A/N – So this is where those "scene-skips" come into play that I mentioned at the very beginning. Feel free to share your thoughts if any of them feel too choppy. As they are now I think it flows alright, but I'm curious to hear other opinions. It's something I could revisit in the future after completing the story.

Edited 10/8/2020

Chapter 4 – The Greatest Teacher Failure Is
Ages: Ben, 25 | Rey, 15

(Ten Years Later)

The sound of clashing weapons had long since become routine for Ben's evenings with his apprentice. He blocked Rey's furious blows as the young teen tried desperately to outwit his careful defense. He returned with equal vigor, knowing that any sign of softening his attacks would only offend her. He had learned that lesson the hard way.

"You're relying too much on strength," he lectured while blocking another attack.

"Getting tired are you?" she attempted to joke through her fatigue. Ben merely smirked in reply.

"You won't win that battle, sweetheart."

"I would if you stopped moving," she grumbled, taking a moment to catch her breath. Ben scoffed at the tone; unfazed by her attempts to exhaust him. Rey's skills had grown at a fast rate, a fact that surprised everyone besides himself. However, the young padawan still had much to learn before taking the jedi trials.

"You can't beat me with brute force," Ben squared his shoulders as he towered above her. The very height and breadth of him displaying his advantage. "I'm stronger, fight smarter."

As if on que, Rey slashed her blade through the air and as he moved to block it, she curled her foot around his own and Ben felt himself falling backwards until he crashed into the hard floor. He couldn't help but groan as he glanced up to his apprentice. Rey disabled her blade with a smirk, holding her hands out in a smug pose.

"You mean like that?"

Ben let her have a moment of victory, smiling at the pride he felt. But, Ben thought, the arrogance of her display could not be ignored. Afterall, he knew better than anyone the dangers of allowing such a trait to blossom. Using his own foot Ben curled a toe at the back of her knee and with a yelp Rey fell to the ground while he sprung back to his feet.

"Almost," he smirked with his blade resting just below her chin. "Next time, finish the fight before you lower your weapon."

"That was low," she narrowed her eyes, but not without a smirk. "Even for you."

"Enemies won't just lie there while you gloat," he reminded. Disabling his blade, Ben offered her his hand. Rey groaned as he helped her to her feet, wincing a moment later as she covered a cut at her arm.

"Maybe we should go back to using staves," she panted.

"Sorry." Ben quickly retrieved a bacta patch and tossed it her way. "Though, you were the one that wanted to practice with sabers."

"It seemed like a good idea at the time," she winced again while fumbling with the patch. Ben waited another moment, watching her struggle before stepping in close to kneel at her side.

"Give it here," he mumbled. Thinking nothing of it as he reached for her arm. When she tensed however, he began to wonder if he had done something improper. It was innocent, a gesture of regret for dealing an ill-timed blow. So why was she acting so nervous?

"Am I being too rough?" he asked. Rey quickly shook her head.

"You just have fat fingers is all," she joked.

"Maybe if you did more push-ups your arms would be more proportionate," he retaliated playfully. Hoping to lessen the strange tension between them.

"Brave of you to say something so bold, given our proximity," she glared. Had her tone not been so gentle, Ben would have wondered if she'd been serious.

"Please," he scoffed. "After the amount of times you've hit me, I think I've grown immune."

"You are being awfully dramatic, master. They are mere friendship pats."

They both shared a laugh as he finished applying the patch. Ben was about to stand before noticing the dark bruises at her knuckles. When Rey noticed that his attention shifted, she tried to stand but Ben quickly grasped her wrist.

"What did you do?" Ben asked in surprise. At the tip of her knuckles, blood had begun to seep through the cracks of partially healed wounds.

"It's nothing," she tried to pull from him but Ben persisted.

"Rey," he stated firmly before meeting her gaze again. "What happened?"

Rey sighed before begrudgingly continuing.

"Well, you know that guy that's been walking around with a giant bruise on his face?"

Ben scrunched his brow.

"He said he tripped on his way to breakfast. Fell against a rock," he shrugged. Rey stared at the ground when she refused to answer, Ben narrowed his gaze. "You hit him?"

"Only a little," she argued.

"A little?! It looks like you nearly broke your hand!" he scolded.

"His face was harder than I thought," she shrugged before scowling. "Besides, that bantha-brain deserved it."

"I thought I taught you better, at least punch him correctly," he smirked, shaking his head in disappointment. Rey rolled her eyes before he turned serious once more. "Why did you do it?"

"He was running his mouth, again. I told him to shut it, but he wouldn't listen," Rey answered. Ben waited patiently, narrowing his expression as he waited for a better explanation. She finally sighed before staring at the floor again. "He was talking about you."

Ben tensed at first before forcing himself to sigh. His notorious attitude had pitted many of his fellow padawans against him for years. Though his relationships with his peers had improved since his 'return', there were still many that clung to the distant memory of a repulsive Ben Solo. However, he had long since shrugged off those who refused to soften their hearts.

"You know that I don't care what they say about me," he reminded. "It's no reason to punch someone."

"This was different," she shook her head, "he was saying that it was only a matter of time before you…"

Rey hesitated, shifting uncomfortably from her spot on the floor; refusing to meet his eyes.

"Would turn to the darkside," she finally spoke. "That it was in your blood. Vader's blood."

"Oh," Ben stiffened in surprise. He watched Rey fidget nervously with her lightsaber, waiting until she finally met his stare before asking. "Do you think I would?"

Rey flinched, her expression twisting in clear offense that he would ask such a question.

"Of course not," she stated immediately.

"Then why did you let it upset you?"

"Because, it's ridiculous! They shouldn't be saying it," her face reddened in anger. "Just because your grandfather was Vader doesn't mean you'll end up like him."

"Exactly," Ben shrugged. However, his answer only appeared to infuriate her.

"Why are you so calm?! Why aren't you mad at him?" Rey snapped. Ben felt strange as he watched her unravel.

Ben met her gaze carefully.

"Because the ones that matter the most still believe in me," he answered. Rey started to glare, struggling for another moment before finally relaxing. When she finally sighed away her aggravation, Ben allowed himself to smile. "Besides, if you go around punching everyone you don't agree with, you won't have a hand left."

"Not if I get a metal one like Master Luke's," Rey finally laughed. Ben shared in her chuckle, before offering one final bit of comfort.

"Besides, if I ever did fall, I'd have you to pull me back."

Rey scoffed.

"More like knock you in the head for being an idiot."

"I'd expect nothing less," he smirked before holding out a hand to lift her to her feet. As she rose beside him, Ben's fingers traced another unusual item at her wrist. "Where did you get this?"

"The bracelet? Sival gave it to me for my birthday."

Ben blinked.

"Who… gave you what now?"

"Relax, you didn't forget. He just gave it to me early. Can you believe it's almost been ten years since you found me in that old AT-AT?"

Ben had to close his mouth when he realized it had fallen open. Of course he didn't forget. With no evidence of her actual date of birth, they had resolved to celebrating on the anniversary of the day he found her, seemingly so long ago. Her gift was already sealed away in a box hiding underneath his bed. None of this troubled him, except for one thing.

"Who is Sival?" he asked. By some miracle he managed to keep his tone even.

"Really Ben? He's in your sparring class," Rey smirked again and Ben had to convince himself to remain calm when she missed the point of his question.

"So," he started. Clearing his throat. "Why didn't you tell me you found a boyfriend?"

At this, Rey's entire body glowed with a furious red. She pulled her arm from his grasp to nervously tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Avoiding his stare as if he were suddenly the most repulsive thing in the room.

"He's not my boyfriend," she corrected a bit too quickly.

Ben tried to smile, but quickly turned away to hide his expression; knowing that the pain was at risk of being revealed. The way she spoke, the way she flinched at his own touch; it all seem far too obvious. Rey liked this boy.

"I didn't think you cared for jewelry," he tried to chuckle while pretending to busy himself.

"What was I supposed to do? He handmade it himself, it's not like I could tell him that."

Ben knew that he should have been prepared for the possibility of this very outcome. Of course she would be sought by one of her fellow padawans. She was strong, kind, and even though Ben couldn't state it aloud there was no denying that she was beautiful. And yet, what could he possibly do?

Nothing. Of course he could do nothing, he thought in dismay.

There were many times he had considered testing their bond, bridging their minds as it used to be. It would no doubt secure a path that would join them in the end. However, each time he had resolved to the understanding that she was far too young. To open their bond would mean sacrificing privacy. Rey would be able to see it all: their lengthy battles, her offer of affection, his death, and the impossible leap through time. They would all be open to the girl that was practically still a youngling. No matter how desperate Ben was to secure their future, he refused to place such a pressure on her.

But, that didn't mean he had to support this… this boy.

"Aren't you a little young to start courting?" Ben asked, a bit less patient this time.

"I told you, he's not my boyfriend." Rey groaned. "What are you trying play the role of big brother all of a sudden?"

"No," he growled. "Stop calling me that."

Rey recoiled, displaying a wave of pain as she took a step back. She then flinched a second later and scanned the room as if there was someone else with them. Ben immediately regretted the tone, but before he could offer an apology she glanced to him in worry.

"Ben," she started nervously. "Do you remember a long time ago when I told you that I was hearing a voice?"

Ben startled before recovering his focus; trying to appear calm.

"Are you still hearing him?" he tried to speak casually. However, he only began to panic at the sight of her gentle nod. "Have you stopped doing the exercises I showed you? You should be blocking him out, Rey."

"He went away for the longest time, but," she paused anxiously. Watching his expression with a careful eye. "I started hearing him again, about a week ago."

"You're only hearing him because you're not blocking him," Ben scolded. "We both know you have the strength to do so."

"Yeah, but he started talking about…" she froze again.

"What is he saying?" Ben met her cautiously when she failed to continue.

"Well, he," she began again before altering the subject. "Ben, have you heard anything from my parents?"

He tensed as his heart tightened. Ben supposed that one day he would have to answer her questions about her parents. And yet, he couldn't help the flood of irritation that always seemed to follow her curiosity regarding the matter. "I promised that I would tell you if I ever heard from them. You already know my answer."

"I know, but…"

"Then why ask?" The question fled his lips a bit harsher than intended. Rey flinched at the tone and this time when she hid her gaze from him, he could see a flash of anger.

"We should head to dinner," she stated dryly and began to pack her things.

"Rey," he stopped her with a much softer voice. "This voice, what is it saying?"

"It doesn't matter."

"It does. It does matter. This is dangerous, Rey."

"I've lasted this long, Ben. I think I can handle it," she answered shortly. Ben swallowed anxiously.

"You don't have to do this alone," he reminded but Rey merely shrugged.

"Don't worry about it," she said. Clipping the lightsaber to her belt before trying to make a hasty retreat before Ben reached to grasp her arm. He kept his features soft as he begged her to listen, regretting his short temper.

"Please, you can talk to me."

Rey sighed.

"I know. But we're going to be late and I am starved. I'll meet you in the hall."

"Are you sure?"

Then, Rey snapped. She ripped from his grasp to glare.

"Yes! I'm nearly an adult, Ben, stop treating me like a child!" Rey growled while collecting the last of her things. She stopped at the door and sighed. "I'll see you in a minute."

And with that, she raced from the room. Leaving him alone to a multitude of troubles.

Ben groaned in frustration. For ten years Snoke had eluded him. More than one mission had ended in failure as he and Luke followed false leads to dispatch Palpatine's puppet. Ben had done everything in his power to eliminate the vile instrument, from shielding his own mind to tracking his current whereabouts and yet, the future Supreme Leader continued to elude them. Then there was the Emperor himself to be dealt with, but Ben knew all too well that his own powers weren't yet strong enough to dispatch the final threat. Especially without the strength of his dyad. First, they must deal with Snoke.

And then, there was another issue. This boy.

Ben couldn't comprehend how he managed to reach the mess hall. More than once he tried focusing on something proper, but his thoughts continued to circle back to this nagging issue. As he sat down to eat Ben scanned the faces of the Padawans, but the little welp was nowhere to be seen. Who did he think he was trying to court little Rey? Then again, as each day passed the truth was becoming increasingly difficult to deny. Rey was no longer a little girl.

For so long he had been so proud that she maintained that beautiful humility that she had harbored in their past life. Amongst the other students she was kind and compassionate. Rey would always make it a point to seek out those who sat alone, prying to make sure they felt admired. She would fix the weakest droids, simply because she couldn't stand the thought of "killing" them as her more youthful side liked to call it. She was beautiful through and through; the type of girl that any man would desire to seek companionship. And yet for him, she was so far out of reach.

Ben ran a hand through his hair while he stared at his untouched plate, failing to ignore his breaking heart. She would not wait for him. Of course she wouldn't wait for him, he thought with a groan. Why would she? He was too old and though Ben had tried to argue his way out of it, Luke had appointed him as her Jedi Master. His thoughts drifted once more to Sival and to the array of young boys that were of a more suitable age. He would have no choice but to endure the pain of watching her love another.

"Master Solo!"

Ben twitched. A swell of rage flooded his veins as he recognized that voice. That little weaselly voice.

"What happened this time, Sival?" Ben grumbled.

"It's Rey!" the boy panted. "I saw her tinkering with a ship, but I couldn't stop her until it was too late."

Ben's scowl vanished in an instant and terror cooled his fury.

"What are you talking about?" he asked with growing urgency.

"She left! In the ship," the teen spoke the words he feared. "I don't know where she's going!"

Ben's throat went dry while the rest of his body went numb. What had she done?

"I do," Ben wasn't sure if he should growl or cry. "I do."


Ben jammed the controls to life, wasting no time punching the ship into light-speed. He watched the blinking light on his map and for the first time since helping Rey build her own lightsaber, he didn't regret hiding the tracker. With both Snoke and Palpatine at large, he couldn't take the risk.

"Calm down, Ben," Luke spoke far too calmly.

"I can't calm down!" he roared. "She is going to kill herself!"

"You should be proud of how well you've trained her. She is more than capable of defending herself."

"Not against him! Palp… Snoke won't hesitate to kill her when he fails to turn her!"

"Worrying will do neither of you any good. We are doing all that we can right now. Calm your heart and help me think of a proper plan," Luke reminded. "We cannot just storm Snoke's ship."

"I can," he disagreed angrily. Ben would cut down every stormtrooper, every officer, every fool that dared to stand in his way. Then he would cut Snoke down just as he had before.

"You will die if you act so brashly! Then your Padawan's loss is certain," Luke growled as his patience began to falter. "We only have a few minutes left before we arrive. I need you to focus."

In a moment of frustration, Ben let his head fall into his hands. Why? Why would she go to him? How could he not see the influence earlier, happening underneath his very nose? He had been more attentive than any master had been to him, asking her countless times if the darkness was tempting her. He had been a good teacher. Hadn't he?

Luke's hand fell upon his shoulder and the simple touch broke him.

"I can't lose her," Ben's throat tightened as his rage turned to sorrow. There was so much he could have done, should have done. He had failed.

"We won't, Ben," Luke said softly, the grasp on his shoulder tightening. "I promise. Now come one, we're dropping out of light-speed."


Ben led the way through the halls of Snoke's ship, ignoring his uncle's murmur's and questions about how he seemed to know exactly where to go. He halted at the corner, waiting for the stormtrooper's to make their rounds.

"This way," Ben whispered. "The elevator is the only way to get to him, we'll need access codes."

"How do you know all this?" Luke narrowed his gaze.

"Not now," Ben groaned before searching the hall one last time. Once he was confident that they were clear to move, he jogged into the open and straight into a trap.

"Halt!"

Ben and Luke skidded to a halt. Only a few feet away, a stormtrooper raised his blaster. Ben began to reach for his lightsaber but immediately noticed a shift in the force. There was a shiver in the man's arms as his finger hesitated on the trigger. He couldn't do it.

"We are here on invitation," Luke stated methodically while waving his hand. However, his trick failed to produce any results.

"We were warned that more would come," the trooper spoke and only Ben seemed to notice the tremble in his voice. "I'm sorry, I can't let you pass. I have orders."

The man began to reach for a button in his armor, a button that Ben knew all too well would alert everyone to their presence.

"Stop," he blurted before looking into the dark eyes of his mask. "You don't have to do this."

"Ben…" Luke began, glancing suspiciously at his nephew.

"I know you don't want to do this," Ben focused on the soldier; ignored his uncle entirely. Recalling his promise to Rey so long ago, Ben raised his hands in surrender. "FN-2187."

The trooper flinched. Ben could feel the man's gaze burning through the mask as he watched him carefully. To his relief Finn slowly began to move his finger away from the button.

"How do you…"

"Don't be ashamed of your conflict," Ben took a step forward and Finn retaliated with a cautious step backwards. Ben's hands clenched at his side; they didn't have time for hesitation. "Someone needs your help. Your leader captured someone not even an hour ago."

"The girl?" Finn stated, lowering his blaster only an inch. "She came to us, Snoke is only interrogating her."

"You know that's not true," he grumbled, clinging to the miniscule shred of patience that he had left. "She needs us. She needs your help."

The room fell into an eerie silence as the man's arms began to shake. "They'll kill me."

Ben shook his head.

"You can come with us. We will keep you safe."

He dared to take another step forward. This time, Finn did not step back. They paused for a moment longer before the soldier's resolve vibrated through the force.

"I don't want to hurt anyone," Finn practically whispered.

On any other day, Ben would have felt softened to the gentle tone of his admission. However, time was running out and who knows what Snoke was doing to Rey as they stood there wasting time.

"Every second we stand here brings her closer to death, you are hurting her right now," he tried not to growl. Lifting his hand in offering. "Do we have a deal?"

Finn looked at the outstretched hand as his loyalty to the Order crumbled. Finally, after another moment, the blaster fell to his side and his hand clasped within Ben's.

"Okay, what do we do?"

Ben practically sighed in relief before remembering that they were still no closer to helping Rey. He glanced towards the elevator and back to Finn.

"Get us to Snoke."

"I was afraid you'd say that," Finn sighed, but pointed towards the elevator. "That's our only way in. We'll have to move quickly; other's will be making their rounds soon."

Together, the three of them ran.

"What was that about?" Luke asked quietly as they reached the doors. Finn scanned his badge before they slipped inside the elevator.

"I'm surprised you couldn't feel his conflict, uncle." Ben brushed off his questions before turning to the stormtrooper. Nodding to his blaster. "Finn, you any good with that?"

"Finn?" he turned to Ben in confusion.

"Can you shoot?" Ben asked with greater urgency.

"I, I've never actually used it in battle," Finn admitted, lowering his gaze to the ground in shame.

"You point and shoot," Luke interjected as the elevator began to rise. "When these doors open it's important that you remain calm. No matter what awaits us."

"Yes master," Ben promised before gripping his lightsaber. Truly, he had every intention to be obedient. To trust in Luke's wisdom to bring a swift end to their turmoil. But then, the doors open and there Rey was, suspended in midair.

Ben had witnessed Snoke probe her mind before and yet, this felt different. Her screams echoed through the chamber, far more desperate and pained than he had heard before. She was alone, she was young. So very young. Ben didn't recall the desire to disobey his uncle's orders, but before he could stop himself his legs began to move.

"Ben, no!" Luke shouted from behind, but Ben was already halfway to Snoke.

Ben ran, fueled by rage as he lifted his arm with a defying shout. Logic fled entirely and he could focus on nothing other than the fact that he had nearly reached Rey. However, just as he prepared to leap upon the throne to drive his blade into Snoke's vile body, Ben found himself surrounded by lightening. He growled as he was thrown backwards with his body engulfed in pain.

"Young Solo, we meet at last," Snoke smirked from his throne. Ben groaned from his spot on the floor, feeling as if his body had already been burnt to a crisp. He managed to lift his head enough to find Luke standing above him with his lightsaber drawn, glaring down in irritation at his nephew. Around them, the Pretorian guards drew their weapons as they prepared to defend their master.

"I think it's time you stop meddling with my students," Luke stated, speaking with a level of calm that Ben could never reach.

With another wince, Ben propped himself onto his elbows to access a new plan. Rey was no longer in the air and instead crumpled into a ball on the ground only a few feet away. She was shaking and his heart twisted in terror at the sight of blood snaking from her ear and down her neck. Too young. Rey tilted her head in the slightest to meet his gaze with an exhausted stare, mouthing an apology without words.

"Get up, Ben," Luke commanded.

Ben blinked his vision clear, forcing himself to stagger to his feet. His fingers scraped along his hip and he nearly jolted upon noticing that his weapon was missing. Glancing around the room, he was surprised to see the lightsaber seated on the handle beside the vermin on the throne. So, he hasn't seen everything.

Ben tensed again as he noticed Snoke's dark gaze watching him. He quickly formed a wall in his mind, desperately hoping that his thoughts were his own.

"I was most impressed with your sudden desire to abandon the dark," Snoke's sneer contradicted his words. And then, the Supreme leader turned his eyes towards Rey, now completely lifeless. Ben angled his body, hiding a careful hand at his thigh. "However, you brought me a powerful replacement."

"You cannot have my student, nor my nephew." Luke interjected before Ben could foolishly lash out once again. Ben however, was too focused on the task at hand. Twisting his fingers ever so slowly, he concentrated on the subtle motion of the saber at Snoke's side.

"Is that what you think, Skywalker?" Snoke snickered before scowling at the Jedi. "I have been with you for far longer than you know. I have seen your every move through their eyes." The creature snarled in Rey's direction. "I suppose that you're still wondering why all your attempts to find me have ended in failure?"

Ben nearly lost his concentration when Snoke laughed maniacally.

"Hiding like a sniveling coward is beneath even you, don't you think?" Luke taunted.

Ben was relieved by their distractions, risking the slightest glance to the throne where his saber was nearly turned. He was nearly there, seconds away from ending their mission. And then, a large hand came to rest at the hilt. Halting its movement.

"Young fool," Snoke chuckled. "Did you really think you could hide your mind from me?"

Ben stilled in panic as Snoke forced the saber away, holding it out in front of him on display to taunt his failure. At the sign of movement, Luke ignited his saber. All around them, the guards aimed their weapons at the Jedi in warning. As everyone prepared for a grand battle, Ben took the chance to reach for Rey. He pulled her arm out from underneath her and nearly sighed in relief at feeling the faint pulse beneath his fingertips.

"You overestimate yourself, Skywalker," Snoke taunted while rising to his feet.

"I scarred you once, it appears that you haven't learned your lesson," Luke retorted.

"You're outnumbered, Jedi," he spat. As if to demonstrate, the guards began to advance.

Luke twisted to face the nearest guard while keeping an eye at the throne. Ben hovered over Rey, heart drumming against his chest as he could do nothing but shield her as three guards advanced. And then, the sound of a blaster confused them all.

Finn leapt from his hiding place, firing shot after shot at the throne. Snoke startled before hastily moving to stop the shots from reaching him, however the surprise was short-lived as he began deflecting Finn's fire and within seconds the room looked like a battleground.

Ben had no choice but to pull Rey roughly across the floor, ending with her limp form collapsed across his chest as he dived just in time to avoid being hit. Even the guards halted their advance to dodge the barrage. Luke's saber slashed through the air as he swatted away bolt after bolt. Just when Ben had feared that the energy in Finn's blaster had reached its limit, Luke batted a shot right back to the throne.

"Argh!" Snoke groaned in surprise as his side was struck and his grip on Ben's saber faltered. As gravity tugged it from his palm, Ben lifted his arm and willed it to life.

Even Luke tensed in surprise as Snoke gurgled with wide eyes. He looked to the blade speared through his chest and with a sneer Ben commanded the saber to his hand. Snoke collapsed to the ground.

The surrounding guards flinched at their masters fall while Ben pushed himself up, carefully cradling Rey's lifeless body. He had been too focused on searching her for new wounds, he didn't notice Finn racing to his side until he was already kneeling before him. All around them the guards took up arms once again and readied themselves for attack. Luke had just engaged the first as he shouted.

"Go, get her out of here!"

Ben quickly pushed Rey into Finn's arms, ignoring the look of confusion on his face.

"Get her to my ship," Ben ordered.

Finn glanced nervously between the pair but evidently Ben's glare was fierce enough to earn his compliance. The soldier carefully collected Rey and raced towards the elevator.

"If you insist on staying," Luke growled from behind, "would you mind helping?!"

Ben smirked. Never once did he imagine that he would fight alongside his uncle in battle, especially not this fight. Ben raised his lightsaber, shouting before charging the red armored guards. Here we go again.


Ten Years Ago

Ben clenched the straps of his pack as the Millennium Falcon entered the atmosphere. Uncertain what to expect when his father stepped off that ramp. The last time he had seen Han Solo, physically seen him, Ben had thrust a saber through his chest. His body trembled as the ship hissed with the release of his landing gear. Han should deck him, Ben decided, and Chewie tear off his limbs. It was what he deserved. Instead, he was surprised to see the long gown of a dress as Leia was first to step on the landing pad.

She was smiling. His mother was smiling at him. Ben could have cried.

"Hey sweetie," Leia cooed as she reached her son. "I wanted to surprise…Oh!"

She yelped in surprise when Ben pulled his mother into his arms. Even in his youth he had already begun to tower above her, enveloping her in chest. Leia was slow to reciprocate, confused by his unusual display for affection, but Ben relaxed when her arms came up to hold him. He didn't dare speak, to declare how terribly he had missed her, less he break down in a fit of sobs. Instead, Leia held him through the silence, stroking a gentle hand through his hair when he started to tremble.

Behind them, two sets of footsteps began to approach.

"What's going on kid?" Han asked with a hint of impatience in his tone. Chewie growled in disapproval at his friend's reaction before Ben could feel a mound of fur surrounding his back. Sandwiched between the wookie and his mother, Ben finally smiled. At his ear, he could hear Leia's muffled scold aimed at his father. When Ben finally lifted his head from her shoulder, Han was scratching the back of his neck and shifting uncomfortably.

Before anyone could say another word, a little girl screamed.

"Don't hurt him! Get away!" Rey shouted as she sprinted into Chewie's leg. Pounding her little fists against his furry thigh. The wookie pulled away from Ben to glance down at the child.

"It's alright, Rey," Ben smirked before pulling out of his mother's grasp to calm the young girl. Chewie tilted his head in amusement when the youngling relented. She glanced at each of the faces watching her, flushing red with embarrassment.

"Who is this?" Leia asked with a smile as Rey cautiously stepped beside Ben; reaching up to take his hand.

"Uh, this is Rey. She arrived earlier this week," he explained.

Leia knelt to the girl's level.

"Hello Rey," she greeted sweetly. The girl only pressed closer to Ben.

"Shy little thing, isn't she?" Han chuckled. "If you wanted a baby sister, kid, you could have just asked."

Leia playfully smacked her husband's shoulder while Ben grimaced at the term.

"Han, grab your son's bags. I want to get home by nightfall."

Ben merely tightened his grip on his pack. "It's okay, I've got them."

Then, something seemed to snap in Rey's mind.

"You're leaving?" she asked through a gasp; unable to mask her concern.

"I'll just be gone for a couple days," Ben answered. Rey's eyes began to flood with tears as she clasped to his leg.

"B-but you promised! Y-you promised you wouldn't leave me!" she yelped into his leg.

"I'll be back, Rey," he assured but his words did nothing to tame her cries.

"You promised!" she cried again and again into his leg, clinging to him harder with every sob.

Ben sighed before meeting his mother's eyes. The woman watched him, knowing without him having to say it that Rey had no one. Apparently, Han did to. Or, Ben supposed, he simply didn't care as he beckoned Rey towards the ship.

"Take it easy kid, we have an extra seat," Han offered. Rey sniffled, glancing from Ben to Han in question.

"I'll talk to Luke." Leia smiled. "I'm sure he won't mind us watching over one of the younglings for a few days."

Rey sniffled, wiping a wealth of tears from her eyes as she glanced again at Leia. This time, her little eyes were filled with hope.

"Y-you're not going to leave me behind?"

Han smirked.

"Course not, kid. After all Chewie could use a snack for the ride home," he tried to joke. Ben merely sighed while Rey twitched anxiously.

"He's kidding, Rey," he assured. Han ignored Chewie's scowl as he chuckled once more. Waving his hand again, he beckoned them to the ship.

"Come on, let's go home."

Present Day

A thousand sorrows plagued Ben's thoughts as he steered the ship home. The relief at having Rey alive and bandaged was short-lived as he soon became overwhelmed by a fury that he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years. Ben wanted to continue ignoring the beep of his commlink as his father called time and time again. Knowing that if he opened his mouth to speak before he finished seething, he would regret whatever followed. However, as the persistence caller rang yet again, he knew that he could not ignore his family forever. With a groan Ben clicked the link to life.

"Dad," he finally answered.

"Ben! What the Hell happened?!" Han spoke frantically. "Luke called and said…"

"Everything's fine, dad," he stated, trying to suppress his growl.

"It sure as Hell doesn't sound that way! Your mother is worried sick!"

"I'm a grown man," he snapped in irritation.

"That doesn't stop us from worrying, kid!"

"You have nothing to worry about. The threat's eliminated, we're heading back now."

A stream of muffled curses slipped threw the static before Han finally began to calm.

"You're sure?"

"Yes," he groaned before enduring another pause.

"Alright," Han's sigh sounded through the link before the man finally relaxed. "How is your little sister?"

"Don't…" Ben bit his tongue from shouting. "She is not my sister."

"Hey, just because you don't want her in the family doesn't mean we don't," Han chuckled over the com. Ben shook his head in frustration. "So, how is she then?"

"She'll be fine. I've healed what I can, she's just resting now." Ben answered before turning to glance at the unconscious girl, only to find her sitting up on the bench. Her head was down, eyes stuck in a mindless stare as she fiddled with the edges of his sweater that he had given to keep warm. His fury waned for a fraction of a second as his heart tumbled in conflict at the sight. A part of Ben wanted to empathize with her turmoil, but the disappointment he felt refused him the chance to do so. Unable to decide if he wanted to pull her into a hug in relief that they had both survived or shout at her stupidity until he lost his voice.

"Dad, I'll call you back." Ben deactivated the link before giving the man a chance to reply, tossing it aside before returning his attention to the girl. Rey tugged the shirt closer, seeking its warmth, but not once would she allow her gaze to rise from the floor.

"Where's Master Luke?" she asked.

"On another ship with Finn."

"Who is Finn?"

Ben hesitated, remembering that she had not yet met the man who had once been her dearest friend.

"A stormtrooper that helped us reach you," he explained evenly. Rey nodded before they both fell into an uncomfortable silence. More than once he bit his tongue to avoid letting his anger take over.

"Say something," she whispered after the silence grew too long; still refusing to mee his eyes.

"What do you want me to say?" Ben couldn't prevent the shake of his head, nor the irritation in his tone. That you were being foolish? Reckless? Destructive? There were countless terms he wouldn't dare wield against her, though his temper tested his resistance. He wanted to run his fist through a wall at the very thought of how close he had come to losing everything. To ruining the second chance that they had both been given. All because she tried to take on the puppet of a sith lord all by herself.

"You could have been…" He stopped himself from uttering the words that would devastate him. Ben sighed deeply, running a shaky hand through his hair. She could have been killed, or worse, turned into the very weapon that Kylo Ren had been. Her beautiful innocence could be stripped away and replaced with an unloving monster. A fate that he knew all too well would be worse than death. And he himself had almost allowed it to happen. Ben bit his tongue. "Why? Why did you go there?"

Rey shivered.

"I had to…"

"No, no, no," he muttered under his breath before his anger surged. "No! You could have stayed in the safety of the temple, but you didn't. Why?! Why would you go to him?!"

"I didn't know he was a sith." She didn't even bother hiding her sniffle.

"You could have asked!" he breathed in disbelief. "We both told you that voice was dangerous. I taught you to shut him out, that everything he said was a lie, but you listened to him anyways!"

Ben glared at her. Uncertain if he was angrier at Rey or at himself. His failures did not elude his thoughts, knowing darn well that he should have seen the signs that Snoke was in her head. His complacency had nearly damned her and in turn himself. His anger continued to boil as he found himself grumbling into his sleeve.

"I don't want this."

The admission did nothing to soothe Ben's fury as he had hoped. Nothing could tear the image of Snoke probing her innocent mind. Her shrieks of pain echoed in the back of his head, adding fuel to an already raging fire.

And then, at the sound of the crack in her voice, all anger vanished.

"Is that why you hate it when your dad calls me your sister? Because you don't want me?"

Ben flinched, lifting his gaze to see the sorrow in her eyes.

"What?"

"You always get so defensive," she whispered, swallowing a swell of tears. "Is it because you regret taking me on as your apprentice?"

He stared at her in shock, while his mind fumbled for an answer. Of course he hated the term, but what could he possibly say? That the word repulsed him because he was in love with the woman that she would soon become? She would run from him in terror or disgust; or perhaps both.

"I don't regret anything," he answered quietly, swallowing his own discomfort. As the fury faded, shame was there to replace it. In a matter of moments, he found himself stepping cautiously until he was seated at her side. Ben locked his gaze to her, though she still refused to meet his eyes. He swallowed again but this time to fend off tears. "I thought I would lose you today. I have never felt more afraid."

Rey finally raised her chin, meeting him through a cloud of tears. A hint of the sorrow had lifted, but much still remained.

"Do you… do you want me to see you that way? Do you really want me to think of you as a sister?"

"No," she answered a bit too quickly. "I just, I don't know. I kind of liked the idea of having a family."

"What made you think you didn't have one?" he scoffed in surprise. "My parents love you. Luke loves you. I… you are the most important person in the galaxy to me."

Ben stopped himself from his own proclamation. Knowing that she was not ready for such an admission nor was he; no matter how dearly he wished to cling to the memories of their erased past. Regardless, Rey nodded with a weak smile, grasping at the bit of comfort that the words offered.

"Why did you go to him?" he asked, calmly this time. Rey tensed but he spoke even softer. "Please, Rey."

"He," she began before pausing. Ben waited patiently for her to recover. "He said that he knew where my parents were, that he would hurt them if I refused to go to him. You always change the subject when I ask of them. I didn't think you'd let me go."

Terror consumed him at her admission. He had done this. He had nearly led her to her own death. He had failed.

"Will you tell me?" Rey sobbed as softly as possible. "Ben, please, tell me where they are."

Her tender cries broke him. Ben swallowed, knowing that the days of dodging such questions had met its end. His secrets had driven her right into Snoke's grasp and now because of him Palpatine no doubt knew her true name. He swallowed, suddenly very aware of why his own parents had tried to hide his own dark lineage.

"Rey, it won't bring you peace," he whispered as a final attempt.

"That's not for you to decide," she huffed through a tear-filled expression. It amazed him. It always amazed him how quickly she matured. At the mere age of fifteen, he hardly saw a difference from the woman he had first encountered in the forest at Takodana. She narrowed her stare, almost threatening as she growled. "You promised that you would never lie to me."

Ben ran another hand through his hair as he sorted through countless ways to say it. However, no matter how soft he spoke the words, it tore him apart to know what pain they would bring regardless of how he arranged it. He met her gaze with the softest expression he could produce.

"They aren't coming back, Rey," he spoke with tears dancing at the edge of his own eyes. "I'm sorry."

Even as she closed her eyes the new tears poured against her skin. She began to shiver as she fought the urge to break down into a fit of cries. He would think no less of her of course, but she still clung to the remaining threads of pride.

"What happened to them?" She asked quietly.

"They were being hunted by some bad people. Your father abandoned his name to hide, but he was eventually discovered." Ben watched her carefully with every word he spoke. "They hid you on Jakku to keep you safe."

"Why?" Her eyes squeezed even tighter. "Why were they being hunted?"

"Your grandfather," he hesitated, "wanted to turn you into a weapon."

She finally opened her eyes to meet him, begging for him to continue.

"Why? Why would he want me?" She shook her head in disbelief. "I'm no one."

Ben stiffened at that. Appalled that he had once stated the very same thing. How wrong he was then. How wrong she was now.

"He was very powerful. He believed you might have his power."

Rey searched his gaze, both in curiosity and suspicion. To his own surprise, her emotions flowed through him as if they were his; a clear tell that she was well aware that the truth would not be kind. But it could no longer be avoided.

"You know the story of the Emperor?" he asked. Very slowly, Rey nodded. Her heart was pounding in his chest and he wondered if she could feel him too. "He had a son."

"No," Rey shook her head in disbelief. Her eyes already full of understanding. "You're wrong."

"Rey…"

"I can't be his…" she stood before she could utter the word. Ben waited, letting her pace and shed the tears that needed release. It wasn't until she collapsed to her knees that he finally rose to his feet. He knelt beside her, holding out a cautious hand before placing it at her back. Rey sobbed into her hands. "I'm a monster."

Ben swallowed nervously, knowing that so much could go wrong if he failed her in that moment. He collected himself, taking deep breaths to calm them both.

"Do you think I'm a monster?" He asked quietly and Rey immediately tensed.

"No," she groaned as her cries came to an end. "Of course not."

"And neither are you," he stated firmly before smiling. Recalling the same conversation they had that very same day. "Besides, if you ever fall, I will be there to pull you back."

"Will you knock me in the head for being an idiot?" She tried to chuckle through the remnants of her tears.

"Never," he smirked. "But, I might knock you to the ground."

After one final chuckle, she was in his lap. Ben was knocked off his knees at the force of her grasp but managed to catch himself from falling entirely. When he recovered from the surprise, his arms enveloped her.

Ben swallowed nervously. Only once before had Rey given him the gift of her warm embrace. For ten years he had worked to erase the memory, ten long years he pushed any shred of emotion away. And in a single instant, she managed to flood his heart with a desire he should not possess. At least not yet. However, as she once again began to sob, his grip tightened and he pulled her closer.

"It's going to be okay, Rey." He sighed against her, whispering the promise over and over. The thought of losing her once again threatened to plunge him into his own pool of tears. But, dwelling on the pains of the past was a tool of the darkside. A lesson he had long since learned. And he would not fail again.


Review Replies – I have forgotten to note this in this story, but I get rushed with reviews sometimes and ocassionaly have had my replies misinterpreted. I just want to say that I am never angry/upset or feeling any negative emotion when replying to you lovely folks leaving a review! Without face-to-face communication, sometimes the true intentions get lost and I just like to leave these thoughts on each story. :) Every single review brings me a smile and I thank everyone willing to do so.

Tpnka Hanuov – Thank you very much! I am so glad that you like the idea and the story so far! I will absolutely continue writing, I have not yet left a fic unfinished and I hope to keep that record going. Thanks so much for reading!

Ana – I am so glad that you are enjoying the story! I like hearing your observations on Ben's "wisdom" now that he's older, I'm glad that concept came through :) Thanks so much for reading and leaving your thoughts!

Brainy-brownie123 – I am glad to hear that! Thanks for reading!

Rainne_2000_16 – I am so glad that you are enjoying the story! Hope you liked chapter 4, thanks for reading!

Magali – Hello again! I hope that you enjoyed the scenes and resolution with Snoke, but Palpatine is still out there! There will be more scenes of Ben spending time with his parents coming up, possibly next chapter but if not the one after will. Thanks again for reading and leaving your thoughts!

UniKatFox – I am glad that you are liking it so far! I hope the Snoke scene was interesting to you! Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts!

GALAXYTHUNDER00 – Hello again! Glad you liked the twist! I hope you enjoyed the short resolution with Snoke, that's one of the themes I would have liked to develop further if I were making a 30+ chapter story. Haha I hear you on the other padawans, it can seem like they are mean but in reading some of the comics Ben is pretty arrogant and stand-offish. So, I'm only assuming that he's turned off many of his fellow students. I tried addressing that in this chapter a bit, that he has improved that situation. Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoyed the new chapter!