Okay, so before we get this started, I want you guys to know that I am not just going to do Jacen and Kaitlyn. This first idea just popped into my head yesterday. I assure you there will be a variety of characters in my short stories.
Hope you enjoy it!
Story 1: I Know you Better (Jacen & Kaitlyn fic)
Note: This takes place a month after the final battle, before the epilogue.
"What's the threat?" Jacen asked Hera.
"There's a cult. They worship Inquisitors, and when they heard of his defeat, they started to revolt. There are about fifteen or so in this cult, and they were trained under the Inquisitor himself. Which means they definitely know how to swing a lightsaber. I heard that each cult member is almost as strong as the Inquisitor was. The cult is too much to handle for us alone."
"We can handle them. We dealt with the last Inquisitor, and, not to brag, but we've improved a lot since then," Kaitlyn pointed out.
"We aren't going to take unnecessary risks. Period." Hera left the crossfire and headed to the cockpit. Zeb was out on a mission with Ezra and Sabine. The Phantom was still docked on the Ghost since Ezra took his own ship, Starbird, for his mission with Sabine and Zeb. They weren't supposed to be back for another few weeks. Chopper went on the mission with the others. That left Kaitlyn and Jacen alone in the crossfire.
"We have to go," Kaitlyn sighed in frustration.
"Mom should've let me go alone." Jacen turned towards Kaitlyn.
"Why? Without backup? I have confidence in your capabilities, Jacen, but let's not go overboard."
"Mom can't go. She has a mission tomorrow, and won't be back for a while."
"What am I? Sliced turkey meat?"
"No. You're strong. Probably stronger than me. But I wouldn't want to risk you."
"Some risks are meant to be taken," Kaitlyn paused, thoughtful. "I'd stow away with you if you tried to leave me behind."
"Not if I didn't want you to."
"Try me."
"So stubborn."
"Always."
Hera suddenly burst into the crossfire. "Sorry guys, I have to leave early. There were some...complications."
"What kind of complications?" Kaitlyn asked suspiciously.
"Don't worry about it, love." Hera kissed both Jacen and Kaitlyn on the top of their heads and left with the Phantom. Over the comm link, she warned:
"Don't damage my ship, you two."
Jacen smirked and left for the cockpit. Kaitlyn decided to go train. She descended from the open ramp and searched for a quiet, peaceful place to meditate.
She ended up in a beautiful clearing in the forest of Lothal. She sat down, adjusting her lightsabers on her weapons belt to make her meditation more comfortable, and gave herself completely to her surroundings. She closed her eyes and focused.
Kaitlyn was worried about Jacen. There was something off about him. He was overprotective. Of course, he'd always been protective of Kaitlyn from the start, but now he didn't want her help.
Not in a bad way, he just didn't want to risk her getting hurt, or dying. But that was a Jedi's purpose. To risk everything to save others. To be selfless. Kaitlyn told her boyfriend this, but he didn't listen.
He was blinded by his love for her.
This meant that he cared for Kaitlyn so much, loved her so much, that he wasn't making the right choices. He needed to see that she could take care of herself. But how?
Kaitlyn knew Jacen like the back of her hand. No, even better than the back of her hand. She knew that he would leave for the cult without permission.
And it was Kaitlyn's job to go with him, whether he liked it or not.
Satisfied with her answer, she got up and left the clearing and made her way back to the Ghost. When she got into the cargo hold, Jacen was waiting for her.
"Where were you?" Confusion was etched on his face.
"Meditating," Kaitlyn replied simply.
"Is something bothering you?"
"You could say that." Kaitlyn looked into his deep blue eyes.
"You can tell me." Jacen grasped hold of her hands.
"I know I can. I trust you more than anyone else in the world. So don't betray my trust by leaving without me." Kaitlyn decided to drop the bomb.
"How did you-,"
"Please, Jacen. I know you better than you know yourself," Kaitlyn scoffed.
"I don't want to take the risk. You know that."
"Of course I do. But that's my purpose. To risk my life for something bigger. You can't prevent me from dying, Jacen. Stop thinking you can."
"Don't talk like that."
"My point is that I am going with you."
"Kaitlyn. You're missing my point. I would let you come, even though I hate the risks...but they're expecting more than one Jedi. We need to give them the unexpected. Which means one Jedi."
"We'll manage."
"Here's a deal. I go alone, and if I get into trouble, you can come and rescue me."
"That is so not fair."
"It's the only way."
Kaitlyn decided he was right. But that didn't mean she had to like it. "You're taking the Ghost. Where am I going?"
"The cult's position is on Earth. And you still have family there, right? Your cousin Addison."
"Is the cult's position close enough to her house?"
"It's literally only five miles away. You could walk there."
"If you're in trouble, I'll borrow her speeder bike and get there in a few minutes. I'm not going to walk."
"Fair point. You'll spend a couple nights at her house, until I get back."
"She'll be happy to see me. I haven't seen her in...how many years? Three, I think."
"Then it's settled."
"I still don't like the idea of you going alone."
"I know." Jacen pulled Kaitlyn into the circle of his arms. She rested her head against his shoulder. Jacen could've stayed like that forever, but they had work to do. Jacen kissed her lips lightly and pulled away to go prep the Ghost for takeoff. Kaitlyn followed him to the cockpit and stood behind Hera's usual pilot chair. Jacen was piloting this time. He took off, and, once he left Lothal's atmosphere, jumped into hyperspace. Jacen set the autopilot for Earth, and approached Kaitlyn. She looked nervous.
"It's for the best, you know." Jacen traced his thumb across her cheek.
"I just wish I could come with you." Kaitlyn sounded very irritated. Jacen loved her face when she was annoyed. He thought it was adorable, though unpredictable.
"What, do you not have any faith in me?" Jacen joked.
"I have faith in you up to a point. But when it comes to fifteen Jedi against one padawan, my faith tends to waver. You're gonna get captured. Watch."
"I know, I probably am. But at least they won't expect you."
"I guess you're right."
"I'm always right."
"I'll let you think that."
"So, what do you wanna do? It'll be twenty minutes until we get there."
"I've got an idea." Kaitlyn reached for his weapons belt and snatched his lightsaber. She then raced out of the cockpit to go hide.
"Oh no you don't." Jacen took off after her.
Meanwhile, Kaitlyn decided to go up the ventilation shaft. She jumped and easily made her way into the vent. She was quite small.
Jacen turned the corner, and found Kaitlyn gone. But he knew her technique. He positioned himself in front of the ventilation shaft exit, and swooped her into his arms when she emerged. He took his lightsaber back.
"I have to find a new hiding spot." Kaitlyn wrapped her arms around his neck. Jacen set her feet back on the ground and snaked his arms around her waist.
"You got that right." Jacen touched his forehead to her's. Kaitlyn stretched up to kiss him, which Jacen obliged to. After a minute or so, Kaitlyn pulled away teasingly. Jacen looked at her, frustration clearly displayed on his face. Kaitlyn merely laughed and pressed her lips to his one last time before heading back to the cockpit. Jacen sighed and went to his room to get his bag ready for the mission.
Kaitlyn dropped the ship out of hyperspace and landed a few meters away from her cousin's house. The funny thing was, Addison hadn't seen Kaitlyn since before the Empire had arrived on Earth. She didn't even know Kaitlyn was a Jedi! Kaitlyn realized she had a lot of confessions to make. Especially the boyfriend confession. Jacen walked into the cockpit just as she sighed.
"What is it?" Jacen asked.
"I was just thinking, Addison doesn't know anything about me being a Jedi, and she and I agreed to not get a boyfriend. Of course, that pact went out the window a while ago," Kaitlyn laughed.
"Let's just hope she doesn't kill me."
"I don't think she will."
"How old is she?"
"Well, let's see...I'm fifteen and it's July here on Earth. She was born in January and I was born in September and she's a little less than four years younger than me. She's twelve, then." Kaitlyn paused. "That reminds me! I should change into Earth clothes. It's hot and I don't want to wear my Jedi uniform the entire time. Be right back."
Kaitlyn went to her room, and a few minutes later, emerged wearing a plain white short-sleeve that was only slightly cropped, medium blue denim shorts that only went down to her mid-upper thighs, and simple brown slides, also known as "Jesus sandals" on Earth. Kaitlyn looked like the typical highschooler during summer vacation, which was exactly what she wanted. She'd bought this outfit the last time she was on Earth just in case of situations like these.
"You look exceptionally ordinary," Jacen supplied when she went to show him.
"Good. I don't want to look suspicious."
"What about your lightsabers?"
"I have a plain black weapon's belt that's thin enough to look ordinary right now. Now watch." Kaitlyn took her sabers, and clipped them on the belt.
"You look badass now," Jacen laughed. Kaitlyn approached him.
"See you later. I'll be the first to know if you get caught, so don't worry. I tend to get visions when you get yourself into a hole."
Jacen said nothing. He simply took her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. Kaitlyn let herself be content in Jacen's arms for a few minutes, then pulled away and approached her cousin's house. Jacen took off before Addison could open the door, but before he did, he gave Kaitlyn one last loving glance that she returned.
When Addison opened the door, she at first was confused. Then, recognition dawned on her features. Her brown eyes, the same as Kaitlyn's, lit up with excitement and disbelief.
"Kaitlyn?" Addison dared not to hope.
"Addi," Kaitlyn replied lovingly.
Addison jumped into Kaitlyn's arms and held her tight. "I've missed you."
"I have too."
"What did you do with your hair?"
"Just dyed it. Don't you love the blue?"
"Adorable."
Kaitlyn laughed and pulled away from the embrace.
"I thought you were dead, like everyone else. Is your twin okay, too?" Addi looked hopeful.
"No. Eve, Nate, and Aiden are all gone." Kaitlyn looked wistful.
Kaitlyn had never gotten to talk about her family. She'd never discussed it with Jacen or the rest of the crew, and they respected that. But Addi wouldn't. She needed to know.
Eve was Kaitlyn's seventeen-year-old sister. Nate was her twin brother. Aiden was her eleven-year-old brother.
"What about Aunt Lily? Uncle Derrick?"
Lily and Derrick were Kaitlyn's mother and father. "No. Just me."
Addison's hope faded away. "Well, at least you're safe."
"And I'm grateful. How are Alexis and Tyler? What about Cole?" Alexis was Addi's seven-year-old sister, Tyler was four. Cole was eighteen.
"They're fine. They'll be happy to see you." Addi led Kaitlyn to the living room. There sat Alexis and Tyler, watching Sesame Street.
"Kaitlyn!" Alexis yelled, Tyler followed suit. Both ran to their older cousin and hugged her.
Kaitlyn smiled. It was good to see her family again. Cole came in to see what the commotion was about.
"Kaitlyn?" Cole looked shocked.
"Hi," Kaitlyn waved.
At Dinner:
Kaitlyn was eating her mac-and-cheese when something crept upon her.
Another panic attack.
Kaitlyn had gotten one before, when Jacen was almost killed, and now she had one because she didn't know. She didn't know where he was. It made her scared.
Kaitlyn's face went pale, and she at first thrashed, then she fainted, tipping over her chair. Her body hit the tile. She whispered "Jacen" before the world went black.
A few hours later:
Kaitlyn opened her eyes. At first she forgot where she was, but then she realized she was on the couch in Addi's living room. Cole, Addi, Alexis, and Tyler were looking down at her, fear on their faces. Kaitlyn sat up with some difficulty.
"I'm okay," she groaned.
"You hit the tile hard. Did you break anything?" Cole asked.
"I've had worse. A lot worse. I'm the least concerned about my injuries right now." Kaitlyn smiled.
"What was that?" Addi asked.
"A panic attack." Cole responded, still looking at Kaitlyn.
"Why did you have one?" Addi sat down beside her older cousin.
"You guys don't know how I even got here, do you?" Kaitlyn rubbed her hand against her forehead.
"No," Cole looked away.
"I've only had a panic attack once before. That time, and this time, was for a similar reason."
"Tell us what happened when you were reported missing," Cole decided.
"It's complicated," Kaitlyn warned.
"We've got time."
"Well, after my family was killed, I hid in the streets for a few months. Nothing happened then, until I was found by a crew. Do you know who the Jedi are?"
"I've heard stories that they keep the peace, and they fight the Empire. They use really cool laser swords, and can use magic to lift things," Addi said excitedly.
"Not exactly. The laser swords are called lightsabers. And the 'magic' is called the force."
"Who's Jacen?" Cole asked abruptly.
Kaitlyn reddened slightly. "A...friend."
"I've seen that look before. He's your boyfriend, isn't he?" Cole was trying not to smile.
"Yes," Kaitlyn sighed.
"You have a boyfriend?" Alexis and Addi said in unison.
"Yes. He is the one I'm worried about. He's the one I've had two panic attacks over now."
Cole was starting to catch on. "How do you know so much about the Jedi?"
Kaitlyn fingered her lightsabers on her belt. "Because Jacen is a Jedi."
"What's on your belt?" Addi noticed Kaitlyn's saber hilts. Of course, she didn't know what they were, but Cole did.
"Lightsabers," Cole breathed.
"I'm a Jedi too." Kaitlyn turned to Cole.
"So you and your boyfriend are Jedi?" Alexis looked excited.
"Yes."
Cole looked confused. "Aren't Jedi supposed to not have attachments?"
"Attachments for Jedi are dangerous. Relationships lead to jealousy, jealousy leads to fear, fear leads to hate, and hate is the path to the dark side. But Jacen and I don't care." Kaitlyn set her face in a stubborn way.
"You must really love this guy."
"He is everything to me. I am everything to him. I trust him with my life, and he trusts me with his. Love is too weak a word."
"Okay, don't get all mushy on us," Addi faked disgust.
Kaitlyn laughed. "I'll spare you of the details."
"Where is he?" Cole asked.
"On a mission. It's basically fifteen Jedi to one, so you can understand why I'm panicking."
"Why didn't you go with him?"
"He wouldn't let me. He said they weren't expecting only one Jedi to come, so he went alone. I'm his backup. I tend to have visions whenever he gets himself into trouble, so I'm leaving either when I get a vision, or when he comes to get me. Chances are I'll get a vision sometime soon."
"Aww, I wanna meet him," Addi whined.
"If we survive, then I'll bring him back for you." Kaitlyn mussed Addi's chocolatey waves.
"If you survive?" Cole sighed and got up. Kaitlyn didn't respond.
"Can we see your lightsabers?" Tyler begged.
"Sure." Kaitlyn rose from the couch and unclipped her sabers from her belt. She felt the familiarity of her sabers, and the comfortable grip. She ignited them both. Icy blue light filled the room.
"Woah," Alexis gaped.
"I gotta admit, those are cool," Cole said as he headed back to his room.
That night:
"What do we have here? A Jedi boy!" The first cult member sneered at Jacen.
Jacen ignited his green saber.
"Oh, I'm so scared!" The second mocked.
Jacen engaged the fifteen men. But there were too many. They grabbed his unconscious body and fastened him to the interrogation chair. When Jacen woke, electricity shocked him. He yelled and thrashed.
"Where's the girl?" The third smiled cruelly.
"If you think I'm going to tell you, you're wrong."
The man that was operating the interrogation chair set the shock to the highest level. Jacen yelled in pure agony.
Kaitlyn screamed. She sat upright on the couch where she had retired for the night. Tears were pouring down her face, and sweat covered her forehead and cheeks. Cole and Addi came running.
"Are you okay?" Addi asked, wiping away Kaitlyn's tears.
"Jacen isn't. I just had my vision. I need to go." Kaitlyn got up and grabbed her bag she concealed her Jedi uniform in. She headed to the bathroom and changed at lightning speed. She decided to leave her shorts, top, and shoes at the house. If she didn't make it, Addi could have them when she got older. If Kaitlyn and Jacen made it, she'd pick the clothes up when she got back.
Kaitlyn left the bathroom, and Cole and Addi stared at her in awe. Kaitlyn was now wearing her full uniform with her sabers at her belt. Her hair was combed and put into her usual dutch braids. Kaitlyn splashed her face with cold water to get the tears and sweat off her face, then marched out confidently.
"If all goes well, I'll see you sometime tomorrow." Was all Kaitlyn said before she walked out the door and hopped on a speeder bike.
Kaitlyn pushed the bike to top speed and winded through the streets. After what seemed like forever, she arrived at the cult's headquarters.
There were two cult members blocking the door. Lucky for Kaitlyn, they hadn't spotted her yet. She slammed them into a brick wall, knocking them into unconsciousness.
"Two down, thirteen to go." Kaitlyn scaled the walls, and finally found the interrogation room where Jacen was being tortured. There was only one of the cult members there. She slipped through the window and ignited her lightsabers. Before he could raise the alarm, Kaitlyn slashed the tip of one of her sabers up his spine and force-threw him against the back wall. That would keep him out for a few hours. She slashed through the bonds that held Jacen to the chair. Jacen groaned and opened his eyes.
"Finally," Jacen grinned. He wasn't injured enough to not be able to walk. He rose out of the chair and kissed Kaitlyn's cheek.
Kaitlyn rolled her eyes and signaled to the window. The two Jedi jumped out through the fourth story window and absorbed the impact by rolling at the last minute. Jacen took out the guards protecting the Ghost and Kaitlyn rode her cousins' speeder bike into the cargo hold. The least she could do was return their property. Jacen took off.
"Where to?" He asked when Kaitlyn arrived in the cockpit.
"Addi's house. I need to return her bike. And she wants to meet you."
"Should I be scared?"
"Just a little."
"Is she weirder than you?"
"I like to think so, yes."
"Damn. I am not ready for this. I can barely handle you." Jacen got out of the pilot's chair and swept Kaitlyn into his arms, bridal style.
Kaitlyn merely smiled and leaned her head against his chest.
"Thank you. For saving me. I don't know what I'd do without you." Jacen sat back down in the pilot chair and adjusted Kaitlyn so she was more conventionally sitting on his lap.
"I don't know what you'd do either." Kaitlyn curled up and leaned against his chest.
The couple stayed that way until the Ghost landed in front of Addi's house. Kaitlyn rose out of her boyfriend's embrace and grabbed his hand instead. With her other hand she pushed the speeder bike back onto the driveway, and rang the doorbell.
This time, Alexis answered. "Kaitlyn! Is that your boyfriend?"
Jacen looked at Kaitlyn in alarm. He didn't know she told her cousins that he was her boyfriend! Kaitlyn laughed in response to Jacen's expression. "Yes," she replied to Alexis.
Addi, Cole, and Tyler approached her. Kaitlyn walked in leading a confused Jacen behind her. Addi's jaw dropped. "Why do you find all the good-looking guys!"
Jacen laughed at that. Cole approached him. "You're pretty cool. You must be awesome if Kaitlyn chose you. Did you know that she has never had a boyfriend before you? I don't even think she ever had taken a liking to someone before you, either."
Jacen smiled. "I've never taken an interest in anyone before her either. And it impresses me that no guy has ever chased after her before."
"Oh, several have. I just rejected all of them except you," Kaitlyn laughed.
"I feel so special now," Jacen smirked.
"I've got to go to work. Bye lovebirds!" Cole waved as he left the house.
Tyler was taking a nap, so that left Jacen surrounded by girls. Addi took him by surprise when she asked about the "crew" Kaitlyn had told her about.
"Well, there's my mom, Hera Syndulla. Then there's mine and Kaitlyn's master, Ezra, and Ezra's fiance Sabine. Then there is Zeb and Chopper. My mom is like everyone else's mom on the crew. Ezra and Sabine are like brother and sister to Kaitlyn and I. Zeb is also like a brother to us. Chopper is our droid."
"So your last name is Syndulla?" Alexis asked.
"Yup."
"Kaitlyn Elyse Syndulla. I like it," Addi giggled.
"Addison!" Kaitlyn scolded, but not in an angry way. She was more annoyed than anything.
"I like it too," Jacen mused.
Kaitlyn rolled her eyes. "It's nice, I admit."
"Bet fifteen credits that's gonna be your last name within the next five years," Jacen challenged.
"Oh, I already know that's gonna be my last name soon. So why would I bet?"
"Oh my God." Jacen looked shocked.
"She's committed," Addi shrugged.
"Tell me about it." Jacen looked extremely satisfied about Kaitlyn's statement.
"Remember Eve? How she would date one boy for a week and then move on to another?" Alexis giggled.
"Yes," Kaitlyn couldn't hide back her laughter.
Jacen knew Eve was Kaitlyn's older sister. Kaitlyn had told him about her family a couple weeks ago. Jacen suspected she needed to get it off her chest, and Jacen was the only one she could trust.
"You're not like that, thank goodness," Jacen wrapped his arm around her waist without the other girls noticing.
"So, I'm assuming Kaitlyn saved you single-handedly," Addi teased.
"Again," Kaitlyn put in.
"How many times has she saved you?" Alexis asked Jacen.
"Too many times to count," Jacen sighed. "But I've saved her a lot too."
"Not as much as I've saved you. I tend to be less reckless and stubborn," Kaitlyn smirked.
"Less reckless I get, but less stubborn? May I remind you of yesterday?"
"We don't talk about yesterday."
"Oh, but I do. And you were reckless yesterday when you stole my lightsaber and hid in the ventilation shaft. I know you better than you know yourself, love," Jacen teased.
Jacen and Kaitlyn said their goodbyes soon after and boarded the ship. Jacen left Earth's atmosphere and jumped into hyperspace. Kaitlyn took this opportunity to mess with her boyfriend a little. When he got out of his chair, she grabbed his lightsaber yet again and went to his room to hide. Kaitlyn heard Jacen looking through the ventilation shaft, and finding that she was not there. He checked his room and found Kaitlyn laying on his bed, hiding under the blanket.
Jacen ripped the blanket off and slid onto the bed. He pulled Kaitlyn in so that she was laying on top of his abdomen. Their faces were centimeters apart. Jacen smirked and grabbed the lightsaber out of her grip and kissed her. Kaitlyn didn't pull away this time. She traced her hands over his face and chest, and Jacen rubbed her back.
When the ship dropped out of hyperspace, it jarred them and both fell to the floor. They were on their side facing each other. Kaitlyn smiled and grabbed his belt to pull him closer. Jacen kissed her for a while, until Kaitlyn's wrist comm beeped. It was Hera. Kaitlyn pulled away and answered.
"Yeah, Hera?"
"I just entered hyperspace. I'll be back on Lothal in a few hours. I suspect you two stayed there?"
"You suspect right," Jacen answered.
"Oh Jacen's with you. He sounds very close to the comm link. And he sounds out of breath. What have you guys been doing?"
"Oh just a little of this and that," Kaitlyn smiled.
"Oh no. I swear, if I come back and you two are making out I am literally gonna lose my mind."
"Chill, mom. We won't be," Jacen laughed.
"I thought Kaitlyn was responsible."
"Well, this was literally the best opportunity to make out. I mean, when else can you guys not walk in on us?" Kaitlyn asked innocently.
"Whatever." Hera left the channel.
The pair of padawans laughed. Kaitlyn got up from the floor and piloted the Ghost to the landing platform within a few minutes.
"You should've let me do that. I could do it a lot faster," Jacen noted.
"Why are we pressing for time?"
Jacen merely grinned. Kaitlyn caught on. "You heard Hera. She'll flip out if she comes back to us making out."
"She said she'd be back in a few hours."
"Good point." Kaitlyn let Jacen take her into his arms again. Jacen pressed his mouth against her's in a rush.
And let's just say they stayed that way for a while.
That was literally the most fluffy thing I have ever written. I don't know when I'll publish the next short story.
May the force be with you all!
~ArchingRebel