The Knights of Ren (Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens FanFiction)

Chapter 4: Dance of Light

Young Ben Solo had spent little time contemplating the nature of his mother's visit in the days that had followed. Even when Master Skywalker had first approached him to ask if the meeting would interfere with his training, the thought of Leia Organa did little to move him towards anything but more rage. The Jedi Master had been coming around more often to check in on Ben, even taking the time to try private meditations with one of his oldest pupils. Others had become somewhat envious, claiming their blood relation was unfair, and that their Master privileged him over others.

Beyond the few rumours that had begun to circulate amongst the newer ranks of the Jedi Order, little attention was paid to idle gossip as most simply continued in their lessons. Laxor Drax had also been more present in Ben's life since their discussion in the halls outside of class. Whenever any occasion arose he would be at young Solo's door with an offer ready in hand. But each time, he could do nothing but deny his friend. For the conflict that was growing each day within his spirit was becoming too much to bare.

It felt as if two forces were pulling him apart. One was urged on by the ancient wisdom of the Supreme Leader, lessons that knew not the limits of mortality and time. The other was the aspect formed through the love he bore for his family. No matter how hard he tried to push them from his heart, there always remained a hint of him that cared for both Han and Leia, even for his Uncle Luke. But the divide was not one he had wished to reveal to the other students of the Jedi Temple. It was his private shame, a weight that held the entrance of his tomb closed to all save the darkness.

It was not until finally one day, despite his reservations, following a longer meditation with the newest Younglings that had come to the Jedi Temple, that young Ben finally agreed to one of Drax's offers. A few of the others had gathered in their spare time within the cracked stone training hall to practice their skills with wooden blades. There was only a few that had gathered in the low lit hall for most had embraced a chance to enjoy what little free time they seldom received. From amongst those who had split off into their smaller groups there were even fewer Ben cared to know.

Other than Laxor Drax, who was always the first to grab a wooden blade whenever it came to his favourite discipline at the Temple, there were two others who joined their party. The first was Enda Cara, the Yashuvi who often spent her days digging through tombs regarding the histories of the Republic rather than honing her skills with a lightsaber. Having been separated from Galactic politics for so long she was always thirsty to learn what others had been raised knowing. The second to join them was a Twi'lek boy named Vin Kan'Or. Vin had seldom said a word to young Solo, mainly keeping to himself and the other few Twi'leks studying at the Temple. Whenever the rare occasion arose where they did speak, Vin Kan'Or had little love for Master Skywalker's prized pupil.

"Look who finally decided to come out of hiding," smiled Laxor Drax as they walked into the training hall.

Ben nodded as the others silently glanced at one another, it was Enda Cara would finally spoke first, "Welcome Padawan Solo. We are glad to see you are doing well enough to join us."

"Or that he finally stopped holding his Uncle's hand," scornfully joked Vin with his back turned. "Guess we all have to eventually grow up."

"Come on Vin, don't be like. We've all come here to train. None of that should matter," argued Padawan Drax.

"Just saying Laxor," replied Kan'Or spitting on the ground. "Pretty boy has some advantages being related to Master Skywalker. More than most of us get, like when your Mommy came to visit."

"Perhaps you would have a point if that had been a matter of my choosing," argued Ben. "Each of us has only what we are born with to define us."