A/N: Welcome back! This will start the conclusion to my trilogy. *If you have not read the previous parts, please do so before reading this one: Episode VII The Future Unwritten and Episode VIII The Advance of the Padawans. More at the bottom.

Star Wars Episode IX The Fall of an Empire

With the threat of the EMPEROR's release eminent, LUKE SKYWALKER has abandoned his school on Yavin moving everyone to Chandrila.

SNOKE and his army are advancing, tearing through the lines of the New Republic and spreading fear among its residents.

BEN SOLO, now a Jedi Master, continues his search for Rey, in order to bring her back to the Jedi to aid their fight against the FIRST ORDER….

Chapter 1

Watching Yavin 4 get smaller in the window of the Falcon was distressing to Ben. He had grown up there; met Rey there…while he knew that they had to relocate the school – it was his idea – but it was still heartbreaking to watch it get farther and farther away.

The rest of the Jedi students, now mostly teachers of the younger generation, were feeling the same way. Many were in the Falcon with him and he could feel the sadness in the air. He asked Chewy to take over the helm, as he walked back into the lounge area, sitting next to Min, holding her small bundle.

"Cheer up, friends. I know it's sad to leave a planet that we all loved but being on Chandrila will really be good for us. I can feel it," Ben said, glancing around at the group. Min smiled at him, but the others didn't look as convinced.

"Ever the optimist, eh Solo?" Ma'Rei said, throwing her glove up into the air. She caught it with the Force and left it hovering above her. Ben pulled the glove toward him, catching it in flight.

"I'm just saying. We can be negative about this, or we can see it as a new adventure. You all wanted to help the New Republic win this war, right?"

Ma'Rei grumbled, pulling her glove back toward her. It flew past Leyaana, who ignored it. "It's just hard to leave what I have long considered my home. I was dropped off on Coruscant when I was young, and Luke brought me here not too long after that. Yavin is my home."

"You'll love Chandrila, though, 'Aana. It's so beautiful! Wait until we take you to the ocean." Min smiled at Leyaana. "Ben, can I use the captain's quarters? I need to put her down."

Ben nodded to her, and she walked toward the back of the ship. Ben leaned back, placing his feet up on the table game.

'You should take your own advice,' Rey said, appearing sitting next to him. She reached out and grabbed his hand, squeezing it slightly. The others around him didn't seem to see her, so he assumed that she had appeared to him only. 'You are tense, and just as sad as they are.'

'But they don't need to know that. They need me to be strong.'

Rey cocked her head to the side. 'Why is that?'

'Because someone has to be strong. And that's always been me. I lead them, even though most of them are older than I am. I make all the lesson plans, have for years, and they are used to me calling the shots. I'm their leader, Rey, whether I want to be or not.'

'You have always been a natural leader, and do you know why?'

'Because my uncle is the leader of the school and I took over when he was sick?'

'It goes way farther back than that, and you know it.' Rey leaned forward, kissed him lightly on the cheek, and said, 'You were trying to teach the others well before Luke got sick. You were even teaching me before I left!'

Ben shrugged. He had never thought of himself as a leader, really, and hadn't thought about wanting any kind of personal glory or anything like that. He just did what he thought was right. His mother would say that he was just being himself, thinking that he needed to help everyone around him. But he knew that the others needed him, so he did what he thought was right.

Rey, following his line of thinking, smiled at him. 'And that's why you are a leader. And have been for some time.'

'Shush, you. I'm tired. I'm trying to rest.' Ben smirked at her. Leyaana snorted and Ben's eyes moved to her. "What?"

"Now that we know you can see or hear Rey it's really obvious when you are talking to her."

Ben ignored her comment, squeezed Rey's hand slightly, and stood up. "I'm going to go back to see if Uncle Chewy needs a break. Do you guys need anything?"

Leyaana's students, who were sitting on the floor next to her, shook their head. Leyaana smirked at him again but followed suit. Ben made his way back to the cockpit area and relieved Chewy, sitting down and adjusting their path slightly.

Within a few hours, he was pulling them out of hyperspace right near the planet of Chandrila. His parents had begrudgingly left before they had, with Chewy promising to get them and anything they were taking with him. Leia had been eager to get back to the headquarters; not only to get more updates on the war but to ensure Jacen and Jaina were put out of harm's way. Han never liked leaving the Falcon, but at least it was in Chewy's care.

Ben chuckled at the thought. "Hey, Uncle Chewy?" He roared in response. "How do you think Dad will feel when I tell him I flew us most of the way here?"

Chewy laughed and roared a response. Ben joined him in laughing. "Of course I'm going to tell him! I want him to know that I am a fine pilot – and you are going to help me with that! He needs to trust me with this hunk of junk eventually." Chewy howled at Ben, who put his hands up in defeat. "Fine, fine. It's the best ship in the galaxy."

Ben radioed down to the New Republic base and requested to land, just as Rey appeared right behind him. She placed her hands on his shoulders, just keeping him calm. Absentmindedly, he reached up and took her hand, just to hear Chewy whine at him. Ben ignored his rude comment and continued the landing sequence. He saw his parents and siblings in the back of the hanger area as he touched down.

Ben gathered his few possessions and walked into the lounge area, letting everyone know it was time to get their stuff and make their way into the base. Min came out, followed by U'Kurran, who had been resting in the back. As they all made their way outside to greet Han and Leia, Ben took a moment to look at Rey, who smiled just before she faded away.

Since they were able to see each other whenever they wanted now, he wasn't as sad to see her go. He had been able to project himself into her surroundings since that first time on Yavin. Seeing the ocean and the sand had made him miss Chandrila, and ultimately how he had come up with the idea to relocate the school.

At first everyone had been against the idea. But U'Kurran had been the one who had convinced the group. Still devastated at the loss of one of his first padawans and knowing that Regolan would not heal properly in the place where he had killed his best friend, U'Kurran had readily agreed with Ben insisting that a new planet was needed. The others had begun to see the wisdom after Regolan had another setback with his treatment.

Regolan had always been the underdog in the duo's relationship. Hruall had been stronger and took to training faster. Regolan, on the other hand, had always admired Hruall and all he wanted to do was emulate him. He was hard to teach because he would always look to his fellow classmate before doing anything. Ben remembered struggling with getting those two to work together, but U'Kurran had really done wonders. Ben knew that Regolan wouldn't heal so quickly from what had happened; Chandrila offered New Republic personnel who were trained in this type of trauma.

Walking down the hanger bay, his siblings ran forward and each grabbed a leg. He yelled, "Ahh, Uncle Chewy, help! I'm being attacked by tiny monsters!"

Chewy bellowed a shout, running over and grabbing Jacen, hoisting him up into the air on his shoulders. Jacen shrieked with laughter, just as Ben did the same with Jaina. Han and Leia walked up to them, grinning, watching them play. Leyaana reached over and started tickling Jaina's knee, who squealed even more.

'It's a wonderful way to be greeted, Mother. These two seem to bring out happiness.'

'They are trouble, and you know that. But with others, yes, they do. You did, too, when you were their age. I think that's just normal for the young ones.' She smiled up at him. 'It's good to have you back home.'

'No offense, but I've always felt that Yavin was my home. I spent more time there than here. But I am happy to be here nevertheless.' He carefully positioned Jaina so he could reach over and hug his mother, and then his father as he came up beside them.

"Hey, kid. Did I see you driving my ship?" Han asked, as they were making their way into the base. Chewy and Ben both laughed. "What? I don't remember agreeing to you flying her when I left. I thought Chewy was going to." Chewy growled at Han, who looked at him with wide eyes. "He's just a kid! What if he crashed her, Chewy!"

"Dad, I've been flying with you since I was five years old. Do you really think I don't know how to pilot by now?"

Leia just laughed at their banter, leading them through the hallways and into the main housing area of the base. Each of the Jedi, students and teachers alike, were shown to their quarters. The children were being housed together until their parents came back from trips for the war or were taken to their parents. Leyaana, as she was old enough to live on her own, was in the suite next to Ben's. He was just about to open his door when his uncle popped his head out of the door opposite him.

"I guess Leia thought we'd all want to be in the same wing," he joked, leaning against the frame of the door. "How was the flight over?"

Ben shrugged, setting Jaina down on the ground. She ran over to Han, who picked her up and started walking toward their own quarters, Chewy and Leia in tow. "It was a smooth ride, no First Order ships in our way at least. But the morale is really low, Uncle. We need to do something to get everyone's mind off leaving Yavin."

Luke smiled and looked at him. "Why?"

"What do you mean, why? Shouldn't we make sure everyone is happy?"

"You can't be happy all the time, Ben."

"I know that. I just hate seeing everyone so sad."

"You are a good man, Ben, truly. But, contrary to the belief of the ancient Jedi, you cannot tell people how to control their emotions. They will get through this…at least the older Jedi. The teachers will be fine, and they will make sure their students are fine.

"Which reminds me, we need to discuss the current student count. Depa, Mara and I have an idea to relieve some of your load, so you don't have as many children to teach. Let's call a meeting of the teachers after evening meal?"

"Sure, Uncle. I'll let everyone know." Ben closed his eyes, speaking with each of the teachers, including Odinna, who had already been on base, asking them to join him in his quarters after evening meal. Opening his eyes, he looked to Luke. "They are all able to come. Odinna is here, by the way, she will come as well."

Mara walked up behind Luke, who wrapped his arm around her. "How did you do that so fast?"

Ben shrugged. "We have always had easy communication between us. It was one of the first things Grandfather taught us. He said that it would be useful for us to be able to speak so easily together, no matter the distance."

"What about Cas and Cain? Have they even landed with their parents and young ones yet?" Luke asked.

"No, but they were just about to jump out of hyperspace when I got them. They said it wouldn't be a problem since they were almost here. Rey is also available, though she will just be listening through me. I'll convey anything she says to the group."

Looking impressed, Mara and Luke glanced at each other. "Ben, when this teacher conversation is over tonight, may we speak with you?"

"Of course, Uncle. For now, though, I need to meditate. It has been a long day." He smiled at them both and went into his quarters to lay down. As soon as he was laying down, he felt the familiar presence of Rey next to him. She curled against his body, sighing slightly. Ben leaned over and kissed her forehead.

'What's wrong?'

'Nothing,' Rey said, snuggling into him more. 'Just happy.'

Ben smiled and tightened his arm around her. Feeling blissful, he closed his eyes and fell asleep. His dreams, as usual, were filled with dark skies, red armor and bursts of Light. At some point during his dream he felt Rey slip away, but he kept sleeping.

'Ben!' He heard Rey shout in his head, rousing him from sleep.

'Rey!? What's wrong!' But he didn't get a reply. He sat up and started to meditate, slipping deep into a calm state he projected himself into Rey's surroundings. What he was met with was terrifying sight. There were rocks sliding down the cave that she lived in, and he could hear explosions in the background.

He pulled himself out of meditation, screaming for his Uncle. Luke and Mara bust into his quarters searching around for the cause of the alarm. Ben was in a cold sweat when they found him in his room.

"Ben, what's wrong? What happened?" Luke said, sitting next to him on the bed.

"It's Rey…" he said breathlessly. "She called out to me but didn't respond when I asked her what was wrong. I was meditating and projected myself onto her planet. All I saw was her cave falling apart, but I heard explosions in the background. I didn't see her or her parents." He leaned toward Mara, who was standing near the door frame looking concerned. "You must tell me where they are, Mara. They are all in danger!"

Biting her lip, Mara looked at Luke. "Ben, are you sure that it wasn't a future premonition?"

Ben stood up, his anger exploding out of him. "Even if it is a premonition, shouldn't we act on it? What if they are in danger?" Ben began pacing through the room. "I've never been cut off from her before. I've always felt her in the back of my mind, but I can't right now. Whatever happened cut her off from me."

"But I promised her parents…" Mara started, but Ben cut her off.

"You promised them because you wanted to keep them safe. What if they are no longer safe? What kind of world did you take them to, Mara? Does the First Order know of it? Are there smugglers like you there? Where is she?" Ben stood in front of Mara hands clenched by his sides.

"Mara, it's time to tell him. Even if this is a future premonition, if Rey or her parents are in danger then we must help them." Luke stood up standing next to Ben. He put his hand on Ben's shoulder, trying to calm him down.

Mara grimaced but nodded. "I sent them to Savareen."

Ben's posture changed, and his eyes grew wide. "You sent them into the middle of a crime syndicate?"

"No!" Mara said emphatically. "They are on the opposite side of the planet from any of the crime lords who live on Savareen. I sent them to a planet that no one dared go because of who else lived there! I used to run with many of the men on that planet, and I knew that if they came asking for refuge, and that I sent them, they would be left alone. No one goes near that planet…I thought they would be safe there."

Shaking his head, still unable to believe just how much danger Rey had been in all this time, Ben turned to Luke. "Uncle, I need to go. Now. Can you please handle the meeting tonight with the teachers? I'm going to go get father and Chewy and head out as soon as possible."

Nodding, Luke said, "Some of them may want to go with you, you know."

Ben shook his head, grabbing his lightsabre from the side table next to his bed, and pulling his cloak around him. "I don't want anyone else put in harm's way. Father can give me the Falcon, and Chewy and I can go alone. That way, no one else will be…" Ben trailed off, thinking of Rey being injured or hurt. Tears filled his eyes as he looked up at Luke and Mara. "What if she's gone? D-d-dead? Uncle, I cannot live without her."

Mara and Luke sat down next to Ben, placing their hands on his. "She's not dead, Ben. We all would have felt that. Just get there as soon as possible and bring them back."

Ben took a deep breath and composed himself, standing up and biding them farewell. He walked toward his parent's quarters, about to knock when his mother opened the door. The look of concern on her face told him that she knew something about what was going on.

"Luke told me. Your father is getting his shoes on; unfortunately, he won't remain behind as I told him to. But," she said, leaning in to give him a hug, "he is quite useful with a blaster, and you know he and Chewy will get you there fast on the Falcon."

Ben nodded, hugging his mother back, unable to speak. Han came out soon after, dressed and ready to go, clipping his belt on that carried his blaster.

"Let's go kid. I asked Chewy to head down and prep her to take off. The guard had just refueled her, so she should be good to go by the time we get there."

"Are you sure you want to come? I can go by myself, so that you are safe…in case something has…" Ben choked a little, still unable to speak about Rey being hurt.

Han placed his hand on Ben's arm. "I'm going. No way in hell I'm letting you go alone, kid."

They said goodbye to Leia, who kissed them both and told them to bring Rey and her parents back as fast as they could, then started walking toward the hanger where he had landed the Falcon earlier. When they rounded the bend, he saw a few people gathered around the ramp waiting for them.

"No, absolutely not!" Ben said firmly, staring into the faces of Leyaana, Cas and Cain.

"We are going, and you can't say no. It's Han's ship and he will let us come. Won't you, Han?" Odinna said, coming up behind them with Ma'Rei at her side.

Han looked at Ben, and then back at the Jedi assembled. "It's Ben's trip, Odinna. I'm not sure if I should go against his wishes."

Leyaana stepped forward, concern written all over her face. She looked up at Ben, who was still standing rigid in front of them with a stern look on his face, and said, "We love her, too, Ben. Please let us help you."

Wavering with that, Ben glanced to Cas and Cain, nodded their agreement with Leyaana. "Fine, but please listen to me when we are there. I can sense her better than you can, I know it. You have to follow my instruction exactly." He looked at his father. "You, too, Dad. You can't use the Force the way I can. You have to trust me when we are out there."

Everyone nodded, though his father just smirked at him. Rolling his eyes, Ben walked into the Falcon, everyone else in tow. True to what his father had told him, Chewy had readied the ship and they were off as quickly as they could be.

Soaring through the galaxy, heading toward Rey, Ben's nerves were starting to get the better of him. Odinna, Cas, Ma'Rei and Leyaana stepped forward, holding each other's hands, reaching out for Cain and Ben to join them. Making a circle, they held hands and meditated together, all of them working to calm Ben down and center him before they arrived at the planet. Ben could sense their worry over the situation, but could also see their determination to get to Rey.

Their determination, strength and love pouring through the link helped him to regain his composure and resolve. Soon, they felt the ship come out of hyperspace and broke their meld, letting go of each other's hands, but not before Ben sent silent words of thanks to the group. They all smiled at him in understanding.

Ben walked to the cockpit and surveyed the planet as they approached. The far side, where Mara had indicated Rey and her parents were, had smoking rising as they got closer to the planet's surface. He instructed his father and Chewy to navigate toward it, pushing down feelings of terror that threatened to break his resolve again.

Chewy landed the Falcon near the ocean, and Rey's parent's ship on the bank. Quickly, Ben ran to the ramp and waited while it opened, the rest of the Jedi hot on his heels. He ran out and started for the caves that he knew she lived in but stopped short when he saw the mouth of the cave was enclosed with fallen rock. Stepping back, he surveyed the area noting that the boat Rey had talked of using was just embers, while the rest of the hill side next to the cave was still smoldering from the recent fire. He closed his eyes and pushed his feelings out looking for Rey. While he didn't find her, he saw the books that Luke had given her so many years ago. A sick feeling rose in his mind as he surveyed the weapon marks on the side of the cave.

"She's gone," he said, sinking down into the sand. "They took her."

Odinna came over and knelt next to him, putting her arms around him. "Who took her, Ben?"

"The First Order."

A/N: Posting schedule will be the same as part 2: Wednesdays and Saturdays. This part is the conclusion so there are more battles in this episode, so be prepared for that. I hope you all enjoy!

Thanks again to my beta Zombiefied419 for all of your help!

Chapter Sources:

wiki/Savareen

Star Wars Jedi vs Sith: An Essential Guide to the Force

Star Wars The Jedi Path

Movies:

Solo, a Star Wars Story