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Ben had a voice in his head.
The voice was not his own, and it was not his father's or mother's. He compared it to his uncle's and found it quieter, more calming, like wind through grass or the hum of the engines on his father's ship. It spoke to him always. It was with him always.
It was there when his parents fought outside his room at night. When the energy that resided in all things, the energy he could feel when he closed his eyes, was disrupted by the stress of his mother and the restlessness of his father. When he lay in the dark, listened to their hushed arguments, and cried.
Weak, it crooned.
It was there when his uncle ushered his parents into their room, looking over his shoulder at little Ben with wide eyes. When his father started shouting again and stormed out. When his mother explained that he was afraid of the Force.
They are afraid of you, it whispered.
It was there when his father left for the last time. When his mother passed him over to his uncle. When he was taken from his home and all he knew because he had been born with an unwanted power.
You are alone, it said.
It was there when he was tested. When his uncle, his master, looked at him once again with wide, cautious eyes and told him he was powerful. Told him he needed to be careful.
He's trying to weaken you, it snarled.
It was there when his uncle told him stories of his grandfather, voice straining to hide the emotion he battled with. When he learned of how powerful, how feared, how strong his grandfather had been.
Stronger than your uncle, it crowed. Stronger than the Jedi.
It was there when his emotions raged unchecked. When his interest in the Dark Side grew. When his uncle sensed the darkness in his heart and grew truly afraid.
What can the weak Jedi offer the heir apparent of Lord Vader? it hissed. I can make you stronger.
It was there when his master betrayed him. When his master's fear drove him into Ben's room in the dead of night. When the blue glow of his master's saber woke him from his restless sleep and Ben realized how foolish he had been to trust the Jedi.
They have betrayed you! it screamed. Show them your strength!
It was there when Ben stood atop the nearby hill, watching the flames devour his old school, listening to the screams of the weak with the stench of smoke and ruin in the air. When Ben left his past behind and was reborn. When he turned his back and chose a new name, as he would choose his own future - Kylo Ren.
My worthy apprentice, it purred. Come to me.
He did.