Not long after Gabby left did the child learn things were not quite as peaceful as they appeared.

There is unrest in the Galactic Senate. Several thousand solar systems have declared their intentions to leave the Republic. This separatist movement, under the leadership of the mysterious Count Dooku has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi Knights to maintain peace and order in the galaxy.

Senator Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo and mother of Gabriella Amidala-Skywalker, the current princess of Naboo, is returning to the Galactic Senate to vote on the critical issue of creating an ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC to assist the overwhelmed Jedi...

Meanwhile, a Naboo ship was making its way down to Coruscant. And on that ship was the lovely former queen of Naboo, now a senator, Padme Amidala.

"Senator, we're making our final approach into Coruscant." said the ship's lieutenant.

"Very good, Lieutenant." said Padme.

"Good, tenant!" said a little voice beside Padme.

And the owner of that voice was a tiny toddler named Gabriella Amidala-Skywalker, though most of the public knew her only as Gabriella Amidala. You see, it was unknown to most of the galaxy who Princess Gabriella's father was.

Being both a princess and potential Jedi master, Gabriella spent time in both worlds: Senate and Jedi. As far as anyone else knew, whatever happened at the party where Padme got pregnant, absolutely no one knew who the father was, but Padme assured everyone she would care for the baby and ensure she wouldn't be fatherless. And even when she was at the temple, Anakin wasn't alone in taking care of her; his older sister Kara helped him out whenever she could.

Padme was just as shocked as Anakin had been when she learned he had a sister, but nevertheless she was glad Anakin would have some help looking after Gabby and that she was willing to keep the secret too if it meant keeping the princess and her parents safe.

It was hard to find anyone who could look at the adorable princess without smiling, especially when she shined her beautiful green eyes and smiled at them. Even the most serious folks couldn't stop the corners of their mouths from rising as they gazed at the little cutie.

Gabby was a very curious little princess, and very smart for her age too. But, that didn't mean she was without the instincts of a toddler. One way or another, trouble found this child. But, as long as she had Teddy, she was usually kept at bay.

The ship soon made its way onto the landing platform. And it wasn't alone either. Two smaller ships also arrived, one of which was driven by R2-D2 and Captain Typho.

"We made it." said Typho, taking off his helmet as he approached a woman.

Padme and the crew exited the ship, the little princess being first out as she started toddling about across the platform.

"I guess I was wrong," said Typho. "There was no danger at all."

Suddenly... KABOOM!

A big explosion burst from inside the ship, sending everyone flying about, including a woman named Corde, who'd served as Padme's decoy.

"Corde!" Padme said, coming to Corde's side.

"I'm sorry," said Corde. "I've failed you, Senator."

"No." Padme felt tears coming to her eyes.

"Milady," said Typho, coming to Padme's side. "you're still in danger here."

Padme gasped. "Where's my baby?!"

"Mommy!" called a familiar voice. "Mommy!"

"Gabby, where are you?" Padme called.

Luckily, one of the guards was able to shield Gabby from the explosion. The guard emerged from some smoke and debris, the toddler in his arms.

"Princess Gabriella is unharmed, Senator." said the guard, handing the toddler to her mother.

"Oh, Sweetie." Padme sighed with relief, kissing her baby's head. "I shouldn't have come back."

"This vote is very important," said Typho. "You did your duty. Corde did hers. Now, come."

Padme looked at Corde's body and felt like crying.

"Senator Amidala, please." Typho said.

"Mommy sad?" Gabby said, looking sad.

She had gotten better at talking, but she was still learning to complete sentences.

Padme held Gabby close to her chest and moved along with Captain Typho.

"Mommy just lost a dear friend, Baby." Padme said. "She gave her life to keep us both safe."

Gabby didn't like seeing her mom so upset. She held her teddy bear up to her mother, hoping it would offer some comfort to her.

Padme sighed and gave a sad smile at her daughter's effort to console her. Gabby might not understand death, but she did understand sadness.

___________________________

Later that same day, some members of the Jedi Council were in a meeting with Chancellor Palpatine of the Galactic Senate.

"I am uncertain how much longer I can hold off the vote, my friends." said the chancellor. "More and more star systems are joining the separatists."

"If they do break away-" began Mace Windu until the chancellor intervened.

"I will not let this Republic that has stood for a thousand years be split in two. My negotiations will not fail."

"If they do, you must realize there are not enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We're keepers of the peace, not soldiers."

"Master Yoda," said the Chancellor, turning to the little green man. "Do you really think it will come to war?"

"Hmm, the dark side clouds everything." said Yoda. "Impossible to see the future is."

That was when a holo-transmission came on for the chancellor.

"Good. Send them in," said the Chancellor. "We will discuss this matter later."

Into the Chancellor's office came Padme, Representative Jar Jar Binks, Captain Typho, and Senator Bail Organa. And little Princess Gabby eagerly ran to each Jedi master she saw and hugged their legs. No matter what the Jedi Code said, even the Jedi Masters couldn't resist seeing how adorable it was when the princess' innocent little eyes lit up with wonder and joy every time she saw them, and she wanted to give them some love just because.

"Senator Amidala," said Yoda. "Your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart."

That was also when Gabby came and hugged Yoda like a teddy bear, him being the only one the same size as her at the time, he could return her hug easily.

"Hmm. Little Princess Gabriella's hugs bring warm feelings, they do too." Yoda chuckled.

"Do you have any idea who was behind this attack?" Padme asked as Gabby ran over to Master Mundi and he picked her up to keep her from wandering again.

"Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo." Mace said, approaching the senator while Ki-Adi kept the child occupied by making her teddy bear dance.

"I think that Count Dooku was behind it." Padme told Mace.

"He is a political idealist, not a murderer." Ki-Adi said, looking away from the child.

"What's a murderer?" Gabby asked, making the Jedi freeze, as he'd not prepared to answer such a big question from a small child.

"It's someone who hurts people really badly on purpose," said Mace. "And their... bodies stop working... forever. Like when a toy runs out of batteries, but living things don't have batteries."

That was the only way Mace could think of how to explain to a toddler without scarring her for life.

"That sounds mean." Gabby said as Ki-Adi placed her in Mace's arms before leaving.

"It is." Mace said before turning his attention back to Padme. "You know, milady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character."

"But for certain, Senator," said Yoda. "in grave danger you are. And your princess as well."

"Master Jedi," said the chancellor. "may I suggest the senator and the princess be placed under the protection of your graces."

"Do you really think that's a wise decision under these stressful times?" said Bail Organa.

"Chancellor, if I may comment," said Padme. "I do not believe-"

"The situation is that serious?" said the chancellor. "No, but I do, Senator. I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but you must also think of what is best for your daughter's protection. Perhaps someone you are both familiar with. An old friend like Master Kenobi."

"That's possible," said Mace. "He's just returned from a border dispute on Ansion."

"Do it if not for me, for your daughter, milady. Please?" said the chancellor. "The thought of losing you or your precious little girl... is unbearable."

"I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately, milady." said Mace, giving Gabby back to Padme, gently tapping the toddler's nose. "You be a good girl, Princess."

"Thank you, Master Windu."

___________________________

Not two hours later, Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his young Padawan, a now nineteen-year-old Anakin Skywalker were in the elevator at the apartment complex of Padme Amidala's residence.

Anakin was dusting himself off, eager to see Padme, as well as his little daughter again. It'd only been a month since he'd last seen his daughter, but it felt like forever since he'd seen her mother.

"You seem a little on edge," said Obi-Wan.

"Not at all." Anakin said, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.

"I haven't felt you this tense since we fell into that nest of gundarks."

Anakin scoffed and said, "You fell into that nightmare, Master, and I rescued you, remember? I still have the scar on my leg to prove it."

"Oh... yes." Obi-Wan laughed a bit. So did Anakin.

Obi-Wan noticed Anakin was sweating.

"You're sweating. Relax. Take a deep breath."

"It's been two years, Master." Anakin said. "And a month since I've seen the little princess."

Obi-Wan chuckled. "I'm certain she'll be eager to see you as well."

___________________________

Obi-Wan and Anakin were soon met by Jar Jar, who was so happy to see Obi-Wan again

"Mesa so smilin' to see ya!" said Jar Jar excitedly.

"Good to see you again, Jar Jar." said Obi-Wan.

"Senator Padme." Jar Jar called. "Mesa palos here! Lookie, lookie, Senator."

Padme approached the Jedi to greet them and shook hands with Obi-Wan.

"It's a great pleasure to see you again, milady." said the Master.

"It has been far too long, Master Kenobi." Padme greeted. And then she saw Anakin behind him. "Ani? My goodness you've grown."

"So have you." said Anakin, then his cheeks turned red. "Grown more beautiful, I mean. Well, f-for a senator I mean."

Padme chuckled and said, "Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine."

"Uh, speaking of little kids... where's that little angel of yours? Whoa!"

Anakin fell forward as someone small but really strong jumped on him from behind.

"Gotcha!" said a young voice. "I'm Tigger and I tagged you!"

"Gabby!" Padme scolded. "What have we said? Tigger Tag is an outdoor game."

"Good to see you again, little one." Obi-Wan said.

"Uncle Obi!" Gabby said, running into Obi-Wan's arms and giving him a big hug.

Anakin picked himself up and dusted himself off.

"Sorry. Ever since we've been reading her those 'Winnie the Pooh' books we were given, she won't stop imitating that bouncing Tigger character." Padme said, her words being proven as Gabby started jumping and bouncing around when Obi-Wan put her down.

"I can see that." Obi-Wan chuckled, finding it amusing to see the little one bouncing and playing.

Gabby, however, didn't neglect to jump into her dad's arms. Anakin held Gabby and didn't hesitate to give her a big hug and nuzzle her with some kisses. He wasn't the only Jedi to do so when he held her, but he was definitely the first one, and naturally so since he was her father.

"Our presence here will be invisible, milady, I can assure you." Obi-Wan promised.

"Who's got the prettiest sparkly eyes?" Anakin cooed, tapping Gabby's nose. "You do. You do!"

Gabby giggled at how goofy her father was acting around her right now.

"I'm Captain Typho of Her Majesty's security service." the captain introduced himself as the others sat down. "Queen Jamillia has been informed of your assignment. I am grateful you are here, Master Kenobi. The situation is more dangerous than the senator will admit."

There were suddenly lots of pretty flowers growing.

"Does it by any chance involve flowers?" Obi-Wan asked, noticing the flowers growing where plants didn't normally grow. And then he saw Anakin tickling Gabby. "Anakin, I think Tickle Time needs to end right now."

And Anakin stopped tickling the little one.

"Sorry."

"I don't need more security. I need answers." said Padme. "I want to know who's trying to kill me and if they're after my daughter."

Suddenly, Gabby got worried, and that made a bunch of dark clouds start to form in the room.

"Ani?" Padme said.

"Shh. Shh. It's okay, little one." Anakin soothed, holding Gabby over his shoulder and gently stroking her hair. "Settle down."

"We are here to protect you, Senator. And the princess as well." Obi-Wan said. "Not to start an investigation."

"We will find out who's trying to harm you, Padme." Anakin said. "I promise you."

Anakin knew it wasn't the assignment, but he felt he had an obligation to do so both as a Jedi and a father.

"We will not exceed our mandate, my young Padawan learner." Obi-Wan said.

"But if you don't find out who's doing it, how do you know how to protect me and Mommy?" Gabby asked.

"I meant that in the interest of protecting them, Master." said Anakin.

"We will not go through this exercise again, Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "And you will pay attention to my lead."

"Why?" Anakin and Gabby asked at the same time.

"What?" Obi-Wan said, looking at Anakin.

"Why else do you think we were assigned to her if not to find the killer?" said Anakin. "Protection is a job for local security, not Jedi. It's overkill, Master. Investigation is implied in our mandate."

"We will do exactly as the council has instructed." Obi-Wan said. "And you will learn your place, young one."

Anakin then held Gabby up.

"Care to repeat all that to this little face?" Anakin said.

Gabby looked at Obi-Wan, her eyes looking big and sad and seeming to hold this intense grip on Obi-Wan's heart that he couldn't explain. All of a sudden, he felt really guilty when he looked into her eyes.

"Are you not gonna stop whoever wants to hurt my mommy?" Gabby asked innocently.

"Uh..." Obi-Wan was speechless. "We will do what we can, little one."

Anakin smirked at Obi-Wan, but Obi-Wan glared at him when the child wasn't looking, his eyes clearly saying, Using a little girl as a weapon? That's low, Anakin.

"Perhaps merely with your presence," said Padme. "the mystery surrounding this threat will be revealed."

Padme got up and took her daughter into her arms.

"Now if you will excuse me, I will retire."

Gabby waved cutely to her father as her mother carried her away. Anakin couldn't help waving back and smiling at her.

"I know I'll feel better having you here." said Typho. "I'll have an officer stationed on every floor and I'll be in the control center downstairs."

And off the captain went.

"Mesa bustin wit happiness seein yousa again, Ani." said Jar Jar.

"I'm not sure if she recognizes me, Jar Jar." Anakin confessed. "I've thought about her and our little princess every day since we parted, and... I worry about them."

"Theysa happy. Happier den mesa seein either them in a longo time."

"You're focusing on the negative, Anakin." said Obi-Wan, walking in after the Senator left the room. "Be mindful of your thoughts. She was pleased to see us, and the little one was especially eager to see you. Now, let's check the security- Agh!"

This time, Obi-Wan got Tigger tagged from in front of him.

"Tigger tagged you, Uncle Obi-Wan!" Gabby cheered.

"How did you escape your mother, little one?" said Obi-Wan, sitting up.

"Princess, there you are." said one of the handmaidens, picking up the little one. "Come on, little one. It's time for you to get to sleep."

___________________________

Meanwhile, on a building elsewhere, a female bounty hunter, whose name was Zam Wessel, met another bounty hunter in Mandalorian armor.

"I hit the ship, but they used a decoy." said Zam.

"We'll have to try something more subtle than this, Zam." said the Mandalorian bounty hunter, a male by his voice. "My client is getting impatient. Take these."

The male bounty hunter handed Zam a cylinder capsule with something that seemed to be alive inside.

"Be careful. They're very poisonous." the man warned.

The man pulled out another capsule, also with something alive. Except, it looked like there was more than one thing inside. A bunch of little, very fast fluttering creatures.

"What are these for?" asked Zam.

"My client said to release them if anyone gets in the way."

And as Zam left, the man said, "Zam, there can be no mistakes this time."

___________________________

Meanwhile, back at the Senate apartments.

"Captain Typho has more than enough men downstairs," said Obi-Wan.

"No assassin would try that way," said Anakin.

"Any activity up here?"

"Quiet as a tomb. I don't like just waiting here for something to happen to them."

Just then, a beep sounded.

"What's going on?" asked Obi-Wan.

"Ah, she covered the cameras." Anakin said. "I don't think she liked me watching her."

"What is she thinking?" Obi-Wan said, thinking Padme must have been crazy.

"She programmed R2 to warn us if there is an intruder." Anakin said. "She didn't block the cameras in Gabby's room though."

Anakin couldn't keep from smiling when he looked at the video of the two-year-old princess sleeping like a baby.

"There are many other ways to kill a senator," said Obi-Wan.

"I know," said Anakin, "but we also want to catch this assassin, don't we, Master?"

"You're using her as bait." Obi-Wan theorized.

Anakin sighed.

"It was her idea. Don't worry. No harm will come to her or the princess. I can sense everything going on in that room, and the princess is under higher supervision to ensure her safety. Trust me."

"It's too risky. Besides, your senses aren't that attuned, my young apprentice."

Inconveniently, Obi-Wan fell forward as he was tackled by a little princess in a pink onesie.

"Tigger Tag!" Gabby exclaimed, giggling.

"And yours are?" Anakin smiled, trying not to laugh as he picked Gabby up, holding her upside down as she was known to squirm when you tried to apprehend her.

"Possibly." Obi-Wan groaned, still laying on his stomach.

"How did you get out of your crib so fast, little one?" Anakin asked.

But Gabby responded by tickling Anakin's stomach.

"W-wait! No, Gabby, don't-" Anakin started laughing as Gabby mercilessly wiggled her little fingers against Anakin's very ticklish stomach until he fell onto his back and let go of her legs, prompting the child to stand up on his stomach and declare victory over the Jedi night.

"Now I'm starting to wonder if the threat should be more afraid of you."

___________________________

Later that same night, after chasing the princess all around and getting Tigger tagged a bunch of times, Anakin held Gabby in his arms as she finally started to fall back asleep. But for good measure, there were pillows all over the floor.

Obi-Wan placed the last of the pillows on the floor in case Gabby got mischievous again, when he saw Anakin starting to yawn a bit.

"You look tired," said Obi-Wan.

"I don't sleep well anymore." Anakin said quietly, but loud enough for Obi-Wan to hear without waking Gabby.

"Because of your mother?"

Anakin looked down and felt tears threatening to form. He nodded once.

"I don't know why I keep dreaming about her. And it's not even just her. I keep dreaming of her and Master Qui-Gon."

Obi-Wan stepped to Anakin and told him, "Dreams pass in time."

"I'd much rather dream about Padme. Just being around her again is... intoxicating."

And Anakin was pretty sure it wasn't hormones making him say that, or even the fact that the incident at that ball was why he and Padme had the miracle of life sleeping in Anakin's arms tonight.

"Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin. They betray you." Obi-Wan said. "You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order, a commitment not easily broken. And don't forget she's a politician and they're not to be trusted."

"She's not like the others in the senate, Master." Anakin defended. "Need I remind you I also made a commitment to be a father figure for her daughter? Another commitment not so easily broken. If she's not to be trusted, why would the Jedi Order allow her sweet little princess to be trained?"

"It is my experience that politicians and royals only focus on pleasing those who fund their campaigns and personal gain, and they're in no means scared of forgetting the niceties of democracy in order to get those funds."

"Not another lecture." groaned Anakin. "At least not on the economics of politics."

___________________________

But what neither of those Jedi knew was that while they were having a little debate outside Padme's room, a drone was breaking into the bedroom through the window, and it was letting out two centipede-like creatures to attack Padme in her sleep. As the parasites crawled into the room, R2-D2 scanned the perimeter with his lights, but found nothing.

"And besides, you're generalizing." Anakin continued. "The chancellor doesn't appear to be corrupt."

"Palpatine is a politician." said Obi-Wan, taking Gabby from Anakin's arms, as his Padawan's arms were getting tired from holding her. "I have observed that he is very clever in following the passions and the prejudices of the senators."

"I think he's a good man. My-" Anakin froze as he sensed something.

"I sense it too." Obi-Wan said.

The two Jedi rushed to the rescue and arrived just in time!

Anakin ignited his lightsaber and cut the creature that tried to kill Padme, and Obi-Wan spotted the drone that left the would-be killer bugs. Obi-Wan quickly set Gabby down on the bed, which woke her up, and he jumped out the window and held onto the drone for dear life.

As Gabby started to wake up, she rubbed her eyes and saw her father rushing out of the room, while some of Padme's staff came on to check on her. And the little one managed to crawl away.

___________________________

Obi-Wan held on as the droid flew through the air, the droid nearly making him let go as it hit the edge of a building.

___________________________

Meanwhile, Anakin found a yellow speeder, which he quickly climbed into and got working so he could go rescue Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan kept holding onto the droid, just barely missing the ships and speeders that kept flying through as the droid disrupted the traffic and upset many drivers. Then, all of a sudden, the droid was shot, leaving Obi-Wan falling through the air as Zam flew away in her own ship. Luckily, Anakin saw him falling and steered the ship underneath the falling Jedi just in time to catch him on the back.

Relieved, Obi-Wan climbed into the passenger seat.

"What took you so long?" asked Obi-Wan.

"Oh, you know, Master." said Anakin. "I couldn't find a speeder that I really liked."

Achoo!

"Bless you."

Both men froze.

"Did you sneeze?" Anakin asked.

"No, did you?" Obi-Wan said.

"No."

And then Obi-Wan saw a familiar little one hiding on the floor in front of him.

"You brought the princess on a chase?!" Obi-Wan said.

"I swear, I didn't know she had followed me."

But they didn't have time to argue, especially once Obi-Wan spotted the bounty hunter.

"There he is." Obi-Wan exclaimed.

"With the open cockpit and the right speed capabilities," said Anakin.

"If you spent as much time practicing your saber techniques as you do your wit and tickle fights, you would rival Master Yoda as a swordsman."

"Or he could just tickle him." Gabby said.

"I thought I already did," said Anakin. "the swordsman thing, not the tickles."

"Only in your mind, my very young apprentice." Obi-Wan said. "Now, stay down, Princess. For your own safety."

Both speeders flew very fast and went down, down, down very fast as the two Jedi continued to pursue. And then something started to come into the Jedi's way.

"Pull up, Anakin! Pull up!" Obi-Wan said, sounding scared.

Anakin laughed as he pulled up at the last minute just to tease Obi-Wan.

"You know I don't like it when you do that." Obi-Wan said.

"Sorry, Master." Anakin chuckled. "I forgot you don't like flying."

Gabby giggled too.

"And you also forgot we have a baby on board. Flying, I don't mind, but what you're doing is suicide and not safe for a child."

"You talking about me or Gabriella?"

"Both of you."

___________________________

The Jedi continued to chase the assassin into a scarier part of the city where there were flames coming out from the pipes. Gabby ducked down for her safety.

But as the chase went on, Zam shot a power line and caused an electrical shock, which the Jedi were headed right for!

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan shouted. "How many times have I told you-Ah!-"

Both men were 'ow, ow ow!'-ing from the electrical shocks they faced.

"Stay away from power couplings!"

"Gabby, are you okay?!" Anakin asked.

Gabby popped out, her hair a big, electrocuted mess.

"I'm okay." Gabby said.

Anakin failed not to laugh when he saw Gabby's hair, and Gabby laughed when she saw Obi-Wan's hair a mess too!

"At least your sense of humor is still intact." Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at how childish these two were.

___________________________

Zam steered her ship away to another building, but Anakin turned his speeder the other way.

"Where are you going?" Obi-Wan asked, pointing the other way. "He went that way."

"Master, if we keep this chase going any longer, that creep is gonna end up deep-fried, and, personally, I'd very much like to find out who he is and who he's working for. This is a shortcut. I think."

___________________________

Zam steered her ship through a shortcut of her own, and managed to escape yet again.

Anakin and Obi-Wan stopped the speeder somewhere only to realize they lost the assassin.

"I'm deeply sorry, Master." Anakin said.

"That was some shortcut, Anakin," said Obi-Wan sarcastically. "he went completely the other way. Once again you've proved-"

"If you'll excuse me." Anakin interrupted, jumping off the ship.

Gabby screamed. "NO!"

"I hate it when he does that." Obi-Wan said.

Obi-Wan buckled up with Gabby on his lap in the pilot's seat.

"Hang on, little one. This will be a very bumpy ride."

___________________________

Anakin fell and fell and fell until he landed on top of another ship, and it turned out to be the very ship they were chasing. Zam tried to shoot Anakin off, but he held on tight through every obstacle and kept trying to climb onto the roof, where he cut a hole in the windshield, but lost his lightsaber when Zam shot it out from his hand. Luckily, Obi-Wan flew by and caught it in his hand and set it in the passenger seat.

Anakin reached into the ship and tried to take on Zam by grabbing her blaster. They ended up shooting the ship's controls and throwing the ship off course with one of the engines on fire. And then, the second capsule Zam had broke open, releasing what felt like hundreds of tiny gray bugs both of them tried to swat away. Luckily, Anakin managed to jump off and land safely on the ground without getting badly hurt. Zam, on the other hand, had a rough crash landing.

___________________________

A crowd of onlookers came along as Zam exited her ship and started to make a run for it, Anakin immediately giving chase towards one of the club districts. Obi-Wan parked the speeder and carried Gabby in his arms as he ran to where he spotted Anakin.

"She went into the club, Master." said Anakin.

"Patience." Obi-Wan said, setting Gabby down for a moment. "Use the Force. Think."

"Sorry, Master."

"He went in there to hide, not to run."

"Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan held up something rather fuzzy and cute.

"Next time, try not to lose it."

"A teddy bear?" Anakin said, confused.

"What? I could've sworn I-" Obi-Wan said, looking at what he had in his hand, and looked down to see Gabby holding the lightsaber. "Gabriella!"

"You took Teddy." Gabby said. "You thought it was Ani's laser sword."

Obi-Wan swapped the bear for the lightsaber, amid Anakin laughing at him.

"Seriously, Anakin." said Obi-Wan. "This weapon is your life."

"I try, Master." Anakin said, taking his weapon back, and picking up Gabby.

This might've been a club, a place not exactly suited for toddlers, but there was no way Anakin was going to leave his daughter outside by herself. Better she be in a club where Anakin could keep an eye on her than out in the streets with bigger crowds, fast vehicles, and all kinds of potential ways for her to get hurt or killed.

"Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?" said Obi-Wan.

"Believe me, I think Gabby here will more than likely be the death of both of us." Anakin said. He held Gabby so he could look at her face-to-face. "When we get back to Senator Amidala, we are getting you a bell, Princess."

Anakin chuckled as Gabby planted a kiss on his cheek.

"And Master, you are the closest thing I have to a father."

"Then why don't you listen to me?" Obi-Wan said.

"Because a lot of kids don't listen to their mommies and daddies?" Gabby said.

Even Obi-Wan had to admit, the smart two-year-old did have a point.

"She's got you there. But at least I'm trying." said Anakin.

The Jedi looked all around, there were screens showing droids playing sports games and such, but they didn't see Zam.

"Can you see him?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I think he is a she." said Anakin. "and I think she is a changeling."

"What's a changeling?" Gabby asked.

"Do you remember your friend Dracona?" Obi-Wan said. "She can change shape. That's what a changeling does, except this one is not half-dragon, at least to our knowledge, and she is most certainly not friendly either. Which is why we must be extra careful. Anakin, go and find her. I shall take care of the princess."

"Where are you going, Master?" Anakin asked.

"For a drink." said Obi-Wan, when Gabby pulled on his tunic and whispered something. "Right after I take the little one to powder her nose."

___________________________

The two Jedi split up to do their things. Anakin searched for Zam, and Obi-Wan took care of Gabby and then got a drink. Of course, the little one gagged at the smell of alcohol.

"Eww! Teddy says that stuff is stinky!"

Gabby held her nose.

"Don't worry, Gabby. This stuff is just for grownups."

Obi-Wan said, taking his shot.

"You wanna buy some death sticks?" asked a shady man in the bar.

Gabby hid her face in Obi-Wan's chest, knowing her parents' warnings about stranger danger.

"You don't want to sell me death sticks." Obi-Wan said, Jedi mind tricking the man.

"I don't want to sell you death sticks." the man repeated.

"You want to go home and rethink your life."

"I want to go home and rethink my life."

Gabby peered curiously at the trick Obi-Wan did.

"He was acting like a parrot."

"That is just one way Jedi mind tricks work. You will learn more as you get older, future Padawan."

"When can I be a Padawan?"

"When you are older and trained in the Force."

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Meanwhile, Anakin continued to search the bar for Zam. He didn't see her anywhere. But, Gabby did see someone coming towards Obi-Wan... with a gun!

Gabby spotted Zam with her gun and screamed loudly enough to get everyone's attention. And Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber and attacked Zam right in the nick of time.

While Obi-Wan grabbed Zam, Gabby ran right into Anakin's arms, crying a little.

"Easy. Jedi business. Go back to your drinks." said Anakin, gently patting Gabby on the back to calm her down. "Shh. It's okay now, little one."

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While Obi-Wan apprehended the suspect, Anakin held Gabby in one arm and used his opposite hand to make Teddy dance for her to calm her down after what she witnessed.

"You're safe now, little one. You're gonna be okay. The Jedi are here to protect you." Anakin said in a funny voice through the teddy bear.

"Anakin, enough baby talking." Obi-Wan said. He looked at Zam. "Do you know who it was you were trying to kill?"

Zam moaned and said, "It was a senator from Naboo."

"And who hired you?" Obi-Wan asked.

"It was just a job."

"Who hired you? Tell us." Anakin said, looking angry. "Tell us now!"

"It was a bounty hunter called-

But before Zam could say the name, she was shot!

Anakin immediately covered Gabby's eyes from what happened next. But he and Obi-Wan spotted the Mandalorian dressed soldier flying away on his jetpack.

Obi-Wan looked at Zam's chin and pulled something out.

"What's that?" Gabby asked, reaching for the shiny thing.

"Don't touch it!" Anakin said, grabbing Gabby's hand. "That's not a toy."

"Toxic dart." Obi-Wan confirmed.

Gabby looked at Obi-Wan and asked him, "Are Mommy and me gonna be okay?"

Obi-Wan couldn't deny it. The eyes Gabby looked at him with, he just couldn't tell her he wasn't going to do anything.

"We are going to keep doing everything we can to keep you and your mother safe, little one. I promise you." Obi-Wan said. "For now, we best get you back safely to your mother, who I have no doubt is worried sick about you."

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Back at the Temple, Kara was reading more of the books sent by the commission. Gabby was getting bigger, and she knew that she would need as much guidance as possible in controlling them. At the moment, they weren't sure what kind of Enchanted she was. Currently, their best guesses were that she was either a sorcerer or a fairy, based on what the gold blood cells gave off. Fairy, Kara was confused by, but according to one of the books, there were different kinds of fairies, some of whom were born with wings, as well as others who either grew them later or had to earn them.

Whatever kind of Enchanted her niece was, Kara was determined to help her brother and the child. But first, they had to keep her safe until whatever threat was out there was alleviated.

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