The Rebel Faction

"Cairo?"

"Yes, Jai?"

"Where are you going?"

"Nowhere..."

"Oh Cairo...not Lover's Point agian."

"Jaina, please? It's sunset."

"You've gone to that stupid waterfall every eve-"

"It's not stupid!"

"Yeah yeah, I know..'It was our first date, Jai'. Pfft!"

Jai had caught Cairo sneaking away from work to go see the sunset from Lover's Point. A place in the plains of Delph where a spectacular view of the horizon could be seen from atop a sliver of land that ran between two cascading waterfalls...a hot-spot of young lovers...the place where Cairo and Owen had gone of thier first date...

"Jai...please?"

Jai sighed, "Fine...fine....go."

--------------------------------------------------------

The wind whistled in Cairo's ear...the sunset spilled warm rays upon her skin...the grass beneath her was cool and crisp...the mist from the waterfall brushed her skin lightly...voice called from behind her, but she didn't feel like responding...

Ben Skywalker sat down beside Cairo. "Hello."

"Hello, Ben."

"Didn't you hear me calling you?"

"No."

Ben sighed. Cairo's eyes never moved off of the sunset...she looked more like a statute than a girl. He mumbled dejectedly, "Dont you hear anything anymore?"

She didn't answer her cousin, she didn't feel like it. That was another thing...they werent really blood related, so why did he act all cousin-ly? Why couldn't he just leave her alone? Why did he always have to intrude when she was trying to be alone?

"What are you doing here, Ben?"

"I was worried about you. Out here...all alone....ya know..."

Cairo finally looked over at him and raised a skeptical brow, "Worried about me? Come now, Benny...you know better than that. I've practically grown up out here. Tell me why you really came."

"I missed you...and don't call me Benny!"

To this, Cairo had to laugh. He looked a little hurt by that, and Cairo bit her lip...sorry she had done it.

"So...", he finally ventured, "Why do you come out here?"

"To think."

"About what?"

"What do you think?"

"Oh....<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> him<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->."

Now it was Cairo's turn to get upset, "Yes, 'him'."

"It's been a long time now, Cairo..."

"I know."

"You saw it happen..."

"I know."

"He's gone, Cairo...and there's nothing you can do to change that. No matter how much you think."

Cairo gave Ben a cold glare and got to her feet, "<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> I Know!<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->"

"Cairo! Hey, come back..." He scrambled to his feet and followed her as she stormed off. "Cairo, stop. Listen to me."

"Why should I?"

He caught up with her and grabbed her arm, not hard but just enough to stop her. She turned and looked at him, "What do you w-"

Before she finish her question, Ben had pulled her into a deep kiss. She was shocked, then mad, then....that funny feeling in the pit of her stomach started up...

"Mmm-no!", She pulled away and the fear was evident on her face.

"Look at you Cairo! What's wrong with you?!"

"What's wrong with me?! <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Your<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> the one who started it!"

Ben scoffed and walked past her to his speeder. Cairo scoffed as well and turned her back to him indignatly...<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> I'm not ready to move on...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->
She looked over her shoulder at Ben speed off
...<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> not yet, at least...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> <!--EZCODE BOLD START--> There were hundreds of them.Horrible soldier-monsters.They all had swords of great light and none were smiling.But the worst thing was Cairo was on the other side of this evil army.She looked terrified and she was looking at him, a look of horror on her face.

Owen looked down at his hand to make sure he had a weapon.

Instead of his sword was a lightsaber.

He frowned.He didn't own a lightsaber.Why did he have one.?

As he was wondering this the army surged forward.

Owen danced around them as never before.He had a single-minded drive to get to Cairo, to protect and save her.
He slashed and attacked, killing dozens of them.Soon he was severely injured and clould barely move.With his face streaked with blood,sweat,and dirt he managed to get to Cairo.As he reached for her a man that was dressed in Jedi robes came and hugged her.He kissed her and spoke soft things to her.She smiled and Owen finally saw the man's face.

It was Ben Skywalker.

Owen cocked his head slightly to the left,perplexed.HE was supposed to be there.HE was supposed to save her.Not this Jedi Skywalker.Anger and rage surged through Owen and he darted forward like lightning.He raised his lightsaber and struck the Skywalker down......

<!--EZCODE BOLD END--><!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->.....and woke up screaming.
It was raining, <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> hard<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->.There was thunder and lightning,a huge terrible storm had come.Owen expected Kes or Trinna to come running, wanting to know what had happened.

No one came.

He got out of bed and dressed quickly, intending to see if everything was alright.He checked Kes's and Trinna's rooms, but they were both empty.Worried, he grabed his sword and went to the front door......and to a shocking sight.

A big burly man stood, his back to Owen, in the middle of the street.There were law enforcement officers and half the town gathered in front of the man.The young girl he had seen the first day was in the man's grasp.

And the man was holding a knife to her throat.

The police officers were using loudspeakers to talk to the man.

".....let the girl go and you will not be harmed."

"Liar! I want my money!"

"That money is not yours!"

"Do it or i'll kill her!"

"Put the knife down"

The man screamed in rage and pulled his arm to drag the knife to her throat.....


.....and unfortunately for the man, a sword appeared at his throat.The new sword cut the man's troat and droped him to the floor.Out of the darkness and storm a hand came out and snatched the girl away from the now-dead would-be murderer.

Owen Aiden walked out of the darkness with the girl in his arms.

The mother of the girl dashed forward and took the girl in her arms,muttering comforts to her.The girls father,the man Owen saw the first day, came up and thanked him.The police did likewise.

Mayor Petes voice boomed out for everyone to hear.

"Owen Aiden has saved the young girl!!!"

The crowed cheered, and Owen just smiled.

The papers Cairo was holding fell to floor as she stood there in shock...silent tears faling from her eyes. Cairo just stared at the holo of the cloaked man. She stared so long that the recorder shut off.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Owen...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"Darling?"...Ben Skywalker pushed open the door to Cairo's office and walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her middle and kissing her neck. "Hello sweethea--Cairo? Have you been crying?" He spun her around, "You have! Cairo, what's wrong?"

She wiped the tears from her cheeks and sniffled, "Nothing...it's nothing. Just some prank or something...I don't know...it's not important..."

"It must be for you to be crying over it."

"It's <!--EZCODE BOLD START--> nothing<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->, Ben!" She cried out.

Ben let go of her and frowned.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Beep beep beep<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"What's that?"

Cairo's teary frown turned to a look of horror, "Um...Well..."

"The holoprojector? Did someone's message upset you? Who, Cairo? Tell me."

"No, Ben. No."

"Fine! I'll see for myself."

"Benjamin, No!" Cairo tried to stop him, but it was too late...he'd hit the play button and the cloaked man's image came up and repeated the message over agian. Cairo bit her lip and looked at Ben, whom only looked angrily sad.

"Ben....I..."

"No..don't say anything." He walked over to her and looked into her eyes, "It's not just some prank, is it?"

"I dont know..."

"...but you hope it's not?"

She wasn't going to lie to him. Cairo had never fully gotten over Owen. She'd tried moveing on with Ben, she really had....but in the bad of her mind was the hope that, somehow, Owen would return...and now that hope could be much more...it could become a reality.

When she didn't answer, Ben only nodded, "I thought so."
He sighed and tried to find the words to say...but only leaned down and kissed her cheek, "Goodbye, Cairo. I...I'll see you around." With that Ben walked out of her office...

Cairo turned and watched him leave. Any other girl in her right mind would have ran after him...any other girl. Cairo, however, dove for her holoprojector and played the messge agian...a broad, brilliant smile comming over her lips...

Was it wrong that Owen suddenly thought of 100 ways to die?
Liquid Snake aka Ethan Aiden was supposed to be dead.Owen had killed him on Tattoine.But Ethan didn't have his trademark smirk on his face.He seemed........sad.He didn't look like the Ethan Owen knew.

"I will take you to her."

"Why?'

"Because....even though I have wronged you in the past, I still care for you.I've loved you as a brother.You should see her Owen.She is torn up about you."

"I love her"

And at that moment Trinna walked up.

"Owen?"

"Trinna!.Did you follow me?"

"Yes...I'm sorry...who is he?"

"He is my brother"

Ethan smiled.Owen had never calle him 'brother'.

"Yes I am his brother, pleasure to meet you"

She frowned as she stood be Owen.

"Are you going to take him away?"

Ethan snapped a look at Owen.

"If he desires"

She looked at Owen.

"Well?"

"I am going to go with him"

Tears began welling up in her eyes.She turned and fled.

"Trinna..wait"

"NOBODY MOVE!!!"

Ethan and Owen bother looked to the left.Mayor Petes had walked up with half of the police force.

"We are here to arrest both of you.For murder"

Owen frowned but Ethan just glared.

Owen spoke. "I have not commited a murder.And neither has my brother"

"I am sorry Mr Aiden.You are supects and we will bring you both in for questioning"

"I am sorry but we have to go."

"Yes to the police HQ"

Ethan shook his head.

"We have commited no murder and we will not be questioned.

"Don't make me stun you"

"Goodbye Mayor Petes"

Ethan turned and began walking away....

...and Petes fired.
The bolt was not a stunning one.It was set to kill.Either a mistake on Petes part or intentional, who knows.Ethan fell, a gaping hole in his back.

Owen screamed and caught him.

"Ethan!"

Petes walked forward,a smirk on his face.

Owem held Ethan in his arms.His brother was fatally wounded, he would not survive.

"Owen....i'm sorry"

"No, don't be.It was my fault."

Ethan's breathing was becoming shorter.

"Owen.....there is a Lambada-class Shuttle 3 kilometers from here.Cairo is on Delph."

"Thank you brother."

"I ....am...sad.."

"Why?"

"Because.....I.....will not be able to ....attend.....your...wedding"

Owen smiled.

"You will be there.I know it.I love you brother"

"Go.....to....her"

And then Ethan was gone.

Owen laid his brother's head on the ground.He clenched his fists and stood slowly.He pulled out his sword and turned to Petes, who spoke carefully.

"Owen, this doesn't have to be like this.You can still make this positive"

Owen stared at the Mayor.In his face was a look like someone who would snap.Owen felt like all the hurt,sadness,guilt,pain was slowly becoming a tightly-packed ball.And with Owen Aiden, that ws a bad thing.

He didn't seem to move at all.But suddenly he was in front of Petes.The sword was sticking out od the Mayor's chest.Petes looked surprised ,then he fell over.

Owen looked once at the police.

The all looked at each other and turned tail and ran.

Owen turned back to his brother's body and picked it up.

________________________________

He stood under a tree with Trinna.His arm was around her waist and they were standing directly in front of a small grave that Owen had dug.

Ethan's final resting place.

He pulled his sword out and stepped forward.

Raising it high he slammed it into the ground.It stood stock still, gaurding the grave.

"It is time to rest, brother" He whispered.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> "....And if you never hear from me again, I want you to have a happy life, I want you to have a family and.....and...."

Beeeeppp!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

The transmisson ended, or cut off, rather...Cairo stood in shock, "Owen..."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Oh he's alive! Oh thank the Maker!...but what does he mean? "Happy life?" "Have a Family?"...Without him? To Frell with that!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

With that, Cairo ran upstairs to her bedroom. She pulled an out suitcase down from the attic and told her droid, Lecton, to pack "the essentials". Meanwhile she ran to HQ and up to Jai's office...

"Jaya!"

Jai jumped clear out of her seat, blaster drawn instinctively, "What?! What, kid1?"

"Oh Jai, calm down. Sit. I have wonderful news!"

"Um...alright..." Jai lowered her gun and holstered it agian as she sat back in her chair.

Cairo sat across from her and smile brightly, "You'll never guess."

"....um....that band you like is haveing a concert?"

"No! Jaya....try harder."

"Well...Ben proposed?"

"Oh Jaina!"

"Alright, alright....i'm thinking...oh frell, I dunno. Just tell me."

"Owen."

"Owen?"

"Yes...Owen. He's alright. He's alive...and I'm going to go find him."

"What?! Oh Cairo..."

"No Jai, I'm serious. I'm going. And you can't stop me."

"Stop you from doing what?" Cairo whirled around to see who's voice that was that spoke...it was, of course, Ben Skywalker.

"Hello Ben...have you heard Cairo's great news?" Jai said spitefully.

Cairo turned back around and gave her sister a cold glare.

"No, she hasnt, Jai...what's going on?", Ben asked.

Cairo sighed, "Jai...I'll see you later. I'll report in when I find him."

"Find who? What are you girls talking about?"

"Oh, you'll find out Benny. Bye, Sis. Be careful."

Cairo nodded to Jai and then pulled Ben out into the hall with her. They walked to the turbolift, got in, and started down...."Benny, I've got to tell you something."

"Um...okay."

"I got another transmisson."

"...from the hooded guy?"

"No."

"Oh, from....Owen?"

Cairo nodded, and Ben sighed, "I see."

"Ben...I..."

"You never did love me, did you?"

Cairo was stunned by his forward question, but...the sad thing was....it was true. She had never stopped loveing Owen, even when her and Ben were dateing.

When she didn't answer, Ben just shook his head and sighed. After a long, silent pause, he said, "Do you need me to go with you?"

Cairo smiled softly. She knew that question meant he wasn't mad at her, only hurt. She reached down and held his hand, squeezeing it lightly, "No, Ben. But, thank you...I'm sorry."

He smiled back at her, "It's alright." He leaned over and kissed her cheek as the turbolift stopped and the doors opened. He looked out and saw her droid at the entrance to HQ with suitcase and ship-keys in hand. "Looks like you better go..."

"Yeah..."

They looked at each other a moment and then hugged tightly, "Goodbye, Ben." "Bye Cairo."

With that, Cairo ran out of the lift and outside. Ben looked on and sighed...

---------------------

"Your things, Miss."

"Thanks, Lecton. I'll see you when I get back. For now....watch after Ben. He's your master while I'm gone."

"Yes, Miss." Cairo watched the little driod shuffle in to Ben. She smiled and then ran to the docking bays and to her ship...the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Solo Pride<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->...