A/N:
There is a time skip here. they should be 13 and 8.
Bonds between students who are close is normal, that is if it's just a simple bond.
Ben and Kira had forged a strong bond during their time at the Jedi temple. Ben patiently shared his knowledge of binary with Kira, often using R2-D2 as a teaching aid. He also introduced her to Shyriiwook, the language of the Wookiees, regaling her with tales of his Wookiee uncle and mimicking the amusing sounds he made. Intrigued by Ben's descriptions of the "fluffy" Wookiee species, Kira was determined to master Shyriiwook to connect with these creatures herself.
As Ben became known as the temple's go-to person for droid repairs, Kira eagerly shadowed him, learning the intricacies of droid maintenance and even assisting in Luke's ship upkeep. She shared Ben's fascination with X-wing fighters and dreamed of piloting one someday. The two friends often discussed embarking on Jedi missions together once they completed their training.
Meanwhile, Ben advanced to intermediate training alongside his peers under Luke's watchful eye. Renowned for his exceptional skill with a practice-lightsaber, Ben's flawless technique and undefeated spars earned him accolades from most students. However, some classmates couldn't help but envy his natural talent and success.
But as time went by and Kira's powers grew stronger, she began to question some of the teachings she received. The idea of suppressing all emotions seemed unnatural to her. She couldn't understand why showing compassion or anger was seen as a weakness when it felt like such a natural part of being human.
One day during their training session, Kira couldn't hold back her frustration any longer.
"Why do we have to suppress our emotions?" she blurted out after failing once again to move a stack of books with the Force.
Ben looked at her with a mixture of surprise and concern. "Because emotions can cloud our judgement and lead us down a dangerous path," he replied calmly.
"But isn't it better to learn how to control our emotions rather than just suppress them completely?" Kira argued.
Ben thought for a moment before nodding in agreement. "You have a point. But it takes years of training and discipline to master such control."
Kira scowled at him. "But why can't we just be ourselves?"
Ben hesitated before answering, knowing that their views on this subject were different. "The Jedi Code has been passed down for centuries, and it has kept us on the path of light and balance. Emotions can often lead us astray and make us vulnerable to the dark side."
"But what about compassion and love?" Kira challenged. "Those are positive emotions that can drive us to do good things."
"Well, When you are a Jedi master one day, you can make your own rule" Ben replied.
Kira's brows furrowed, her hazel eyes scanning the worn-out swings and faded slides before her. "Absolutely," she declared, her voice laced with determination. "And we need better playgrounds!"
Before Ben could respond, Luke interrupted their conversation, signaling the end of their training session and that it was time for supper.
After supper, Kira and Ben headed back to the common room where they continued their studies. Ben helped Kira practice using the Force to move objects and control her emotions. He also taught her about the history of the Jedi and the importance of following their code.
The once persistent voice that used to echo in Ben's mind has finally quieted, granting him the solace of his own uninterrupted thoughts. Although he has demonstrated formidable physical prowess in combat and adeptness with the Force, mastering meditation continues to elude him. Despite his uncle's reproachful reminders to cultivate patience during meditation, Ben struggles to maintain stillness, often giving his master eye rolls.
"Ben, a key aspect of being a Jedi is connecting with the Force through meditation and serenity," Luke advises, his eyes closed during one of their group sessions. Kira and some of the younger students snicker as Ben grumbles to himself and shuts his eyes once more to clear his mind. Luke claps his hands, signaling the end of the session and telling everyone to continue their duties for the day while he goes to attend to matters in the master quarters.
Ignoring the hustle and bustle of his peers getting up to leave, Ben plops down on the lush green grass and gazes up at the clouds in the sunset sky. Suddenly, someone's head pops in front of him, blocking his view. "Ben, remember, feeling the Force through meditation and serenity" Kira mocks in a low voice, imitating Luke.
Ben smirks and rolls onto his side. "Yeah yeah, I've heard it a million times."
Kira joins him on the grass. "It's almost time for you to get your own lightsaber. That means you'll be a knight soon after, a true Jedi."
"Yeah, and you're almost old enough to start intermediate classes. Master Luke said that once we have more Jedi knights, he might assign us our own padawans."
"Pick me! Pick me!" Kira beams at him.
He chuckles. "I'm not even close to being a knight yet."
"But you're the best knight-to-be we have. And I want to be trained by the best."
"Well, I'm terrible at meditating."
"So am I," she admits with a giggle. "I just pretend to meditate but really I'm just napping."
Ben smiles at her and sits up, glancing towards the temple where most students have already left for their tasks. Then he looks out towards the forest and back at Kira. "Wanna go fishing?"
Her eyebrows rise in surprise. "But... chores?"
He shrugs nonchalantly. "So what? It's not like Luke is here to notice."
Kira's gaze lingers on the temple's ornate carvings, a silent acknowledgment passing between her and Ben before they rise in unison. They disperse swiftly, blending into the shadows to evade prying eyes. Meanwhile, within the hushed confines of a temple chamber, Lor San Tekka observes their departure with a disapproving frown. His attention shifts to Luke, who is engrossed in studying a holographic datapad at his cluttered desk.
"Ben has come quite a long way" Lor says
Nodding and still on the holopad "indeed he has, he's one of my finest student yet"
"i don't mean to pry Luke its just, he's been lately abandoning some of his designated duties in the temple, spending most of his time outside the temple and I'm afraid he might rub off on the rest of the young padawans"
"he's just fishing" Luke shrugs still tapping at the holopad
"I'm starting to think you're favoring your own nephew Luke, its important to keep discipline for the future of the jedi order"
Luke puts the holopad on his desk and looks at Lor "excuse me?"
"favoritism isn't appropriate Luke, if anything you need to be the one to make sure he stays on track if he is to be a jedi knight"
"I'm not giving him any special privileges Lor, you know that"
"I'm not saying that you grant him privileges, just that you allow him to get away with things more often than not and without consequences, everyone notices Luke and its starting to affect the rest of the students, I wouldn't be bringing this up to you if it wasn't a cause for concern"
"what exactly is the concern?"
"Luke, I know he is your nephew even if no one else does, but if it was anyone else you wouldn't let this slide, he is also starting to have Kira follow on his foot steps, she's been caught napping during meditation sessions and sneaks out of her bedroom past curfew as well to who knows where and skips parts of her chores, Ben is a promising padawan but he needs to remember that being a jedi means following the jedis code of conduct, it's for his own benefit as well"
Luke sighs "I suppose you're right, I have been lax .. I'll speak with him tonight"
"thank you Luke" Lor bowed to him before exiting the room leaving Luke to himself scratching his growing beard.
Kira's grip tightens on the fishing rod as a sudden tug jerks her forward. "Ben, I've got something!" she calls out, muscles straining against the resistance. Ben, lounging against a nearby tree, nods encouragingly. "Keep at it," he urges.
After a brief struggle, Kira channels her focus and strength, using precise movements to reel in her catch. With a deft flick, the fish is flung from the water onto the grass where it thrashes wildly. Grasping the line firmly, she proudly displays the medium-sized prize to Ben who responds with an approving thumbs-up.
Earlier preparations come into play as Ben sets up a makeshift fire pit with gathered twigs. The aroma of grilling fish fills the air as they sit across from each other, savoring their meal. Between bites, Kira delicately removes fish bones from her mouth, sucking on them before discarding them with practiced ease.
Lost in thought, Kira muses aloud about saber colors. "I do love green" she remarks before glancing at Ben. His response is thoughtful yet tinged with nerves about an upcoming excursion to obtain crystals with his uncle and fellow padawans "Are you nervous, Ben?" Kira inquired, her voice gentle yet probing, Ben shifted slightly.
"A little bit" he admitted with a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "This is Luke's first absence from overseeing us during this occasion. Master Lor will be our guide this time."
As twilight descends and shadows lengthen, Ben and Kira make their way back to the temple grounds. They part ways at their respective quarters under the watchful gaze of the stars above.
Luke stood by the ornate doors leading to Ben's quarters, his tall figure casting a shadow over the hallway. He had been waiting for Ben's return, knowing that they needed to have an important conversation. It was time for him to address some concerns about Ben's behavior.
"Master Skywalker?" a voice called out softly from down the hall. Luke turned to see Ben approaching, his head hung low and his footsteps hesitant.
Luke nodded in greeting before gesturing for them to enter Ben's quarters together. The heavy wooden door closed behind them with a muffled thud, enclosing them in a private space.
"Ben, I've been anticipating your arrival," Luke began, his tone serious. "There are matters we must discuss."
Ben sat down on the edge of his bed, facing Luke with a mixture of apprehension and guilt on his face. He knew he had been slacking off lately, but he hadn't expected Master Lor to bring it up to Luke.
"Master Lor has brought to my attention your recent lapses in fulfilling your responsibilities," Luke continued, not mincing words. "Tardiness during training sessions and even nodding off have not gone unnoticed by your fellow padawans."
Ben couldn't meet Luke's eyes as he fiddled with the hem of his training tunic. He knew he had disappointed his master and he felt ashamed of himself.
"I'm sorry, Master, I'm just.. bored" he finally spoke up.
Luke sighed and placed a comforting hand on Ben's shoulder. "I know you are better than this, Ben," he said gently. "But I need you to understand that being a Jedi is not just about honing your skills in the Force or perfecting your lightsaber techniques."
He paused for a moment before continuing. "It is also about discipline and responsibility. And when you neglect those things, it not only affects you, but it also affects those around you."
Been nodded in deference, his eyes downcast. "Yes, Master," he murmured softly before gathering his courage to speak again. "Have my parents sent any word? I haven't received any messages"
"Your mother has been engrossed in drafting new laws for the republic, while your father is probably just distracted doing.. whatever he and chewie are doing, don't let it worry you"
"Right,… ofcourse"
"Rest well, Ben," Luke's voice echoed softly in the dimly lit room, his words laced with a mix of concern and determination. He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on his companion before finally turning towards the door. "Make sure you're fully prepared for what lies ahead on your upcoming mission," he added with a reassuring nod.
As Ben settled into his bed for the night, a soft knock sounded at his door. He recognized the pattern - three quick raps and a pause. It was Kira, the youngest padawan in their training temple. He sighed and crossed the room to open the door.
"What is it now, Kira?" he asked, trying to hide his annoyance at her interrupted solitude. But in reality, he was more frustrated with his parents for not reaching out to him.
"I just don't like sleeping alone," she said, her big brown eyes pleading with him.
"You know you can ask to room with other padawans your age," Ben offered, hoping to find a solution.
"No way, they stink and snore too loud," Kira whined, her lower lip pouting.
Ben sighed, knowing he couldn't turn her away. "Alright, come in."
Kira beamed and scurried into the room, climbing onto Ben's bed and snuggling under the covers. Ben shook his head with a small smile, settling in beside her.
"Ben?" Kira whispered after a few moments of silence.
"Hmm?"
"Do you think I'll ever be as strong in the Force as you?"
Ben turned to look at her, seeing the uncertainty in her eyes. "Of course you will," he reassured her. "You're already making great progress. And you have something I don't."
"What's that?" Kira asked, curiosity piqued.
"An amazing teacher," Ben grinned, ruffling her hair playfully.
Kira giggled, swatting his hand away.
Ben's fingers danced across the holographic interface, composing a message to his mother in the early hours of the morning. The frequency of her responses was sporadic at best, leaving Ben to ponder if she even remembered his thirteenth birthday was today. As he tapped out his words, a voice interrupted his solitude.
"Up so early?" Lor's deliberate steps echoed in the room as he approached Ben from behind, closing the door with a soft click.
"Just reaching out to my mom," Ben replied, his tone tinged with longing for familial connection.
"Your mother is a woman of great influence; her support and fundings sustains our Jedi endeavors. Remember to honor her by excelling in your training," Lor reminded him sternly, emphasizing the weight of familial expectations intertwined with their responsibilities.
Ben hesitated "My training isnt an issue, Luk-"
Corrected by Lor's sharp interjection. "Master Skywalker to you, and he commands your respect and dedication. Do not forget your place, you are but a student as everyone else is and remember that" Lor instructed firmly, quelling any hint of defiance from Ben.
"...Yes, Master Lor, Wouldn't want anyone thinking the wrong things between me and .. Master Skywalker " Ben acquiesced reluctantly, a shadow passing over his expression as internal turmoil simmered beneath the surface. A whisper taunted him from within: 'they're still ashamed of you.'
Sensing the disturbance in Ben's emotions, Lor narrowed his gaze, recognizing the flicker of darkness within his young apprentice. "It is time for your meditation session," Lor declared decisively, steering Ben towards introspection and control amidst the turbulent currents of doubt and resentment swirling within him.
Ben's frustration boiled over as he carelessly let the device slip from his grasp onto the study table. With a heavy sigh, he turned away from Lor and made his way to the meditation session. As he approached, the sight of Voe, Tai, and Hennix already settled in a circle beckoning him to join caught his attention.
"You're late Solo," Voe's sharp words pierced the air. "Seems like discipline isn't your strong suit these days, just as Master Lor always says."
Ben's jaw clenched in response. "Do you have a thing for picking fights with me?" he retorted.
Hennix intervened before the tension could escalate further. "Enough, guys. We need to start getting along."
Tai chimed in, his voice calming the charged atmosphere. "We're on the brink of finding our own kyber crystals together. That means one step closer to knighthood and embarking on missions side by side. Let's focus on that."
With a shared nod, Voe and Ben redirected their attention as Luke strode to the center of the field, signaling the beginning of their meditation session before engaging in sparring practice later on.
Practicing with the sabers was Ben's way of unwinding, each swing a release for the tension coiled within him. The weight of the hilt in his hand, the sound as the wooden sabers clashed, offered a cathartic outlet for the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him.
Ben's inner turmoil resurfaced. He fought fiercely against Voe and Tai, their wooden sabers clashing loudly in the training field. Despite their friendly banter during the meditation session, they spared no mercy when it came to sparring.
Ben pushed himself harder than usual, channeling all of his frustrations into each swing of his saber. It was one thing he excelled at – wielding a weapon came naturally to him in ways that other aspects of Jedi training did not.
But even as he threw himself into the physical aspect of training, Ben couldn't help but feel like something was missing. He longed for more challenging missions, for opportunities to prove himself worthy of being a Jedi Knight.
Kira completed her meditation in the opposite corner of the temple, surrounded by fellow padawans under the guidance of Master Lor. Their sessions, tailored to suit their youthful energy, were shorter and interspersed with breaks to accommodate their natural restlessness. While still prohibited from engaging in saber combat, they were encouraged to refine their forms using training sabers. Whenever she could, Kira would discreetly slip away to observe the older padawans sparring on the opposite side of the temple. Among them, Ben consistently demonstrated his prowess by outmatching every opponent with ease.
This time, Lor's sharp eyes caught Kira sneaking around the temple. "Kira, enough of this. Go back to our side of the temple," Lor snapped at her.
Kiras immediately stood up straight, her body tense as she scattered off. "Sorry, I was just curious," she muttered as she quickly ran back.
Lor glanced over at the teenage padawans in the midst of their sparring sessions. Everything seemed normal and well-controlled, until he noticed Ben with a scowl on his face, his movements filled with ferocity as he fought against Voe. Lor sensed something lurking by Ben, but couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. All he knew was that it unsettled him deeply. He narrowed his focus, trying to sense any danger or disturbance in the Force surrounding Ben, but all he could feel was an inexplicable unease.
Lor strode back to his side of the field, where the younger padawans were practicing their forms and some were playing around. He ordered them all to start their chores and they dispersed to fulfill their duties. Lor stopped in front of Kira.
"You seem distracted today," he said sternly. "You must focus properly on your training. If you can't handle the simple exercises, how will you manage the intermediate ones?"
"I'm not distracted," Kira muttered under her breath.
"You're paying too much attention to Ben. He's older and in a higher level course. You should be focusing on fellow padawans in your own course."
"Ben has been helping me improve," Kira argued.
Lor sensed a hint of darkness rising in Kira and narrowed his eyes at her. "Is that so? Helping, you say."
Kira stuck out her tongue rebelliously at Master Lor before running off to complete her chores.
Ben's eyes are narrowed in intense focus and determination, his brow furrowed in concentration as he moves with a fluid grace and speed. Voe fights fiercely, but her movements are no match for Ben's agility and precision.
Ben's body is rigid, every muscle tense as he moves with calculated precision, his eyes fixed on Voe like a hunter stalking his prey. Voe, on the other hand, seems more fluid, her movements graceful and swift as she dodges and parries Ben's attacks.
The air around Ben and Voe crackles with tension as they circle each other, their training sabers clashing and wooden splinters flying.
The salty scent of sweat fills the air as Ben and Voe exert themselves in combat. Mixed with that is the faint hint of fear emanating from Voe as she struggles to keep up with Ben's ferocity.
Voe drops to her knees, gasping for breath as she collapses onto the damp grass. Ben stands over her with a self-satisfied smirk on his face, reveling in yet another victory.
"I'll get you next time, Ben," Voe growls through gritted teeth, frustration and determination burning in her eyes. "One day, You'll be the one on the ground looking up in defeat."
"Ha!" Ben scoffs, a cocky smile still plastered on his face. "The only way that will ever happen is if I let my guard down, and trust me, no one here is worth me lowering my defenses." He wipes the sweat from his brow, basking in his own superiority and dominance over Voe.
With a loud clap, Luke announces that training is finished and instructs everyone to go shower and start their assigned chores.
Ben, Tai, and Hennix head off to the male communal fresher area. They quickly strip off their sweaty clothes and step into the refreshing spray of water, washing away all remnants of their intense sparring session from today.
As they all began to get dressed and prepare for their daily tasks, Ben realized he was missing a shirt and robe and only had pants and no towels to dry off. Hennix playfully mocked him, saying it was the result of skipping chores and not doing laundry, which left him with no clean clothes to wear.
Ben sighs and Tai pats his shoulder "I'll give you an extra of mine" he said "I'll hand it over to a droid to send it to you"
"Thanks Tai, I'll wash it next time for sure" Ben muttered as they walked, Hennix going to star chores and Tai going to his quarters to get the extra clothes for Ben to use.
As Ben made his way towards his living quarters shirtless and dripping wet with only his pants, he caught sight of Kira mopping the hallway outside. She noticed him and squinted in confusion.
She notices the water dripping from his hair onto the freshly mopped tiles and comments on it.
"Do you have a towel or something?"
Ben rolled his eyes as she scolded him. "I completely forgot, I didn't have anything to wear" he admitted sheepishly.
"Well, just make sure it doesn't happen again," she teased, pretending to be annoyed. "I just finished mopping this area."
A wry smile curved up the corners of his lips as he watched her mop the floor near his quarters. She was always so meticulous, even when it came to the most mundane tasks. He couldn't help but tease her about it. "Funny that you'd choose to mop right where my room is," he quipped, a teasing tone lacing his words.
Before she could respond, he retreated into his room and closed the door with a soft click. He could almost feel her annoyance lingering in the air behind him, but he couldn't resist getting in one last jab. After all, it was their little game - a never-ending cycle of playful banter.
As he walked into his room, the scent of lavender wafted through the air, he immediately noticed the meticulous care that had been taken. The desk was perfectly arranged, with not a speck of dust in sight. The bed was neatly made, with crisp sheets and fluffed pillows. It was clear that she had spent time and effort to ensure that everything was in its rightful place.
There was a knock on the door to his quarters, and Ben quickly answered it. A droid stood outside, holding a pile of clean clothes. It informed him that they were from Tai, and Ben nodded in thanks before closing the door again to change into them.
Once he finished getting dressed, he went to gather his dirty laundry from the hamper. To his confusion, it was empty. He raised an eyebrow in puzzlement. Where did all of his clothes go?
With a sigh, Ben stepped out of his room and into the hallway. The air was stale and musty, tinged with the smell of cleaning products. He made his way to the laundry room, hoping that the cleaning droids would have some information about his missing clothes. But as he neared the room, he could already see Kira inside, her small frame hunched over a pile of fabric. She was folding robes, pants and towels that were clearly too big for her.
"Kira," Ben called out in surprise. "What are you doing in here?"
She turned to him with a smile, her hazel eyes shining. "I'm just helping out," she replied innocently.
But as he approached, he saw that her own clothes were mixed in with the ones she was folding. A wave of frustration and annoyance washed over him. "You shouldn't wash my things without asking," he said sternly.
Her smile faltered and she looked down at the clothes in her hands. "I'm sorry," she mumbled quietly. "I just wanted to help out."
He let out a heavy breath and softened his tone. "I appreciate the thought, but please ask next time."
Kira nodded sheepishly. "Okay, I will."
He turned to pick up his folded clothes from her and whatever was left, and walk away, she called out after him. "You do so much for me, Ben. Let me do something for you for once." Her words lingered in the air as he walked away, leaving him feeling guilty for snapping at her. Perhaps he should learn to accept help from others every now and then.
After finishing his chores, Ben headed to the Jedi refectory for a well-deserved lunch. He noticed Voe Tai and Hennix already seated and eating, but Kira was nowhere to be seen. It was unusual for her to miss a meal; she was always punctual when it came to food. Ben couldn't help but wonder if his previous attitude towards her had caused her absence. He walked over to the younger Padawans and inquired about Kira's whereabouts, but they stiffened in fear as he approached and revealed that they hadn't seen her since completing their own chores.
Ben strode out of the refectory, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. A hunch tugged at him, leading him to believe he knew Kira's whereabouts. Determined to make amends, he set off in search of her.
He approached the tranquil lake, the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore filled his ears. He spotted her sitting on the edge of the water, intently focused on her fishing rod. With a small smile, he joined her, settling down next to her on the soft grass.
"Hey kid, sorry about earlier," he said, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
"It's fine," she replied calmly, not taking her eyes off her task.
"I'm not in the best mood today and I don't want you to think I'm mad at you," he explained.
Kira finally turned to look at him searching his face. "Then tell me. We always talk, right?"
Ben let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping. "It's just... I was hoping maybe my parents would have sent me a message today."
"It's your birthday, I know," Kira said sympathetically.
"Oh." Ben's expression grew even more somber as he stared out at the peaceful lake.
"I remember," Kira continued softly. "Every time it's your birthday, it's the same time you get so moody."
Ben remained seated in silence, gazing out at the peaceful lake for a few moments before finally speaking. "By the way, thank you for my clothes and for cleaning my room," he murmured quietly.
A small smile appeared on Kira's face as she responded, "You're welcome, Ben. Happy birthday."
Eight-year-old Kira's favourite place in the whole galaxy was the garden behind the Jedi Temple. That's where she found Ben Solo on this particular evening, his gangly thirteen-year-old frame hunched over as he practiced lifting rocks with the Force.
"You're doing it wrong," Kira announced, hopping down from her perch on the stone wall. Her three hair buns bounced as she landed.
Ben dropped the rocks with a huff. "And I suppose you know better?"
"Master Luke says it's not about muscle." Kira closed her eyes, extending her small hand. Three rocks lifted effortlessly into the air, dancing in perfect circles. "It's about feeling the Force flow through you, like a river."
"Show-off," Ben muttered, but there was a smile tugging at his lips. He'd been looking after Kira ever since Luke had brought the orphaned girl to the temple four years ago. She'd followed him around like a persistent shadow ever since, and somehow, he'd never minded.
"Ben?" Kira let the rocks fall gently. "Do you ever think about leaving?"
He turned to her, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"I heard you arguing with Master Luke again." Kira picked at a loose thread on her beige tunic. "About your parents, they never did send you a message did they?"
Ben's face darkened and shook his head. "They sent me away, Kira. They were afraid of what I could become."
"I'm not afraid of you." Kira stepped closer, taking his much larger hand in her tiny one. It was something she'd done since she was five, whenever she sensed the darkness swirling inside him.
Ben squeezed her hand gently. "I know, sunshine. That's why you're my best friend."
"Promise you won't leave?" Kira looked up at him with those hazel eyes that seemed too old for her young face. "Not without me?"
"I promise." Ben ruffled her hair, messing up her carefully arranged buns. "Someone has to keep teaching you proper Force techniques."
Kira giggled, swatting his hand away. "I think you mean I have to keep teaching you."
As the suns set over the temple, casting long shadows across the garden, Ben watched Kira attempt to lift even more rocks. The voice in his head—the one that had whispered to him for as long as he could remember—seemed quieter when she was around. Maybe that's why the Force had brought them together.
"Ben! Look!" Kira had managed to create a floating circle of stones. "It's like a crown!"
He smiled, genuine and warm. "Whatever you say, sunshine."
That night, as always, Kira snuck into the older padawans' quarters when the nightmares came. Ben would pretend to be annoyed, but he always lifted his blanket so she could curl up next to him, her small form radiating trust and light.
"Ben?" she whispered in the darkness.
"Hmm?"
"We'll always be together, right?"
In the quiet of the night, Ben made another promise—this time to himself. He would never let her go.
"Always, sunshine. Now go to sleep."
Kira drifted off, her hand clutching his sleeve. And for that moment at least, the future seemed as bright as the stars twinkling outside their window, full of possibilities that had nothing to do with light or dark, but everything to do with the bond between two lonely souls who had found their family in each other.
Dawn painted the lake in shades of gold when Ben found Kira already sitting cross-legged on their favorite meditation rock. She'd beaten him there again, despite her tendency to oversleep. Her eyes were closed, but a small smirk played on her lips as she sensed his approach.
"You're late," she said without opening her eyes.
"Some of us had to explain to Master Luke why there was a small padawan in their bed this morning," Ben replied, settling beside her on the sun-warmed stone. "Again."
Kira's eyes fluttered open, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "I had the dream about the island again. The one with the dark cave. surrounded by an ocean"
Ben's teasing smile faded. He knew about her nightmares—they were similar to his own, though he'd never admit it. "That's why we're going to practice shielding today. Your mind needs to be stronger than the darkness."
"Is that what you do?" Kira turned to face him, her hazel eyes serious. "When the voice comes?"
Ben stiffened. He'd never told her about the voice that haunted him, but somehow she knew. She always knew. "Sometimes," he admitted. "But lately I've been trying something different."
"Show me?"
Ben shifted closer, their knees touching. "Close your eyes. Instead of building walls, we're going to create light."
Kira obeyed, her small face scrunching in concentration. The morning breeze rustled through her loose hair—she hadn't done her buns yet, and strands of brown danced around her face.
"Think of something that makes you feel safe," Ben instructed, closing his own eyes. "Something warm."
Through their growing Force bond, he could feel her cycling through memories: the first time she successfully lifted a rock, Master Luke's proud smile, the taste of sweet bread from the temple kitchen. Then, surprisingly, he felt her settle on a memory of him—the two of them stargazing on the temple roof as he taught her the names of distant systems.
"That's good," he said softly, touched by her choice. "Now let that feeling fill you up, like sunlight through water."
The Force hummed between them, warm and bright. Ben let his own light join hers—memories of her small hand in his, her laughter echoing through the temple halls, the way she looked at him like he could never be a monster.
A splash made them both jump. They opened their eyes to find the lake water hovering in graceful arcs around their meditation rock, catching the morning light like suspended crystals.
"Ben!" Kira gasped in delight. "Are you doing that?"
"We both are," he realized, watching their combined Force signature paint patterns in the floating water. "See what happens when you don't show off and actually work with me?"
Kira stuck out her tongue, her concentration breaking. The water fell back into the lake with a series of splashes, soaking them both.
"Oops," she giggled, water dripping from her hair.
Ben tried to look stern, but failed miserably. "So much for peaceful meditation."
"This was better," Kira declared, wringing out her tunic. "Can we try again? I want to make the water dance this time!"
Ben knew they should return to proper meditation. Master Luke would expect them to practice their shielding. But the morning was bright, Kira's smile was brighter, and the darkness in his mind felt very far away.
"Alright, sunshine," he sighed, pretending it was a great concession. "But this time, try not to soak us both."
Their laughter echoed across the lake, a melody that seemed to make the Force itself sing with joy. And if Master Luke happened to watch from the temple steps, smiling at the sight of his two most troubled students finding balance in each other's light, well—that could be their secret.
Lor San Tekka stood in the shadows of an ancient tree, his weathered hands clasped behind his back as he watched the scene unfold by the lake. Young Ben Solo and little Kira were supposed to be practicing their individual meditation forms—instead, they were manipulating the lake water into elaborate shapes, their laughter carrying across the morning air.
His frown deepened as he observed Ben's hand occasionally guiding Kira's smaller one, showing her how to better direct her Force powers. The boy's influence on the young girl troubled him deeply. He had seen too many Force-sensitive children led astray by those who walked too close to darkness.
When the children finally headed back to the temple for breakfast, Lor San Tekka made his way to Luke's study, his steps heavy with purpose.
"Master Skywalker," he said, finding Luke reviewing ancient texts at his desk. "I must speak with you about your nephew and young Kira."
Luke signed and looked up, setting aside the weathered tome. "What troubles you now, old friend?"
"I've been observing them." Lor San Tekka moved to the window, where he could still see the two children crossing the courtyard below. "The amount of time they spend together... it's concerning. The girl is highly impressionable, and Ben—" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "The darkness in him is still present."
"You think he's corrupting her?" Luke's voice was neutral, but his eyes were sharp.
"Perhaps not intentionally," Lor San Tekka conceded. "But I sense the same shadows beginning to gather around her. This morning, instead of proper meditation, they were using the Force frivolously, playing with water like it was a toy. Such casual use of the Force leads to dangerous paths."
Luke stood, joining him at the window. Below, Ben was helping Kira comb her hair and ties into into buns, his tall frame bent down to her level.
"Tell me, my friend," Luke said softly, "what else did you observe by the lake?"
"Their Force signatures are becoming increasingly entwined. It's unnatural for two students to—"
"What I see," Luke interrupted gently, "is my nephew's signature burning brighter in the light than I've ever seen it. And Kira... she grounds him in ways that all our teachings have failed to do."
"But Master Skywalker, surely you can't approve of such attachment. The old Jedi texts specifically warn against—"
"Lor" Luke turned to face his old friend. "Perhaps it's time we consider that the Force might have its own plans. Their bond..." He smiled slightly. "It reminds me of something my sister once said about balance."
"Balance?" Lor San Tekka's voice rose slightly. "The girl practically lives in his shadow! Just last night, the other padawans reported she snuck into the older students' quarters again. Such behavior is inappropriate, and Ben encourages it by—"
"By comforting a child who has known nothing but abandonment?" Luke's voice remained calm, but there was steel beneath it. "By showing her that she's not alone?"
Lor San Tekka deflated slightly, but persisted. "I respect your judgment, Master Skywalker, but I fear we may be witnessing the beginning of something dangerous. If Ben falls—"
"Then Kira might be the only thing keeping him in the light," Luke finished. "And if darkness tries to claim her, Ben's love for her might be her anchor." He placed a hand on his old friend's shoulder. "Sometimes, Lor, the Force works in ways that don't fit neatly into our ancient texts."
Outside, Kira had managed to splash Ben with a small Force-pushed wave from a nearby fountain. Instead of anger, the boy's laughter echoed through the courtyard.
"Watch them closely if you must," Luke said, turning back to his desk. "But remember—not all shadows indicate darkness, and not all bonds lead to destruction."
Lor San Tekka bowed slightly, knowing he was dismissed. But as he left Luke's study, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were watching the prelude to something that would either save the galaxy—or tear it apart.
Neither he nor Luke noticed the dark figure that flickered at the edge of Ben's consciousness, watching the scene with growing interest through the boy's eyes. Snoke smiled in his distant sanctuary, seeing not corruption, but opportunity in the bond between the two young Force-users.
The temple's refectories hall buzzed with early morning activity as sunlight streamed through the high windows. At their usual table, Ben sat with his fellow teenage padawans—Tai, Hennix, and Voe—while Kira perched beside him, her legs swinging beneath the bench as she devoured her porridge.
"You missed morning exercises again, Solo," Voe said, stirring her own breakfast with pointed deliberation. Her dark eyes flicked between Ben and Kira. "Both of you did."
"We were meditating by the lake," Kira piped up, milk dribbling down her chin. Ben automatically reached for a napkin and handed it to her.
Hennix snorted. "Is that what they're calling it now? Because I heard Lor San Tekka telling Master Luke you were playing with water like initiates."
"It was a valid Force exercise," Ben replied evenly, though his jaw tightened. "Kira was learning to manipulate multiple elements simultaneously."
"Of course she was," Voe muttered. "And I'm sure you were the perfect teacher, as always."
Tai, ever the peacemaker, cleared his throat. "The Force can be studied in many ways. Not everything has to be traditional training."
"Yeah!" Kira brightened, grateful for the support. "Ben says sometimes the best way to understand the Force is to—"
"'Ben says, Ben says,'" Voe mimicked. "Do you have any thoughts of your own, little shadow, or do you just parrot everything the great Ben Solo tells you?"
Ben's hand clenched around his spoon, but before he could speak, Kira's bowl of porridge suddenly levitated and upended itself over Voe's head.
The dining hall fell silent.
"Oops," Kira said sweetly, though her eyes sparkled with defiance. "I guess I need more practice with my Force control."
Hennix burst out laughing as Voe sat there, porridge dripping down her face. Even Tai couldn't suppress a smile.
"You little—" Voe started, rising from her seat.
"That's enough." Ben's voice was quiet but firm. He stood, towering over the table. "Kira, apologize."
"But she—"
"Now."
Kira crossed her arms. "I'm sorry your head got in the way of my porridge, Voe."
Ben pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting a smile. "That's not exactly what I meant."
"No, it's perfect," Tai interjected, still grinning. "Very diplomatic."
"Unlike some people," Hennix added, giving Voe a meaningful look, "at least she apologized."
Voe wiped porridge from her face with as much dignity as she could muster. "Whatever. Just keep your little pet away from me, Solo."
"I'm not his pet!" Kira protested, half-rising, but Ben's hand on her shoulder kept her seated.
"No, you're not," he said calmly. "You're my friend. And Voe?" His dark eyes met hers. "The next time you want to criticize my training methods, do it to my face. Leave Kira out of it."
An uncomfortable silence fell over the table. Tai busied himself with his breakfast while Hennix suddenly found the ceiling fascinating.
"You can't protect her forever," Voe said finally, standing to leave. "Sooner or later, she'll have to learn to stand on her own."
"I can stand just fine," Kira called after her. "I just prefer the view from up here on Ben's shoulders!"
That broke the tension. Hennix choked on his juice, Tai burst out laughing, and even Ben couldn't hold back a chuckle.
"Come on, trouble," he said, ruffling Kira's hair. "Let's get you some more breakfast. Try to eat this bowl instead of wearing it."
"No promises," Kira grinned, but she followed him to the serving line, unconsciously matching his stride.
Tai watched them go, then turned to Hennix. "Ten credits says they end up either saving or destroying the galaxy together."
Hennix considered the pair—the tall, brooding teenager and his tiny, fierce shadow. "Both," he decided. "Definitely both."
Neither of them noticed Master Luke standing in the doorway, having witnessed the entire scene. He smiled, not realizing just how prophetic their words might prove to be.
As the sun begins to set over the Jedi temple, Ben found Kira sitting alone on a low stone wall. Her small shoulders were hunched, and she was absently tracing patterns in the dust with a stick.
"There you are, sunshine," Ben said, settling beside her. "I've been looking all over for you."
Kira didn't look up. "Are you mad at me?"
Ben sighed. "For the porridge thing? No. Though maybe next time try using your words first."
"Not for that," Kira mumbled. "For... for always following you around. For being your 'little shadow.'" She said the last part with clear bitterness.
Ben was quiet for a moment, watching the first stars appear in the darkening sky. "Do you know why shadows exist, Kira?"
She shrugged.
"They exist because of light," Ben said softly, his eyes still fixed on the heavens. "Without light, there would be no shadows. They're two sides of the same coin."
Kira pondered this, her brow furrowing slightly. She pulled her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as a cool breeze rustled through the tall grass around them.
"Is that supposed to be profound?" she asked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
Ben chuckled, finally tearing his gaze from the sky to look at her. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just an observation." He paused, plucking a blade of grass and twirling it between his fingers. "I think about shadows a lot lately. About how they're always there, even when we can't see them."
"I was so angry all the time," he admitted as they watched the sun set down the forest. "I felt like no one understood me."
Kira reached out to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I understand," she said softly. "I feel that way sometimes too."
They sat in silence for a while after that, both lost in their own thoughts. But being together in this peaceful place somehow made everything feel better.