In the distant past, Kira and Ben have been training with Bastila Shan and the Knights of Revan. They have been introduced to the Seeing Stone, an ancient device that allows someone a special connection with the Force. While in this state, a person's mind is elsewhere, experiencing whatever the Force chooses to show them, while their body remains seated upon the stone, frozen in time. Kira has already used the stone, and learned about the origin of Darth Umbra. Now, it's Ben's turn, and he is about to have a very different experience….
Ben finds himself in a massive throne room. Behind the throne is a red curtain, obscuring the wall behind. The throne itself is empty, and there is no one else present in the room.
"Snoke's throne room? What am I doing here?" Ben asks.
"This is a reminder of where you came from." A female voice says from behind. Ben turns around, and sees Bastila, but in the younger form that he is more familiar with.
"I assume you're the Bastila from our time. Kira mentioned you'd showed up." Ben says.
"Indeed." Bastila says.
"From what I understand, I'll be shown something, but… every experience is different." Ben says.
"Essentially, yes." Bastila says.
"But this is only a vision, right? I won't actually be changing the past, will I?" Ben asks.
"No. This is a test from the Whills. They want to see if you have truly learned from your mistakes. To see if Kylo Ren is truly dead. As for what exactly we will see, I don't know." Bastila answers.
"You don't know?" Ben asks.
"I have no control here. I'm just here to advise you. These visions will come from the Whills. You can't perceive them, but they are here, observing you." Bastila answers.
"Inara did mention something about tests to see if I'm worthy of the staff." Ben says.
"Indeed. You will relive moments of your past. First we will see what actually happened. Then, you will have a chance to act differently. Looks like the first test is beginning." Bastila says.
Ben now sees a small village on a dark, rocky world. Parked at the entrance of this village is a large, black shuttle. Standing in front of the shuttle is a younger version of Ben, dressed in the black outfit of Kylo Ren. Next to Kylo is a blonde woman in black. Both figures are currently motionless as Ben and Bastila observe.
"Vastia… one of my greatest failures." Bastila says.
"Why do you say that?" Ben asks.
"I tried to stop her from going down the dark path. She wouldn't listen. In the end, it cost her everything." Bastila answers.
"She may have been your descendant, but Vastia was an adult. She made her own choices. Choices have consequences." Ben says.
"Wise words, Ben. You have come a long way since we first met. I have faith in you, but the Whills are uncertain. That is the reason for the tests you are about to face." Bastila says.
"This moment here… looks like my first mission with Vastia. Snoke hadn't named me leader of the Knights yet, but I was in charge of the mission. Vastia was there to shadow me, and to step in if I couldn't get the job done." Ben says.
"What was the mission?" Bastila asks.
"We were sent to what I was told was a Resistance Base." Ben answers.
"What you were told?" Bastila asks.
"Snoke lied. It wasn't a Resistance Base at all. Just a village… full of innocent people." Ben answers.
"A darksider who lies. Imagine that." Bastila says.
"The lie wasn't the worst of it. I think… we're about to see exactly what I did here." Ben says.
"The Whills… say you are correct. This moment will play out as it actually did. We… will not be able to intervene. Only observe. Once the event takes place, the vision will stop. The Whills… will observe your reaction, then you will be given an opportunity to do things differently. I must remind you that this is a vision. You will not actually be changing history. Now… let's watch as this moment unfolds." Bastila says.
The vision begins. A group of stormtroopers emerge from the shuttle, and take their place behind Kylo and Vastia. One of the troopers stands out from the others, a female in silver armor.
"The Supreme Leader intends for this mission to be a test of your command is why he has placed you in charge. I am just here to advise. Captain Phasma and her troops have been instructed to follow your orders as if they were mine. Deploy them however you see fit." Vastia says.
"Understood. Captain Phasma!" Kylo says.
"Yes, sir?" Phasma asks.
"Search every building! Leave no survivors!" Kylo says.
"At once! Company, advance!" Phasma says.
Phasma and her troops advance into the village, with Kylo following close behind, while Vastia remains at the shuttle, observing. At this point, the vision stops.
"You slaughtered the whole town." Bastila says.
"One of the buildings… was a school." Ben says.
"You killed children?" Bastila asks.
"Fifteen children." Ben answers.
"You personally killed all of them?" Bastila asks.
"No. It was mostly the troopers. I… killed one. A boy… of about ten. He… was trying to escape. I threw my saber, and… impaled him." Ben answers.
"The fact that you show remorse means the darkness no longer has power over you." Bastila says.
"Kira… forgave me… when I told her. But, I don't deserve it." Ben says.
"Oh, I beg to differ. Most who go down the dark path are beyond redemption. They die… consumed by evil. You have done terrible things, and you will have to live them for the rest of your life. But, you are no longer Kylo Ren. You are Ben Solo." Bastila says.
"I was angry with my parents for not being around. I was angry with Luke for treating me the same as all of his other students, and… for keeping things from me. When I met Snoke, he offered me an alternative to the Jedi way. I listened. I did everything he asked me to do. At first, I suppose it was just… an angry child rebelling against his family. Then, I got my first taste of the dark side. I wanted more. And more." Ben says.
"That's the trap of the dark side. Pleasure at first. Then, it becomes an addiction. Like a drug. Coming back from that… isn't easy. The thing is… it never fully consumed you. Yes, you kept up appearances rather well, doing whatever Snoke commanded. Yet, you still felt the pull of the light." Bastila says.
"Then, I met Kira. Everything changed." Ben says.
"You are meant for each other. Together, you are complete. Together, you will destroy the Sith. Now, let's play this out again. This time, you will take the place of your younger self, and you will be able to do… whatever you wish." Bastila says.
"I think I get the general idea." Ben says.
"Very good. Let us begin." Bastila says.
The vision starts again. Ben now finds himself in the black outfit of Kylo Ren, standing next to Vastia. He sees Bastila in the distance, observing.
"No one can see or hear me but you. What happens here… is entirely up to you. Good luck." Bastila says.
"The Supreme Leader intends for this mission to be a test of your command is why he has placed you in charge. I am just here to advise. Captain Phasma and her troops have been instructed to follow your orders as if they were mine. Deploy them however you see fit." Vastia says.
"Understood." Kylo says.
I'm not him again. This is just a vision. I'm just playing a part. I can do anything I want here. But, what do I do? Oh… I think I have an idea. Ben thinks. Soon, he extends his right hand.
"What are you… are you trying to sense where the people are? Remember, I evaluated you when you joined the Knights of Ren. I know your abilities. You're not strong enough to do what you are trying to do. This… won't work. I suggest you consider another strategy." Vastia says.
"Perhaps you're right." Ben says.
"Trying to test your limits. Admirable. But, we are on a schedule here." Vastia says.
"Indeed." Ben says.
Now, it's time for your surprise, Vastia. Ben thinks.
Suddenly, all of the stormtroopers stagger, and drop their weapons, except for Captain Phasma, who seems unaffected.
"What the hell?" Vastia asks.
"Change of plans, Vastia." Ben answers.
"This… is your doing?" Vastia asks.
"I destroyed their inhibitor chips! These people aren't your slaves anymore! Of course, Captain Phasma doesn't have an inhibitor chip, does she?" Ben asks.
"What is the meaning of this? Explain yourself now!" Vastia shouts.
"These people were taken as children and brainwashed to serve the First Order. The chips keep them from disobeying orders, or thinking for themselves." Ben says.
"Our conditioning program ensures efficiency. Don't tell me you object on moral grounds? In fact, you're the last person in the galaxy who should be debating morality! You led the massacre of Skywalker's Jedi after all! Now, you will explain your actions!" Vastia says. Ben removes the mask of Kylo Ren, and throws it with all his strength, sending it flying a great distance.
"I'm not who you think I am." Ben says.
"Is that so? What could you possibly… unless… ah. Skywalker is more clever than I thought. A double agent. We didn't foresee this at all. There's only one answer now." Vastia says. She activates the lightwhip in her hand.
"Face it, Vastia. You've lost! These troopers aren't going to listen to you anymore!" Ben says.
"I don't need them. I'll just kill everyone myself. You'll be first." Vastia says.
"Who gave the order to slaughter a town of innocent people anyway? Snoke… or Palpatine? Or is this a secret mission from Umbra?" Ben asks.
"How could you possibly know that name?" Vastia asks.
"I know more than you think I do." Ben answers.
"Which means you know too much. For that alone, you die now." Vastia says.
"All because I know your secret master's name. I'll bet Emperor Palpatine would like to know all about Umbra's secret apprentice and her plans to destroy him!" Ben says.
"Enough!" Vastia shouts. She screams in rage as she swings her weapon wildly. The vision suddenly stops. The outfit of Kylo Ren vanishes, and Ben returns to his normal appearance.
"Interesting strategy." Bastila says.
"Caught her off guard. Just like you taught Kira to do when they fought." Ben says.
"Indeed. Your solution here… was unexpected. The most likely outcome would have been your death, but… you would have died trying to protect the innocent. A very honorable act. The delay caused by the fight would have likely allowed most of the village to escape. You would have saved lives." Bastila says.
"I just did what I thought was right." Ben says.
"I'm convinced. However, the Whills want to see more." Bastila says.
"More? How long are we going to be here?" Ben asks.
"Ben, I'm sorry, but it's… going to be a while before Kira sees you again." Bastila answers.
"What? How long?" Ben asks.
"Two years. You'll be here for two years." Bastila answers.
"Two years? Kira is going to be all by herself for two years? We can't do that to her!" Ben says.
"She will not be alone. It will be hard on her at first, but she will have friends. I will help her. Inara will help her. Kira will become a vital part of a community that will do its best to make her feel welcome. And… she will never lose faith that you will come back to her. This… is hard. But, it is what must be." Bastila says.
"I feel like I'm letting her down." Ben says.
"You are not. Don't believe that for one second. Kira knows that you are doing what you have to do, and she has accepted that." Bastila says.
"So… I'll just have to… make the best of the situation." Ben says.
"Yes. The Whills say that they have many things to show you, and it will take as long as it takes." Bastila says.
Meanwhile, back on Tython, Kira finds herself outside of the temple of the Knights of Revan. In her hands is the staff given to her by her father while she was still in her own time. Nearby is Bastila, seated in her hoverchair, and Inara, standing behind her grandmother.
"We have put this off for long enough. It is time for you to learn how to use that staff." Bastila says.
"Why did we come all the way out here? It's so far out we had to take a speeder!" Kira says.
"I don't want you using that staff anywhere near the temple until you master it." Bastila says.
"Couldn't this wait until Ben gets back?" Kira asks.
"No. Ben has already been on the stone for three months. We do not know when he will return. Your training must continue. Even without him." Inara says.
"This phase of the training is for you alone. The two of you have a very strong bond, and I respect that, but you must both also be tested on your own. You will train with the staff… starting now. Ben will join you when he returns from the stone." Bastila says.
"I can't believe I've already been here for three months. It's been hard, but… you've helped me through it. I know Ben will come back to me whenever he's done with… whatever he's doing. I think he'd want me to live the best life I could, and learn whatever I can." Kira says.
"Will you?" Bastila asks.
"I'll do whatever I need to do." Kira answers.
"Very good. Let's get started. First, I will ask… what do you know about this staff?" Bastila asks.
"I know it's about thirty thousand years old, and that there were several of them, used by the Dai Bendu Masters." Kira answers.
"Did your father teach you how to do anything with it?" Bastila asks.
"I haven't had much time with it, but he showed me a few things. You've seen me transform it into a ring. I also know how to do this." Kira says. She throws the staff to the ground, and it transforms into a snake, which moves around as if it's an actual living creature. After a few seconds, the staff returns to its natural form and is recalled to Kira's hand.
"I could see that being a very useful diversion in a battle." Inara says.
"Indeed." Bastila says.
"A few transformation spells? I thought this thing was supposed to be a weapon!" Inara says.
"It is a weapon. But, it is also capable of much more." Bastila says.
"I know it can teleport you over great distances. I've been teleported a few times, but I don't actually know how to make it do that." Kira says.
"You'll get there. But for now, let's test its capability as a weapon." Bastila says.
"Okay. I'm ready." Kira says.
"For your first test, aim the staff at that stack of crates." Bastila says, pointing to a nearby stack of boxes.
"How do I fire it? There's no trigger that I can see." Kira says.
"This is a weapon of the mind. The kyber crystal within will channel your thoughts. Concentrate on your target, then think of the action you wish to perform." Bastila answers.
Kira looks down the length of the staff, as if she is aiming with the scope of a rifle. The staff soon fires a weak shot, which only puts a small hole in one of the crates.
"Well, that's not what I wanted it to do." Kira says.
"Not bad for the first time. At least you got it to fire." Bastila says.
"I did what you said, and it just put a small hole in that box. My sidearm can make bigger holes than that." Kira says.
"You are treating the staff like a common blaster. It has no power on its own. The power is within you. The staff is just a conduit. An extension of yourself. Just like your lightsaber. Think of it in that way, and I believe you will see better results." Bastila says.
"Alright. I think I get it." Kira says.
"Then, try it again." Bastila says.
Kira aims the staff at the crates again. She takes a deep breath, and concentrates on her task. A few seconds later, the staff fires a green beam of light, causing all of the crates to explode.
"What the…" Kira says.
"Better. Much better. I told you it was a weapon of great power." Bastila says.
"Yeah. I see that." Kira says.
"What you just saw… is only a fraction of its potential." Bastila says.
"You mean it can do more?" Kira asks.
"Oh, yes. Take one of your lightsabers, and pass the hilt through the ring at the staff's tip." Bastila says.
"Okay… now what?" Kira asks.
"Now… focus on that hill to the east." Bastila says.
"It's just a hill. I don't see anything to shoot." Kira says.
"The hill is your target. Take aim… and destroy it." Bastila says.
"Destroy it? I can't do that! It's practically a mountain!" Kira says.
"You doubt me?" Bastila asks.
"No, of course not! It's just…. I don't see how. I can't do it." Kira answers.
"You cannot… because you believe you cannot. You are only held back by the limitations you place on yourself. Now, I know that you are not a quitter. If you were, I wouldn't be teaching you." Bastila says.
"You're right. I'll… give it a try." Kira says.
"Good. You may fire when ready." Bastila says.
Kira aims at the hill. After a moment of hesitation, she fires. The staff shoots a green beam at the hill, causing a massive explosion. Shocked by sight, Kira jumps back.
"If unfocused, that power could cause catastrophic damage to the surrounding area. That's why we're so far away from the temple." Bastila says.
"Nobody should have this power." Kira says.
"It is meant for you. You will use it to destroy the Sith." Bastila says.
"I have no idea how to do that." Kira says.
"By the time you leave here, you will." Bastila says.
Apologies for the long gap since the last update. Got busy with other things and don't write nearly as often as I used to. Also, I've mostly lost interest in this story, and didn't work on it at all for a while, but I am committed to finishing it.
The plan as of now is to have 31 chapters. Good news is... chapter 27 is also finished, and chapter 28 is being written now. Thanks to everyone that has read this story and stuck with it.