said with a stern tone.

"I had a feeling," said Spider before he delivered a strong punch to the Padawan's stomach.

Anakin doubled over as all the air was forced out of his body and fell to the ground; he let out a few coughs and felt like he was about to vomit.

"Your job was supposed to be guarding the senator! You were supposed to stay with her! What if there was more than one assassin? You're lucky Talon and Hollsward are there to pick up your slack," Spider chastised him.

All the Padawan did was give him a glare in return.

The bounty hunter turned to Obi-Wan and spoke to him in a serious voice, "And you, Kenobi, keep a tighter leash on your student."

The Jedi was a bit taken back by the tone but kept a straight face.

Spider reached into his belt and took out a small device that looked like a finger clip.

"Let's see who we're dealing with," he walked up to Zam, took off one of her gloves, and put the device on one of her fingers.

A multitude of information started flowing onto Spider's heads-up display until Zam's picture and information came up.

"Zam Wesell. Huh . . . a former bounty hunter turned assassin. Wow, and you have quite the rap sheet. Wanted for multiple accounts of murder, assault, and theft," he took the clip-like device off her finger and pocketed it back into his belt, "And you have quite the hefty bounty on your head. Looks like I found a nice bonus on this job."

Thinking quickly, Zam put on a seductive smirk, "Now Spider, I'm sure we can work something out. I can give you something . . . better than money."

Spider got closer to her and put his face in front of hers, "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," she said in a hushed tone.

Obi-Wan and Anakin, who finally recovered from Spider's punch, watched the scene in confusion and slight awkwardness.

Shadow Spider got closer to Zam, "You wanna know something?"

"What?" she asked as he gently grabbed her chin.

"The last woman who made me that same offer . . . I still turned in for the money."

The bounty hunter walked away from Zam, leaving her in a state of disbelief that was quickly replaced with one of annoyance.

Spider turned to the two Jedi, "Ask your questions. And make it quick. I wanna cash her in as soon as possible."

Obi-Wan nodded, went over to Zam, and asked, "Do you know who you were trying to kill?"

"Some senator from Naboo," Zam answered since she saw no point in keeping quiet about that.

"Who hired you to kill her?"

"I don't give out my clients' names," she answered.

Anakin came over and joined his mentor in questioning her, "Who hired you? Tell us."

She said nothing.

"Tell us now!" he demanded.

Zam was not impressed by him and scoffed, "Or what? You'll cry, little boy?"

Anakin scowled then the Clawdite looked over at Shadow Spider and saw him crossing his arms in a threatening manner.

"I'd tell him if I were you. I get the feeling he's not above spearing someone in the throat with a lightsaber. And I'd rather collect your bounty while you're still alive," he said in a serious voice.

Zam could not help flinching from his words and she let out a small sigh, "Fine. It was a bounty hunter called-"

A small metal dart fell into her neck and she went quiet then the three males looked in the direction they saw the projectile come from and saw a figure take to the air via jetpack. Despite the person being in the shadows, Spider could make out that they were wearing armor but he could not make out the type. The trio looked back at Zam to see her reverting to her natural Clawdite form.

"Wee shahnit . . . sleemo," she gasped and her body went limp.

Obi-Wan checked her pulse and after a second, he shook his head and said, "She's dead."

"Damn!" Anakin barked in frustration, "Now we'll never know who was trying to kill Padmé."

"I'm afraid not, my young Padawan. At least not tonight," the older Jedi pulled out the dart from Zam's neck and looked at it, "Some kind of toxic dart. But I don't recognize this type."

He held the dart to Shadow Spider, "Spider, you recognize this kind of dart?"

Spider took it, looked at it, and shook his head, "No, I don't."

He gave the dart back to Obi-Wan then looked at Zam and let out a sigh of frustration, "Dammit. There goes half my reward for this job."


On top of a faraway building, a miniature Hologlide J57 cam droid was intently watching Shadow Spider and the Jedi until it flew away. It soon reached the top of a tall skyscraper where a person garbed in a black bodysuit, a utility belt, and goggles stood.

The J57 approached the mystery person and they said, "Show me."

A holographic video was immediately cast from the cam droid and it depicted a collection of Shadow Spider's various actions throughout the night. It showed him leaping through Padmé's bedroom window, web-swinging, taking down Zam's airspeeder, stopping the speeder from crashing, and webbing Zam to a wall.

"Yes, he's gotten stronger. The master will be pleased to see this. And we are almost ready to make our move," said the mystery person.


And there it was! Chapter Two of 'Web Warrior'! I hope you all liked it!

Since I know some of you are going to suggest characters for Naruto to meet or ladies for Naruto to get involved with, here are a few simple rules as of right now -

- 1. Marvel characters that originate from space or who possess magical abilities ARE allowed. And the magical characters will be remade into Force users since there is more to the Force than previously shown in films and movies. As for the space characters, beings like Galactus are not allowed. So no planet busters and such.

- 2. Naruto characters ARE allowed because they will exist in this fanon universe. You are also allowed to suggest Marvel characters to mix them with. Like how Naruto is Spider-Man even though he has a different name.

- 3. Star Wars characters from the original trilogy and comics ARE allowed as long as they do not disrupt the plot of the Clone Wars. And you don't have to suggest a specific character, you can suggest alien species.

Another thing - you can suggest episodes of The Clones Wars animated series for Naruto to appear in. Granted, I never really followed that show and will only watch the episodes you suggest for this fic. So don't tell me to go watch the whole series. lol

Another thing about this fic is I am going to try to include lemons. That's right! So you guys might get some wild stuff in this story!

And for anyone wondering why I was somewhat bashing Anakin in this chapter, I am going to tell you right now that I don't hate Anakin Skywalker. I just found him a bit grating during the first part of the movie. I get he has some issues but he comes off as a whiny and entitled brat. So if you are an Anakin basher, I'm sorry but this fic will only have a few chapters where Anakin is shown in a unpleasant light.

One more tidbit of news - I think I am in the running for a new job! It's something I am quite excited for and it plays into my strengths as a writer! So if I get this job, I can get back on a semi-regular updating schedule for all my stories!

Okay, I think that's all I have to say for now. Again, I hope you enjoyed this new chapter and will stick around because there is more to come. See you all next time!