Anakin had been trying to think of how he should go about what he was about to do since Obi-Wan had pulled him aside earlier.

Anakin's gut churned unpleasantly as he thought of what Obi-Wan had said about the real reason why Zelina had been sent on this mission with them. Vaguely, he wondered if Zelina had even known the true nature of her orders.

Anakin repressed a shudder as Obi-Wan's words floated back to him...

She's closed herself off from everyone, and Aayla is...worried...about the path she's headed down. They put her with us to help her. They're worried that she...that she might fall if she doesn't get some form of help soon, and they know that we're her oldest friends. They know if anyone can help her, it's us. And I know if anyone can get through to her...it's you. She needs you Anakin. When you get the chance...see if you can talk to her, see if you can get through to her. We both need to be there for her; she needs all the help she can get.

Anakin sighed, coming to a halt outside the door to her quarters and pausing just before he could knock. Would she even really listen to him? What could he possibly say?

Before he could turn around, Anakin went ahead and knocked on her door. He didn't have to wait long before Zelina opened the door, surprise flickering across her features when she saw him. She leaned on the doorframe. "Ani; what are you doing here? I thought you were on the bridge coordinating what we're going to do when we land."

Anakin smiled, his arms crossed over his chest. "I was...but something else came up."

Zelina smirked a little. "I'm not in trouble, am I?" she asked with a light chuckle.

Anakin's smile slipped a little at that, a fact that Zelina didn't miss. Her own smile disappeared almost instantly. "Zee...can I come in?"

Zelina schooled her expression into a mask of calm that could rival Obi-Wan's before she stepped aside. "Yeah, sure Anakin."

Anakin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he walked inside. "I talked to Obi-Wan earlier, and he told me some things..."

"What things?" Zelina asked suspiciously.

Anakin turned to face her, leaning against the wall. "Apparently you've attracted the Council's attention recently, and not in a good way either."

Zelina sighed, matching his stance. "Great, what did I do now?"

Anakin chuckled a little before he shook his head, sobering. "You're not doing as well as you keep telling everyone, are you?"

Zelina looked away, an all too familiar expression falling across her face. Obviously, he had struck home. The small twinge of guilt he sensed from her through the Force only served to confirm it. Anakin sighed. "Zee, will you please tell me what's going on with you? Really?"

They locked gazes, and Anakin saw a look stir in her eyes, a look that he had noticed here and there, mostly when she thought he wasn't looking or they were alone. Whatever it was that she thought when that looked showed in her eyes, it usually meant she was about to comply to whatever he had asked.

Zelina looked away with a small sigh, staring at her feet for a few moments. "I've been trying to find out who killed Ur-Sema," she started quietly. "Whoever killed her...they have her lightsaber. I would recognize it anywhere."

Anakin relaxed a little, feeling a strong sense of sympathy towards her and an urge to give her a comforting hug. However, he knew there was more to it. "Obi-Wan said that you've been closed off, and apparently Aayla is worried about the direction you've taken recently," Anakin said softly.

Zelina kept her eyes cast down, and this time, Anakin thought she might not answer. She looked up at the ceiling, at the other wall, everywhere but at him. Finally, he caught the sight of a tear falling from her eyes. For a moment, he was startled, having not expected her to cry.

But only for a moment.

Anakin crossed the distance between them in a few quick strides, pulling Zelina tightly to him, just as he had the day she'd found out Ur-Sema had been killed. Gently, he rubbed her back, letting her cry silently in his shoulder. "Hey, it's alright Zelina, I'm here, nothing's going to hurt you...I'm here."

"I-I'm afraid," she finally whispered. "I'm afraid I'll lose someone else, Anakin...a-and I can't stand the thought."

"So you shut everyone out, to keep yourself from caring about anyone else," Anakin stated quietly. Zelina nodded against his chest, a soft sob breaking through.

"I couldn't take it if I-I lost y-you, or O-Obi-Wan, or P-Padme," she finally managed to force out.

At the thought, Anakin felt fear clench at his heart. What would he do if he lost Padme? If he lost Obi-Wan?

What would he do if he lost Zelina, the very person he was attempting to comfort?

Anakin shoved the thoughts away, locking them up in the back of his mind where they would hopefully not disturb him. Gently he tipped Zelina's head up so that she would look him in the eyes.

"Don't talk like that," Anakin said quietly. "You won't lose any of us, alright? And we're all here for you. You're not alone. Besides, you and I have a promise to keep. To the end, no matter what. Remember?"

Zelina laughed a little, casting her tear-filled eyes down. "Of course I remember Anakin."

Anakin smiled slightly, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Then trust me. You won't lose us, alright? No more crying. Things will get better, alright? Closing yourself off from everyone and becoming bitter won't help anyone, especially not you," Anakin told her quietly.

Zelina nodded in acceptance, but didn't let go. Anakin didn't mind. She could stay in his arms as long as she needed to.

And that's just what they did. They stood in each other's arms, safe from the tumultuous galaxy around them for the time being.

***************************************

"Lieutenant: did the kidnappers see you?"

Anakin and Zelina stood together—much later—as Anakin received the report of what they were up against.

Zelina did her best to relax beside Anakin. Their talk earlier had been something that she had been in desperate need of, and she planned on taking what he had said to heart.

Left alone to her thoughts, Zelina had realized that she had begun to take a dark turn. Hopefully she could turn herself around and get back on track.

Though she wasn't about to let her Master's killer get away either. That plan wasn't going to change.

"No sir. We're the best scouts in the regiment," the trooper responded.

"What about the bounty hunters? Are they still down there?" Anakin asked.

"I don't think so," the trooper responded. "We haven't seen them in a while."

"Well, what are we up against?" Anakin asked.

"Looks like at least two droid battalions protecting the monastery. It's heavily fortified sir, you won't be able to land there."

"Oh no, you've gone and done it now," Zelina chuckled. "Anakin has officially accepted that challenge."

Anakin rolled his eyes. "Good work you two. Get some rest," Anakin said before he gestured for Zelina to follow him. "Seriously Zee?"

Zelina chuckled. "Sorry Ani, I could see that look in your eyes."

"Mhm." Anakin smiled, wandering over to where Ahsoka stood in the middle of a group of troopers.

"This ought to be interesting," Zelina said in amusement. Anakin seemed to silently agree.

"That sounds like a lot, even for a Jedi," one of the troopers were saying as Anakin and Zelina pushed their way through.

"I heard you were surrounded by droids. How did you ever get the shield down?" another asked.

Ahsoka smiled. "Okay, so there's a wall behind him, with a hole in the middle..."

Zelina elbowed Anakin. "Hey, what do you know, she's talking about you," Zelina muttered with a smirk.

"So I pull the wall down on top of the droids, destroying them, and saving the General," Ahsoka finished.

The clones around them started laughing, and Zelina gave Anakin a small smile, unable to help but snicker a little at the situation.

"Is that true sir?" Rex asked with a chuckle, turning to Anakin.

"Well, most of it," Anakin said, smiling a little himself. "All right men, we still have a job to do."

"Yes sir. You heard the General; move it!" Rex commanded.

"Would this be a good time to teach you that a Jedi is humble, my young Padawan?" Anakin asked as they all fell into step together.

"Says the one I distinctly remember telling stories to Padme on Varykino all the time," Zelina said with a chuckle.

"Sorry," Ahoska said with a smile. "Just trying to keep the boys inspired is all."

Anakin sighed. "Great, now there's two," he muttered.

"Now you know how Obi-Wan felt whenever you and I got together."

"Oh, shush Zee."

"Yes Master Skywalker," Zelina mocked lightly.

For a moment, Zelina seriously believed he was going to bang his head against R2's dome in frustration.

*********************************

Soon, they were back in the lovely cruisers, on their way to the monastery while Obi-Wan briefed them about his negotiations with Jabba. Zelina pulled her dark-grey-practically-black hood lower to cover her facial features.

"All right Anakin, Zelina, here's the story," Obi-Wan's holoimage informed them. "Jabba has only given us one planetary rotation to get his son back home to Tatooine safe and sound."

"It won't take us that long Master," Anakin said confidently.

"Well take extreme care. We have no idea who's holding Jabba's son. When I finish negotiations with him, I will join you," Obi-Wan informed them. "Zelina, make sure he doesn't do anything foolish."

"Hey," Anakin protested, avoiding the gaze of the troopers around them.

"Will do Obi-Wan," Zelina said with a smile, ignoring Anakin's exclamation.

They drew closer, and Anakin turned to Ahsoka, the transmission with Obi-Wan ended. "Stay close to me: if you can," Anakin told Ahsoka.

"It won't be a problem Master," Ahsoka said snippily.

"Well, it won't be for me," Zelina said with a smile.

"This isn't practice Ahsoka," Anakin said firmly, ignoring Zelina's comment.

"I know! And I'll try not to get you killed," Ahsoka replied.

The two shared a smile, but the moment was shattered by turbulence as they finally came under fire.

"Ah, this is where the fun begins," Zelina said, her tone perhaps a little too eager. She plunged herself into the Force, taking several deep breaths as she strove to find some peace and balance inside the tranquil waves of the light side of the Force. It would provide her with a center of focus and give her clarity throughout the battle.

"Sir, we're taking heavy fire," the pilot called.

Anakin spun around to address the pilot. "Close the blast shields lieutenant, get us under those guns!"

Zelina smiled at Anakin. "I see what you're thinking."

"Glad we're on the same page. Feeling up to it?"

"As ready as ever."

Ahsoka stared at them. "Do you two have a secret language or something? Because I'm missing something, obviously."

"No secret language. We just know each other really well," Zelina explained. "That's what happens when you've known someone as far back as you can remember."

"Can we take a trip down memory lane when we're not under attack?" Anakin asked.

"Why not Ani, isn't that when we connect the best?" Zelina said innocently.

With the blast shields shut, the red lights flickering on, they all settled into the zone, getting ready for the fight. Zelina fingered her lightsaber on her belt, subtly undoing it from her belt. Ahsoka seemed a little unnerved as the troopers got ready all around them, checking their uniforms and blasters. It didn't phase Zelina at all; she was used to it by now. Though Anakin gave Ahsoka a reassuring nod.

They finally landed on the ground, the doors slid open, and the sound of blaster fire and explosions fell on Zelina's ears as she jumped out the door with Anakin, her violet lightsaber blazing brilliantly in the middle of the battlefield.

"Follow me!" Anakin shouted out. Zelina instinctively deflected the blaster fire raining down on them as she weaved between the troopers, protecting them from the fire the same time she caught up to Anakin, pressing flat against the wall beside him.

A droid dropped in front of them, and she rolled her eyes. "Stupid droids."

"This is where the fun begins, right Du'ahn?" Ahsoka asked.

"Zelina. Just call me Zelina," Zelina corrected her.

"Race you two to the top?" Anakin asked, glancing at them.

"I'll give you a head start," Ahsoka said with a grin.

"Your mistake!" Anakin exclaimed, turning around to start his climb.

Zelina had started climbing as soon as Ahsoka made the mistake of saying 'head start.'

"Hey Zee, I think you're cheating!" Anakin called as he blocked the red bolts reigning down on them.

"Not cheating Ani, just acting on experience!" Zelina called back, climbing up the ascension cables rapidly. She had half a mind to start free climbing to see if she could go even faster that way. However, she knew that would be a foolish move, because she would need both hands to free climb. She wasn't going to sacrifice her safety and ability to block the blaster shots simply to beat Anakin to the top.

Though apparently Ahsoka was willing to put herself at risk by standing on the front of a walker.

In fact, when her specific walker became a target and tore halfway off the cliff wall, both Anakin and Zelina reacted immediately.

Zelina ran along the length of the wall with her cable, swinging down to land on the walker whilst keeping a firm hold of her cable.

Anakin completely free-styled it, jumping on the droids so quickly Ahsoka seemed to barely register what was happening, even as Zelina pulled her back to the top of the walker.

"You gotta keep up!" Anakin called back as he raced away on one of the crafts he stole from the droids.

"Hey, no fair!" Ahsoka called after him.

Zelina patted Ahsoka on the back. "Don't worry, you'll learn how to keep up with him in time," Zelina said with a chuckle. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to make sure he stays on his leash and doesn't go too crazy," she joked.

Zelina launched back to climbing up the rocky wall, pulling herself rapidly upwards as she fought to catch up with Anakin. She'd risked putting her lightsaber up so she could climb faster and make up for her lost ground, relying on the Force to guide her away from the oncoming blaster bolts.

One grazed her cheek, burning the flesh, and she clenched her jaw in determination as she pushed on.

She growled in frustration. This wasn't working. She wanted to go faster. Surely there was something she could hop on to go faster up the wall?

Then she got an idea. She couldn't see any other crafts to steal out from under the droids to fly herself up to the top, but she could always use those lovely dwarf spider droids to launch herself upwards. And if she ran out of those, she could start to free climb.

"See you at the top Rex, Ahsoka!" she called down. Before the two could answer, Zelina gathered herself, drawing on the Force as she launched herself upwards, landing on a dwarf spider droid. Pulling out her lightsaber, she began to cut off their blaster cannons before she launched herself to the next one, quickly covering ground on her way to the top. She was lucky that they were so spaced out on the way up, allowing for the ascent to be easier.

At least until she realized they had stopped sending the stupid things down.

"Looks like I'm free climbing," she muttered to herself, launching up to the nearest ledge. Soon, she was underneath the droids, free from the heavy fire, and able to swiftly move her way up, jumping from ledge to ledge. There was once or twice when she came close to toppling down to the bottom, but she was able to hold to the cliff.

Droids came flying over the edge, probably compliments of Anakin, before Zelina finally graced the top with her presence. She had to duck as Anakin sent a super battle droid hurtling over the edge, barely missing her in the process.

"Hey, watch where you're throwing the leftovers!" Zelina protested.

"I see you decided to join the party," Anakin chuckled.

"Just in time too, it seems our friends sent some party crashers," Zelina muttered, coming to stand beside him as three droidekas came rolling towards them.

"Blast it Ahsoka; I told you to stay close to me," Anakin muttered under his breath.

"Hey, at least you've got me," Zelina chuckled.

There was a loud boom, and the three droidekas were blasted away in one hit. Turning, the two spotted Ahsoka, standing tall on the walker that had just reached the top.

"I can't get much closer Skyguy," Ahsoka said smugly.

"I knew you'd get here Snips; eventually," he responded just as smugly.

"Always in time to save your life," Ahsoka said cheerily.

"All clear General," Rex said as he approached them.

"Nice work Rex," Anakin responded. "Have some men look after the wounded.

"Roger that sir."

"Shall we start looking for a certain Hutt?" Zelina asked, eyeballing the monastery as she clipped her lightsaber to her side.

"There's too many droids here for the kidnappers to be renegades; I sense Count Dooku's hand in this," Anakin muttered, looking around at the droid carnage. "Let's find Jabba's son and get out of here," he agreed, smiling a little at Zelina.

"No problem: the hard part's over," Ahsoka said cheerily.

"I wish you wouldn't say that," Zelina and Anakin groaned at the same time. Zelina laughed, shaking her head as they all made their way to the monastery doors.

"I'd bet my credit allowance that there's some sort of surprise waiting for us inside that monastery," Zelina told Anakin. He sighed.

"Most likely. You ready, just in case?"

"Ready as ever."

Entering the monastery, Zelina's eyes scanned the darkened room.

"I don't like this place; it gives me the creeps" Rex said.

"Me too. There's definitely something here...I can sense as much," Zelina muttered.

"Smugglers take these monasteries over and turn them into their own personal retreats," Anakin informed them.

"And the monks just let them?" Ahsoka asked.

"Smugglers usually get what they want," Anakin responded a little sharply. "One way or another."

The sound of a door opening caused all of them to reach for their lightsabers, tensing for any possible oncoming threat. Anakin and Zelina actually activated their lightsabers as a droid came wobbling in.

"Uh, good guy or bad guy, Master?" Ahsoka asked hesitantly.

"Well, he's not shooting," Zelina muttered.

"Who are you?" Anakin asked defensively.

"Merely the humble caretaker oh mighty sir. You have liberated me from those dreadful battle bots—I am most thankful," the droid responded. Zelina thought the droid was laying the gratitude on a little thick, though then again, 3PO was twenty times worse on a daily basis.

"Where is the Hutt?" Anakin asked sharply.

"The battle bots kept their prisoners on the detention level. I must warn you it is very dangerous down there my friend. Not a place for a servant girl," the droid said, the last part aimed at Ahsoka.

Zelina didn't like the way he said 'my friend' either. Mentally, she made a note to keep her eye on the droid.

"Do servant girls carry these?" Ahsoka asked a little angrily, activating her lightsaber. It alarmed Zelina how short tempered the girl was. Even Anakin was better about his temper these days then Ahsoka currently was. "I am a Jedi Knight."

Anakin folded his arms and shot Ahsoka a glare, and this time, Zelina wasn't going to cover for Ahsoka. She knew firsthand how dangerous a short temper could be, as did Anakin. This was one lesson Ahsoka was going to learn.

"Or soon will be," Ahsoka added hastily at the look on Anakin's face.

"A thousand apologies young one," the droid said. Ahsoka walked right past him without a word.

"Captain, we'll get the Hutt. Stay here and keep your eyes open," Anakin informed Rex.

"Copy that sir," Rex responded as both Anakin and Zelina moved to follow after Ahsoka.

"You might want to give her a lesson about that temper of hers," Zelina said softly.

"That's what I was just thinking," Anakin muttered.

"At least we're both on the same page there," Zelina said in mild amusement.

************************************

Zelina walked just behind Anakin, hand on her lightsaber, though perfectly at ease. There were droids in almost every room they passed, though Zelina could tell what Anakin was thinking. Just draw them all out and get rid of them all at once. So, she didn't say anything, and did her best to keep from springing into action.

"Master, you know you're walking us into a trap," Ahsoka said wearily.

"I know," Anakin said simply in reply.

"Sometimes you just have to spring the trap to get the best results," Zelina told Ahsoka quietly.

"We just passed two more droids!" Ahoska exclaimed, obviously worried.

"I know," Anakin said, I little more forcibly this time. Perhaps even with a hint of annoyance.

He's definitely starting to understand Obi-Wan's frustration with him, Zelina thought with amusement. Out of boredom, Zelina found herself tracing the muscles in his shoulders and back, looking as if they were at ease but really coiled and ready to launch into action at the first hint of real trouble. Zelina could sense that the droids were not the most dangerous thing lurking in the monastery, and for a moment, she wondered if Anakin could too.

"Well I don't like this! Can I just take care of them?" Ahsoka asked, some of her impatience and even some desperation leaking into her tone.

"Oh, well, if you feel so strongly about it; go ahead," Anakin said in amusement. They both turned to watch as Ahsoka turned on the droids that had been following them, cutting almost all of them down.

Almost.

"Not bad. You remembered to destroy their weapons first," Anakin mused, a smirk starting to play across his features.

"I'm improving your technique," Ahsoka told him smartly.

Challenge accepted, Zelina thought, recognizing the look on Anakin's face immediately.

In response, Anakin activated his lightsaber and ran the droid in the doorway behind him through without even looking. "Of course, you did miss one."

"I did that on purpose," Ahsoka muttered as they continued on.

Anakin stopped at one of the doors. "I sense our kidnapped Hutt is in here," Anakin said slowly.

"Uhg, I smell him too," Ahsoka groaned.

The door opened, and out of the shadows wiggled a very, very tiny Hutt baby. Zelina openly stared.

"He's a lot younger than I thought he'd be," Anakin said, also staring at the baby.

"That's what I was just thinking," Zelina mumbled.

"Aww, he's just a baby!" Ahsoka exclaimed, getting down in front of the Hutt. "This will make our job a lot easier."

Zelina folded her arms over her chest, staring at the girl. "You've never dealt with kids, have you?"

"Oh, he's so cute!" Ahsoka responded.

"Just wait until you see what he'll grow into," Anakin responded in obvious distaste.

Zelina shot him a look. "Uhg, Anakin, don't give me that picture. Let the girl have her moment."

"I'm just saying!" Anakin responded, looking back down the hall.

"Come on Ahsoka, get the little guy so we can go," Zelina said with a smile. The sooner they got this over with, the better of a mood she knew Anakin would be in.

"General Skywalker, the castle is secure, and it's nearly midday," came Rex's voice over Anakin's com link.

"Thanks Rex, we've got Jabba's son. Any sign of General Kenobi yet?" Anakin responded whilst Ahsoka played with the little Hutt.

"No sir," Rex responded.

"Master," Ahsoka called softly. "My Jedi training didn't prepare me for this. What are we going to do?"

Anakin and Zelina both gave her a small smile. "Well," Anakin started. "Since you think that smelly larva is cute, you're going to carry it."

"Isn't he just great with kids?" Zelina said sarcastically as Anakin started down the hall.

Jabba's son started to cry.

***************************************

"How do you like your little buddy now? Still cute?" Anakin asked as they made their way out of the monastery. The little Hutt had continued to cry.

Ahsoka hefted the little one higher, getting a better grip on him and causing Zelina to chuckle. "No. he's reminding me of you more and more," Ahsoka responded snippily.

Anakin appraised the Hutt baby for a moment, which smiled at him. "See?" Ahsoka continued. "You're two of a kind!"

Zelina couldn't help but laugh, even if she knew it was kind of an insult to Anakin to be told he was the same as a Hutt. Ahsoka only meant in temperament, and she wasn't aware of their past, so she got leeway.

"Maybe you should carry both of us then," Anakin replied in a snarky tone before walking away. Ahsoka's worried tone caused both Anakin and Zelina to pause though.

"Master, I think this little guy is sick!" she said worriedly. "He's burning up with a fever."

Zelina appraised the little Hutt baby while Anakin gently laid a hand on its forehead.

"You're right. We've got to get him back to the ship immediately," Anakin said seriously. "Trooper! Get me a backpack!"

The trooper responded immediately, and the two crouched down to try and situate the little tyke into the backpack.

"Will you just let me do it?" Ahsoka snapped.

"I hate Hutts," Anakin muttered bitterly.

Zelina simply sighed and went over to stand by Rex. "These two take a lot out of a person," Zelina told him.

"Already driving you to your wits end, are they Commander?" Rex replied with a smirk.

Zelina laughed. "I thought Anakin was a handful. Putting them together: they're near impossible!"

"They're effective."

"I never said they weren't Rex." She sighed. "I better go over there and see what General Kenobi has to say. I'll talk to you later, huh Rex?"

"Of course Commander."

Zelina approached Anakin and Ahsoka, who were addressing Obi-Wan.

"Anakin, Zelina, did you locate Jabba's son?" Obi-Wan asked.

"We have him, but it looks like the Separatists are behind his abduction," Anakin responded grimly. "This smells like Count Dooku to me."

"I think it's little Stinky you smell," Ahsoka whispered.

"Seriously you two?" Zelina asked in amusement as she reached them.

"I'll bet Dooku is using us to get Jabba to join the Separatists," Obi-Wan acknowledged.

"Master Kenobi, we have another problem; this huttlet is very sick," Ahsoka told him.

"I'm not sure we can get him back to Tatooine alive Master," Anakin said rather grimly. "This whole rescue may backfire on us. I still don't think dealing with the Hutts is a good idea."

"Anakin, you know they control shipping routes in the Outer Rim. Jabba's cooperation is crucial to the war effort. If you let anything happen to his son, our chances of a treaty with him will disappear," Obi-Wan said seriously.

At that moment, Zelina heard the sound of incoming ships. It was Ahsoka who spotted them though. "Master, we've got trouble!"

"Defensive positions!" Rex called out as they registered the Separatist ships above them. Zelina had already activated her lightsaber.

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan exclaimed.

"I'll have to call you back Master! We're under attack! We could use a little help here, if you have the time!" Anakin said hurriedly.

"I'll get there as soon as I can. Protect the Hutt Anakin. You two Zelina. All of you." With that, Obi-Wan disappeared, and they were thrust into action.

"Well, it seems you were right about the Separatist involvement!" Zelina exclaimed as Anakin activated his lightsaber. They both moved to deflect the shots that came raining down on them from the Separatists. More droids were coming at them from the entrance, and R2 barely hopped out of the Starfighter before it was destroyed.

"Anakin, I can already tell that there's too many of them, we need to get out of here," Zelina told him seriously. "Or at least find better cover until Obi-Wan arrives."

Anakin glanced at her in silent agreement before he turned to Ahsoka. "Get inside," he told her. He turned to the men with a similar command. "Fall back!"

"Are we going to cover them?" Zelina asked as they slowly started to back up.

"Of course," Anakin grunted, deflecting several blaster bolts that came at him at once.

"Well, let's hope that door doesn't shut before we can get in ourselves," Zelina responded, glancing back at the door that was steadily closing.

"Yeah, I'd rather be on that side of the party than this side."

"Same," Zelina responded. She winced when one of the walkers were shot down and crushed some of the other men.

Anakin grabbed her arm, yanking her back. "Zee, come on!"

Zelina let him pull her down, and both of them rolled under the door just in time before it thudded closed behind them. Anakin was on top of her as they both registered that they were alright, instinctively shielding her from any possible danger.

Personally, Zelina was perfectly content just lying there a little longer. However, that wasn't going to be the case. Anakin pushed himself up, holding out a hand to pull her up before he turned to address Rex.

"Captain, we'll stay here until General Kenobi arrives with reinforcements."

Ahsoka was giving him a look, which only seemed to confuse him. "What?" Anakin asked.

"Master, do you honestly think we can hold them off? We've got to find a way out of here!" she said.

"Our mandate is to protect this Hutt, and that's what we're going to do Ahsoka," Anakin said firmly.

"Now why does that sound familiar? That sounds like...who does that sound like? Oh, that's right! That sounds like Obi-Wan!" Zelina teased him lightly. Anakin shot her a glare and she put her hands up in defense. "Hey, it's karma Ani, I'm just pointing it out."

"Our mandate was to get this Hutt back to Tatooine, and time is running out," Ahsoka responded curtly.

"And there's you Ani, right there," Zelina added.

"Zelina; not now," Anakin said curtly before he turned his attention back to Ahsoka. "I suppose you have a plan?" Anakin asked Ahsoka.

Ahsoka smiled and looked at R2. "Yes! Or, I think so. R2 willing."

Anakin returned her smile. "All right Snips, I'll trust you on this one." He turned back to Rex. "Captain, hold them here as long as you can."

"Will do sir!" Rex responded as the three walked away. "You heard the General: get ready to turn those clankers into scrap metal!"

******************************************

"If there's a way out of here, R2 will find it," Ahsoka said confidently as they came to a stop in one of the many hallways of the monastery. Zelina stood behind her, checking the huttlet while they waited for R2.

"Make it quick," Anakin told R2. He glanced over at Zelina and the huttlet. "Finally asleep huh? Put him down. You two get some rest too, alright? It's been a long day."

"But I can hold him Master," Ahsoka protested as Anakin stepped away. "I'm not tired."

Anakin and Zelina both sat down on the stone slab in the room, Zelina reclining against the wall. "Okay, suit yourself," Anakin told her. "I don't see why you won't just listen to me."

"I do listen to you Master. I just don't like being treated like a youngling."

"Alright Obi-Wan, Anakin," Zelina chuckled lightly as she nudged Anakin when she said Obi-Wan. "Settle down and get some rest already."

"You must have patience," Anakin told Ahsoka as he himself leaned against the wall, only taking the time to shoot Zelina a look before turning his full attention back to Ahsoka. "What are you trying to prove anyway?"

"That I'm not too young to be a Padawan," Ahsoka admitted.

"Ahsoka," Anakin sighed, standing up. "A very wise Jedi once said nothing happens by accident..."

Zelina looked away at the mention of Qui-Gon, staring at the wall so no one would see the tears prickling in her eyes. That was one of her many childhood scars she wasn't going to forget.

"It is the will of the Force that you are at my side," Anakin continued quietly. "I just want to keep you there in one piece."

After that, Ahsoka obliged, setting down the Hutt to get some sleep herself. "All right you two, get some rest," Zelina muttered.

Anakin seemed to hear the undercurrent of emotion in her voice and came to sit by her. "Are you going to be able to sleep?" he asked her softly. Zelina nodded.

"Yeah, eventually."

Anakin sighed. "Well, I'm right here if you need anything."

"I know Ani," Zelina mumbled. She was already slipping into sleep, able to comfortably rest knowing that Anakin was at her side.

******************************************

She figured she had just fallen asleep when a sudden boom rocked the monastery. Immediately, the sleepiness went away, and Zelina was on her feet.

"That sounded bad," Anakin remarked, standing at the ready. Luckily, R2 had just found a way out.

"A back door landing platform!" Ahsoka exclaimed at the sight of the image R2 had projected.

"We'll call for a gunship when we get there," Anakin told her. "Lead the way R2!"

"So much for some rest," Zelina muttered under her breath.

"Ahsoka, wait! Where's Stinky?" Anakin asked, picking up an empty backpack.

"You told me to put him down!" Ahsoka responded.

They heard the sounds of the Hutt coming from under the stone slab, and Anakin peeked under the bed, reaching under it. "Come out of there you grubby little slug!" Anakin exclaimed, pulling the Hutt out by its tail. Anakin secured the Hutt baby tightly into the backpack. "Let's see you get out of there this time."

His com link went off. "Anakin, come in," Rex said.

"Anakin?" Ahsoka asked.

Zelina gave Anakin a look. "Something's wrong with this picture already. Obviously."

"We've held the droids sir," Rex's voice continued.

"That's not like Rex," Anakin agreed, staring at his com link.

"What is your location?" Rex asked.

"Ventress," Anakin hissed. Zelina visibly bristled.

"Dooku's assassin?" Ahsoka asked.

"She's here to kill the Hutt, come on," Anakin said stiffly, already turning to leave.

"Right behind you Ani," Zelina said seriously.

***********************************************

They finally found the landing platform, and Zelina anxiously looked out over the open expanse of cloud surrounding them, turned a reddish orange from the sunset.

"Skywalker to Obi-Wan, mark my position," Anakin said into his com link. "I need a medical ship immediately. Do you copy?"

"Anakin," Obi-Wan's voice exclaimed. "Do you read me? Anakin—" Obi-Wan's voice faded away, replaced by static.

"I can't get ahold of Obi-Wan," Anakin explained grimly. Zelina had her hand firmly on her lightsaber, ready to jump on anything that made a move at them. "I'll see if I can find Captain Rex."

"Come in Rex, do you copy?" Anakin said into his com link as Zelina surveyed the edge of the platform. Just to be sure that there was nothing lurking near the edge planning to come at them. "Rex? Captain Rex, respond!"

"I read you General," Rex's voice finally said. "We're pinned down in the courtyard."

"Do you need help?" Anakin asked. All they heard was the sound of blaster fire. "I'll take that as a yes Captain. Stand by, we're on our way. Skywalker out."

"Master, Stinky is really sick!" Ahsoka protested. "He's turning every shade of green except the one he's supposed to be! Our mission was to get him back to Tatooine; alive!"

"Obi-Wan will get here eventually. Right now, we need Rex to help us find the ship," Anakin countered. However, it seemed the Separatist forces—of course—had other plans. Droidekas came at them from down the corridor.

"Great, rolling death balls!" Ahsoka complained. Zelina activated her lightsaber, coming to stand beside Anakin.

"We just can't catch a break today, can we?" she asked him.

"I don't think we ever do," he muttered. "R2, door!"

Zelina moved forward with R2, making sure that no stray blaster bolt landed a lucky one on the droid as he rolled forward.

At least until she saw Ventress.

The door shut and Zelina turned to Anakin. His own expression matched the look on her face and the two of them stood side by side, watching as Ventress' red lightsabers cut through the metal.

"I think now is a good time for retreat," Anakin said nonchalantly.

"Retreat? That's a new word for you," Ahsoka commented.

"Maybe into the jungle," Anakin said, running to the edge and peering down towards the ground. There were already dwarf spider droids climbing the wall towards them.

"Wait, I remember the jungle is a bad place." Ahsoka said hesitantly.

"I'd rather face the jungle than the witch," Zelina muttered.

The dwarf spider droids fired at them, hitting nests that were apparently under the platform and causing giant insects to go everywhere.

"So much for going that way," Anakin said as they turned back to face the door.

"She's almost through," Zelina said tersely.

"Looks like we're out of options," Anakin said quietly. The Hutt started to cry.

"No, not now Stinky!" Ahsoka plead with the baby. She suddenly startled them, spinning around and pointing into the distance. "Master, another landing platform!"

"With a ship on it!" Anakin added as they all focused on the looming structure in the distance.

"Nice work Stinky!" Ahsoka said with a smile.

"Well are we going to keep talking or are we going to avoid Ventress and get to that ship?" Zelina added.

"How are we going to get over there?" Ahsoka asked them both.

"Leave that to me," Anakin said with a smirk. He suddenly jumped over the edge, giving Zelina a small heart attack. They soon saw that he had graced the back of one of the insects, and it suddenly made perfect sense to Zelina.

"I hope I don't have to learn that," Ahsoka grumbled.

"Ahsoka, go, I'm right behind you!" Zelina told the girl firmly as Ventress finally cut through the door.

The woman wasted no time in advancing on Ahsoka, though Zelina cut off Ventress' path, her violet blade snapping to life to block the two red blades that came descending towards them.

"I can help!" Ahsoka protested.

"Ahsoka: Go, now!" Zelina barked, disengaging from Ventress' lightsabers to push the woman back a little. Ahsoka miraculously listened, jumping over the edge and leaving Zelina to face Ventress alone.

The woman lashed out at Zelina, her lightsaber missing Zelina's cheek by a hair's breath.

"Ventress, you seem to have lost your edge," Zelina said mockingly. "I thought you were an expert at blows to the face?"

The Sith Assassin snarled at her, lashing out and barely missing Zelina as she jumped out of the way of a slash that would have cut her clean in half. "Don't tempt me little girl! Where is Skywalker?"

"Right here Ventress," Came Anakin's familiar voice behind her. "Zelina, duck!"

Zelina did as he asked without hesitation, hearing a satisfying thwack as one of the giant insect's wings nailed Ventress. She stood up to see both Anakin and Ahsoka on the backs of two giant insects, holding out her hand as Anakin came back around the same time that the landing platform began to give way.

"Get on!" he called, grasping her hand tightly and pulling her onto the back of the bug with him.

"I'm right behind you Ani," she responded softly, hooking her arms around his waist and taking care not to disturb the huttlet on his back. "Thanks."

"Anytime Zee," Anakin responded.

They approached the landing platform the Hutt had pointed out, jumping off the back of the giant bug to the platform once it was close enough.

"That was fun," Zelina noted, brushing herself off. They studied the old ship in front of them.

"We're taking this junker?" Ahsoka asked. "We'd be better off in that big bug!"

"If anyone can get a junker ship to work, it's Anakin," Zelina responded, already walking forward.

"Get aboard and prime the engines. Assuming it has engines," Anakin said.

The same droid Zelina had decided she didn't like was moving amongst the crates by the ship as Ahsoka and Zelina approached.

"Hey, you're that caretaker droid!" Ahsoka exclaimed. "I was wondering what happened to you."

"Oh, uh, young one! I mean, soon to be Jedi Knight! I had to get away from that terrible—"

"Okay!" came another droid voice. "Everything's loaded! Let's get out of...here."

Zelina raised her eyebrows at the sight of the Separatist droid coming down the ship's ramp, pulling out her lightsaber while Ahsoka fumed.

"Why you tin plated traitor!"

"Excuse enough for me!" Zelina said, already moving to cut down the droids.

"Blast them!" the caretaker droid said. Of course it was already too late. Ahsoka and Zelina were already on top of them.

Ahsoka reached the caretaker droid first.

"Don't you dare!" it warned. Of course, Ahsoka dared, and the droids head went rolling down the ramp to a stop at Anakin's feet.

"Nice of you to leave all the work to us," Zelina told him.

"You seemed to have it all under control," Anakin said indifferently, already starting up the ramp.

"Well, let's see if you can get this thing up in the air, huh Ani?"

Anakin settled down into the pilot's seat almost immediately. "Now, let's get Stinky out of here."

He tried to start the thing up, but it simply sputtered. "Uh...if we can," he added sheepishly.

"Need me to do anything? Check something?" Zelina asked, the only one still standing. Anakin repeatedly tried to start the ship, only getting the same sputtering sound each time.

"Uhg!" Ahsoka exclaimed as the Hutt started to cry.

"Relax Snips! R2, see if you can spark the ignition couplers. Zelina...I suggest you find somewhere to sit, this is going to be rocky," Anakin said.

"If you say it's going to be rocky, then it's going to be deadly, practically suicidal," Zelina joked.

R2 whirred from behind them.

"No, that's not it...try opening the fuel lifters all the way," Anakin responded.

Thankfully, the ship sprang to life.

"Good work buddy!" Anakin praised R2. "Zelina, are you situated?"

"The best I can be," she responded from her seat off to his left. Up ahead, they could see blaster bolts firing left and right all around the monastery.

"Master Kenobi is here! Now we'll see some real fireworks!" Ahsoka proclaimed.

"Excuse me? What do you call what I've been doing all day?" Anakin asked her, sounding a little offended.

"I don't know: the word reckless comes to mind," Ahsoka responded.

"Very funny Snips: back to work. The troops still need our help. Charge the main guns."

"How are we going to help? Stinky's getting sicker and sicker!" Ahsoka shot back.

"But we promised Rex we would help him," Anakin argued. "Isn't that right Zee?"

"I'm staying out of this," Zelina said, looking back at R2. "You two both have a point."

"Master, we've got to get him to the medics on the Jedi Cruiser. It's our only chance to get Stinky back to his father still breathing," Ahsoka continued.

"She's right Anakin," Zelina finally said. "If Obi-Wan is down there then they'll be all right."

Anakin sighed, reaching to contact Rex. "Captain Rex? General Skywalker."

"Yes General," came Rex's immediate reply.

"We're not going to be able to help you," Anakin responded softly.

"Don't worry about us General! We'll be alright!" Rex responded. "The mission always comes first sir."

Zelina put her hand on Anakin's shoulder as he ended the transmission. "They'll be all right Anakin...you'll see."

Anakin reached up and squeezed her fingers before returning both hands to the controls. "Thank you Zee."

"Master, today I did my best to stay calm, focused; and when I did, everything seemed so easy," Ahsoka started once they reached open air.

She was cut short when they all lurched forward, arriving into the middle of an air battle in their piece of junk ship.

"Well, get focused, cause things just got a lot harder," Anakin responded.

"You get to see why Anakin's piloting skills are so revered," Zelina said cheerily, reaching over and lightly slapping Ahsoka's arm.

"All we've got to do is land on that Jedi cruiser," Anakin informed them as they raced to outrun the Separatists already tailing them.

"But Master, their deflector shields are up!" Ahsoka exclaimed. She gasped and Anakin grit his teeth as they took a hit from the cruiser. "They must think this grease bucket is an enemy ship!"

"Jedi Cruiser, hold your fire!" Anakin said firmly, trying to contact the ship.

"Who is that?" a trooper responded. "Incoming ship, identify yourself! Repeat, identify yourself!"

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

"Stand by," came the reply.

"Stand by?" Ahsoka echoed incredulously. "That's helpful!"

Anakin suddenly lurched the ship, pulling off several evasive maneuvers Zelina was surprised the junker could take.

"Hang on!" he exclaimed.

"You don't have to tell me twice Ani," Zelina responded, focusing on not getting sick from how dizzy she was getting as he rolled and dipped repeatedly.

The trooper's voice came back.

"General Skywalker we've lowered the shields on the lower main hanger."

Anakin visibly relaxed. "We're on our way."

"We've made it! We've made it!" Ahsoka repeated several times over.

"Don't start cheery yet, we still have to land," Zelina said grimly. "Are you trying to jinx us?"

As soon as she said that, several separatist ships came at the hanger, and a huge explosion caused them to veer away.

"That changes our plans!" Anakin exclaimed. "It looks like we're going to have to take this bucket of bolts all the way to Tatooine!"

With a few more fancy maneuvers, Anakin was able to get them back into open space again. "We're clear to make the jump to hyperspace," Anakin informed them. "R2, program the Navi Computer."

"I don't think he's going to make it Master," Ahsoka said softly. "There's got to be something we can do for him."

"Take a look in the back. See if you can find any medical supplies," Anakin informed her.

"I'm on it," Ahsoka said. Zelina took the huttlet from Ahsoka as she left, also taking the co-pilot's seat while she was at it.

Anakin reached over to lightly run his hand against the huttlet's head. "Don't die on me now little guy," Anakin said. "Just hang in there."

"You know Ani, you'd be great with kids," Zelina complimented him.

"Yeah right," he scoffed. Zelina simply smiled and looked away. They sat in silence for a few more moments.

"I can't wait till this mission is over," Zelina muttered.

"Me too Zee. I just hope the others will be alright."

"That too," Zelina added sheepishly.

"If you've locked the coordinates R2, let's go!" Anakin called.

With that, they finally—blessedly—blasted their way into hyperspace and away from Teth.