❝ there is never anything easy
about grief. ❞

―

CARINA STOLE GLANCES AT the hidden battle droids in each small crevice as they treaded through the dungeons. Ahsoka blinked before gazing over at Anakin, "Master, you know you're walking us into a trap?"

"I know."

Carina held an unbothered expression as she let out a yawn, crossing her arms over her chest as she continued walking. Ahsoka gaped at the two Jedi Knights who seemed so at peace, not bothered at the slightest with the droids watching them.

"We just passed two more droids."

"I know."

Ahsoka let a sigh escape her parted lips, "Well, I don't like this. Can I just take care of them?" Anakin spared his padawan a look as he responded, "Oh, well, if you feel so strongly about it, go ahead."

Ahsoka glanced back at the moving battle droids, not wasting a moment as she quickly ignited her saber, slashing the robots blaster before cutting him down.

Carina watched with interest as the girl deflected a shot fired for it to hit the droid instead before spinning to slice the lingering droid in half.

Anakin hummed, "Not bad. You remembered to destroy their weapons first." Ahsoka grinned widely, "I'm improving your technique."

Carina extended out her hand, rattling echoing as a blaster flew right into her grasp as Anakin quickly slipped his saber out, stabbing his weapon through a hidden droid. Carina dropped the gun as Anakin gave his young apprentice a look, "Of course, you did miss one."

"I did that on purpose."

Carina and Anakin approached a closed off cell as Ahsoka caught up with the pair, "I sense our kidnapped Hutt is in here."

Ahsoka's nose scrunched up in disgust as she inhaled, "I smell him, too." Carina watched Anakin open the cell door, quirking up a brow as she watched the small Hutt whine and slither across the floor. Anakin hummed, "He's a lot younger than I thought he'd be."

Ahsoka looked at the Hutt with endearing eyes, "Oh, he's just a baby. This will make our job a lot easier." Carina crossed her arms over her chest, "I call not it for carrying him."

"Oh he's so cute."

"For now."

Ahsoka crouched down to inspect the small Hutt as Carina's comlink rang, "General Algora, the castle is secure, and it's nearly midday."

The brunette pursed her lips, "Thank you, Rex. We have the small Hutt. Any sign of General Kenobi?"

"No, Ma'am."

Ahsoka glanced up at Anakin who was near Carina, "Master, my Jedi training didn't prepare me for this. What are we gonna do?" The blonde Jedi gave the girl a look, "Well, since you think that smelly larva is cute, you're gonna carry it."

―

The trio treaded down the hall as Ahsoka reluctantly held the small Hutt, adjusting the baby in her grip as Anakin spoke, "How do you like your little buddy now? Still cute?"

Ahsoka faced her Master as she gestured towards the Hutt, "You know, he's reminding me of you more and more." Carina bit her lip as she struggled to contain her laugher whilst her husband held an unamused look, Ahsoka smiled before continuing, "See? You're two of a kind."

"Maybe you should carry both of us then."

The baby Hutt began to wail and viciously cough, Ahsoka knitted her brows together, "I think this little guy is sick. He's burning up with a fever."

Carina placed her gloved hand on the small creatures head, "He is." the brunette glanced back at her lover, "We need to get him back to the ship."

Anakin firmly nodded as he called out, "Trooper, get me a backpack." one of the clones handed the male the bag and Carina crouched down with Ahsoka and Anakin as they attempted to put the crying Hutt in the backpack.

"Will you just let me do it?" Ahsoka snapped at Anakin as she sighed out in annoyance, "I hate the Hutts."

Carina knitted her brows together, feeling a strange sensation of being watched all of a sudden. The brunette turned, glancing up to see absolutely nothing. Carina closed her eyes before shaking her head, deciding she was merely paranoid.

―

Carina had her arms crossed over her chest as Anakin and Ahsoka stood on either sides of her, the young padawan held the small Hutt in a bag before her as the three gazed at a holographic call from Obi-Wan.

"Anakin, Carina, did you locate Jabba's son?"

Carina firmly nodded as her husband spoke up, "We have him, but it looks like the Separatists are behind his abduction." The Algora girl waited until he finished before giving her input, "My guess is, Count Dooku is behind all this."

Obi-Wan pursed his lips in agreement with his friend, "I'll bet Dooku is using us to get Jabba to join the Separatists."

"Master Kenobi, we have another problem. This Huttlet is very sick." Ahsoka chimed in as Anakin continued, "I'm not sure we can get him back to Tatooine alive, Master. This whole rescue may backfire on us. I still don't think dealing with the Hutts is a good idea."

Carina tore her attention away from the blonde as Kenobi began speaking, "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."

All conversation was cut short as enemy ships began to fly into view, Carina narrowed her eyes, her hands twitching in anticipation.

"Um, we've got trouble."

Rex glanced around at the other troopers, "Defensive positions!" Obi-Wan pursed his lips in worry as Carina reached for her saber, "Carina?" the brunette spared the male a glance, "We'll have to call you back, Obi."

"We're under attack. We could use a little help here if you have the time." Anakin told his Master who nodded in understanding, "I'll get there as soon as I can. Protect the Hutt, Anakin."

The call cut out just as fire began to reign down from the ship above. Carina and Anakin ignited their weapons as they began to dodge incoming shots as the troopers held their blasters before them, firing away at the cruisers.

"We've got spiders inbound!"

R2 leapt out of the ship just as a shot hit the vehicle, leaving it in mere pieces. Carina stood protectively before Ahsoka and the R2 unit as she deflected the blaster shots.

Carina watched as more and more battle droids began to pile onto the platform, the brunette grit her teeth before glancing back at the padawan and droid, "Get inside, now."

Anakin and Carina stood side by side as the couple continued spinning their sabers, shielding incoming fire just as the droids began to focus on the walker, hitting multiple shots at the vehicle that erupted into smoke.

Carina spared her lover a slightly worried look to which he pursed his lips, it wasn't often his wife let her thoughts speak with merely her eyes. The blonde male gazed around at the fighting troopers, "Fall back!"

Carina began to walk backwards, still deflecting gunfire as the clone troopers ran into the building. Anakin stood a little ahead of the brunette, worry filling her eyes as she stood just inside the cave, watching the iron gate begin to close.

Anakin reflected the last shot before sliding on the concrete ground, slipping past the small crevice just as the gate closed behind him. Carina did her best not to show her relief as she closed her eyes for a small moment.

Yet the small gesture didn't escape Anakin's notice, the blonde sent his lover a reassuring smile before slipping his saber back into his utility belt. The Skywalker male turned towards Rex, "Captain, we'll stay here until General Kenobi arrives with reinforcements."

Anakin turned to gaze down at his padawan that was giving him an incredulous look. The blonde furrowed his brows in confusion, "What?"

"Master, do you honestly think we can hold them off? We've got to find a way out of here." Anakin pursed his lips tightly together, "Our mandate is to protect this Hutt, and that's what we're going to do, Ahsoka."

The young padawan narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, "Our mandate was to get this Hutt back to Tatooine, and time is running out."

Carina blinked before looking up at Anakin who spoke once again, "I suppose you have a plan." R2 let out a set of beeps to which Carina raised a curious brow as Ahsoka nodded, "Yes, or I think so, R2 willing."

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

"Will do, sir. You heard the General!"

Carina parted her lips as she glanced back at the troopers before turning to gaze as Anakin and Ahsoka who had started walking. Anakin's steps halted as he furrowed his brows in confusion, "Carina, let's go."

Rex sensed the Jedi Knights hesitation and gave her a reassuring nod, "General Algora, our men can hold them off. The mission is the Hutt."

Carina clenched her fists, she knew he was right, but that didn't make leaving the troopers to fend for themselves any easier. The brunette swallowed thickly before nodding, "Right you are, Captain. Give em' hell."

"Yes, ma'am."

Carina shuffled on her feet, stepping into Ahsoka and Anakin's side as the three ventured further off into the dark vault. The Algora girl watched R2 roll into her side, letting out a beep to which she softly chuckled before placing her hand gently upon his head.

The trio continued until the R2 unit lead them to a device connector, someplace he could attain information for a way out of the vault.

"If there's a way out of here, Artooie will find it." Ahsoka spoke up as Anakin gazed down at the Huttlet that had finally fallen fast asleep, "Finally asleep, huh? Put him down. Get some rest yourself. It's been a long day for you, little one."

Carina leaned up against the wall as she watched Ahsoka shake her head, "I can hold him, Master. I'm not tired." Anakin let out a heavy sigh, "Okay, suit yourself. I don't understand why you won't just listen to me."

The young girl tightly pursed her lips as she muttered, "I do listen to you, Master. I just don't like being treated like a youngling."

"You must have patience. What are you trying to prove anyway?"

Ahsoka's gaze fell to the ground beneath her, "That I'm not too young to be your padawan."

"Ahsoka, a very wise Jedi once said, 'Nothing happens by accident.'" A small smile spread across Carina's tainted lips as she heard her husband speak those words, staying quiet as Anakin continued, "It is the will of the Force that you are at my side. I just want to keep you there in one piece."

Carina held an endearing gaze as she watched Ahsoka put the backpack down before going to lay on the bench available with her back to the two Jedi.

Anakin looked up at his wife to see her smiling softly, the blonde approached her side, "How'd I do?"

Carina faced her lover, a bright glint shining in her gaze before parting her lips to speak, "Perfect."

Anakin inspected the girls features, brows slightly furrowing with concern, "You haven't been sleeping." Carina's smile fell as she blinked, "Haven't had much time to."

"Don't lie to me, Ina." Anakin could always tell when his wife was lying, just as she could tell whenever something wasn't right with the Skywalker male. Carina closed her eyes for a short moment as Anakin questioned, "Is it the nightmares again?"

The blonde Jedi watched Carina's expression turn grim, "I'd rather not talk about it." Anakin pursed his lips in concern as he reached for the brunette's hand, "Ina—"

"Please, Anakin. Not here." Carina's gaze went over to Ahsoka's resting figure. Anakin knew it wasn't the time but nothing could stop his worry for his wife, he knew her nightmares kept getting worse, and everyday she opened up to him less and less about them.

Anakin gave Carina's hand a soft squeeze before letting go of her, taking a step back just as the vault began to rumble. Ahsoka jolted upwards as Carina stood defensively.

"That sounded bad." Anakin spoke to which Carina retorted, "Well, it sure as hell wasn't anything good."

R2 let out a beep as he projected a map of the building, finding a perfect exit highlighted in red. Ahsoka's eyes visibly brightened up at the sight of it, "A backdoor landing platform."

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

Carina's gaze fell down to the backpack that once held the Huttlet, "Uh, where's the little creature?"

Ahsoka narrowed her eyes at her Master, "You told me to put him down."

"Okay find the Hutt now, argue later." Carina gazed between the two as Anakin knelt down to look under the bench as he heard a cooing sound. The blonde reached his hand under, "Come outta there, you grubby little slug."

―

The trio ran onto the landing platform as Anakin spoke into his comlink, "Skywalker to Obi-Wan. Mark my position. I need a medical ship immediately."

Carina pursed her lips as they received no reply, "Do you copy?" Static was all that could be heard from the other end, "I can't get ahold of Obi-Wan. I'll see if I can find Captain Rex."

The brunette slightly shivered causing for her hand instinctively reached for her saber as Anakin spoke, "Come in, Rex Do you copy? Rex?" the blonde pursed his lips, "Captain Rex, respond."

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

"Do you need help?"

Crossfire was all that could be heard on the com. Anakin glanced up at Carina as he continued, "I'll take that as a yes, Captain. Stand by, we're on our way. Skywalker, out."

Anakin began to walk back into the building as Ahsoka called out for him, "Master, Stinky is really sick. 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."

Anakin pressed his lips firmly together, "Obi-Wan will get here eventually. Right now, we need Rex to help us find a ship." The Jedi's sentence was cut short as two droidekas rolled into view. Carina adjusted her grip on her saber as she prepared to attack.

"Great. Rolling death balls." Ahsoka faked enthusiasm as Carina gazed over at her droid, "R2, the door!"

The three Jedi began to deflect the multiple shots fired at them as Ventress began to slowly walk towards them. The iron gate suddenly placed itself between the enemy and the trio.

Carina held a wry gaze as two red lit sabers began to burn a circle through the gate.

"I think now's a good time for a retreat." Anakin spoke up to which Ahsoka gazed up at her Master, "Retreat? That's a new word for you."

"Maybe into the jungle."

Carina blinked at the blonde, "Like there's any better." Anakin ran to the edge of the platform as two spider droids were escalating up the cliff, shooting at the platform to which a nest of animals was shook awake.

Anakin let out a sigh, "So much for going that way."

Carina turned back around, holding her igniting saber before her as she eyed the burning gate. Anakin held a torn gaze, "Looks like we're out of options."

Ahsoka diverted her attention over to the small Hutt that was cooing and whimpering, "Not now, stinky." Jabba's son pointed to something out in the distance, the young padawan turned on her heel to see another platform with a ship stationed upon it. The girls eyes visibly brightened, "Master Skywalker, Master Algora, another landing platform."

Carina gazed ahead and felt a sense of relief flush through her as the two droids beneath them continued firing away, the ground they were on becoming more unstable by the second. Ahsoka pursed her lips, "So, how are we gonna get over there?"

"Leave that to me."

Carina gave her lover a look, "I don't like the sound of that, Anakin." The blonde flashed the Jedi Knight a smile before jumping off the platform, leaving Carina to blink a few times, "Did he really—?" but her sentence was cut short as an entrance was finally made, Ventress coming into view as Carina turned her weapon on with Ahsoka stood beside her.

Ventress sped quickly, clashing her two sabers with Carina's golden one before dodging a hit made from Ahsoka. The brunette moved her feet quickly, slicing her weapon as Ventress moved to defend herself from two attacking Jedi.

Carina kicked her leg out in hopes to unbalance the woman as Ahsoka was being pushed back by Ventress' strength. The Jedi Knight used the distraction to her advantage as she sliced her saber upwards, gashing the assassin in the arm successfully.

Ventress hissed slightly before kicking Ahsoka away, the young padawan tumbling onto the ground as the woman placed her full attention on Carina, "I will destroy you."

Carina spun her saber once before holding it before her, "You can certainly try."

Ventress pounced, using all her strength as she hit her saber against Carina's. The brunette placed all her force into her hands as she pushed the woman back, kicking her leg out as she hit Ventress in the jaw harshly.

The woman became angered by the second as she attacked once again, hitting and slashing her saber, determined to hit Carina down. The brunette planted her foot on the ground as she held back Ventress' two sabers with her own.

"Perhaps I should give you another scar, one to match the one my Master gave you."

Carina clenched her harshly, "Funny you think you'd be able to even touch me." the brunette jutted her knee upwards, kicking Ventress with the groin as Ahsoka got herself up from the ground, standing a few feet behind Carina.

Anakin suddenly soared upwards, riding one of the winged creatures as he used its wing to send Ventress tumbling backwards before flying closer to Ahsoka and Carina.

"Time to go."

Anakin reached his hand down and Carina grabbed the males gloved hand whilst his padawan took the brunette's hand. The Skywalker boy pulling the two girls up onto the animal before flying away from the deteriorating platform.

Carina glanced back to make sure R2 had used his blasters to follow behind the trio.

Carina allowed her forehead to rest on Anakin's back as she carefully placed her arms around his waist, feeling all her restless nights hit her like a bucket of cold water to the face.

Anakin hid a small smile at the affection his wife was showing, it wasn't often Carina did it in public for obvious reasons.

Ahsoka sat behind Carina beyond clueless as she gazed up at the sky.

Carina felt her eyelids become heavy, struggling to keep her eyes open as she muttered out, "Maybe I do need a nap."

—

AUTHORS NOTE, we're halfway through😍