[IC] Star Wars: A New Force

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

It had been six long years that thirteen year old Odette had become apprenticed to Master Luke. It had been a very long and trying few years, where she had to learn many traits of the Force and how to handle herself in certain situations. Of course, the way to handle herself was always the same. With a calm and careful approach. One where she thought on and calculated what each outcome would mean for her those around her. But, as trying as it was, it was all worth it and had helped her grow as a person. She was kind and compassionate just as any Jedi should be, though still had a bit of spunk in her all the same that the average twelve year old might have. Not that she had anyone to use some of that spunk on. There was the occasional moment where she would say something smart to her master, but that was rare and most of the time it when she did it was in a light and joking manner. Other than that, well, who else did she have to smart off at when the only two people hidden away on this planet was herself and Master Luke?

But, she knew this was about to change. For Master Luke had told her of someone coming to them that very day. Someone to join them and stay with Luke just as she was. He would train along side her and learn the ways of the Force. She was rather curious to see what this new padawan was like. Would he be someone she could be friends with? Or would he be someone she wouldn't get along with? She was anxious and excited all in one just to have someone so close to her age, give a few years, coming to stay with them.

The young girl happily followed behind her master as they headed toward the meeting point on the planet where the ship as to land, her long blonde hair, which was pulled back into a poneytail, and clothes blowing in the light winds as they climbed over rocks and over tree stumps, the adolescent girl speaking the old man as she went along, "So, this boy...he's your...nephew?"

There was a chuckle, "Yes, Odette. My sister's son."

"And he's coming to train with us?"

"That is correct."

"But isn't it a little...late for someone at such an age to start training to become a Jedi?" She inquired, looking over at him as she pulled herself over a rather large fallen tree trunk, "I thought one was supposed to start training at an early age to become a Jedi?"

"That is true by tradition. But," He used his saber to cut back some low branches to make a path for the two of them, "If we were going by tradition, you would have not been trained either. Even I would not have been trained. You see, in the past years, long ago, Jedi were trained starting at the ages of four and five. You came to me when you were seven and I was trained at a much older age than you are even now. If one is strong enough in the Force, age will not stop the person from being trained and becoming great in the ways of the Jedi."

"And this boy is very strong with the Force, Master?" She asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

He nodded in response, "Yes. My family tends to be very strong in the Force. And young Ben is no exception. This is why my sister and his father wish for me to train him." He stopped in his walking as they came to a large clearing and nodded to himself once again, "Ah, here we are. This is where they should land. Now, we wait." Luke sat upon a rock while young Odette sat in the tall grass of the clearing, sitting cross legged and taking in the nature around her. It was quiet and peaceful. A perfect place to mediate for a bit.

Which is what she did. She closed her eyes, taking deep and slow breaths as she sat there, tuning in with the best of her ability to the Force, reaching out and feeling everything around her. She did this for a short while, in her own little world, until the sound of a rather loud ship came to her ears, breaking the peace of the surrounding land as, what looked like a rather old ship, landed. Luke stood up and so did she, standing beside the old man with curiosity in her gaze as she waited for the people to come out.​

[Renny]

Ben Solo

The ship shook beneath him as it landed, the rocky bump made the metal cringe and dust spread. Young Ben was pissed, though it only showed through the tightness of his jaw and the tenseness of his muscles. His "father" didn't even have the decency to escort him there himself... his mother was too busy. With what he was unsure, but the last he saw and felt of her, was when he left. Her lips were gently pressed against his forehead and black curly locks.

A droid at the control made way its way to the back.

"Master Solo, we are at our destination. Master Luke and a young girl awaits your arrival." The pointed-voice reminded him of how cold steel and mechanics could be. In a way, he disliked most Droids.

He sighed and stood up, tugging at the dark blue sleeves that covered his pale skin before grabbing his bag. He slung it across his shoulder, made his way to the exit, and waited for the hiss of the ramp before walking off. The sudden light blinded him. Ben raised his arm to guard the painful exposure for a few seconds. When he finally lowered it, he spotted his brown-robed uncle and the girl the droid spoke of. He imagined he would look uncomfortable if not for the roguish features he inherited from his father. They tended to make him appear rebellious against any adversity.

As he cleared the field to approach his uncle, he spared the girl a hard look over. He heard the ship start up then, heard it leave him behind. He groaned inwardly.

There goes my only ride off this dump, he thought, turning his side to Luke and sharing a final glance towards the fleeting gleam of the ship.

Ben pulled on his left eaerlobe out of distaste before addressing his unc- well maybe it was more appropriate to call him master now. He thought on it for a moment before replying, "Hey... Uncle Luke. Thanks for taking me as your pad-Padawan... I think its called. Mom told me to say it." He admitted immediately afterwards.

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

Odette continued to watch in curiosity as the ship landed. Soon the ramp to the ship was down and the expected boy began walking out. At his hard look her way, she felt a little uncomfortable, turning her gaze from him. Why did he give her that look? She hadn't done anything wrong. She looked up to her master and standing on her tip toes went to ask him something quietly, "Is his family not going to come out to greet you, Master?"

Luke chuckled and placed a hand on her shoulder, "No. It has already been discussed. His parents stayed behind and he came on his own. We wish to get the boy settled in quickly so that tomorrow his training can begin. That wanted a quick goodbye to allow him to do so and that means him taking the journey here on his own." The old man approached the boy, meeting him half way and drawing him in a hug, smiling down at him, "It's good to see you, Ben." Luke said to the the boy with a smile and a nod. He could tell with one look at his nephew that the boy clearly didn't want to be here. But, he understood his sister's worries and why she wanted her son to stay with him and be trained. He was sure that sooner or later the boy would grow use to all this and hopefully come to enjoy training. After all, training at first and leaving everything behind was never easy. It hadn't been easy for him when he had left Tatooine and it hadn't been easy for young Odette to be left here either. Yet, after the initial sadness and worries, he had come to enjoy his Jedi training, and so had Odette the longer she was here.

Thinking that reminded him. He hadn't introduced the girl yet, had he? He supposed his sister nor Han would have told Ben of the other padawan that lived here as well. He glanced over to the girl, who at this moment was still standing where he had left her a few feet back, looking between Luke in the boy in curiosity. This made him chuckle a little. The girl was so sheltered here, having living here with him for most of her life, she hadn't seen another person besides himself in many years, so seeing another person was probably intimidating and exciting for the girl all in one, "This is Odette Kenobi." The girl blinked in surprise, drawing her attention from the looking between the two of them to look to her Master and slowly and hesitantly make her way over, "She has been training here with me for a few years now." The girl by this time made it over to them to stand beside him and Luke placed a hand on her shoulder, "I have a feeling she can surely help you get adjusted here and maybe even help you to understand some of the basics of the Force in your time together."

Odette looked up to her master in confusion, as he hadn't mentioned that to her before. She was going to helping with this boy? But, she was still in training herself. Yet, she supposed what he was doing here did make sense. She was close to the boy's age so perhaps he would be more comfortable that way. And it wasn't like she was actually going to be teaching him. More of a peer tutor she supposed. Either way though, when introduced the blonde looked to the boy, giving a polite nod and a small "Hello" in greeting to him.

[Renny]

Ben Solo

Uncle Luke's hug felt suffocating, overwhelming so. Mostly because of the feeling that drifted off of him. In his entire life he hadn't known anyone other than uncle Luke who held such a presence. It spoke volumes but only in whispers, it glowed bright and whipped out gently with intangible tails. Whenever he drew near his uncle, he always felt warm...

It was hard not to grasp his uncle back in turn. He had tried to remain irate with his mother for sending him away. As well as utterly pissed at his father for... well not being around much. But not even that resentment could keep him from embracing his uncle. For a long pause his arms remained at his side, then slowly he reached up, chuckled youthfully, and hugged him back.

"I knew you were here before the droid," he started.

He took a step away as he pondered the emotions and experience. "I could feel you ... kinda. It was like, simply knowing. I just knew it was you and I just knew you were here. You're very... bright." He told his uncle with a smirk.

As let the feeling enter his guarded heart, he noticed a similar feeling reaching through him. His eyes fell onto Odette as he followed its line to the source. So she was like Luke too, only a embarrassingly smaller mote. Ben chuckled and the wind brushed across his person. He readjusted his bag on his shoulder as his Uncle recounted his history with the girl.

She's connected to the Force huh? Not as if I understand what it means. But... she makes me nervous for some reason.

Solo stepped up, his face just as tense and sculpted as when he left the ship. The field grew quiet around him and he was forced to measure the moments by his beating heart and not some natural sound or phenomenon. He felt that if his uncle had not been around that he wouldn't had paid her any mind, that he wouldn't had even noticed her connection to what many had called a "myth".

But he knew it wasn't, he was connected to that great essence himself. He felt its ethereal touch in all and knew that it was real. Lately though, he'd been fearful of it. Either way, it wasn't the place to recount the many times he had grasped the Force in anger on accident. So he quickly pointed out a flaw in the girl to get his awkward pause forgotten. He looked at her wondrous blonde hair and radiant bold eyes before deciding that her appearance wasn't a choice.

"You're connected to the Force?" he pointed out. "I suppose if uncle Luke decided to take you in that you must be worth something. I wonder how long it'll take me to catch up?" He stood there, staring into her eyes as if to issue an unspoken declaration. "Oh and by the way, the name's Ben. Just, Ben," he added out of habit.

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

Did this...did this boy just try to take a jab at her? He was making fun of her. Right then and there Odette decided that she didn't like this boy. At all. How could someone as...arrogant as him be trained to become a Jedi? Jedi were about peace and calm, and there was nothing that said Jedi about this boy. Standing up straight now, the young girl looking back into this boy's eyes, defiance clear in them as she spoke back to him, "Quite a while with that attitude of yours. Even if you are strong with the Force as your uncle tells me, you clearly know nothing and have no talents in the Jedi way."

By now, Luke placed a hand on the their shoulders, giving them a small squeeze as a silent warning, "Enough you two. Being at arms when meeting one another will not do anyone any good." He looked to Ben, "We will start with training tomorrow young padawan. Today we will rest and allow you to get accustomed to your surroundings." He looked to Odette and nodded to her, "Lead him to our home. I will go fetch some things for dinner tonight."

"Yes Master." She said, giving a nod and then looked to Ben, nodding for him to follow her, walking back into the woods, hopping over the fallen trees and ducking under branches, just as she had done on the way to the clearing. The tension from the moment before was still in the there and she clearly wasn't happy. But, Master Luke was right. No reason to harbor bad feelings toward one another right after meeting. They were going to be spending quite a bit of time together and she would rather it not be them butting heads the entire time.

Soon they had come upon a clearing small than the one Ben's ship had landed in. In this clearing was a small hut of a house and on the side of the house was a small garden where they grew their food. It was a simple and self sustaining life, one that had done she and Master Luke well. And now would be the life Ben would live until further arrangements were made by Luke, "I know it's small and not much." Odette stated, glancing over at Ben, finally speaking since they had left Luke in that clearing, "But it works at keeping us safe and healthy. Luke spoke off possibly building another place, not too far off from this area. Where we could have more room to have other padawans come. We will have to one day after all, if we are to re-establish the new Jedi Order. But, until then, this is home."

Despite what anyone else thought of this simple life, Odette enjoyed it. It was peaceful and gave her plenty of room to mediate and focus on the Force because there were no distractions. Not in a life like they lived anyway. She wouldn't trade this way of life for the world.

Walking into the small home, she made her way through the halls and to one of the few rooms in the home, opening up the door, "This will be your room. My room is next door. And Master Luke stays down the hall." She gestured to the back of the home, "That way is the kitchen and dinning area. As well as the sitting room." She looked back to him and gave him her best smile, an attempt to cheer him up a little bit, "It's not so bad here. I think you'll come to like it in time once you get used to things. For now, if you have any questions and Master Luke isn't around to answer them, you can ask me. I may not have all the answers, but maybe I can be a little helpful at the very least."

She shrugged slightly, "I guess that's really it for now. I'll let you go rest. Unless there's something else you wanted to know or see?" She asked, giving him the option for now to choose what he wished to do, whether it be to just be alone or see more of the surrounding areas, learn more about the Jedi, or anything else that might come to mind. Whatever it might be, it was up to him and she would do her best to be a good host until Master Luke returned.

[Renny]

Ben Solo

Ben repelled her words with indifference and silence. He always had a problem with his temper and already he could feel it building. It was probably best to try and be atleast a little, civil with her. At home he was use to getting his way but already he could tell that things would be different here. Uncle Luke calmed the two of them before it went any further, which was a good thing.

Odette started towards the brush and Ben couldn't help but watch his uncle disappear first. It felt like deja-vu. Watching him leave he could see his own father's back disappearing into a sturdy metal haul. If he felt any animosity he kept it to himself. A sigh let out all the emotion before he trailed behind her.

In the midst of the quiet, he thought about the word his uncle had used earlier. "Padawan". Something about the word felt like a starting line. It wasn't just a word, it held some kind of power. It wasn't like he knew it from before or anything, it just felt significant to him. Ben decided then that pondering on that word for too long would only cause Odette to think him absent-minded. It was better to leave her with the impression he had begun, that he was untouchable, if not cold.

As they entered the hut situated in the small field, Ben smiled. The simplicity of it all was invigorating. Back at home everything seemed so grand and busy, being here would be a nice change. As they stopped between two rooms, Ben went ahead and dipped his head into both of them. One was so obviously her's. With a smirk and small chuckle he walked into the room that she said was his, listening to her the whole while. Admittedly, he purposely looked to be ignoring her by fiddling with the few objects in the spacious room.

He stopped with the bed between her and himself, the sunlight from the window-like opening speared around him like laser-fire. For the first time since exiting the ship, he let the bag slip from his shoulder and relax. He rolled his shoulders before pushing down the bed; it was harder than what it was use to. Looking up, he stared as Odette as she attempted to assure him. He felt his brows lift in surprise and his mouth open ever so slightly. The next moment and he was back to normal, his expression of being unimpressed renewed on his face.

She's trying," he told himself. That's far more than I can say for my own father. More than I can say for most of the people in my life.

He started abruptly, if not in mid-sentence, "Earlier, back in the field, I'm sorry about what I said. This life seems... okay, I guess, but understand something, I'm mad about something else. Not that I'm here." He rubbed his earlobe again as he approached her, hearing himself apologize felt wrong.

"Today, I just want to get some sleep. Get some thinking done y'know? Tomorrow though, I'd like it if you showed me around... you and uncle Luke I mean."

He smiled at her kindly before closing the door swiftly. The instant it was shut, he placed his back against it and sunk low to the ground, he brought his knees into his chest and held them tightly. How he felt about everything suddenly flooded him and for the most part, it was betrayal and anger. A tinge of hope painted his heart but it was swallowed by the anxiety soon afterwards. He was basically tossed into foreign lands with so much as a goodbye from his father.

His hand balled into a tight fist on his knees. ... I-I can do this! I won't cry for him or myself.

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

For a moment, she thought maybe her smiling at him and at least trying to be pleasant might have helped to get him out of this grouchy mood he seemed to be in. But, just as quickly as the surprised look had come onto his face, it fell, turning back into that indifferent expression he had been wearing since she had first been introduced to him. Why was he so angry with her? It wasn't like she had done anything wrong or anything to make him so. She frowned now at that expression. She sighed and was about to walk out of the room to just leave him be, when he spoke up suddenly and she turned back to him, listening to what he had to say.

Apparently it wasn't her that he was mad at as she had thought. He was mad about something else. And now that she thought about it, she could possibly guess just what that thing was that he was upset about. It was his first day here, and from the look he had on his face when he had arrived, he probably didn't want to be here in the first place. It clicked in her mind and she somewhat understood why he was so angry. He felt forced to be here and abandoned by whoever had sent him here, his parents she would assume.

At his apology, Odette nodded slightly, "I over-exaggerated. I shouldn't have gotten angry so quickly. I apologize as well." She watched him approach her and then, heard his decision on what he wanted to do. She took a step back as the door was shut and stood there a moment, as if she wanted knock back on the door and get him to open up so she could say something. But didn't know what. And so, after a moment she finally sighed and walked back next door to her own room, sitting with her legs criss crossed on the floor, her eyes closed and her breathing deep and steady as she tried to meditate.

But anger was thick in the air.

Anger and fear swarmed the house and it was hard to focus. Normally her times of meditation were peaceful and filled with pure feelings. But these feeling that surrounded everything at the moment were no where close to that. And it wasn't coming from her, meaning it was coming from Ben. She had been told he just wanted to be alone right now and she tried to respect that and tried to ignore it and let him go through his emotions on his own since he seemed to want to be alone at the moment. The feelings were hard to ignore and were suffocating, making her meditation time far from peaceful.

Finally, after what felt like a long time, Odette felt the presence of her Master enter their home again and she opened her eyes, making her way to where he was starting to prepare dinner. She approached him, opening her mouth to speak her worry, when he spoke first,

"I sense it too, young one."

Odette stopped in front of him and frowned, "Master, these feelings of anger and fear...even hate. They aren't good. If he continues to have those feelings something terrible could happen."

"Fear and hate, " Master Luke began with a nod, "Are not good at all. You are correct. Master Yoda himself once said that fear leads to anger, and anger leads to hate. And hate leads to suffering. And all of those things lead to the dark side." At the girl's wide eyes, he chuckled and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Relax, my young padawan. Ben is far from the Dark Side. Those feelings he has right now are merely effects of the sudden change. It will take time, but such feelings will pass." He went back to fixing the dinner, "For now, have you tried to go someplace quieter? Perhaps the trail? It would help to calm your nerves."

The trail was indeed peaceful and always filled her with serenity any time she went on it. It woudl do her some good if she took a walk up it. She nodded and gave a slight bow, "I will try that. Thank you, Master." With that, she was walking back to her room to grab her saber, and once she had, walked out, only to pause. Perhaps...she should invite Ben? If the trail, with its scenic route and fresh air, tended to help her with her own emotions, then surely it could help Ben at least a little bit? Perhaps. But the only way to find out was if she invited him and he accepted.

Walking up to his bedroom door she paused before knocking lightly, speaking up, "Um...Ben? I'm taking a walk. Up a trail. It's very nice and peaceful. If you would like you could come along?"

[Renny]

Ben Solo

He calmed himself once he felt his uncle return. The warmth in the hut became near suffocating to him suddenly. When he did attempt to overcome his feelings, it became more bareable. He stood up from the door and made himself look busy just in case his uncle had decided to check in on him. Finding his bag near the bed where he left it, he dug through nylon material and pulled out a framed photo of his mother and a younger him. He believed he was maybe six or seven in that picture.

The memory was still fresh in his head. She had taken there to see the rose fields on the planet they were visiting. For some reason she was exceptionally happy and that in turn made him happy. The wide grins on their faces showed the joy they held in that moment perfectly. As he trailed the sterling frame with his index finger, he wondered what she was doing. If she was still working as usual.

I hope See-Threepio reminded her to eat. Knowing that nagging pile of gold, he's probably pestering her now.

The noise in the hut soon grew quiet... all except for the echo of soft footfalls. He turned his head towards the door before a knock resounded from it; expecting to hear his uncle. To his dismay, it was only Odette. Her voice sounded hesitant to him, as if she was nervous as to what his answer would be. He could understand why, cause he was tempted to tell her to buzz off.

However, a peaceful walk would do him some good. Perhaps it would let him think clearly and actually get his mind off of Han.

He paused so that his thoughts could settle before going to open the door. As it swung towards him, he stepped to the side to block his room from view. The picture he had just put up wasn't up for show. He didn't want her snooping around his room; looking for clues about his struggle. Out the corner of his eye, randomly, he caught the sight of a silver handle in her hand.

"You're kinda pushy, Odette..." He told her, looking through the short curls of his raven hair with a stern gaze. "But yea, I don't mind walking with you. What? you scared to go alone or something?" he teased as he walked passed her.

His boots pounded the floor louder than he thought. Ben noticed Luke in the room; underneath the contrast of light and shadows he looked... different. His aged face exuded strength, even though gray hair peppered his face. And underneath the brown robes Ben could tell his uncle was fit. The young Solo acknowledged his uncle's return with a short lift of his hand before stepping outside and waiting for Odette to catch up.

"Don't get me lost, Odette."

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

And there he went again with that attitude and that stern gaze as he spoke to her. Pushy? She wasn't pushy. She gave him some alone time, didn't she? She let out a heavy sigh as he walked around her, "No, I just thought you might want to get out of that stuffy room and get some fresh air. I don't need you to come anywhere with me. I am more than capable of taking care of myself." She clarified in a sort of matter-of-fact tone, hooking her saber to her side as she followed him out the door. This was going to be a very trying period if he continued to belittle her as he was doing. He would sure test her patience and tendencies to try to keep things positive that was for sure.

"Won't get us lost. I know this trail like the back of my hand, so as long as we stay on it we will be just fine. It loops all the way back around to our home so there is no issue there." She said as she continued down the trail in silence. This was the trail she herself always took to the more peaceful and scenic areas, which were perfect for her meditation. Or in her rare free times, good for a hike to clear the mind. They got to a river that cut through the trail and with much practice she began walking across a fallen tree as though it were a bridge, until she reached the other side.

Now, just up ahead next to the trail, was a small lake with grassy areas all around. Once they had reached there, she let out a soft sigh and sat in the grass, criss crossed once again, closing her eyes. The wind lightly blew over them and air was fresh here, allowing her a peaceful and calming place to meditate. Though after a moment of sitting there like that in silence and taking deep breaths, she opened her eyes and turned her head to look at him, "You're still angry. I can feel it. It's almost smothering. So much so that anyone near you that is tuned to the force can feel it and be swallowed by the emotions themselves, blocking out any good feelings."

She took another deep breath and looked out to the lake, "I understand though. It's not easy, being forced to stay in a place you know nothing about and train to be something that many people thought and still think, are just myths. It leaves you sad. Angry. Bitter. To tell you the truth, I wasn't much different for a while in my first little while of being here. There was even times, There were times, when I was a little younger, that I would try to run away into the forest, just to get away from all the training. But, after realizing how hard it was out on my own, I was always come back, expecting to be yelled at or reprehended. Yet, he never did. He was always so calm and very forgiving, talking to me and trying to understand rather than making me feel bad about myself. He always tells me that compassion is the heart of a Jedi and that he tries to model that in everything he does. He's very wise."

Looking back over at him once more, she shrugged, "I suppose, what I'm trying to say is, it's okay to feel that way sometimes, to feel sad and angry. It's what makes you human. But, don't let it rule your life and how you treat people." She made an attempt to give him another smile, "Besides, in my opinion, I'd much rather feel compassion and happiness than anger or sadness any day."

She looked back to the lake, though there was a slightly amused look on her face now, making a joke out of what he had called her earlier, "Okay, my lecture is done. Feel free to call me pushy again."

[Renny]

Ben Solo

Odette had claimed to know the trail like the back of her hand. Ben believed her. But he was having a hard time giving her even a inch of insight. He didn't want anyone close to him, not even Luke. All he had wanted was his mom, his home, and his planet back. They weren't around him anymore and that could have been his excuse for being emotional but the truth was, being emotional was the reason he was sent there.

If he spoke openly to himself than this was the perfect time to get it under control. Maybe if he gave his training an actual shot... He looked over at Odette as she walked than. A good few feet behind her, he doubted she'd noticed. A hand fell into his trouser pocket as he did, his eyes staring intently at the veil of blonde hair that hid her face. So far she seemed a bit spunky, stubborn too but most of all she was kind.

Ben shook her out of his head as they came across a thick piece of lumber. She crossed it skillfully, with a practice that was near impressive. Once across, he started on it himself. The piece of wood wasn't nearly as wide as he had thought. His boots started to slip near the end, causing him to fall to one knee.

He didn't even think about looking down, he only saw the end of the crossing in front of him. He wobbled up to a stand before hurrying to the other side. Once there, he glanced over at the somewhat daring fall below. It wasn't life-endangering but it would hurt if he fell into the small stream. He sensed the sharpened and edged stones beneath. Odette hadn't even thought about warning him, she only continued on.

They reached a lakeside field soon afterwards. He strood across the dark green grass, the trees that lined the area was full and short compared to the ones he was use to. They were turning dull now, rusting. Odette sat down in the field as soon as she got there. The young Solo took a few steps ahead of her as she did, looking around and taking in the environment. He was getting ready to venture towards the water when Odette spoke about his anger.

She was right. The walk had done little to quell his mind but it had become a mometary distraction.

The young Solo kept his back to her as she spoke. His anger was building for the most part of her speech. His fist clenching tightly. It was eerie that she had known how he felt. Then again, it was the same way with him. Whatever the "Force" was, it guided him to answers that he didn't know. Lately however, he had only felt an intense malice.

The wind carried his relief as the rest of her speech calmed him. She was empthatizing not invading, that made all the difference to him. Maybe he could learn a few things from her.

Ben turned around, walked towards her, and plopped down near her wordlessly. His leg was outstretched beside her while the other was bent; he propped his hand against the grass behind him while the other nervously itched at the back of his neck. He stared at the ground for several long seconds before finally looking up at her.

"Thanks for the pick-up, Pushy." It was ridiculous to try wit with her. He just didn't have the charm for it or so he thought.

"So if we're done making me feel better, why don't you tell me a little about the Force. I'm hoping to get something out of this little walk, even if its just another lecture from you. Besides... I like how bright you and uncle... I mean master Luke are, its nice."

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

Yesterday had been a long day for Odette. At first it had been a little...frustrating to say the least. To have someone picking at her and trying to get a rise out of her. But she believed it had ended on a good note. She had managed to talk to him a bit while on that way, not only making him feel a little better it seemed, but also telling him some things about the Force to get him started and ready for today's lesson he would have with Master Luke. She didn't know what kind of things Master Luke would be doing with him. From what Luke had told her, everyone's training was always different, changed to fit the person and what they needed to work on. She was curious to see just what the Master would have have the newest addition to their small Order do.

She was awake the next morning, bright and early, meditating once more to get ready for the day to come and once she had her few moments of peace, got up and made her way from her room to find Master Luke meditating as well. She had learned long ago that the silence and focus of doing so first thing in the morning helped get one to a fresh and good start for the day. She had started doing so after seeing Luke do this, and had found the benefits in doing so were great. It was habit for her now, though Luke often meditated for far longer than she always did. She knew her attention span and focus while meditating needed work, but it was something she was slowly working on.

As always, she waited silently there, until finally he seemed to finish and stood up, looking to her, "Good morning, Odette. I see you are ready for training. Is Ben up as well?"

Odette looked back down the hall, then over to her Master once more, "I'm not sure. If he is awake he hasn't come out of his room yet. Perhaps he is not used to being up so early? Should I go wake him, Master?"

Chuckling Luke nodded, "It would be best. He needs to get used to the schedule of being up on time for training."

With that, Luke was heading outside to get ready for the two padawans' training, while Odette walked over to Ben's room. She remembered her first time having to wake up so early for training. If he wasn't awake already and was really still sleeping, this surely was not going to get her on his good side. But it had to be done. And so, she knocked on the door, speaking to him, trying to not be too loud, nor too soft either, "Ben? Master Luke told me to wake you. Training will begin soon."

[Renny]

Ben Solo

Odette's voice slid through the close door, her knock was the soft beginning of her voice. The night before was...enlightening. Spending time with her, learning from her; it gave him a glimpse of the possible peace that he could obtain there. He had slept very little that night, battling with his dark and light elements respectively. From hating Han, to love his mother, to admiring his uncle, to feeling intense interest in Odette.

He turned to look at the door, the sturdy cushion he laid head on sunk in response. Solo felt her behind the door, felt her caution. She was very aware of how sensitive he could be. That bothered him slightly.

"I'm up." he answered her softly.

Not a second went by since his arrival had he not felt the light baring down on him. Along with an expensive hole barreling inside ever further, a dark spire if he had to put a form to it. Ben sighed as he sat up and twisted his body off the edge of his bed. The floor was chilly to him and his toes felt tingly. Minutes went by as he cleaned his face, pondered his place, and dressed himself.

He pulled open the door to his room, checked his cream short-sleeved shirt, took a look at the blue trousers he wore.

Luke felt his nephew's conflict and it pained him to think that he may fall. However, he was determined to never let that happen. Just as their was a lot of Vader in him, their was also a lot of Anakin in him as well. The light and dark melded inside him, they fought for control. Though he remained perfectly peaceful I the force as he stood up, he thought,

Han and Leia hasn't made this any easier for me.

"Good Morning, Ben. Today is your first step, you ready? he asked the boy as he entered the room.

Ben was rubbing the back of his neck as he strode inside. "Who knows, I'm just going to dive head first into this. And hope that my parents made the right decision to send me here."

Luke took his response in but didn't assure him. He knew it would do little comfort the confused boy. He smiled before sweeping his hand onto a round, primitive table and picking up dark, earthen robes. "Those clothes will do you no good here. From here on out, these will be your clothes. Its a symbol for the Jedi and when others see you, they will know your place in the Force."

Solo takes the clothes and with a raised brow asked, "I'm wearing sleepwear for a uniform?"

With a chuckled Luke placed his hands onto the sash on his waist. "Sleepwear? You have much to learn, Young Solo."

Ben glanced over at Odette. "I know a bit more than you might think," he said cryptically before heading back to change his clothes.

Luke stepped towards the door once Ben had left. "Odette, once he comes back meet me outside. I have to gauge his limits in the Force. We'll start off with the rock test. Do you remember it? Meet me there."

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

Odette couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her at his mention of how the Jedi robes looked like sleep wear, though put her hand over her mouth to hide the giggle, yet it didn't stop Luke from noticing and giving her a look when she did, yet she knew from his chuckle even he at least found it silently funny himself. When Ben left to go change, she looked to Master Luke and smiled, nodding when he mentioned the Rock Test. Oh yes, she remembered it well. When it came to levitating objects and using the Force, Odette had always been more skilled with that than she was with using the saber and fighting.That was why a lot of her own training was revolved around her saber because it was where her skills lacked.

Her first time with the rock test had still been difficult, though she had managed to at least move it a good distance before it had dropped heavily back to the ground. Now it was much easier for her, but she also had years of practice and skill to help her out with that too. She waited patiently by the rock for Ben to come out after changing into the Jedi robes and once he had, Master Luke began speaking, a smile on his face,

"Now, Ben, we will start you off with a few tests to see how your abilities with the Force are so far. This first test is very simply called the 'Rock Test'. I just want to see how far you can move the boulder using just the force. Odette will demonstrate for you and then once she is done, you can give it a try." He looked to the girl and nodded, "Odette, you may go ahead."

With a small smile and a nod, she looked over to make sure Ben was watching and once she saw he was, she turned to the boulder and took a deep breath in and out, honing in on the Force and calling herself to put all of her focus on the boulder. Once she was perfectly relaxed and unaware of many of the distractions around her, she reached her hand out, putting that focus on the boulder. The giant object began to shake and temple before lifting a good few inches from the ground. She wasn't nearly as good as Luke was with this, and clearly struggled somewhat with the amount of concentration it took, but as also very skilled with it, much more so than someone her age should be, as told to her by Luke.

After she had moved the boulder a good distance she let it drop and let out a heavy sigh before smiling again and looking to Luke. Master Luke smiled back at her and then looked to Ben, "Now, it is your turn. Give it a try. Block out everything else and put all of your focus on trying to move the boulder."

[Renny]

Ben Solo

The wind tasseled his hair swiftly, its whistle fading into the west eddies shortly afterwards.

Ben looked at Odette with a gentle smirk. He had to admit to himself that what she did was impressive, if not entirely mind boggling. Earlier, while she lifting the rock with the utmost concentration, he had nearly lost his marbles watching her. His lips had parted and his eyes were wide with wonderment. But of course, he couldn't let her see that. So he fixed his composure as soon as he caught himself gawking.

Luke's calm words were more or less insane. If he hadn't just witnessed Odette doing it herself, he would had told him to quite joking with him. However, he had seen her. Seen the Force in action. It was undeniably true now, every feeling, every ounce of strength that bubbled, every worrisome thought that his parents ever had about him... it was all... all justified.

He has too much, Vader in him...

Wrapped in his dark earthen robes, Ben confidently strode forwards, his hands were holding his black sash tightly.

"If that's all I have to do I'll be done before you can say padawan," he boasted to himself. He shot looks towards an assuring Luke and smiling Odette.

He rolled his shoulders and shook his hands of his anxiety. Alright, Ben, easy peasy. All you have to do is make a giant rock float with your mind. How hard can that be?

The air on the planet blew harshly then just as quickly came to stale still. Ben let out a hollow breath as he eased his heart and sharpened his concentration. Zoning in on the boulder was... difficult. Trees and ants, the air even became obstructions. They were all linked to this ethereal power known as the Force. He saw branches that interwined with each and every thing else around him. At first he was hesitant.

The young Solo took a long and drawn-out minute to admire the black and white concept. When he felt comfortable going on, he aimed towards the boulder and captured it in a mighty, powerful fist. Only, it wasn't his own. It was one much larger, a magical limb, an extension of his will that could do the impossible. He lifted his hand... and felt energy being sapped away instantly. Ben's breath lept than fell as a mass of exhaustion fell on his shoulders.

Why am I so tired? Odette seemed fine, he thought. Am I that weak? Come on, Ben, be better!

As his emotions grew, a steady but slow stream of energy filled in the missing ponds. Slowly his left arm were rising into the air, he was pushing against a weight that felt like too much. He felt sweat falling down his face too. When he felt he knew he could lift no more, he opened his eyes and looked upon the stone boulder. Resting near the head of large tree, it float. Pieces of dirt trinkled down and hit the floor weakly. He smiled at the the height he had accomplished.

absent-mindely he snapped his head towards Odette.

"Seems like I'll become a Jedi before you? Can you see thi-" A moment of weakness swept over him like a fog and interrupted his gloating. His legs wobbled, buckled, than forced him kneel.

Ben expected to here the loud, crackling boom of the boulder hitting sediment but he didn't.

Instead he witnessed Luke's hand extend towards the boulder with ease. It seemed the aged man was effortlessly doing what it took all his strength just to accomplish.

"Exemplary, Ben. You have a massive amount of potential and a connection to the force unlike anything I've seen. But, you drew on emotions to lift this as high as you did. That is a dangerous thing to do. Tapping into dark feelings can be more dangerous than any lightsaber or Force power."

Ben shied away from his uncle's retorts, a scowl quickly forming on his face.

"...At least, that's what my old master would have said. You and Odette, from here on out you're my precious padawans. I'm going to teach you how to tap into the Force safely and Odette, your training is going to be getting even tougher from here on out." Luke was quite for a short while. "I just had a very pleaseant vision that involved the two of you. So here's the situation... two years. The both of you will be training for two years before I start seeking others like yourselves. This way you two can help me give the Jedi Order a rebirth." Slowly, Luke lowered the rock onto the ground and lowered his arm to his side.

Ben felt too tired to stand so he rolled onto his back and looked up at the sky, listening intently.

"Odette, your kindness and strength of heart will guide the new generation gently... Ben... You're fiery disposition and competiveness will give them something to strive towards. Together, the three of us will bring the Jedi Order back to the Republic. Your training starts today, right now... And Ben, enough resting. Your new life starts now as well."

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

Three Years Later

The feeling aboard the Mon Calamari class transport was one of uncharacteristic jubilance amongst the Jedi, many of whom had not been off-world in some time, let alone ever visited a world quite like Coruscant. To Odette’s recollection, the old Jedi Temple had not had a living Jedi step foot in it for decades. The planet gleamed through the cockpit window, where Odette tried to watch the approach behind two New Republic pilots who had been chartered to ferry the entirety of the Jedi Order to the ancient temple, but the other padawans were excited and quickly moved as well, not leaving much room to see.

In the prior three years, Ben and Odette had become close as friends and as Master Luke’s senior students had become responsible for directing the other students. None of the other students had constructed a lightsaber, the others lacking the knowledge and Odette and Ben lacking the kyber crystal necessary to construct one. The only reason she herself had a light saber was because it had belonged to her grandfather long before her and had been given it when she first arrived to train with Master Luke at the young age of seven. But it still wasn't 'hers'. She hadn't made it. And as much as she treasured her grandfather's saber, she wanted the honor of making one of her own.

Outside of Odette and Ben, there were 7 other padawans training under Master Luke, three of which were human, a Mon Calamari, a Rodian, and a Twi’lek. All were bright and exceptionally talented, and after their initial adjustment period, had proven to be dedicated and willing to learn. Odette had to admit it was nice to have company, although it was nice that it was just Master Luke, Ben, and herself in the first smaller home and the remainder stayed in another that was constructed when more Jedi were going to be initiated into the Order. Master Skywalker had trained the others well, but Odette always had the impression there was much missing from their training. Most of what Luke was teaching was based off of the training he’d been taught through Master Yoda and her grandfather, both of whom perished before Luke could complete his training. While he was by far the most talented and knowledgeable Jedi alive, Odette could often sense his frustration from not having all the answers. Coming to Coruscant had many motives for the Jedi Master; if there were any answers or secrets of the Jedi to be found, it would be hidden somewhere in the Temple’s halls.

Making room for the other padawans to have a look at the rapidly approaching planet, Odette returned to the common area where she’d found Ben. She wondered if he was excited about all of this as she was. When she had heard they were going to be heading off planet to take a visit to the old Jedi Temple on Coruscant, she was more than excited. For the first time since she was seven years old she would finally get to go see another planet. The sixteen year old girl was ecstatic and of so ready to get there.

The question that was in the back of her mind as they made the trip though, was why? Why were they heading to the old temple? Was there something there that the Master was searching for? Or was it just a trip for them to experience the old temple first hand and see even just a glimpse of what the old Order might have been like. Some of the other padawans had been whispering about the idea that maybe Luke was getting ideas to build a new temple on their own planet. It was an interesting idea, and who knew, maybe there was some truth to it. After all, with the growing numbers of padawans they really did need a proper area to train and better their skills.

She continued to think this over, book in hand as she sat at one of the tables. Before the planet had been in sight she had been reading silently. Knowledge was a gift that she did not take for granted and often in her free time was never found with out a book, learning about something new. But right now, she was too excited to read and so was joining Ben where he was. Ben had in the past three years become her best friend and he meant a lot to her. Even when the other padawans had showed up a year ago they had still remained closer than anyone else. They helped each other train and talked to each other when things got rough. Of course there were times of disagreement and frustration, as well as trying to show each other up in training, but it was a good friendship that she wouldn't trade for the world.

Smiling brightly, sat with him and spoke, "It's very exciting. I can't believe we're going to see the old temple. The very temple our grandfathers trained in." She began pulling her long blonde hair into a braid, knowing they would be landing soon and she didn't want it getting into her face during this first mission of theirs, "I hope we find something having to do with them. it would be really cool. Though I'm more excited than ever to go down to the old library. Who knows what they'll have down there. Maybe even some books to help us master more of the force, or even a history on the old Jedi Order."

Leaning forward a bit to whisper to him, she smiled, "I heard some of the other padawans speculating that maybe Luke is looking at the temple for references in building a temple of our own back home. Do you think its true?"

[Renny]

Ben Solo

Three years have passed. Three long years. I still can't believe it sometimes. Master Luke, Odette, the Jedi... All of it. We're all one underneath the banner of the Force. Its crazy, over-the-top, and alluring all at the same time.

Ben felt the curls of his hair touch his face, his hands were atop the other on his lap as he sat in the common area. Though he appeared tense, the opposite was the truth. In the Force, he was as calm as he possibly could be. It was a battle that the Master and himself had been working on, tugging and pulling on his alignment in the Force. Now that he was older, Luke had explained it to him... to an extent. He could sense that the Master was holding something back, keeping a vital part of the truth from him.

The best way he could describe it to Luke was feeling trapped in a massive storm, gray and thundering. When he buried himself in serenity, found his center... he was at the calm, the eye was where he rested. When he found that place, he felt invincible.

That was rare though.

Ben was startled by Odette when she came in the room, it was obvious on his hardened, lean face. Tsk!

"Dammit, Odette. I thought you were the Master." he admitted with a tinge of worry.

Had Luke come in, Ben probably would have assumed he had felt his indecision in the Force. He raked his lengthy hair back uselessly, the strands fell back down quickly. Over the years he felt his attachment to her becoming stronger. She was everything he wasn't. Decisive, saintly, and beautiful in every way. As she sat down next to him, Ben leaned back against the steel to admire her slyly.

"If it is, we have a lot of work ahead of us," he told her, staring at her. "Can you even imagine how hard it'd be trying to build a temple? I can't even see it being feasible with just the three of us. The padawans aren't ready." He nudged his head towards the group of his gawking peers.

" Besides," he said, sitting up and leaning forward. "I'm not interested in dead people or books. Your grandfather, your legacy is worth diving into. Obi-Wan Kenobi; besides Luke he was the single most instrumental piece in bringing down the Empire. The great light of the Republic..."

He tightened his jaw at the unpleasant thought that bubbled to the surface next. His hair fell across cheeks and hid his ghostly expression; the cool light gave his pale skin an ethereal focus. "Mines however, is barely important. Anakin, what was he? some random Jedi who randomly flew ships? Luke doesn't speak about him much and my mom never mentions a thing him about at home. Hell, my pops is more known for his shady dealings than my grandfather being a Jedi. Why would-no why should I care about a faceless name."

The young Solo stood up, his wide sleeves hanging over his arms; his daunting height and slim build filled his earthen robes nicely. He felt angry all of a sudden, as if he wanted to lash out at the fragile ship with the force. However, he restrained himself from doing so upon seeing Luke standing in the door way, his trusty companion Artoo beside him, beeping and reprimanding him comically.

Ben chuckled. A few years ago he would have never thought he'd become such fast friends with a droid. "Oh hush before scrap you," he teased, rubbing at his earlobe as he did. "Are we almost there, Master?"

"It won't be too long now. I came back here to remind you guys to ready the others. Once we land, you two will be in charge of setting up camp."

Ben felt like he was lying but he went along with it anyway, at times, he felt like his Uncle and himself were keeping things from Odette. It was a mutual, silent, agreement to not speak on his obvious struggle. "Right, I'll leave that to Odette. I'm more of the defender type, not the babysitter type."

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

Odette frowned lightly as Ben began going on about how he barely knew anything about his grandfather and how he stated he didn't care about what his own grandfather had done in comparison of how her grandfather's history was worth diving into so to speak. She watched him as he stood up and opened her mouth to speak but didn't get the chance because R2-D2 beeped chiding at Ben. She could feel the tension in the room. She was not as keen as Master Luke was, but was still rather in tuned with the Force, and for some reason, very much so when it came to Ben.

She could feel his anger or sadness whenever it was getting to be too much. She hated it when he felt that way and whenever she did feel it, she would normally try to make an attempt in cheering him up if Master Luke wasn't around. But for the most part, whenever Master Luke was there, Ben's anger always seemed to go away and she wasn't sure if that was because Luke calmed him or if it was because the emotions were being hidden. Either way, she felt as though there was something there that neither of them would tell her during these time. But, she never pushed and never persisted. As long as everything was going okay and no one was getting hurt she was fine to leave people to their private emotions and feelings.

"What? Why do I have to do everything when it comes to the padawans?" She huffed in annoyance, crossing her arms, "I may be the only girl in this forsaken Order, but I'm no babysitter." Yet, she sighed in defeat, knowing she was more likely to watch after the others than Ben was anyway, "Fine." She said in exasperation as she walked into the next room where the other padawans were and stood up straight, speaking calmly to the other seven, three of which that were running around, two that were still looking out the window, and another two that were playing a game with a ball by throwing it back and forth using only the force to throw and 'catch' it at high speeds,

"Alright everyone." When she spoke, the ball the two had been shooting back and forth whipped past one of them and she caught it in her hand with fast reflexes and ease, tossing it back to the boy, who sheepishly looked at her as she spoke to him, "Remember what Master says about using the force to move objects. Focus and block out all distractions."

"I'm trying." The boy said with just the hint of a whine in his voice, making Odette grin,

"Do or do not--"

"There is no try." All the padawans seemed to say at the same time with grins on their faces. That saying was spoken many times by their Master, apparently words from the great and wise Master Yoda when Luke had trained with him. Those words were engraved into their brains and had somewhat become a joke between everyone after hearing it for so long. Odette wished she could have met the Masters of old. They had bee so full of wisdom and ways of the Force. Not that Master Luke was a bad Master, but it woudl have been nice to learn from others as well. More Jedi Masters meant more knowledge and more ways of learning the Force.

"Master Luke wants you all to prepare for landing. Sometimes landings are not very smooth, so I need you all to have a seat." Once they were all seated she nodded in approval, "Once we are all down on Corascant there is something you must remember. Corascant has been abandoned for may years and so some of the areas and buildings might not be stable. It is best to stay to areas the Master allows you to visit and to never go off without someone going with you and without either Master Luke, Ben, or myself knowing where you are going to approve. Master Luke will be letting us know what we can do first once we land."

With that, she nodded to them and moved back into the commons area to sit down once again. By now she felt the ship preparing to land and once it had smiled brightly, standing up, walking outside with Ben where they stood just outside of the temple with the other seven padawans, in front of Master Luke, who smiled at the nine of them, "I know you all are very excited to explore this Temple. And we will be exploring it soon, but there are some rules I must lay done before we head in. You all must travel with a partner for safety and stay with your partner at all times. Once camp is set up, I will give you all four hours to have an initial look around, but make sure you are back in those four hours, or else I will come looking for you. We will explore it more in depth tomorrow as well. I want you all to be on your best behavior and to not get into any trouble." It was clear all of the padawans were bubbling with excitement to check this place out. And so, they went straight to work with helping Ben and Odette setting up camp. With everyone's help it didn't take long to get it set up and the padawans of course the moment it was done went on to ask Luke if they could go explore now. After a pause he sighed and nodded with smile, "Well, go on then." With that, all the padawans were rushing off with their partners (and one group of three), Luke calling out to them to remember that they needed to be back at the ship in two hours before he himself headed off.

Odette smiled when Luke gave them the okay and soon had grabbed the sleeve of Ben's robe, laughing as she half dragged him into the halls of the temple, a huge smile on her face as he let him go and looked around, "Look at this place! To think, we're in the place that all the Jedi once trained and learned! It's even more amazing than I thought!"

[Renny]

Ben Solo

"Artoo, don't forget to anchor the ship."

The white and blue astromech beeped a slur of objections, arguing that he knew what to do.

Ben for the most part let Odette rally the kids as he followed the rolling machine to the front with Luke. His training wasn't only Jedi related, Luke had seen his interest in a multitude of stuff. And taught him plenty about what he could. Droids for instance was one of them. If needed, Ben could repair Artoo of minor disturbances. A jolt in his system or a risky wheel jumping. All of that was rather easy. If it was anymore difficult than fixing his exterior programming, then he was stumped.

He helped in his own way. Or at least attempted to. Luke preferred Artoo with him, it was a unspoken settlement that Ben just let be. The two of them had a connection that went beyond the Force. A connection like theirs could only be forged at the core of time and trust.

Once landed, Ben started off scouting the area. A quick look around for any beasts, monsters, or ill-feelings. There were a few animals but none that the Padawans couldn't handle without assistance. As he rounded the camp site, something in the Force hinted at the sky. But it was far off, not directly above. His eyes were guided to five spires. Five crumbling spires that loomed over the arches and structure of the decaying temple.

A brief flash of broke into his mind, sending a arc of pain down his spine. A figure draped in a dark, long cloak was marching up the temple's stairs, embers blazed behind him, children wails echoed horribly. His right eye was scared vertically... his presence commanding. An army of soldiers marched behind him with a terrifying force.

He weighted his feet to the ground and bared the sudden exhaustion.

"Was that the past? The Jedi Temple is cloaked in the Dark Side," he mumbled, waiting for his headache to ebb away.

It hadn't been long until he regrouped with the others, giving Luke the "okay" and catching Odette finalizing the pairs. Ben was certain his steeled countance had returned. Whatever vision he had seen had death written across it. Something horrible had happened on Coruscant, something irrevocable. One of the Padawans seemed intently focused on the ziggurat in front of them, more specifically down the massive, shadow filled hallway that was its entrance. Fear, or some kind of anxiety started to form in the youth.

Ben sighed, even though he battled with his own fears, he atleast had the ability to hide it... somewhat. The padawan beside him was just letting it bubble deep inside. He strode up to the side of the boy and roughly patted his head.

"No worries, Master Luke is here with us." His voice was barely audible as he continued on, leaving the youth those words.

The padawans hurried off to explore once the Master had released them. A greater group of them ran around the side, hollering for the others to keep up. A small group strode close behind Master Luke. He wanted to have a good idea of where they all went but Odette was excited as usual. She touched the sleeve of his robes and pulled him towards the gaping entrance of the Temple. The stairs brought back images of his vision. Behind her, hidden from view, he glanced at each individual step and relieved the frightening sight.

Once she let go, Ben couldn't help but gaze back at the steps. The sun claimed the entrance so brightly but whatever he had seen, spoke only of a dark past. He was so enthralled for a few seconds that he had completely missed what Odette had said and when finally turned to see her, he could only shrug his shoulders and continue down the hall towards the darkened and charred statues.

"I wonder what really happened here? Like, how it all unfolded. The Fall of the Jedi."

[AHeartlessNobody]

☾ ΟÐξΤΤξ ΚξΝΟβΙ ☽

When Ben spoke as they moved down the halls, she frowned slightly. This place was a great piece of history, but something that was indeed unknown for the most part was the downfall of the Jedi. Master Luke hadn't been told in detail how it had all taken place. She could assume it was a bloody ordeal, one of pain and suffering. She could imagine the young padawans running through the halls just as normal, only to be slaughtered unexpectedly. She herself was a mother figure for her the other padawans and the thought of someone ever daring to harm them made her heart sink in her chest. She could only imagine the grief Master Yoda and her own grandfather had felt in discovering their deaths.

Suddenly her positive out look on this trip turned into one that was solemn, looking about the halls quietly with a saddened gaze, "It must have been a horrible sight. All those padawans and their masters. You can even see some blaster marks upon the walls." She said with a deep frown, looking back to him, "Maybe there's a way we can find out more. Some writings. Or something else of the sort. Somewhere. Probably not here, but perhaps where Master Yoda himself once lived. Or on Master's old planet of Tatooine?" She let out a sigh and looked around the long halls once more, "Maybe someday we'll get to see all those places. But, for now I suppose we can learn what we can while we're here."

She had been oh so hoping to check out the library. Even if most of the books were gone, what if there was still a chance of there being a few books there? If she had to make a guess she would say that the library was likely on the lower levels. Whatever was down in the lower levels would probably have more interesting things besides the library as well, "We should check out the lower levels. I doubt any of the other padawans will go down there and this is our chance to find something interesting."

After looking about, she finally found a flight of stairs leading down and motioned for Ben to follow. The stairs would be their best bet, as she doubted any sort of elevators in the temple worked any longer. She began walking down the stairs, and step by step, she couldn't help but notice it getting slightly darker as they went down, the lights around them just bright enough for them to see where they were walking and not much of what was around them. Frowning, she thought for a moment before pulling her saber from her side and pressed the button on it, the blue beam coming from it with a buzz, the blue glow coming from it acting as a sort of light for them to see even more of what was around them. It was a mess down here more than it was up on the main level. More signs of what had happened here. She swallowed nervously and the further down they went, the more that sadness and fear because more prominent. Though she knew there was no danger anymore and that battle had long since ended, there was a heaviness in the air, causing a silence to fall over the two.

She could just imagine her own grandfather, coming into the temple to discover the mass of murdered Jedi through these halls. Imagine how he must have felt to see all of his friends, and even the younglings, fallen, and at the hands of his own padawan. While she had never met her own grandfather, she had respect for him, and his will to go on and do his duty as a Jedi after such a traumatic event was one of the reasons why. He had been a strong person and a great Jedi Master and some day she wanted to be like him. For now though, her thoughts weren't good and peaceful as they normally were. They had a twinge of anxiety and fear as she walked these halls. Yet she didn't know why.

Finally, a little while after they had gotten away from the stairs and down some of the halls, she gently gripped Ben's sleeve with her free hand, fingers trembling ever so slightly. Though she didn't want to admit it, something about this place sent a slight fear through her. She began speaking quietly, "Ben, do you feel the same thing I feel...? A tension and sadness...that can't really be explained. It's very...heavy."

[Renny]

Ben Solo

He disliked the dark turn her expression had taken. But he could only blame himself for that. His own worries must had seeped into her, sort of... corrupted her in a way. Ben thought to himself, that it was weird how he saw things sometimes. That in all honesty, it wasn't as serious has to call it corruption. But he couldn't help but feeling he could end up corrupting her, if he wasn't careful.

Than I'll be more careful, he thought sternly to himself.

Ben looked around at the ruined temple thoughtfully before responding, "The lower levels are gonna need to be explored anyway. Miles well be us, I suppose,"

He followed her along rather quietly, more or less thinking intently on the vision he had earlier. The man in it, the one draped in a cloak of shadows with a scar across his eye looked familiar. Like he had seen him many times before. Or, someone similar to him. Trying to get the man out his head was almost like finding peace in the light side of the force. Too troublesome to bother with. It was the powerful hum of Odette's lightsaber that seared him out the prison of thought.

Ben looked up, expecting to see danger but only witness a hall of darkness. He hadn't realized how dark it had gotten going down the stairs. As he traveled, he could feel a malice, no, a hunger gnawing at him. He lowered his lids in trepidation but fought back against the hesitance and followed Odette wordlessly. Once his foot fell off the last step and they had walked the halls just a bit, he sensed Odette's mote of light gray. He felt her fear, her anxiety in the air.

The young Solo was so intoned with his own, that he felt hers and knew perfectly what ailed her. So he stepped up beside her, a small gesture of assurance. He hoped that him being beside her would heal that dark feeling. They both couldn't be struggling; he hoped always that she'd be the light at the end of his tunnel.

When she gripped his sleeve, Ben wrapped his hand around hers and leveled at his side. "Yea," he answered with equal amounts of fear and anger. "I don't know why but I get the feeling this place is... This place is where the younglings were slain."

The moment he said that, images of same cloak man from before had appeared before him. A specter of sorts, walked down the hall and turned left into a sparking, broken opening. The door hinged on closing or opening, which way exactly, he wasn't sure. Ben took a step forwards. The specter vanished but not before taking another step towards the door. He was grounded where he was, sure that Odette hadn't seen this... this ghost.

"M-Maybe we should go back."