Star Wars: The Rise of Ren ✓

Chapter 57 - They Deserve It

During the past few months, through Bacta treatments and intensive physical therapy, Ben had made a full recovery. While at the med center, the conflict between the pull to the light and the pull to the dark side almost drove him insane.

He did not know what he wanted, but it was the one thing he could not talk to anyone about. If he even told Master Skywalker or his father about his pull the dark side, he knew that they would exile him immediately.

The light promised peace, but the dark release.

The light served others, but the dark served him.

The light took control, but the dark felt so delectable.

When he returned back to the academy, his young body had bounced back enough that he was able to participate in the daily runs and combat practice. And unaware to everyone else, he resumed contact with Snoke.

Four months later, after his release from the med center, the time had come—everything was in place. Ben Solo ran out into the mountains on his own again. As he bowed on the damp earth with the pungent smell of the kedari trees around him, a misty figure appeared before him—Supreme Leader Snoke.

"What is thy bidding, my master?"

"Kylo Ren, the time has come. Do you have the coordinates yet?"

"Yes, my master. I have obtained the coordinates from my father, weak-minded fool that he is," Ben said, pulling on the dark side, reveling in outwitting his father yet again. A part of him swelled with cold hatred as he thought of his father.

"Good. Good. I have lured Luke Skywalker away, and I'm afraid he will be quite unable to attend the Jedi graduation. With the Knights of Ren, you will obliterate the Jedi Order during the vigil."

"Yes, my master."

"None are to survive, is that understood, my apprentice?"

Ben hesitated, closing his eyes, and hyperventilating.

"You hesitate. Why?"

Ben tried to hide the information, but he perceived Snoke pulling the information from his mind as he knelt. He squirmed with the mental pressure bursting past his shields.

"Tell me."

Ben struggled to push Snoke out of his mind.

Snoke reached out his hand, knocking Ben to the ground with the force of the strike. "So, Master Fau is pregnant. You were unwise to hide this from me." Snoke cackled in evil delight. "The Skywalker line must not continue. You must destroy them both."

"I can't. I can't kill my own family." Tears streamed down his cheeks. The first time he killed was an accident. He could not do it purposefully.

"You forget. You already have done it once, and you must do it again. Only through their deaths, will you achieve a power greater than any Jedi. They deserve it. Think of the way they abandoned you here. Mistreated you. Yes, use your anger."

Ben straightened his back and wiped the tear with a rough hand. His face solidified as he listened to his master's instructions.

"Learn to savor the dark side of the Force, and you will become more powerful than even Vader. Then, and only then, you may proudly wear your true name, Kylo Ren."

With yellow eyes and rage burning within him, Ben said, "Yes, my master. As you wish."

Did you know . . .

● Everyone has a part in Ben's downfall, but the final decision to murder was his own. He bears the weight of that. No one held a blaster to his head. He chose to fail because of his hardships instead of succeed in spite of them. If you're a youth whose having a hard time, remember there are many who have gone before you in the same circumstances. Rise above your circumstances and become the hero.

● Ben is now 16. Luke, Leia, and Naluma are 39. Han is 49. Chewbacca is still 200+. Who keeps count when you're that old?

Tell me what you think . . . 

● Is there any turning back now?