Hi everyone! Well here it is, chapter three, and I really do hope you guys enjoy it. I won't say too much here, only because it's late and I'm getting really tired, so if there's any questions or comments please let me know, and don't forget to review! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All things Star Wars are not mine! It belongs to the brilliant George Lucas and Disney.

Chapter Three: Finding Ariel

BailPOV

Bail Organa was many things, and he had been called many things throughout the course of his life—senator, traitor, weak, strong, soft, firm, selfless, warrior, diplomat, and reasonable. However, there were certain things that he himself took great pride in, things he felt defined him more as a person as well as a man: Leader, fighter, husband, and, the most important thing of all, father. Yes, out of everything that Bail considered himself to be, nothing was more important or life-changing as being a father to a child. A beautiful, precious child that did he would dedicate his very life to love, guide, cherish, and protect with everything he had. His daughter, his beautiful Leia, was his ultimate treasure, far greater than anything else the galaxy had to offer him. Her smile alone could brighten up his day, and her fierce sense of justice and independence was enough to fill him with immense pride.

Yes, being a father was one of the greatest joys in life, but it also had its moments were things turned bumpy, or took a rather unexpected loop, plaguing Bail's hearts with worry and fear. For instance, when Leia had begged to go with him when he planned to venture out into the city, he immediately hesitated at the idea, a repressed fear slowly making its way back to the surface of his mind. Leia had been raised in the castle her entire life, she rarely ever went outside the palace walls, the farthest she had ever gone being in the royal gardens with Breha, or their guards. Bail knew that Leia had always admired the work he did, especially when it came to providing for their own citizens. Even though it has been years since the dreaded Clone Wars ended, there were still many people who have been greatly affected by it, and some of those people traveled to peaceful planets like Alderran for sanctuary and a new start. There were still those within their own borders that suffered, and Bail, along with being a famously known and popular diplomat in the Imperial Senate, was also a very caring leader of his people. He knew that Leia wanted so desperately to follow in his work and eventually enter the Senate herself, but he also knew of her desire to be out among their people as well, and journey beyond the walls of their glistening palace.

Yet there were so many dark forced out there that were not to be reckoned with. Alderran may be peaceful overall, but there were still beings out there who lived with malice in their hearts, and evil intentions clouding their minds. A part of Bail wanted to keep Leia locked up within the palace for the rest of her days, while the other part knew he just couldn't bear to do that to his only daughter. She had a fire in her that could outshine the brightest star, a stubbornness that could rival his own, and a strength that could match those of ten strong-willed men. He knew that she had to venture out sometime, and that he couldn't protect her from the darker parts of the galaxy, more specifically, the Galactic Empire. No, he had to start giving her more room to breathe, as much as it displeased him or even Breha. Leia did not deserve to view the world from a cage, no matter how beautiful it was. Therefore, he decided to take baby steps, allowing Leia to accompany him when he went out into the city to interact with the people, showing Leia exactly how the markets worked, and the importance of the very few factories they had with the planet's trade federation. The twelve-year-old girl was positively thrilled at the idea, and she could hardly wait when the day finally came.

Everything had been going so smoothly at first, and Bail was proud of his decision. He showed Leia a view of their city she had never before experienced, with their most trusted and loyal guards keeping watch close by every step of the way, never letting anyone get too close to the royals unless they deemed it all right. He couldn't help the happiness that swelled inside him as he saw his daughter take in all the magnificent sights and even speak to some of the people, curtsying in a lady-like fashion like she had been taught by her aunts, and also giving out firm handshakes while asking questions about the business owner's welfare and supply run. Bail couldn't have been more proud of her. However, the happy outing didn't last for long, for at one point, Bail had went to greet an old comrade who worked in mechanics in one of the main squares with his guards forming a half-circle around him with their backs facing him, staring out into the crowd. After they had explained pleasantries, he turned back to see that in the few minutes they had been talking, Leia was gone.

The second he saw that she was no longer there, the fear that had begun to dissipate in his stomach rose once again to new heights, and he could feel his insides turn to ice. He had called out for her, but received no answer, causing him to panic. Horrible thoughts raced through his mind—did she run off? Was she lost? Did she wander over to a nearby vender? Or even worse…did someone take her? Being a powerful senator, Bail had plenty of enemies as well as allies, and the thought of someone taking Leia was too much for him to bear. For one terrifying moment his thoughts wandered to the most dreadful and impossible situation…one where he was involved. If he knew…if he found out and came for her…

"Spread out and comb the market!" he had ordered his guards frantically. "I want my daughter found!"

The next twenty minutes or so were some of the worst in Bail's life. He and his guards searched relentlessly in the surrounding areas, with no luck in finding the princess. His mind was spinning as they looked, already going into overdrive as he thought about shutting down all spaceports and aircrafts from here to the next city, refusing leave for anyone who was looking to get away in a hurry. After what felt like eternity, Bail finally came upon a sight that nearly brought tears to his aging eyes—Leia, safe and sound, speaking with another girl who looked to be around her age, standing in one of the courtyards. The relief and joy he felt swelling in his chest was indescribable, and he wasted no time in rushing forward, calling out her name and gathering her into his arms so tightly, he truly considered never letting go of her again.

"Leia," he had breathed out, his voice slightly shaky from his nerves. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine Father," Leia had replied reassuringly as they pulled apart. Bail took a moment to look her over. Her cape was a little torn, and she had some dirt on her cheek, but other than that, she was perfectly fine.

"Leia, what happened? Where were you?" Bail said, instantly taking on a more firm and scolding tone. "I told you to stay by my side! You cannot go wandering off on your own!"

"I know, I'm so sorry Father," Leia said, truly looking ashamed of herself. "I got distracted by the pretty clothes one of the venders were selling, and then two people tried to grab me."

"What?" Bail gasped, his eyes widening as the confirmation of his worries were revealed. "Did they hurt you?"

"No, they didn't because that girl over there saved me," Leia said, turning her head to look at the girl she had been talking to. "She came as they were trying to kidnap me, and she fought them off!"

Bail followed Leia's gaze until it landed on the girl she was speaking over. A slight look of puzzlement crossed his face as he stared at her small frame and tiny posture. She seemed to be only slightly younger than Leia, wearing torn up and filthy gray trousers and tunic, holding a strange white creature in her arms, her blonde hair tied back into a tangled braid down her back. She had soft green eyes that were looking back at him in slight apprehension, and Bail couldn't help but wonder how this small child was able to fight off two beings who tried to kidnap Leia. He mentally shook his head, knowing that wasn't what was important right now. Leia was safely back in his arms where she belonged, and according to her, this girl made that possible. Wanting to thank her, Bail called over his captain of the guard, Torten.

"Torten, please bring me that child," he asked, gesturing over to the girl. "I would like to speak to her."

Bail realized too late that Torten probably wasn't the best choice in asking to see the girl. Torten, while being loyal to a fault, was no doubt hardened and strict in both personality and appearance. He was quite a few years older than Bail himself, with almost a full head of gray hair, sharp dark eyes, a towering stature, and a seemingly permanent frown etched upon his face, making him appear sour and hardened. His very presence was intimidating, but Bail would trust no one else so deeply with the safety of himself and his family. To the little girl though, Torten must have been more than a little scary, for when he started walking towards her and told her to come over, she quickly backed away and then ran off into the crowd, disappearing from sight within seconds.

"No, wait!" Leia yelled after her before glaring at the captain. "Torten, you scared her!"

"Leia," Bail reprimanded as he stood to his feet. "You know better than to speak to Torten in such a way."

"But Father, she was by herself," Leia said, staring up at him with a desperate look in her eyes. "What if she runs into those kidnappers again? What if they hurt her? Please Father, she saved me, we have to find her!"

Bail was silent for a moment as he stared off into the crowd where the little girl vanished, deep in thought. Leia said the girl had been alone, but why would anyone let a child wander around the city by themselves? Surely her parents wouldn't have allowed it? Nonetheless, this girl saved his daughter, and he wanted to show his appreciation to her and her family, whoever they may be.

"Who is this girl, Leia?" he asked.

"Her name is Ariel , and she has a Loth-Cat named Snow," Leia replied. "Will we find her, Father?"

"I promise I will do everything I can to try and find her," Bail said. "But before anything else I'm taking you back home."

"But Father—"

"Where you will remain until I deem it safe. Understood?" Bail continued, giving her a certain look. Leia, recognizing defeat, begrudgingly agreed.

All of these events led Bail to where he was now, riding down the road in a small speeder in the middle of a part of the city that was closer to the borderlines, where those of the lower class worked and lived in more simple barracks and homes. Remembering the clothes Ariel had worn the previous day, he knew that it wasn't likely she lived towards the center of the city or even close to the palace. Therefore, he had set out with only Torten at his side to journey through this part of the neighborhood, hoping that he would hit some stroke of luck on where to find the girl. The people he passed would stop and whisper, some even smiling and bowing their heads in respect.

"How exactly do you intend to find this child, sir?" Torten asked gruffly as he kept a trained eye on everything and everyone. "All you have to go on is a name and the fact that she has a pet."

"Something is better than nothing, my friend," Bail answered, also keeping an eye out, although he was searching for someone much smaller. "I promised Leia I would do all I could to find her. She wouldn't stop talking about her all of last night, about how she stood up to those criminals. You have to admit, it's impressive."

"Falling to the ground and getting in a lucky shot with wood is hardly impressive, sir," Torten said.

"Luck or no, it saved Leia's life," Bail said. "If I lost her, I don't think I could've…"

"The princess is safe and sound with the Queen, sir," Torten reminded, turning his sharp eyes to the senator. "Remember that. But what will happen if we can't find her?"

"We will," Bail said, confidently. "We just have to have hope."

Torten feel silent after that as they continued on with their search. Eventually they stopped the speeder in a courtyard and decided to continue on foot. Once in a while they would stop to ask someone whether they knew a little girl named Ariel , or knew anyone who had a child with that name. So far there was no luck, and although Bail hated to admit it, he was beginning to feel disheartened. The two men spent quite some time wandering around, knocking on doors that seemed to lead nowhere, and as they came closer to the city borders, Bail was wondering if he would ever find Ariel .

"Maybe we should stop for today, sir," Torten suggested after yet another failed attempt. "I don't like having you out in the open this far away from the palace with such little protection."

Bail couldn't help but smile a little at that. Torten indeed was firm and hardened, but that didn't mean he didn't care, or didn't have a heart under his tough exterior. His concern and protectiveness for the royal family went beyond words, and even at times when he seemed so mean, it was a showcase for good intentions. Sighing to himself, Bail thought that maybe he was right in this case. They had traveled quite a bit away from the palace and it was only a few hours before the sun would start to make its decent. Just when he was about to agree, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. Over to the right was a small group of children playing in the middle of the street with toys and chasing each other around in circles. A sudden thought came to him, and he started walking over towards them.

"Sir, where are you going?" Torten asked as he fell into step beside him.

"I think we may have been asking the wrong people, Torten," Bail answered. "Who better to ask about finding a child, than a child?"

As he approached the group of children, their laughter and chatter died away as they caught sight of him, their eyes widening.

"Hello there, children," Bail greeted them with a smile. "How are you? I was wondering if you all could help me."

"Uh, w-what is it Mr. Senator, sir?" said one girl who was missing a tooth.

"I think he's a 'highness,' Kara," the boy next to her whispered loudly.

"Oh! I'm sorry, your highness," Kara quickly corrected herself, her face going red.

"No, no, that's quite all right, dear one," Bail chuckled. "I'm actually looking for someone, but I don't know where she lives. Do any of you know someone named Ariel ?"

"Ariel? Yeah, Darran knows Ariel!" Kara said gleefully, turning around to face another boy with shaggy dark hair and looked to be a little older than her. "Don't you, Darran?"

Bail's smile grew wider and he could feel the relief spread through his chest. Finally, he had a clue to Ariel's location.

"Is this true?" he asked Darran.

"Yes," Darran said slowly, his eyes traveling over to where Torten stood, lean and glowering. "She's not in trouble, is she? If she is, I—I don't remember where she lives!"

"Yes, you do."

"Be quiet, Kara!"

"No son, she's not in trouble," Bail reassured the boy, touched at seeing his dedication to protecting his friend. "I would just like to talk to her, that's all. I promise."

Darran regarded Bail for a minute before biting his lip, shuffling his feet. He obviously wasn't sure about telling Bail, but he also didn't want to outright refuse the request of a senator. After another moment of silence, Darran timidly pointed.

"If you go down to the corner of this road and go left, her house is on the very end," he said quietly. "I don't know if she's home, though…"

"Thank you very much, Darran," Bail said gratefully. "And that's all right, I'll just speak with her parents in the meantime."

"Oh, but Ariel doesn't—"

"That's enough, Kara," one of the other girls said, placing her hand over the toddler's mouth. Bail raised an eyebrow at this but decided not to ask what Kara was meaning to say. He thanked all the children for their help and then set off in the direction Darran had pointed them in. Bail walked with more of a brisk step, anxious to finally meet with the family of the girl who saved Leia. It only took them minutes to find the house, and when they did, Bail took a minute to observe it. It was a simple little home, smaller than others, with some plants on the outside and washed out walls, with a roof in desperate need of fixing up. Torten went ahead and looked through the open windows, peering into the house with his usual frown.

"Are we sure that kid wasn't lying?" he said. "This place barely has anything in it, and it doesn't look like anyone is here."

"And there's no real lock on their front door," Bail noticed with a frown of his own. Were Ariel and her family low on income? Giving where they live and the state of their home, that was probably the case. Curious, Bail went forward and opened the door.

"Sir, this is technically considered breaking and entering," Torten stated.

"When has that ever stopped you?" Bail said with a smirk. However, his smirk disappeared the moment he stepped inside the house, his face falling faster than he could blink. He had seen the state of those who didn't have much money to their name, but it was rare when he saw living conditions such as this. There were very few pieces of furniture in the house, which only consisted the essentials such as a kitchen table with chairs, a loveseat, a coffee table with a lamp, and a single bed placed up against the wall, where a rumpled blanket and a doll rested, all crammed together in the tiny space. Torten wasn't kidding when he said there was barely anything in here. Bail's heart quickly felt heavier at the thought that this must have been all Ariel and her family could afford, which was hardly anything at all.

"Hello?" he called out, taking another step into the house, not wanting to be completely rude. "Is there anyone home?"

There was no answer, and Bail figured that everyone must have been out at the moment. At that moment, however, there was a low mewling noise coming in the direction of the kitchen, and he looked to see a familiar creature coming out from underneath the table and jumping on top, with its fierce amber eyes trained on him, some of its hair sticking on end. Torten instantly went for his blaster at the noise, but Bail quickly placed a hand on his arm to steady him.

"It's all right," he said. "It's just the Loth-Cat."

"I guess this is the right place then," Torten huffed, moving to the other side of the door to inspect the bed which had to be Ariel 's. Bail himself came closer to the Loth-Cat, Snow, and held out his hand towards her. Snow cautiously stepped forward to sniff at his hand, her ears twitching and her tail pointed upwards. She spent about a minute sniffing him and trying to get a good read on him before she finally calmed down enough to push her head against his palm. Smiling, Bail gently started stroking the creature's back and scratching her behind the ears.

"This house is more suitable for ghosts," Torten said as he went over to turn on the lamp sitting on the table. "This is no place for a child."

Bail couldn't help but agree, his mind spinning. This really was no place to raise a child. He wondered what kind of work Ariel's parents were involved in. Whatever it was, it obviously didn't pay well for them having to live in a place like this. Maybe he could do something to help with that. After all, their daughter risked her life to save his, he wanted to do something to show his appreciation for Ariel 's bravery and kindness. At the very least, he could offer them credits that could help them improve their lives a little, or help them in some small way. Leia was his entire world, and he knew he could never put his gratitude into words alone. As he was standing there thinking, he heard the sound of a door opening, and he turned to see someone enter the house.

It was none other than Ariel herself. The sight of the girl made Bail smile even more, joy spreading through him at finally having found her. The blonde girl walked into the house, not yet noticing his presence and carrying a pail of water at her side, wiping sweat away from her face and looking thoroughly tired, wearing the same clothes as yesterday. Ariel placed the pail down on the ground and looked over at the lit lamp on the table. Bail watched as her expression went from confused, to nervous in a matter of seconds and it was only then that she moved her sight over towards him. When she at last noticed him standing there, he saw her eyes widen in shock, her body freezing up, and then her expression turned fearful, the same as yesterday.

She's terrified, Bail thought sadly to himself as he watched her. He remembered Darran asking him whether or not Ariel was in trouble…did she have the same thoughts as well? Not wanting to give Aril the wrong idea, Bail gave her a friendly smile and clasped his hands behind his back, moving a few steps forward, but slowly, so as not to startle her more than she already was. Ariel tried backing up towards the door, but Torten moved so that he was blocking it, making sure she had nowhere to go. Ariel stared at him in surprise, not knowing he was there, and then turned back to Bail, having the look of a trapped mouse.

"Hello, Ariel," he said to her gently. "My name is Bail. I was hoping that we could talk."

Ariel didn't respond to him, still gazing up at him with wide green eyes, strands of her blonde hair falling lose from her braid and into her face. Bail suddenly thought that somehow, for whatever reason unknown to him, Ariel looked vaguely familiar. He couldn't see why though…as far as he knew, this was only his second time seeing her. He rid himself of the thought for the moment, focusing on the frightened child in front of him.

"May we sit?" he asked her, gesturing his head to the kitchen table. Ariel still said nothing, seeming too scared to move from her spot by the door. Wanting to make her feel more at ease, Bail took a seat at the farthest end of the table, that way she could see that he was giving her plenty of space.

"It's okay, Ariel," he said softly. "I promise, we are not here to hurt you, and you're not in trouble in any way."

After what a couple more minutes, Ariel took a timid step forward and then slowly made her way over to the other chair at the table, slipping into it with ease, her eyes never leaving his. Snow went over to her owner and climbed down into Ariel's lap, where she curled up and placed her head on Ariel 's arm, looking as though she intended to take a nap right then and there. Now that she was here, Bail wasn't quite sure what to say, or how to even start a conversation with her. But before he could try and think of something to say, he was surprised when Ariel spoke to him first, so quiet he almost missed it.

"How do you know my name?" she said.

"My daughter told me," Bail replied.

"Leia?" Ariel said, sitting up a little straighter in her seat. "Is she doing okay?"

"Yes, she's fine," Bail told her, smiling tenderly at the obvious concern Ariel felt for his daughter. "Thanks to you, I might add. You see Ariel, that is the reason I am here. I wanted to thank you in person for saving Leia, and stopping those criminals from taking her."

"But, I—I didn't really do anything," Ariel muttered, her cheeks turning a little pink. "Snow is the one who led me to her…"

"Then I should be thanking the both of you," Bail said good naturedly, smiling at the creature in her arms. "Nonetheless, I still owe a lot to you, Ariel. Leia is very special and important to me, and knowing that she was almost taken scares me very much. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't come to help her, and I can never thank you enough for what you've done."

Ariel seemed at a loss at what to say, and Bail found some amusement in how her cheeks turned even brighter at the praise she was receiving, from the senator himself no less. He would admit she was a modest and sweet child, and he could start to see why Leia was so fond of her.

"Thank you, sir," she said. "I'm just happy that she's okay."

"As am I," Bail admitted, still smiling at her. "I was wondering Ariel, if your parents will be home soon? I was hoping to speak with them as well, to let them know what a brave and special girl they have. I wasn't sure how to express my gratitude to you and your family, but I was hoping if I met you all, then…"

Bail trailed off from his sentence, and his smile faded some at the look on Ariel's face. He knew instantly that he must have said something wrong, for at his words, Ariel hung her head, her eyes downcast, the only thing that could be described on her face was the outmost sadness and a pain that ran so deep that it hurt him to see such an expression on a child's features. Just as she was opening herself up ever so slightly, she seemed to immediately shut into herself again, a cloud forming over her.

"No," she whispered. "There's no one here."

Her words left Bail confused at first, but after looking at her slumped posture and her glassy eyes, he suddenly understood. Something like a knot twisted in his stomach as his eyes widened, realization hitting him like a wrecking ball as he stared around the house once again, taking in how utterly empty it seemed, with its few possessions, the pitiful amount of food in the cupboards, and the fact that it seemed as though this setting was only fit for one person. The truth of the matter hit Bail hard and it took a lot for him to keep his voice even as he spoke.

"Ariel …are you alone, here?" he asked her. Still avoiding his gaze, Ariel slowly nodded her head, her grip on Snow tightening. Bail sat there in silence for a moment, his heart clenching uncomfortable in his chest. This girl, this shy, brave little girl, was all alone and had no one to care for her. Her living conditions made more sense, and a feeling of great sadness overcame him, as it always does when the topic came to orphaned children. He had been to orphanages before, mostly holding children who had lost their parents or relatives as a result of the wars, and it didn't make it any easier, no matter how many years have passed since then. The same sadness and grief in their eyes was what he saw now in front of him in the form of this young girl.

"How long?" he said.

"Six months," Ariel replied. "Ever since my guardian died."

Six months. This girl had been living on her own for six months. Bail raised a hand to stroke his beard, going deep into thought. This certainly wasn't how he had planned for this visit to go. In that moment he wanted to do something to help her, but he didn't know what. He didn't have the power to bring her guardian back, and he couldn't snap his fingers to make her sadness go away, no matter how much he would want to. His gaze wandered over to the cupboards in the kitchen once again, and then it came to him like a bolt of lightning. He looked back over at her, taking in her thin frame underneath the raggedy clothes, along with her pale face. Living on her own all this time, she probably didn't have much to pay for good food, or even knew how to prepare it. He set out with the intention on finding Ariel and thanking her properly for what she had done, and maybe this was the answer.

"Ariel," he said. "Would you like to join me and my family for late-meal tonight?"

Ariel's head snapped back up so fast he was surprised she didn't have whiplash. Her eyes went as round as saucers, the shock and confusion of his question leaving her gaping like a fish, trying to properly register what he had just said.

"What?" she said. "Late-meal?"

"Of course," Bail said, ignoring the look he knew that Torten was sure to be giving him. "I wouldn't feel right leaving you here all alone tonight, and think of it as my way of expressing my gratitude. And you don't seem to have too much here."

"Oh no, sir, I couldn't ask—there's plenty for me to eat, I don't need much—"

"Ariel," Bail cut in gently. "You can't fool me. You're more hungry than you're letting on, aren't you?"

As if supporting his statement, there was a low grumbling sound, and Ariel quickly looked down at her stomach, her face once again going red in embarrassment.

"Your stomach seems to agree with me," Bail chuckled lightly. "It's settled, then."

"Sir, I'm not sure this is a good idea," Torten said.

"Nonsense, Torten, we simply cannot leave Ariel here on an empty stomach," Bail stated as he stood up from his chair and walked over to Ariel . "She will be coming with us."

"Can—can Snow come too?" Ariel asked shyly. "I don't want to leave her by herself."

"Of course she can," Bail replied, trying his best not to laugh at the sharp glare he was receiving from his captain. "This is a meal in her honor too, after all."

Ariel looked up at him and then, to his utter shock and delight, she offered him a tiny smile, and he was stunned at how much it changed her entire demeanor. This was the first time since he arrived that he has seen her smile, and it brightened up her whole face with such a glow that it was almost blinding. Bail offered is hand to her and after only a few seconds of hesitation, Ariel took it, and he helped her out of her chair. As they started making their way over towards the door, Ariel stopped him for a moment, letting go of his hand briefly to put Snow down, go over to her bed and pick up her doll, holding it close to her chest as she went back over to him. They, along with a disgruntled Torten, walked back outside and Ariel stuck close to Bail's side as they walked through the streets. It didn't take them long to make it back to their speeder, and once Bail lifted Ariel up into her seat with Snow, he clamored in with Torten and then they were off, leaving that neighborhood far behind them as they joined the traffic leading up to the palace.

"Don't look so sour, my friend," Bail said to Torten, seeing his expression. "It is only late-meal."

Even over the sounds of the speeder, Bail could have sworn he heard Torten mutter, "Yes, well, that remains to be seen once the Queen sees her."

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