Jedi Council Forums - The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)

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Author	Topic: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
Jags_Scoundrel Registered: Nov '03	Date Posted: 6/24/05 8:52am Subject: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	Title: The Gift Author(s): Jags_Scoundrel Timeframe: post-NJO Characters: Jaina Solo, Kyp Durron, Padmé Skywalker, Jagged Fel Notes: Second Place in the J/J “Here Comes the Movie” Challenge. (Yeah, I know that was quite awhile ago, but I just realized that I’ve still never posted this in its own thread.) In addition to all of the usual disclaimers, I want to add one more: this was written before I had seen AotC ( ) and, obviously, before RotS came out, so I took a wild guess at A/P . . . and now having finally seen both movies, I think I missed. The Gift “Jaina, wait!” Her frown at the potential interruption to her schedule suddenly twisted into a smirk at the prospect of having a little fun. “What’s the matter, old man? Can’t you keep up?” She called out just loud enough for him to hear, never breaking her stride. Unfortunately, it did not take long for Kyp to catch up, and he smoothly fell into step beside her. “Jaina, could you stop for a minute? We need to talk.” It was immediately apparent to Jaina that this conversation would be anything but fun. I’m not in the mood for this right now “Can’t the almighty Kyp Durron walk and talk at the same time? I’m running late for a sparring session.” “That’s exactly what we need to talk about.” Jaina cast him a sidelong glance. “Oh, really?” she drawled. “You up for a workout?” “Will you be serious for a moment?” Kyp snapped and grabbed her by the arm, spinning her to a halt. Jaina glanced first at where his hand clutched her bicep then drilled her gaze directly into his green eyes. “Oh, you’re going to want to rethink that decision,” she spat frostily. He held her stare unflinchingly. “Save it for someone who can actually be intimidated by that, Solo. Now: can we talk, or do we have to keep playing this little game until we’re tossing Force-lightning at each other?” She glared once again at the offending hand grasping her arm, and Kyp finally released his hold. Folding her arms defiantly across her chest, Jaina looked back up at him and said grudgingly, “Fine. Apparently you’re not going to leave me alone until you have your say – so just spill it.” Surprisingly, his features softened. “Look, Jaina; I’m sorry. I’m just worried about you. You’re on leave right now, but instead of relaxing, you’re here on Ossus keeping up a training regimen that has to be utterly exhausting.” Jaina shrugged. “Hey, The Sword has to keep her edge, right?” “But at what cost?” Kyp asked quietly as he gently touched a hand to her arm. She took a small step backward to break contact and quickly glanced down at the floor. “I didn’t ask for the title; I just have to live up to it,” she replied, her voice barely audible. The silence between them stretched out for a long moment before Kyp finally spoke. “Just out of curiosity, what would you say if I told you that Ossus was going to be graced with an ambassadorial visit tonight?” Jaina jerked her head up to meet Kyp’s gaze, taken by surprise by his sudden change of vector. An odd mix of emotions washed over her as his meaning quickly became clear. “I’d say that unless the Chiss are opening official relations with the Jedi, Ambassador Fel is making a wasted trip. I really don’t have time right now.” He frowned. “Just what I suspected – you are avoiding Jag, aren’t you?” “I am not!” she exclaimed then mentally berated herself for so obviously displaying that he had struck a nerve. Kyp opened his mouth to reply, but quickly clamped it shut as he apparently felt the same strange stirring in the Force that she did. Instinctively, Jaina dropped into a defensive crouch as whatever it was – a presence? – seemed to swirl around her. “Kyp?” she called out uncertainly as her vision rapidly began to dim. “Jaina!” His panicked cry seemed unbelievably distant as she suddenly slipped into unconsciousness. ~~~~~~~ She awoke to a sea of white. The sheer fabric that cascaded down from the canopy above. The unadorned walls. The floor-length curtains that billowed slightly from the gentle breeze from the open windows. The silken sheets and plump pillows on which she rested. All pure white. Jaina was startled as a petite figure clothed in a white robe gracefully entered the room by seemingly walking through the wall. The figure stopped beside the bed and drew the hood back to reveal a woman with brunette hair swept into an elegant up-do and a beauty that transcended age. She quickly sat upright and slid back slightly as the woman sat down beside her. “Who are you? Where am I?” A patient smile formed on the woman’s face. “So many questions – just not the right ones, Jaina.” Her initial disconcertion was quickly changing to irritation. “Okay, let me try a couple more. What am I doing here? And how do you know my name?” “You were brought to this place to get the rest that you have been denying yourself for so long, and I have been sent to you to help you see that you should not continue on the path you have chosen.” “Sounds lovely,” Jaina mumbled sarcastically. “And you are?” She flashed that smile again that seemed somehow familiar to Jaina before replying simply, “I am your grandmother.” Her eyes widening, Jaina echoed in surprised awe, “Grandmother?” The word sounded foreign coming out of her mouth. Her mother and uncle had never learned anything about their own mother, so it was easy to forget that she must have existed. As if she had picked up on Jaina’s thoughts, she said, “You may call me Padmé if you wish.” Her mind still reeling, she finally said after a long moment, “I have so many questions, Padmé. I’m not even sure where to begin.” Her grandmother gently patted Jaina’s hand. “Right now there is only one question that is important.” “What’s that?” “Why are you running, Jaina?” “Running?” she repeated, unsure what her grandmother meant. Padmé bestowed her with a look that Jaina had seen many times from her own mother that always seemed to say without words: you know perfectly well what I meant. “I’ll take that to mean that you aren’t going to tell me; I have to figure it out for myself.” Padmé simply tipped her head in acknowledgement. “Great,” Jaina muttered. She thought back to the conversation that Kyp had tried to have with her before she had blacked out. Like registering a hard lock on a target, she quickly zeroed in on the answer. “I’ve been running myself ragged trying to run away from Jag.” “Yes, you have,” Padmé said and nodded. “Now, the question is: why?” “I don’t know,” she replied automatically. When her grandmother glared at her witheringly, she added, “Okay, okay. I do know; I just don’t want to admit it.” “Go on,” Padmé encouraged. “I love him.” Her grandmother quirked an eyebrow. “You have a very strange way of showing it.” “You don’t understand,” Jaina began, shaking her head. “He has his duties; I have mine. I just can’t see a point where we will ever be able to settle down and have a happy life together. I love him too much to let him hope for something that we can never have.” She folded her hands in her lap and glanced down at them. “I just haven’t figured out how to tell him without hurting him,” she finished quietly. Padmé gently placed one hand atop Jaina’s. “It is not necessary to sacrifice love for duty, Jaina. Time and space may separate you physically, but as long as you hold fast to your love, you will never truly be apart.” Her gaze still cast downward, Jaina shook her head again. “It’s not that simple. I’ve seen how hard that kind of life was for Mom and Dad.” “Would that be such a bad relationship to emulate?” “Well, no,” she admitted. Padmé waited until Jaina finally met her gaze before continuing, “Nothing worth having is ever easy, Jaina. Isn’t Jagged worth fighting for?” I love you, Jaina; please come back to me. Jaina touched her hand to her heart as it fluttered at the sound of his voice. She longed to take Jag into her arms and ease away the worry, helplessness and pain that she heard there. He would go to the ends of the galaxy for you, she reminded herself. Shouldn’t you be willing to do the same for him? “Yes. He is worth it,” Jaina answered firmly. Padmé smiled. “Despite his terrifying slide into the darkness and what it turned him into, I would not sacrifice one moment that I spent with your grandfather. True love is a precious gift that you must never take for granted, Jaina.” Jaina returned the smile. “I won’t, grandmother.” “Good,” she said then rose gracefully to her feet. “Now, it is time for you to go.” “Wait! There’s so much I’m sure my Mom and Uncle Luke would like to know.” Her grandmother smiled wistfully. “Unfortunately, now is not the time, Jaina. Simply tell them that I did what I had to do to protect them from their father, but I have never stopped loving them . . . or their father.” Padmé leaned forward to gently touch the fingertips of one hand to Jaina’s forehead and said softly, “Now, go. He is waiting for you.” ~~~~~~~ Jaina awoke this time to the muted colors of a room in the medward at the academy. As her focus slowly returned, she noticed a dark shape out of the corner of her eye. She glanced over to find Jag seated at her bedside, slumped forward in exhaustion with his hands still clasping one of hers. She gently squeezed his hand, and the small gesture was apparently enough to jolt him to attention. His gaze, full of hope, was immediately drawn to her eyes. “Jaina,” he breathed, and she could almost see the relief washing over him. She smiled weakly in response, her dry lips cracking with the effort. Jag retrieved a cup of water with a straw feeder from the small bedside table and tenderly helped her to sit up to drink. Feeling at least a little refreshed, Jaina settled back on the pillows as he replaced the cup on the table. She felt a twinge of guilt in her heart as she noted the dark smudges underneath his eyes, the tired, drawn look of his face, and the hint of stubble adorning his jaw line – all underscoring what she had noticed earlier in his voice. “I heard you,” she said softly. There was no mistaking the glimmer of happiness in his eyes at her admission. “Just this last time,” he inquired, “or the other forty-nine times I have said it over the last three days?” “Three days?” she repeated in dismay. “Oh, Jag. I am so sorry.” For everything. “As long as you are fine, that is all that matters.” His brows furrowed as he eyed her critically. “You are all right, aren’t you?” She smiled. “Yes, Jag; I’m fine.” Predictably, her assertion did not seem to satisfy him completely. “Can you tell me what happened? From what Kyp had told me, it sounded similar to the incident on the Selonia, but this time you were trapped inside your own mind.” “That’s one way of putting it.” Jaina said and smiled ruefully. “I guess this was the Force’s way of getting me to stop running and get some rest.” “Running?” he repeated. “Running from me?” Jaina lowered her eyes in shame. If Kyp had figured it out, she should have known that Jag would realize it as well. “That’s why you came, wasn’t it?” “Yes,” Jag admitted simply. She looked up to find him gazing intently at her, a slight dimness to his pale green eyes the only outward indication that he was steeling himself for her explanation. But how can I possibly explain it? “Jag, I’m so sorry. This sounds so crazy now, but I really had myself convinced that I would be sparing you from heartache later on if I pulled away from you now.” She bit her lower lip before continuing, “But really, I was just trying to keep myself from getting hurt. I know things won’t always be easy for us. I guess I just needed a little help to remember that your love is worth more to me than anything.” “I’m glad,” he said as the warmth returned to his eyes. “Although I would have felt better if you could have come to that realization without slipping into a Force-induced coma,” he added. “I’m sorry I worried you,” Jaina said as she gently squeezed his hand. A wry smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. “Somehow, I doubt this will be last time I will have reason to be concerned about your safety.” She quickly stuck her tongue out at him to show her appreciation for his sense of humor then she sat upright. “Jaina, perhaps you should rest now,” Jag said as he placed a restraining hand on her shoulder. She shook her head, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. “Uh-unh. What do you think I’ve been doing for the last three days?” Jaina placed a palm on the back of his head and drew him closer. “Right now, this is the best medicine I can think of,” she whispered just before their lips met. As the kiss deepened, Jaina opened her heart to the full power of Jag’s love flowing over her through the Force. Strong. Pure. Boundless. Her grandmother was right – this truly was a gift to be treasured. She fully intended to give Jag the gift of her love in return.
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JediJainaSoloFel Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 6/24/05 9:47am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	Very sweet. I liked how it took Padme to finally knock some sense into Jaina before she could really see that she loved Jag. And of course I loved the mush at the end. -----signature----- "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it."-Charles Swindoll "Stress, it's a killer" -Bartok from Anastasia
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Daughterofflame Registered: Sep '03	Date Posted: 6/24/05 1:35pm Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	Nicely done. I don't usually like era-crossovers, but this one seemed perfect. Well-written, and with a great point. Splendid job! ~*~Austyn -----signature----- Master to BigFatty!:D Acts 5:41 http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=18095891 My Light, My Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=18473316 After Forever Pt 2 I'm going to say, "Merry Christmas!", thank you very much.
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amidalachick Registered: Aug '03	Date Posted: 6/24/05 1:37pm Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	Awww. That was so sweet! Nice work! -----signature----- "So I can open my own can of pudding, can I? Shows what you know, Marge!"
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Thrawn McEwok Title: TFN EU Staff Registered: May '00	Date Posted: 6/24/05 1:56pm Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	“I am your grandmother.” Great 'fic - how did I miss this?! - The Imperial Ewok -----signature----- A/T = OTP :===8[#]8===: Kyp/Jaina fans: stand up and be counted!
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Jags_Scoundrel Registered: Nov '03	Date Posted: 6/27/05 8:57am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	Wildcat: Very sweet. I liked how it took Padme to finally knock some sense into Jaina before she could really see that she loved Jag. Thanks! And of course I loved the mush at the end. Thanks again! (I’m an absolute sucker for mush myself.) Austyn: Nicely done. I don't usually like era-crossovers, but this one seemed perfect. Well-written, and with a great point. Splendid job! Why, thanks so much! amiadalachick: Awww. That was so sweet! Nice work! Thank you! TMcE: “ ” Now, if I had done that intentionally, the line should have been: “Jaina, I am your grandmother.” But thank you for the enthusiasm! Great 'fic - how did I miss this?! Thanks! Technically, you didn’t miss this – I just now got around to posting it in its own thread. The original challenge was wrapping up when . . . well, let’s just say there other things were going on around the boards at the time and just leave it at that. (However, I’ve posted a more recent challenge entry here that you might have missed . . .)
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JAGSGURL15 Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 6/27/05 10:26am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	Wonderful job once agains Jags_Scoundrel! Don't forget to, if you haven't already, send in your information for the Jaina and Jag index -----signature----- Mush Queen of TKL's LOMIN ALE WRAITHS Living In DE'NILE i <3 JJ REDICK ~&NY YANKEES&~ (((DUKE BLUE DEVILS)))
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Jags_Scoundrel Registered: Nov '03	Date Posted: 6/30/05 8:44am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	JG15: Wonderful job once agains Jags_Scoundrel! Thanks! Don't forget to, if you haven't already, send in your information for the Jaina and Jag index Already done, but thanks for the reminder!
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Maggy Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 7/5/05 2:57pm Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	“What’s the matter, old man? Can’t you keep up?” She dares much “Just out of curiosity, what would you say if I told you that Ossus was going to be graced with an ambassadorial visit tonight?” “Jaina!” His panicked cry seemed unbelievably distant as she suddenly slipped into unconsciousness. What the heck...?!? She flashed that smile again that seemed somehow familiar to Jaina before replying simply, “I am your grandmother.” Slowly I am starting to suspect that i have read that already a while back somewhere “I love him.” awww... As the kiss deepened, Jaina opened her heart to the full power of Jag’s love flowing over her through the Force. Strong. Pure. Boundless. Her grandmother was right – this truly was a gift to be treasured. She fully intended to give Jag the gift of her love in return. awwwwwww ... that is so wonderful melts greatly done, Scoundrel ~Mags~ -----signature----- The Revenant - http://boards.theforce.net/a/b10477/28313064 - co authored with Jedi Ant "Maggy rawks " - YodaKenbi Proud Recipient of the Golden Elegos™
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Lucid_Lady Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 7/5/05 4:47pm Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	At the risk of sounding redundent... AWWW!! Short, sweet stories are always memorable. Even more so when they feature Padme/Jaina bonding moments. -----signature----- ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lucid_Lady Twin to InyriForge
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Jags_Scoundrel Registered: Nov '03	Date Posted: 7/6/05 8:46am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	Maggy: She dares much Aw, with her, Kyp’s bark is worse than his bite. “ ” I’ll second that! What the heck...?!? Mwahahaha! Slowly I am starting to suspect that i have read that already a while back somewhere TMcE is probably getting tired of hearing this from me . . . but I really didn’t do that on purpose. awww... awwwwwww ... Aww . . . thanks! that is so wonderful melts greatly done, Scoundrel Thank you so much! Lucid_Lady: At the risk of sounding redundent... AWWW!! Oh no, no - not redundant at all! “AWWW!!” is good! Short, sweet stories are always memorable. Even more so when they feature Padme/Jaina bonding moments. Why, thank you so much!
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goddess45 Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 7/23/05 8:15am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	aww...... that was so cute!! I liked it. It just made my day -----signature----- Twin Suns 24 Crazy Duck of TKL's Wraiths Fan Art- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/22639294/p1/?0
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Healer_Leona Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 7/23/05 9:20am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	That was very nice... how the Force made her get the rest and the chance to speak with her grandmother... brought tears to my eyes. -----signature----- Feel so good, but I'm old 2000 years of chasing's taking it's toll
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FelsGoddess Registered: Sep '04	Date Posted: 7/23/05 9:50am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	I read this in the challenge. It was good then and good now. Love it! -----signature----- Knighted by Tahi
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Jags_Scoundrel Registered: Nov '03	Date Posted: 7/26/05 8:49am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	goddess45: aww...... that was so cute!! I liked it. It just made my day Thanks! I'm so glad you liked it. Leona: That was very nice... how the Force made her get the rest and the chance to speak with her grandmother... brought tears to my eyes. That's a reaction that I didn't anticipate. Thanks so much! FelsGoddess: I read this in the challenge. It was good then and good now. Love it! Thank you!
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TKeira_Lea Registered: Oct '02	Date Posted: 7/26/05 10:14am Subject: RE: The Gift (post-NJO J/J, Kyp, Padmé)
	Aha! I ran that challenge, but do I have time to reply? No... So here I am to say even back then I loved your viggie, and it was just as enjoyable the second time through. Thanks for sharing And for what it's worth I don't think your interpretation was that far off on Anakin and Padme (having not seen the movie) Now I just need one of those Force induced comas -----signature----- http://www.lominalecantina.com Dark Journey, the EU's version of a head fake current fanfic ~ Return to Bolis Island http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29571370/p1/?19
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