Kiro

Kiro was a Chuhkyvi from Iskalon. He was one of the few Iskalonians to leave his planet, accompanying Luke Skywalker on several adventures. Kiro was Force-sensitive, and learned some of the ways of the Force from Luke.

Young life
Kiro was born on Iskalon and was a member of The School. Kiro was known as a fierce warrior, fighting the dangerous Chiaki in the depths of the water world. During his battles, Kiro wielded a primitive sword to great effect. Kiro was also a proud supporter of Primor, the leader of the The School and all of Iskalon. Under Primor, The School planned to integrate itself into Galactic politics. Delegates from Iskalon were sent to Gamandar to negotiate a truce with the Galactic Empire after the Imperial fleet had subjugated several worlds within the system. Unfortunately, the Iskalonian representatives were murdered by the Empire. Kiro was shocked at the Empire's brutality, becoming a firm supporter of rebellion against the galactic government.

Kiro's feelings of animosity towards the Empire were echoed by many members of The School, including Primor. Primor decided to open up talks with the Rebellion. Representatives Lando Calrissian, Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, and Chewbacca were sent to the world to negotiate a possible alliance. The Rebels were also searching for their comrade Tay Vanis and hoped that The School could be of help. Kiro was ready for some action against the Empire and hoped that an alliance between The School and the Rebellion would come to fruition.

While Kiro waited for a final decision on a possible Alliance, he inadvertantly overheard a fellow Iskalonian named Kendle betraying the location of members of the Rebel Alliance to Imperial Admiral Griggor Tower. Realizing that one of his own was aiding the Empire, Kiro was thrown into a murderous rage, smashing Kendle's water helmet and leaving her to die. However, as Kendle struggled to get to water, an Imperial missile struck the planet, creating a monstrous tidal wave that threatened to destroy the underwater city of Pavillion. The enormous wave struck the city with tremendous force, submerging the entire area and inadvertantly saving Kendle from certain death.

Kiro was furious with Kendle's escape and resolved to track down the traitor. In his quest to find Kendle, Kiro encountered Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker. The Rebels were unaware of Kendle's treachery and had been trying to save her before the huge tidal wave had hit. After explaining that Kendle had betrayed them to the Empire, Kiro led the group to the surface, still searching for Kendle's whereabouts.

Back on the surface, Kiro surveyed the wreckage with the rest of the group. Pavillion had been totally destroyed, and Primor had been killed by the force of the water. Kendle approached the destroyed city to pay her respects, but Kiro once again tried to kill the Iskalonian. To avoid imminent death, Kendle fled from the murderous Iskalonian, diving into the water to avoid Kiro's wrath. However, Kendle was intent on more than just running, gathering a group of Iskalonians, and claiming that the Rebels were to blame for the destructive tidal wave. Led by Kendle, the angry mob came to the surface and prepared to kill Kiro and the two Rebels. Badly outnumbered, Kiro's helmet was struck by a blaster bolt, causing the young warrior to suffocate. The blaster shot cut into Kiro's face giving him a distinguishing scar that ran between his eyes and across the length of his face. To prevent Kiro's death, Luke and Leia forced him into the water. Unfortunately, at the same time, a dangerous Chiaki prepared to strike at the helpless trio. As the Chiaki lunged for the group, the Millennium Falcon arrived to save the day, killing the Chiaki and rescuing Kiro. The body of the dead Chiaki fell directly on Kendle, killing her instantly.

With Primor dead, and Pavillion in ruins, Iskalonian society was poised to fall apart. Primor's son, Mone became the new leader, and vowing to oppose the Empire, Mone asked Kiro to help him rebuild the Iskalonian way of life. Kiro readily agreed, becoming the official defender of Iskalon under Mone's leadership.

Planetary leader
With Mone leading the Iskalonians, The School began to adopt a different way of life. Leaving Pavillion as a monument to the dead, Mone declared that they would no longer deal with outsiders and The School began to live exclusively underwater. This new sentiment of isolation also caused the Isakalonians to adopt a fierce independence, threatening visitors to the world and attacking them if need be. Most visitors were pure scavengers and Kiro developed a seething hatred for them. After the Battle of Endor, the Alliance began to send out envoys to several worlds, inviting them to attend the First Conference of Free Peoples. Kiro's friend Luke Skywalker was sent to Iskalon to encourage The School to send a representative. Luke arrived on the planet to find Rik Duel, Chihdo, and Dani scavenging from the wreckage of Pavillion. Before Luke could chastise the group, he was attacked by a large group of Iskalonians who believed him to be another scavenger. Kiro recognized the Jedi and called off the attack but was furious with Luke for allying himself with scavengers.

Luke explained that he was there to request that the Iskalonians send a representative to Endor, but Mone was still adamant about remaining isolated from land breathers. Kiro pleaded with Mone to send a representative with Luke, as he had grown bored with his duties of warding off unwanted outsiders. Mone replied by saying that it was not what The School wanted and he demanded that Luke, Rik, Chihdo, and Dani leave immediately. Luke respected the Iskalonians wishes and prepared to leave. Kiro was upset with Mone's refusal, but his wish to see the rest of the galaxy was greater than his desire to stay within The School. Donning an ancient Iskalonian suit worn by Iskalonian travelers, Kiro asked Luke to take him with on his journies.

Because Luke did not have room on his X-Wing for an additional passenger, Kiro boarded Rik Duel's ship, the Moonshadow. As the group left Iskalon behind, The School came to the surface to watch the ships' departure. Mone was saddened by his comrade's choice, knowing how much Iskalon would miss it's beloved defender.

Member of the Rebellion
Onboard the Moonshadow, Kiro, alongside Rik Duel's gang, followed Luke to his next destination. The planet Shawken, a former stronghold of the Empire was experiencing freedom after the Imperial forces abandoned the planet following the Battle of Endor. Still campaigning for representatives to attend the First Conference of Free Peoples, Luke organized a meeting with the planetary leader, Santor. Kiro was happy to attend the meeting with Luke, but Rik and his gang opted to explore the planet's age-old catacombs instead.

At Santor's home, Kiro and Luke dined with the planetary leader, trying to convince him to send someone as an envoy back to the Alliance. As Luke told Santor the backgrounds of everyone in their group, he also let slip that Rik and his gang were basically paltry thieves. Kiro was outraged at the group's background, and surmising that the gang would probably try to steal from the catacombs, he left the meeting abruptly to stop Rik and his gang from commiting such dishonorable deeds.

Deep within the catacombs, Kiro confronted the group, who just as predicted were planning to steal several priceless relics. Kiro's do-gooder attitude irritated the gang, and Chihdo fired his blaster at the self-righteous warrior. Luckily, Chihdo's blast was way off-target, but Kiro was appalled at Chihdo's betrayal and he slammed the Rodian against one of the catacombs walls. This action was more dangerous than Kiro realized. Chihdo's body triggered a hidden lever in the wall inadvertantly activating the Shawkenese universe destroyer. The activation of the device also trapped the group within the catacombs. Rik began to panic after he could see no way out, but Kiro ensured everyone that Luke would rescue them. Dani latched onto Kiro's confidence, and Kiro was ready to comfort the frightened Zeltron. True to Kiro's word, Luke was able to release the group from their temporary prison. However, the universe destroyer continued to count down, readying itself to propel the planet's core into hyperspace. To destroy the weapon, someone would have to make their way to the core of the device. Kiro and Luke volunteered, and with Dani's well-wishes they followed a tunnel to deep within the planet's crust.

The tunnel ended at a massive underground lake. Kiro took the initiative and tricked Luke into giving him his lightsaber. Kiro knew that as a water-breather, he would have the better chance of reaching the device's core in time. After obtaining the lightsaber, Kiro dove into the water, urging Luke not to follow him. Swimming even further into the planet, Kiro reached the dark core of the machine represented by a large glowing head. The Force revealed to Kiro what he needed to do, and immediately before the device activated, he smashed the saber into the glowing head, creating a large explosion.

Kiro was badly injured by the explosion, but his unconscious body washed up on shore of the underground lake. Luke brought Kiro's body back to the group, where they mourned the sacrifice of their savior. However, Plif the Hoojib sensed a small life signal within the Iskalonian. The group rushed Kiro back to their ship and placed him in a water-filled capsule to rush him back to the medical center on Endor. Several medical droids tended to Kiro, eventually bringing his vitals back up to full capacity.

Trials of a Jedi
"No! You are not some mindless predator, Rik. Do not talk like one! We have enough true enemies in common that we must never turn on one another...and injure our comrades, only because we are idle and angry."

- Kiro

While still recovering, Kiro revealed to Luke how he had destroyed the superweapon. Now that Kiro knew he had talent in the Force, he asked Luke to train him as a Jedi. Kiro was incredibly excited about becoming Luke's apprentice, but Luke refused to train him. Luke was afraid of creating the next Vader, and even Kiro's furious protests were not enough to change Luke's mind. Kiro fell into a state of depression after Luke's refusal, isolating himself from Luke and hanging around Rik and his gang.

Rik was a continual source of controversy, angering many members of the Alliance through his trickery and abrupt attitude. In one incident, Rik won a large amount of money from a Rebel named Crin. Crin accused Rik of cheating, and even Kiro's assurance that Rik was not a cheat could not suppress the feelings of animosity towards Rik. A small firefight ensued resulting in Chihdo receiving a blaster shot to the ribs. Kiro urged the Alliance members to stop their bickering, but only Luke's presence was able to stop the tension fueled fight. Luke's peace-making abilities made Kiro realize that his anger toward Luke was unwarranted. In an impassioned speech, Kiro made it clear to Luke that he could be patient and peaceful without letting his anger get the better of him. Luke was impressed by Kiro's change in attitude and began to reconsider training Kiro. However, Luke was still concerned with possible failure. Kiro was recruited into a special taskforce to be trained by Luke. Alongside Rik's gang, Kiro was trained in special fighting techniques.

The training also had another unexpected side-effect. Kiro began to slowly fall in love with the Zeltron Dani. Dani had always been obsessed with Luke, but after seeing the courageous spirit within Kiro, she slowly began to fall for the Iskalonian. When the taskforce left to scout Kinooine, Kiro and Dani remained on Endor to get to know each other. However, when the scouting party went missing, Kiro and Dani followed Luke to the planet to determine the cause of their radio silence.

Nagai-Tof War
On Kinooine, Luke allowed Kiro and Dani to help scout the area. As the couple walked along the Kinooine shoreline Kiro came across a mysterious woman. Suddenly, she began to attack them with a lightwhip. Kiro tried to protect Dani from deadly weapon, but the laser tendrils smashed into Kiro's rebreather suit causing him to suffocate. Dani was captured by the woman, but Kiro was able to escape from the attack making his way back to Luke. Kiro struggled to get to Luke before he expired, finally arriving but near-death. Luke dragged the suffocating water-breather into the ocean where Kiro begged Luke to save Dani.



Luke left Kiro to recover in the water while he left to save Dani. Unfortunately, Lumiya was able to defeat Luke in battle, bringing him back to her hideout as a prisoner. Eventually, Kiro recovered from his injuries, and seeing that Luke had not returned, he set out to find his missing comrades. Equipping himself with a new rebreather, Kiro infiltrated Lumiya's underground base, killing several Nagai in the process. Kiro freed Luke but was unable to locate Dani's cell. Kiro's determination to save Luke finally convinced the Jedi that Kiro was ready to become his apprentice, and Luke told the Iskalonian that he would teach him in the ways of the Jedi.

Kiro helped Luke build another lightsaber, and together they confronted Lumiya once more. With dual sabers, Luke defeated the Dark Lady, destroying her lightwhip and smashing her cyborg parts. However, the defeat of Lumiya also marked the arrival of the Nagai fleet, and Luke and Kiro were forced to bring their captive out of sight. As Luke began to bind Lumiya to a rock, Kiro was still concerned for his missing love and he left the scene to search for her again.

Kiro made his way back to the underground fortress, and searching the rooms, he finally found Dani curled up in a ball and in a catatonic state. Dani had been brutally tortured by the Nagai Den Siva. Kiro rushed to his love's side, trying to comfort her after her terrible ordeal. Kiro, Dani, and Luke ran from the base and back to their ship, but halfway back to the ship, Siva attacked the group. The Nagai claimed that Dani was his, but Kiro refuted his claim telling Siva that Dani belonged to herself—and him if she so wished.

In a furious struggle, Kiro's rebreather was broken once again, and the two warriors plunged into the water. As Dani and Luke watched, Siva stabbed Kiro in the stomach, causing blood to seep to the surface. Dani was distraught over the loss of her lover, but Luke dragged the grieving Zeltron away from the scene and back to the ship.

Necessary sacrifices
Everyone in the Alliance assumed that Kiro had died in the attack, but Kiro recovered from his injuries and somehow made his way off-world. Kiro was eager to reunite with his love, but before he could return, Kiro caught wind of a violent attack being perpetrated on The School by the Nagai. Kiro knew that he could not go back to Dani while his people were in danger and he returned to Iskalon. Kiro became something of a legend after returning, slaughtering whole groups of Nagai as they prepared to take members of The School captive.



As Kiro led The School against the Nagai, the Nagai-Tof War continued to rage across Alliance worlds. Luke, believing Kiro to have died, decided to return to Iskalon to offer them his condolences over the death of their most beloved warrior. Along with Lando Calrissian, Luke arrived on the planet to find several Nagai slaughtered by an Iskalonian sword. The Jedi believed that he was imagining things when he saw Kiro swimming in the water. Luke realized that Kiro had survived and was overjoyed at the revelation. During the Battle of Iskalon, Kiro once again fought alongside his friends, expelling the Nagai from his world.

Although they had finally brought peace to the world, Kiro realized that The School needed him as a protector. The wanton slaughter during the battle made Kiro realize that Iskalon needed him, and although he wanted to see his lost love again, he knew that the safety of his homeworld was more important than his personal life. Luke and Lando promised to keep Kiro's location a secret from Dani and they departed the world happy to know their friend was alive.

Possible reunion
As Kiro continued to defend Iskalon, Dani had become almost unreachable in her grief over Kiro's "death". Dani became bitter and pessimistic, resolving to kill all the Nagai race for their part in her unhappiness. Unfortunately, during the war, the Alliance allied with the Nagai, and Dani was forced to set aside her hatred for the Nagai warriors. At the conclusion of the war, Dani left the Alliance completely, letting herself succumb to her unhappiness.

Dani returned to Zeltros, but she hid her presence from all her former friends. Luke realized how torn up Dani had become, and although he had promised to keep Kiro's survival a secret from Dani, he could not bear to see Dani so emotionally disturbed. Luke contracted a group of Rebels to tell Dani of Kiro's survival. If the Rebels ever located Dani or if she ever reunited with her lost love is unknown.

Behind the scenes
Kiro was created by Mary Jo Duffy, Ron Frenz and Tom Palmer.

Appearances

 * ''Marvel Star Wars 75: Tidal
 * Marvel Star Wars 76: Artoo-Deetoo to the Rescue
 * Marvel Star Wars 82: Diplomacy
 * Marvel Star Wars 87: Still Active After All These Years
 * Marvel Star Wars 97: Escape
 * Marvel Star Wars 99: Touch of the Goddess
 * Marvel Star Wars 102: School Spirit