Space: Slade's POV

I was flying into space in my ship. I was on my way to help Anakin and the padawans return the Huttlet to Jabba on Tattooine. For I knew that there was a fleet of droid ships waiting for them. And right as I left the atmosphere of Teth, my suspicions were correct. While successful in catching up with the Twilight, I saw some Vulture droids chasing after them.

'No. I will not allow them to hurt Ahsoka. Those filthy Separatists murdered my family, and now I am going to make them pay for what they've done.' I thought.

I pressed a button on the control stick that is used to pilot my ship, and a gun came out of the bottom.

I lock onto the Vulture Droids that are pursuing the Twilight, and put my index finger on the trigger. As soon as I locked onto my target, I immediately pulled the trigger and began shooting at the Vulture Droids with deadeye accuracy.

The lasers hit the Vulture Droids and the droids were blown to scrap.

Ahsoka's POV

I was onboard the freighter Twilight with Braedey and master Skywalker. Things were not getting any better. Vulture Droids were shooting at us. And to make matters worse, Stinky was getting sicker by the minute.

"Master, there's a medical facility not far from here. I think we need to pay it a visit." I said.

"We can make it to Tattooine." Anakin replied.

"No master Skywalker, Ahsoka's right. The Huttlet is looking greener than he's supposed to be, and that's not good. If he doesn't get any medicine soon, he'll die. And unfortunately, we won't make it to Tattooine before then." Braedey replied.

Master Skywalker looked at the Huttlet. By judging the expression on his face, I could tell that he hated to admit I was right.

"I guess you're right. At that kind of rate, he'll never make it home before he dies." He said.

"Then we'd better hurry. Do you think you can ditch these tinnies?" I asked.

"I don't know. This is a freighter ship. I can't outrun them. And to be honest, we could use some assistance about now." SkyGuy replied.

One of the Vulture Droids flew right in front of us and was about to shoot. We prepared for the worst, but suddenly, the Vulture Droid was blasted to smithereens. A red ship flew past us and began taking out our pursuers.

"Whoa! Who was that?" I asked.

"I don't know, but it looks like we've got an incoming transmission." SkyGuy replied, as he answered the communicator.

"Ahsoka, are you alright?" Someone said.

"This is Anakin Skywalker. We're okay. But, who are you?" Master Skywalker asked.

"Skywalker, it's Slade. I'm here to help." The other person replied.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Slade managed to escape from Teth, and has come to help us return Stinky to his father.

"Slade, you have no idea how happy we are to see you. I thought we were toast." I said.

"Don't sweat it, Ahsoka. By the way, I know where you're going. But there are more droids incoming." Slade replied.

"He's not wrong. I'm picking up multiple hostiles on the radar." Braedey said.

"I'll hold them off. You hurry up and get the Huttlet to that medical facility." Slade replied.

"Have you lost your mind? There's too many of them! I don't want you to get killed!" I exclaimed.

"Ahsoka, there's no time. It's the only way to save the Huttlet and return him to Jabba. Besides, that filthy slug will not be happy to find out that his son is dead. I'll meet you guys on Tattooine, I promise. Slade, out." Slade replied as he shut down his own communicator.

I wanted to protest, but Braedey put a firm hand on my shoulder.

"Ahsoka, we can't worry about him right now. This Huttlet needs medicine immediately." He said.

"Braedey's right, Snips. We have to focus on getting some medical attention for the Huttlet. But don't worry, Slade can handle himself. I've seen how he flies his ship. He's taken out hundreds of enemy ships before. He'll be just fine." Master Skywalker replied.

I looked down sadly. I hated to admit it, but they were right. Stinky was looking dreadful, and he needed medical attention right away.

"Unidentified ship, you are approaching a Republic medical facility without authorization. State your business." A clone trooper said over the comms.

"This is General Skywalker. We have the Huttlet, but he needs medical attention quickly, so we must board immediately." Master Skywalker replied.

"Understood, sir. We've deactivated the shields. You're free to board the facility." The Clone said.

We managed to board the medical facility and I rushed the Huttlet to a room where a medical droid was waiting.

"Oh dear. This little guy is looking awful. Fortunately I have just the thing that'll help him." The droid said.

He went to fetch a pill. The Huttlet was afraid. I took the pill and began to comfort the Huttlet.

"It's okay. It's just a pill. This will help you feel better, I promise." I said calmly.

Much to my surprise, Stinky calmed down. I carefully put the pill into his mouth and he swallowed it. The Huttlet smiled as he regained his normal color.

"Good boy. Now, let's get you home." I said.

Slade's POV

I was busy fighting off the droids to buy Anakin and the padawans enough time to get some medical attention for the Huttlet. I sensed that they were successful. Upon realizing that the Huttlet was no longer sick, I quickly made a beeline for Tattooine. As I approached the planet, I saw the Twilight coming behind me. Unfortunately, they brought company. Another pair of Vulture Droids was shooting at them. The Twilight took heavy damage and was plummeting towards Tattooine. Thinking fast, I followed Anakin and the padawans as the Twilight crashed into the desert. I landed next to the Twilight and got out of my ship. As soon as I set foot onto the sandy ground, I ran for the Twilight and began to work quickly to rescue the passengers. Using one of my lightsabers, I cut a hole into the cargo hold. Much to my surprise, Anakin and the padawans were already there trying to get out.

"Master Skywalker, are you guys okay?" I asked.

"Yeah. We're alright. But I can't say the same for the Twilight." Anakin replied.

"I can't believe that you managed to distract the Separatists long enough for us to get medicine for Stinky." Ahsoka said.

I chuckled.

"Your master was right about me. I have taken out multiple ships before. But there's no time for a happy reunion. We have to hurry and get the Huttlet back to Jabba. If there's one thing I know about that slug, it's the fact that he is extremely impatient." I replied.

Skywalker frowned.

"Slade's right. Jabba is easily angered. And he does not have a lot of patience." He said.

"Wait, I sense a presence somewhere in the desert." Braedey said, feeling uneasy.

"I sense it too. It's Dooku." Anakin replied.

"Skywalker, I'll hold off the Count. In the meantime, all of you get the Huttlet to Jabba's palace. Quickly." I said.

"Are you crazy? He'll kill you." Ahsoka replied.

"There's no time, Ahsoka. He won't be fooled with a decoy. Dooku's too smart for that, because he is capable of anticipating that sort of treachery. I said.

"But, Dooku's a Sith Lord. Do you have any idea of what he could do to you?" Ahsoka asked.

"I'm done arguing, Ahsoka. I have to do this alone." I answered.

I turned around and was about to depart, when I felt Ahsoka wrap her arms around my chest.

"Slade, please. I know this may seem crazy since we've only just met, but I love you. I cannot allow you to confront Dooku by yourself." She said.

I looked over my shoulder and gave her a sad look.

"I love you too, Ahsoka. But I'm afraid you can't stop me. I promised my family that I would avenge them. And I must keep my word. Besides, Dooku is the one who took them away from me, so this one's personal. Thus, I must go alone." I replied.

I broke free of Ahsoka's grasp and turned towards her. I stroked her face and made out with her.

"I am far more powerful than Dooku. So, I can handle him. Besides, you secured a tracker to my ship. So you can track me throughout the galaxy to find the location of my secret base. But to help you along with that, I can tell you the name of the planet where I built it." I explained.

"What planet was your base built on?" Ahsoka asked.

"That tracker will transfer the coordinates to the Jedi Council, but my base is on Mustafar." I answered.

"Thanks for the tip." Anakin said.

"You're welcome, Skywalker. Dooku will be here soon. And be careful, he has sent MagnaGuards to kill the Huttlet. You won't have any trouble with them, but that is Dooku's real plan; kill Jabba's son and frame the Jedi for the crime in order to forge an alliance with the Hutt clan." I explained.

"So that's why Dooku sent Ventress after us. To kill Stinky." Ahsoka replied.

"Yes. But if you bring the Huttlet back alive, Dooku's plan will be unmasked and the Hutt clan will join the Republic. Now go." I said.

I climbed back into my ship and flew off to confront Dooku.

Anakin's POV

Ahsoka, Braedey and I watched as Slade went to confront Count Dooku.

"So, Slade's secret base is somewhere on Mustafar." Braedey said.

"Yes. But he's right about that tracker. It will send its coordinates to the Jedi Council." I replied.

I looked at Ahsoka. She was sad to see Slade leaving her again.

"It's okay Ahsoka. If Slade can beat Ventress, Dooku won't be a problem for him. He'll be okay. Besides, when he admitted his own love for you, I sensed his connection to the dark side grow weaker. Which means, Bruce was right. Love did save him. Slade still has his dark side powers, but his love for you grants him control of them. So he'll be able to use the dark side to his will, much like Master Windu can do." I explained.

Ahsoka smiled.

"You're right. I sensed the same thing at that exact moment. I sense that his connection with the Force is starting to become balanced." She said.

"Most likely. Let's get the Huttlet home." I replied.

Slade's POV

I tracked Dooku down and landed in front of him, blocking his path to Anakin and the others. As I got out of my ship, Dooku dismounted his speeder and walked towards me. I drew one of my lightsabers and prepared to fight.

*Cue The Touch by Stan Bush*

You got the touch
You got the power
Yeah

"Surrender now or die, Slade." He said.

Dooku shot Force Lightning at me, but I was quick to react and managed to block the attack with my lightsaber blade. The Count gave up on this attack and drew his own lightsaber.

After all is said and done
You've never walked, you've never run
You're a winner
You got the moves, you know the streets
Break the rules, take the heat
You're nobody's fool
You're at your best when the goin' gets rough
You've been put to the test, but it's never enough

Dooku and I charged at one another and began clashing swords. I blocked and parried Dooku's attacks with no trouble since I'm a superior fighter. We soon found ourselves in a blade lock.

You got the touch
You got the power
When all hell's breakin' loose
You'll be riding the eye of the storm
You got the heart
You got the motion
You know that when things get too tough
You got the touch

"Your training has come a long way, BOY." Dooku said.

I glared at the Count and pushed him away. We continued crossing blades, until Dooku paused for a moment.

"Ahh, now I remember. You promised to avenge your family, didn't you? And what else do I sense in you?" He asked mockingly.

Then Dooku smirked.

"Ahh, this is most unusual. You're in love with Skywalker's padawan, aren't you?" The Count asked.

Despite the mockery, I closed my eyes and calmed myself, before staring at Dooku.

"I sense your strong feelings. Feelings of pain and loss." He said.

You never bend, you never break
You seem to know just what it takes
You're a fighter
It's in the blood, it's in the will
It's in the mighty hands of steel
When you're standin' your ground
And you never get hit when your back's to the wall
Gonna fight to the end and you're takin' it all

Dooku tried to deliver a killing blow, but I blocked it and forced him back with a Force Push. The Count climbed back to his feet and stood firm.

"Ventress was right. You really are a traitor. My master will have your head for this." Dooku said.

But I just glared at him, as I drew my other lightsaber and activated it.

"Talk is cheap. Just shut up and fight!" I replied.

You got the touch
You got the power
When all hell's breakin' loose
You'll be riding the eye of the storm
You got the heart
You got the motion
You know that when things get too tough
You got the touch

I charged at Dooku and began attacking him with intense fury. I sensed that Ahsoka was under attack by Dooku's MagnaGuards, but I couldn't allow that to distract me. I had to keep the Count busy.

"What? You're using your anger, and yet the dark side is not consuming you. How can this be?" Dooku asked, as he struggled to keep up with me.

You're fightin' fire with fire
You know you got the touch
You're at your best when the road gets rough
You've been put to the test, but it's never enough
You got the touch
You got the power
Yeah
You got the touch
You got the power
Touch

"I don't know. But you oughta be thankful that I'm letting you live. Because I have a message for your master. Tell him that Slade's back, and he'll never manipulate me again. And from now on, my codename is Raven." I answered, as I stunned Dooku with my Force Lightning.

While Dooku was stunned, I deactivated my lightsabers and quickly got back into my ship. I flew away to help Ahsoka.

Ahsoka's POV

These MagnaGuards were tough. We were giving them all we had, but they kept right on coming.

Master Skywalker, Braedey and I were tired.

"They keep coming." Braedey said.

"Yeah. These guys are tough. Especially since they can function without a head." Master Skywalker said.

It seemed like all was lost, but then we heard a laser blast. A green laserbolt hit one of the MagnaGuards and destroyed it. I looked up into the sky and saw Slade's ship.

"Slade's back?" I asked.

"He certainly has good timing." Master Skywalker said.

Slade destroyed the rest of the MagnaGuards and landed next to us. He opened the cockpit and smiled.

"Surprised?" He asked.

"Yes. We thought you were dead." Braedey answered.

"Heh. Dooku was no match for me. Speaking of which, I left him out in the desert. He's unconscious but still alive. I know that our paths will cross again. And I look forward to facing him." Slade replied.

We hopped onto his ship, and he flew to Jabba's palace. Upon arrival, Slade joined us in Jabba's throne room.

"You have my son." The Hutt said in his native language.

"Yes, Jabba. Dooku is the one who captured him. He intended to kill your son, and blame the Jedi." Master Skywalker said.

"Maybe so. But I should still have you all killed for trying to deceive me." Jabba replied.

Suddenly Slade stepped in front of us and killed some of Jabba's guards.

"The first one to touch Ahsoka will have to come through me." He said aggressively, as he stood his ground.

Jabba laughed.

"You are a bold one. You'll certainly provide sport for my pet rancor." He said.

"Oh mighty Jabba, you have an incoming message from Corousant." Jabba's protocol droid said.

A hologram of Padme came up.

"Sorry to interrupt Jabba. But I have detained the real mastermind behind the kidnapping of your son. And ironically, it was one of your own kind." She said.

Jabba seemed confused.

"Is that so, Senator? Who was it?" He asked.

"It was Ziro." Padme answered.

Jabba had a brief argument with his uncle before banishing him from the Hutt Clan. He shuts down his communicator after agreeing to join the Republic. Jabba turns his attention to us. Slade was glaring at him, and held his lightsabers firmly in case Jabba tried to pull a fast one.

"I shall join the Republic. You are free to use my trade routes without any concern of violence." He said.

Slade calmed down and deactivated his lightsabers.

"Thank you Jabba. But be warned, double cross us, and you will regret it. And when that happens, I will enjoy the hell out of killing you." He growled.

Master Skywalker put a firm hand on Slade's shoulder.

"Easy, Slade. There's no need to be defensive now." He said.

Slade looked over his shoulder with an intense glare.

"You don't understand, Anakin. I know the Hutt Clan too well. They are heartless, and deceitful gangsters who kill without pity or even remorse. So I don't trust them." He said.

I walked up and hugged him.

"I understand. But no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you Slade. If any trouble arises in the galaxy, we'll handle it together." I said sweetly.

Slade smiled and returned the hug.

"Yes. All I ever wanted was to be free of the dark side. And thanks to you, I am no longer a slave to darkness. I must return to my base. But I look forward to seeing you again, Ahsoka." He said.

Slade went back to his ship and left. I smiled as I watched him fly off into space. Braedey and SkyGuy walked up to me.

"He certainly is protective." Braedey said.

"Yes. I sense that the loss of his family must've created some kind of protective instinct within him. He doesn't want to suffer another loss." Master Skywalker replied.

"Nevertheless, he's free. Now we must locate his base and bring him before the Jedi Council." I said.