Edited 9/26/2020

Chapter 3 – Righting Wrongs
Age: Ben, 15 | Rey, 5

The comlink sat on the table before Ben with its blinking light taunted him. Leia had given him the device the day that they had left him at Luke's temple; the day they had abandoned him. The memory sparked a flame of fury before he sighed deeply in attempt to sooth his nerves. Ben swallowed, forcing himself to analyze their point of view. They had been desperate, terrified not only of their son but for his own safety. He could see that now. However, he only wished they could have paid more attention.

On his eighteenth birthday, Ben had thrown that very same com against the walls of the hut. He had stood in that same spot, with every passing second mocking him. Ben had waited until the very last minute of the day, giving them every chance to make the call before it ended. When it never came, when there was no room for any other explanation other than they had truly forgotten, he shattered the device in a fit of pain. He remembered his pathetic cries in the night as he begged the force for a shred of hope; of love. Anything to assure him that he wasn't truly as alone as he had felt.

He sighed deeply, reeling himself in from the memory.

'They don't love you,' Snoke tried to taunt.

It had been so easy to believe him back then, so easy to trust the stranger in his ear. Mother was always so dedicated to her cause and dad, well, was Han. Their lack of care had been easily translated as neglect back then and perhaps it still did. However, Ben thought of his father stepping onto the narrow ledge to his death; undoubtedly knowing what result awaited him if he approached his lost son. And yet, his father had taken the walk anyways. Attempting the impossible by beckoning Ben home as if he wasn't truly the monster they'd pushed him to be. He then thought of his mother and how vehemently she had fought to reach him. Even in death she had guided him away from a fated doom.

Ben breathed deeply, steeling himself to face the monster for a second time.

You are a liar, he thought fiercely, you will not tempt me again.

He willed his mind to close as he finally clicked the com to life. The hour was late back home, but he knew that Leia would accept the call anyways. Sure enough, seconds later her voice sounded through a wave of static.

"Ben?"

And just like that, he was a child again. His face scrunched as he barely managed to catch himself from breaking down at very sound of her voice; wanting nothing more than to fly home and fall into his mother's embrace.

"Mom," he gulped; failing at every aspect to mask the tremble in his voice.

"Ben, what's wrong?" Leia quickly grew panicked.

"Nothing," he promised before choking on a suppressed sob. She was alive, his mother was alive. Ben brought a shaky palm to cover his lips before an involuntary cry slipped through his defenses and quickly composed himself. Taking a deep breath, he returned to the call. "Nothing is wrong, mom. I just missed you."

The device went silent as she no doubt sorted through her confusion, but he was relieved to hear her chuckle.

"It's awfully late, Ben. You couldn't wait until morning?" She spoke playfully.

"No," he sighed away the overwhelming emotions. "I've already waited too long."

"Sweetheart, we just talked yesterday," she spoke a bit softer.

"It seemed like a lot longer," he chuckled to cover the emotions still rising to the surface.

"Are you sure nothing is wrong?"

"Everything's fine, mom." He finally felt his own smile. "Great, actually."

"That is, that's good," she spoke nervously; unable to shake her confusion.

"Can I see you soon?" Ben asked, wiping away the last of his tears. "I want to visit more than I did back then."

"Back then?"

Ben flinched.

"The past few years," he quickly covered.

"Oh… Oh, of course!" she replied; her elation soothing him. "I'll tell your father to pick you up on his way home. He should be passing through in a few days."

"That sounds great, mom," he smiled again. "I, uh, should get some sleep. It's been a long day."

"Alright," Leia replied. He could have sworn it was possible to hear her smile. "I love you, Ben."

"I love you too, mom," he promised before bidding her a good night. As he placed the com gently to rest on the table, it felt as if the room had gotten brighter.

It was real. The travel through time, the chance to mend his past, and to save his family. It was all real.

There was gracious peace awaiting him as his head fell to the pillow. Rey, little Rey, slept comfortably in a room with other younglings. Her belly was finally full after devouring the food they had given her and best of all she was free. Free from a life of mere survival and intense loneliness. As Ben closed his eyes, the voice that had terrified him as a child was a mere echo in the back of his mind. Fading slowly with every second passing until finally, it existed no more. There was only peace.


Ben ignored the chuckles from his fellow padawans and knights as he walked to the temple the next morning. Their mockery, once a great crutch in his troubled childhood, held no power over him as he ignored their petty judgements. There was even a smile on Ben's face as he reached the doors, alit with the confidence that nothing could possibly tempt him from the light again.

Then, the moment he entered, Luke was standing cross armed. Waiting just for him.

"Ben," Luke nodded. Ben flinched at his uncle's voice, but forced himself to recall that he was years away from that night. Besides, this time he would be ready for anything. "I think we should talk."

"About what?" Ben shrugged casually.

"You know what," Luke groaned. "I left you alone yesterday because you were all out of sorts. I want to know what's going on."

"Where is she?" Ben asked, searching the empty room.

"The girl is just fine," Luke dismissed his failed attempt to distract him. "Tell me about these dreams."

"Everything is…"

"Don't tell me it's fine," Luke stopped him angrily. "I'm worried about you. Your parents are worried about you. We love you, Ben, but I cannot help you if you refuse to speak with me."

Ben regarded his uncle. He watched the way his fingers twitched like they always did when he was nervous and only a fool could miss the moisture crawling along the brim of his eyes. For the first time, Ben considered the possibility that his uncle might actually care about his wellbeing.

"I," he started before swallowed nervously. "I have been hearing a voice."

"A voice?" Luke's arms crossed. "The girl?"

"No, that's different," Ben shook his head. He bided his time by pretending to take interest in a loose strand of his sleeve; again calculating the changes that would come with revealing the truth. "I think it's Snoke."

"Snoke? The leader of the extremists?" the man scowled. He seemed unconcerned at first, more annoyed then anything. Ben had to remind himself that Snoke had hardly been a threat until his rise many years later. "Why do you think he is in your head?"

"I just feel it," he lied. "He's more powerful than we thought. He's been trying to temp me for a while, to give up the light."

"How long?" Luke's tone bordered on irritation. Ben merely scoffed.

"For as long as I can remember," he spoke softly. Tales were told of his difficulties as an infant. Dad would rave about how he had no choice but to let his son sleep at his shoulder if he were to sleep at all. It had taken Ben years to connect the two.

"You're sure it's him?"

It was almost comical how unprepared his uncle had been for such a conversation. However, Ben only smirked. He had brought this on himself by prying.

"Yes uncle, I am sure," he nodded.

Luke ran a cautious hand through his hair before scratching his beard in thought. With soft eyes, he met his nephew's gaze.

"I can teach you to shield your mind until we can deal with him properly."

"I think I have it under control," Ben began to shake his head but was halted by Luke's stare. The man wasn't angry as he would have imagined and instead, there was yet another round of tears resting at the edge of his uncle's eyes.

"Please, Ben, let me help you. You don't have to do this alone," Luke begged. Ben swallowed hard as his own emotions built up in his throat. Would it truly have been so simple as to ask for help? Before he could manage more than a nod, Luke reached to grasp his shoulder. "I'm glad you told me, kid."

Luke stated sincerely before his eyes drifted to a spot behind him. He smiled before nodding over his shoulder, "looks like you have a shadow."

Ben scowled before turning to follow his uncle's gaze. It took a moment to find what had caught his attention before he noticed the youngling peaking a cautious set of eyes around the corner.

"Come on in, little one," Luke chuckled.

Rey glanced between the pair before finally mustering the courage to enter the room. Ben swallowed nervously as the child moved her tiny legs.

What was he supposed to do now?

Ben had saved her from the harsh life that would have been repeated without his intervention; or worse if Palpatine was to catch wind of his unique travels. Now, with the tip of her head barely reaching the height of his hips, he had never felt so uncomfortable. Ben sealed his heart and memories of their time together; burying the image of their battles and especially of her kiss.

"Did you sleep well?" Luke asked softly. Rey glanced anxiously up to him and back to Luke. She shifted closer to Ben, taking comfort by standing beside the man who had saved her from the desert before nodding without a single word. Luke chuckled at her behavior before meeting his nephew's gaze. "Why don't you show young Rey around the temple?"

"I, uh," Ben swallowed nervously. "Shouldn't one of the other youngling's do it?"

"Trying to avoid your duties, young padawan?" Luke smirked once again. "You'll be fine. I have a class to teach."

With that, the man took his leave. Stranding his nephew alone with the youngling. Ben shifted nervously before glancing down at Rey.

"Um, hello," he tried.

"Hi," Rey answered shyly.

"Are you, uh, hungry?" Ben asked, grasping for any suitable conversation. Rey merely shook her head in response and then promptly reached into her pocket to reveal a piece of fruit. Ben nearly snorted, biting his cheek to refrain from smirking. "You shouldn't leave that in your pocket."

"I didn't steal it," she promised quietly. "Mr. Luke said I could have it."

"Yes, but that will rot," Ben explained. "It will be no good to eat if it's not kept in the cooler."

"Oh," she observed the item in genuine curiosity.

"There's plenty to eat here, you don't need to scavenge for food," he explained. Ben scanned the empty room, searching for someone, anyone else that would be more qualified to watch over the girl. He cleared his throat and shifted on his feet, finding no relief from the awkward moment he had found himself into.

"What's that?" Rey finally broke the silence by pointing to his waist. Ben followed her gaze to find what caught her interest.

"That's my lightsaber."

"Can I see it?" she asked eagerly.

"It's not a toy, it can be very dangerous," Ben replied seriously. When the girl's expression fell, Ben quickly continued, "maybe you could make your own one day."

That seemed to peak her interest. Rey stood up straighter, her gaze beaming as she looked up to him.

"Really?!"

Ben smiled.

"Sure, I'll show you how when your older," he shrugged.

"You mean I can stay here?" she asked. Eyes brightening at the possibility.

"Of course," he smirked. "Do you like it here?"

Rey nodded fiercely.

"People aren't so scary here," she admitted. Ben swallowed at the vile building in his throat, imagining what horrors had pushed a five-year old to race into the desert for a mere hiding spot. Snoke's voice prowled in the back of his mind, threatening to slip through as Ben thought of returning to Jakku to destroy the city that had failed her twice. However, Rey's expression changed a moment later as she threw her hands up in excitement, "and there's so much green!"

"Yeah, I guess you're right," he nodded with a forced smile. Ben glanced outside a window before returning his attention to the girl. "Do you want to go outside?"

Rey nodded, smiling widely as she lifted her tiny hand to grasp his own. Ben tensed at the contact, disturbed by the very thought of touching her no matter how innocent it might be. Rey however, seemed entirely undisturbed as she practically dragged him through the door; seemingly haven forgotten her shy demeanor from only moments ago. Ben had to take long strides to keep up with her half-jog and once they reached the tall grass outside the temple, he released her.

Rey didn't seem to know what to do with so many new textures. More than once he found himself chuckling at her clumsy jog through a patch of weeds. When she fell into a patch of dirt, the little girl couldn't tell if her disgust at the stain it left behind outweighed her fascination at the strange new type of 'sand.' Given that she began digging into the ground a moment later, he could only assume the latter.

Ben couldn't help the flood of imagination that swarmed his mind. Of a boy with dark hair, resting joyfully upon his father's shoulders while they played safely on their own peaceful property. Of a daughter with brown eyes wearing three buns to match her mother, digging into the ground just as Rey did now. Of a wife that dared to love him and the endless adoration he would have offered as a husband. A thoughtless tear threatened to reveal his private musings and Ben quickly wiped it from his eye. He had been so close to having it, hadn't he? The question had been gnawing at the back of his mind. Would she have followed him after their battle on Exegol, to one day take his hand fully? Despite his better judgement, Ben thought of the way she had felt against him, wrapped in a hold so warm he had almost fooled himself into believing it could last. And then, of the pressure of her soft mouth against his.

Courting had never truly crossed Ben's mind in his past life. The girls he had trained with in his youth were less than impressed with his temperament, though he supposed he couldn't blame them. Then again, he had never cared. He had never wanted them. He had never wanted anything other than the love of his family and yet they abandoned him when he needed them the most. Ben dared say that it wasn't until the desert scavenger dared challenging him in the forest that a mixture of confusing emotions began to plague him. Even then, he had been so certain that no one could ever love a monster.

When Ben first entered her mind his curiosity was tempted at seeing such a great power that had gone untouched. The very fact that someone so lowly could hold so much potential convinced him to ignore his task in retrieving the droid; settling with the girl herself. Then he looked deeper, past the tattered rags and impressive power and he saw a life riddled with loneliness. Where he saw a girl shouting after her parent's departure, he saw a dark-haired boy screaming as the Millennium Falcon flew out of view. Where there was a girl crying beneath the desert stars, he saw a boy sobbing in his own bed. Both so desperate for the same thing. There, in the back of the scavenger's mind, Ben had found himself.

The discovery of their connection had only peaked his curiosity further. Recalling their first moments together through the strange bond, he remembered being amused by her brash words as she tried so desperately to shake him; to shame him for his father's murder that he already regretted. To waste her breath in telling him he was a monster, something he had known since his youth. And then, everything shifted. After Rey endured a disappointing lesson on the secret island, she had called for him. Ben had been amazed that she would share her troubles with him. That she would find comfort in him. And then there was the touch. The smallest touch that sparked an array of visions, ranging from those of terror like falling into a dark abyss to images so beautiful he wouldn't dare speak aloud. One certainty that he had been so sure had become absolute that day, was the fact that they would never be alone again. And then, she had rejected him.

Ben had known that he couldn't go back to the light, not after all that had happened; only a fool would think otherwise. The only way he could have Rey was for her to join him in the dark that he was prisoner to. It was selfish, he understood that now, but the pain of returning to a life of unloving solitude had broken him. Pain had turned to powerful rage. For an entire year, he tried to bury her image to avoid the false flutter in his heart. It had made him powerful, the pain. And then Palpatine had given him a strange hope. In his revelation of Rey's true lineage, he had once again fooled himself into believing that she would join him. It wasn't until Rey, beautiful generous Rey, gave a sliver of her own life force to heal the shattered mess that was his heart, that he could finally see clearly. He could finally return.

A child's shriek of excitement pulled him from his own mind. He wanted to growl at the clumsy thoughts of a term he didn't dare use. Not yet. They had no place in his mind. Not while Rey was giggling at the simple sight of a flower hiding amongst the weeds. The purity of her excitement was a light so beautiful, that neither even bothered to be troubled by the young onlookers forming their own judgements.

Ben followed her until they reached the edge of the forest, having stopped more than once to listen to the girl's excited discoveries of simple pleasures. In her hand neared a dozen variations of wild flowers and leaves, all of which she had found far too lovely to leave behind.

"What's that?" she asked; pointing into the forest.

"We have our training courses there," he explained before stepping onto the pathway.

"But what's that?" She pointed again. He followed her finger, scrunching his brow as he searched the line of trees.

"You mean the tree?"

Her fascination amazed him as she repeated the word. Ben observed the girl, shocked that the trauma of her abandonment could have erased so much from her mind. Surely she had seen trees before?

Green worlds had always been a part of Ben's life, even as a child. Never once had he truly stopped to think of the gift that nature could be. He recalled spending many nights among those very same trees, hiding from his troubles back at the temple.

Ben smiled as an idea came to him. Lifting his palm, he urged one of the trees to free its fruit. His limited abilities rebelled against the distance, but Ben forced himself to endure the threat of exhaustion. After a few moments, the stem cracked and the fruit was slowly guided by an invisible force into his open hand.

"Whoa," Rey gasped beside him with wide eyes. Ben chuckled at the expression before offering her the fruit. She took it into her small hands, holding the fruit as if it were gold. And then, when she met his eyes, he had never felt so adored. "How did you do that?!"

"I used the force," he smirked. Feeling odd that he would have to teach her such simple lessons. If only you know what you would accomplish one day, little one.

"Can everyone do it?"

"Not everyone," he shook his head. "Many people in my family are strong in the force. My grandfather, my mother, and my uncle have all been trained in the ways of the jedi."

Rey appeared to ponder as she watched him in awe. However, after another moment, her expression twisted in sorrow.

"Where's my mommy?" Ben flinched at her question. He should have known it was coming, given his hasty proclamation to have known them in the desert. He met her gentle eyes, so full of innocence. How could he tell her the truth?

"I don't know," he started. The idea of lying to the youngling was a terrible thought, but no truth seemed suitable for the moment. "I promised to watch over you until they return."

Her lip puffed out, but she managed to refrain from crying. However, even more terrifying than her sorrows, was the way she flinched shortly after. She started glancing around in a panic, searching for something that neither could find.

"Rey?" He finally urged her to speak.

"Did you hear him too?" she asked nervously.

"Hear who?" By the time the words passed his lips, his entire body had already tensed. "Are you hearing a voice in your head?"

Rey grew nervous as she met his gaze and her face flared red. "Is that a bad thing?"

"What is it saying?" he asked, ignoring her question. However, his tone only seemed to frighten her more. Her eyes fell to the ground while her fingers tangled in her robes.

"He makes me feel sad," she explained.

Ben's terror nearly consumed him and he had to stop himself from taking her into his arms and racing to Luke. He forced himself to breath, finding enough peace to address her.

"You don't have to be afraid. As long as you stay here, you'll be safe," he promised. "Luke and I will teach you how to shield your mind."

"How?" She glanced to him in hope.

"We'll practice every day, until you can't hear him anymore," he smiled, despite his terror. Hoping beyond everything that he spoke the truth. "The force will protect you."

"You mean your magic?"

"It's not magic," he chuckled lightly. "Come here."

Ben motioned with his hand and she happily obliged. He sat on the ground and ordered her to do the same.

"It's inside of you, just like it is for me."

"I have magic?" she gasped; gazing to him in awe. He smirked, accepting defeat that she would not accept the proper term that day.

"Yes, it just needs to be awakened. Here," he began to reach for her hand but paused before his fingers could clasp around her skin. Ben watched her carefully as he took her hand within his, ready to retreat the moment it seemed that his touch was unwelcome. He guided her to the ground, placing her palm flat against the earth. "Close your eyes. And reach out."

He waited a moment to give her time to think, but then her hand came up as she reached out in front of her.

"No, that's not what I meant," he chuckled lightly before guiding her hand back to the ground. Her face flushed in embarrassment, but Ben merely smiled. "Try again. Reach with your feelings."

Rey scrunched her face in confusion, but did as he asked. A minute passed, followed by another. Just when he wondered if he was rushing her training too soon, he could see her smile.

"Whoa," she whispered.

"What do you feel?" he asked.

"I don't know," the girl's eyes were wide in both fascination and fright.

"That's okay, we'll figure it out together," he promised.

'She will fall,' Snoke whispered. The voice startled him, but he quickly composed himself to avoid frightening the girl.

"Let's head back, it's almost time for lunch." He casually urged her on. Rey nodded obediently before recollecting her pile of flowers. Ben followed her closely, ready to guard her the moment she lost her smile.

You cannot have her. Ben thought furiously. You will fail.

'You cannot keep her from me forever,' the voice taunted one last time. Ben squared his shoulders, facing the invisible. Vowing once more to protect her beautiful light.

Yes, yes I will.


Review Replies

GALAXYTHUNDER00 - I like hearing your observations! There will definitely be a lack of romance for a few chapters, given their ages, we will wait until Rey is of proper age to return to his feelings. But! I think we still have some great friendly bonding moments between the two and some "crush" moments that will come up. I agree on your thoughts that the fellow student's weren't very friendly with Ben, but that's mostly the impression I've gotten from the comics and books; it just sounds like he was a loner. But, I don't think there's any canonical info for us specifically. Thanks again for reading and sharing your thoughts!

The Doctor Rose – Thank you? Haha I'm guessing that was supposed to be an exclamation point, but either way thank you for reading! :)

Blade's Lover – I am glad that you're enjoying it! I agree, I think it is a good way for Ben to gain full redemption, to completely erase Kylo Ren. Thanks for reading!

Icy-rain499 – That is great to hear! I'm glad that you're enjoying the story and I hope that you like the direction going forward. Ben will be the only person that has any memories, for now. Thanks for reading!

Drama – You are very welcome! I'm glad that you are enjoying the plot and I hope the rest of the chapters are just as good for you! Thanks for reading!

Magali – I appreciate you sharing your knowledge! I agree, I think there could be more to the coincidences of those years where Ben goes to Luke and Rey being born. I'm assuming something to do with the force balancing itself out, but I don't know if there's any canonical info on that. Haha I'm in the same boat as you! I've heard that about one of them recognizing the other from dreams, but can no longer find the source. For now, Ben is going to keep most of his knowledge to himself since he's concerned with what sharing too much of the future could do. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!

Royan Granger-Nott – You're very welcome and I am glad that you are enjoying the story so far! I toyed with the idea of giving her memories too, but it felt odd having her remember while still being a child. I thought it would create an uncomfortable "romantic" feeling between a kid and teen. Thanks for reading!