Untitled Document
Fairy Tale
Chapter 3
by Vessela-Cordja Kaji
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Its the Young Jedi Knights to the rescue! But is Jaina the one in need of rescuing?
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I don't own the YJK characters, they do not come from my warped little min only the Enop system and its inhabitants..
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A/N OH!! i feel so loved with my reviews! I am terribly sorry to tell you that i already had these three chapters written... the last three will take a bit longer than a day or so to post. BUT! Give me a 2 or 3 weeks between chapters and I promis I'll deliver! ESPECIALLY if i get the motivation from my reviewers, they do fuel my passion for writing!
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5D-ON walked down the crowded street of Conga-- one of the biggest cities on the planet of Larpenop--with a rather large collection of Prince Jeo Ket's most prized jewels and other treasures stashed in the various hidden compartments of his arms, legs, and torso. He was searching for two particular ships: the ~Rock Dragon~ and the ~Lightening Rod~. His mission was to distribute the items he possessed equally in the two vessels, without any others knowing the purpose of his unscheduled excursion. 5D-ON did as he was told and reported back for further instruction.

~*~

The young Jedi knights all sat waiting in Jaina's luxurious suite, waiting for her to arrive. Jacen and Tenel had taken up one couch, Anakin was sprawled on another, Lowie found comfort in one of Jaina's easy chairs, and Raynar and Zekk sat on the end of her rather large bed. Jaina had run off to address her troops on some matter, so her friends waited patiently and talked.

"Wow! Look at this place!" Jacen said, staring in awe at the high, hand painted ceilings and the many different styles of art hanging on her wall. None of the Jedi could help but notice the many sculptures and antiques that seemed to drench her room. The room was virtually a sample tray of the numerous different cultures in the galaxy. Jacen and Anakin doubted Jaina picked them out herself; she never really cared for such things before. Besides, there was no machinery or tools anywhere to be found, she definitely had had no say in the matter of decor in her living quarters.

Suddenly, the grand door opened and Jaina entered looking tired and annoyed. She smiled when she saw her friends. " I swear," she sighed, "I don't see why I even attend those meetings. Jeo Ket and Lieutenant Harrix do all the talking. All I'm expected to do is sit and look pretty. Occasionally I'll get a 'General Solo, can I have your opinion on this matter?' "

Jaina walked over to her vanity and looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was up in a complicated pattern of braids and jewels. Her 'Handmaidens', as they were called, had done this to her. Beautiful, flowing robes draped Jaina's petite body. She starred in horror as she realized something.

" No!" she shouted, collapsing on the chair next to her. The heads of everyone in the room swiveled to look at her in shock. "I look like my mother and have the title of my father! I am turning into BOTH of my parents at the same time!" She buried her head in her open palms, with more of an annoyed cried than a saddened one.

Her comment produced a small fit of laughter from her friends. "Thanks Sis!" Jacen said, "now that you're following in the footsteps of both our parents, me and Anakin can do whatever the heck we want with no arguments!"

"Works for me!" Anakin said teasingly. He walked over to his sister and gently patted her shoulder, "We really appreciate it!"

"Thanks you guys!" Jaina said, making her sarcastic tone obvious. "And that's 'Anakin and I' I'm even repeating Threepio! Stop it!"

This made everyone laugh again-- well, everyone except Tenel Ka of course. She failed to find any humor in Jaina's suffering. Zekk walked over to Jaina and gently massaged her shoulders. Jacen continued to laugh until Tenel Ka elbowed him in the ribs.

"Hey, what did you do that for?" Jacen asked confused. He rubbed his side.

"I will not have you torturing my future sister-in-law, thank you very much," she explained. Now it was her turn to receive the strange looks.

Jacen gave an uncomfortable laugh as he started to rub the back of his neck. "Did I forget to mention that?" He put his arm around Tenel Ka's shoulder, grinning. "We're getting married!"

The room was instantly filled with an uncomfortable silence until Jaina shrieked. She ran over to Tenel Ka and gave her a hug. Anakin did the same then he hugged his brother congratulating him. The others, just getting over their shock, soon joined in.

"Why in the Hapan Cluster are you going to marry THIS loser?" Jaina asked, playfully punching her twin in the arm.
"Hey!" Jacen exclaimed, returning the punch "Like you have room to talk! I don't see YOU with any one!"
This comment made Zekk's head drop slightly. Jaina and Zekk were just friends, that was it. And both of them seemed ok with that. The only problem was that Zekk wanted to be more than thatbut did Jaina?

"I'm picky, that's all. I can get a better guy than you like that," Jaina said snapping her fingers.

"HA!" Jacen straightened up and struck a haughty pose "A guy, better than me? No such thing!"

Jaina's grand door opened once again, causing the young Jedi Knights to fall silent. Guards and a few armored droids walked in. Jaina stepped forward with a stern face and rigid composure. "Excuse me, gentlemen, but I do not appreciate this unexpected visit, nor the rude way you have entered my quarters." Jaina said, her tone solid.

"Our apologies, General Solo. But we have direct orders from the king himself to apprehend your friends and take them to him," one of the guards replied with a salute. Before anyone else could say another word guards and guns alike surrounded the young Jedi Knights. All except Jaina, or "General Solo", were taken forcefully to the throne room. Jaina was outraged, but--after quickly using a few Jedi relaxation techniques--she followed calmly.

~*~

Once again the small group of friends found themselves addressing King Makorion, but this time there were less smiles and the welcoming feeling had disappeared. King Makorion glared down upon them as if they were inferior maggots in necessity of being squished.

Jaina would have been at her friends' sides, but the throne room guards had delayed her. Upon finally breaking through the barrier they had created, Jaina briskly walked to where the royal family sat. King Makorion was standing with his arms crossed, while his two sons sat in their thrones. Kristoffe sat quietly; his little 4-year old mind could never understand what was happening. All three males were dressed in royal garments of white and gold.

"I demand to know what it is you think you are doing!" Jaina yelled. Her voice echoed through the room.

"Your friends," King Makorion spat, "were involved in a little thievery!"

"They stole my prized jewels!" Jeo Ket interrupted in the same tone as his father.

"And therefore they shall be punished" the king finished.

Jeo Ket stood and strode off the large platform the thrones sat on and over to Jaina. His plan was working perfectly, and no one but he knew what was going on. Now, if only he could tap into Jaina's sympathy.

"Thievery isn't taken well in our little system," He whispered to a slightly trembling Jaina "What will happen to them?" Jaina whispered back, keeping a strong tone.

"Well... *I* wouldn't know exactly" Jeo Ket said, nonchalantly putting his arm around her shoulder. He led her farther away from the others. " They could be executed, sentenced to life in jail, or forced to pay off their debt in the same manner as you, except for a much longer period of time and more slave labor." Jaina stiffened and Jeo Ket continued, "Of course, I *could* persuade my father to let them go and add their debt to yours. You would just have to stay here longer, maybe take on another *small* duty. Well, that is if you"

"If I what?" Jaina asked with annoyance and pleading audible in her tone.

Jeo Ket allowed a malicious smile to form; he had her exactly where he wanted her.

"Here's the deal" he said, grinning at her flirtingly. "You have dinner with me, and I let them go, giving you their debt."

Jaina crossed her arms. "That's it?" she asked suspiciously.

Jeo Ket kept his grin. "Smart girl. Yes, there is a catch. You have to pretend that you don't absolutely despise me. Give me a chance to be a nice guy."

"And then you will let them go," Jaina interrupted. It wasn't a question.
"And then I will let them gobut, until after that dinner, they shall be held in the cellblocks. And you have my word that nothing will happen to them there" Jeo Ket
took Jaina's hands in his own to lend the effect of sincerity.

"Deal," Jaina said, letting go and extending her right hand.

Jeo Ket took her hand and shook it. With that, the pact was sealed. Both of them looked back to find that Jaina's friends had been put into stun cuffs and were being restrained by the palace guards. All except Anakin that is; he had struggled almost all the way out of the guard's grasp. Anakin winced in pain as the stun cuffs went off, but he somehow blocked it and kept going. The ignorant guard, now slightly annoyed by the boy, pushed him down and raised his powerful hand to strike him.

Jaina reached out with the Force and stopped his hand in mid-air. She then walked briskly over and helped her little brother get to his feet. As he rose, Jaina whispered in his ear, "Don't try to escape, I have it covered." Anakin nodded and walked back to the confused guard.

Jaina then addressed each one of the guards in a somber tone. "You may lock them in their cells, and place them in stun cuffs, but, if I find that you have hurt so much as a single hair on their heads, I will strip you of your positions and treat you as you treated them." She looked over at Jeo Ket, then back to the guards, looking each one of them straight in the eyes. "Contrary to popular belief I still run the military and guards in this palace. You will follow my orders. Do I make myself clear?"

A series of nods from the guards answered her question, and her friends were led away. All Jaina could do was stand tall and watch.

~*~

Jaina landed on her bed with a *thump* and a sigh. Tonight was the night. Did she really want to go through with it? If it meant her friends would live, of course she did. However, there was one thing that kept nagging at her mind: Why would Jeo Ket go through so much trouble for a date? There had to have been an easier way. Jaina shrugged it off; maybe he was just good at taking advantage of situations.

Jaina rolled over onto her stomach and gazed at the chrono on the wall. It was time to get ready. She hoisted herself off the bed and walked to her closet, swinging the doors open. Though briefly blinded by the sudden brightness of her wardrobe, she began searching through it for something suitable.

Everything was white and gold! Frankly, she was getting tired of the color combination. Her eyes lit upon the outcast of her outfits: a dulled, brown flightsuit. She quickly pulled it out and inspected it. Not only had she come to this planet in it, but it also had been her usual attire back at the academy.

The academy--it almost seemed foreign to her now, like the flightsuit. It had only been months since she had last seen it, yet so much had happened. It seemed like just a phase in her life, a place she once lived, like Anoth and Coruscant. It seemed so significant when it was in the present, but in the past it STILL seemed significant. She couldn't let that be. She couldn't dwell on her past like that; it hurt too much. She wasn't even sure that she could ever return to her old life. She returned the flightsuit back in its rightful place to her new closet: behind the other outfits.

Too much had changed

She quickly chose a dress and started to get ready. Her life was about to change even more.

Change

~*~

Change.

Jeo Ket stared up her stairwell impatiently. Looking down at his chrono for the hundredth time that minute, Jeo Ket was forced into thought. She was so different, so full of energy and enthusiasm. Her smile alone was a rarity for him, and her laugh-well. He knew that was going to change, he had seen it before in others, and it was already starting with her. She was more serious, less smiles. He didn't want that to be different, and he knew not even his power over her could fix it. He also knew that he was the reason for it. The only time he had seen her truly happy was when her friends came, and when she kissed that boy.

Jeo Ket grumbled at the thought. HE wanted to see her happy. HE wanted to make her that way. But he knew the only way that was going to happen was if HE changed. HA! That wasn't about to happen.

Jeo Ket looked back up the stairwell in amazement as Jaina appeared. She was draped in a long white dress with gold trimming. Her hair, partly pulled back, still flowed gently past her shoulders. The whole attire was simple, yet somehow it seemed extravagant on her.

His plan was to make her THINK he was different, not to actually BE different! He had too much at stake; he had worked too hard to get where he was. He wasn't about to give it all up for a girl-- or anyone else for that matter. But then it happened

~*~

Jaina stood at the top of the stairwell looking, around; this place had way too many of them; had way too much of everything. She sighed *Here goes nothing* she thought to herself. As she stared down the stairs, she stopped from surprise.

*You are a braver soul than I,* her brother's voice echoed through her head.
Something she hadn't heard for a while.

*Wish me luck,* she answered back.

*In my experience there is no such thing as luck,* both thoughts chimed in perfect unison, quoting their uncle's story of the famous Obi Wan Kenobi and their father.

Jaina couldn't help but smile as her brother sent calming thoughts to her: warm, loving thoughts from all of her friends. She knew she was making the right decision in this, without a doubt.

~*~

She smiled! Jeo Ket's heart was soaring. The glow it cast around her, the illumination it made through the lonely corridors of his existence--it was an occurrence he would gladly die for.

That's it, he was going to change--REALLY going to change for her. He WAS going to be the one that made her smile, the one that warmed her heart. It just couldn't be now, things had gone too far and gotten too complicated. As of this moment, things couldn't change.

~*~

Things had to be changed; King Makorion knew this to be true. Jeo Ket, his own son, was plotting against him and trying to destroy his beautiful planet. He wasn't as dense as people thought, but he also knew he couldn't stop what was happening.

Soon his youngest son, Kristoffe, would be manipulated by his brother, it was a shame but there was no way to stop it. Although he was still in power, he was too weak to stop anything. What he needed was a champion, someone to fight for his
place. But who?

His thought fell upon his new General: Jaina Solo. Yes, he knew of her background, and her famous family. He also saw the determination in her: that fire when she was standing up to Jeo Ket, not afraid of anything; what she gave up to save her friends. King Makorion sighed; he wanted a person like her to take his throne.

She could mold Kristoffe. She could deny and maybe even crush Jeo Ket. All she needed was a little motivation.

King Makorion's eyes wondered as he thought. His gaze soon fell upon the flame of a small torch that was dancing in the slight breeze. It served no other purpose but to set a certain mood, and did it well. His lips formed a smile; what he needed was something to keep her fire ablaze. Just what could it be?

~*~

Jaina stared intently at the flame dancing in the wind. The candle was a primitive light source, but that's not what it was used for. Its main purpose was to set an atmosphere, and she had to admit: it excelled at its job.

Jeo Ket cleared his throat to catch Jaina's attention. She looked up and smiled at him. It had been a beautiful evening filled with moonlit walks and fancy dining, but now was just time for talk, as their dishes were whisked away by the serving droids.

"D do you like this?" Jeo Ket managed to ask her.

Jaina nodded as she looked around. "This place is amazing! And this night. I'm I'm not sure if it could get any better."

Jeo Ket had to smile; he had been waiting for this moment. He stood and offered his hand to her. "I'll take you up on that offer." He said with a wink.

Jaina starred at his hand a moment in confusion and then took hold as she stood up herself. "And what do you mean by that?" she asked, her eyes showing an expression of playful challenge.

Jeo Ket's voice became warm. "Just follow me" he said as he led her away.

~*~

Before Jaina knew what was happening, she was standing at the door of a large hanger. Every light source was darkened, making it impossible to see what was inside. Jeo Ket kept a firm hold on her hand as he continued to lead her into the darkness.

She felt his childish excitement as he led her, and she trusted him for some unknown reason. She felt him let go of her hand as he ran back to the door. With a *click* the room flooded with light that was blinding compared to the darkness. Her eyes quickly adjusted, and she looked around in amazement.

She was suddenly surrounded by hoards of broken droids. It looked like the rotting skeletons of a giant army that had been defeated. Her eyes grew wide as she let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding. Her head quickly turned to look at Jeo Ket, her hair flying around her.

"These are the defeated battle droids of a war from long ago. The empire discarded them on Pippenop and my father ordered them brought here," Jeo Ket explained. " They have been here for years, untouched, since before I was born. I heard you like this sort of thing. Tinkering and fixing mechanical equipment."
Jaina could only nod, not being able to find her voice.

Jeo Ket looked down for a second and then cleared his throat. "This is my gift to you General.. ER Jaina that is.. if you .. uh would accept it."

Jaina giggled as she ran to the prince and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you" she whispered "I enjoy this surprise very much."

Hesitating only a moment from surprise, Jeo Ket hugged her back, breathing in her scent and sighing. He couldn't help but enjoy the moment.

Jaina pulled back and turned her attention back to the droids. She wanted to just dive into a pile and start looking at all the old equipment, but she knew she couldn't. The slightest touch of the droids would ruin her outfit and she knew it. "It's a beautiful sight," Jaina said, gazing around at the fallen army.

"I know," Jeo Ket replied, but he wasn't talking about the droids.

~*~

Zekk sat in the cockpit of the ~Lightening Rod~ staring absently as the star lines. The morning after her little "date" with that snobbish prince, they had been freed, but forced to leave Jaina behind. What was he doing? He had just left the woman he cared for again, and this time he wasn't assured he would ever set eyes on her again.

Memories soon flooded back to him. That's the problem when you're in space alone: It makes you think. Like his days of being bounty hunter. He left abruptly, thinking it would be easier that way, but it wasn't. He missed Jaina dearly every time he left her on Yavin IV and couldn't even imagine how much he hurt her by doing so. She was the reason he had turned from the darkside. She was the reason he trained to be a Jedi. His gaze fell upon his lightsaber, he quickly unclipped it from his belt and held it in front of him. The weapon was so delicate and yet so deadly.

He kept it in his hand as he walked around the ship noting particular pieces of equipment. The holovids, the newly installed food processor, and the ship itself were all in existence because Jaina cared for Zekk. He threw down his handle in disgust, he LEFT HER THERE.

Soon his body turned and his feet hurried back to the pilots seat. He exited hyperspace and turned the ship around. He had left her so many times for different reasons. The Navacomputer quickly produced a new pathway to his coordinates. Yet she had stayed his true friend. Setting the new course he re-entered hyperspace. He wasn't about to leave her again.

~*~

It had taken a few minutes and some strong persuasions to get back to Larpenop's castle, although, he wasn't very excited about addressing the king after the unfortunate circumstances earlier, it was worth it.

Zekk walked up to King Makorion's throne with as much demplomacy as he could summon, a skill taught to him by the Solo family. King Makorion was sitting on his throne in thought. He barely noticed the young boy as he approached.

Zekk cleared his throat and bowed his head. "Your Majesty," he said, catching Makorion's attention.

The King looked up to see him and rose an eyebrow in surprise.
"Your majesty, I have a proposition to make." Zekk continued slightly uncomfortable.

"I see that you have returned quickly my lad. What business could you possibly have so soon?" Makorion asked

"I have a proposition to make." Zekk repeated. "I believe it is unfair that Jaina is taking full responsibility for our actions. I propose that she and I split the sentence. I am, after all, also at fault." Ok, so it wasn't the most profound of propositions, but it did get his point across.

King Makorion stirred. "Yes, and you were pardoned for it, yet you return This concept confuses me. Why, may I ask, would you do such a thing?"

Zekk hesitated a moment trying to find the right words as he went along." You see sir, I love Jaina with all my heart... I can't say from the moment I saw her, that wouldn't be true. It It was from the time I realized she was more than the little girl that refused to stop following me around, asking questions. From the moment I discovered that she had this fire within her, this determination she refused to let go of. I have left her so many times and yet she always let me come back. She stayed by me through the toughest times of my life she was my savior from Evil. But this time, I can't leave her... I realized... that I am but a dwindling flame without her tender presence. The flame that yearns for one breath of her. She is the oxygen that supplies it, keeps it blazing. As she grows strong, I am strong with her. . I realized she was like that air you see I can't live without that air and I can't live without her." Zekk stopped feeling hot with embarrassment as he realized what he had just said and to whom he said it. He looked around uncomfortably as King Makorion smiled to him.

~*~

This boy was just the thing he needed to keep Jaina alive and fighting. He could even break his son's spirits, weaken him a little. This was perfect.

~*~

King Makorion nodded and smiled at the young boy. "I have loved once, I understand," he stated simply, making Zekk feel a little more uncomfortable standing there. "I have given General Solo the responsibility of taking care of my youngest son Kristoffe, I'm afraid I have grown too weary to give him the family life that children deserve. She has become a mother figure to him, and I have decided he needs a stronger male figure in his life as well. So as well as a few other things, your sentence shall be to become the male figure in Kristoffe Makorion's life. I have proclaimed it, and it shall be done" he said clapping his hands.

A dumbfounded smile crept upon Zekk's face as two guards came in and stood behind him. "Take him to Kris's room where General Solo is," the king's voice seemed distant to Zekk as he tried to comprehend all that had just occurred.
"Th.. Thank you sir" Zekk said, loosing all composure and he stumbled over his words. "I'll.. I'll do my best."

And with that the guards led him out of the throne room, leaving the king alone again to ponder. Jeo Ket wouldn't know what hit him.
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Again, it will take me a *bit* longer to get chapter 4 up.. but more awaits as Kristoffe becomes a larger character in my plot.