Disclaimers: All right reserved of the originals "Star Wars" Characters, Names, Places, etc., to George Lucas / Disney. I pledge to return all characters after the story is complete.
Warning: Major Spoilers of TRoS.
Note: This is a Reylo FanFiction (slow-burn)
Author's Note:
I believe this was one of the chapters we all were waiting for. There a few more moments I would like to add between Rey and Ben. ^_^ Enjoy!
「PART IV」
「EPILOGUE」
「Act 77: The wedlock of Ben Solo & Rey」
Ajan Kloss, 38 ABY
Marriage was never about a ring nor a paper signed. It was not something endured but savored. The unique union of two hearts beating as one, each that would sacrifice for the other's happiness and well-being. Marriage was the blessing given to one another, an eternal bond.
It would be a midsummer wedding in the late afternoon. The area faced the breathtaking sunset against the top of the Resistance Base. At the end of each seated aisle, jasmine-scented candles hung from naked tree branches. Spread down the aisle was white leaves, as far as the eyes could see, slightly moist so they wouldn't crack when stepped on them.
Resistance workers were running up and down, making sure every detail was set. Long tables, chairs dressed in white, meat, vegetables, and fruit were decorated along with the tables. Wine and beverages were placed across the long tables. After the wedding ceremony, a big fest would be held with food and music.
Rey held the wedding bouquet ready for the ceremony, as her hands twinged with sweat. She was nervous. Incredibly so. However, Rey acted cool and calm all week long. She organized every detail of her wedding with Ben. She was ready and happy for their wedding ceremony. Yet, now a few more moments before the wedding, everything changed. Her heart ran like crazy and could not be stopped. Her eyebrows frowned in worry and impatience. She glanced at the bouquet, ready to keep well away from the plants, which were still beautifully deadly. They carried an otherworldly trance.
She gulped.
She could see flowers too many times; she could never get tired of their sweet fragrance. Each one was a delicate bloom, no matter if it was a formal garden or a wasteland. Their petals were light works of art, and their hues were medicine for her soul. Her wedding bouquet was not any different. People told tales about how rare flowers grew like weeds in the gardens; mint green jade vines with their unique claw-shaped flowers bloomed among the rich, deep colors. Rey's bouquet was made of such unique flowers, special and glamorous as her.
"I don't want to go!" Rey boldly announced as she stepped away and handed the bouquet to Rose, who was visiting because of the wedding. After the ink had dried on the certificate, the only thing missing was their wedding ceremony for Ben and Rey to be married.
"What do you mean, 'you don't want to go'?" Rose hissed as she was standing next to Rey, holding at the bouquet. She was listening to Rey's outcry all day long. Her mind was dizzy, and she was ready to hurt her. "Rey. It's your wedding day. You have to show up." she cried out.
Rey rolled her eyes and sat down on the armchair nearby, crossing her legs. "No! I am not showing up and admitting that I'm marrying Ben!" she complained like a child.
"But you are married to him!" Jannah suddenly pointed out. Their Jedi was acting so foolishly lately. But today, she was overdoing it. "And everyone knows it!
"And don't forget you are already pregnant with his kids," Rose added. "So stop being a baby, and let's go. Ben is already waiting!"
Rey sighed and cast a glance at the wedding dress she was wearing. She recalled how happy she was when she, Jannah, and Finn were looking for the wedding dress. It was every girl's dream to wear a wedding dress. To plan her wedding. And more important, to marry the one she loved. And Rey was lucky. No, it was not lucked; it was a miracle. She was married to the only man she fell in love with. Yet, something felt off.
She held the lower part of the wedding gown. "What are we doing?" she mumbled and shook her head. "Rose, will you marry Hux someday?" Rey suddenly asked.
Rose looked at her and tilted her head. "Eventually, if our relationship lasts, and I don't kill him. And we both feel that way. Yes!" she admitted with a smile.
Rey exhaled. "I cannot do it! Let's call the wedding off!"
"You are getting married today, even if you don't want it any longer." Rose shouted, "Enough with your emotional wars because you are pregnant, and your hormones went crazy, you can't crash your wedding."
Rey pushed Rose's hand away. "I don't know. I have been a bit difficult, but this is different!" Rey insisted.
"How is it different?" Rose yelled, and she was sure the guests outside could hear her. "Give me one valid reason, and I'll let you go!"
"Fine!" Rey sighed and started explaining, "A few years ago, Poe, Finn, and me made a bet about the Falcon. Ben was still Kylo Ren back then, so we wanted to decide the ownership of the Falcon."
"Huh!" Rose said in bewilderment. "And how is that bet of yours linked with your wedding today?"
"I'm inquisitive about hearing the reason as well!" Jannah added.
Rey shook her head. "It's very tragic; we bet the last one who will get married will get the Falcon. And with Ben and me getting married, the only one who can win the bet will be won by Poe or Finn," she informed them, and sounded like the end of the Galaxy was near.
Rose and Jannah looked at each other and lifted their hands in air astonishment. Rose rested her hand on Rey's shoulder and tried to reason with her. "Rey, hun, you are not making any sense. Neither Finn nor Poe would take such a bet seriously. So, let us show up at your wedding."
Rey turned and looked at Rose; her friend was right. Yet, she could not bring herself to agree. She lowered her eyes and gazed at the floor. And before she could respond, the door was thrown open, and he stormed inside. Rey rubbed her eyes, confused. "Why are you...?" she mumbled.
"Ben?" Rose shouted, not believing that the groom showed up. "You are supposed to be at the wedding. Why cannot one of you follow up the planning like normal people?"
"Idiot!" came Ben's voice, strong and loudly echoing all around them as he skipped over where Rey was, demanding her full attention. He was wearing his wedding attire, dark combinations of tunic, trousers, and robes. His hair was messy like he did escape in a hurry to meet with Rey. Ben sensed Rey's worries through the Force. She didn't want to marry him.
The realization that Rey wanted to run away from their wedding scared him. What was he supposed to do? Run after her, give her some time? Ben believed her thoughts were severe that she had a grave reason not to marry him. And if even a life without Rey would kill him, he couldn't marry her by force until he found out the reason behind her reaction.
Ben's mind flipped; Rey had been acting ridiculous for weeks now. They said it was because of the hormones, and she was going through a phase. 'Fuck it!' he had enough of Rey's little reactions. Pregnant or not, today, he would step his ground.
"You..." he said in such a deadly tone, he strode over and grabbed her arms forcefully and pinned his deathly dark eyes against hers. "That's what troubled you?"
Rey was confused to see him standing there really angry at her; it made her legs shiver. She knew she should talk to him earlier. She nodded. "Today! My mind is foggy... so many thoughts..." she paused and looked at Ben. "I am scared." She admitted.
Rose and Jannah felt their jaws fall. Annoying, Rey acted like an average person. "She just said it?" Rose quizzed.
Jannah nodded, "That's not the same reason; she told us!"
Ben cracked a light smirk. He was equally scared. He pulled Rey into a firm hug, his massive arms wrapping around her and keeping her close. "Idiot!" he took a deep breath. "I thought I did something, and you wanted out," Ben said as he slowly calmed down. "I'm scared too. This is new ground for me. I'm terrified, but a life without you scares me even more. I'll wait for you at the end of the aisle, and you better be there soon. As for the Falcon, you can place as many bets you want, I'm the last Solo in this Galaxy, and it belongs to me! Are we clear!?"
Poe and Finn showed up; they freak as they watched Ben suddenly storming out of the ceremony without informing them. Now they knew the reason for his sudden runoff. "Little Ben grew up," Poe mocked him, and Ben cast him a glare. "He is so bossy!"
Rey could not stop her heart from beating. The butterflies in her stomach were in a war. And all her fears were gone. A few words were enough to crush all her worries. She felt silly even to have those thoughts. She smiled brightly and nodded, wrapping her arms around Ben.
Ben pulled back from her and smiled; he noticed he was smiling more often these days. "Rose, make sure she is on time, or there is always another option."
"What?" Rey fired up and pulled Rose away, stepping in front of Ben. "And who might be that?"
"The Chancellor," Ben winked at her. "She is outside, so dare to leave me waiting!"
"You are good as dead," Rey yelled, her eyes on fire, and she let her hand under the long veil and pulled her lightsaber and ignited it. Its yellow blade sprang alive in front of Ben's face. "Say that again!" she provoked him.
Ben leaped out of the way, dodging the first blow and the second. "What are you doing?" he shouted at her. "Rey, I was kidding."
But Rey ignored him, her attacks became stronger, blow after blow, and Ben had to ignite his black lightsaber. Poe and Finn rushed and pulled away from Rose and Jannah from the fight. The yellow blade clashed against black hell was unleashed. Neither Ben nor Rey were stopping; they fought each other almost like that had in Kef Bir. Momentary, both pulled back to place another attack simultaneously, and this time it seemed a fatal hit.
Suddenly, a figure appeared, blue light strongly emitting around him, and he used the Force and threw both of them away. Thankfully, Ben was fast enough and shielded Rey's Body during the fall. He crushed against the ground and gasped. A moment later, he noticed the Force-Ghost in front of them. Ben slowly aided Rey to stand up and made sure she was not injured.
"You can kill each other after my grand-grand children are born!" Anakin demanded.
Ben glared at Anakin; he was ready to attack him. But Poe and Finn jumped in and tugged him outside before things would be worse than they already were. Luke was waiting for Rey outside to guide her down the aisle, Ben himself asked him, as a personal favor, and Luke agreed.
The wedding ceremony would be held by the Chancellor, another favor Ben asked Dark Rey to be part of their wedding. She asked everyone to stand. A lined path with white rose petals stood in front of her. Rey took two steps out before Luke greeted her. He escorted her down the aisle, which seemed longer than before. He became her strength; without him, she would faint. The guests stood and looked at her and her amazing wedding dress. Up ahead stood Ben. Her future husband, the love of her life, her everything. He stood taller, his shoulders back and his eyes on her.
The wedding gown was made by using a particular fabric in combination with silk and lace. The design was very modern and was outlined with a frail craft. That was to say it had a tubular bodice, low waist, gathered down to her toes, long type of sleeves, flared lace over-sleeves, low U-shaped neckline, and a delicate chiffon veil with embroidered edges. It was noted by everyone in the room, especially the woman.
At the end of the aisle, Luke hugged her and ensured how much he loved her. Next, he presented Rey to her groom. His uncle placed her hand in Ben's and smiled. As a couple now, Rey and Ben stood in front of the Chancellor. Before Luke turned around and walked away, he patted Ben's shoulder. That was his way of welcoming him. The couple seemed happy and overwhelming; it was their day. Happiness was spotted on their faces. Their previous silliness encounters were already forgotten.
Chancellor cracked a genius smile. She was waiting for that moment for a very long time. After all the darkness they went through, the war and the pain. Finally, there was a small break for happiness. And Ben deserved it, as much as Rey. "Dearly beloved..." the Chancellor said, casting glances all over the open area, "... we are gathered here today to witness Rey and Ben join together in holy matrimony..." She went on with her speech until it was time for them to exchange their vows.
Ben, who was wearing dark attire and he was shining out of happiness. Yet, his voice was troubling when he began with his vow:
"I promise to be your lover, companion, and friend,
Your partner in parenthood,
Your ally in the conflict,
Your greatest fan and your most formidable adversary.
Your comrade in adventure,
Your student and your teacher,
Your consolation in disappointment,
Your accomplice in mischief.
This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things."
There was a small silence. A tear appeared against Rey's brown eyes and then one more. She was crying. Those were tears of joy. A few years ago, she could not imagine that such a union would be held. And now, there they were ready to take a step to their marriage life. Her vows followed next:
"You have been my best friend,
mentor, playmate, confidant, and my greatest challenge.
But most importantly,
We have learned that we have so much in common,
the vows we say today will illuminate all the years
we have together going forward.
I promise to honor you in the same way.
I honor my beliefs and myself, as well as yours: forever."
More silence took over the place. The sun had almost set, and the night grew new. It was more than magnificent, the colors of the sky. The decoration, the words, everything was beautifully placed. The ring bearer came forward and presented the rings. Ben, choose Poe to bring the rings. Chancellor placed the silver ring on Ben's finger first; then he placed on Rey's. The Chancellor asked, "If anyone objects to the marriage! Speak now or forever hold your peace." No one spoke. After, few moments she went on, "With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Ben leaned in and kissed Rey, softly like he's never done it before. The kiss started gently and finished a bit deeper and wilder. Rey blushed a bit, leaning closer against him. Everyone cheered for them. Shouts and cheers filled the area as the groom took his bride's hand and walked through the aisle towards the dining area for the fest to begin. Their friends, family, and guests followed, and soon, the long tables were filled. Loud music was finally playing. People were dancing; others were eating and drinking. And the celebration had started.
The bride and groom entered, applause spread across the room. There was the scraping of chairs as folks got up for a standing ovation and the happy couple made their way to the head table, smiling and holding hands. They sat in front of a bouquet of blue roses, and the groom leaned in for a kiss. There were cheers, and someone whooped. After a few moments, the toastmaster rose from his chair, and everyone else sat down.
"Welcome, all!" Luke gave the first toast "I would like to begin by welcoming you all today and saying a big thank you from all of us on this table for taking the time and effort to join with us to celebrate Ben and Rey's wedding. We know that many of you have made long journeys to be here today, and we hope you have a great time. I am the bride's master and the groom's uncle. You should probably all know who I am, and if you don't, well done for sneaking in unnoticed. Everyone believes that life is short. But at my age, I find life long ... very long. I am proud enough that Ben returned to us. Now, Rey, I have only three things to say. One is to thank you for all the aid you have offered to the Galaxy. The second how brave you are to marry Ben. And lastly, you are part of our family. And if Ben is ever bullying you, let me know!" Luke's toast was made, and everyone was filled with emotions.
Next, the chancellor stood up, and everyone fell in profound silence, and she began: "Wedding days are meant to be unforgettable, and this one certainly will be. They say you don't marry someone you can live with ... you marry the person you cannot live without. And this couple proves it. Ben, Rey, and I aren't exactly the best people to talk about weddings, family, and friends. We have a history to confirm how amateur we are in that field. But I am excited that at least Rey and Ben found a way out from the tragedy that surrounded them. Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, fighting to be together, holding on, and never letting go. Congratulations!"
'Why is she here?' Rey asked Ben through the Force; she indeed never invited the chancellor to her wedding. But not only did she showed up, but she was also the one who married them, and now she wished them 'A happy marriage.'
"I invited her," Ben whispered. "This is a special day; we are lucky enough to have friends to celebrate with us. But family is important; Luke and she are the last people that connect us to our bloodline, even a shit one, I wanted them to be part of this."
Rey gazed at him with tears in her eyes; Ben would surprise her every day in new ways. She nodded and smiled at him, and he smiled back at her. Ben rose his glass and gave a slight nod towards Luke and Chancellor. Rey smiled and raised her drink too. Her right arm wrapped around Ben's arm as the next one that wanted to give their toast.
"People are weird. When we find someone with weirdness compatible with ours, we team up like Ben Solo, who oddly and simply places himself in front of any danger, not only for his old friends and news. And like his bride that is stranger than him, but has the same brave soul. To the stubborn and difficult Jedi. To the odd and imperfect couple. My friends! Congrats!" Poe toasted. Next, his gaze rested against Ben for a minute, his old enemy who was now one of his best friends, his brother in arms.
"Love doesn't make the world go round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile. And you ride had been difficult and harsh, but odd and even with dozens of happiness. I will only wish that you keep riding through love and happiness." Rose was next and winked at Rey.
"Rey has been my pal all along my escape from the First Order," Finn posted and looked at Ben. "We fought together; we lived together. She is a significant person, like Poe, Rose, and the rest. I always wanted to protect Rey, I had run after her thinking she can't take care of herself. But here she is today, a Jedi Master who made the previous Kylo Ren marry her. Well done!" Finn paused as the guests laughed. "Well, anyway! Ben, live a full life with Rey. And Rey goes easy on him! And if you ever dare hurt her, you will find me in front of you!"
The wedding toasts followed one by one. Everyone had to say a few words to Ben and Rey. And the celebration continued. Rey and Ben spent long hours talking to the guests and their friends. The night went on like that. A lot of talking, eating, and dancing. There was some drinking too. Everyone had a good time.
At some point, Ben took a seat and rested, watching as Rey danced with Rose and Jannah. He cracked a smile enjoying the view, and suddenly from the side of his eye, he saw her. She was standing far away, transparent to the human eye. Ben froze; his smile disappeared as he stood up. He walked closer to her, his steps timidly, not believing his eyes.
"Mom!" Ben's voice cracked; he felt his heart tightened, and he lost his balance. He had seen Leia before, he had talked with her, but now she seemed so different.
Leia ought to have felt that her obsolescence stood as a badge of honor. Even now, as a Force-Ghost, she looked like a strong leader who cared not only about Ben but everyone else. But she couldn't relax. Couldn't stop worrying. She was always worried about the Galaxy, her people, friends, and family. That was what happened when someone grew up on the run, under siege, still expecting capture or death at any moment. Paranoia became the only way of seeing the world, unable ever to be fully set aside.
Ben had already forgiven her; he understood now his mother. His olds wounds remain but weren't enough to drag him down. After all, his mother was human, but she made her mistakes, but she gave her life to bring him back. He owned her that much. And honestly, Ben missed her; he missed Leia more than any words could describe.
"How long has it been since you were that carefree? Were you ever?" she said, her brown eyes that looked similar to Ben's were gazing at her son, her only son. "I have forgotten, Ben. A mother always knows, and I knew how torn apart you were, every day... every night! No one wants to be afraid of more chaos and turmoil. Isn't this what we fought for—so we wouldn't have to be afraid? I had it all backward."
Ben's knelt before her on the floor, somewhat distracted by her words and somehow by her presence. Ben felt as if he were drifting into a realm without pain, without fear. His mother protection like a blanket falling over Ben, years later, but still, it was enough to heal a bit his wounded heart. "Don't," he cracked, "your mistakes are non-existent, in comparison to what I did..." Ben paused, unable to breathe. "Mom..."
Leia gazed at Ben, her hand resting against his back as he remained there, kneeling in front of her, wanting to ask... No, to beg her for forgiveness. But he couldn't speak, not even breathe. "Ben take care of Rey, Poe, and the Resistance." Leia said, "And don't forget son, you always have an ally on your side. Anakin, the stubborn creepy older man, is still there. "
The next time that Ben raised his eyes to see his mother, Leia was gone. There was standing Rey, leaning over him, softly running her fingers along with his curls. Ben angled towards her, his head resting against her as Rey was standing, and he remained on his knees. His arms wrapped around her, and they stayed there for a few long moments for the moment to settle in.
「Upcoming Chapter: Act Seventy - Eight」
Okay, guys, that's all. I hope you enjoyed reading the 77th chapter.
Thank you all so much! Stay awesome! Stay sweet!
And be nice to each other, see you soon, in the next chapter!
Feel free to Review and Follow the story!
Feedback is always appreciated!