Chapter 27
General Pryde swiftly walked down the hall to find a private room. His master needed to speak to him immediately. And he knew better than to ignore his call.
Upon entering the projection room, the face of his master appeared as a hologram from the computer. General Pryde took a knee and bowed his head.
"Emperor Palpatine"
His master's voice was deep and commanding.
"The princess of Alderaan has disrupted my plan at the cost of her own life. The Skywalker heir has failed to bring me the Mahjai. As has that other fool. But it makes no difference. She will come to me. As will my heir. Come to me on Exogol, General Pryde."
The General bowed his head again.
"As I served you in the old wars, I serve you now"
"Send a ship to a world they know. Let it burn. My rein will return to the galaxy. The Mahjai and my hair will come, as will their friends. They will all come to me. Everything will fall into place."
"Yes, my Lord."
The transmission ended and General Pryde quickly stood to execute his Master's orders.
-!-!-!
The flight back to base was miserable. As soon as everyone was back together aboard the Falcon, Saya sobbed and told them everything. She was done with the lies and secrets. When it was all said and done, everyone was quiet. Even C3-PO had no words to say. Saya sat in a far corner silently crying while Chewie and Poe flew the ship. Finn sat in the cockpit with his head down, staring at the floor. Saya couldn't even believe they were allowing her to fly back with them.
Once the ship landed, the team sorrowfully exited the ship and were greeted with mournful looks and even tear filled eyes.
Poe stepped out and grabbed one of the Resistance member's arms.
"What's going on?"
The member looked to the ground.
"It's General Organa. She's gone."
The team wasted no time in running to the command tent where several people were gathered around. Poe pushed his way through the crowd and the rest of them followed. In the center of the tent was a cot with a white sheet placed over the figure laying in it. It was indeed Leia.
Chewie dropped to his knees and began roaring in despair. Finn and Poe turned white and couldn't hide their grief. Saya was silent and she felt as if a knife slid deep into her heart. She felt her presence disappear but didn't want to believe it. She didn't want to believe Leia was gone. But she was.
Leia was dead.
One of the members stepped forward and looked to Poe.
"Poe Dameron, before she passed on she ordered that you take over command of the Resistance."
Poe's face still looked grim but his back straightened.
"There's more news as well" The member continued "We just received word from an ally. Kajimi has been destroyed. One of Palpatine's Star Destroyers blew it into dust. The planet is gone."
Saya thought Poe was going to explode in anger.
"Meaning Palpatine has an entire fleet of Star Destroyers with the technology and power to destroy entire planets."
The crowd was silent. Chewie had stopped roaring and was crying, still on his knees. Saya couldn't take it anymore. She turned and ran full speed into the woods. Bayard tried to follow but Saya turned and gave him an angry look.
NO! STAY! LEAVE ME ALONE!
Bayard did indeed stop and she could feel his pain. But she didn't care at the moment. She needed to be alone. Saya ran as fast as her legs would allow her. She easily jumped over trees and ducked under branches and fallen trees. Once she was deep enough in the forest, she withdrew her lightsaber and released her pain.
Saya cut down trees and branches. Anything that was near her. She cried the entire time, letting out her pain and suffering. She felt like a failure. She failed her friends. She failed as a Gray Jedi. And she failed at saving Ben. He was gone. She would never see him again.
After some time, exhaustion took over. She fell to her knees and continued sobbing. She looked to her lightsaber that was in front of her. She didn't feel worthy of it. She didn't deserve it.
With lightning speed, Saya grabbed her lightsaber and threw it as far as she could into the forest. But it didn't travel very far. Saya was amazed when a tall figure stepped out of the trees holding her lightsaber.
Out from the trees stepped her master, Qui-Gon Jinn, holding her lightsaber. Saya had to blink several times before she could believe her eyes.
Master? Is that you?
He gave her a kind smile and looked to her lightsaber that was in his hand.
"You worked very hard on this. You shouldn't throw it away so carelessly."
Saya wiped her tears from her face as her Master step through the trees and knelt down next to her.
Master… I've failed.
"What was your failure?"
Everything! I failed my friends! I failed as a Gray Jedi! And I failed my Ben! I couldn't get him back! I don't deserve to be a Jedi! I failed my ancestors! The Force is wasted on me!
She cried for a few moments before she was able to calm herself down.
"You failed. And what did I teach you in our year together? Is failure not one of the best teachers? Failure teaches the hardest lessons. But it is up to you to learn and fight past it"
Saya sniffed.
I lied to them. I lied to them all.
"You didn't trust them with the truth. Why?"
Saya was silent for a moment.
Because I was a coward. I was afraid they wouldn't accept it. That they wouldn't accept me. I should have trusted them. I should have known that after everything we have been through that they would understand. And I should have told Rey the truth about her bloodline. She's strong enough to know the truth. I should have told her and helped end her suffering, not add to it by withholding the truth from her.
"Indeed. And what can you do now?"
She thought for another moment.
I can fight. I can apologize and finish this with them. I need to find Rey. We need to end this together.
Her Master smiled at her.
"You are the last of the Gray Jedi. She is the last Jedi. It will take both of you to end this."
Saya looked to her master.
I don't know where she is. She stole Kylo Ren's ship and left the planet.
Qui-Gon Jinn lifted his hand and gently placed his palm on top of her head. In a flash, he showed her the way. She could see the navigations in a ship and saw the island.
"As you went home to your ancestral planet, Rey has gone to the beginning of her Jedi path. Follow her, Saya. You and her must both strive to end this."
Saya nodded, then thought for a moment.
Master… is my Ben gone? Is there no saving him? Is there any hope you can give me?
He was silent for a moment.
"That is not hope I can give you Saya. That can only be given by Ben Solo himself. He must make the choice to cast aside Kylo Ren on his own."
Saya nodded in understanding and smiled at him.
Thank you Master.
The snap of a branch turned Saya's head. Out from the trees came Bayard and the Fowling, who was floating over to her in his small white cradle. Bayard quickly walked over to her and Saya wrapped her arms around his neck.
I'm so sorry my friend. Please forgive me.
She felt warmth come from him. He understood. He forgave her.
She slowly let go of him and the Fowling floated over to her. She gently picked him up out of his cradle and held him close to her.
Thank you Little One.
She felt his small arms try and hug her back.
"Go find your friend, Saya. Find Rey and help her bring back the balance"
Saya turned to look back at her Master, but he was gone. Her lightsaber sat in the same spot he had been sitting in just moments ago.
Thank you Master.
Saya gently placed the Fowling back into his cradle and grabbed her lightsaber. After she replaced it on her belt, she looked to Bayard.
Will you help me end this war, my friend?
He sat up and looked into her eyes. He was ready.
Saya smiled back to the Fowling.
You need to stay here, Little One. When I return, I promise it will all be over. I'll find a place for us all to go. A life without fighting and war.
He smiled at her. She stood tall and made her way out of the woods. She heard Bayard following close behind her and knew the Fowling was following as well. She exited the trees and entered the base to see everyone rushing about.
Saya hurried into the command tent and walked over to Poe, who was surrounded by a few other people.
Poe turned to Saya. He still looked grim but she could see he was doing his best to be strong. She stood in front of him, her back straight and looking right into his eyes.
Poe, I can never apologize enough for lying to you. To everyone. But I need to go. I'm taking a command ship and going to find Rey.
He was silent for a moment. Another voice cut in before anyone else could speak.
"Bitch, you've done enough! You need to shut up and follow our commands!"
Saya looked over and glared at a red faced Tyron. Poe turned to glare at him as well.
"Tyron, shut up! You aren't in command here! I am!"
He gave Poe a shocked look.
"General Dameron, this woman has done nothing but cause trouble for the Resistance! She-"
Saya saw red. She didn't need the force to shut him up. Without any warning, she walked over to Tyron and slammed her fist straight into his nose. He fell to the floor, clutching his face.
That's for everything! For your bullying, your cruel words, for leaving me to die two years ago, and for not shutting up when you should have!
Tyron sat on the floor clutching his nose while Saya looked back to Poe without a second thought.
I have to go. I'm sorry, but I'm not asking for permission. I'm going to find Rey.
Poe was silent for a moment, then nodded.
"I get it. We're gathering all the forces we have and preparing for battle. We may not know where Exogol is, but those ships are coming for us all. For the galaxy. We need to be ready."
Saya nodded.
As soon as I find Rey, I'll send you a signal. We will fight together and end this.
They both gave each other a small smile before Saya turned to Maz, who was sitting next to Leia's body. She walked over and sadly looked from Leia to Maz.
Will you please look over the Fowling while I am gone? Please, I need to find my friend.
Maz easily nodded.
"Of course. Go and end this war."
Saya smiled at her and looked to Leia, who was still laid out under the white sheet.
I'm sorry I couldn't bring your son home. But I promise I will end this war and restore the balance.
Saya gave one last smile to the Fowling before turning to Bayard.
Are you ready to end this, my friend?
He gave her an impatient look, then both began to run over to one of the command ships.
"Saya, wait!"
She turned to see Poe running up to her. With no warning, Poe grabbed her arms and swiftly gave her a hard kiss. She froze and wasn't sure what to do.
Poe took a step back and shrugged.
"Just in case I die"
He quickly turned and ran back to the command tent. Saya took a moment to look around at all the rushing members of the Resistance. She wished she had time to say goodbye to everyone. Especially Finn, Rose and Chewie. She would even miss the droids.
With one last silent prayer for their safety, she quickly ran into the ship and made her way to find her friend.
-!-!-!
The rain poured down on him and the waves were still crashing onto the remains of the Death Star. Kylo Ren stood in the spot his ship had been and stared out into the water. He stood there for what felt like hours. But he didn't care.
He felt hollow. His chest burned and his mind was blank. The only words that echoed in his head were the last words Saya had said to him.
I never want to see you again.
What hurt the most was she meant it. He felt all of her pain and sorrow. It was true, all he had ever done was break her heart. He was selfish and cruel.
He didn't deserve her. He didn't deserve her love.
"Hey kid"
Kylo was startled by the voice. I voice he hadn't heard in years. He swiftly turned and looked into the eyes of his father, Han Solo.
He stared in awe as his father slowly approached him with a small smile on his face.
"I missed you, son"
Kylo shook his head in disbelief.
"Your son is dead"
"No... Kylo Ren is dead. My son is alive"
This couldn't be real. It just couldn't be.
"You're just a memory"
"YOUR memory. Come home"
He was silent for a moment.
"It's too late. She's gone"
Han gave him a sad look. "Your mothers gone… But what she stood for, what she fought for… that's not gone. And Saya isn't gone"
Kylo shook his head in despair.
"No… She hates me. She will never forgive me"
Han raised a brow at him. "Son, you would be amazed at what women can forgive."
Kylo took a breath. "She never wants to see me again"
Han placed a hand on his shoulder. "Did she say that to Kylo Ren or Ben Solo?"
Kylo was silent for several moments.
"Ben…"
It had been years since his father said his name. He missed it. He missed his voice. He finally looked up at his father.
"I know what I have to do, but I don't know if I have the strength to do it"
His father gently touched his cheek.
"You do"
He stared into his Father's eyes for the last time. Never looking away, he grabbed his lightsaber and held it in front of him.
"Dad…"
There was so much he wanted to say. So much. How he was sorry. Sorry for ending his life. Sorry for causing his mother so much pain. And that he loved him. He loved them both. But there was no need to say the words. His father knew. He always knew what his son was trying to say to him.
Han smiled at hm.
"I know"
He stared long and hard at his father before swiftly turning and throwing his Sith lightsaber into the crashing water. When he turned back, his father was gone.
There was no time to dwell on the past. He needed to be fast. He ran back into the Death Star, removing his cape and gloves on the way. He quickly threw his Supreme Leader jacket away as well, leaving him in his black undershirt.
He needed a ship, and fast. There had to be at least one TIE fighter in decent working order. He would find it.
Ben Solo swiftly ran down the halls of the fallen Death Star in search of a ship.
-!-!-!
Saya saw the island and quickly made her landing. From a distance, she could see a large fire on the edge of the island. She hoped that meant Rey was near it. She landed in the first clear spot she found and ran out of the ship.
Rey! Where are you!?
It didn't take her long to find her. Saya ran towards the fire and she found Rey standing in front of a burning ship. It was Kylo Ren's ship. Her back was facing Saya.
Rey?
Rey turned after a moment and Saya looked down to her hands. Rey was holding two different lightsabers in her hands.
Rey? Where did you get the second one?
Rey was looking down to her hands.
"One once belonged to Leia. Master Skywalker appeared and gave it to me. He said Leia wanted it to go to whoever would finish her journey"
Master Skywalker? You saw him?
Rey nodded. "He did. He finally came to me"
Rey looked up and the girls looked at each other for several moments.
Rey… I'm so sorry for not telling you the truth. I should have trusted you. And I was too much of a coward to tell you the truth about your bloodline. I was selfish. I'm so sorry. You are my friend. You always will be.
Rey was quiet for several moments before giving Saya a small smile and wrapping her in a hug.
"I understand why you did it. It's alright. I forgive you"
Saya was quick to hug her friend back and the girl held each other tightly for several moments. When they broke away from each other, Saya took a step back and stood tall.
Rey, we need to hurry back to the Resistance. Leia is gone.
Rey nodded and looked to the ground.
"I know. I felt it back on Endor. She's gone"
She is. But there is still a war we need to fight. Poe has taken over command of the Resistance. He's rounding up as many allies as he can to fight. We may not know where Exogol is but we need to be ready when the fleet comes for the galaxy.
Rey snapped back up to attention.
"No. We need to go to Exogol."
Rey suddenly whirled around and extended her arm out to the burning ship.
Rey, what are you doing?
After a moment, an object suddenly flew out of the fire and into Rey's hand. She turned and Saya saw the object.
The map to Exogol.
Saya looked to Rey in confusion.
How!? Kylo Ren destroyed it on Endor!
"This is another one. There were two. Kylo Ren had the other one. We can go to Endor ourselves. We can send a signal to the Resistance and tell them the location. We can finally fight back"
Saya took a breath then looked into her friends eyes.
Let's end this war.