Title: Choices
Rating: K+ (but may change as more chapters get added)
Summary: Jacen finally plucks up the courage to ask Tenel Ka 'The Question', but before they can celebrate properly, their lives are torn apart.
Disclaimer: I don't own Young Jedi Knights, or Star Wars, and I made no money from writing this fic.
It's set about nine or so years after the conclusion of the Young Jedi Knights series, and 'cause I haven't read the NJO series (although, reading some of the plot-lines, I don't think I want to) I guess it's AU.
Kinda came from a challenge to write a YJK fic from one of my friends (the one who introduced me to the books). She hasn't read it, but…
I apologise if some of the characters are a little off the books. It's far from perfect, but it's not too disastrous.
Tell me if I should keep writing!
Choices
1 - Questions and Separations
Jacen Solo sighed softly, the sound swiftly whipped away by the cold breeze. He crossed his arms over his stomach, squinting against the bright but cold sun. Brown robes hung draped around his lean form, attempting to keep him warm, and they writhed around his ankles, twisted by the feisty wind. He let his eyes drift shut, and let the outside world rush in, filling his senses with almost-unbearable clarity. His ears picked up soft, slow footsteps from behind him, and again, he sighed. "Jaina."
"Damn." A hint of a smile touched his lips. "I can never sneak up on you."
He opened his eyes as his twin sister stepped up beside him. "You're just so predictable though," he replied. He flashed her a smile. "Just can't resist."
"What's up?"
"Huh?" Jacen looked over at Jaina, his forehead furrowed.
"I said, 'What's up?'" Jaina repeated. She studied Jacen's face. "Contrary to what you think, I am not stupid. I know something's going on." A smile flickered across her lips. "You haven't cracked a bad joke in ages. Therefore, something's wrong."
Jacen smiled lightly, not even rising to the insult on his normally irrepressible sense of humour. "I guess."
"So, what is it?" Jaina crossed her arms stubbornly. "You are going to talk to me Jacen."
He sighed for a third time. "It's Tenel Ka," he answered softly.
Jaina didn't answer, waiting for him to elaborate.
Jacen stared out across the teeming jungles of Yavin 4. From their vantage point on top of the temple they could see for miles across the moon, but Jacen's gaze was focused inwards.
He shifted slightly. "I'm just… considering a big step," he said. He shook his head. "We're all getting older, and… well, you and the others're getting wiser. Me not so much." He shrugged. "Coming up twenty-five now, and you'd think big choices would get easier." He shook his head slightly, his voice tailing off.
"Jacen?" Jaina asked, curious.
He looked over at her. "My problem…" He trailed off, and then smiled slightly. "My problem is, can I ask Tenel Ka to marry me?"
Jaina's eyebrow's shot up. "Jacen, of course you can!" she exclaimed, amazed and excited.
He just looked at her.
She sighed, and propped her fists on her hips. "I'm surprised it's taken you this long," she said, a hint of reproach in her voice. At his sceptical expression she shook her head. "I guess I'm gonna have to spell it out for you. Tenel Ka loves you, correct?"
Jacen nodded slowly. "As far as I know."
Jaina smiled. "And you love her, right?"
Jacen nodded again, a hint of a goofy smile spreading across his lips.
Jaina spread her hands. "What more encouragement d'you need?" she asked.
Jacen still looked uncertain, and Jaina sighed in exasperation. "You love her," she stated firmly. "She loves you. You are meant to be together!"
Her brother's face lapsed into an easy smile. "I guess you're right," he said.
"Damn right!" she exclaimed. She crossed her arms, and blew out a breath. "Anyway," she said, her tone slightly frustrated. "If Tenel Ka accepts, maybe it'll get an idea through Zekk's thick skull…"
A smile twitched at Jacen's lips. "Trouble in bed?" he asked jokingly.
"Hey!" Jaina swung a light punch in her brother's direction, which he dodged easily.
"It was a joke!" he exclaimed, jumping backwards as her hand sprung towards him again. "Y'know, not serious!"
There was a dangerous gleam in Jaina's eyes. Jacen immediately recognised his twin sister's expression. "Oh no…" he moaned.
>>>>>>>>>
Lowbacca opened the door of his room as he heard two sets of footsteps thunder past, accompanied by yells of delight. The Wookiee watched as the Solo twins, both fully-fledged Jedi Knights race past, Jaina pursuing Jacen. Lowie shook his shaggy head and let out a perplexed growl.
Em Teedee hovered up to join Lowbacca, listening to the fading shouts. "I quite agree Master Lowbacca," the little droid said. "The childishness of Master Jacen and Mistress Jaina never ceases to amaze me too."
Lowie woofed his agreement, and the Wookiee retreated back into his room, the silvery ovoid floating behind.
>>>>>>>>>
It was a few days later, and the five friends sprawled over an entire table that was designed to seat ten. It was nearly sunset, and they were all tired. Jaina was already half-asleep, her eyes nearly closed as she leaned against Zekk's shoulder. Zekk himself was yawning and blinking tiredly, his cheek resting against the top of Jaina's head. Lowie leant forward, his head resting on the smooth wooden table, his golden eyes lidded. Em Teedee was drifting lazily just above the Wookiee, his microrepulsor jets barely creating any backdraft. Jacen was laid on his back on the table, his Jedi robes discarded, dressed only in an old jumpsuit. Tenel Ka's head rested on his stomach, in an unusual display of caring for the warrior woman. Jacen was staring at the darkening skies, idly playing with a strand of Tenel Ka's red-gold hair, twisting it around his fingers.
Suddenly Jaina's eyes slipped open, and she blinked the sleep from the brandy-brown orbs. She didn't move her head, but she reached out and lightly poked her brother in the shoulder, careful not to disturb the almost-asleep Zekk. He rolled his head to look at her, and he was equally as careful not to disturb Tenel Ka.
Jaina pointedly looked at Tenel Ka, and then back at her twin.
His eyebrows quickly shot up his face, and he frowned at her. Now? he mouthed.
Yes! she mouthed back.
He bit his lip, and then nodded slowly. He reached down and gently shook Tenel Ka's shoulder. Jaina quickly shut her eyes to a slit, still watching the two. Tenel Ka raised her head of Jacen's stomach and looked up at him. He swung his legs down off the table and hopped off. He offered Tenel Ka his hand. "Let's go for a walk," he said quietly.
She smiled slightly, and slipped her hand into his.
He pulled her up, and the two of them slowly moved away into the jungle.
Jaina smiled happily, and fully closed her eyes. Finally Jacen gets a move on, she thought sleepily. About… Her thoughts were interrupted by a mental and physical yawn.
Accidentally, her yawn jolted Zekk alert. He grinned down at her, slid his arm around her shoulders, and the pair of them again closed their eyes.
>>>>>>>>>
"Jacen, is there any purpose to this walk?" Tenel Ka asked.
He stopped just ahead of her, and exhaled slowly. Guess this is it, he told himself. No more running. Just ask her!
"Yeah," he answered, turning around. "I have to ask you something."
She cocked one eyebrow. "And what would that be?"
In the face of her cool words, Jacen began to feel uncomfortable and nervous. He slid his hand into his jumpsuit pocket, closing his fingers around a tiny, circular hard object.
He stepped forward, taking her hand between his the ring still in his pocket. "This might be…" He trailed off, not knowing what to say. He sighed. "What the hell." He slowly dropped to one knee, still clasping her hand, still staring into her granite-grey eyes, which widened in shock. He let go of her hand with one of his and drew the ring out of his pocket, proffering it to her between his fingers. "Tenel Ka Djo," he said, his voice almost shaking. "Will you…" He faltered, and then swallowed. He started again, in a stronger voice. "Will you marry me?"
She was silent, her eyes wide in shock.
He began to worry. "You don't have to say yes," he rushed to assure her. "I'm not—"
She cut him off, pressing her index finger to his lips. A hint of a smile curved her lips. "Ssh," she said softly. He stared up at her, his brown eyes wide, mute. She lightly moved her fingers and stroked the side of his face. "Yes," she whispered.
He was silent, his eyes still wide. Finally, the trademark lopsided Solo grin spread across his features. "Are you sure?" he asked.
She nodded, her eyes brimming with what looked suspiciously like tears. "I've been waiting for you to ask me for a very long time," she whispered to him.
He didn't answer, just took hold of her hand. He slowly slid the gold band onto her ring finger. He ran his own fingertips over the fiery gem set into the simple gold back.
"A Corusca gem," she said softly, recognising the brilliant jewel.
Jacen nodded.
She looked up at him. "Where'd you get it?"
Jacen smiled softly. "You remember I went up to Lando's GemDiver station about two months ago?" he asked. At her nod he continued. "I went down into Yavin, on my own, for days on end until..." He trailed off, and touched the gem again. "Until I found this," he murmured.
"And you made it into a ring," she said, her voice a murmur.
He nodded. "It's not the best craftsmanship in the universe," he said. "But—"
Once again she cut him off, her finger lightly touching his lips again. "It's beautiful," she said simply.
He smiled up at her, and she carefully pulled him to his feet. Tenel Ka reached up and traced her fingertips along his cheek, a rare smile gracing her lips. "I love you," she whispered, her voice shaking.
He leaned forward, and gently kissed her. She slid her hand up into his curly brown hair and around the back of his head, drawing him closer, deepening the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him. Tenel Ka released his hair and fumbled with the fastenings of his jumpsuit, finally managing to yank the worn cloth off of his torso and around his waist. The ring on her hand already felt like it was a part of her, and as she kissed him, she smiled.
>>>>>>>>>
Zekk raised his head off Jaina's shoulder. He frowned as he finally realised that both Jacen and Tenel Ka were missing. "Hey!" he exclaimed.
Jaina didn't look up. She merely patted Zekk's arm, and said sleepily, "They'll be back. Go back to sleep."
Zekk lowered his head to her shoulder, not quite convinced, but he trusted her. He closed his eyes.
Lowie slept on, undisturbed.
>>>>>>>>>
Luke Skywalker suddenly jerked awake, his eyes wide, sweat beaded on his forehead. He immediately gathered himself, calming himself with a few deep breaths.
"What was that?" he murmured under his breath, leaning back, pressing a hand to the centre of his chest.
The Force knew when big things were happening, and the Force knew when bad things were going to occur. Luke had felt a surge of energy wash through him, ripping his peaceful dreams apart. Shock, followed by joy, followed by pain, followed by utter, shattering loss.
Luke stood up, his bare feet padding across the smooth floor. He moved to the window, looking out at the night sky.
What he felt hadn't happened yet, but it was coming.
And if he didn't do something…
Then someone close to home would not be around for very much longer.
>>>>>>>>>
One month later…
>>>>>>>>>
Jacen again readjusted his belt around his hips. Zekk sighed from behind him. "You look fine," the other man said, his arms crossed.
Jacen didn't look at his friend, and didn't reply.
It was The Day.
He was getting married in precisely two hours, and he was nervous. He was very nervous. Of course he was nervous about the ceremony, but there was something else that nagged at him, something that he couldn't place. He dismissed it, pushed it to the back of his mind.
Someone knocked on the door to the room he and Zekk were stood in, and the dark-haired man moved to open the door. Jacen turned around, tucking his thumbs behind his belt, rocking on his feet.
He grinned widely as Han and Leia entered the room. "Mom. Dad," he greeted.
His parents immediately grabbed him in a tight hug. "Well, well, well," Han said jovially. "What's this? My little Jacen, all grown up?"
"Dad," Jacen admonished. "You promised. No embarrassing me."
The two of them released him, taking a step back. "Have you seen Jaina?" Jacen asked.
Leia shook her head. "No," she replied. "We came straight here." She smiled. "I'm sorry we couldn't've arrived earlier, but I was caught up in something."
Han grinned. Politics, he mouthed to Jacen, and Jacen grinned.
"Well, at least you managed it," Jacen said.
>>>>>>>>>
Tenel Ka ran her hands over the smooth fabric of her dress, erasing invisible wrinkles. The garment felt unfamiliar on her, but she didn't dislike the sensation. "You look beautiful," Jaina said from her position on the floor behind her.
Tenel Ka studied herself in the mirror. "It is not very practical," she stated.
Jaina rolled her eyes. "It's not supposed to be practical," she said. "It's supposed to look good, and feel good."
Tenel Ka nodded slowly. "I suppose that is true," she answered, half to herself. The dress was simple white silk that clung in all the right places. The neckline was a deep V-neck, and there was a long slit up the right leg, ending just above the knee. Her red-gold hair tumbled around her shoulders, framing her features. The warrior woman smiled internally, and imagined Jacen's expression when he saw her.
Jaina seemed to read her mind. "Jacen'll be impressed," she commented.
Tenel Ka glanced over at Jaina. She raised one eyebrow. "I hope so," she replied.
>>>>>>>>>
"Jacen!"
The aforementioned looked up as he heard his name called. "Hi Uncle," he greeted, stopping in the centre of the corridor.
Luke came up behind him, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "Have you got your lightsaber?" he asked quickly.
Jacen frowned. "No," he answered. "Why?"
"I want you to carry it with you," Luke ordered. "At all times."
"Uncle, I'm getting married," Jacen replied, confused. "You want me to wear my lightsaber?"
"Yes."
"But… why?"
Luke laid one hand on Jacen's shoulder, fixing his nephew with his intense blue eyes. "Something is going to happen," he said softly. "Soon. I don't know when, I don't know where. But I know it involves you."
Jacen frowned, but didn't say anything.
Luke searched his eyes, looking for agreement. "I want to keep you safe Jacen," he said quietly. "You have to promise me you'll be careful."
"Uncle, I'm not a child anymore," Jacen answered, shrugging Luke's hand off. "But I'll do as you ask."
Luke nodded to him, and turned on his heel and left, leaving Jacen to stare after the Jedi Master in puzzlement.
>>>>>>>>>
"He's growing up fast," Leia commented, a wistful smile on her features.
Han slid his arm around her waist as they watched the frantic comings and goings, everyone chipping in to prepare for Jacen and Tenel Ka's wedding. "Mmm," he agreed.
"Barely an hour now," Leia said softly, shifting slightly in his grasp. "Not long."
Han rolled his eyes. "Stop fussing Leia," he ordered. "Everything will be fine."
Leia smiled, but leaned her head against his shoulder. "I can't get past this feeling that something's gonna happen," she said softly.
Han shook his head. "Your brother's rubbing off on you," he complained.
Leia laughed. "I guess I just want everything to be perfect for Jacen and Tenel Ka," she answered.
Han lightly kissed the top of her head. "And you wouldn't be yourself if you didn't," he commented.
>>>>>>>>>
Jacen was still fiddling with his belt, and now he had the added weight of his hidden lightsaber to contend with. He was stood before the makeshift altar that Luke and some of the other Jedi had knocked together. There were rows of benches behind him, each one full to bursting, with family, friends and well-wishers. There was a slow buzz of chatter.
Zekk stood beside Jacen. "You sure you're ready for this?" he asked softly.
Jacen looked over at his friend. "It's a bit late for you to be second guessing me," he replied, one eyebrow raised.
Zekk nodded slightly. "I guess," he replied, "But still…"
Jacen resisted the urge to elbow his friend in the stomach. "Are you still gonna be having second thoughts on your wedding?" he murmured.
Zekk frowned at him. "What?" he asked.
Before Jacen could answer, there was a soft tone of music that rapidly grew in volume. Zekk took a small step back, forgetting for the moment Jacen's comment.
Luke stepped up to the altar (he was to act as the priest, as the most experienced of the Jedi). He grinned at Jacen. "Ready?" he asked, his blue eyes shining. Apparently he had put his worry aside, and Jacen couldn't help but grin back.
Jacen felt his heartbeat increase. He saw Lowie and Raynar grinning at him from the front row, seated alongside his parents, and he felt his confidence grow. He looked up as the temple entrance swung open, and he felt his mouth fall open in amazement.
Tenel Ka stepped out slowly, her eyes lowered, almost shyly, Jaina and Lusa following her on either side as her bridesmaids.
Oh. My. God. Jacen was stunned speechless. Oh. My. God
She looked up, meeting his gaze, and a smile crossed her lips.
My God, Jacen's numb mind thought. I'm marrying an angel.
And with that thought, she was stood beside him, and they turned to face Luke.
>>>>>>>>>
The thick jungles of Yavin 4 superbly concealed the small attack force of fifteen highly trained men. Their camouflage gear hid them in the dappled shadows of the buzzing jungle, and they slowly crept closer to the ancient temple. The Jedi Master's voice reached them faintly, rising and falling.
The leader signalled for them to stop, and he focused on the ceremony. He smiled, and then squatted down and waited.
>>>>>>>>>
Jacen's hands were shaking as he slid the ring onto Tenel Ka's finger, slipping it up to meet with her Corusca gem engagement ring with a soft chink! He looked up at her, and he smiled.
She took his hand, slipping the simple gold band onto his ring finger. She smiled back at him, love shining in her usually calm eyes.
Luke smiled, and took a step back. The Jedi Master surveyed Jacen and Tenel Ka, who were oblivious to him. "I now pronounce you, man and wife." He said the words with a grin.
Without waiting for his uncle's permission, Jacen lunged forward and kissed Tenel Ka hard on the lips, and she reciprocated fiercely. There was a cheer, and a round of rapturous applause, with a few smatterings of laughter.
>>>>>>>>>
The leader smiled, and he signalled to the man nearest to him. The soldier raised his blaster to his shoulder, and fired a single shot.
>>>>>>>>>
The blaster bolt shot overhead, and instinctively half the congregation ducked, and instinct hammered in by years of dodging bullets. Jacen and Tenel Ka broke apart, their hands remaining tangled together. "What was that?" Jacen asked, turning to face the front, staring over towards the jungle.
She knew it was going to happen.
Somehow Tenel Ka knew what was going to happen.
But she was frozen, immobile, and could only watch.
Another bolt sped out from the jungle and struck him in the centre of his chest with incredible precision, sending him staggering backwards.
NO! Tenel Ka's mind screamed, but her body was frozen.
Jacen collapsed to the floor in a heap, a smoking hole right through his chest. His brown eyes stared up at the sky, unfocused.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!
"Jacen!"
Tenel Ka heard Jaina's shocked scream, but she was already on her knees beside her newly-wed husband before his twin sister arrived. "No, Jacen, wake up," she pleaded, slipping out of her warrior persona.
She heard more gunfire and more screams, but it was like it was through a veil, far away. All she could see was Jacen. His scarlet blood was seeping to the ground, staining the soil a murky brown. Jacen, Jacen, Jacen, no… Her mind was in a state of shock, unable to accept it. He can't be dead. Her fingers fumbled, finding the pulse point on his neck. She felt a faint beat. He isn't dead!
But then she felt an electrifying pulse strike her in the centre of her back. She collapsed forwards, paralysed. Her head was sideways, and she saw the squad of men charge up the steps and seize Jacen roughly, dragging him to his feet.
No! her mind screamed. Leave him alone! Let him go!
But they couldn't hear here, and even if they could've, they wouldn't've listened. Jacen was dragged away, his head lolling back, blood spilling down his formal Jedi robes.
Tenel Ka's vision started to fuzz. She tried to reach out to Jacen, but couldn't move. As her mind succumbed to blackness, his unconscious features were emblazoned on her memory. Jacen's features, and those of the man who took him.
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