Hello loyal readers. I hope the finally finished Elements of Pollution arc was worth the wait, now that I've finally finished with editing. I am also currently planning to work on a Little Mermaid story, which will be another Encanto and Star Wars crossover, but this time with the Bad Batch. However, I'm having a hard time deciding which two characters to have as Ariel and Eric.

Here are the two I was thinking:

1. Omega as Ariel, Camilo Madrigal as Eric

2. Isabela Madrigal as Ariel and Wrecker as Eric (ever since doing Omega & Company, I couldn't help wondering if those two might actually make a cute couple)

I'm actually thinking of doing both at some point, just for fun and making each one different. But, let me know which you think I should do first, and be sure to read and review this and any of my other stories for more. For now, enjoy the first chapter in a long time to take place during the Bad Batch.

Episodes: "Devil's Deal" & "Rescue on Ryloth"

Graduation of Windy Falls Academy's eighth grade class was just around the corner. But first, it was that time of year before summer: spring break.

With all that'd been going on with all the clavatizations and constant lookout for escaped magical convicts, it would be nice to finally get a break from school, and hopefully from magical hero work.

Of course, a royal's and a senator's job was never done.

Today, Padme was accompanying her father-in-law and sister-in-law to Planet Ryloth, where they were overseeing recovery for the Twileks. After the Clone War, as well as Lady Morpha's attack on their lands, a lot of damage was caused, some severe enough to leave people homeless or jobless.

Padme looked over the balcony to see many of the people of Ryloth out, looking curious about how things were going to change now that the Clone War was over. Even with the Jedi to keep the peace and the royals of Enchantra's alliance, the threat of Mariverde and the escaped convicts remained at large. Not everyone was grateful that the royal family of Solaris had returned either; some even blamed them for leading the Doresho Gypsies to come back and attack, thus starting the Doresho War.

"Knowing it was an enemy of Solaris' royal family attacked them," said Padme. "I hope our presence here hasn't worried your people."

"Rest assured, Princess Skywalker. I speak for the people when I say this partnership is most welcome. Wouldn't you agree, Syndulla?"

"I will always support that which helps Ryloth." said Eleni Syndulla. She was none other than the mother of Omega's best friend Hera.

"What about you, General Syndulla?" said Qui-Gon. "Do you share your wife's outlook?"

"After years spent fighting, peace is what is needed." said Cham Syndulla, Eleni's husband and Hera's father.

"And with peace comes prosperity." said Senator Taa.

"I couldn't agree more." Kara said. "Both of those things will be essential to ensuring a safe galaxy for our children and future generations."

"This is a new era for Ryloth." Taa said. "Shall we?"

Clone Captain Howzer stood by as everyone but Cham walked out from the room.

"Everything all right, General?" asked the clone captain.

Cham sighed and said, "I should be content the war's over. But change is not always easy. I hope my people will embrace this peace."

"Ryloth is safe, Cham. This is what you fought for. And with Princess Padme involved, thing usually take a turn for the better."

"Yes, they do."

It was then that the senator and royals went to address the people.

"Thanks to the generosity of the royal family of Solaris among many other kingdoms, our new alliances will bring stability and growth to Ryloth once again. Now is the time for all Twileks to step down from their military posts and enjoy their hard-fought freedom."

Except, the people seemed to dislike that, and demanded to hear Cham Syndulla. Cham looked at his wife, and she nodded for him to go ahead.

"My friends, I understand your uneasiness." Cham began. "The one thing we have always done as a people is stand together to defend Ryloth. When the Clone War began and the Republic was losing, we were on our own. But when our losses mounted and the enemy closed in," Howzer stepped up then. "the clone army as well as the Jedi came to our aid. We would not be here today if it wasn't for them. They fought with us. They fought for us. And they have earned our respect. I trust them to protect us as they always have, as well as the royal family to aid in our time of need as they have since coming out of hiding. The war had ended. Let us lay down our weapons and focus on Ryloth's future."

The people then cheered.

"Too bad we didn't bring Omega," said Padme. "She might've liked to see Hera, if she were here to see this as well."

"Hera has other interests, Princess." Eleni said.

"Children tend to have various interests."

Meanwhile, young Hera Syndulla was searching about with her droid friend Chopper. Even with the peace right now, despite having no magic of her own like her friend Omega and her family, she wanted to aid in any way she could in the fight against Mariverde and her army.

"Anything suspicious yet?" said Hera.

Chopper just made a bunch of noises in response, prompting Hera to look through her binoculars.

"I don't know, Chop. Nothing looks out of the ordinary." Hera said. "Then again, I don't know a lot about magical creatures. Just a mining facility. I overheard Father say this is only the first location."

Chopper chattered a bit.

"No, we can't go. Uncle Gobi told us to stay and gather intel."

Hera decided to take some time to sit down and look up at the sky. It was so blue with fluffy white clouds, a bird squawking happily as it flew by. Laying back and looking around, Hera imagined what it might be like to fly a ship herself someday... until a couple of clone troopers came, having been sent by her parents to retrieve her

"Clones should not be the ones defending Ryloth." said Gobi. "How can Cham support this?"

"He knows the people are tired of fighting." said Eleni. "We can't go on as we have been."

"By turning over our weapons, he's made us defenseless. I can't accept that. I've already reached out to my contact to acquire more."

Except, those kinds of weapons would not do much good against magical creatures, which was why Kara was handing out as many magical bracelets as she could to the Twileks. On some of the visits to the many planets the royal family was aiding, the family began handing special bracelets to help the people. They didn't know yet how they could repel the mariclavas other than keeping emotions in check, but they did manage to create more bracelets that not only detected when one was nearby, but allowed someone to call for help. Even if an ordina managed to defeat the villain and break the clavatized item, they still needed an Enchanted to cast the Luminesk spell, otherwise the mariclava would just find a new holder.

Just then, Hera was brought in by some clone soldiers.

"What happened now?" said Eleni.

Howzer approached General Syndulla with his men and the young girl.

"Sorry about this, General, but they were found inside a restricted zone." said the captain.

Hera scoffed. "We were just exploring."

"I must warn you, General. If Mariverde managed to escape, and with all these magical convicts at large, it's not exactly safe for any kids to be let out alone. This can't happen again, at least until the threat is dealt with."

"I assure you it won't." Cham said. Ever since Hera came home for spring break, she'd been a bit of a rebel.

When the clones left, Cham pulled his daughter a little closer.

"What were you doing out there?"

"I already told you." shrugged Hera, trying to deny she'd been doing anything else.

"I want the truth, Hera."

Hera was about to say something, but Gobi stepped in and told Cham he'd sent Hera out there.

Eleni looked at her daughter and told her to go inside with Chopper. She walked her daughter in.

"It's not fair." Hera sighed. "We didn't do anything wrong."

"The refinery is off-limits, Hera. Right now, the royal family is working to provide proper means of protection because our old weapons would be useless in defense against this... butterfly gypsy or any of the escaped criminals from that magical prison."

Hera was surprised to hear her mother say that.

"Uh, I never said we were at the refinery. But, we were looking to see if any magical creatures were around."

"I have my ways too. Now then, tell me what you saw. Leave nothing out."

Meanwhile, with Gobi and Cham.

"That is unacceptable! Do you realize what could have happened if a dark wizard or something turned out to be there? My daughter, spying on facilities and who knows where else?"

"Why would it be spying? If those are to defend us as you say, what would they have to hide?"

"This is a delicate situation. Two members of the royal family as well as a member of the Jedi Council were clavatized not two weeks ago. If they can be affected by Mariverde's spell, anyone can be. I will not have you potentially putting Hera in danger of such."

"The clones were supposed to leave Ryloth when the war ended. We should not need to rely on magicians for defense."

"We agreed to disband when the time came. What was the point of fighting if we cannot accept peace?"

"We've been friends a long time, Cham. I'm telling you, this is not a good idea."

"Perhaps you need another perspective," said a new voice, startling the two twilek males.

"When did you get here?" Gobi said.

"Just now. Super speed, remember?" Kara crossed her arms. "I figured you should know, my family has always had the galaxy's best interests at heart, even before any of us knew we came from royalty. Unlike Mariverde, we use our power for good. And a wise friend of mine once told us that change is like seeds. If you tend to them rather than fear them, they will grow into something wonderful."

Qui-Gon sat in a private meeting with Senator Taa.

"Your people seem very at peace despite some hesitation in the beginning." Qui-Gon said.

"Did you see how the crowd reacted to him?" said the twilek senator. "His influence over them could be a problem."

"How exactly?" said Padme.

"Gobi Glie, his lieutenant is a potential real threat. Syndulla's fighters will always be loyal to him."

"Now, now." Qui-Gon said. "Let us not jump to conclusions. Change, as we have said is not easy. At the moment, some might feel as though they are having some things thrown right at them-"

BANG!

"Sorry, I'm late, Father." Kara said, panting as she arrived rather quickly.

"Um... Kara?" Padme said, motioning behind the speedy princess.

Kara felt mortified when she looked back at the closed door... which now had a perfect human-shaped hole in it. That happened sometimes as a result of Kara's speed.

"Oops. I can fix that." Kara said, simply snapping her fingers to make the pieces put themselves back together. "All better."

Later that same day, Hera looked up at the sky from her balcony as more birds were flying by.

Cham approached his daughter, and chuckled seeing how sweet it was that she'd never outgrown her sense of wonder with the sky.

"Do you still dream of flying." Hera said.

"All the time. Then I can go far from here."

"Hera, you go to school on Naboo."

"I mean besides where I go to school." Hera said. "Omega's family gets to go everywhere."

Cham sighed and looked out into the sky.

"My dream was for a free Ryloth. For our people to happily live in a world at peace. We have that now."

"The people don't seem very happy." Hera remarked.

"Their lives, much like yours, have been surrounded by war for far too long. But we are coming through it."

"Uncle Gobi doesn't think so. He says we should rely on our own defenses against Mariverde."

"I am well aware of what your uncle thinks. He and I want the same things, but differ in our approach."

"If we need to fight, I am as capable as anyone with or without powers. Gobi trusts me to do my part. Why can't you?"

"That fiery spirit," commented Cham with a chuckle. "You remind me of myself at your age. But I want more for you, Hera. Fighting, it takes a toll. My hope is after you graduate, you won't ever have to live a life like mine."

Still, Hera wished she could help in the fight against these dark wizards.

Ambassadors from other kingdoms of Enchantra arrived soon onto Ryloth. Some horses from Equinaro helped plow the dirt by the mines, whereas some nyphs from Spirituo provided seeds to grow food for the people, especially to feed the needy.

"You are certain all of these royal families are willing to help aid in our people's adjustments?" said Eleni.

"I assure you," said Padme. "We've negotiated great deals with the royal families, and they are dear friends of my family. They are more than willing to help out of the goodness of their hearts.

Mariposa, of course, tagged along to aid in proper placement of these gardens that would help feed the Twileks.

"How are we doing, Mari?" Padme called.

"Already, they are looking very healthy." Mariposa confirmed, tending to the sprouts.

"Hey, Mommy!" Goldie called. "I planted a tree all by myself!"

"That's wonderful, Goldie. Keep up the good work, and we can have an orchard here."

"She really has a way with plants, doesn't she?" Eleni commented.

"Yes, gardening is the only thing she loves as much as her own daughter."

"And what of defenses for Ryloth?" Cham asked.

Padme brought out a couple more of the bracelets her family made.

"A green glow means a mariclava is nearby. Tap this gem to alert someone for help."

As night fell, Hera went to her uncle Gobi and told her she couldn't go with him on the supply run they'd planned.

"Your father said no more spying. This is a simple supply run." said Gobi.

"Still, I think I should stay here." Hera said.

"All right, but I was going to let you fly this time."

That caught Hera's attention.

"Fly? Really?

"I guess it will have to wait."

"Chop, cover for me!" And then Hera rushed onto the ship.

Hera was so happy to finally have a chance to fly the ship.

"Making our approach at one six two." Hera looked at Gobi. "How was that?"

"Yes, yes. Very good. Now ease off on the thrust. It's time to land."

"I can do it!"

"No takeoffs or landings. Not yet."

Hera pouted at that.

"Watch and learn." Gobi told her, and another Twilek took the wheel.

And so, the ship was landed.

"So, what exactly are we picking up?" Hera asked curiously.

"Weapons." Gobi answered.

"But we just turned over our old weapons to the Republic." Hera said.

"Not for long."

"But what if the royal family finds out?"

Suddenly, that was when a ship Hera had only seen once or twice when her Omega and her siblings were picked up from school. The Marauder?

Hera was confused, especially when she saw the Bad Batch exit the vehicle.

"Are you Gobi? Cid sent us." Hunter said.

"Along with three dozen blasters and a case of thermal detonators." Tech added.

"Let's see them," said Gobi.

Omega sat on the steps of the Marauder, when she saw her schoolmate, and the two ran to each other and hugged.

"What are you doing here?" They asked each other.

"On a mission for Cid. She's been helping us locate different convicts that come to light. You?" said Omega.

"A supply run." Hera said, looking at the Marauder. "What kind of ship is this?"

"A modified Omicron-class attack shuttle." Omega said.

"Can I have a look inside?" Hera had seen the outside of the Marauder plenty of times, including once or twice when she came to visit Omega.

"Hunter, can she come aboard?"

Hunter gave the a-okay with a simple nod.

"Okay. You can come up." said Omega.

Hera was so intrigued when she got to see the inside of the ship, and Omega showed her everything it had.

"You sure know a lot about this." Hera said. "Have you flown it yourself yet?"

"No. Tech won't let me train until I can recite all the ship's specifications from memory. And my mom says I can't use magic to do it. I can fly with my wings though, or when I'm riding Estrella."

"I don't know much about flying living things except that they're pretty different from flying a ship. Either way, specs are only half of flying. It's about... it's about a feeling."

"What do you mean?" Omega asked.

"When I close my eyes and picture myself up there, I feel it. The instruments help guide you, but you plot your course. You're free."

"So, you've been training as a pilot?"

"Not exactly. But soon, I hope. And one day, I'll be a real pilot."

"Come on. I'll show you my favorite part of the ship." Omega said. And she showed Hera a special seat where Omega got to sit and watch the stars, and sometime sleep when the flight was long.

"Technically, it's our gunner's mount," chuckled Omega. "But when we're not getting chased or shot at, it's my special place."

"Anyone chase you lately?"

"Other than Gabby tigger tagging me, no one really. Haven't seen much magic activity lately. Not necessarily a good thing. But Garrett's been continuing our lessons."

Meanwhile, the Batchers exchanged the weapons for credits.

"Have Cid contact us when she has more to sell."

With that done, Gobi called Hera to get going.

Omega waved goodbye to her friend as she took off.

"Have a good visit with your friend?" said Hunter.

"Yup. Did you know flying's about a feeling?" Omega said before heading back to the ship.

"What feeling?" asked Tech.

It was early in the morning on Ryloth by the time Gobi's ship came back.

"If takeoffs and landings are the hardest," reasoned Hera. "Isn't that more reason to teach me?"

"You are persistent." Gobi admitted.

Just then, the controls started to malfunction, and the ship started to go down into the gorge down below.

"What happened?" said Hera.

"I don't know." Gobi said. "I'm going to see what the ship's condition is outside. Stay here."

Hera stayed behind as she was told, only for something to jump onto the windshield, which made Hera scream. It was some kind of ugly little orange creature that looked almost reptilian and had big ears like a chihuahua. It was digging into the wiring and circuitry of the ship. But there was more than one. There were a bunch of them! And some even came inside the ship and started messing with the weapons. Luckily, Hera managed to throw one of them off by flashing a picture with the camera on her phones.

Quickly, Hera and the other Twilek got the heck out of that ship and ran from those creatures. Fortunately for them, they ran into some clone troopers who managed to get them farther away. Unfortunately, some more of those creatures came and attacked their hover-scooters, prompting the Twileks to jump and keep running.

Except, they quickly found they weren't the only ones being attacked.

"What are those things?!" Gobi said.

"I might know someone who will know." Hera said.

Meanwhile, in space...

Omega was doing some work on Gonky's prime power source, only for it to short out.

"Oops." Omega said.

"What's going on here?" Hunter asked.

"Gonky's prime power source won't fully charge. I'm fixing it."

"You can't. He's a defective unit. Even your father couldn't fix him if he tried."

That was when Tech called.

Gonky honked as though feeling sad.

"Don't worry. We're defective too." Omega said.

Tech told Hunter they were receiving a recorded transmission, but he didn't recognize the frequency.

"Patch it through." Hunter told him.

And through the transmission was none other than Hera.

"Omega, you have to come back to Ryloth." said the young Twilek.

"Isn't that Omega's friend?"

"Hera?" said Omega, surprised.

"Some strange creatures are attacking all the city's circuitry and vehicles. I don't know what they are or how to beat them, but I got a picture of one I'm sending you now. Please hurry."

"Perhaps the situation is not as dire as described," said Tech. "Children often overreact."

"No we don't." Omega defended. "You heard her. She needs us."

That was when Omega's phone beeped, and she looked to see a picture Hera sent.

"Gah!" Omega nearly dropped her phone at the sight of it, and Crosshair grabbed it. But he too cringed at the picture.

"What is that thing?" Crosshair said, showing the picture to the others.

"No idea." Echo said. "But it's pretty ugly. And we might know just who knows what this is."

"Alright, Lamenta. Concentrate." Garrett told Lamenta.

Lamenta was having a private lesson today with Garrett regarding her dream magic. While the babies were napping, Lamenta was concentrating on entering their dreams. Since babies were very innocent and simple minded, there was little chance Lamenta would run into some horrifying nightmare. In this case, she was working to create sweet dreams for them.

"Okay, I got this." Lamenta whispered to herself.

Lamenta closed her eyes and concentrated. Garrett observed as Lamenta progress, when he felt his phone buzzing in his pocket.

While Lamenta was deep in focus, Garrett stepped out and answered the call.

"Omega, nice to hear from you." Garrett said.

"Garrett, we've got an important creature question." Omega said, and then she pulled up the picture. "Do you know what kind of creature this is? Hera says they've been attacking on Ryloth."

Garrett looked at the picture and... "Uh oh!"

"I don't like the sound of that," said Hunter.

"This is definitely bad. That is a gremlin, a very mischievous creature with a very curious mind towards machines."

"How exactly does that make these creature dangerous?" Tech asked.

"Gremlins love taking things apart, but they're not so good at putting them back together. In other words, they're destructive towards machines."

"Uh oh," said Wrecker.

"You'll need more help to deal with this problem." But then Garrett looked at the picture again. "Come to think of it, I've never seen a gremlin that looks like these ones before."

"Are there different kinds of gremlins?" Omega asked.

"There are. Most are nocturnal. Diurnal gremlins are very rare."

"Doresho gypsy rare, or diamond rare?"

"In between. But I believe I've heard stories of them also being rather pesky with things other than machines, the diurnal ones. You may need some help with this mission."

Before Garrett hung up, he told the Batch he was going to send back up, especially given the fact that they had no idea what they were really in for with these gremlins.