Adventures of Ana and Owen: New Young Jedi Knights
Book 11
"Sanctuary"
By obi's girl
Summary: Upon returning to Yavin 4, Kailin continues his quest for inner peace, while an old friend from his past lurks in the darkness waiting for the right time to strike. Jacen Solo, Luke's eldest nephew, falls for a mysterious woman with a hidden past. Dray and Astra get a little closer.
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Feedback: Yes!
Disclaimer: The characters of Luke Skywalker, Mara Jade, Han Solo, Leia Solo, Qui-Gon Jinn, are the sole property of the almighty, George Lucas. No infringement is intended. The characters of Ana Solo, Owen Solo, Coryn "Wylie" Kuzan, Master Layla Way-lin (Master Layla Wylie) Astra Sule, Veniqua, Dray Sun, Kailin Sun, and Aiden Sule belong to obi's girl. Manipulation of these characters in any way discredits the author's rights. These are my original creations that I do not want anybody to touch them in any way. Thank you.
Dray Sun watched the class as Coryn Wylie ran through the assignment. Coryn was one of Ana's friends and former pupils. She found the girl on Naboo, guided by the Force. Ana took it upon herself, though she was only an Apprentice and still learning to train Coryn herself. Fortunately, Ana had to focus on her own training and Coryn on hers'.
He scratched his neck as he spotted the reason why he decided to sit in on the class: Astra Sule. She was another one of Ana Solo's friends, best friend in fact. Unlike his younger brother, Dray didn't go around asking what Astra was like. He decided to watch her from a distance. He wasn't about "smooth talking" her and using his suaveness to woo her. Astra was something different, a mystery and he liked her like that.
Owen was there, sitting next to Astra as usual watching Coryn intently. And Kailin Sun. After returning to Yavin, the boy immediately signed up for Coryn's class to return to his training and his friends, but regretfully, Ana wasn't here. She was training separately away from the other cadets, by the ghostly Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Dray had to admit it was a bit weird but then again, everything about the Jedi religion in his opinion was weird. Coryn smiled at the trainees, spreading her arms.
"All right. I think that's enough work for today." She said, gesturing that Kyp come foreword. The Jedi obliged, standing next to Coryn. "Master Durron will take care of the other portion of the class,"
Dray laughed at her end comment, "other portion." Though Coryn was a strong Jedi, she was still yet to accept her capabilities. He nodded his head, noticing Astra stand up and ready her sabre for practice. He smiled, removing himself from his dark space. She smiled, turning to him.
"Dray," she paused, "I hope the class wasn't too boring."
He nodded no, "It was educating actually," Dray glanced at her sabre, lifting his eyes to hers, "Are you any good?"
She shrugged, "I've only been practicing awhile. I have to. I've been focusing so much of my energy trying to perfect my active power, I forgot about practicing my lightsaber." The girl paused, glancing at Coryn, "She's a great teacher."
He shrugged back, "I guess."
Astra laughed, "You guess? You know who her teacher was right?"
"Ana Solo,"
The Jedi smirked, "Seriously, about the class. I mean, you've been here almost everyday. Maybe you should think about enrolling,"
Dray frowned, "I'm sorry Astra, but I don't think that would be a great idea. I'm too old to learn."
She waved her hand, "Thirty-three isn't old. Forty is old." The girl paused, "If you decide to enroll, I'd like to have you as my sparring partner. If that's okay with you?"
He smiled, "If it means I'll get to work up-close and personally with the most beautiful girl at the Temple, I'll do it,"
Astra turned away, closing up her data pad as Owen faced him. He had a grin on his face, causing Dray to frown, "What's you're problem, Solo?"
Owen nodded no, "Nothing's my problem. I just hope you know what you're getting yourself into. That's all," then turned away.
Dray looked down, partly frowning. I hope I know what I'm getting myself into, too.
**
Veniqua rushed down the halls of the Jedi Temple. She held her hood closely over her head, making her look like a menacing mysterious girl. She had been staying on the planet since Kailin and Dray arrived a month ago. During that time, she managed to roam about unnoticed - simply only remembered as a wandering shadow. Only now, she was tired of being a shadow. As she turned a corner, she bumped into a Jedi, causing her to fall back and drop her hood. She scowled to herself. He extended his hand and she gratefully took it. As Veniqua faced him, she noticed he was handsome. He smiled at her, making her feel a bit weak in the knees.
"I didn't see you coming," he replied, extending his hand again to her to shake, "I'm Jacen, Jedi Knight."
She smiled, taking the hand, "Veniqua. I'm new here,"
Jacen's smile widened, "If you're looking for Coryn Wylie's classroom, she's in the Physics-Sound Auditorium."
"I don't have a class. I'm not a Jedi. I'm visiting."
"A visitor? That's something that doesn't happen often." The Jedi laughed. He bowed his head to her, "I hope you enjoy your visit, Miss Veniqua. Though I have to admit, the Praxeum doesn't have many attractions,"
She laughed, nodding her head, "I think I can live with that," passing him and walking casually down the corridor.
**
Owen eyed Dray Sun suspiciously as he stood back silently, watching Astra. To Owen, Astra had always been like a younger sister to him. So, it was his brotherly instinct to protect her any way he could. He didn't care if Dray was Kailin's older brother; the boy still didn't trust him. Kailin hurt his sister. He would be damned it he was going to let Dray hurt Astra like that.
"Owen?" a voice asked.
He turned around, facing Coryn. "Aren't you supposed to be sparring?" she joked.
"Sorry, Miss Wylie." He replied, eyeing Astra one more time, "I was just worried about a friend,"
Coryn placed her hand on his shoulder, "Astra's a big girl. She can fight her own demons. She doesn't need you watching over her,"
Owen smiled, "Jealous are we?" he paused, frowning a bit, "I wish I could you were right, Coryn. But I can't help it. I grew up with her. How can I not worry what she's getting herself into? It's natural brotherly instinct,"
Wylie turned back to Astra. She was sparring against another student, "She's strong Owen. If she's hurt, she can deal with it." Coryn paused, "I know you two are close. You've known her your whole life. I can understand you have that instinct to protect her, but sometimes we have to let go of the loves we love. You can't hold her hand forever, you know?"
"Come on, Owen."
He nodded, "All right. I won't worry," the boy turned back, but this time his eyes fell upon Kailin Sun, whom was in deep meditation - something the Jedi had been doing often instead of sparring. "If I can't worry about Astra, can I worry about Kailin?"
She smiled back, "Sure. Just don't play matchmaker."
Kailin Sun felt the entire being of the Force envelope him. He needed to find answers. Answers to his past, his fathers' past and his future. They were all entwined with another. What he was supposed to be or doing, he had to look to the past for his answers. He couldn't find them in the present. That much was clear. The Corellian gasped. He needed to find answers, no matter what cost.
**
Veniqua wandered into the cafeteria, hovering around the Temple grounds like a ghost. By that point, being noticed by someone was impossible. She had been wandering around for sometime and it was getting to be a bore. Why didn't she confront Kailin? Why did she even follow him, if not to confront like she did on Corellia? What was wrong? All these questions haunted her mind as she suddenly noticed a shadow, towering over the table she was sitting at. She looked up. It was the Jedi.
He smiled back, "Mind if I join you?"
She shrugged and he sat down, "Jacen, don't you have a class to attend to or something?"
Jacen laughed, "Class? I graduated a long time ago. I'm just visiting like you - family," he paused, "Why are you here?"
"Visiting a friend, but I haven't been able to meet up with as I liked. He's busy - classes."
The Jedi sensed the hidden pain in her voice. He reached out and braced her hand, stroking it gently. Veniqua looked up, staring into his eyes.
She quickly pulled her hand away and looked down again. "So, you're just visiting?"
He nodded yes. "I have close ties to family here."
Veniqua frowned, "I wish I did. I lost my family, my only family a long time ago. Never even had the chance to say good bye," she glanced up at Jacen. He was very handsome. No Veniqua! He isn't your target. Kailin is. You want to strike at him. Not this...gorgeous Jedi...stop it! Kailin hurt you and you want to hurt back. So stop flirting with this Jedi, even though he is...
"Thank you. But I need to go and find my friend, see if I can talk to him or something," Veniqua stood up, gazed at Jacen then disappeared again from his sight.
He nodded, fascinated by the mysterious woman.
Hours after class let out, Kailin Sun remained in the Physics-Sound Auditorium. While the other Jedi left to meditate alone in the confines of their quarters, he opted to stay and meditate in the Auditorium. The lights flickered off suddenly, causing the boy to open his eyes. He looked around.
"Coryn? Astra? Owen?" he called. No reply. Kailin pulled his cloak tighter around his waist, going down the stairs carefully.
"So comes out from the darkness, the devil is reborn," a voice hissed.
Kailin frowned, "Veniqua," he paused, "Where are you? Why are you here?" He waited for a while. No reply, until he felt hands cover his eyes.
"Kailin, I missed you. You should have visited Corellia more often. You've become a stranger to your own brother and to me,"
He grabbed her hands pulling her from the back, "How dare you come here? You don't...."
"Belong here? Honey, neither do you." She purred, "You may have grown up as a Jedi, but your heart and your past, will never speak of that, because you weren't like that. I know what you were and I miss that old you. I miss you. I have for a long time and now you turn me away, because I'm not good enough anymore. You've forgotten where you come from, Kailin Sun. Who made you,"
"Me? I don't mean anything to you. Your past doesn't mean anything to you. I don't even know why you even bothered to find redemption in this place. All you left here was just scars and untended wounds,"
Kailin walked past her, turning the lights on, "I left you behind and I meant to the first time." he paused, "I have a new life, Veniqua. A love, I hurt. I don't need you to create a storm,"
"So, what - where do you expect me to go? Not back to Corellia. You're not there. I have no place to go."
He laughed, "You expect me to feel sympathy for you? Uh huh. I made my life. I've made mistakes but I refuse to make them again," Kailin paused, "You were a mistake Veniqua. A mistake I hope to forget,"
Veniqua looked down, brushing her blouse, "So, you feel no sympathy for me. You think I was a mistake. Well Kailin, you weren't a mistake. I'll never regret 'knowing' you. Never." She blew him a kiss, "I hope you find your peace, Kailin. Just remember that you can't run away from the past. No one can do that because eventually, the past catches up with you,"
The Jedi turned to say something, but she was gone again...and hopefully for good.
**
Veniqua rushed down the hall, hoping to leave all her dreams and past behind her. Her life, in her opinion was over and there nothing she could do about it. She wiped away a tear, rounding a corner. I'll never love again.
She nodded her head, "I have to get out of here," As Veniqua turned another corner, she bumped into Jacen. She fell back, causing the Jedi to freeze in his steps.
"Sorry Veniqua. We really should work out some schedule, so we won't bump into each other around every corner of this place," he replied, offering his hand. She took it gratefully. "Sorry."
"It's okay," she shot back, "Um, do you have transports?"
He frowned, "Why?"
"I'm leaving. Things didn't work out the way I planned." she replied.
Jacen nodded no, "Where will you go?"
She didn't answer, prompting Jacen to continue, "Look, if you need a place to stay I'm leaving anyway. I'm returning to Coruscant. Come back with me. You can stay with me for a few days, until you decide where you're heading next,"
"I'm a Prostitute, Jacen. I don't think that would sit well with your family,"
He frowned again, "All the more reason for you to return with me. You don't know where you'll head next. Come back with me. I don't mind."
Veniqua laughed, "I don't think so, Jedi. You're kind are unpredictable. I'd rather take my chances on the Outer Rim," brushing past him.
"And how long will that be, Veniqua? Not very long. The Outer Rim is dangerous. You'll just be skipping from one planet to another. Only you don't have any money, so you'll have to stow-away. I don't think you want to do that. You don't want to be shadow. I know you don't."
She turned to him. "You don't know me. How dare you make a presumption like that? You don't know what I'll do. I may make...I'm a survivor,"
"I have no doubt of that, but you won't survive on the Outer Rim," he paused, "Come with me. I can help you. It's what Jedi do,"
She smirked, "Except I stopped trusting your kind a long time ago. How do I know I can trust you?"
He nodded, "Because you can and you do," Jacen paused, extending his hand to her again, "Please, let me help you, Veniqua,"
She hesitated a moment. She extended her hand to him, "All right. What could it hurt?"
Jacen smiled back, "It won't."
**
Mara Jade Skywalker walked wearily into the apartment she shared with her husband, Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker. She hadn't seen him in days since she almost killed him in the UnderWorld. She smirked, remembering the mess she created. She scared Luke into letting her have R2 to attend to her, instead of Threepio. It was worth it. Mara couldn't stand the goldenrod. She punched the COM pad to the apartment, opening the door. As the door swished open, she began to massage a kink in her neck. At least, R2's recharging. No droid supervision is heaven,
As she commanded the lights on, she dropped her utility belt on the bed, let her hair down and head into the kitchen to see what she could find for dinner. She wandered wearily, without noticing that the table was already set for a grand meal. Mara paused, eyeing the table. Two candles, a vase with a single white rose, fancy tablecloth and dinner. She smiled, going over to see what was made. Mara removed a cover to one of the dishes, letting its hot aroma fill her nose. She placed the lid back on, spotting a small card on one of the platters.
She unfolded it. Printed in stylish letters, it read, "Turn around, my love,"
The Jedi complied, turning around. Her husband moved from the shadows, smiling mischievously at her. Mara smiled back, pleased to see him and at the fact, that she didn't feel like killing him. Luke walked over, reaching up and brushing her arms, holding her close to him. He kissed her gently. Mara didn't resist.
"I'm sorry." He whispered.
She smiled, "Like I said. As long as you've learned your lesson, husband."
Pulling back, Luke smiled, "And what lesson is that, wife?"
"Don't ever leave me with a droid if I'm pregnant. A mid-wife would suffice in that area,"
He laughed, "Does that mean, you want to try for child number 2?" kissing her neck.
She placed two fingers on his lips, "Let's just get through this one first and then, we'll think about that," Mara gazed back at dinner, "It looks wonderful. You did a good job,"
"So, what is all this? A sorry gift for 3P-0?"
Luke nodded no, kissing her neck, "It isn't. It's a congratulations for being Mara all through this pregnancy,"
Mara nodded, "So, this is a sorry gift. Uh hmm," She leaned closer, "Well, what about a thank you gift from me?"
The Jedi perked up, smiling back, "What would you have in mind?"
She leaned closer, whispering in his ear. Luke gaped, staring at her. "You're evil!" Mara laughed, as the Jedi suddenly grabbed her, carrying her into the bedroom - leaving the dinner behind.
**
Veniqua glanced over at Jacen. The Jedi was the first to treat her properly since she first arrived on Yavin. Kailin turned her away. She had nowhere to go until Jacen showed up and held out his hand to follow him. She lightly smiled at him then snapped her attention back to the passing stars. If she opened up to him, she'd get hurt. It was always liked that.
Men hurt and abuse. They stroll you along the finger then turn their backs on you. That's what Kailin did. He left her to become a Jedi - to become something greater, to become a protector of the innocent. It made her sick. He had forgotten everything she taught him, ignoring all his values - thus forgetting where he came from. Kailin betrayed her. He betrayed everything she believed and now a Jedi, like Kailin, was trying to help her.
She didn't know why she listened to him. He was a Jedi, a destroyer of lives. She even wandered why he was helping her when it was obvious she was a loss cause. Why? Why would he care?
Suddenly Jacen stopped what he was doing as if he sensed what she was thinking. "Veniqua, I do care what happens to you because I know you could be so much more." He raised his hand, gently stroking her cheek.
She stubbornly turned away. "I don't mean anything. My life is over."
The Jedi frowned, removed his hand, turning back to the panel. "We'll arrive on Coruscant in a few days. You can sleep if you want to," he offered.
Veniqua nodded, stood up and head back. She paused, slightly smiling at him from behind.
Jacen nodded, "You could be more, Veniqua if you would just open your heart."
****
The Jedi looked into her green eyes again. He saw so much hope and so much pain that needed soothing. Everybody carries with them a dark pain. So why does she carry hers like a curse? The Jedi had pondered those questions since they left Yavin. When he met Veniqua, she was a seductive, cunning and a thief, so why did he trust her with all the things she had done? At first, he surmised it was the will of the Force that he found her, but now he was beginning to question why. Why take her in? What was it about a street-wise girl that intrigued him? Jacen shook his head, refocusing his mind on the flight pattern.
They were only days away from Coruscant. Days. Reluctantly, he looked over at Veniqua's sleeping form. She opted to remain in the cockpit for rest because she claimed the back was too dark and lonely. He didn't mind. The boy stood up and began to pace around. It really wasn't a Jedi habit - taking in strays, especially young Prostitutes. Of course, he knew that wasn't why he was offering her a chance to change, was it? Jacen was smart. But why her? Was he supposed to take care of her and reform her? The boy nodded his head, pleading with the Force to give him an answer.
"You know, you're taking this better than I am." She joked, opening her eyes.
He didn't reply, except stand there with his hands in his pockets. Veniqua stood up from the seat. She walked over, smiling at him like she always did. They were just a few inches away from each other as Veniqua reached down, pulling his hands from his pockets. He trembled at her touch and Jacen didn't know why.
"Veniqua, I don't know..." he stuttered as she suddenly kissed him. It was light at first, until she began to push deeper...
Jacen Solo snapped back to reality. He felt his lips as he turned to look at Veniqua. She was in the back, resting. He was alone. The Jedi felt his lips again as he stood up and walked over to the replicater for a coffee. He knew it was a dream. It wasn't real.
Or was it? No, this can't happen. A roguish smile crossed his face. However, it wasn't a bad fantasy.
***
Astra walked into the cafeteria, noticing Owen and Coryn at a table, having lunch together. The princess smiled. It wasn't very often she'd see Solo and Wylie together, since Coryn had almost no time in her work schedule to be with him. Owen nodded to her and she strolled over, smiling at the two. Astra grabbed another seat, sitting down at the end of the table between Coryn and Owen. "So, what are you two up to? Or gossiping about, I should ask?"
Coryn laughed, "Not gossiping. Just catching up. It's been a long time since we've been able to talk and remember how special we mean to each other." She paused, focusing her attention on Astra, "So, how are you?"
She shrugged, "I don't know. You're the teacher. You tell me,"
Wylie nodded, "I haven't computed all the grades yet, but you're at the top of my list."
Owen frowned, gazing at his love. "I thought you don't play favorites?"
"I don't. It's one of the things I've learned as a teacher." She smiled, grasping Owen's hand, "but that doesn't mean, I don't give others the special attention they need,"
He nodded, understanding her meaning. "Anyway. Astra, is another Sun going to be attending Coryn's classes from now on?"
The princess shrugged, "I don't know. I haven't heard from Dray. But I hope he does." She paused, "I asked him to be my sparring partner earlier."
"What? You tired of me beating you at every round because you're a girl and my close friend?" Solo joked.
Astra laughed, "You beating me? I don't think so, Owen. I've beaten you on a couple occasions. You're technique isn't that hard to follow."
"What's wrong with my technique?"
"Nothing, except it's too easy. Making a counter attack wouldn't be hard. It's just a matter of how you position yourself and your sabre. And most of the time, the way you position your sabre reflects how you fight." Astra paused, waving her hand. "No. We are not going to talk about class. I'm more curious about why Jacen left so early."
Owen frowned. "I heard he left. Why?"
" I don't know. He didn't even say goodbye to any of us. He just took off."
"Maybe, he was needed greatly on Coruscant. Family business." Coryn added.
Astra nodded no. "If it was family business, he would have said something to us." She frowned, glancing around at the other trainees, before leaning forward, "I heard he left with a mysterious woman."
"Really?" Owen's eyebrow's furrowed. "Where did you hear that?"
The girl shrugged. "It's probably nothing. I mean, there have been quite a few girls that must have had big crushes on Jacen. One of them just caught his eye. That's all."
Owen smiled at that, placing his arm around Coryn. "I'm sure that's all it is. After all, who can resist the Solo charm?"
Coryn laughed, "Solo charm? What's that? Cologne and charisma?"
He nodded his head, glancing at Astra. The princess looked down. "No. It's just the way we are. Women love it."
The princess and Coryn caught each other's stare and laughed.
***
Veniqua obediently followed Jacen down the corridor to his apartment. She had been quiet the entire trip and it was beginning to nerve the Jedi, though he didn't show it. Jacen glanced back at her, over his shoulder before showing her inside his apartment. He ordered lights on, dropped his cloak to a chair and turned back to her. The Jedi smiled half-heartedly. He knew his family wouldn't approve of having a former hooker to stay with him, but Jacen was determined he could reform her.
"You can stay here until you feel otherwise." He stated, glancing around for no reason. She didn't reply except look down at her feet. "I know it won't be easy to pull yourself away from the Dark side, but I'll be here to help you along the way. You won't be alone; you'll never be alone. You're welcome here as long as you stay."
She finally looked at him, pain in her eyes. Jacen didn't want to see that pain in her. He reached up, brushing his hand on her cheek. Tears were beginning to drips from her cheeks. The Jedi tried to rub them away but it was no use. His hand flowed down her shoulder to her hands, holding them tightly. "Veniqua," he whispered. "You're safe here. I won't let anybody hurt you again. You are worth something. You aren't alone. You aren't..."
Before he could continue, Veniqua found his mouth and kissed him. He released his hands, finding their way to her back. Her hand discovered his thighs, pinching them. Jacen pulled away; nodding no. "I won't treat you like that. I won't treat you like you're my whore, Veniqua." He paused, "We're equals here. I don't control you; you only control yourself."
She looked down again, feeling ashamed of what could've happened. Jacen frowned, glancing again at the door. The Jedi had no idea what he was doing. He looked back at Veniqua, almost scowling. "I have to run an errand. Will you be all right?"
No reply. Jacen nodded all right, exiting the apartment. Once outside, he leaned against the wall. The Jedi knew he came close to falling for his ward but he couldn't. It was too dangerous. The boy brushed away from the hall and head to find his Uncle Luke.
***
Luke smiled down at his sleeping wife. His gaze left her face to her growing belly. It wouldn't be too long until he would be a father and Mara, a mother. They waited so long for this moment. After the disease, the two of them thought it impossible for Mara to have a child, but unfortunately the Force had other plans for them. A baby girl or boy. It's a miracle. And we created that miracle, my love. We created it. Mara turned over, her green eyes staring back at him with a smile pursing her lips.
"Thinking about the future?" she purred, snuggling against his chest.
He nodded, kissing her head. "We've come a long way, Mara. Now, we're going to have our first child. It's the first step to the rest of our lives together as a family."
"Creating life is a beautiful thing."
The Jedi laughed, "Don't tell me you're getting all sentimental on me?"
"No." Mara retorted, hugging him. "I'm happy. We deserve this. We really do."
Luke smiled, kissing her temple. "We do, my love. We both do."
Before Mara could open her mouth, Luke heard a knock at the door. They both drooped at the interruption and exchanged expressions. Luke smiled wishfully at her. "I should go and see who it is."
Mara pulled him back, kissing him. "If you can, try to get rid of whoever it is as fast as you can. I want you all to myself."
Luke kissed his wife one last time, before pulling his robe on disappearing from the loft. He nodded, tightening his sash around his waist. The Jedi thumbed the door, revealing the face of his eldest nephew. Luke grabbed Jacen into a hug, chauffeuring the boy inside. Jacen laughed, noting his attire. "Sorry, if I disturbed you Uncle Luke, but I need your advice." He paused, yelling up at Mara. "I'll try not to keep him too long, Aunt Mara!"
She snickered. "All right!"
The Jedi nodded. "What do you need advice on, Jacen?"
He shrugged, smirking a bit. "Well, I met this girl..."
Luke strayed off, rolling his eyes as he settled down on the couch. Jacen followed him, "Uncle Luke, it's not what you think...this girl...she'd different."
"Uh-huh."
Jacen leaned back. "I'm serious this time. It isn't like the crush I had to Danni or Tenel. This is different. She's different. I just need advice on how to help her."
Luke frowned. "Why help her? Is she in some kind of trouble?"
The boy hesitated. "She's a former hooker."
Luke almost burst over laughing, but sensed he was serious. "Jacen, I'm not sure this a good idea. I mean, I know you've had trouble in the past dealing with romance - but a street girl."
He waved his hand. "It isn't anything like that, Luke. I'm trying to reform her. Help her break away from her dark side."
Skywalker shrugged. "Are you sure about this?"
Jacen smiled. "Yeah. I'm sure. I want to help her."
Before Luke could say anything else, he felt something from his nephew - a deep feeling towards this girl. Compassion, trust. Luke nodded no, causing him to frown again.
"What?"
"You. You're in love with her." Luke replied.
He laughed. "No, I'm not. She's only a girl. I don't know anything about her past, except what she did for a living." Jacen paused, smiling. "I'm not that stupid."
"Maybe not, but you tend to think with your heart first before you use your head." Luke pausing, thinking his words over. "Or the other way around."
Jacen nodded. "I'm not in love. I hardly know her." He huffed, "All I need is to be set on the correct path - like how should I go about helping her."
Luke's eyes wandered to the loft, thinking of how he helped Mara overcome her Dark side. "Just be yourself, Jacen. It's the easiest solution. The rest will follow from there."
He nodded. "And what is the easiest solution, Master Luke?"
Luke placed his mechanical hand on his right shoulder. "That depends on what you think. But I advise you to be careful. You don't know anything about her past and I assume, she doesn't really know who you are - so I would take things slow. Don't rush things."
The boy laughed again. "This sounds more like dating tips than advice."
"It's both."
He frowned again, standing up. "Well, thanks again Uncle Luke." Jacen nodded up to the loft. "I'll leave you two alone, now." The boy smiled once before turning his back to leave.
Luke huffed, as waves of worry fell on his shoulders. He shook his head, looking back at the loft. The Jedi walked to the kitchen, grabbing some cherries and strawberries from the cold dinner. He tasted one, smiling a bit.
"Luke, if he's gone can you join me? I'm rather lonely up here." Mara called.
He smiled, taking the fruits, placing them in a small bowl, heading back up to the arms of his wife...
***
Astra returned to her quarters, feeling exhausted. It had been a long day. A very long day. She dropped onto her bed, her brown hair fanning out over the pillow like a peacock. The princess reached to rub her neck, but a pair of hands stopped her. The girl jumped off her bed, reaching for her sabre but stopped once she realized whom her intruder was. She nodded her head at him. "You shouldn't have done that, you know."
Dray nodded. "Probably. But I needed to talk to you in person." He gestured to the bed and Astra complied. He smiled down at her, kneeling. "If it's not too much. I think I'll take you up on your offer and sign up for class."
She smiled. "That's great, Dray. I mean, you have so much potential. I'm glad you want to explore that." Astra paused, "So, does this mean I have a new sparring partner?"
He smirked, reaching up. "Maybe."
The princess nodded. "That's good."
Dray leaned up further, inches away from her lips. "Anything to be close to you. You're so beautiful...princess."
Astra's eyes widened as she suddenly pushed Dray onto the floor. He looked back at her dumbfounded. It baffled him how he could mess up the mood and offend her at the same time. "I don't understand. What did I say?"
She nodded at him. "It's what I should have said, but didn't."
"You have a boyfriend?" he cried.
"No."
"Married?" he asked.
She nodded no.
"Do Jedi take a vow of celibacy or something? What? Clue me in."
Astra rolled her eyes, helping up him to his feet. "I don't have a vow of celibacy. It's just ... there was something I should have told you when we met, but I didn't because I was afraid of losing you."
Dray nodded, "You'll never lose me. I'm nothing like my kid brother. I know where I belong, my heart belongs." He patted her heart. "It's safe with you and always will be."
"Then I'm lucky to have a found a person like you, Dray Sun." She whispered.
He smiled back. "So am I."
***
Veniqua stared up at Jacen. She didn't really understand why the Jedi was acting the way he was. He was puzzle to be solved. He also intrigued her. "Did you find what you needed?" she asked.
Jacen gasped, smiling at her. "Yes."
She laughed. "You're a liar, Jedi. A bad liar, but you're all right."
"Thanks." He mumbled, looking down.
She reached for his hand, rubbing his fingers. "Jacen, you don't have to do this, you know."
He noted that she repeatedly told him he didn't have to put up with her, but he wanted to. The Jedi wanted to make a difference. He didn't want her to go back out there on the streets and sell herself for meaningless love. Veniqua was better than that and he knew it. Jacen looked at her. "I want to but you won't let me. You keep on pushing me away."
She stared down, knowing he was right. He continued. "You're free to leave her anytime you want to. No one's keeping you from going back to your life. I won't."
"All right then." She replied, getting off the bed.
Jacen frowned. She was resisting the light side of herself. "Veniqua, I believe you can start over if you want to but if you're willing. It has to be your decision and yours alone. No one else's'."
"You're a contradiction, Jedi. You say I can leave at any time but you also say it's my decision alone to change." She paused, turning to him. "Are you saying I have the power to decide my own future?"
He nodded. "You always did. We all do." Jacen paused, walking closer to her. "Veniqua, you have to understand something. You have a chance to make amends for all past deeds, a chance to start over but you're the one who has to make the first step. I'll help you any way I can, but you have to make first step."
She gazed back at him. His bangs fell around his face; his eyes a deep brown, blending perfectly with his complexion. Jacen averted his gaze. Staring at her made his pulse race faster. No woman had ever had that effect on him.
"I won't stop you if you choose to leave. But I do ask you stay awhile before making a decision of where you want your life to lead you."
"How long?" she asked.
Jacen gulped, "As long as you want to be here and as long as you want me to be by your side."
"You really want to help me, Jedi?"
The boy nodded, stroking her cheek. "You have the potential, Veniqua. I know you do. You just need to realize that yourself,"
She smiled. "You really believe that? You really believe I have a chance to be worth something?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I really do."
Veniqua looked down again, before she stepped forward, kissing him once on the cheek. She turned back, smiling once before entering her own room. The Jedi placed his hands in his pocket, as he pondered on how exactly he was going to help her...and control his feelings at the same time.
The End
Feedback: What do you think?
Book 11
"Sanctuary"
By obi's girl
Summary: Upon returning to Yavin 4, Kailin continues his quest for inner peace, while an old friend from his past lurks in the darkness waiting for the right time to strike. Jacen Solo, Luke's eldest nephew, falls for a mysterious woman with a hidden past. Dray and Astra get a little closer.
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Feedback: Yes!
Disclaimer: The characters of Luke Skywalker, Mara Jade, Han Solo, Leia Solo, Qui-Gon Jinn, are the sole property of the almighty, George Lucas. No infringement is intended. The characters of Ana Solo, Owen Solo, Coryn "Wylie" Kuzan, Master Layla Way-lin (Master Layla Wylie) Astra Sule, Veniqua, Dray Sun, Kailin Sun, and Aiden Sule belong to obi's girl. Manipulation of these characters in any way discredits the author's rights. These are my original creations that I do not want anybody to touch them in any way. Thank you.
Dray Sun watched the class as Coryn Wylie ran through the assignment. Coryn was one of Ana's friends and former pupils. She found the girl on Naboo, guided by the Force. Ana took it upon herself, though she was only an Apprentice and still learning to train Coryn herself. Fortunately, Ana had to focus on her own training and Coryn on hers'.
He scratched his neck as he spotted the reason why he decided to sit in on the class: Astra Sule. She was another one of Ana Solo's friends, best friend in fact. Unlike his younger brother, Dray didn't go around asking what Astra was like. He decided to watch her from a distance. He wasn't about "smooth talking" her and using his suaveness to woo her. Astra was something different, a mystery and he liked her like that.
Owen was there, sitting next to Astra as usual watching Coryn intently. And Kailin Sun. After returning to Yavin, the boy immediately signed up for Coryn's class to return to his training and his friends, but regretfully, Ana wasn't here. She was training separately away from the other cadets, by the ghostly Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Dray had to admit it was a bit weird but then again, everything about the Jedi religion in his opinion was weird. Coryn smiled at the trainees, spreading her arms.
"All right. I think that's enough work for today." She said, gesturing that Kyp come foreword. The Jedi obliged, standing next to Coryn. "Master Durron will take care of the other portion of the class,"
Dray laughed at her end comment, "other portion." Though Coryn was a strong Jedi, she was still yet to accept her capabilities. He nodded his head, noticing Astra stand up and ready her sabre for practice. He smiled, removing himself from his dark space. She smiled, turning to him.
"Dray," she paused, "I hope the class wasn't too boring."
He nodded no, "It was educating actually," Dray glanced at her sabre, lifting his eyes to hers, "Are you any good?"
She shrugged, "I've only been practicing awhile. I have to. I've been focusing so much of my energy trying to perfect my active power, I forgot about practicing my lightsaber." The girl paused, glancing at Coryn, "She's a great teacher."
He shrugged back, "I guess."
Astra laughed, "You guess? You know who her teacher was right?"
"Ana Solo,"
The Jedi smirked, "Seriously, about the class. I mean, you've been here almost everyday. Maybe you should think about enrolling,"
Dray frowned, "I'm sorry Astra, but I don't think that would be a great idea. I'm too old to learn."
She waved her hand, "Thirty-three isn't old. Forty is old." The girl paused, "If you decide to enroll, I'd like to have you as my sparring partner. If that's okay with you?"
He smiled, "If it means I'll get to work up-close and personally with the most beautiful girl at the Temple, I'll do it,"
Astra turned away, closing up her data pad as Owen faced him. He had a grin on his face, causing Dray to frown, "What's you're problem, Solo?"
Owen nodded no, "Nothing's my problem. I just hope you know what you're getting yourself into. That's all," then turned away.
Dray looked down, partly frowning. I hope I know what I'm getting myself into, too.
**
Veniqua rushed down the halls of the Jedi Temple. She held her hood closely over her head, making her look like a menacing mysterious girl. She had been staying on the planet since Kailin and Dray arrived a month ago. During that time, she managed to roam about unnoticed - simply only remembered as a wandering shadow. Only now, she was tired of being a shadow. As she turned a corner, she bumped into a Jedi, causing her to fall back and drop her hood. She scowled to herself. He extended his hand and she gratefully took it. As Veniqua faced him, she noticed he was handsome. He smiled at her, making her feel a bit weak in the knees.
"I didn't see you coming," he replied, extending his hand again to her to shake, "I'm Jacen, Jedi Knight."
She smiled, taking the hand, "Veniqua. I'm new here,"
Jacen's smile widened, "If you're looking for Coryn Wylie's classroom, she's in the Physics-Sound Auditorium."
"I don't have a class. I'm not a Jedi. I'm visiting."
"A visitor? That's something that doesn't happen often." The Jedi laughed. He bowed his head to her, "I hope you enjoy your visit, Miss Veniqua. Though I have to admit, the Praxeum doesn't have many attractions,"
She laughed, nodding her head, "I think I can live with that," passing him and walking casually down the corridor.
**
Owen eyed Dray Sun suspiciously as he stood back silently, watching Astra. To Owen, Astra had always been like a younger sister to him. So, it was his brotherly instinct to protect her any way he could. He didn't care if Dray was Kailin's older brother; the boy still didn't trust him. Kailin hurt his sister. He would be damned it he was going to let Dray hurt Astra like that.
"Owen?" a voice asked.
He turned around, facing Coryn. "Aren't you supposed to be sparring?" she joked.
"Sorry, Miss Wylie." He replied, eyeing Astra one more time, "I was just worried about a friend,"
Coryn placed her hand on his shoulder, "Astra's a big girl. She can fight her own demons. She doesn't need you watching over her,"
Owen smiled, "Jealous are we?" he paused, frowning a bit, "I wish I could you were right, Coryn. But I can't help it. I grew up with her. How can I not worry what she's getting herself into? It's natural brotherly instinct,"
Wylie turned back to Astra. She was sparring against another student, "She's strong Owen. If she's hurt, she can deal with it." Coryn paused, "I know you two are close. You've known her your whole life. I can understand you have that instinct to protect her, but sometimes we have to let go of the loves we love. You can't hold her hand forever, you know?"
"Come on, Owen."
He nodded, "All right. I won't worry," the boy turned back, but this time his eyes fell upon Kailin Sun, whom was in deep meditation - something the Jedi had been doing often instead of sparring. "If I can't worry about Astra, can I worry about Kailin?"
She smiled back, "Sure. Just don't play matchmaker."
Kailin Sun felt the entire being of the Force envelope him. He needed to find answers. Answers to his past, his fathers' past and his future. They were all entwined with another. What he was supposed to be or doing, he had to look to the past for his answers. He couldn't find them in the present. That much was clear. The Corellian gasped. He needed to find answers, no matter what cost.
**
Veniqua wandered into the cafeteria, hovering around the Temple grounds like a ghost. By that point, being noticed by someone was impossible. She had been wandering around for sometime and it was getting to be a bore. Why didn't she confront Kailin? Why did she even follow him, if not to confront like she did on Corellia? What was wrong? All these questions haunted her mind as she suddenly noticed a shadow, towering over the table she was sitting at. She looked up. It was the Jedi.
He smiled back, "Mind if I join you?"
She shrugged and he sat down, "Jacen, don't you have a class to attend to or something?"
Jacen laughed, "Class? I graduated a long time ago. I'm just visiting like you - family," he paused, "Why are you here?"
"Visiting a friend, but I haven't been able to meet up with as I liked. He's busy - classes."
The Jedi sensed the hidden pain in her voice. He reached out and braced her hand, stroking it gently. Veniqua looked up, staring into his eyes.
She quickly pulled her hand away and looked down again. "So, you're just visiting?"
He nodded yes. "I have close ties to family here."
Veniqua frowned, "I wish I did. I lost my family, my only family a long time ago. Never even had the chance to say good bye," she glanced up at Jacen. He was very handsome. No Veniqua! He isn't your target. Kailin is. You want to strike at him. Not this...gorgeous Jedi...stop it! Kailin hurt you and you want to hurt back. So stop flirting with this Jedi, even though he is...
"Thank you. But I need to go and find my friend, see if I can talk to him or something," Veniqua stood up, gazed at Jacen then disappeared again from his sight.
He nodded, fascinated by the mysterious woman.
Hours after class let out, Kailin Sun remained in the Physics-Sound Auditorium. While the other Jedi left to meditate alone in the confines of their quarters, he opted to stay and meditate in the Auditorium. The lights flickered off suddenly, causing the boy to open his eyes. He looked around.
"Coryn? Astra? Owen?" he called. No reply. Kailin pulled his cloak tighter around his waist, going down the stairs carefully.
"So comes out from the darkness, the devil is reborn," a voice hissed.
Kailin frowned, "Veniqua," he paused, "Where are you? Why are you here?" He waited for a while. No reply, until he felt hands cover his eyes.
"Kailin, I missed you. You should have visited Corellia more often. You've become a stranger to your own brother and to me,"
He grabbed her hands pulling her from the back, "How dare you come here? You don't...."
"Belong here? Honey, neither do you." She purred, "You may have grown up as a Jedi, but your heart and your past, will never speak of that, because you weren't like that. I know what you were and I miss that old you. I miss you. I have for a long time and now you turn me away, because I'm not good enough anymore. You've forgotten where you come from, Kailin Sun. Who made you,"
"Me? I don't mean anything to you. Your past doesn't mean anything to you. I don't even know why you even bothered to find redemption in this place. All you left here was just scars and untended wounds,"
Kailin walked past her, turning the lights on, "I left you behind and I meant to the first time." he paused, "I have a new life, Veniqua. A love, I hurt. I don't need you to create a storm,"
"So, what - where do you expect me to go? Not back to Corellia. You're not there. I have no place to go."
He laughed, "You expect me to feel sympathy for you? Uh huh. I made my life. I've made mistakes but I refuse to make them again," Kailin paused, "You were a mistake Veniqua. A mistake I hope to forget,"
Veniqua looked down, brushing her blouse, "So, you feel no sympathy for me. You think I was a mistake. Well Kailin, you weren't a mistake. I'll never regret 'knowing' you. Never." She blew him a kiss, "I hope you find your peace, Kailin. Just remember that you can't run away from the past. No one can do that because eventually, the past catches up with you,"
The Jedi turned to say something, but she was gone again...and hopefully for good.
**
Veniqua rushed down the hall, hoping to leave all her dreams and past behind her. Her life, in her opinion was over and there nothing she could do about it. She wiped away a tear, rounding a corner. I'll never love again.
She nodded her head, "I have to get out of here," As Veniqua turned another corner, she bumped into Jacen. She fell back, causing the Jedi to freeze in his steps.
"Sorry Veniqua. We really should work out some schedule, so we won't bump into each other around every corner of this place," he replied, offering his hand. She took it gratefully. "Sorry."
"It's okay," she shot back, "Um, do you have transports?"
He frowned, "Why?"
"I'm leaving. Things didn't work out the way I planned." she replied.
Jacen nodded no, "Where will you go?"
She didn't answer, prompting Jacen to continue, "Look, if you need a place to stay I'm leaving anyway. I'm returning to Coruscant. Come back with me. You can stay with me for a few days, until you decide where you're heading next,"
"I'm a Prostitute, Jacen. I don't think that would sit well with your family,"
He frowned again, "All the more reason for you to return with me. You don't know where you'll head next. Come back with me. I don't mind."
Veniqua laughed, "I don't think so, Jedi. You're kind are unpredictable. I'd rather take my chances on the Outer Rim," brushing past him.
"And how long will that be, Veniqua? Not very long. The Outer Rim is dangerous. You'll just be skipping from one planet to another. Only you don't have any money, so you'll have to stow-away. I don't think you want to do that. You don't want to be shadow. I know you don't."
She turned to him. "You don't know me. How dare you make a presumption like that? You don't know what I'll do. I may make...I'm a survivor,"
"I have no doubt of that, but you won't survive on the Outer Rim," he paused, "Come with me. I can help you. It's what Jedi do,"
She smirked, "Except I stopped trusting your kind a long time ago. How do I know I can trust you?"
He nodded, "Because you can and you do," Jacen paused, extending his hand to her again, "Please, let me help you, Veniqua,"
She hesitated a moment. She extended her hand to him, "All right. What could it hurt?"
Jacen smiled back, "It won't."
**
Mara Jade Skywalker walked wearily into the apartment she shared with her husband, Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker. She hadn't seen him in days since she almost killed him in the UnderWorld. She smirked, remembering the mess she created. She scared Luke into letting her have R2 to attend to her, instead of Threepio. It was worth it. Mara couldn't stand the goldenrod. She punched the COM pad to the apartment, opening the door. As the door swished open, she began to massage a kink in her neck. At least, R2's recharging. No droid supervision is heaven,
As she commanded the lights on, she dropped her utility belt on the bed, let her hair down and head into the kitchen to see what she could find for dinner. She wandered wearily, without noticing that the table was already set for a grand meal. Mara paused, eyeing the table. Two candles, a vase with a single white rose, fancy tablecloth and dinner. She smiled, going over to see what was made. Mara removed a cover to one of the dishes, letting its hot aroma fill her nose. She placed the lid back on, spotting a small card on one of the platters.
She unfolded it. Printed in stylish letters, it read, "Turn around, my love,"
The Jedi complied, turning around. Her husband moved from the shadows, smiling mischievously at her. Mara smiled back, pleased to see him and at the fact, that she didn't feel like killing him. Luke walked over, reaching up and brushing her arms, holding her close to him. He kissed her gently. Mara didn't resist.
"I'm sorry." He whispered.
She smiled, "Like I said. As long as you've learned your lesson, husband."
Pulling back, Luke smiled, "And what lesson is that, wife?"
"Don't ever leave me with a droid if I'm pregnant. A mid-wife would suffice in that area,"
He laughed, "Does that mean, you want to try for child number 2?" kissing her neck.
She placed two fingers on his lips, "Let's just get through this one first and then, we'll think about that," Mara gazed back at dinner, "It looks wonderful. You did a good job,"
"So, what is all this? A sorry gift for 3P-0?"
Luke nodded no, kissing her neck, "It isn't. It's a congratulations for being Mara all through this pregnancy,"
Mara nodded, "So, this is a sorry gift. Uh hmm," She leaned closer, "Well, what about a thank you gift from me?"
The Jedi perked up, smiling back, "What would you have in mind?"
She leaned closer, whispering in his ear. Luke gaped, staring at her. "You're evil!" Mara laughed, as the Jedi suddenly grabbed her, carrying her into the bedroom - leaving the dinner behind.
**
Veniqua glanced over at Jacen. The Jedi was the first to treat her properly since she first arrived on Yavin. Kailin turned her away. She had nowhere to go until Jacen showed up and held out his hand to follow him. She lightly smiled at him then snapped her attention back to the passing stars. If she opened up to him, she'd get hurt. It was always liked that.
Men hurt and abuse. They stroll you along the finger then turn their backs on you. That's what Kailin did. He left her to become a Jedi - to become something greater, to become a protector of the innocent. It made her sick. He had forgotten everything she taught him, ignoring all his values - thus forgetting where he came from. Kailin betrayed her. He betrayed everything she believed and now a Jedi, like Kailin, was trying to help her.
She didn't know why she listened to him. He was a Jedi, a destroyer of lives. She even wandered why he was helping her when it was obvious she was a loss cause. Why? Why would he care?
Suddenly Jacen stopped what he was doing as if he sensed what she was thinking. "Veniqua, I do care what happens to you because I know you could be so much more." He raised his hand, gently stroking her cheek.
She stubbornly turned away. "I don't mean anything. My life is over."
The Jedi frowned, removed his hand, turning back to the panel. "We'll arrive on Coruscant in a few days. You can sleep if you want to," he offered.
Veniqua nodded, stood up and head back. She paused, slightly smiling at him from behind.
Jacen nodded, "You could be more, Veniqua if you would just open your heart."
****
The Jedi looked into her green eyes again. He saw so much hope and so much pain that needed soothing. Everybody carries with them a dark pain. So why does she carry hers like a curse? The Jedi had pondered those questions since they left Yavin. When he met Veniqua, she was a seductive, cunning and a thief, so why did he trust her with all the things she had done? At first, he surmised it was the will of the Force that he found her, but now he was beginning to question why. Why take her in? What was it about a street-wise girl that intrigued him? Jacen shook his head, refocusing his mind on the flight pattern.
They were only days away from Coruscant. Days. Reluctantly, he looked over at Veniqua's sleeping form. She opted to remain in the cockpit for rest because she claimed the back was too dark and lonely. He didn't mind. The boy stood up and began to pace around. It really wasn't a Jedi habit - taking in strays, especially young Prostitutes. Of course, he knew that wasn't why he was offering her a chance to change, was it? Jacen was smart. But why her? Was he supposed to take care of her and reform her? The boy nodded his head, pleading with the Force to give him an answer.
"You know, you're taking this better than I am." She joked, opening her eyes.
He didn't reply, except stand there with his hands in his pockets. Veniqua stood up from the seat. She walked over, smiling at him like she always did. They were just a few inches away from each other as Veniqua reached down, pulling his hands from his pockets. He trembled at her touch and Jacen didn't know why.
"Veniqua, I don't know..." he stuttered as she suddenly kissed him. It was light at first, until she began to push deeper...
Jacen Solo snapped back to reality. He felt his lips as he turned to look at Veniqua. She was in the back, resting. He was alone. The Jedi felt his lips again as he stood up and walked over to the replicater for a coffee. He knew it was a dream. It wasn't real.
Or was it? No, this can't happen. A roguish smile crossed his face. However, it wasn't a bad fantasy.
***
Astra walked into the cafeteria, noticing Owen and Coryn at a table, having lunch together. The princess smiled. It wasn't very often she'd see Solo and Wylie together, since Coryn had almost no time in her work schedule to be with him. Owen nodded to her and she strolled over, smiling at the two. Astra grabbed another seat, sitting down at the end of the table between Coryn and Owen. "So, what are you two up to? Or gossiping about, I should ask?"
Coryn laughed, "Not gossiping. Just catching up. It's been a long time since we've been able to talk and remember how special we mean to each other." She paused, focusing her attention on Astra, "So, how are you?"
She shrugged, "I don't know. You're the teacher. You tell me,"
Wylie nodded, "I haven't computed all the grades yet, but you're at the top of my list."
Owen frowned, gazing at his love. "I thought you don't play favorites?"
"I don't. It's one of the things I've learned as a teacher." She smiled, grasping Owen's hand, "but that doesn't mean, I don't give others the special attention they need,"
He nodded, understanding her meaning. "Anyway. Astra, is another Sun going to be attending Coryn's classes from now on?"
The princess shrugged, "I don't know. I haven't heard from Dray. But I hope he does." She paused, "I asked him to be my sparring partner earlier."
"What? You tired of me beating you at every round because you're a girl and my close friend?" Solo joked.
Astra laughed, "You beating me? I don't think so, Owen. I've beaten you on a couple occasions. You're technique isn't that hard to follow."
"What's wrong with my technique?"
"Nothing, except it's too easy. Making a counter attack wouldn't be hard. It's just a matter of how you position yourself and your sabre. And most of the time, the way you position your sabre reflects how you fight." Astra paused, waving her hand. "No. We are not going to talk about class. I'm more curious about why Jacen left so early."
Owen frowned. "I heard he left. Why?"
" I don't know. He didn't even say goodbye to any of us. He just took off."
"Maybe, he was needed greatly on Coruscant. Family business." Coryn added.
Astra nodded no. "If it was family business, he would have said something to us." She frowned, glancing around at the other trainees, before leaning forward, "I heard he left with a mysterious woman."
"Really?" Owen's eyebrow's furrowed. "Where did you hear that?"
The girl shrugged. "It's probably nothing. I mean, there have been quite a few girls that must have had big crushes on Jacen. One of them just caught his eye. That's all."
Owen smiled at that, placing his arm around Coryn. "I'm sure that's all it is. After all, who can resist the Solo charm?"
Coryn laughed, "Solo charm? What's that? Cologne and charisma?"
He nodded his head, glancing at Astra. The princess looked down. "No. It's just the way we are. Women love it."
The princess and Coryn caught each other's stare and laughed.
***
Veniqua obediently followed Jacen down the corridor to his apartment. She had been quiet the entire trip and it was beginning to nerve the Jedi, though he didn't show it. Jacen glanced back at her, over his shoulder before showing her inside his apartment. He ordered lights on, dropped his cloak to a chair and turned back to her. The Jedi smiled half-heartedly. He knew his family wouldn't approve of having a former hooker to stay with him, but Jacen was determined he could reform her.
"You can stay here until you feel otherwise." He stated, glancing around for no reason. She didn't reply except look down at her feet. "I know it won't be easy to pull yourself away from the Dark side, but I'll be here to help you along the way. You won't be alone; you'll never be alone. You're welcome here as long as you stay."
She finally looked at him, pain in her eyes. Jacen didn't want to see that pain in her. He reached up, brushing his hand on her cheek. Tears were beginning to drips from her cheeks. The Jedi tried to rub them away but it was no use. His hand flowed down her shoulder to her hands, holding them tightly. "Veniqua," he whispered. "You're safe here. I won't let anybody hurt you again. You are worth something. You aren't alone. You aren't..."
Before he could continue, Veniqua found his mouth and kissed him. He released his hands, finding their way to her back. Her hand discovered his thighs, pinching them. Jacen pulled away; nodding no. "I won't treat you like that. I won't treat you like you're my whore, Veniqua." He paused, "We're equals here. I don't control you; you only control yourself."
She looked down again, feeling ashamed of what could've happened. Jacen frowned, glancing again at the door. The Jedi had no idea what he was doing. He looked back at Veniqua, almost scowling. "I have to run an errand. Will you be all right?"
No reply. Jacen nodded all right, exiting the apartment. Once outside, he leaned against the wall. The Jedi knew he came close to falling for his ward but he couldn't. It was too dangerous. The boy brushed away from the hall and head to find his Uncle Luke.
***
Luke smiled down at his sleeping wife. His gaze left her face to her growing belly. It wouldn't be too long until he would be a father and Mara, a mother. They waited so long for this moment. After the disease, the two of them thought it impossible for Mara to have a child, but unfortunately the Force had other plans for them. A baby girl or boy. It's a miracle. And we created that miracle, my love. We created it. Mara turned over, her green eyes staring back at him with a smile pursing her lips.
"Thinking about the future?" she purred, snuggling against his chest.
He nodded, kissing her head. "We've come a long way, Mara. Now, we're going to have our first child. It's the first step to the rest of our lives together as a family."
"Creating life is a beautiful thing."
The Jedi laughed, "Don't tell me you're getting all sentimental on me?"
"No." Mara retorted, hugging him. "I'm happy. We deserve this. We really do."
Luke smiled, kissing her temple. "We do, my love. We both do."
Before Mara could open her mouth, Luke heard a knock at the door. They both drooped at the interruption and exchanged expressions. Luke smiled wishfully at her. "I should go and see who it is."
Mara pulled him back, kissing him. "If you can, try to get rid of whoever it is as fast as you can. I want you all to myself."
Luke kissed his wife one last time, before pulling his robe on disappearing from the loft. He nodded, tightening his sash around his waist. The Jedi thumbed the door, revealing the face of his eldest nephew. Luke grabbed Jacen into a hug, chauffeuring the boy inside. Jacen laughed, noting his attire. "Sorry, if I disturbed you Uncle Luke, but I need your advice." He paused, yelling up at Mara. "I'll try not to keep him too long, Aunt Mara!"
She snickered. "All right!"
The Jedi nodded. "What do you need advice on, Jacen?"
He shrugged, smirking a bit. "Well, I met this girl..."
Luke strayed off, rolling his eyes as he settled down on the couch. Jacen followed him, "Uncle Luke, it's not what you think...this girl...she'd different."
"Uh-huh."
Jacen leaned back. "I'm serious this time. It isn't like the crush I had to Danni or Tenel. This is different. She's different. I just need advice on how to help her."
Luke frowned. "Why help her? Is she in some kind of trouble?"
The boy hesitated. "She's a former hooker."
Luke almost burst over laughing, but sensed he was serious. "Jacen, I'm not sure this a good idea. I mean, I know you've had trouble in the past dealing with romance - but a street girl."
He waved his hand. "It isn't anything like that, Luke. I'm trying to reform her. Help her break away from her dark side."
Skywalker shrugged. "Are you sure about this?"
Jacen smiled. "Yeah. I'm sure. I want to help her."
Before Luke could say anything else, he felt something from his nephew - a deep feeling towards this girl. Compassion, trust. Luke nodded no, causing him to frown again.
"What?"
"You. You're in love with her." Luke replied.
He laughed. "No, I'm not. She's only a girl. I don't know anything about her past, except what she did for a living." Jacen paused, smiling. "I'm not that stupid."
"Maybe not, but you tend to think with your heart first before you use your head." Luke pausing, thinking his words over. "Or the other way around."
Jacen nodded. "I'm not in love. I hardly know her." He huffed, "All I need is to be set on the correct path - like how should I go about helping her."
Luke's eyes wandered to the loft, thinking of how he helped Mara overcome her Dark side. "Just be yourself, Jacen. It's the easiest solution. The rest will follow from there."
He nodded. "And what is the easiest solution, Master Luke?"
Luke placed his mechanical hand on his right shoulder. "That depends on what you think. But I advise you to be careful. You don't know anything about her past and I assume, she doesn't really know who you are - so I would take things slow. Don't rush things."
The boy laughed again. "This sounds more like dating tips than advice."
"It's both."
He frowned again, standing up. "Well, thanks again Uncle Luke." Jacen nodded up to the loft. "I'll leave you two alone, now." The boy smiled once before turning his back to leave.
Luke huffed, as waves of worry fell on his shoulders. He shook his head, looking back at the loft. The Jedi walked to the kitchen, grabbing some cherries and strawberries from the cold dinner. He tasted one, smiling a bit.
"Luke, if he's gone can you join me? I'm rather lonely up here." Mara called.
He smiled, taking the fruits, placing them in a small bowl, heading back up to the arms of his wife...
***
Astra returned to her quarters, feeling exhausted. It had been a long day. A very long day. She dropped onto her bed, her brown hair fanning out over the pillow like a peacock. The princess reached to rub her neck, but a pair of hands stopped her. The girl jumped off her bed, reaching for her sabre but stopped once she realized whom her intruder was. She nodded her head at him. "You shouldn't have done that, you know."
Dray nodded. "Probably. But I needed to talk to you in person." He gestured to the bed and Astra complied. He smiled down at her, kneeling. "If it's not too much. I think I'll take you up on your offer and sign up for class."
She smiled. "That's great, Dray. I mean, you have so much potential. I'm glad you want to explore that." Astra paused, "So, does this mean I have a new sparring partner?"
He smirked, reaching up. "Maybe."
The princess nodded. "That's good."
Dray leaned up further, inches away from her lips. "Anything to be close to you. You're so beautiful...princess."
Astra's eyes widened as she suddenly pushed Dray onto the floor. He looked back at her dumbfounded. It baffled him how he could mess up the mood and offend her at the same time. "I don't understand. What did I say?"
She nodded at him. "It's what I should have said, but didn't."
"You have a boyfriend?" he cried.
"No."
"Married?" he asked.
She nodded no.
"Do Jedi take a vow of celibacy or something? What? Clue me in."
Astra rolled her eyes, helping up him to his feet. "I don't have a vow of celibacy. It's just ... there was something I should have told you when we met, but I didn't because I was afraid of losing you."
Dray nodded, "You'll never lose me. I'm nothing like my kid brother. I know where I belong, my heart belongs." He patted her heart. "It's safe with you and always will be."
"Then I'm lucky to have a found a person like you, Dray Sun." She whispered.
He smiled back. "So am I."
***
Veniqua stared up at Jacen. She didn't really understand why the Jedi was acting the way he was. He was puzzle to be solved. He also intrigued her. "Did you find what you needed?" she asked.
Jacen gasped, smiling at her. "Yes."
She laughed. "You're a liar, Jedi. A bad liar, but you're all right."
"Thanks." He mumbled, looking down.
She reached for his hand, rubbing his fingers. "Jacen, you don't have to do this, you know."
He noted that she repeatedly told him he didn't have to put up with her, but he wanted to. The Jedi wanted to make a difference. He didn't want her to go back out there on the streets and sell herself for meaningless love. Veniqua was better than that and he knew it. Jacen looked at her. "I want to but you won't let me. You keep on pushing me away."
She stared down, knowing he was right. He continued. "You're free to leave her anytime you want to. No one's keeping you from going back to your life. I won't."
"All right then." She replied, getting off the bed.
Jacen frowned. She was resisting the light side of herself. "Veniqua, I believe you can start over if you want to but if you're willing. It has to be your decision and yours alone. No one else's'."
"You're a contradiction, Jedi. You say I can leave at any time but you also say it's my decision alone to change." She paused, turning to him. "Are you saying I have the power to decide my own future?"
He nodded. "You always did. We all do." Jacen paused, walking closer to her. "Veniqua, you have to understand something. You have a chance to make amends for all past deeds, a chance to start over but you're the one who has to make the first step. I'll help you any way I can, but you have to make first step."
She gazed back at him. His bangs fell around his face; his eyes a deep brown, blending perfectly with his complexion. Jacen averted his gaze. Staring at her made his pulse race faster. No woman had ever had that effect on him.
"I won't stop you if you choose to leave. But I do ask you stay awhile before making a decision of where you want your life to lead you."
"How long?" she asked.
Jacen gulped, "As long as you want to be here and as long as you want me to be by your side."
"You really want to help me, Jedi?"
The boy nodded, stroking her cheek. "You have the potential, Veniqua. I know you do. You just need to realize that yourself,"
She smiled. "You really believe that? You really believe I have a chance to be worth something?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I really do."
Veniqua looked down again, before she stepped forward, kissing him once on the cheek. She turned back, smiling once before entering her own room. The Jedi placed his hands in his pocket, as he pondered on how exactly he was going to help her...and control his feelings at the same time.
The End
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