One-Shot: Destiny (Star Wars)
Author: patriciatepes
Fandoms: Star Wars
H/C: loss of identity
Story Title: Destiny
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. It belongs to their respective owners. No money made here.
Word Count: ~1500
Warnings: MAJOR SPOILERS FOR LAST JEDI. Mention of murder, nothing graphically described
Summary: The death of Ben Solo and the birth of Kylo Ren
Author's Notes: Okay, can't stress this enough. MAJOR LAST JEDI SPOILERS. READ NO FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET. If you're still here, then I hope you enjoy. This is my first time writing for Ben/Kylo. Written for hc-bingo, using the square, "loss of identity."
Destiny
It was amazing what could go through one's mind in a matter of a second. For Ben Solo, it was two things as he rolled over in his bed to see Luke-his uncle-standing over him with an ignited lightsaber. First, it was the instinct to defend himself. It was almost amusing to see his uncle-his Jedi master-cry out for mercy, for understanding when he brought the roof down upon him.
The second thing to cross his mind was that the voice had been right.
The mysterious voice that had been speaking to him for weeks-months-had predicted this. He had seen that Uncle Luke would try to kill him. That Luke feared Ben's power, his potential. He had told all of this to Ben, who had vehemently denied it. He knew that his beloved Uncle-the uncle who named him, who was his mother's twin-would never, ever do such a horrible thing. Luke was a Jedi, first and foremost.
More than just the ceiling broke and came crashing down that night.
A monster of rage that Ben had had no idea was even within him was unleashed. The voice spoke to him again, told him what he needed to do to begin to quell the beast that was threatening to consume him. This time, he didn't argue. He stormed into his uncle's precious temple. He claimed a handful of students-those who had always seemed more willing to recognize Ben's power rather than Luke's-and told them his intentions, gave them the voice's promises. They too did not question. Roaring, the group of them destroyed the temple, killing all those who remained.
When it was done, Ben and his group of rogue Jedi left the planet, letting the flames set in the temple take care of the dead. It was then that the beast went back to sleep, and Ben was back in full control. He excused himself from the others, finding a bit of privacy in the cargo hold.
It was there that the tears flowed.
His thoughts were of his mother, Leia. What would say? What would she do? What would she think? Her son was a murderer, now-not just of innocent men, women, and children, but of her own twin brother as well. Surely, she would understand. After all, Luke had tried to kill him-while he slept, the coward. Leia just couldn't possibly hate him for that, could she? Of course, she would be hurt. Yes, that was to be expected.
"Sir," came the voice of a young woman.
Ben froze, careful to keep his back to the new arrival, to keep his tears hidden. Ayva, he recognized the voice as, was a human and a rather talented Force user. Not as talented as he, of course, but still…
"Yes?" he demanded, proud of the control he had over his voice, making it solid.
"We've set a course for an Outer Rim planet, but… we were wondering if you had another destination in mind."
Ben's heart seized. He thought of his home of the Republic, where his mother would surely be. He should go to her. He should explain. He should beg.
Foolish child.
The voice caused Ben to turn, ever so slightly, as if listening to someone who stood just at his shoulder.
She would never forgive you. She is too much like her brother. And your father would condemn you, for killing his friend. You can never return.
Ben wanted to argue, wanted to make the point that this voice didn't know his parents. Didn't know what they would say, do, or feel.
I knew what Luke would do, did I not?
Ben took a deep breath. Still without turning, he addressed Ayva, "Outer Rim is fine, for now. Go. Await further orders."
"Sir," she said, and he listened for a moment to her departing footfalls.
"What am I supposed to do then?" Ben demanded.
Fulfill your destiny, boy. Do you not sense it? Do you not know your power or your lineage?
"What are you talking about?" he growled.
Your power rivals that of your grandfather, child. You could be great, like him. Greater, perhaps, with my tutelage.
Ben blinked. His grandfather, Anakin Skywalker. The voice laughed in his head.
You are still thinking in terms of your weaker self. I don't speak of Anakin, that weak-hearted fool. I speak of who he became when he embraced his most powerful self. Darth Vader.
Vader. Oh, yes, Ben had heard all about Darth Vader. His dad never shut up about him. He had been a powerful Sith lord, despite being horribly injured by his Jedi master in a duel that was supposed to have been to the death.
Sound familiar? Only you came out unscathed. Already, you grow more powerful. You could finish it. You could finish what Vader began. Come to me. Come, and I shall make you the leader of my own Knights.
"Who are you?" Ben asked.
You know who I am. You've suspected it all along.
Ben pursed his lips. "Snoke."
The voice-Snoke, Supreme Leader of the First Order-laughed.
You could be one of the Ren, the greatest, the successor of Darth Vader. It is your destiny.
That was enough. Ben shut off his mind. With Snoke's voice gone, he sought out a bed and some much-needed rest. Once they arrived in the Outer Rim, he would make his choices.
#
A standard week passed. Ben and his group spent that time hopping from planet to planet, gathering supplies only as needed. He could tell that his co-conspirators were growing restless, awaiting his orders. The fact of the matter is, he didn't have any to give. He was still torn. His heart cried out for Leia and Han, while his mind knew that Snoke was right. Ben could be powerful, just as powerful as his grandfather. Luke had been holding him back, out of either fear or jealousy. It was most likely both.
By the end of the week, Ayva had come to him, reporting that the HoloNet was broadcasting the destruction at the temple. Fear took Ben then. He had had the opportunity to go to his mother, to explain. But now she knew without having his side of the story. What would she think of him?
Your mother cares nothing for you, boy.
Ben snarled at the wall of the cargo bay. Snoke had been his constant companion this week, just as much as the others on this ship had been.
"You're wrong," he argued.
Why did she send you away, then? Why did she dump you into Skywalker's waiting arms the moment she knew of your power? Why have you barely seen her these past few years?
"Shut up," Ben snarled. "Shut up!"
A beep from his bag-one of just a handful of things he had grabbed from his life at the temple-stilled his anger. He dug inside, withdrawing a small Holodisc. He recognized the code. It was his mother.
He took a deep breath. His hand shook, just a bit, as he pressed to receive the call. A handheld, blue version of his mother appeared in his palm, and he could tell even through the holograph that she had been crying.
"Ben," she breathed, steadying herself. "Ben, where are you? Please. Tell me it isn't true."
"He tried to kill me, Mother," Ben responded.
"That's not… Ben. Answer me. Did you do it? Did you kill them? Did you burn the temple?"
"He tried to kill me, Mother!" he yelled.
Leia's eyes slid shut. The tears were gone, and she shook her head. "Oh, Ben. I didn't want to believe. I wanted to think that Luke was lying to me."
Ben's heart stopped, just for a moment. "He's… alive?"
She nodded. "He told me that you didn't let him explain. It was a misunderstanding."
Ben's heart broke further. "You're… taking his side? He was going to murder me!"
"There's more to it than that, Ben," Leia said plaintively.
Laughing in his mind.
I was right again. My offer stands.
"Ben…"
"No," he said, standing. "Don't call me that. Ben Solo is gone."
"Don't say that. Please."
He searched the Force, clawing for something that he knew would be his and only his. Taking a breath and letting his rage and anger wash over him, wrapping around him like a child might wrap its blanket, he straightened.
"I am Kylo Ren, leader of the Knights of Ren. As far as you and Luke can be concerned, Ben Solo died at the temple. Tell him congratulations. He succeeded."
With that, he ended the holo. A new steely resolve set over him.
"Tell me your coordinates… Master," Kylo asked.
Snoke laughed.
All is as I predicted. Yes, come to me, Kylo.