2
28ABY
It was a cool evening as I sat with Ben outside the Jedi temple. I quietly focussed, lifting rocks slowly and planting them atop one another. The small tower of stones wobbled slightly before tumbling to the ground. 'I just can't get it.' I sighed, rubbing my temple. Ben planted a hand on my shoulder reassuringly. 'You will get it, just keep practicing.' I gave a defeated smile, pulling my knees up to my chin. 'I'm not like you Ben, I'm really bad at this. Besides, Master Skywalker says that the force is about more than just lifting rocks.' We both laughed a little. 'Well he's not wrong, but it doesn't hurt to practice. Try again.' He got up and scattered the rocks around and I sighed heavily. I assumed a more comfortable sitting position and began piling them again, largest to smallest. I felt beads of sweat forming on my forehead as I moved the final rock and tentatively placed it atop the tower. 'There! You did it!' Ben exclaimed. I drew back, admiring my handy work. Just as I did, the rocks began to sway and proceeded to clatter onto the floor again. Giving an infuriated sigh, I kicked one of them across the ground. 'Maybe this isn't for me…' I murmured, scuffing the end of my boot. 'And you say my tantrums are bad.' Ben jested, folding his arms. I bit my lip nervously, planning my response in my head before opening my mouth. 'About that… Ben they've been getting worse. There's something growing in you isn't there? Something bad.' His face fell and I swallowed. 'I don't know…' He quietly whispered. 'Sometimes it's like I can hear Snoke in my head and I can't block it out.' I moved over to him and slipped my hand into his comfortingly. 'Don't you think you should tell Leia or Master Skywalker, they might be able to help-' 'They wouldn't understand.' He retorted, yanking his hand from mine. 'I don't need help. I can deal with it myself.' I felt my shoulders droop and he looked at me with fury in his eyes. 'You're probably only friends with me because my mother told you to be. To keep an eye on me like one of her spies. Well guess what, I don't need you or anybody. I'm fine by myself.' He pushed past me harshly and I fell onto the ground. Scrambling to my feet I yelled after him. 'That's not true and you know it Ben!' He ignored me and stamped over to his hut for the night. Sighing, I crouched down and collected up the rocks, putting them back where we had collected them from.
The sky grew dark and glittered with stars as I made my way to my own cabin. On the way, I collided with a cloaked figure. Moonlight shone on the bearded face of Luke Skywalker, my mentor. 'Master Skywalker?' I was a little taken aback, he never came out this late. He nodded at me. 'Apologies for banging into you sir, I was just heading to bed.' He smiled warmly. 'That's okay Padawan, I will see you in the morning. Have you seen Ben recently?' I gestured towards his hut. 'He went in a while ago. Why? Is everything okay?' Luke looked nervous but nodded, maintaining his smile. 'Of course, how is he doing?' My mouth went dry for a second. 'He's… he's fine.' I shrugged it off. Luke eyed me suspiciously. 'Have a good rest. We have much to learn tomorrow.' I nodded hastily. 'Of course, goodnight sir.' I took off hurriedly, nibbling my lip again. I felt it split and blood washed into my mouth. I stopped for a second, contemplating turning back and telling Master Skywalker everything I knew. But I shook my head and continued on my way back to my cabin. Lifting the sheet door open, I slunk in and slid under my bed sheet. My head was rattled with thoughts of Ben and what he had said to me. I shut my eyes tight and tried to force the feelings to the back of my mind.
Smoke filled my lungs and I coughed myself awake. I scrabbled out of bed, snatching up my lightsaber and pushed myself out into the open air. Bodies of my friends and fellow apprentices were strewn across the floor. Vomit flew out of my mouth at the sight and the smell. Recovering, I noticed Ben's hut destroyed. 'No.' I whispered, turning and seeing the entire temple up in flames. 'Ben, no!' I screamed, running at full speed toward the academy. I coughed violently, my eyes watering as smoke surrounded me. Running up the steps of the temple two by two, I skidded across the crumbling stone. 'Ben! Ben!' I yelled out for him, searching every corner. Flames licked the walls, consuming all that Luke had worked so hard to build. I fought tears back, ripping a piece of tapestry off the wall and used it to cover my nose and mouth. My feet pummelled the ground as I entered the main hall. A dark cloaked figure stood, slashing at Jedi relics with his lightsaber. 'Ben stop!' I screamed with all my might, my throat feeling like it was going to split open. He turned and locked eyes with me, raising his weapon and pointing it at me. 'You. You told him didn't you? You told him!' Eyes wide, Ben ran at me. I ran toward him, skidding under the burning plasma rod just at the last second. Grimacing, he switched around, wielding his weapon. 'Ben I didn't. I didn't, I swear.' I struggled to my feet. 'I would never do that to you, you're my best friend. Please, I don't want to fight to you.' I could see him trembling as he held his lightsaber high. As the light of the fire flickered across his face, I could see the tears that stained his cheeks. For a second, his eyes softened and I reached an arm out to him. I saw his arms jerk as he went to swing for my hand. I retracted back and yanked my own lightsaber out, filling the room with a green light. Ben ran at me, screaming in anger as our rods collided causing green plasma to spit across the room. Blocking each of his blows, I was determined not to hurt him even though I could feel myself starting to tire. Outstretching his arm, I felt the force clamp around my body. 'You're a traitor and a liar.' Ben bawled as he circled around me. 'I would never lie to you.' I shrieked, my sweat and tears mixing. I heard him raise his weapon and felt burning plasma slice across my back. The pain was excruciating and I screeched out, the force weakening around me. I slumped to the floor and felt blood seeping out of me. I heard Ben's footsteps grow faint and I was left alone in the temple, surrounded by ever increasing flames.