Chapter 7: Returning the Package

The situation was as-is: Jabba's son had been captured by the Separatists and Count Dooku. So that they could take credit for returning the crime lord's son, then have him join their side against the Republic. However, the Jedi were also wary of the call by Jabba that they believed if they could return Jabba's son, it would prove beneficial for them in the war. So they sent Anakin and Storm, along with their partners, to lead a rescue mission. They found the little slime ball, but they had to leave their friends behind as it appeared Jabba's son was very sick. And now it was a race against time to get little Stinky back to his father.

While the gang was in the shuttle making their way to one of their cruisers. The clones were taking care of the droids in the courtyard as Obi-wan was inside the monastery.

"Ventress, I know you're here. You can't hide. I feel your frustration." said Obi-wan looking around in front of him. "Let me guess, you're after Jabba's young son, too."

Ventress then jumped down from above the Jedi Master. Obi-wan simply turned and put his lightsaber sideways as he blocked Ventress' downward slash. He used one hand to stop the attack as he flung the Sith woman away. Ventress then took off her skirt, spun it around, and threw it at Obi-wan, looking to blind him as she raced forward. Obi-wan cut through the skirt and again blocked Ventress' attack with ease.

"You'll have to do better than that, my darling."

The two then began to step forward and back as they traded attacks. Ventress then clashed her left blade with Obi-wan's as she managed to throw it away from his hands.

"Well, now I'm impressed." said the Jedi Master.

Ventress then began to swing at the Jedi as Obi-wan dodged. He sidestepped and backed away from the attacks, even without his weapon to defend himself. He soon backed up against a pillar as Ventress pointed her lightsaber at him.

"Now you die," said Ventress.

She then thrust her blade forward as Obi-wan ducked down. He got back up and turned to the side as Ventress went for another attack. After some ducks and swings, Obi-wan grabbed both of her hands and showed off his strength as he tried to overpower the girl. He then pushed her back a bit, allowing him a chance to use the Force as he now had his weapon back in his hand.

"Shall we continue?" asked Obi-wan, pointing his lightsaber at Ventress.

"My pleasure," the girl stated as she continued fighting with the Jedi Master.

Our main group of heroes was still flying towards the cruiser.

"Master, today I did my best to stay calm, focused, and when I did, everything seemed so easy," said Ahsoka. Before anybody could say anything, they felt their ship bump.

"Well, get focused, 'cause things just got a whole lot harder," said Anakin.

Some of the Republic ships now were firing at them. Anakin displayed his exceptional pilot skills as he managed to evade the blasts. And it wasn't just their forces; some vulture droids were also firing at the group.

"Is everyone trying to kill us?!" shouted Twilight.

"Welcome to what Anakin and I go through daily, Sparky!" shouted Storm.

"Now, all we've got to do is land on that cruiser," said Anakin. He then proceeded to head towards the large ship.

"But, Master, their deflector shields are up!" said Ahsoka. One of the guns on the ship now aimed at them as they fired and managed to hit them as the ship rocked. "They must think this grease bucket is an enemy ship."

"Jedi cruiser, hold your fire!" said Skywalker as he communicated with the ship.

"Who is that? Incoming ship, identify yourself." said one of the crewmen.

"Captain, what's going on down there?" asked the Admiral.

"Repeat, identify yourself." asked the crewmen.

"This is General Skywalker. We have Jabba the Hutt's son. He needs medical attention. We must board immediately."

"Stand by."

"Stand by? That's helpful," said Ahsoka with sarcasm.

Their ship then took another bump. Anakin was now trying to avoid the shots targeted by the Vulture droids as they zoomed around the cruiser. Even passing by the head of the ship, some people inside saw them zip by.

"Hang on!" shouted the boy to the others. He then did several barrel rolls and an upside-down circle as they flew between the two cruisers, as both girls screamed.

"Anakin!" shouted Twilight as they were upside down with her hair hanging.

"Open the main hangar door and lower the deflector shields." said the Admiral to one of the crewmen.

"You got it, sir. General Skywalker, we think we can lift the shields on the lower rear hangar."

"We're on our way."

"We've made it! We've made it!" said Ahsoka as Stinky was also cheering.

As they stopped shooting the small ship, the ships knew where Anakin was heading. They then zoomed past the crew as they headed for the hangar they were going to. They began to shoot, one of them even kamikaze into the hangar as it took out some of the ships and pilots as a huge explosion occurred.

"General Skywalker, abort! Abort!" shouted some crewmen as they saw the explosion before it expanded into the control room. They were caught in the blast radius as a bigger explosion went off.

It was big that the whole crew saw it as the girls had shocked looks while the boys kept a calm demeanor.

"That changes our plans," said Skywalker as he flew away. "Looks like we're gonna have to take this bucket of bolts all the way to Tatooine."

The crew then began to head up into the atmosphere as they prepared to leave the planet. At that time, Obi-wan was still dealing with Ventress as both were trading attacks. Both did some flips and backed off when necessary, trying to land a deadly blow on their opponent. Ventress managed to push Obi-wan against a pillar as she lunged forward and slashed, but the Jedi Master ducked and pushed her back with the Force. He then jumped between the pillars and got on the upper floor as Ventress jumped up to follow him.

"We know of Dooku's plot to turn the Hutts against us. It will not succeed," said Obi-wan taking a stance.

"It will when the truth dies with you," responded Ventress.

She then dragged her lightsabers next to her as she ran and leaped into the air. She brought her weapon down on Obi-wan as he blocked it and then moved his body to avoid her next set of swings. Once more, Ventress jumped into the air with her lightsabers, making an X shape as Obi-wan blocked it and pushed her back as she flipped to land on her feet. Ventress then combined both of her lightsabers to make a double-sided lightsaber. Obi-wan then saw a window, and he jumped out of it.

"You can't run." said the Sith woman as she jumped out the same window after the Jedi Master.

"We'll never outrun those droids with this weight," stated Anakin as they were still trying to escape. "We got to ditch whatever's in the cargo bay. Open the rear doors."

"Got it. Prepare to be impressed," said Ahsoka as she got up from her seat and grabbed Twilight with her.

"Ahsoka, wait!" shouted Anakin.

"Should we have told her?" asked Storm as he looked at his buddy.

"Nah!" said both boys. Soon their attention turned back to Stinky as the little thing started to cry as he missed the girls.

The two girls now reached the cargo bay as the door slid open. They saw tons of crates and boxes that were flooding space.

"Look at all of this junk," said Ahsoka.

"Losing this outta lighten this up," stated Twilight.

Ahsoka then pushed a button on the wall as the doors to the cargo area were now open. The boys saw a red light going off to signal the girls had done it.

"Master, the cargo doors are open," said Ahsoka as she pushed the other button to communicate with her teacher.

Anakin pulled the ship up as he made it to the atmosphere and into space. However, with the cargo doors being opened, not only did it get rid of all the extra load, but the shift in direction made the girls lose their balance as they were about to fall out. They managed to grab a cable, the only thing keeping them from falling to their deaths. The crates that ejected fell as they took out the droids chasing them.

"I knew we shouldn't have taken this worthless grease bucket!" shouted Ahsoka.

"Storm!" yelled Twilight as she was dangling for dear life.

The last crate came flying out as Ahsoka cut it in half with her lightsaber. Twilight ducked her head, and it took out the last droid.

"That's better," said Anakin as he could feel the speed of the ship increase as they were now going faster. They were unaware of what was going on with the girls.

He then pulled the ship back into a regular formation as they were now above the clouds and getting into space. All the while, Stinky was now starting to make some noises.

"Ahsoka, where are you?! Time to get out of here!" shouted the boy. "Ahsoka!"

"Sparky, get your ass over here!" yelled Storm.

The girls were still hanging onto the cable as Twilight got Ahsoka's attention. She pointed at the button that opened and closed the doors as she made a throwing gesture. She got what Twilight was saying as she aimed and then threw her lightsaber at the button as the doors were now closing with the cable they were hanging on as they flipped onto their feet with the doors now sealed behind them.

"Forgive me, grease bucket, you're my favorite ship ever," said Ahsoka as she and Twilight were now kissing it to be grateful for not dying.

Meanwhile, Stinky was getting fussy as it was making some noises. The boys noticed this as they didn't know what to do.

"Shh, shh. Calm done, Stinky. Just hold on a sec; she'll be right back." said Anakin hoping to calm down the slime ball, but it wasn't working.

"Storm!"

"What the hell do you want me to do?!" exclaimed the boy. He then looked at the baby slug as he was now getting louder. "Alright, little guy. It's going to be okay. Watch the birdy." said Storm as he used his hands to make a small bird hoping to get Stinky to stop crying, which worked. For like a second. As he went back to crying.

"Well, that's all I got," said Storm as the crying got louder. "Sparky!"

"Ahsoka!" yelled out Anakin as well.

The doors opened, and the girls came as Twilight's hair was still a bit frizzy.

"It wasn't easy, but we found a way," said Ahsoka as she and Twilight sat back in their seats.

"Yeah, the long way. The cargo door control is right under your nose," said Anakin as he gestured to the big red button in front of Ahsoka as she made a face.

"And you didn't tell us?!" shouted Twilight.

"It's the big red button, Sparky! What else did you think it was?!" shouted Storm.

"I'm gonna kill you if this mission is a success," growled Twilight at her partner.

"We're clear to make the jump to hyperspace. R2, program the navicomputer," said Anakin as R2 made his way to his station.

"I don't think he's gonna make it, Master," said Ahsoka looking at Stinky. "There gotta be something we can do for him."

"Take a look in the back. See if you can find some medical supplies," stated Anakin.

"I'll help," said Twilight as she got up with Ahsoka as the girls hoped they could treat the slime ball's health. "And this time, you both better not do anything to kill us!" stated the girl as she left through the door.

"Don't die on me now, little guy. Just hang in there," said Anakin as he put his hand to the slime ball's head as he was sitting in the seat as the girls left to the back.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but we really are trying to save this small thing when we know who his father is," said Storm to his pal.

"I'm as shocked as you are, bud. Still, it's for helping the Republic to get the advantage when it comes to ending this war," said Anakin as he turned back to the control panel. "If you've locked the coordinates, R2, let's go." R2 gave a beep as the ship was now gone.

At that moment, Ventress felt the ship entering hyperspace, as did Obi-wan.

"I sense it, too. Anakin is gone. You've failed, Ventress." said Obi-wan with a smile.

Ventress lunged forward, and the two were battling on a bridge as they traded blows. Obi-wan lifted his lightsaber to do a downward slash as he cut Ventress' blade in half as it was back to two separate blades as the piece that connected them was damaged. She then continued to fight as Kenobi blocked and moved them with his own as he had the upper hand.

"Your master will not be pleased," said Obi-wan as he got rid of one of her blades.

Ventress pressed something on her wrist, "Jedi scum!" said the woman as she continued to fight with a single lightsaber.

"The Hutt is safe. There's no point to fight any longer. We've won. Laid down your weapon." said Obi-wan.

Ventress then looked at her wrist as a small light appeared on her comlink. Both warriors looked to the side as there was a ship coming. Ventress then jumped off the side of the bridge as she landed on the ship that flew under her. She now disappeared out of sight as Obi-wan looked at her vanish.

The ship was traveling through hyperspace as Anakin was driving the ship with Storm now shifting to the passenger seat. The girls were still looking around the ship for anything they could find to treat Stinky's condition. Eventually, Twilight got Ahsoka's attention as they found some supplies.

"Looks like this hasn't been used in a while," said Ahsoka as she turned the light on, and out came a holographic image of a medical droid. "Hey, Dr. Droid, can you hear me?"

"Yes, what seems to be the problem?"

"Not us, him," said Twilight as she was carrying Stinky as she placed him on the medical bed as the scanner started to scan the little guy.

"We've got a sick Hutt. You got a remedy?" asked Ahsoka.

"Oh, yes. I see." said the doctor as he looked at the thing and read what the scans showed. "You must dispense one of these medical boosters into the infant's mouth. If you have any problems, please call an actual doctor to assist you." said the hologram as it disappeared.

"Well, that's encouraging," said Twilight.

"I hope this works," said Ahsoka as she took one of the tablets. "Okay, sweetums. I've got some yum-yum for you." She picked up Stinky in her arms as she tried to give it to the small thing, but he kept turning his head away like a toddler.

"You'll take this and like it!" scolded Ahsoka like a mother. "Twilight?"

"Sorry, bud," said Twilight as she helped her friend by opening the mouth for a few seconds as Ahsoka dropped it into the mouth of the little slime ball. Stinky swallowed the tablet as it let out a huge burp and got the girls to wave their hands in front of their noses.

"There you go. Good boy," said Ahsoka as she covered her nose.

Back at the castle, the clones were still fighting against the droids. Obi-wan then made his way out as he joined the clones and took position next to Rex and Sark.

"Captain, I understand General Skywalker and Storm escaped." said the Jedi Master to Rex.

"Yes, sir. On some old beat-up space freighter." addressed Rex. "I'll be surprised if he makes it to Tatooine in that junker."

"If anybody can fly a bucket of bolts through hyperspace, he can." said the Jedi Master.

"Then let's hope that they get in time," said Sark as soon all three turned their attention back to fighting.

"The medicine, it's working," said Ahsoka.

"His fever is dropping," said Twilight as she put her hand on Stinky's forehead.

"I think he's gonna live to stink another day," said Ahsoka as she and Twilight made their way back to their seats.

"Great. Keeping him alive wasn't as easy as you'd hoped, was it?" said Anakin to his student.

"Master, if you taught me one thing, it's that nothing is easy when you are around. Especially when Storm is in the mix," said Ahsoka to the other boy.

"What do you mean by that?!" asked the boy.

"Don't worry about it." snickered Twilight as Ahsoka laughed as both boys were confused.

"You think Rex and Obi-wan made it out okay?"

"If I know my old master, he has things well in hand. Now help me with this," said Skywalker as he was fixing something as Storm was driving the ship for his pal. "I want the primary systems fully repaired by the time we reach Tatooine."

"You grew up on Tatooine, right? So for you, this trip is like going home?" said Ahsoka giving Anakin a tool.

"Yeah. Home," said Anakin while looking ahead as his eyes changed.

Twilight noticed the sudden change in Anakin's eyes. She then looked at Storm.

"Storm, Anakin's eyes?"

"Yeah, it happens whenever anybody mentions his home," said Storm as he was still looking forward.

"Why?" asked the girl.

Storm let out a sigh as he shot a quick look at his pal, who was the only one who heard Twilight, as he gave a small nod. Storm then put the ship into autopilot as he stood up and told Twilight to follow him. The pair made it to the back of the ship as he looked back at his friend, who was still repairing with Ahsoka.

"Listen, Twilight. Tatooine is Anakin's home, but... it's also a place he dreads the most."

"Why is that?"

"Anakin was born on Tatooine, but he and his mother were enslaved. Not to mention, he didn't know his father. So right there, his childhood was rough; add in the fact that he was enslaved the moment he was born. He had a rough start. Then when he was nine years old, Obi-wan, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn's padawan, found the boy when they were dealing with the invasion of Naboo. They stopped at Tatooine, where they met Anakin and his mother. From there, Qui-Gon saw Anakin not only had great pilot skills, but his blood was special. Anakin's blood has over twenty thousand mid-chlorains." said Storm.

"Over twenty thousand? But... that even surpasses that of Master Yoda," said Twilight in awe. "So... does that mean..." She now looked at the Jedi Knight.

"Qui-Gon thought the same thing; Anakin is prophesized to be the 'Chosen One' to bring balance to the Force," said Storm as he looked at his friend. "But going back to when he was a child, Qui-Gon was able to free Anakin from the slaveholder that held him and his mother. But... he wasn't willing to part with his mom. So... he had to leave her behind. Especially since it was Qui-Gon, who brought him to the Jedi Council as he told them that Anakin was the one."

"Did they believe him?" asked Twilight.

"Well, Qui-Gon was someone who they offered a seat on the Council, but he turned it down. Anyways, they believed Anakin to be too old to become a Jedi. So Qui-Gon decided to teach the boy himself. Unfortunately, he didn't get the chance. During the invasion of Naboo, he was struck down."

"No." gasped Twilight.

"Obi-wan was able to defeat the person that killed his master. And in his dying wish, he instructed Obi-wan to train Anakin."

"So that's how Anakin became Obi-wan's student."

"Cut ahead ten years, and Anakin was now Obi-wan's padawan. After an assassination attempt on Senator Padme Amidala, Obi-wan was tasked with finding the person while Anakin served as her bodyguard. They took a trip to Tatooine so that Anakin could see his mother. But she was long sold to someone who loved her and freed her. But she was taken by Sand People, and well... they killed her."

"Oh... god," said Twilight putting her hands to her mouth.

"And in retaliation... Anakin killed them. All of them." said Storm.

"Even..." Twilight then used her hand to show the height of someone small. Storm nodded, which caused the girl to be shocked.

"Anakin was angry... he lost everybody."

"But the Jedi Code forbids us from hurting others, let alone killing for revenge," stated Twilight.

"Put yourself in Anakin's shoes. You're all alone and lost the most important person in your life who keeps you stable and down to earth. Imagine seeing your mother die in your arms. Seeing her breath her last breathe, knowing that she got to see her son one last time." stated Storm.

"I see what you mean," said Twilight as she rubbed her arm.

"So that's why Anakin is always hesitant about going to Tatooine. Cause despite it being his home, he finds it a burden. A hell."

"So, how'd you meet him and Master Kenobi?" asked the girl.

"Well, after the Battle of Geonosis and the introduction of the clones. All Jedi had to realize that we needed the army. So after the initial battle, Luna met with Obi-wan, and I accompanied her that day. I got to meet the two, and we became fast friends. Especially with Anakin. I guess you could say we bonded over the fact that we had no parents. Him not knowing his father and lost his mother and me, being orphaned and not even knowing them. We had something in common, and with Obi-wan, some of his demeanor rubbed off on me, which is where I got the sense of maturity." explained Storm. "So, now you know."

"I never knew. Well, Celestia never mentioned this," said Twilight.

"As I said, he doesn't mention it to anybody. But he trusted me with that secret," said Storm as he looked at his pal before looking at Twilight as she had her head down. The boy then put his hand on Twilight's shoulder as he could see she felt some sadness for the boy. "Chin up, Twilight. We still have a mission to complete."

"Right, sorry for tearing up."

"It's normal. Just like smiling is," said Storm as he did just that to Twilight as it cheered up the girl. With that, they both returned with their friends.

The sun was setting on Tatooine. Count Dooku was in Jabba's throne room with the crime lord as he was communicating with his student.

"The Republic had too many clone troopers, my lord. By the time we were able to find Jabba's son, Skywalker and his friend Storm had already... killed him," said Ventress spinning the story for all to hear.

Dooku looked around and at Jabba, as the crime lord was the most pissed off. "Most unfortunate. This is a very unexpected turn of events. I take it you at least defeated the Jedi?"

"No, Master. The Jedi escaped and are headed to Tatooine. I'm sure you did the best you could. We will discuss your failure later."

"Yes, my master." The transmission was now shut off.

Jabba then spoke as the translator droid did its job, "Glorious Jabba demands to know why the Jedi would dare come to Tatooine."

"To kill you, Jabba. The Jedi plot is quite clear now. They only promised to rescue your son to win your trust. Now Skywalker and his friend are coming here to finish their true mission... to wipe out the Hutt clan." said Dooku. "If it pleases you, mighty Jabba, I will deal with Skywalker and his friend personally this time." Behind him were some IG-100 Magnaguard and Sunset who managed to make it to Tatooine before the Jedi.

They all left as they made their way out of the palace.

"For being a crime lord, he sure is gullible and stupid." snickered Sunset at Dooku's plan.

At this time, our heroes had exited hyperspace as they saw the planet Tatooine.

"I was hoping that I'd never have to lay eyes on this dust ball ever again," said Anakin.

"Okay. What happened?" asked Ahsoka.

"I don't want to talk about it." said the Jedi Knight. While Ahsoka was confused, Twilight knew what Anakin meant due to what Storm told her with the boy's permission. "How's Stinky holding up?"

"He seems to be feeling much better," said Ahsoka as she and the others turned to look at the slime ball. "His fever is gone. Even you have to admit he's cute when he's asleep."

"I admit I like him better when he's quiet, but only a little," replied Anakin.

"[Beeping]" said R2.

"No, R2. I want the cannon operational first. Leave the rear deflector shields for later."

"No rear shields, Master? That's awfully risky."

"A strong attack eliminates the need for defense, Snips."

"Not necessarily," said Twilight. "You still need defense if the enemy finds a way to attack you."

"Sparky, don't question Anakin. With him, it's an attack or nothing at all," said Storm, as he knew how his friend liked to do things. Soon they heard a beeping sound as Ahsoka looked at the scanner.

"Attack ships closing!" said the girl.

"Someone doesn't want Stinky to get home in one piece," stated Anakin as several droids fired at the group.

"Wow! Quite a welcome home party!" said Ahsoka.

"At least they had the courtesy of telling us that we're not welcomed."

"Will you be serious and not make extra commentary?!" shouted Twilight.

"Hey, it helps me to cope with the situation and provide some quality writing," said Storm, looking at the fourth wall.

"Set the approach vector and make ready to land," said Anakin to R2. "Ahsoka, activate the guns!"

Ahsoka pushed the button, "All the guns are locked in the forward position. It's too bad you decided not to repair the rear deflector shields."

"This is exactly why if you focus all your attention on attacking, you leave yourself with a vulnerable defense," said Twilight as she and Ahsoka smiled smugly at the two boys.

"Shut up, Sparky!" said Storm.

"Not now, Ahsoka!" shouted Anakin as he was with Storm. "R2, see if you can unlock those guns!"

"Sometimes a good defense is the best offense."

"Ahsoka, zip it!" shouted Storm.

"Why don't you go secure your little Huttlet friend?" said Anakin as he didn't want to hear his student be right.

"None of us are secure with you flying!" responded the girl to her master. She then got up to check on Stinky.

"Sparky, go help her!" said Storm as he could tell the girl was smiling for being right. Twilight just stuck her tongue out as she went to help her friend.

While the girls attended to Stinky, Anakin was doing his best to evade the ships firing at them.

"Hang on, back there!" shouted the Jedi Knight as he did some sharp flight maneuvers.

He then pulled up hard as the ship tilted as the girls held onto each other while holding Stinky. It didn't stop there as Anakin did some more barrel rolls. Storm was used to flying and the fact that he was sitting down. But the girls felt the effect of Anakin's flying as they all fell as Stinky fell in Ahsoka's lap from the bed he was resting on as he awoke and began crying.

"Great! You woke the baby!" said Ahsoka to the boys.

"Screw the damn baby; we're trying to survive here!" shouted Storm back to the girls as he turned his attention to the front.

"We're a little busy here!" added Anakin as he, too, was trying his best to take care of the ships shooting at them. He saw a ship heading straight for him; he pushed a button and fired the gun as it took out the ship.

"Got one of them!"

"What about the other one?" responded Ahsoka.

"You expect us to handle everything at once!" shouted Storm to the girl.

"One thing at a time!" said Anakin. The enemy ship then had the group in sight as it began to fire and removed a part of the ship as they were now unstable. "I think we needed those rear shields after all."

"I told you so!" said Ahsoka as Anakin turned the ship to the side. The girls were now sliding on the floor as they hit the wall.

"R2, turn those guns around!" said Anakin to the droid as he pushed on the girls. "R2!"

"Why can't you be a tiny little mouse droid?" said Ahsoka.

"Push!" shouted Twilight as the girls were doing their best to push the droid to his station while flying on their side.

With a little help from Anakin, turning the ship slightly to the right, the girls could get R2 into position as he turned the gun on the side backward and began to fire at the remaining ship.

"Get him, R2!" shouted Skywalker. The little droid did just that as he took out the last ship. "Good work, buddy! You've been holding out on me." said the boy as R1 gave a happy beep. "Strap in, Ahsoka."

"You've got that 'we're in trouble look." said the girl as she sat down.

"There's a look?" said Anakin. He turned to Storm, who shrugged his shoulders as he didn't know what Ahsoka meant. Twilight rolled her eyes as she understood. Even Stinky was siding with the girls.

"You can't miss it," said Ahsoka.

"Very funny, Snips. Obi-wan, come in! Do you copy?"

"Kenobi, here. Anakin, Storm, have you reached Tatooine yet?" asked the Jedi Master as the group's ship buckled a bit.

"You want the short answer or the long answer?" asked Storm to his friend.

"Oh no," said Obi-wan as he didn't like the hidden meaning of what Storm said.

"Almost, but we ran into some old..."

"Anakin, did you get shot down again?" asked Obi-wan.

"Yes!" said the girls before the boys could lie.

"Shut up!" shouted the boys glaring at their partners.

"This ship is too slow, alright. I haven't had time to modify it yet," said Anakin.

"I'm still cleaning up your other mess, but I'll get there," said Kenobi to his friends. Soon the transmission ended.

"So much for reinforcements."

"Anakin, we've been fighting this rescue mission without backup. Even on Christophsis," informed Storm to his buddy. Their ship was now heading straight down to the planet.

"Hang on; this landing could get a little rough."

"Crashes are rough. Landings are not," said Ahsoka to her master.

"Then it's crash landing," stated Anakin.

"Technically..."

"Zip it, Sparky. This is not the time to correct proper grammar," said Storm, as he knew the girl liked to be punctual when talking and speaking.

The ship entered the planet's orbit as it caught on fire and soared through the atmosphere. Anakin was having difficulty flying it as Twilight was scared for her life. She wrapped her arms around Storm. She let out a yelp as Storm struggled to breathe from the girl crushing his lungs. They barely missed a few Jawas as they soared over them and crashed into the sand.

"We made it," said Anakin as all just leaned back in their chairs.

"Anakin, I think this makes it to our list of happy landings we've encountered," said Storm as his friend merely gave a thumbs up. "Let go, Sparky!" yelled the boy as he ran out of air.

"Sorry," said Twilight as her hair was all fried up.

"Mighty Jabba, my battle droids have shot down Skywalker's ship," said Dooku.

Jabba then spoke as it was translated, "Jabba will send out his bounty hunters to see that they are dead."

"Allow me. I have much more experience dealing with Jedi." said the Sith Lord.

On Coruscant, Master Obi-wan contacted Master Yoda, who was in Chancellor Palpatine.

"Anakin and Storm have reached Tatooine with the Huttlet, Master, but they're still in grave danger," said Kenobi. "Separatist troops are desperate to intercept them. I think this whole plot was engineered by Dooku to convince Jabba that we kidnapped his son."

"If believe this, the Hutts do, ended will our chance of a treaty with them be," spoke Yoda. "Join Dooku and the Separatist, Jabba will, yes."

"That would be a disaster. We must have this alliance with the Hutts if we are to win the war in the Outer Rim." said the Chancellor.

"If Skywalker is the Republic's only hope. Return Jabba's son, he must."

"Anakin's experience with the Hutts should help. And Storm can keep him on a stable level of thinking should anything go south. They'll come through." said Obi-wan as the transmission cut off.

The door to the Chancellor's office now opened up as in came Senator Padme Amidala. She wasn't alone as she was flanked by a girl who was her designer.

"I will say, Senator, that I have tons more ideas in store for what you can wear."

"I appreciate it, Rarity, and how much you work hard at creating clothes," said Padme.

"Please, excuse me, Master Yoda. I must return to the grand adventure of politics."

"Greetings, Senator Amidala and Miss Rarity."

"Master Yoda. So good to see you," said Padme.

"Greetings, darling," said Rarity, also bowing her head at the small green creature.

"Good, it is, to see you, Senator," said Yoda as he began to leave.

"Padme. We were to discuss..."

"The new security measures you put into effect for Naboo." said the Senator to the Chancellor. "My security chief tells me there are several new battles in the Outer Rim."

"Including a small skirmish with Obi-wan Kenobi, Storm, and Anakin."

"Anakin? Storm? Are they in danger?" said the girl as she was surprised to hear that her friends were mentioned.

"I'm afraid the Jedi's efforts to strike a secret treaty with the Hutts have gone terribly wrong." said the Chancellor. "Jabba believes that Anakin has abducted his infant son."

"A Jedi would never do such a thing!" stated Padme.

"Especially one like General Skywalker," said Rarity as she heard from time to time about how Padme described Anakin to her.

"Perhaps I can get that treaty signed. I will go to the Hutts and convince them of Anakin's innocence, as a representative of the Senate, of course," said Padme.

"That is very courageous if you, Senator, but far too dangerous. Besides, we've attempted to contact Jabba; he won't accept communication from us." said the Chancellor.

"Jabba the Hutt has an uncle in the old downtown area here on Coruscant. Perhaps we can reason with him and reopen negotiations."

"Wait, we?!" said Rarity as she wasn't on board with the Senator's idea.

"Please, my dear, I beg you, reconsider this."

"Yes, listen to the Chancellor, Senator," Rarity also begged.

"Don't worry, Chancellor; I've dealt with far worse than the Hutts. Come on, Rarity."

"Senator!" pleaded the girl as she followed Padme.

"Do take care, Senator. The Hutts are vile gangsters." stated the Chancellor with focused eyes.

"Padme, please reconsider this. I'm sure Anakin can handle this; you know him better than anybody else," said Rarity as they were back in Padme's room.

"I do, which is why he needs my help," said Padme as she stepped through a wall divider as Rarity handed her friend her disguise. "And I won't be alone cause I have you."

"Sorry, Padme. But I refuse to go; the Hutts are disgusting slime. And as a lady, I refuse to get myself dirty."

"No wonder you'll never have a man." snickered Padme.

"That was a low blow, Padme," said Rarity as she couldn't believe her friend went there.

"You talk about finding your Prince Charming, but with that attitude, you never attract anybody," said Padme.

"Yes, well, we can't all be you, Padme. Having thousands of suitors trying to woo you, I don't know why you reject every single one. They all seem like suitable husbands, so why do you turn each one down?" asked Rarity as she folded the Senator's clothes and put them away.

"Well, as a Senator, I'm far too busy with my job," said Padme.

"Yes, so you are. But I feel like it's another reason, something I can't put my finger on," said Rarity as she left to fetch something.

Padme knew what Rarity was saying as even her friend was unaware of the secret relationship with Anakin as only one other knew besides the couple. It pained her not to let Rarity in on her secret, but she knew the fashionista liked to gossip. But she knew Rarity would keep her secret private; it's just that she was waiting for the right time to tell her friend about her private life. Soon Rarity returned with the last bit of disguise as she handed it to her friend. Rarity informed Padme that she would stay behind but wished her friend luck in her quest.

Back on Tatooine, the ship that our heroes were on had crashed. It opened up as both girls walked out to see the place with their own eyes.

"Lot of sand," said Twilight taking in the view.

"Welcome home, Stinky," said Ahsoka.

"Anakin, you good?" asked Storm to his friend as they were just out of range from the girls listening.

"Yeah, Storm." said the boy to his friend.

"Look, let's just do the job and get out. No need to stay longer than needed."

"I appreciate you looking out for me, bud. I really do," said Anakin putting his hand on Storm's shoulder. "And I understand you know my history with my home, so thank you."

"Anytime, buddy." smiled Storm. The two boys then proceeded to walk toward the girls.

"Jabba's palace is on the far side of the Dune Sea. We'd better hurry if we're going to make it by morning," said Skywalker as Ahsoka put Stinky in his backpack. He and Storm then jumped down as Stinky let out a cry.

"I'm coming," said Ahsoka to the little thing as she and Twilight joined the boys. R2, however, didn't want to touch the sand. "Oh, Artooie, it's just endless tracts of gritty, abrasive sand. I'll clean your servos later. Come on."

R2 still wasn't convinced.

"I'll give you a nice long oil bath as well." chimed in Twilight.

R2 was now really thinking about what the girls were offering him. So after some thinking, he let out a beep as he ignited his thrusters and then landed on the sand as he trailed behind the four Jedi. A few of the Jawas that they almost hit saw the group leaving as they saw the ship and began to scavenger through it.

It was nighttime on Coruscant as some jazz music played. A ship landed on the docking platform as the band was performing; something was also happening.

"O exalted majesty."

"What is it, Kronos-327?" said the person who was Jabba's uncle.

"My mission to the twelfth moon of Yout has failed." said the droid as the Hutt laughed.

"After all these years, my most trusted assassin has finally failed."

"O Ziro the Hutt, master of the Hutt clan on seven systems, I am sorry, your highness. It will not happen again."

"I know. Take him away and use him for spare parts!" stated Ziro.

"No, no! No!" shouted the droid as he was dragged away by other assassination droids.

Everybody in the saloon saw this as the band played upbeat music as if nothing had happened. Padme had now entered wearing her disguise from Rarity as another droid was leading her.

"Your majesty, you have an important visitor." said the droid.

"Greetings, Ziro. I am Senator Amidala of the Galactic Congress."

"A senator? In this neighborhood? Hmm." stated Ziro as he blew some of the smoke from his joint through his nose at the girl.

"I know that you are the uncle of Jabba the Hutt of Tatooine," said Padme coughing a bit from the smoke. "I come to ask a favor of you."

"A favor? Hmm?"

"There's been a grave misunderstanding between Jabba and the Order of the Jedi."

"How may I serve you, Senator?"

"I was hoping you and I could resolve this dispute and broker a treaty between the Republic and the great clan of the Hutts," said Padme.

"A treaty? A treaty? A treaty is impossible. My nephew, Jabba's son, has been kidnapped by your Republic Jedi scum." stated Ziro.

"But sir, there's been a misunderstanding.

"There is no misunderstanding."

"It is the Jedi who have rescued his son. If you can put me in touch with Jabba, I am confident I can convince him of the truth."

"No! No more discussions. Escort her out!" said Ziro.

"Please, Ziro. Your nephew Jabba is in danger. You're being deceived." pleaded the girl.

"I said, throw her out."

"Don't touch me," said Padme as the droid grabbed her furiously and began to push the senator out of the club.

The sun was setting on Tatooine. The group was still trekking their way towards Jabba's place as the boys were at the head of the pack while the girls were starting to feel the heat. They passed some skeletons that longed to belong to creatures as they were just bones.

"Master Yoda has a saying. 'Old sins cast long shadows.' Do you know what he means?" asked Ahsoka.

"He means your past can ruin your future if you allow it," said Anakin.

"And he's right," said Storm as he looked at the shadows of him and Anakin as they were longer than the girls.

"But you forget it was Master Skywalker who said, 'I don't want to talk about my past,'" said Anakin to his student.

"But..."

"Ahsoka! He said no!" shouted Storm as he backed up his friend by glaring at the padawan.

"Let it go," said Twilight as she put her hand on her friend's shoulder to offer her some support.

"Okay, fine. There's so much more we can talk about out here. Like the sand."

"The desert is merciless. It takes everything away from you," said Anakin looking forward. Storm saw Anakin's eyes as he patted his friend on the back to show his support.

"That's a happy thought. It won't take us, Master. Right, Artooie?" said Ahsoka to the droid as he just let out a beep.

Back with Padme, she was being escorted by a droid. They got on the elevator as he was about to push the button. Padme then knocked the weapon out of its hand and threw the droid against the wall as she slipped through the small opening; she almost escaped when the droid grabbed the cape she was wearing and tried to pull her back. The cape then ripped off as it blinded the droid, who fell back as Padme now escaped. She turned back to the room where Ziro was as she peaked her head in.

"Your plot is coming apart, Count Dooku! A senator from the Republic was here. What if she found out I helped you kidnap Jabba's son?" said Ziro, the holographic image of Dooku as Padme was listening and watching.

"Don't worry, I have convinced Jabba that the Jedi have murdered his son and are on their way to kill him."

"Jabba will slay the Jedi on sight!"

"Then the mighty Jedi Order will be forced to bring Jabba to justice, and you, my friend, will be left to take control of all Hutt clans," said Dooku.

"Then the plot against my nephew Jabba has succeeded." snickered Ziro. "But what about this meddling senator?"

"If she continues her investigation, have her meet with an accident with extreme prejudice. I will have someone in the Senate cover it up," said Dooku as Padme's eyes widened at what she heard.

Padme turned to leave when the droid with her in the elevator appeared and tried to grab her. She grabbed her blaster from her holster on her hip and blasted the thing. Both Ziro and the hologram of Dooku heard the noise and looked at Padme as she was blasting the droid as it went down. Another came from behind and grabbed her arm as she dropped her weapon; it pushed her onto the ground on her knees.

"Count Dooku," said Padme. "So, the poisonous traitor rears his ugly head once again."

"I'm equally delighted to remake your acquittance, Senator... Amidala, isn't it?" said Dooku.

"I was just leaving," said Padme turning to leave when the droid stopped her.

"I'm sorry, that cannot be permitted. Ziro, this particular senator, is extremely valuable to my Separatist allies. They will pay a handsome price for her."

"Hmm. I like the sound of that. Take her to the dungeon!" ordered Ziro.

"You will regret this, Ziro!" shouted Padme being dragged away.

"No, I think I will become rich with this!" laughed Ziro. "Thank you, Count Dooku. This has been a most profitable alliance."

"I will contact you when the Huttlet has been disposed of, your high exalted master of the Hutts," said Dooku as the call ended.

"Count Dooku, we've picked up five life forms crossing the desert. One is a very young Huttlet." said a B1 droid.

"Skywalker." smiled Dooku.

"And not just him, but his friend as well," said Sunset as she knew Storm was always nearby with his pal.

The scene had the group still trekking with the sun in the background. It gave off red, yellow, and orange colors as the two suns went down, and the sky would soon be replaced with black and blue. They all stopped as they felt something.

"We're not alone," said Ahsoka.

"I sense it, too. The dark side of the Force," said Anakin as his eyes were focused. Even Stinky covered up by putting the top of the backpack over his head as he was scared.

"It's coming from over there." pointed Storm.

"And over there," said Twilight.

"Whatever it is, it's coming for the Hutt. Time to split up," stated Anakin.

"We'll face it together, Master," said Ahsoka.

"Not this time, Snips. I have a far more important mission for you and Twilight."

"More important than keeping you alive?" asked Anakin's student.

"Ashoka, I need you to trust me on this one." said the boy looking at his student.

"Don't worry; he's not going to be alone. Cause I'll be there with him." Storm looked at the pair as he and Anakin nodded. He looked at Ahsoka as he gave the girl his word that they would be fine.

Storm then kneeled as the plan was already discussed.

"Storm, you ready?" asked Anakin.

"Give me a minute, Anakin." said the boy as his friend let him do his thing.

"This is it, Luna." stated Storm as he took a deep breath. He focused his mind as he tried to be in sync. "I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me. I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me."

"I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me," said Twilight as she joined in with Storm's ritual as she kneeled across from the boy. Storm opened his eyes to see Twilight doing the same thing as him as she smiled. He then smiled back as the two did the exercise together.

"There is no emotion,..." started Storm.

"there is peace." finished Twilight.

"There is no ignorance...

"there is knowledge."

"There is no passion..."

"there is serenity."

"There is no chaos...

"there is harmony."

"There is no death..."

"there is the Force."

Both teens took one final breath as they opened their eyes and finished their ritual. They now looked at one another as a small piece inside of them was worried about the other. But they also knew the other would be okay, giving them hope. Hope that everything is going to turn out fine.

"Good luck." said Storm.

"I will. May the Force be with you," replied Twilight.

"Always."

Twilight then wrapped her arms around Storm as she wanted to give one last hug to her friend. Storm didn't bother pushing the girl off as he just let her, and eventually, he wrapped his arms around her. They both had a mission to fulfill, so they soon broke apart and gathered with Anakin and Ahsoka as they went off in two separate directions while R2 went with the girls.

Back with Padme, she had been taken to her cell. Her things were confiscated, and she was thrown in. The doors closed as the droid heard a beeping from Padme's thing as it was her communicator.

"What's that?" asked one of the nearby B1 droids.

"Don't touch that! Whatever you do, keep away from it," said Padme from inside her cell. "Please. I beg you. Don't turn that on."

"Could be dangerous. I better check it out." said one of the B1 droids as he turned the communicator on.

"At last, you've answered! Oh, I've been so worried. And Lady Rarity as well." said the person as it was none other than C-3PO. "Wait! Who are you? You're not Mistress Padme!" said 3PO as he saw the droid.

"3PO, get help! I'm being held by Ziro the Hutt!" shouted Padme as she tried to relay a message to her friend.

"What was that, darling?!" said Rarity as she overheard Padme from the other line as she came into focus.

"You're in trouble! I knew it!" said 3PO as the droid who locked Padme came over to the communicator. He then raised his fist and looked to smash it. "Wait, wait!" shouted the droid as the communicator was crushed and the call ended.

On Tatooine, Anakin and Storm were trekking side by side as the moon was out. They were walking as the wind picked up some sand. They stopped as coming were two speeder bikes as it was none other than Sunset and Dooku who came to find the boys themselves. Both boys ignited their lightsabers, ready to do battle.

"Surrender the Huttlet or die, Skywalker," said Dooku. He then extended his hand as he outshot Force Lightning. It was heading for Storm as Anakin saved his friend by blocking it with his lightsaber.

"Thanks, Anakin," said Storm to his pal as he smiled.

Both Sith warriors then took out their lightsabers as they turned on. They both raced forward as each one took on their respective opponent. Anakin and Dooku clashed with their blades as Storm did his fight with Sunset just a few meters away, giving each other some space. With Anakin and Dooku, they were going at it. Dooku showed his skills as he swung left and right and tried to overpower Anakin as he sidestepped and moved. Dooku's blade almost hit him as it nearly scratched his face. He then blocked an incoming attack as both held their blades against each other.

"You're training has come a long way, boy," said Dooku as Anakin pushed the Sith lord back and continued to fight.

Sunset was having her fun with Storm as they too looked to finish their fight between Christophsis and the castle. Both did some backflips before lunging forward, clashing blades as Sunset pushed her blade down on Storm's, looking at the boy her age.

"Your friend does not intimate us," said Sunset.

Storm then turned it around as he guided both blades down, as he now had his blade over Sunset's as he looked at her.

"Then you've obviously, haven't seen what he can do," said Storm as Sunset pushed the boy back and kicked him in the chest, providing space.

Anakin and Dooku took a step forward and a step back when attacking. Dooku could transition swiftly from holding his lightsaber from an upside-down position to a right side as he blocked all of Anakin's attacks while doing the switch smoothly.

"Now I remember. This was your home planet, wasn't it?" asked Dooku as he could sense Anakin's anger and feelings towards his home.

"Anakin, don't listen to him," said Storm as he shouted before turning his attention back to Sunset, who kept on attacking.

"I sense your strong feelings. Feelings of pain, loss," said Dooku.

Anakin was affected by that as he used the Force as he not only pushed back Dooku but also blew sand in his face. Anakin's push was strong as he used a tiny bit of that pain to aid him. Even Storm could feel what Anakin was doing as it got him to be worried. Dooku recovered in a few seconds as he spun his lightsaber around, then used the Force to manipulate the sand into a wind tunnel and repelled it back to Anakin, who covered his eyes. He was pushed back as his lightsaber was knocked out of his hand.

"Anakin!" shouted Storm as Sunset did a downward slash which Storm blocked with his lightsaber being sideways. Sunset was now pushing down on the boy as his feet were dragging and pushing into the sand.

Dooku saw Anakin was defenseless as he leaped up; at that moment, Anakin turned around and reached out for his lightsaber. It got back to his head just in time as the moment he turned around, Dooku's lightsaber was mere inches from hitting as he blocked it but just barely. As he got up, he pushed it to the side, but Dooku reacted quickly and sliced Skywalker's backpack.

"NO!" shouted Storm as Sunset kicked him in the face for being distracted as he flipped onto his feet and landed next to his pal.

"You've failed, Jedi. I have just killed Jabba's son," said Dooku.

"And now the Republic will clash with the Hutts, and we will win." snickered Sunset.

"Is that so?" snickered Storm as he looked at his pal.

"You've fallen for my little trick, Count and Sunset," said Anakin as he flung his backpack onto the ground. "It's nothing but rocks."

"No! This can't be!" said Sunset, stunned by what she saw.

"You're not the only one who can trick people, hot stuff." said Storm pointing his lightsaber at Sunset.

"The Huttlet is with my Padawan and Storm's partner safety at Jabba's palace." smiled Anakin smugly.

"I expect such treachery from a Jedi. I assure you, my web is strong enough to catch your insignificant little Padawan and the boy's partner," stated Dooku.

"They're more skillful than you think," said Anakin.

"You deceive yourselves." responded the Sith lord.

Dooku and Sunset then charged forward, as did Storm and Anakin, as they met in the middle. Four blades were clashing together all at once. While the boys were dealing with them, the girls had arrived at Jabba's palace as they just had to follow the trail. As they walked, they soon felt something as they activated their lightsabers. Out of the ground came the IG-100 Magnaguards as they popped out of the ground.

"What are they?" asked Ahsoka.

"Some of the toughest droids built by the Separatists. They're one of the few droids that can fight toe-to-toe with Jedi. Their electro staffs allow them to fight and counter our lightsabers." Twilight said as three guards were now making their way to the girls with some fear on their faces.

Anakin and Storm were standing back to back as they managed to trade partners for a bit. Safe to say that Storm was holding his own against Dooku, though even with Luna's training, he managed to get kicked and punched by the Sith lord. And Sunset gave Anakin a good fight as she did land some kicks against the highly skilled Jedi Knight. The boys were doing their best to fight as they blocked the blows coming from their side and then guided the blades up. In one quick motion, they switched sides as Sunset and Dooku brought their lightsabers back down and crossed with the boys.

Anakin and Dooku kept on trading attacks. Moving forward and then a couple of step-backs as they anticipated each other's moves. Dooku put his hand out as he caught Anakin off guard and pushed the Jedi Knight back onto the sand.

"Look, I have a message from your Padawan," said Dooku as he showed his communicator to Anakin as it showed Ahsoka fighting the droids. "And it looks like Master Celestia's student is also struggling." The image now showed Twilight as she struggled to fight the droids.

Both boys got furious as they ran up to their opponents and attacked once, leaving them open. The boys then kicked Sunset and Dooku in the face as the communicator in Dooku's hand dropped to the ground. Storm turned around to see the image of the girls having a tough time as it shut off.

"After my droids kill Jabba's son, they will deliver your Padawan and the boy's partner to him for punishment for the Huttlet's murder," stated Dooku.

"I can't imagine he'll be merciful." snickered Sunset.

"Anakin, we need to go, now!" shouted Storm.

Anakin understood the situation as he and Storm had to save the girls. They turned off their lightsabers and got the backs of the bikes that Dooku and Sunset rode in on as they zoomed towards Jabba's palace. Both Sith didn't bother as they knew both boys were too late; they just laughed.

The girls weren't faring much better even with Twilight's advanced training than Ahsoka; the droids were a challenge. R2 tried to help the girls as he pulled out his taser and fired some electricity, but the guard blocked it with his weapon and hit the small droid as he flew.

"R2!" shouted the girls.

Ahsoka then blocked an attack coming from the side as Twilight protected her from another attack as the girls repelled the blades and stood side by side.

"Three against two? Stinky, watch our backs!" said Ahsoka to the little hut.

"Don't worry, you're gonna see your dad real soon," assured Twilight to the Hutt as he nodded his head at what the girls were saying.

The girls were now blocking and sidestepping the attack as the three bodyguard droids managed to surround them in a circle and kept them from escaping. Block after block, with the occasional attack jab. The girls were having trouble as they couldn't find an opening. They managed to jump out of the way of an attack as they landed on a small sand hill but lost their balance as they rolled down the hill and landed facefirst on the material. Stinky let out a cry.

"I thought you liked to play in the sand," said Ahsoka.

"I'm gonna need a shower to get all this sand out of my hair," said Twilight.

Back in Coruscant, a ship was landing on the docking platform of the club where Padme was being held. Soon out came a yellow droid.

"This part of town is definitely not my kind of town," said 3PO.

"Agreed, now let's get Padme and leave this dreadful place," said Rarity as she looked at the building and gave a face of disgust with her tongue sticking out.

Inside, Padme was being brought from her cell to Ziro the Hutt.

"You tried to call for help, Senator. I believe you are too dangerous to be kept alive."

"Killing a Galactic Senator, here on Coruscant? Are you out of your mind?" asked Padme.

"I have powerful friends in the Senate," stated Ziro. "I'm not afraid of... Huh?" Just then, a beeping sound was heard. An explosion came from the doorway as the pieces of some B1 droids came into the room.

"Is anybody home?" asked C-3PO as he poked his head from the side.

"3PO?" said Padme as she was surprised that the blast came from him.

"What is that?" asked Ziro.

Soon the room was invaded by some clones as they began to fire at the droids that held Padme as they had come to rescue the senator.

"Run for it!" shouted Ziro as he moved his head out of the way of a blast as he began to crawl his way.

The clones had taken out all of the remaining B1 droids as the assassination droid was the only one left. Padme saw her opportunity as she kicked the robot in its legs as it fell, took its weapon, pointed it at its head, and point-blank blasted it into pieces.

"Stop, Ziro! Stop right where you are!" said Padme as she pointed her weapon along with the other clones, who all pointed their blasters at the Hutt.

"Mistress Padme, are you all right? Were we too late?" asked 3PO as he came out from the hallway.

"3PO. Your timing was perfect." said the Senator.

"Oh, thank the maker! I'm so relieved." said the droid.

"Is it safe to enter?" asked Rarity from the hallway.

"Yes, Rarity," said Padme.

"Oh, good heavens, Padme. Are you hurt?" asked the girl.

"Nothing I'm used to."

"Well, that's a relief." Rarity then felt something on her leg as it was a piece of a droid with its upper body still functioning as it had its fingers on her boot. "AHHH!" shouted Rarity as she grabbed a blaster from one of the nearby clones and began to blast at the droid holding on to her. "Die!" yelled the girl as she just opened fire on the poor thing with her eyes closed, hoping she killed it. Rarity then opened one eye as the droid was dead as she kicked it off her boot.

"Well, Rarity." smiled Padme at seeing how her friend was able to defend herself.

"Yes, well..." said Rarity clearing her throat and fixing her hair, "A lady does need to know how to defend herself." She then corrected her posture before tossing the weapon back to the clone as he fumbled with it a bit before getting a secure grip on it. "Now, can we leave? This place is rather unsanitary." pleaded the girl with her friend.

"Not yet, Rarity," said Padme.

"Should we arrest the Hutt, Senator?" asked the clone commander.

"I had no choice. Dooku said he'd kill me if I didn't help him kidnap Jabba's son," said Ziro. "You have to believe me! I love that Huttlet!"

"Oh, I believe you," said Padme with a scowl.

The bodyguards chased after the girls who fell down the side of the hill as they slid down. They got to the bottom and began to look around for them, but they weren't there. Then from above, a cliff came Ahsoka as she did a downward slash and cut one of the droids in half. A second tried to attack her, but now Twilight jumped down to defend her friend.

"Your plan worked, Twilight," said Ahsoka.

"Yeah, but we're still at a disadvantage." said the girl as she repelled the attack back.

They then took a step back as they heard something. They looked up and saw the boys riding on the speed bikes.

"Master! Over here! Master!" called out Ahsoka.

"Storm!" shouted Twilight.

The boys didn't hear them; they just passed them by.

"They never listen," stated Ahsoka.

The boys reached the gates of Jabba's palace as the doors opened. Out came the translator droid and some guards as the boys rushed over as they had some guns pointed at them.

"Where is my Padawan?"

"And Twilight?"

"This way." said the droid as it turned before looking back at the boys. "Your weapons, please." The boys were hesitant about handing over their lightsabers as they were surrounded, but they wanted to ensure the girls were safe. So they handed their weapons over and then entered.

The girls were still dealing with the droids as they each faced one. They blocked each attack as they backflipped out of the way as the droids went for an attack and landed on some rocks.

"Okay, stick-tinnes, you're going back to Dooku in pieces."

"Storm's right; you have weird names for things," said Twilight to her friend as she glared at the girl. "Sorry." stated the girl before looking back at the droids.

Inside the palace, Storm and Anakin had entered the throne room as they saw Jabba. Both boys had a look as they saw the crime lord.

"This is Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Jedi Knight Storm." said the droid to Jabba. "As Count Dooku said, your son is not with them."

"What? Your son's not here?" said Anakin in a surprised tone. "Where's Ahsoka?"

The girls were still fighting as they slashed at the droids. Ahsoka managed to pin one down as the electro staff entered the other guard. Twilight then took the opportunity to use her lightsaber as she cut the head off the droid and then cut it again, separating its body and legs. The last remaining droid then swung at Ahsoka as she stepped back.

The boys were surrounded as Jabba said something with all guns pointed at them. Anakin saw their weapons as he used the Force to grab his and Storm's lightsabers and toss them to his pal. Anakin then rushed forward as he pointed his weapon at Jabba's face while Storm was behind him, defending his pal from any shots that might fire.

"What have you done with the girls?" stated Anakin.

Jabba then spoke, "You came here to kill Jabba."

"What?!" shouted Storm.

"Mighty Jabba, we came here to negotiate," answered Anakin.

Ahsoka lunged back as she was fighting the droid. She ducked under the swing as she was now behind the droid and cut it horizontal as the droid fell and was defeated. She and Twilight then slumped to the floor, exhausted from the fight. Stinky made a noise.

"Being a Padawan is harder than I thought. I don't know if I'll ever get to be your rank, Twilight," said Ahsoka.

"It's not easy, and to be honest, it gets much harder," stated Twilight. "Being someone's partner is also no walk in the park, but if Master Celestia taught me anything, it is that I should take every fight and battle as a learning experience." said the girl to her friend. "Look at me, I may have more training than you, but even I still have a lot to learn."

"I guess you're right." smiled Ahsoka. "Come on, Stinky. Let's get you home." The girls now began to climb up the hill to Jabba's palace.

"You came here to die." translated the droid.

All guns are now pointed at the boys as it seems like Storm and Anakin might have to fight. Just then...

"Stop!" shouted a pair of voices.

Everybody turned towards the entrance as standing there was R2, along with the girls, as they were out of breath from arriving in time. They then entered as the boys put their lightsabers away as they were glad to see their partners. Jabba saw Ahsoka holding his son as he was happy, as was little Stinky. She then handed the crime lord his son back as the pair were reunited. Jabba then held his son as he turned back to the four Jedi and pointed at them.

"You are to be executed immediately." translated the droid.

"What?" said Ahsoka and Anakin.

"What the fuck?!" shouted Storm.

"Seriously?! After all this?!" chimed in Twilight.

Now everybody in the throne room pointed their weapons at the four Jedi as they all stood back-to-back in a small circle. They had their lightsabers out, ready to defend themselves.

"Does this always happen to you two?" asked Ahsoka to the boys.

"Everywhere we go," said Anakin and Storm.

"So, what now?" asked Twilight.

All four stood there trying to find a way to escape. Just then, there was a flash coming from a nearby device. Jabba noticed it as well.

"Your Uncle Ziro is contacting us." said the droid as it let the message through. Soon an image of Padme was shown.

"Greetings, honorable Jabba. I am Senator Amidala of the Galactic Congress. I have discovered a plot against you by one of your own. Your uncle will admit he conspired with Count Dooku to kidnap your son and frame the Jedi for the crime."

The image now shifted to show Ziro as he and Jabba began to talk. They spoke in Huttese as nobody knew what they were saying. The only thing they heard was from Ziro confessing the plan.

"It was Count Dooku!" said Ziro.

Jabba was unhappy when he heard that as the image changed back to Padme.

"Ziro will be dealt with by the Hutt family most severely." said the translator droid.

"Perhaps now you will allow the Republic to use your trade routes, and hostilities can end," said Padme.

"Jabba agrees. A treaty is in order." said the droid.

"You will not regret this, Jabba." stated the Senator as all four Jedi put their lightsabers away.

"The clone armies may move through Jabba's territories." said the droid.

"Senator, you have my undying gratitude," said Anakin as he saw Padme.

"No, Master Skywalker, it is I, and the Republic, who owes you thanks," said Padme as she saw the boy. "And we thank you as well, General Storm."

"Pleasure seeing you again, Senator Amidala," said Storm.

The trio all had a look as they stared at one another. More so for Anakin and Padme due to their secret. Both individuals saw each other's eyes of each other as the transmission was cut. Storm noticed this as he did a light pat on his friend's back. While it may have been a quick eye that, if you blinked, you would have missed it, Twilight caught the tail end of the interaction between the Senator and the two boys and what Storm did as it got her to raise an eyebrow.

"Jabba would be most appreciative if you bring Dooku to justice for his crimes against the Hutts." said the droid.

"You can count on it, Jabba," stated Anakin.

In space, two ships were now leaving.

"It is unfortunate, Master. The Jedi armies will now have their supply routes to the Outer Rim. Our fight has become far more difficult." stated Dooku.

"Allow the Jedi their small victory, my friend, for the engines of this war turn in our favor," said Darth Sidious.

Sunset was in her ship as she pulled up the images of Storm and now Celestia's student. She saw Twilight as her eyes turned furious. Seems not only did she have to contend with the student of Luna but also Celestia herself.

"Storm, Twilight... this isn't over." stated the Sith girl as she entered hyperspace and was gone.

A gunship was landing in front of Jabba's palace as the four Jedi were waiting for their ride. The ship landed, and inside were some clones, along with Commander Cody, Obi-wan, and Master Yoda. They all got out as the two Jedi masters made their way to the group of kids. Anakin and Storm saw Obi-wan as all three smiled, while the girls saw Master Yoda as they shared a smile. They all looked at Jabba as they knew they were one step closer to ending this war.

It was now nighttime on Coruscant; in a certain part of the downtown area, there was a huge celebration. And it was being paid by none other than Anakin as he was still angry about losing the bet to Storm. So they, along with Obi-wan, Cody, Rex, and Sark, gathered their troops as they began to eat and drink the night away. In a certain part of the bar, Twilight was walking around as she was a bit out of her element when it came to social gatherings. Being a bookworm made her feel a bit awkward. She soon found who she was looking for as Storm leaned against the bar counter. He had a glass of cider in his hand while watching his friends and allies party.

"Hey," said Twilight.

"Sparky. Enjoying the celebration? Have a drink." said Storm giving her a glass of cider.

"I appreciate that, but I'm... not much of a social person." said the girl turning her head away.

"Celestia's star apprentice is a shut-in nerd? Oh, that's funny!" chuckled Storm.

"Don't call me a nerd!" shouted Twilight as she felt offended. "Look, I... want to ask... this partnership... are we agreeing to it?"

"Oh hell no," said Storm.

"Oh... I see..." said Twilight as she put her head down, "I understand why you made that decision. I just got in your way. Well, I'll inform Celestia about it, and you don't ever have to see me again." Twilight looked at her drink as she sighed, "Well, see ya."

"See ya, Sparky." smiled Storm.

"Okay, I'm going. Leaving now..." Twilight slowly moved an inch as Storm just looked at her. "I'm leaving... you'll never see me again, " the girl said, rolling her hand.

"Then get going," stated Storm.

"Seriously?! Alright, no point," said Twilight as she gave up.

"HA! HA! HA!" Storm couldn't contain himself anymore as he broke down in laughter. Twilight looked at the boy as she couldn't believe him.

"You think it's funny?!"

"Yes," said Storm with conviction. "Sparky, you don't have a sense of laughter; that's something we're gonna need to work on as partners."

"Well, I'll have you know... wait... did you say, partners?"

"Our masters put us together to improve our training. Might as well as continue it since we're stuck with each other, " Storm said, taking a sip of cider.

"So, are we..."

"Gees, Sparky? Can't you read between the lines? We're partners."

"Yeah, I mean," said Twilight clearing her throat, "I look forward to working with you. And I hope to gain some valuable experience from you. And I hope to contribute my part in teaching you some stuff."

"Yeah, I'm not so sure what you have to teach me." chuckled Storm as Twilight was shocked by that. "I'm not trying to be a nerd, Sparky."

"Don't call me that!" shouted Twilight.

"But it's true." snickered the boy.

"I hate you already," said Twilight.

"This is gonna work out just fine." smiled Storm. "Now come on, put the books away and enjoy yourself. Your first lesson is to meet new people and not have your nose stuck in your books, Twilight."

"Fine then," said Twilight. She then looked at Storm as she couldn't resist hugging him and saying thank you for agreeing to this partnership.

"Sparky! I said no hugs!" shouted Storm as he tried to get the girl off him.

Luna and Celestia watched the two of them as they saw their students. Luna knew that Storm was hesitant about having a partner given his character, but the fact that he could open up to Twilight meant that he was slowly completing the next part of his training if he was to be a Jedi Master. For Celestia, while Storm wasn't the ideal person to be Twilight's partner, he was the right guy to help her get out of her comfort zone as it was the one thing she tried to get her to understand. Both sisters smiled as they knew that they couldn't wait to see how each of their students would grow from this relationship and hoped they could watch them become masters in their own right.