Hey guys! Just want to make everyone aware that again, I am in some ways following the basic story of The Rise of Skywalker. But not to every little detail. The biggest reason I'm following TROS was because I already knew how TROS ended (due to spoilers but I don't mind) and I already knew how I can end the story of Saya and Ben/Kylo. I had so many idea for how this story could end but I really like the one I came up with to fit into TROS. But again, I'm also changing other details of TROS to my own liking and hoping in some ways to have the story make more sense. Sorry if there are people reading this story that haven't seen TROS. I'm not intending to spoil anything for anyone. I just wanted to use the idea of that storyline for mine (I take no credit for Star Wars in any way. Just my own characters and certain details in my story)

Also, I apologize for slow updates and shorter chapters. I've had a lot going on personally and it takes away time for me to write and it also makes it hard for me to concentrate on writing the story the way I want it written. And I'd rather slowly write and get it right than rush to finish. Saya and Ben/Kylo deserve a better ending than that.

Thanks for reading! Hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 24

The ship was quiet minus the sound of Saya and Rey sniffing, trying to stop themselves from crying. Even Finn was quiet and had little words to say. Poe was forcing himself to concentrate on flying the ship.

After some time had passed, Rey looked over to Finn.

"Finn… how did they catch Chewie and Bayard?"

"They… they were outside fending off the oncoming Stormtroopers. They were able to stop many of them but they had stun guns. They were dragged onto the transport ship."

Saya couldn't deny she was surprised they even tried to take Bayard alive but it didn't matter. He was gone now.

"They didn't just have Chewie and Bayard. They had the knife too. The knife is gone…"

Saya buried her face in her hands and tried not to openly sob in front of everyone.

"Fear not on that everyone! I still have the engraving of the knife in my memory banks!"

The news from C3-PO still did not make anyone happier. Saya couldn't stop herself from shaking and her face was stained with tears.

It's my fault… it's all my fault. I told Bayard to give the knife to Chewie. And I let my power get out of control… my anger took over and I wasn't thinking… I'm so sorry!

There were several moments of silence when she felt arms wrap around her.

"No, it's mine! I did it! I should have stopped when I felt your power but I didn't want to! I thought I could use it and I was wrong! Saya, I'm so sorry!"

The women hugged each other and silent sobbed together. They broke apart from each other after a few moments and they flew silently for quite some time.

Finally, Poe exited the cockpit and walked back to everyone.

"Were just about to land on Kajimi. Hopefully we have some luck and crack open C3-PO's head."

"Excuse me sir but do you ACTUALLY intend to open my head!?" The droid said in a panic.

Poe shook his head and returned to the cockpit while the droid panicked. The rest of the ride was silent. As they landed, Saya and Rey stood tall again. They both knew they had no choice. They had to keep moving.

-!-!-!

Kylo was still aggravated, but in a far better mood than he had been for a long time. Saya had unleashed her anger. Her power was almost fully unleashed. She also brought out power within the scavenger. Powers the scavenger would have long had if she had been properly trained. Though he wasn't surprised she could harness the power of lightning through the force. It was a common Sith power. And she was the great-granddaughter of the most powerful Sith in history.

Perhaps Saya needed to know the truth of the scavenger's birth.

His ship landed in the loading bay awhile after the transport ship reached his Star Destroyer. His knights would soon follow after they finished gutting out the village in case anything was missed. Several spies were all over the galaxy and one of his Knights was able to follow Saya's ship. As soon as the knight knew the location, he would be alerted.

General Pryde swiftly walked to up Kylo.

"Supreme Leader, we have lost one transport ship but the ship with the captives has successfully made it back safely. We have the Wookie and the wolf."

Kylo nodded and began walking to his command post. The General followed.

"Sir, we request permission to terminate the wolf. It has been causing much damage and several Stormtroopers have been injured. I'm not sure why it wasn't killed on sight."

Kylo stopped and turned to the General.

"Did I not order all Resistance members to be captured for interrogation?"

The General swallowed but did not back down. He was choosing his words carefully.

"Forgive me, but I did not think that applied to animals. It does not appear to be valuable to the First Order nor can we interrogate it for information. We please ask for permission to terminate it."

He thought for several moments. The wolf belonged to Saya. While he would turn her to the Dark Side, she would never forgive him if he had the wolf killed. He needed to teach her the power to use her anger and hatred, but he couldn't bear to have those feelings pointed to him.

"Where is the wolf now?"

"In the same holding cell as the Wookie. We are working on finding someone who understands the language before we can interrogate the Wookie."

"Keep them in the holding cell together. The wolf is to remain unharmed."

The General gave a little bow of his head as a sign that he understood and then produced a large black knife from his belt loop.

"This was found in the Wookie's possession."

Kylo took the knife and studied it. Yes, he know the language carved onto it. No, he couldn't read it but he knew the language. It was the lost language of the Sith. Skywalker never taught them the language but he made sure his apprentices knew enough to recognize a Sith weapon or artifact.

Kylo gripped the knife in his hand and decided to make his way to his room. He needed a few minutes alone anyway.

He swiftly entered the room and removed his helmet. Hs grandfather's helmet was still placed in the corner of his room. The stand it was on had just enough room on it for the knife as well. It was appropriate that it rest next to his grandfather's helmet. He was a Sith, after all.

Kylo turned and sat on his bed. He was sure that very soon Saya would return to him and would share this room with him again. He was close to finally bringing her to the Dark Side. He could feel it.

Perhaps it was time to push her a little further. What would Saya do if she knew the scavenger was of Sith descent?

It was time to find out.

-!-!-!

The planet was cold. The wind was harsh and the fact that it was snowing wasn't helping. Poe was able to steal them all large black coats to not only keep them warm but to also help them hide. The First Order was here and was clearly gutting out the city they were in. No doubt looking for them.

"Poe, where are we going?" Finn asked between shivering.

He cold didn't seem to bother Poe at all.

"Were going to see Babu Frik. If anyone can get the info out of 3PO's head, it's him"

The droid was also in a large coat. Saya thought it was a bit amusing to see him waddle around in the large thing.

Poe led them down several alleyways until someone stepped in front of Poe, blocking their path.

"Never thought I'd see you again, spice runner." It was a feminine voice underneath all that armor. And she was addressing Poe.

Everyone slowly turned their gaze over to Poe.

"Spice runner?" Rey asked with surprise.

Poe sheepishly looked over his shoulder at the team.

"Well… I did have another job before the war started…"

The woman scoffed. "You left us to join the Resistance."

The woman quickly withdrew a blaster but Saya was faster. She was tired and frustrated. She withdrew her lightsaber and pointed it at the woman's throat.

Drop your weapon now

Saya felt the woman's eyes on her then turned her helmet back to Poe.

"She's Kylo Ren's wife. Do you know how big the bounty is on her?"

"I don't care. Saya is with the Resistance. She's fighting to help end the war. We all are. Will you help us or not?"

The woman seemed to consider his words until she finally looked back to Saya.

"I don't know if you care to hear this, but I like you."

Saya dropped her lightsaber as soon as the woman dropped her weapon. Poe cleared his throat and turned to everyone.

"Guys, this is Zorii Bliss. Zorii, this is-"

"We don't have time for this!" The woman snapped. "Look up into the sky!"

Everyone looked up and a chill went up Saya's spine. Kylo Ren's Star Destroyer was in the sky.

"How did they already find us!?"

"They've been combing planets all over the place. Is it possible they followed you here?"

Poe didn't have an answer. He didn't want to admit that he was too busy trying to escape and not focus on the loss they all had that he didn't even think about them being followed. If they were followed, they must not have saw them land because they would have been ambushed the moment they touched down on the planet.

Poe seemed to shake himself out of his thoughts and turned to Zorii

"We need to get to Babu Frik. We need to get some information out of this droid" Poe said, pointing behind him to C3-PO.

Zorii nodded. "Follow me"

The team slowly followed behind Zorii and she led them down more alleyways. Finally, she opened a door with a set of stairs going down into the planet. The team quickly rushed inside and Zorii slammed the door closed. Saya was thankful to finally be out of the cold.

They walked deeper into the planet until they were led into a work shop of some kind. Poe walked forward and stretched his arms out.

"Babu! Did you miss me?"

A small creature appeared from behind a piece a machinery and spoke to Poe in a language no one else could understand. The creature had a large smile on his face.

Poe reached over and grabbed C3-PO's arm, forcing him to walk forward.

"We need information out of this droid. We need to get past his programming to hear a translation that's saved in his head. Can you do it?"

The creature began speaking in his language again and Poe had a huge smile on his face.

"Thanks! This really helps us out, buddy!"

Poe pushed C3-PO forward and turned to everyone.

"He's going to give it a shot. But if anyone can do it, it's him."

Finn and Rey had small smiles but Saya turned to walk up the stairs. She saw a small window towards the top of the staircase. Once she reached it, she stood there and could see up into the sky. She could see the faint outline of Kylo's ship.

After some time, Saya heard some steps and felt a small hand on her shoulder.

"You alright?"

She turned to Rey with a sad smile.

No. I won't be until this war is over. And maybe not even then.

Rey nodded in understanding. "I don't know if I will be either."

Both girls looked up to the ship and a chill went down her spine.

Kylo Ren is either on that ship or on the planet.

"I thought you two could sense each other?"

I learned to block my power off, remember? I can't feel his presence but he can't feel mine. But with how unstable I am, I'm scared I will lose control of that too.

"…I'm scared too" Rey admitted.

Both were quiet for several moments until Rey suddenly stood tall, still looking up to the Star Destroyer.

You ok?

Rey was quiet for a moment. "Do you remember when Finn first told us about Chewie and Bayard being captured? When we looked into the sky?"

Yeah. Why?

Rey looked to Saya with a strong look in her eyes.

"How many ships were taking off?"

Saya understood what she was saying and immediately gave a hard look to the Star Destroyer above them.

"We were all stupid for not thinking about it. I didn't even realize the other one got away."

So there's a 50% chance they are alive

Rey and Saya looked at each other with confidence.

"50% is all we need."

Both girls nodded at each other and rushed to the men downstairs.

"Guys, Chewie and Bayard might be alive!"

The guys turned to the girls, shock clearly on their faces.

"You serious? How!? The ship exploded!" Poe said in disbelief.

There were two ships! One got away! We were too busy focusing on everything else to see it!

Poe was still processing their words when Finn jumped in.

"Guys, there's only a small chance they are alive!"

"They would take the chance for us if it was the other way around" Rey said, slightly glaring at Finn.

Finn looked down, fumbling his words.

"Well… maybe not Bayard…"

Saya was now glaring at Finn.

Upon seeing the girl's evil glares, he raised his hands in defeat.

"Ok, sorry! Let's go after them!"

Poe blinked several times before saying a word.

"So let me get this straight. We're going to break into Kylo Ren's Star Destroyer… again… for the third time… We have no means to sneak on this time!"

They were silent. This wasn't like before when they could just steal some uniforms and get onboard. No, once they were close to the ship they could either be fired upon or captured easily.

They all jumped when Zorii stepped out of the corner.

"I can help with that."

Zorii drew a small coin out of her pocked and flipped it to Poe who caught it easily.

"It's a First Order Admiral coin. Stole it from a First Order ship years ago after they raided the planet. You can use it to signal the Star Destroyer for clearance to land. They should let you land with no problems. But the issue isn't getting on. It's getting OFF."

Poe rolled the coin between his fingers.

"Yeah but then we have to get through all the troops. And we have no idea where Chewie and Bayard are."

"Are you kidding me? The First Order is raiding this planet top to bottom! Most of their troops are down here! You guys need to get up there now while they are distracted!"

Poe looked as if he wanted to protest but bowed his head in defeat. After a moment, his head flashed up and he had a sarcastic smile.

"Third times a charm!"

The girls began to smile when Babu Frik suddenly began speaking to the group. They all turned and Saya saw C3-PO was hooked to several cables from his head and neck.

Poe smiled and turned to the group.

"He said he can do the bypass. You guys ready?"

Everyone nodded and eagerly waited. Babu Frik returned to working on C3-PO while the droid began frantically looking around.

"This won't have any lasing affects will it-"

C3-PO suddenly slumped down as if powered off.

"Uhh… Babu, is that normal?"

The creature said nothing but seemed to keep playing with the switches and cables. With a jolt, C3-PO suddenly jerked up making everyone jump.

C3-PO's eyes weren't yellow, but red. He stood tall and his voice became deep.

"THE KEY IS IN YOUR HAND… THE KEY TO GOING HOME… THE KEY TO GOING TO THE THRONE OF THE SITH… TURN OPEN THE DOOR AND FIND YOUR WAY HOME TO EXOGOL…"

As fast as it happened, it was over. C3-PO's eyes suddenly turned yellow again and he began to frantically look around.

"Oh my! Did it work?" He asked.

Everyone was quiet for several moments.

"It-it didn't say anything! It didn't say where the map was! It's useless!" Finn said in frustration.

No. The knife is the key. I think it's maybe locked away and the knife is the key to getting it.

"But we still don't know where it is!"

"We can worry about that AFTER we save Bayard and Chewie." Rey said.

Saya knew Rey was also frustrated with everything, but they had to keep moving.

Everyone thanked Babu Frik and Zorii led them back outside. Everyone huddled under their coats while Zorii helped them sneak past the many soldiers that were patrolling the streets. They finally reached their ship and Zorii turned to the group.

"The coin has the proper codes engraved on it. Use it to land in their loading bay. I'll see what I can do to keep their forces down here for as long as possible. Get onboard, save your friends, and get out!"

Everyone nodded and ran into the ship. No one saw Zorii disappear into the night. Poe quickly jumped into the cockpit and fired up the ship.

"Round three aboard Kylo Ren's Star Destroyer! Let's try to save the Falcon while we're at it!"

Everyone took a deep breath as the ship rose into the air. Saya silently prayed that Chewie and Bayard were alright.

They had to be.

-!-!-!

His forces were ordered to completely gut the city until they found Saya and the scavenger. His knight was able to follow them to the planet, but not find them after they landed. It didn't matter. He had the Millennium Falcon on board his Star Destroyer. The ship they came in wouldn't be nearly good enough for them to make a quick escape.

They were looking for the other map to Exogol. He knew it. He had the map that was archived away with the other Sith relics. They were seeking out the one personally owned by Palpatine. He had to get to Saya before she found it. HE was going to be the one to take her to Exogol. He wanted to tell her the truth of the scavenger's bloodline in person. And he would as soon as he found her.

One of his Knights approached him.

"Supreme Leader, no sign of the Rebels or your wife."

He clenched his fists and teeth in frustration. They HAD to be here somewhere.

"Search the city again! Leave no house or structure unturned! They are here!"

The armored man gave a quick bow and turned to relay Kylo's orders to the other troops.