When Rey regained consciousness, which only took a few seconds, she inhaled a mouthful of water. She lifted a hand to her throat and began to choke, unable to cough up the water that she had inhaled. Frantically, Rey kicked off of anything her feet could touch and swam for air as fast as she could. Her vision began to fade and Rey started feeling dizzy from the lack of oxygen. This only caused her to push harder and swim faster. She couldn't loose consciousness again. If she did she would surely drown. Her vision began to go black. Rey held what little breath she had left as she propelled through the water, towards the surface. She couldn't die like this. She couldn't drown. If she drowned, then the baby would die too. Rey couldn't let that happen.

Once she broke the surface, Rey gasped for air, coughing and sputtering out the water that had entered her lungs. She took several deep breaths, allowing air to fill her lungs as fast as possible. The wind licked at her face, chafing her throat as she inhaled. Rey struggled to keep herself afloat as water began to pour in from the hole at the top of the cave. It must have been high tide. She didn't have much time to get out of the cave. More water poured in, causing the water to become choppy. The waves were rough and the water rocked her back and forth. She struggled to maintain her buoyancy, too weak to swim to the edge of the cave. It was hard enough to stay afloat despite the fact that she was emotionally drained and out of breath.

Within a few seconds, Rey caught her breath and came to her senses. She gasped as the memory hit her like a pile of bricks and she remembered why she was here. She remembered what had happened before she had plunged into the water and why she had fallen. "Ben?" Rey called, pushing herself above the water as far as she could manage. She searched the cave but there was no one in sight. She then scanned the waters but there was no sign of him. Rey's throat constricted. "Ben?" Rey swam in circles, spinning frantically, searching for him. "Ben?" She cried, a little more urgently. Rey took another deep breath. "Ben?!" She screamed with any hope that he might hear her. Ben was nowhere to be seen. Had it all been a dream? Just another vision to torment her??

Rey shook her head. She hadn't imagined it. It had been real, she was sure of it. So Rey continued to search for him. Minutes passed with no sign and Rey began to panic. But then suddenly, a light passed over the cave. Rey looked up to see the full moon, perfectly aligned with the hole at the top of the cave. It shone like a spotlight over the center of the pool. Rey let out a shallow breath as she followed the path of the light and saw a shimmering at the bottom of the pool. The moon was reflecting off of something. Rey looked closer and saw a blurry image of something dark, sinking in the water, near the grimmer. Rey squinted and tried to make out whatever it was at the center of the pool, but she couldn't quite make it out.

Rey took a deep breath, ready to dive and investigate when another gust of water poured into the cave and Rey was knocked under the water. The current pulled her deeper, twisting and spinning her through the water. When she finally came to a stop, Rey had to blink a few times to help clear her vision. The current had made her extremely dizzy. Since the had already been holding her breath, Rey swam deeper, diving to where she had seen the glimmer. But when she reached the bottom, she saw something else that caused her to freeze. Rey had to clamp her hand to her mouth to keep from gasping and loosing all the air in her lungs.

There, unconscious and sinking deeper and deeper towards the bottom of the pool, was Ben. Rey covered her mouth with both hands. It took all of her willpower not to let out a cry for joy. But just as she began to rejoice, the severity of the situation began to set in. Rey didn't hesitate and sprung into action, swimming towards him as fast as she could. She was running out of breath quickly and didn't have much time. Rey knew that there was not enough time to make it back to the surface for air and dive to reach Ben again. He would surely drown. So Rey pushed herself harder to reach him. The small thought entered her mind that this was all just another vision, but she couldn't hesitate to worry about such doubts.

Once she reached him, Rey placed her hands on his face to see if he was even the littlest bit conscious. She didn't know how it was possible, or why this had happened, but the question was quickly pushed to the back of her mind as she cradled his face. There was no response or movement when she touched him. So Rey swam around and hooked her hands under his arms and kicked as fast as she could. Ben was heavier than she'd anticipated, but Rey was determined. She had to get them both to the surface. Ben had gone too long without air, he wouldn't survive if she didn't get him to the surface soon. Rey prepared herself to revive him if needed, hoping that it would be necessary and that he was alright.

Carrying both of their weight proved more than Rey could manage, and soon her strength gave out. She was just feet away from the surface. The air from Rey's lungs gave out as she exhaled what little oxygen she had left, unable to hold her breath a moment longer. Rey began to lose consciousness when she couldn't inhale. Water filled her lungs. Rey cried out for help in any way she could. She clung to Ben tightly, holding him, unwilling to let him go. With her final thought, she lifted her hand, reaching for the surface. Calling to anyone who would listen for help. "Luke," she thought. "Please. Help me. Save us." Rey felt a renewal of strength like a breath of fresh air. In one last attempt, she kicked and thrashed through the water.

In victory, she broke the surface with a deep breath. Rey gasped, letting out little breaths and taking in deep mouthfuls. She smiled slightly and pulled Ben out of the water so that he could breath. Since she didn't have time to check and see if he was breathing, Rey began to float, letting Ben lean against her so that she could swim back to shore. His body weight pushed her down slightly and made it harder to swim, but Rey didn't care. She hurried to the edge of the pool and planted her feet as soon as she reached the shallow end. Then, pulling Ben closer, Rey wrapped her arm around his back and cradled his head with her other hand. Her fingers tangled through his thick, wet hair and she pulled him as close as she could. She didn't want any distance from him.

Rey let out a whisper of a laugh for joy. It hadn't been a dream. He was actually there. Physical and alive. But her joy quickly settled and panic set in as she realized he wasn't breathing. "No," she whispered. Rey pulled him closer, pressed her forehead against his, praying for any sign of breath. But as her lips hovered near his, she felt no breath escape him. Tears gathered in her eyes. "Oh Ben, please no," she whispered, looking down at his still figure desperately. He did not move. There was no sign of any life from Ben. Rey pinched her lips in determination. She knew what she needed to do. Rey began to trudge through the shallow water towards shore. She pulled Ben behind her as carefully as possible and dragged him onto the stoney shore.

Easing him down as carefully as possible, Rey sat down and hovered over him. "Don't do this, Ben. Please don't go this way." Rey begged him to stay, laying her hands on his cheeks and cradling his face. She tilted his head and brought her lips to his then breathed the air from her lungs into his. No response. Rey took a deep breath, pinched his nose and repeated the process, trying to give him as much oxygen as possible. "Ben please." Another breath. "Don't leave me." Rey pressed her lips to his once more and forced air into his lungs. "Stay with me." She cried before breathing the last of the air in her lungs into him. Rey felt the tears stream down her cheeks as she lowered Ben's head to the ground. Her hands never left his face though, as she cradled his cheek with one hand and stroked his hair with her other.

"Ben?" There was no response, and no sign of life. "No. Oh no. Please... please. Don't leave me." Rey stared down at his still face, her vision blurring before she crumbled. Her sobbing cries echoed throughout the cavern. With one last breath, Rey gave in to her exhaustion and laid down against Ben's chest. She closed her eyes as silent tears streamed down her face. "Come back to me," Rey whispered, the desperation in her voice falling on deaf ears. Ben couldn't hear her and he couldn't respond. Rey buried her head into Ben's shoulder and cried. How could she lose him again before she'd even found him? "I need you." Rey knew she didn't have the strength to watch him die again. "I love you," she whispered, closing her eyes. "And I love you," a deep voice muttered.

With a gasp, Rey looked up to meet a pair of dark eyes. She let out a short breath and blinked rapidly, unable to believe her eyes. Rey raised her hand and Ben looked down at her as her fingers traced a path up to his face. She cupped his cheek in her small hand and smiled. "Ben?" Ben smiled and raised his hand to caress her face. Rey felt the sudden warmth of his skin as his fingers brushed her cheek and he pressed his palm against the side of her face. "Ben!" She cried and threw herself into his arms. Rey leaned against his embrace, closing her eyes. Ben wrapped his arm around her small figure, pulling her closer and cradling her. The steady rise and fall of his chest, along with his rhythmic breathing calmed her. The steady beating of his heart assured her that he truly was with her. Rey snuggled closer into his chest, breathing in his scent and enjoying the sense of love and security.

Holding her breath, Rey looked up to meet his gaze. His eyes danced as he smiled. "Can I sit up now?" He asked and Rey's eyes widened. She slowly slid off of Ben's chest and sat on the ground beside him then helped him into a sitting position. He grunted as he sat up but lifted his hand and cradled her face. Rey smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, determined to hold onto him this time. Last time she'd been this happy, she'd let her guard down and it had cost her dearly. Rey was never going to let him go again. Ben laughed slightly. "You've got a good grip." Ben grunted and Rey loosened her hug slightly. "No," he said firmly. "Don't ever let go." Ben grinned and took her face in his hands then brought his lips down on hers.

Rey kissed him back hungrily, with all the passion and love she'd had bottled up these past few weeks. Ben's desperation matched her own as he leaned in further and the kiss soon became fervid. Ben wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her close to his chest and Rey snaked her arms around his neck, weaving her fingers through his hair. Rey sighed and Ben let out a soft groan as he rested his hands on her hips. The kiss grew intense as Ben pulled Rey closer. Rey obliged and leaned forward. She wanted there to be as little distance between them as possible so that he wouldn't disappear on her again. When Ben's hands shifted to her waist, it caused Rey to gasp sharply and pull away as a pain shot through her abdomen. She raised a hand to her stomach and took a deep breath.

Ben automatically looked remorseful and confused at the same time. "I'm sorry! Did I... did I hurt you?" The sorrow and guilt in his expression warmed her heart. Rey shook her head. "No, no. It's okay. I'm alright." She said quickly, trying to determine how to tell him about the baby. Ben's brow furrowed. "Then I don't understand. What happened? Did I do something wrong?" Rey could hear Ben's thoughts very clearly. He knew that he hadn't gone too far or done anything to hurt her, so he was blaming himself for moving too quickly and scaring her. Rey quickly leaned over and placed a kiss on his lips to assure him he hadn't done anything wrong. Ben smiled but he could sense her apprehensiveness. "What's troubling you my love?" Rey smiled. She liked it when he called her that.

Reaching over and taking his his in her own, Rey gently pressed his fingers against her stomach. She knew that he would feel it too. The gentle hum of their baby's life force. It was so very strong. A crease formed between Ben's eyebrows and his nose scrunched up in thought as his face portrayed nothing but confusion. But then the confusion cleared and Ben's face lit up. "Is that?" He asked and Rey nodded excitedly. Ben ran a hand through his hair and stood. He paced a few steps then turned and faced Rey. "Is it really possible?" He asked as he held out a hand and pulled her to her feet. "I was as amazed as you. I didn't think it was possible because we hadn't actually had... well you know." Ben laughed. "No I think I would remember something like that." Rey's jaw dropped and he chuckled.

Then he became serious once more. "Then how is it possible?" Rey sighed. "I think it happened when you sacrificed your life to save mine. When your life Force was combined with my own, it created new life. The child inside me is made from both you and me, with both your life Force and my own." Ben hesitated, running a hand through his hair and cradled the back of his neck. He seemed to be deep in thought and Rey bit her lip. "Ben? Does this..." She tried to find the courage to speak the question that was bothering her. "This doesn't change anything does it? I mean... you still... want me, don't you?" She asked, wondering if her pregnancy had upset him. Ben turned to face her as confusion and horror crossed his features. "Want you? Rey what on earth are you talking about? Of course I want you! I love you!"

In two strides, Ben was standing in front of her, his hands around her waist. He smiled and gently lifted her off the ground then spun her circles. "I'm going to be a father!" Ben laughed as Rey squealed. He twirled her around and Rey noticed how gently he handled her. He held her as if she were the most fragile thing in the galaxy and if he made one wrong move, she would shatter into a million pieces. Ben set her down gently on her feet and leaned his forehead against hers. "And you're going to be a mother," he whispered. Rey smiled and nodded as Ben closed his eyes. He brought his hands up and cradled her face, stroking each cheek with his thumbs. His fingers curled through her hair as Ben brought his lips down on hers once more in the sweetest, most beautiful kiss.

When Ben pulled away, he left Rey feeling dizzy and he had to steady her against his strong figure. He grinned and Rey returned the smile. She felt fresh tears enter her eyes as she stared up at the man she loved. Ben wrapped his arms around her and lifted a hand to wipe her tears away. "Hey? What's wrong?" He whispered and Rey shook her head. "Nothing's wrong. Everything is so perfectly right. I didn't know anyone could have this much happiness in the entire galaxy." Ben sighed as he pulled her closer and rested his hand on her stomach. "No one's ever made me as happy as you have, Rey. I am the happiest man in the galaxy, and it's all because of you. My dear, sweet, beautiful Rey of sunshine. Who never gave up on me, through life and even death. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. I love you now and forever and I will be with you. Always."

Ben and Rey stood in silence for she didn't know how long, just holding onto one another. Rey had never felt so complete. She finally had Ben back, and she was finally at peace. Love, security, and true happiness were the only emotions she felt. There was no more sorrow. There was no more pain. Rey buried her head against his chest and Ben's arms wrapped securely around her shoulders. She felt so small and petite compared to him. But she liked the fact that he surrounded her completely when he held her. It made her feel safe. Rey couldn't believe that only a few weeks ago they had been enemies and that she had almost killed him. Rey sighed softly. They had never truly been enemies. She had always known there was light in him.

While they stood, in perfect silence, the second moon passed over the cave. As it shone over the pool, the sparkling at bottom of the pool caught Rey's eye once more. She slowly slid her arms from around Ben's neck and approached the pool. Ben followed her, keeping his hand gently on the fabric of her tunic. "What is it, love?" Rey tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. "I don't know. But I think I'm supposed to get it," Rey said with uncertainty. "The kyber crystal?" Ben said and Rey turned to face him. "The what? Is that what's at the bottom of the pool? A kyber crystal?" Ben smiled and nodded. "That's what it looks like." Ben walked over to the edge of the cave and picked up her lightsaber hilt then brought it back to her. "You've already built your hilt, the kyber crystal was bound to make itself known to you."

"I have to get it." Rey said, meeting Ben's gaze. He nodded gently. "I'm coming with you." Rey shook her head as panic settled. Not ten minutes ago, Rey had watched Ben almost drown. She couldn't let him go back in. The fear of loosing him was too painful. "No. I don't want to put you in any more danger." Ben crossed his arms. "Says the pregnant girl." He said teasingly and Rey groaned. Ben walked over and wrapped his arms around her. "Listen Rey. Do you think I'd let you go into a dangerous situation? It's not that dangerous. I know that you have been through a lot, but nothing's going to happen to me. And I'm not going to let anything happen to you. You're not going alone." Rey opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off by bringing his lips down on hers.

When he pulled away, Ben placed his hands on her shoulders and smiled. "Give it up sweetheart. I'm going." Rey sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine. But you better not slow me down." She said, raising her eyebrows and made a sprint for the water. There was no more water coming through the hole at the top of the cave, so the pool's currents had settled. Ben followed, not far behind as Rey jumped into the water. She waited until she had swam to the center of the pool and Ben had joined her, then began to dive for the kyber crystal. The moon's light reflected off of the crystal, making it easy for Rey to see as she swam deeper and deeper. Ben swam close by her and reached out to take her hand.

Together they swam towards the small light. When she reached the bottom, Rey reached out and grabbed a handful of sand and dirt that contained the crystal. She took a seconds glance and as soon as she could feel the hard rock in her hand, Rey released Ben's hand and kicked off the ground. She looked back at Ben who followed her closely but fatigue from her previous swim had began to set in and Rey slowed. Ben had been watching her closely and noticed this. He reached out and took her hand then pulled her into his arms and they swam to the surface together. When they both broke the surface and gasped for air, Ben grinned. "See? We made it. I'm fine and you're safe. Everything's alright."

Rey smiled and placed a swift kiss on his cheek. "We did it." Ben raised an eyebrow and grinned then nodded. "Now let's see that crystal." Rey lifted her hand and opened her palm so that Ben could see. The crystal shone as brightly as the sun and Rey shielded her eyes. It was a vibrant and beautiful yellow. Ben smiled softly. "It suits you. As yellow as a drop of sun, the very same for my little Rey of sun." He whispered and leaned his forehead against hers. Rey smiled and sighed with a yawn. Ben pulled her against him and Rey slowly gave in to her fatigue. She could finally sleep peacefully, knowing that he was safe, and that she was safe on his arms.

Author's Note:

Hello!! I soooo enjoyed writing this chapter! I have been log awaiting this chapter and t is by far my favorite in the series as of yet. I really hope you all enjoyed it too! I really tried to incorporate the throne room scene from the last Jedi when she begs him not to go down that path. This time she begs him not to take another path. And I also tried to incorporate a bit of the scenes of Tangled when Eugene had died, and Beauty and the Beast when the beast died and she begged him to come back to her. So I usually have a song in mind for specific chapters and the song for this chapter is Please Don't Go, by Joel Adams