Leia felt restless. She couldn't bring herself to stay in one place. She hated that she had been reduced do hobbling along with a cane to support her. It was beneath her, yet it was necessary for her body to heal.
Not wanting to wake anyone, she decided to walk away from the campsite they had chosen.
As she walked, Leia could somehow feel something drawing her towards a certain cave. Why? She did not know, yet she felt it was important that she did.
Getting further into the cave, Leia could sense another person was there. Curiosity overcame her, as she continued to walk. After a few minutes, she froze.
Ben. Leia could sense he was near. The entire Resistance knew Hux and his fleet were about to orbit the planet. Crait had proven to be a death trap. These caves and caverns wouldn't provide shelter for long. With only one main entrance, there was no way they would be able to escape.
As much as she hated to admit it, the end was near. The one thing she did not expect, was to sense her son. Here before the First Order.
Closing her eyes, the General reached out with the force. She could feel his was now only meters behind her. "You came alone." She spoke, stating the obvious.
Kylo Ren knew his mother was just around that corner. Knowing this caused him to feel both relief and panic. She was not dead. She had somehow managed to survive the attack on her ship.
He cursed the pilot who fired on her. He, himself had the chance to, but couldn't bring himself to fire. Had he known the TIE Fighters near him would, he'd have used the force to freeze the bolts before they could strike her vessel.
What frightened him the most was that she may have assumed he was the one who took the shot. Killing Han Solo was easier than he thought it would be. However, ending his mother's life... was something he just couldn't do. Despite Snoke's teachings. He couldn't deny the strong connection he felt to her.
Yet, now it didn't matter. She mostly likely loathed him. Just like her wretched brother, Luke Skywalker. The master/uncle who tried to take his life years ago. Regardless if she hated him or not, she had to know the truth. He was not the cause of the attack. Nor did he know his fellow ships would strike.
"I have..." a voice replied.
Ben's voice was colder than she remembered. Yet, Leia could feel tears forming in her eyes as soon as he spoke.
"Kylo Ren," she began to speak, bracing herself to see him. She slowly turned and saw the dark Knight of Ren. His face seemed flushed. He bore a major scar on it as well. His hair was full and wavy. This was indeed her Ben. He may only be going on thirty, yet his eyes appeared to be much older.
Kylo froze. For most of his life, he despised the name Ben. He'd banished it from his memory long ago, taking on the name, Kylo Ren. A name he was only known for now by most of the galaxy. Yet, hearing his mother addressing him made him feel uneasy. Like he never dreamed she would ever think of him as the man he was now.
"General Organa," he spoke, complying with his mother's choice of address. "I'm here to warn you. You and your resistance are about to be obliterated by my fleet. There is no escape for you now."
"I appreciate the warning, but we're not alone." She countered. "The First Order may destroy me and everyone here. But the war is far from over. The fight for freedom in the galaxy is only beginning."
This was no good. Playing games with each other was pointless. Kylo knew he had to make the first move. "Mother..." He was now filled with both awe and sadness as he heard himself say that word.
Leia could have sworn her heart stopped when she heard him.
"I just want you to know that... I didn't take that shot. You're of far greater value alive than dead. He exclaimed, feeling himself pulling back into the darkness.
Leia's expression changed from solemn to joyous. Her sense of hope had been fully restored. Why had she been so blind?! How could she have doubted him? Ben was not gone! There was still a glimmer of light in him.
"Ben, why did you come here?"
"Scouttroopers were originally ordered to survey the system. As soon as I felt you, I chose to come myself..."
"Why?" She asks, taking a few steps closer to him.
"After everything you've been through, you deserved to be warned. General Hux will be merciless when he conducts his ground assault. You're as good as dead in these caves."
"I know." She nods. "But, like I said, regardless of whatever happens, the resistance won't be ended. Our cause will live on."
Kylo had to admit he always admired his mother's courage. All his life he looked up to her. No matter the situation, she never backed down. Never even thinking of the consequences. But, the thought of losing her was too overwhelming. Hux would likely capture her then kill her the minute she didn't comply with his orders. He had to intervene.
"I can't promise much, but I can guarantee you'll be kept safe once the battle is over." He pauses, as their eyes meet. "You'll be in my custody once the other rebels are dealt with."
Leia sighs heavily. Ben was truly reaching out to her, yet for some reason it didn't feel like it was enough. What else could he say though? He couldn't really just abandon the order and join her. Perhaps she expected too much.
"Thank you." She replied, once again making eye contact. "If it comes to that, I will be ready."
"As will I." Kylo states, as they both sense Poe in the cave. "He's looking for you." He says, starting to back away.
"Ben, know that no matter what happens, I'll always love you." Leia blurts, as she sees tears in his eye.
"I'll always love you, mother." He replies, as he disappears into one of the other caves.
"General!" Poe cries, running towards her. "I'm so glad I found you."
"Why? I'm not lost." Leia winces, almost laughing.
"We've been looking all over for you. Why did you run off into these caves?"
"I got bored." The General quipped, tapping her cane. "Besides, I need to stay active. Otherwise I'll always be an invalid." Glancing at him, Leia can tell her reply was a bit blunt. Poe Dameron was definitely a brazen fighter, but had a good heart. "I'm fine, Poe. I just needed some air. I appreciate your concern."
"Let me help you back."
Leia nods, as she allows him to guide her back to the main area they were using for camp. Whether or not she'd be taken by the order was to be seen. All she knew was she now had a chance to save Ben. That alone gave her the strength to go on.