So, this has major spoilers for The Rise of Skywalker. I'm starting this during the celebration at the end, because I feel like there are a few scenes missing. This fanfiction will be a long one, and will cover the space of around 2 decades (or more). I will focus mostly on Damerey, but there'll be other ships and characters that will get focus. I will include characters from all four TV series, all three trilogies, the Poe Dameron comics, and more. I will also be posting this on AO3 as a series.

I do not own Star Wars, it belongs to Disney and Lucasfilm.

It was over.

The war was finally over. Everyone headed back to base and reunited with their friends and loved ones. Rey, Finn, and Poe hugged each other, crying softly in relief.

After a few moments, they pulled apart and collected themselves. Rey noticed Poe's injured arm. She placed her hand on his arm and channeled the Force to heal it.

"Thanks." Poe said.

"You're welcome. I, uh...felt something. There were casualties, weren't there?" Rey asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Poe nodded sadly. "Yeah. A few of our fighters. Snap..." His voice caught in his throat. Finn squeezed Poe's shoulder comfortingly.

"How...are Kare and his parents going to deal with this?" Rey asked.

"I'm just glad they don't have kids." Finn said. "Imagine coming home and telling your kids daddy isn't coming home any more."

Poe nodded, sniffed, and saw Kare walking towards him like a zombie. He choked back a sob walked over to her and hugged her. Kare sobbed quietly.

"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry." Poe cried softly.

Kare sniffed and shook her head. "It's not your fault." They pulled apart, and Kare shuddered slightly. "How am I going to tell them, Poe? How am I going to tell Norra and Wedge their son won't be coming home to them?"

Poe squeezed her shoulder comfortingly. "We'll tell them together."

They turned to see Wedge Antilles wandering around looking for Snap and/or Kare, who took a deep breath and nodded. She walked towards Wedge. "Wedge."

Wedge turned and smiled at Kare. "Thank the Force." He hugged his daughter-in-law. "I was starting to think you hadn't made it. Where's Snap?"

Kare swallowed back a lump. "He's gone."

Wedge was stunned. "Wh-what do you mean he's...?" Wedge choked up and blood drained form his face when he saw how grief-stricken Kare is. "No. No, not my son! Not my son, dammit, no!" Wedge broke out into anguished sobs as Kare hugged him tight.

"Would you like me to tell Norra?" Kare asked.

Wedge shook his head. "No. I'll do it." They walked over towards Kare's X-wing. Wedge took a deep breath and pulled out a mini holoprojector and contacted Norra.

"Oh, thank goodness, Wedge! I was so worried!" Norra exclaimed over the holoprojector. "Are you all right? Are Temmin and Kare?"

Wedge took a deep breath. "I'm fine. Listen, Norra...I've got some bad news."

XX

Jess ran over to Poe and hugged him tight. "Jess, I can't breathe."

Jess sobbed. "I just can't believe he's gone! He was like a father to me."

"So, is this it, then? Black Squadron is done?" Suralinda asked, her voice shaking.

Poe shook his head. "No. No, it's not. We might get new members, but the ones we lost can never and will never be replaced. I think it'd be a dishonor to Snap's memory if we disbanded Black Squadron for good."

"I agree." They turned to see Kare walking towards them. "He'd want us to keep going."

Jess smiled sadly and hugged Kare. Sura tried and failed to keep her emotions in check. "So kriffed up." Poe reached for Sura, but she pulled back, shook her head, and held a hand up. "I just need a minute." She ran off.

Rey looked over at the remainder of Black Squadron with sympathy. She looked away and saw a young man her age walk towards Poe and walked over to him.

"Can I help you with something?" Rey asked.

"Oh, hi. I'm Kaz, one of Poe's spies." Kaz introduced.

"Nice to meet you, Kaz. I'm Rey." Rey replied.

"Nice to meet you too, Rey. I just wanted to talk to General Dameron for a minute." Kaz explained.

"This isn't a good time. Poe and his friends are grieving the loss of one of their own right now." Rey explained.

"Oh. I'm sorry." Kaz rubbed the back of his head, slightly embarrassed.

"It's all right." Rey assured him. "I'll let him know you're looking for him."

"Thanks. By the way, I heard you destroyed Palpatine." Kaz said, smiling. "Good job and thank you for that. You did the galaxy a huge favor."

Rey pushed down flashbacks to that moment and continued smiling. "Heh. No problem. I mean, I had help, but..."

"From who?" Kaz asked.

"Ben Solo." Rey replied. "He didn't make it. He gave up his life for mine."

"I'm so sorry. He sounds like a great guy." Kaz replied.

Rey pushed down more flashbacks of Kylo Ren and nodded. "He was also Leia's son."

"Wow. I didn't know Leia had a son." Kaz said.

"Yeah, it's kind of a long and complicated story." Rey said.

At that point Poe walked up to them. "Hey, kid. I see you met Rey."

"Poe! I mean, General." Kaz greeted. "Yeah. Rey told me about your friend. I'm so sorry."

Poe nodded. "Thanks."

"I am going to go check on Finn and Chewie." Rey said to Poe. "Excuse me."

'Okay." Poe said. He watched Rey walk off, then turned to Kaz. "So, you made it."

"Yeah. Finally, right?" Kaz nodded. "I don't want to add to your grief, but...Yeager didn't make it."

Poe felt yet another wave of grief wash over him. "Exegol?"

Kaz nodded. "Yeah. Commander Doza, her daughter, and I were all about to be shot down, but...he took the shot. He saved our lives."

Poe took a deep breath. "Kaz, I'm so sorry."

Kaz nodded and swallowed a lump in his throat. "Thanks. The only thing that made me feel better about it was that he is now back with his wife and daughter in the afterlife."

"That's thinking positive." Poe nodded his approval. "I can't help but feel responsible myself. I sent you to the Colossus, dragged Yeager into this mess...plus there was no spy on the Colossus to begin with..."

"No, Poe..." Kaz smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "You saved my life in more ways than one. I'm a better person thanks to you and Yeager. We saved Synara San who helped save the Colossus a few times. You really made a difference in a lot of peoples' lives by recruiting me."

"Oh, Kaz, you have no idea what it means to me to hear you say that." Poe pulled Kaz into a hug, getting choked up. Over the last year, he had been reprimanded and called out for his actions following the evacuation of D'Qar and being a spice runner. To hear from Kaz that he actually made a difference... Poe took a deep breath and pulled away. "So...now that the war's over, what will you do?"

"I'm going to find my family." Kaz replied. "My father contacted me after the escape from Castilon and I haven't heard from him since."

Poe nodded. "Okay, that sounds nice. What about later? Are you going to stay on the Colossus?"

"Why do you ask?"

"We need to rebuild the New Republic and the military." Poe explained. "We could really use you out there. There's actually a couple of vacancies in my squadron- Black Squadron, if you're interested."

Kaz was surprised, but flattered. Then he thought about the Aces. They've become like a second family to him. How could he abandon them? "I...I'll think about it."

"Okay. You know where to find me." Poe replied.

"Oh, I also wanted to talk to General Organa. Do you know where she is?" Kaz asked.

Poe felt another wave of sadness and shook his head. "General Organa died yesterday."

Kaz stepped back in shock and let out a shuddering breath. "No. There was so much I wanted to tell her and to ask her..."

'I know. Me too." Poe nodded.

"What happened?" Kaz asked.

"It's a long story." Poe replied.

XX

"So, you're gonna find your families?"

Finn and Jannah were discussing Jannah's plans for the future. Chewie and Lando sat across from them.

Jannah nodded. "What about you? Have you thought about finding yours?"

Finn was slightly taken aback. "Uh...no, actually. I haven't really thought about it. I mean...I'd be a total stranger to them. It'd be weird, and...I don't even know where to start looking, to be honest."

"We can start by searching through First Order files." Lando suggested. "The First Order had bases everywhere. I'm sure we can find some information."

Finn nodded. "Good point. I was in the First Order, I know all their bases, but, there could have been more since I defected."

"All right. We know where to start, then." Lando replied.

Finn smiled and turned to see Rey heading towards him. "Will you two excuse me for a minute?"

"Sure."

Finn walked over towards Rey, who stood under the Falcon. "Hey."

"Hi."

"Finally got a moment alone with you." Finn shrugged and smiled.

Rey chuckled. "Do you remember what you were going to tell me? Back on Pasaana?"

Poe walked towards his friends and heard that last part. He quietly snuck behind one of the landing gears on the Falcon to eavesdrop.

"Yeah. Actually, I can add more to that now." Finn nodded. He sighed. "I know you died for a minute on Exegol."

Poe was shocked. Rey died?

Rey was taken aback, but not surprised. "You felt me through the Force."

"Yeah. I, uh..."

"You're strong with the Force." Rey said. "I know. So did Leia."

Poe almost laughed in relief. That was his big secret? He shook his head in embarrassment.

Now Finn was surprised. "You-you already knew? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Leia felt that this was something you needed to figure out on your own." Rey explained. "If it makes you feel better, she kept something from me too."

"Really? What was it?" Finn asked.

"I'll tell you later. First...does Poe know you're Force Sensitive?" Rey asked.

"No. I wanted it to be our little secret. Something special just between us." Finn shrugged. "Plus, I didn't want Poe to feel left out or make him think we're both abandoning him or something..."

Rey nodded in understanding. "Right. I'm no friend expert, but, keeping secrets especially if they're really not that bad from your friends is just asking for trouble and drama."

Finn exhaled slowly and slumped his shoulders. "Fine, you have a point there. Let's tell him together."

"He already knows." Rey whipped around and used the Force to lift Poe up off the ground and out from behind the landing gear.

Finn shook his head in irritation. "Unbelievable."

Poe blushed and rubbed the back of his head, sheepishly. "Sorry. I, uh...couldn't help overhearing."

"How much did you hear?" Finn asked.

"The entire conversation." Poe admitted. He turned to Rey. "Did you really die for a second?" Rey nodded. Poe exhaled sharply. "Rey, I'm so sorry. I'm...I'm so glad you survived. Really."

Rey smiled. "Thanks."

For a split second, she wanted to tell her friends about her lineage, but...she was too afraid of how they'd react.

XXX

They walked over to Chewie and Lando, who was talking with Kaz.

"...I mean, I'm glad they blew up Starkiller Base, but those high and mighty Hosnians deserved to be blown up."

Poe tensed in horror, cleared his throat sharply, and gestured for Lando to stop talking. Lando didn't notice, but Chewie did. The wookiee nudged Lando and growled softly.

"Anyway, I digress. Where you from, kid?" Lando asked.

"Hosnian Prime." Kaz said with controlled anger as he glared at Lando.

Color drained from Lando's face. 'Kriff.'

"Take. It back. Now." Kaz demanded through clenched teeth.

Lando raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I take it back."

In an effort to diffuse the situation, Poe put a hand on Kaz's shoulder to calm him down. "Hey, Kaz, how bout I give you a tour of the base? Come on."

Kaz let Poe lead him away and shot one last glare at Lando.

"Awkward." Jannah commented.

"Well, how was I supposed to know he was from Hosnian Not-So-Prime?" Lando shrugged.

"I heard that!" Kaz yelled over his shoulder.

"Sorry!" Lando called back.

XXX

A while later, Rey headed back into the Falcon and went over the events of the last couple of days. Ben Solo finally turned only to die a few minutes later, saving Rey's life. She couldn't help but to wonder how things would have been if Ben had survived. Maybe they would have been friends, maybe even fallen in love. She had to laugh at the irony of the grandchildren of Darth Vader and Darth Sidious falling in love.

"What's so funny?"

Rey looked to to see Poe walking into the common area holding a datapad. She shook her head. "Nothing. What's up?"

"I want to plan a memorial service for the people that we lost over the last few days." Poe explained. "I was thinking you could maybe say something about Leia, since she was like a mother to you and your Jedi master."

Rey smiled and nodded. "I'd like that."

Poe smiled and nodded. "People who have lost loved ones during the last few days are going to speak as well. Then we're going to have a wake- like a luncheon to remember those we lost."

"That sounds lovely." Rey replied. She thought of Ben again. He did terrible things in the last seven years, but his final act was a good one. She kind of felt bad for him- Palpatine manipulated all his life, possibly as payback against Han, Luke, and Leia for destroying his Empire, he redeems himself only to die a minute later...she felt he deserves a proper send-off. "Um...I'm wondering if we can add a name to that list."

"Sure. Who?"

Rey swallowed. She wasn't sure how Poe would react. "Ben Solo."

Poe let his arm drop to his side and stared at his friend in shock. He knew who she was talking about- Ben Solo who grew up to be Kylo Ren, the most dangerous and hated man in the galaxy. "Really, Rey?"

Rey stood up and held up her hands to calm him. "Poe, let me explain."

"Explain what? Explain that you want to memorialize a kriffing genocidal mind rapist?" Poe asked, trying to control his anger and hurt at her borderline betrayal.

"He died saving my life." Rey explained. "I am still standing here because of him. That's how I was resurrected- he gave up his entire life force to save mine!"

Poe was surprised to hear that. "Okay...I'm grateful he did that, I am. But one heroic act does not erase everything else he's done!"

"I understand that."

"Do you?!" Poe asked incredulously. "'Cause I don't think Finn or Chewie or Kaz or those kids from Tehar are going to be okay with you eulogizing the guy who ruined their lives! You're a lot of things Rey, but I never imagined you would be so selfish."

That stung Rey. Poe had a point, but those words still stung. "I am sorry about what everyone has gone through because of Ben. I am. But, he's changed."

"Oh come on. People like that never change." Poe insisted.

Rey scoffed and shook her head. "Oh, really, spice runner? Or do you prefer Mr. Mutiny?"

"Hey, I have paid for my mistakes!" Poe argued. "I have paid and paid. And now you're telling me that Kylo Ren shouldn't pay for his mistakes?"

"He has paid for his mistakes! He was overthrown by Palpatine, and I beat him in a lightsaber duel, and I wasn't even trained!" Rey argued back. "He lost everything due to the mistakes he made."

"Oh, well, that makes everything bad he's done so much better." Poe said sarcastically.

"Impossible man!" Rey threw her hands up in anger and turned away.

Poe chuckled humorlessly. "Yeah, you would kriffing know, wouldn't you?"

Rey just shook her head. Poe sighed heavily. "Look, I'm not going to tell you what to do...but, don't expect people to agree with you when it comes to Ben. Darth Vader did the exact same thing to Luke, and people still hated him for it, and even hated Leia and Luke for being related to him."

Poe left the ship without another word and ran into Finn.

"Hey, I was just looking for you. Where's Rey?" Finn asked.

"On the Falcon." Poe said with a hint of irritation. "I literally do not get your obsession with her." He stormed off before Finn could respond.

Finn stared after his friend in bewilderment and went up into the Falcon. Rey was sitting at the dejarik table crying softly and walked over to her. "Hey. What's wrong?"

Rey sniffed and took a deep breath. "Nothing, I just thought Poe was a bit more compassionate and understanding, that's all."

"What did he say to you?" Finn asked.

Rey sighed again and went over their fight. "I mean, I know it sounds a bit inconsiderate, but...I don't know. I feel like Ben kind of deserves at least some recognition."

Finn nodded. "Don't get me wrong, I am grateful he saved your life, but that was literally the only good thing he's done over the last decade. And I'm sorry, but most people are not going to be happy with you if you memorialize him."

Rey nodded. "Okay, fine. I'm sorry I was so selfish and inconsiderate. I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable, so I won't even mention him."

"That's probably a good idea." Finn replied.

Rey took a deep breath. "I guess I owe Poe an apology."

"You do." Finn nodded. "I'm sure once he calms down, he'll forgive you. Maybe even apologize himself for starting this argument."

Rey chuckled softly. "Yeah." She exhaled sharply. "I should have my head examined for even considering memorializing Ben Solo after everything he's done."

"Well, at least you came to your senses before the big memorial." Finn smirked.

"Yeah, that would have been awkward." Rey nodded. She took a deep breath. "I'm just glad it's finally over. No more First Order drama."

XXX

Over the last thirty years, Coruscant has become a planet of turmoil. Once a bustling city-planet rich in culture and entertainment, it has now become overrun by criminals and First Order sympathizers. Businesses closed down, graffiti was sprayed everywhere, and people moved off-planet. The Imperial Palace, which used to be the Jedi Temple was abandoned and worn down.

The old Senate building was still standing and only looked abandoned on the outside. The First Order used that building for military leaders and Supreme Council members could meet and talk in private.

Generals Amret Engell, Bellava Parnadee, and Domaric Quinn met in what used to be Chancellor Palpatine's office.

"Our failure at Exegol should not deter us from our ultimate goal." General Quinn was saying. "We still want peace and absolute order."

General Engell nodded. "There are still several star destroyers and military heads all over the galaxy. We're all that's left of the leadership."

"And we have at least one person who is funding us." Parnadee spoke up. "Though I don't know if he's still loyal to us since his son is in the Resistance."

"Oh, come now, General." They turned to see a tall, thin, middle-aged man with black hair streaked with grey around the back of his head and brown eyes walk into the room. "Surely, after all my years devoted to the cause, you can't think my loyalty would waver."

"But your son..."

"Kazuda is no longer my son." Hamato said coldly. "I am loyal to our cause and nothing and no one else. The Resistance will die."