Yeah so this is basically courtesy of me binging in superhero movies and TV shows. Welcome and please enjoy this Batman meets The Force story!
Also Kylo is 33, Rey is 23, Finn is 25 and Poe is 33.
*Mention of abuse and suicide in this chapter.
"Hey Marv, you think his parents are gonna give us the money?" Gary asks.
Marv turns around to sneer at his partner. "Of course, they are you idiot. We got their kid, don't we?" Marv looks at the boy inside the car gagged and bounded with tears running down his eyes. "Just sit there like that kid, your parents should be comin' in any moment."
Suddenly, a gunshot goes off scaring Marv and the boy, making them both cry out loud. Taking out his own gun, he looks at his partner who has his gun pointed upwards. "What the fuck, Gary? What the hell was that for?"
Gary points out with his gun. "I thought I saw somethin' on the roof up there."
Marv looks towards the place where Gary pointed but he sees nothing. "There isn't anythin' there you dumbo. Who the hell would be here at this time of the night, on the roof nonetheless? It's an abandoned housing district."
"I swear Marv, I saw a shadow. I saw it. I ain't lyin'."
"It was probably just a cat or somethin'. Stop being a scaredy cat and get the kid outta the car. The father should be comin' any time now."
Just as Gary gets ready to walk towards the car, he stops. Marv looks towards his partner. "Gary, what did I just say? Get the kid outta the car!"
Gary remains unmoving, as if he can't. He tries to speak but he can't seem to do that either. All he could was just move his eyes around. He pleads with his eyes towards Marv.
"Whaa? Gary, what the hell is wrong with you?" Marv asks with a bit of concern lacing his voice.
At that exact moment, Gary's eyes widen with fear as he sees something coming closer towards Marv from behind. He wants to shout and scream but his voice just doesn't come out. 'Marv, behind you! BEHIND YOU!'
The piercing scream that echoes throughout the area is heard by no one.
Ten minutes later, the father of the kidnapped boy finds two unconscious bodies and his six year old son huddled under the side of the car, tears pouring out of his eyes. When asked what happened, the boy replied, "It was the boogeyman. The-the boogeyman saved me."
Rey was late. Again. She hurried towards the entrance of a towering building that had "Alderaan Daily" written at the top of the main entrance. She swiped her identity card at the security desk's and punched in her employee code. The guard on duty mumbled to Rey in his gruff voice, "You're late again."
"I know. I know." Rey replied hastily as she made her way towards the elevator.
Rey had started working for the city's number one newspaper eight months ago. After she had graduated from the Alderaan State University with her degree in journalism, she had surprisingly gotten the job offer. Apparently the people at the newspaper mogul were quite impressed with her articles which were published in the university's monthly magazine and had been following her articles for quite a while.
It was Rey's dream to work here one day. She didn't expect the opportunity come to her this soon. But with the way she was rushing to reach the office, she might end up just blowing this opportunity. In a hurried fashion, she ran out of the elevator as soon as it opened on the 24th floor. Maybe she shouldn't have done that because she bumped into someone just outside the door. A someone who had a coffee in their hands which spilled all over her navy blue shirt.
'Today is not my day.' Rey thought with a grimace as she felt the stickiness of the coffee on her skin. Thank the gods she had decided to go with a darker color shirt today instead of her usual light ones.
"Can't you watch where you are going?" A voice snarled at her.
'Oh god. Yup, today was not her day at all.' Rey stared at the gorgeous form Jessika Pava glaring at her. If Rey had to say if she ever had an arch nemesis then it would be Jessika. Being in the same year of university, in the same field of study there was always some sort of competition with Jessika. It all started that one time when she won the rookie journalist award from the university's publication club in her first year. Ever since then, Jessika had it out for Rey. And because Rey wasn't the type to back out from any challenge, she accepted this rivalry with a passion.
Rey is thankful for it though because she thinks she wouldn't have done as well as she had if she hadn't had the competition. She thrived under this rivalry but that was in college and she definitely didn't have time for that anymore. Jessika's glare tells her that for her, the rivalry is still ongoing. Jessika had joined the paper some two months after Rey for the entertainment column as well as for the fashion magazine that is under the Alderaan Daily. She wasn't surprised about that because Jessika was the queen bee of her year, with boys flocking around her and girls admiring her as well as copying her every fashion ensemble.
"Umm I am so sorry Jessika, I will get you another coffee later... okay?" Rey asked sheepishly as she moved past her because she was already late. Rey heard her scoff and leave with a haughty reply, "No need."
'Well whatever.' Rey thought as she ran past all the cubicles towards a wooden door that had a golden colored name plant, on which was written:
Editor-in-Chief
Luke Skywalker
She knocked on the door lightly and heard a gruff voice saying her to come in.
Entering inside she saw her boss, a bearded man with spectacles, typing something into his laptop. At the age of 65, Luke Skywalker was a named to be reckoned in the city of Alderaan. He was also Rey's idol and the one who influenced her the most to get into this career path. The idol who now was looking at her with a bit of disappointment in his eyes that made Rey's heart clench and her face red with shame.
Sitting with his back to is chair and crossing his arms, Luke just stared at Rey.
Getting nervous under his stare, Rey tried to open her mouth and apologize but he spoke before she could say anything.
"Rey, where is that article on The Alderaan Hospital's research on cancer treatments. Were you not suppose to hand in that yesterday?"
"Uhh I was! And I can explain why I haven't." Rey was now slightly panicking.
"Oh?" Luke said, raising an eyebrow. "Please do."
"Well you see I was investigating something. Two days ago there was a boy who was kidnapped but was miraculously saved by what he calls a "boogeyman". His kidnappers were found unconscious and when they woke up they were really incoherent and apparently one of them kept mumbling about a monster so-"
"Stop. Stop right there Rey." Her boss held out a hand to stop her from continuing her explanation. "Rey, I thought I told you to stop following this nonsense."
"It's not a nonsense though! Boss, this isn't the first time something like this has happened. There is something out there, saving people and for some reason, the bad guys always wake up as if their minds are completely broken beyond repair. In fact, I have witnesses-"
"Witnesses who were likely feared out of their minds, and thought they saw something." Luke cuts Rey off again.
"No no, I have gathered evidences Boss. I know there is something out there. You might not see it but there is already rumors of such a being going around the lower districts of Alderaan. The people there have started calling this creature or whatever this thing is as The Jedi Knight. Their savior." Rey tries to explain.
Luke chuckles at this. "The Jedi Knight? As in the Jedis from the popular myth?"
"Yes! The Jedis who supposedly wielded this power called The Force and could it use it control the mind of others. I mean that explains why these criminals don't remember a thing or have any sense of sanity anymore."
Luke looks at Rey as if she has grown two heads. "Rey do you seriously believe in this? The story of the Jedis are nothing but bedtime stories for children."
"Okay yes, even I admit it sounds stupid but there is something or someone helping these people. There is a story here, Boss."
"Enough Rey. I want you stop following this 'Jedi Knight' mumbo jumbo you are chasing after. There are more pressing matters." Luke tells her strictly. Rey deflates at his tone. "Now instead of this 'creature'," Luke says with a motion of his hand, "I want that article on the Alderaan Hospital by this week. Do not disappoint me."
Rey bites her lips in frustration and nods her head. Just as she opens the door to let herself out, "Rey, wait." She turns around to face her boss. "Since you have all this free time investigating, I want you to attend and cover the gala tonight at the Alderaan City Hall."
"Gala? The Padmé Amidala Research for Cancer Fundraiser gala?" Rey asks.
Luke nods his head.
"The one being hosted by Kylo Ren, the city's number one bachelor?" Rey asks again as if her ears can't believe it. In these eight months working for the newspaper, she was only given smaller news to write about. This though, this was big. This was a news that was likely going to make front page. She couldn't remember a time when Kylo Ren, beloved millionaire of the city, hadn't made front news. And this gala was supposed to be a huge event.
Luke grinned at her. "So you think my nephew is the city's number one bachelor huh?"
Rey wanted to ask under what rock he has been living when she realized what he had said. She had forgotten Kylo Ren was her boss' nephew. Rey could feel her face heating up.
"I mean, that is what all the magazines say about him." Rey said with a shrug even though she could still feel the hotness in her face.
Luke laughed lightly. "He gets that from me you know?" Luke says smugly. Rey just wanted to snort at that but it would be rude and she would likely get fired if she did.
"But why me? Why not Jessika? This sounds more like her territory." She was excited to be given such an opportunity but at the same time she didn't know if she could do this. Gala's were big social events with so many high elites of the city. They had a dress code for these things, manners, propriety and what not. More than her, Jessika would be probably be at more ease covering such an event.
"Because Rey, you are as much as capable as Jessika is. Even more so. And you want to know why?" He asks Rey.
"Why?"
"Because unlike Jessika, you are much more passionate to write about the truth." Luke replied with a warmth in his eyes that made Rey give a him a huge goofy smile. "Plus, the fundraiser is for the same research center at the hospital. Maybe you could get a few words about this from the man responsible for funding such a research himself."
Rey nodded her head more vigorously this time. Her boss was giving her such a huge responsibility and she didn't want to let him down.
"But wait, you will be attending it too right boss?"
"No, I got an invite but I am not one for such fancy events. And lately, all I want to do these days is go home and have a quite time to myself."
"Alright then." Rey said as she leaves his office. She went to her cubicle and sat down. Rey tried not panic as the full realization set in that she would be covering one of the most biggest event of the year. She didn't have any sort of dress that would be appropriate for tonight's gala. Trying to herself calm, Rey took out her phone and speed dialed her one and only best friend.
"Hey, Finn. Lunch. Today. I have an emergency and I need your expertise." Rey grimaced as she realized her shirt was still wet. "Also could you drop by my apartment and get me a shirt? I spilled coffee on mine."
"Ben, you have no idea how happy we are to see you be born into this world. We, your grandmother and I, don't know if either of us will see you grow up so I thought maybe we could leave this behind for you."
Padmé beams at the camera. "Oh Bennie, we just want to say that life will bring many obstacles for you as you grow up. But do not fear those take on those obstacles head on. I know, you will grow up to be a fine young man. Just like your old grandpa here. I can already tell you will break many hearts."
Anakin chuckles as he wraps his arms around his wife. "I think that's your fault, my dear. I had already given my heart away the moment I saw you."
Padmé lightly smacks her husband's arm. "Oh you!"
Anakin laughs again.
Kylo can't help but smile every time at this.
"Ben, whatever you do in the future, remember to always follow the right path. You are a Skywalker Trust your instincts. We both love you very much."
"Love you, Bennie." Padmé waves at the camera as she snuggles up to her husband.
Pausing the video, Kylo looks at his grandparents smiling at him from the television. He wishes so badly, so so badly that he could just jump inside the television and hug his grandparents.
"Master Kylo, your tea is ready."
Kylo turns around to see Threepio bring in his evening tea. Sedree Pierro actually but to a three year old Ben 'Threepio' was easier and well the name just stuck. "Thank you, Threepio."
Threepio hands Kylo his tea and looks at the paused video in the television. "Watching this video again I see. Did I tell you how amazing your grandparents were? Your father found me after my stepfather had beaten me and had finally threw me out. I still don't know what Master Anakin saw in me but he had taken the fifteen year homeless me, gave me shelter and an education. He was an amazing person." Threepio recalls the memories with a nostalgic and forlorn expression.
"Yes, Threepio I do know because you mention that at least once a day." Kylo chuckles as he sips his tea. Threepio did his undergraduate degree in structural engineering. He always wondered why Threepio didn't just work in his studied field instead of as a butler to him. Kylo even offered a job to him in his company of which Threepio adamantly refused stating that his grandfather had him promise to look after Kylo.
Kylo's eyes softened at that memory. He never knew his grandfather personally because he passed away when Kylo was two years old.
"Yes well Master Kylo, do not forget that you have to reach the Alderaan City Hall by 6:30 p.m. I shall have your Tuxedo ready at 5." Threepio went about his duties, mumbling about dog hair all over the carpet and wondering where that lazy mutt is lying around. Kylo wouldn't forget this fundraiser for anything, not now specially when the research on cancer treatments were going so well. There is a chance that the research team would have a huge breakthrough in their studies.
He missed his grandmother.
Kylo sighed as he finished his tea and stood up to go to his study room. Clicking a button on the side of his bookcase, he entered the secret passageway behind the bookcase. As he walks downstairs, Kylo reminisces on the events that led him to this decision.
First when he lost his father at the age of eleven. Han Solo was a trader so his business always kept him out of the city. Kylo's relationship with his father was strained and it was only after Han lost his life in a car accident that he realized strained or not, he loved his father. His death left a hole in the eleven year old Kylo that took a lot of effort from Padmé's side to fill up again.
The second blow came when at the age of fifteen, his mother was assassinated. Mayor of Alderaan City, Leia Skywalker-Solo assassinated by an organized crime syndicate that his mother had vowed to remove from the city. Both of his parents were gone and yet even after losing her own child, Padmé' stayed strong for the sake of her grandson.
The final blow and the one that really broke him was when he lost his grandmother to cancer when he was eighteen years old. His sweet and the most kindest grandmother, gone. Kylo watched as his grandmother withered away slowly by slowly, ravaged by a disease that had no cure. It was after losing his grandmother, his power had manifested. Manifested with the rage he had felt at losing his grandmother. On the day of his mother's funeral, Luke had found his nephew crying and screaming in his room. The objects in the room crashing against the wall, against each other as they resonated with the feelings of an angry and scared child. Angry because the world had taken everything he had and scared because he was now so alone.
For six months, he was too broken to function. He lashed out at Threepio and his uncle every time they tried to interact with him. He didn't leave his home. He didn't eat properly. Within six months, Ben Solo was a husk of his former self. Many times, thoughts of ending his life ran rampant in his mind.
It was when his uncle had told him about the life his grandfather had lived before his marriage. His grandfather came from a family that only consisted of him and his mother. Farming was their main occupation but it wasn't enough so they had to take on extra work to sustain themselves. His grandfather was a genius though. Through hard work and sheer determination, he had managed to enroll himself into college and graduate with a degree in chemical engineering. He opened his own company, Skywalker Energy Inc. which focused on renewable energy. The company bloomed under his command. Everything was going well for him. He had a happy marriage and a happy life.
That is until a man named Sheev Palpatine threatened to destroy everything his grandfather had built if he didn't join forces with the man to help him build weapons. Grandfather had refused but Sheev went after his one and only weakness: his family. Ultimately, his grandfather was forced to work for the madman.
"He built the weapon for Sheev alright. But your grandfather would die first rather than see something made by him used to ruin innocent lives. The weapon, a very powerful bomb...he activated it in the base of operations itself taking out not only Sheev but also his entire group. In the process, he sacrificed himself Ben. Sacrificed himself to protect you. To protect us."
His uncle's voice rings in his ears as he reaches his destination. Lights automatically come on, giving the cave a beautiful luminescent aura. Kylo wonders if his grandfather had decided to make that video because he had already made the decision to end his life. A question in his mind that will never be answered in this life.
Hearing what is grandfather had done and discovering the video had given him enough strength to break him from his spiraling depression. He worked hard for the next few years. Got his degree in mechanical engineering and business, then his MBA and PhD in Economics side by side. He took his inheritance left by his grandmother and restarted Skywalker Energy Inc. Within fourteen years, he had built an empire for himself.
Kylo stood in front of a glass which incased a dark black outfit with a mask. The menacing face behind the glass looked as if staring back at Kylo. He touched the glass casing and felt the cold from the surface of the glass seep into him. He continues to stare at the mask as his grandfather's voice echoes inside his head.
"Ben, whatever you do in the future, remember to always follow the right path. You are a Skywalker Trust your instincts."