BECOMING BEN SOLO AGAIN
What if Luke survived and Ben decided he wanted some guidance and help from his former Master? Would Luke give him a chance to atone?
Kylo Ren, or rather Ben Solo, was standing outside a small hut on Temple Island.
After so many years of searching he had finally discovered the elusive hideaway of Luke Skywalker.
He had rehearsed and visualized the moment of apprehending his former master and delivering him to Snork so many times, that he was prepared for virtually any contingency that might arise.
That had been before, amidst the wreckage of The Death Star, his subconscious projected an image of his deceased father, whose soothing voice echoed in his mind, reassuring him that it was alright to embrace the Light side once again. Before Rey showed him kindness and healed his wounds to save his life.
Now he stood there, paralyzed by fear and guilt, uncertain of his next move. However, this was not entirely true; he was fully aware of what he had to do, but lacked the fortitude to act upon it. The mere thought of facing his uncle was overwhelming. It was possible that he would be met with an untimely demise by his uncle's saber but he could not deny that he had brought this upon himself.
He supressed The Force cences in himself and donned a long, dark cloak with a hood and a mask that altered his voice, hoping to minimize the chances of his former master recognizing him. This would buy him some time to explain himself, he reasoned.
He had been standing outside for what felt like hours, his eyes fixated on the plain wooden door. He chided himself for his hesitation. "It's just a door. All you have to do is raise your hand and knock," he repeated in his mind.
Taking a deep breath, he finally found the courage to do it.
"So you have finally decided to knock," came a seething statement from inside.
Ben felt a surge of fear wash over him. "I - yes, I..." he stammered.
"What do you want?" Luke demanded, even colder than before.
"I am unarmed and mean no harm," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
"I didn't ask if you were armed or meant harm," Luke spat back.
Then after a pause he added: "Why are you here?"
"I'm here to seek your advice," Ben pleaded, hoping to diffuse the situation.
Luke's fury intensified. "You come here uninvited, with no respect for my privacy, and expect me to give you advice?" he snarled.
Ben swallowed hard, feeling a knot form in his stomach. "I understand, but please, I need your help," he implored.
There was a long, tense pause before the door creaked open.
"Very well, then. Come in."
Luke stepped inside and Ben found himself in a dimly lit stone hut with only a bed, a chair, and a desk.
"So," Luke said, his eyes locked onto his hiding nephew.
Ben said nothing, only lowered his head, noticing that his hands were shaking.
"Sit down," his former master gestured to the chair across from them. "Speak."
Ben's hands trembled uncontrollably as he stood before his former master, intimidated by his master's anger and unable to meet his gaze. Memories of their once-close relationship flooded his mind, adding to the weight of his guilt. Finally, he reluctantly sat down in the chair, still avoiding Luke's furious glare.
Finally, Ben spoke, his voice quivering with emotion, "I...I'm here to seek your advice — a — an advice of a Jedi Master," his voice trailed off as he struggled to find the right words.
"So, you've said," Luke replied sharply, his tone laced with impatience.
"Emmm... Say, there was a stupid kid, who had a wonderful mentor." He felt a knot forming in his stomach. "The foolish kid grew hungry for power and he made some poor choices," Ben said, his voice apologetic.
Luke raised an eyebrow, his expression betraying no hint of sympathy. "Oh, poor choices, were they?" he asked coldly.
Ben's heart sank. He had hoped for some understanding, but it seemed that he would receive none from his uncle.
"The kid was confused," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "What's important is that this fool betrayed his master and his teachings. And now, that he realizes just how much he's screwed up — he wants to atone for his misdeeds."
Luke regarded him with a steely gaze. "And what exactly do you want from me?" he asked, his voice dripping with contempt.
"I need your guidance," Ben said, his voice barely audible now. "I want to know what I should do."
Luke leaned forward, his face mere inches from Ben's. "Is this foolish kid prepared to face the consequences of his actions?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
"Yes," Ben said, his voice barely a whisper.
"Then why did he not tell me the full story? Why did he leave out the fact that he slaughtered the students of the academy? Is he that much of a coward?" Luke's voice boomed, echoing through the chamber.
Ben felt his heart sink, "How did"— but Luke cut him off.
"Since you seek my advice so much," he paused, his eyes drilling into Ben's soul, "for starters, take off that ridiculous mask and stop referring to yourself in the third person."
Ben felt hesitant, reluctant to let go of the false sense of security the mask provided him.
Luke's voice was like a whip. "I said, take it off!"
Ben's hands shook as he reached up to remove the mask, feeling exposed and vulnerable without it. He could feel the sweat pouring down his face as he lowered his hood, hiding his eyes.
"Pathetic," Luke's voice boomed, his anger reaching its peak. "So you were brave enough to pledge to Snoke, but you can't even look me in the eye?"
He heard Luke getting up and walking towards him, and when his former master was within arm's reach, Ben dropped to his knees, prepared to meet his end.
"Look at that... The mighty Kylo Ren, reduced to groveling before his pitiful former master," Luke sneered as he approached.
He grasped Ben's chin, forcing him to meet his gaze, but Ben averted his eyes, unwilling to face his uncle.
"Look at me!" Luke roared, the sound reverberating through the chamber.
With great effort, Ben raised his gaze, struggling to keep his emotions in check and prevent tears from streaming down his face.
"You have betrayed not only me, but the entire Jedi Teachings," he growled. "And for what? Your insatiable thirst for power?"
Ben felt a lump form in his throat, and he struggled to find the words to respond.
"Answer me!" Luke barked, his face contorting with rage.
Ben swallowed hard and spoke, his voice barely audible. "I'm sorry," he said. "I know I've made mistakes, and I want to make things right."
Luke's face softened slightly, but his anger remained palpable. "You think that by coming to me, I will simply forgive and forget?" he asked, his voice still harsh.
"No," Ben replied. "But I need your guidance. I don't know where else to turn."
Luke regarded him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he let out a long sigh. "Very well," he said. "I will help you, but make no mistake. I am not doing it for you."
Ben nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
"Thank you, master," Ben whispered.