Chapter 1
I do not own these characters
In this chapter, Ben is about 8 or 9, and it is 12 years after ROTJ
Ben Solo stared out the window of the ship, trying not to think of his parents, or his friends, or his old life at all. Being a Jedi was cool and all, but he really just wanted his life to continue. It was fine the way it was going! Why couldn't anyone see that?
Luke glanced over at the young boy. Ben ignored him, knowing that his uncle could probably sense his emotions anyway. Luke frowned, but turned back to his view of the planet they were approaching.
Despite his negative thoughts, Ben couldn't help feeling excited as the planet grew larger. He was going to be a Jedi! It was the dream of every young child across the galaxy to train with the infamous Luke Skywalker. And to be escorted by the great master himself! Surely he could allow himself to feel some excitement!
Out of the corner of his eye, Ben saw Luke smile and knew that he had felt Ben's elation. Surprisingly, Ben didn't mind Luke's intrusion this time around.
"Are you ready?" Luke asked.
"Yes! No! I don't know!" Ben exclaimed. "What if I'm too old? What if no one wants to be friends with me?"
Luke laughed. "Don't worry," he reassured Ben. "We get lots of older kids join. And you're definitely not the oldest newbie."
Ben wasn't all the way reassured, but the ship had landed on a platform next to a beautiful temple, and he couldn't help but stare in wonder. The building was at least ten stories high, made of what looked like polished marble, and was carved with intricate designs. Looking closer, Ben realized that many of the designs were of what looked like hundreds of Jedi, united around the entire temple, protecting the inside. Green was everywhere, the walls themselves were covered in snaky vines blooming with colorful flowers. Trees grew in and around the temple, providing a shady cover for the apprentices milling around outside.
Ben felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Luke smiling at him. "Ready?" Luke asked again.
"Yes," Ben confirmed, and with that the two walked out of the ship and into the Jedi Temple.
