Kiro Kiro was a Chuhkyvi from Iskalon . He was one of the few Iskalonian s to leave his planet , accompanying Luke Skywalker on several adventures . Alongside Skywalker and the Alliance of Free Planets , Kiro succeeded in building the new government after the defeat of the Galactic Empire at the Battle of Endor . Kiro ' s efforts saw the destruction of the Shawken Device as well as the recruitment of the Core World Shawken into the Alliance . During these adventures , Kiro discovered that he was Force - sensitive , and requested that Skywalker train him as a Jedi Knight . However , due to a fear that he would create the next Darth Vader , Skywalker refused to train Kiro , plunging the Iskalonian into a temporary state of despair . After overcoming his disappointment with Skywalker ' s refusal , Kiro continued to work with the Alliance , eventually becoming romantically entangled with the Zeltron Dani . As Kiro continued to work with Skywalker , the Alliance became caught up in the Nagai - Tof War . On a reconnaissance mission to Kinooine with Dani and Skywalker , Kiro was among the first Alliance agents to encounter the Nagai and their ally , the Dark Lady Lumiya . Kiro ' s actions against the Nagai as well as his rescue of Skywalker from Lumiya ' s clutches convinced Skywalker to train Kiro in the Force , making the Iskalonian his first official apprentice . However , Kiro went missing in action during a conflict shortly thereafter and decided to abandon the thought of becoming a Jedi . He eventually returned to Iskalon to defend his people from the Nagai threat . Biography . Early life . Kiro was born on Iskalon and was a member of the School , a worldwide organization that united the numerous aquatic species that composed the Iskalonian s . 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 . He was a proud supporter of Primor , the leader of 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 Navy had subjugated several worlds within the system . However , 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 . Afraid of the Empire ' s intentions , Primor decided to open up talks with the Rebel Alliance . Representatives Lando Calrissian , Leia Organa , Luke Skywalker , and Chewbacca were sent to the world to negotiate a possible alliance with the School . The Rebels were also searching for their comrade , Tay Vanis , and hoped that the School could be of help since they had been familiar with Vanis before his disappearance . Kiro was ready to take the fight to 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 inadvertently 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 . Due to the Iskalonians ' need for a water atmosphere , they were forced to wear rebreather suits while on land . Depriving Kendle of her suit was nearly a death sentence , but Kiro had also damaged his suit during the struggle and was forced to retreat before finishing the job . While 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 inadvertently saving Kendle from certain death . Hunting a traitor . 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 . The two Rebels had become submerged in the water following the tidal wave , and with no sense of direction , they had decided to follow Kendle to apparent rescue . However , Kendle was instead leading them to a quick death by drowning . Kiro observed the treachery and was able to drive Kendle away , but the Rebels , unaware of Kendle ' s betrayal , kept Kiro from finishing the deed . Unable to explain himself while underwater , 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 his fellow Iskalonian . To avoid imminent death , Kendle fled from the destroyed city , diving into the water to avoid Kiro ' s wrath . Organa and Skywalker were still puzzled over Kiro ' s behavior and stopped him from continuing the chase . Kiro quickly explained the situation to the two , recounting how he had overheard Kendle betraying the Rebels ' location to the Empire . The time taken explaining the situation meant that Kendle had disappeared once again , and the group was left without a course of action . Kiro , Skywalker , and Organa eventually decided to begin a clean - up effort , and , working into the night , the group began to tend to the wounded and recover the dead . Their task was made all the more difficult by the roaming Chiaki who had been drawn to the city by the carnage earlier in the day . Kiro , Skywalker , and Organa were forced to fight the monstrous sea serpents as they tried to feed on the helpless wounded that they had gathered . Skywalker was adamant about taking the fight to the Chiaki and preventing anymore loss of life , but Kiro stopped him from leaving , declaring that stopping the Chiaki would be just as impossible as stopping the tide with his hands . As the Rebels ' recovery operation continued , the group was caught off guard when Kendle suddenly returned . This time , however , Kendle was intent on more than just running , gathering a group of Iskalonians and several stranded seatroopers , 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 , Skywalker and Organa forced him into the water . However , 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 rescue their outnumbered comrades , 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 and any other outsiders , 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 Iskalonians 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 . Skywalker was accompanied by Plif the Hoojib , who was acting as the spokesman for the planet Arbra . Skywalker and Plif arrived on the planet to find Rik Duel and his companions , the Rodian Chihdo , and the Zeltron Dani , scavenging from the wreckage of Pavillion . Before Skywalker 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 Skywalker for allying himself with scavengers . Skywalker 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 Skywalker , 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 Skywalker , Duel , Chihdo , and Dani leave immediately . Skywalker respected the Iskalonians wishes and prepared to leave . Kiro was upset with Mone ' s official 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 Skywalker to take him with on his journeys . Because Skywalker did not have room in 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 its beloved defender . Member of the Rebellion . Aboard the " Moonshadow " , Kiro , alongside Rik Duel ' s gang , followed Skywalker to his next destination . The planet Shawken , a former Imperial stronghold , was experiencing freedom after the Empire abandoned the planet following the Battle of Endor . Still campaigning for representatives to attend the First Conference of Free Peoples , Skywalker organized a meeting with the planetary leader , Santor . Kiro was happy to attend the meeting with Skywalker , but Duel and his gang opted to explore the planet ' s age - old catacombs instead . At Santor ' s home , Kiro and Skywalker dined with the planetary leader , trying to convince him to send someone as an envoy back to the Alliance . As Skywalker told Santor the backgrounds of everyone in their group , he also let slip that Duel 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 Duel and his gang from committing such dishonorable deeds . Deep within the catacombs , Kiro confronted the group , who , just as predicted , were planning to steal several priceless relics . Kiro ' s noble attitude irritated the gang , and Chihdo fired his blaster at the self - righteous warrior . While Chihdo ' s blast was well off - target , Kiro was appalled at Chihdo ' s betrayal and he slammed the Rodian against one of the catacomb walls . This action was more dangerous than Kiro realized . Chihdo ' s body triggered a hidden lever in the wall , inadvertently activating the Shawken Device , a long - dormant superweapon . The activation of the device also trapped the group within the catacombs . Duel began to panic after he could see no way out , but Kiro ensured everyone that Skywalker would rescue them . Dani latched onto Kiro ' s confidence , and Kiro was ready to comfort the frightened Zeltron . True to Kiro ' s word , Skywalker 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 Skywalker 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 Skywalker 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 Skywalker 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 . Skywalker 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 brought Kiro to their ship and placed him in a water - filled capsule to rush him back to the medical center on the forest moon of Endor . Several medical droids tended to Kiro , eventually bringing his vitals back up to normal . Trials of a Jedi . While still recovering , Kiro revealed to Skywalker how he had destroyed the superweapon . Now that Kiro knew he had talent in the Force , he asked Skywalker to train him as a Jedi . Kiro was incredibly excited about becoming Skywalker ' s apprentice , but Skywalker refused to train him , afraid of creating the next Darth Vader , and even Kiro ' s furious protests were not enough to change Skywalker ' s mind . Kiro fell into a state of depression after Skywalker ' s refusal , isolating himself from the Jedi and hanging around Duel and his gang . Duel was a continual source of controversy , angering many members of the Alliance through his trickery and abrupt attitude . In one incident , he won a large amount of credits from a Rebel named Crin . Crin accused him of cheating , and despite Kiro ' s testimony on Duel ' s behalf , 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 Skywalker ' s presence was able to stop the tension - fueled fight . Skywalker ' s peace - making abilities made Kiro realize that his anger toward Skywalker was unwarranted . In an impassioned speech , Kiro made it clear to Skywalker that he could be patient and peaceful without letting his anger get the better of him . Skywalker was impressed by Kiro ' s change in attitude and began to reconsider training him . While Skywalker was still concerned with possible failure , Kiro was recruited into a special task force to undergo training by Skywalker . Alongside Duel ' 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 Skywalker , but after seeing the courageous spirit within Kiro , she slowly began to fall for the Iskalonian . When the task force 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 Skywalker to the planet to determine the cause of their transmission silence . Nagai - Tof War . On Kinooine , Skywalker allowed Kiro and Dani to help scout the area . As the couple walked along the Kinooine shoreline , Kiro came across a mysterious woman . Unprovoked , the woman began to attack them with a lightwhip . Kiro tried to protect Dani from the 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 and make his way back to Skywalker . Kiro struggled to get to Skywalker before he expired , finally reaching him , though near death . Skywalker dragged the suffocating water - breather into the ocean , where Kiro begged Skywalker to save Dani . Skywalker left Kiro to recover in the water while he left to attempt a rescue . However , Lumiya was able to defeat Skywalker in battle , bringing him back to her hideout as a prisoner . Eventually , Kiro recovered from his injuries , and , seeing that Skywalker 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 Skywalker but was unable to locate Dani ' s cell . Kiro ' s determination to save Skywalker finally convinced the Jedi that Kiro was ready to become his apprentice , and Skywalker told the Iskalonian that he would teach him in the ways of the Force . Kiro helped Skywalker build a shoto , a shortened version of a regular lightsaber , and together they confronted Lumiya once more . With dual sabers , Skywalker 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 Skywalker and Kiro were forced to bring their captive out of sight . As Skywalker 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 Skywalker ran from the base and back to their ship , but during their retreat , 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 Skywalker watched , Siva stabbed Kiro in the stomach , causing blood to seep to the surface . Dani was distraught over the loss of her lover , but Skywalker dragged the grieving Zeltron away from the scene and back to the ship . Necessary sacrifices . Nearly 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 his return , slaughtering whole groups of Nagai as they prepared to enslave members of the School . As Kiro led the School against the Nagai , the Nagai - Tof War continued to rage across Alliance worlds . Skywalker , 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 , Skywalker 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 . However , with more and more sightings of the missing warrior , Skywalker 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 still 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 . Skywalker and Calrissian promised to keep Kiro ' s location a secret from Dani and they departed the world happy to know their friend was alive . Secret revealed . 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 . However , during the war , the Alliance joined forces 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 . Skywalker 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 her so emotionally disturbed . Skywalker contacted a group of Rebels to tell Dani of Kiro ' s survival . However , the circumstances surrounding this mission went undocumented . Legacy . Kiro ' s actions and legendary status among his people led to a new movement among the School . As Kiro had been the first Iskalonian to leave the world and explore the galaxy , he was seen as a new " First to Swim , " and helped pave the way for others to follow in his footsteps . Several Iskalonians followed his example , leaving Iskalon to interact with the outside galaxy . Among those few Iskalonians were several young Chuhkyvi , who went on to become scouts , nobles , and even Jedi . Following Kiro ' s example , those Chuhkyvi had an intense hatred for dishonesty and lawlessness , holding to a strict moral code the same as their idolized folk hero . Personality and traits . Kiro was an idealistic individual who believed the best in people . When others around him failed to adhere to the honorable standards that he was accustomed , Kiro became incredibly hostile toward them , confronting their wrongdoings with violence if necessary . However , over the course of Kiro ' s service in the Alliance , the Iskalonian became more aware of the realities of the galaxy , exchanging his idealistic temperament with a more pragmatic viewpoint . When the Alliance entered the Nagai - Tof War , Kiro put his own desires to the wayside to help others , even denying his budding romance with his love , Dani , in order to stay devoted to protecting the School on Iskalon . In battle , Kiro was deceptively quick and stealthy . Even against the proven warriors of the Nagai , Kiro was easily able to cut through them , dodging blaster fire and usually dispatching enemies with melee weapons . In these encounters , Kiro seemed quite ruthless , making his attacks so that they would cause maximum damage , usually killing his foes . Kiro utilized both a Stinger and a short sword , which he used in favor of newer and more powerful technology . However , on land Kiro was hindered by his use of a rebreather suit . Due to his nature as an Iskalonian , he was forced to wear a helmet that contained a water atmosphere , allowing him to breathe regularly . During battle , Kiro had to be careful to avoid damage to his helmet , as without it , he was in danger of suffocation . Kendle , Lumiya , and Den Siva all exploited this weakness , putting Kiro at a disadvantage . Behind the scenes . Kiro was created by Mary Jo Duffy for use in " Marvel Star Wars " ' " " . The character initially appeared as an enemy to the heroes , but by the end of the story , which ended in " " , Kiro was revealed to be actually attempting to help them . After the events of , Kiro reappeared in " " , eventually joining Luke Skywalker to participate in his adventures . This comic also reintroduced Dani , who would become Kiro ' s romantic interest until the end of the Marvel run . Kiro had several more appearances in the " Marvel Star Wars " comics until his apparent death at the hands of Den Siva in " " . However , it was revealed that Kiro survived in " " , but that he did not want Dani to know of his survival . The revelation of this secret was left unresolved due to the end of the Marvel run in " " . Kiro went unreferenced until Joseph Bongiorno and Rich Handley ' s 2000 article , " " , which revealed Kiro ' s species as Chuhkyvi and explained that some members of his species took his example and became Jedi . Kiro was referenced again in 2002 ' s " Power of the Jedi Sourcebook " and " The New Essential Guide to Characters " , which mentioned his actions in the Marvel comics . In 2004 , Kiro was mentioned in the Wizards of the Coast online article , " " . The article explained that Skywalker had broken his promise not to tell anyone of Kiro ' s survival due to Dani ' s distraught state . As a roleplaying scenario , whether the players sent to contact Dani over Kiro ' s survival actually find Dani is left open - ended . Kiro was referenced once again in 2007 ' s " " , but it did not expand on his story , only referencing his actions surrounding the duel between Lumiya and Skywalker on Kinooine .