Author's note: After further discussion between the "crazy theory" people and me, we've decided to continue this fanfic to merge and flow together with other various theories in regards to Rey's dark side past and certain theories and speculations on what may happen in Episode VIII and IX, depending on various sources behind these "crazy theories." We are going to make this a short-fic in order to keep it concise and not drag it out as much.
"Can you hone in on where it's tracking?" asked Ben Solo as he handed over the tracker device to a navigation technician.
"Yes, give me a moment," the technician replied.
The technician inserted the device into to his computer and projected out a holographic image of the galaxy. Two Knights of Mandalore, members of a secret order of Mandalorian force users who fought with the Resistance in taking out a First Order Base at Malcord V, walked in and saw the projection.
"This is where Rey is," said Ben pointing right away to a blipping dot on the hologram. The dot continued to move closer and closer to the edge of the outer rim.
"It looks like it's going into the Unknown Regions," an intelligence officer observed.
"Of course, they do, the First Order is always known to have secret bases everywhere in the galaxy," said a Knight of Mandalore, going by the name of Kal Dronus.
"But, where do you think they are going, son?" asked General Organa, Ben's mother.
"I have no idea. Probably, one of Snoke's secret hideouts," said Ben as he continued to look at the holographic map of the galaxy.
"I have one," said Caterous Endo, leader of the Knights of Mandalore, "It's something my people keep hearing about when we were interrogating First Order commanders."
"And what's that, Endo?" asked Luke Skywalker.
"Master Luke, I present to you what my sources were picking up," Endo inserted his data drive and a hypothetical structure appears.
"Based on the intelligence gathered, we came up with this hypothetical structure…presumably a First Order's secret weapon. It's not as big as the Starkiller base, but just as deadly. Various First Order commanders call it the Foundry. Others refer to it as the Forge, the Catalyst, the Cauldron, Sun Anvil, and many others," Endo said as he re-positioned the holographic display to something else.
"Based on the trajectory of this ship, we believe that the Knights of Ren are taking Rey to this Foundry," Endo continued as he showed the large structure surrounding a hypothetical star.
"Why would they take her there?" asked Finn.
"To increased one's force abilities," said Ben, sighing as he continued, "During my training with the Knights of Ren, Snoke told me that a Force user can receive ten times more power if they are close to the Sun. I had a feeling that Snoke is bringing Rey to this structure to…enhance her dark side powers."
"We should get there, then…right away. Rescue Rey, and blow the thing up. Very simple," said Poe.
"Not so fast, hot shot," said Caterous, "We don't even exactly know where it is nor even know if Snoke is definitely going at such a station. Ben, is it true that Snoke trains his students through a hologram?"
"Yes, why?" asked Ben.
"Exactly, my point," replied Caterous, "Snoke is really a secretive fellow. He takes no chances to reveal his whereabouts. Not even members of my order can track him down."
"So, what are going to do? Just wait for this blinking to go to a star system and then strike when ready?" asked Poe.
"It's the only wise thing to do, would you agree General Organa?" asked Caterous.
Leia glanced at Caterous before looking at See-Threepio, "C-3P0, how long would it take to take for closest scouts near to the unknown regions to determine Rey's location?"
"By my calculations, Princess—sorry I mean, General, it would take only at least two days," responded See-Threepio.
"Good, then that's what we're going to do. We'll wait it out and once we have confirmed information, we'll plan our next strike. Everyone dismissed."
2 hours later…
"Look at him, Luke. He's all grown up," said Leia looking from her second-floor conference room, looking down at the cafeteria.
"I know. It's been nearly six years since I last saw him. I can't believe he managed to live this long," said Luke.
"And I still can't believe that you put my son through this. He killed your students. He killed my husband. He killed my best men. And now it only took one person he cares so much to bring him back that now he lost her too. Why would you do this to him? Look at him. He's not himself anymore."
Luke waited for moment before responding and then made a careful response, "I don't even know that Rey and Ben were this close. Let alone a relationship between them. I lost all hope when he and the Knights of Ren destroyed the academy. But when Rey returned from her mission in confronting Ben at Malcord V, I had a feeling something was going on between those too."
"I know Luke. Ben has fallen so deep into the dark side that I even now amazed he has even compassion for someone like…Rey," Leia said.
"Ben does have compassion for her. Rey told me that when she told me that Kylo never wanted to kill her no matter how much they fought," said Luke, looking at the same Ben Solo he had sent awhile back to infiltrate the Knights of Ren and the First Order, "She even said that it was Ben that saved her in the caverns at the Jedi Temple on Malcord V."
Luke went on, "Now, with the tables turned and the truth told. I don't know how much good is left in Rey. Ben is probably now the only hope to get her back, but at what cost between them. Rey saved Ben from the Dark side and now it's his turn."
"I know. Rey is like family to us and yet we still not sure of her family or even the identity of her mother. You still believe that Rey is Obi-Wan Kenobi's granddaughter?" asked Leia.
"I believe so, but I received no confirmation from Obi-Wan with the Force. Maybe Obi-wan is sad that with his granddaughter now gone to dark side, he has nothing to say about it."
"Like, he's feeling ashamed, Luke?"
"I don't know."
"Well, then I think it's time you should talk to him. I did all I can to comfort him, but I have duties to attend to," said Leia as she left the room.
In the cafeteria below, Ben Solo looked at his tray of food. He was not eating much of his meal, except a few bites here and there. He just sat there twirl his fork, pretending he's cooking something.
Ben still thought about Rey and those last moments of Rey's seduction to the dark side. He remembered the moments of tenderness before Rey's dark revelation.
Ben thought to himself, I wish things had been different. I wish as I was a bit stronger, a bit faster, a bit better. Why do I always feel like I'm falling behind? It's like I never get things right. I don't think I'll ever be as strong as any Jedi not even my own grandfather.
Ben looked around from where he sat and thought he saw Rey walking into the cafeteria. Ben snapped out of it telling himself that Rey is not here. However, it wasn't helping. Any girl that Ben saw, he always imagined it was Rey. The hair, the looks, anything that reminds Ben of Rey, continued to haunt him. Ben calmed himself and placed his hand on his chest to cope with the heaviness of his chest and the quick takes with his breathing.
Ben went through psychological tests and it was determined that he is suffering symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The doctor ordered him to be discharged from duty and rest somewhere safe until he recovered. Ben utterly refused because he's still important to the mission in taking down the First Order. He was this close many times to cut the head of the snake only for the snake to get away. That Snake was Snoke and Ben wanted him to pay for everything Snoke has done to him.
"Ben Solo?" asked Jessika Pava, the X-wing pilot and close friend of Rey.
"Uhhh…Hi, yes? How can I help you?" said Ben as he straightened himself while a piece of his mashed potatoes was stuck on his face.
Ben quickly wiped away before giving his sworn attention to Jessika.
"I'm sorry what happened to Rey. Is it true? Is she really from the Dark side?" asked Jessika.
Ben hesitated to answer as flashes from the horrors of hearing Rey screaming went through his mind. Ben stuttered a bit, "uhhh…yeah…well…umm, She is. But, uhh…no, I meant she did. But, that's something our enemies would like us to believe. Not only that, I was there when the Knights of Ren stabbed me with their vibroswords,"
Jessika was shocked upon hearing Ben's torture, "Wow, I can't believe that happened to you. Well…Rey never mentioned about her family to me since she does not know them. But, the fact that her mother is of the Knights of Ren, is quite unbelievable. Do you think there is any truth in that?"
"Everything in this war is going to have some bizarre moments where everything you thought you know is right, is wrong. Sometimes you have to take what the enemy says as pure propaganda. But, I still believe there is still good in Rey and I have the confidence to know," Ben said, not sure if he could, "Besides,she brought me back, so can I."
Crap, Ben…stop lying through your teeth. You can't guarantee nor promise anything. Ben thought to himself before returning his attention to Jessika.
"I hope you will, Ben. Rey has been a great help to us. She's been a great mechanic. She's able to fix X-wings pretty quick," Jessika replied.
Before Ben said anything, Jessika said, "I am going to leave you alone. It's good to have someone like you on our side. With someone with more Intel like Fin, the better we are in stopping the First Order,"
Jessika walked away as Ben returned to his seat. A great mechanic…those words hurt him even more. Ben thought to himself on the worst case scenario that he might not be able to bring Rey back. Within a few moments, Ben could still hear voices of all of his victims demanding retribution and his death. Ben thought to himself that he's just thinking too much and should take it easy. However, the fact that lonely girl on Jakku is family to the Resistance, pains him too much. He knew that every family he had in his life, his biological, his Jedi Academy, and those within the Knights of Ren, all died by his hand.
Sorry, Jessika. Sooner or later, that great mechanic may not come back. If Rey has to die in order to save the Galaxy…then I would do so and become the very thing Rey denounced me as…a monster. That's right…no… I'll be more than that. Once this is over, I too will exile myself and never be seen again. I'll wander the galaxy alone, coping with the blood on my hands.
Ben tried to finish his meal, but couldn't as he remembered to take his medication. In order to keep himself psychologically in check, he was prescribed some meds to keep himself stable. However, Ben believed that such medications will only weaken his mental faculties in using the Force.
Do not give up Ben. I'm always with you…
Ben, confused, stunned, at what he just heard. He said out loud, "Rey?"
Ben, maintaining his composure, said to himself, "I'm hearing things again. I'll probably stop eating and get out of here."
Ben went by for some water and before he returned he saw Finn and Poe walking in. Oh no…I should get out of here. I can't stand the sight of seeing them esp. what I did to them.
Before Ben picked up his tray, he heard Poe calling him.
"Hey Ben, do you mind we can sit next to you?"
Ben, hesitated and then complied, "Sure, let me take care of this tray and get back to you."
Ben dropped his tray off to the cleaning droid. Ben returned and sat down. He put some of the medications in his mouth and swallowed it with some water.
Finn reacted, "You're taking meds?"
Ben replied, "Uhhh…yeah…Finn…uhhh…being deep with the dark side really does some crazy stuff to the head and uhhh…yeah…."
"Okay, Ben. Sorry to hear that. I find it odd that you and I are traitors to the First Order," Finn said.
"Well, more like a double agent for me since assigned by Uncle Luke to take out Snoke. But, I guess that did not bode well,"
Poe then interjected, "I've heard from Master Luke on what you been through. I never knew the whole time you were just playing with us."
"Well, being a double agent is not always a good thing. You have to make tough decisions. A lot of which were not good and all of them… I regret," Ben looked out to his right side and in the air just to cope with the thought of losing Rey was his fault.
"So, you and Rey were close then?" asked Finn.
"Uhhh…yeah, yeah…we're close…" Ben said uncomfortable and continued on, "and uhhh…uhhh…"
"Don't worry, Ben. We understand," said Poe.
"Would you two excuse me? I need a walk," said Ben. He rushed out of the door and walked to his quarters.
"I don't think Ben is feeling well," said Finn.
"I know. Let me talk to him. I'll see later at the gym, right?" asked Poe.
"Sure, thing…buddy," Finn winked as he strolled out of the cafeteria.
People falling in love and yet…I am the one dealing with a broken heart. I have nothing against Finn and Poe. They're good people and I'm glad Rey has them as friends…as family. As for me, I have no family. Well, I do…but they don't know what's going on and what I was going through. I just wished Rey is still with me…all I think of is her…and...she's gone.
Ben strolled by Rey's quarters. He stopped, turned around and felt his heart sank. Ben felt the heaviness of anxiety wearing in on his chest. His mind addicted to the thoughts of Rey was turning himself inside out.
Rey's quarters. Should I or should I not? No, Ben…do not enter her quarters. It'll make you miss her more. I must control myself. I must control myself.
Ben hesitated to raise his hand on the key pad, but he did. Ben knew Rey's code after sharing his mind with her during a meditation session in the caverns at Malcord V. Ben slowly entered the code. After hitting the enter key, the door slid open.
Ben went inside and saw Rey's quarters, all nice and tidy. Ben walked around and saw holovids going into repeats of Rey's happiness with Jessika, Finn, Poe, and the rest of the resistance. There's even a holovid of Rey and Luke. Ben looked around and saw her carved out dolls from her days on Jakku, amulets, a mock light saber, and other belongings.
He sat down on her bed and felt tears coming down his eyes. I wish Rey is still here with me…not only she'll be happy to be back her home with this real family…but she'll be happy that I have come home too, knowing how much we understand each other and comfort each other. But, now…I don't know if that's going to be case anymore. I felt like everything is my fault. I can't believe I've lost Rey and I need her so bad. Rey…I need you.
"Rey…" Ben sighed and said to himself, "I lost my father…and now I'm afraid that I'm going to lose you, too."
Ben thought, Grandfather, if you are out there, please help me. I always feel weak and I am ashamed of what I have done. I know it should be all on Luke, but it's my actions and my choices alone that lead to this.
Then, the door opened. Crap…I forgot to lock the door. Instead of seeing a janitor or even Uncle Luke. It was Poe. His former friend, Poe Dameron.
"Hey Ben, I had a feeling you will come here," said Poe.
Ben said nothing.
"Hey, man. Just let you know that we're sorry. Finn and I are trying to cheer you up and…"
"I know. It's just that…so many things happened to me that I wish…things have been different," Ben replied, looking at Poe for a bit before staring back at the floor.
"You missed her, do you?" Poe asked, "It's okay, Ben. No matter what happened between us, I forgive you."
Forgiveness. Ben thought. Do I really deserve this? I almost killed this man, yet he's forgiving me.
"As Luke told me, you were only doing your job and Kylo Ren was just a disguise," Poe continued.
"It's always easier if you have a mask. You don't let anyone know what you are feeling," Ben said, "I am not a great admirer of killing people. The good ones I mean. But, those of the First Order, particularly Hux, Phasma, Snoke, and all those thieves and murderers…I love to see them die."
"Hey, man, we all do. But, you need to give yourself a break. You can't take everything on your own. You've been through so much and I have been there for you esp. when your parents bickered and argued all the time."
"I know you did and for that…I'm grateful."
"So, tell me, what happened between you two? Rey never mentioned anything about you two being…"
"In love?" That's a good thing she did not divulge that, Ben thought.
"Well, I told Rey to not say such things. Just out of respect for people who hated for the people I've killed," Ben continued, "And besides…who wants to fall in love with an enemy, let alone a traitor like me?"
"You're not a traitor, Ben. Traitor to the First Order, yes. To the resistance, no. Besides I don't think everyone at this base sees you as an enemy anymore since word got out that you were a secret agent the whole time," Poe said.
Ben thought to himself, he does have a point.
Poe continued, "But anyways, what happened between you two?"
Ben wanted to not talk about it, but he decided that since Poe was like one of the best friends he had before joining the Jedi Academy, he opened up.
"Rey and I became very close after our battle at the Jedi Temple on Malcord V. She's an amazing warrior and her power with the Force was something I never seen before," Ben said, "Our powers were equally match to some extent, but she is more powerful than ever. During our fight at temple, our force powers collided at full strength, causing parts of the temple to collapse. We fell into the caverns afterwards and remained there for weeks."
Poe then said, "Man, I remember during that time, everyone thought Rey was gone."
"Well, I thought so myself since we nearly died. As we were falling, I grabbed onto her hand and felt a surge of energy between us and created this force field to soften our landing," Ben continued, "For the first few days…we really did not get along at all."
2 months earlier…
"Ahhh…" shouted Kylo Ren, feeling the soft, but yet hard landing on the cavern floor. He felt a something hit his head as he turned around and saw that it was piece of a mud stone.
Rey and Kylo got up and observed their surroundings.
"We survived," observed Rey, "Kylo…you saved me."
"No, I did not. You saved me. How dare you say that?" Kylo rebutted, well denying about it.
"No, you grabbed my hand and you saved me."
"No, you grabbed my hand and you saved me."
"No, I swear it was you."
"No! It was you and I don't need your help, " Ben yelled, then retracted, "Okay…fine! We saved each other, but that doesn't change anything."
Kylo walked away from Rey and stood alone. There's hardly any light in the caverns, except for luminescent crystals all and about the cavern walls.
"You still want to kill me, do you?" Kylo asked, looking down at his damaged light saber.
Rey looked at her sabre-staff and realized it's damaged. Rey thought about what Kylo asked and still remembered the horrible things he had done.
"Yeah, quite frankly I still do," Rey shouted. "I know what you did. Luke told me everything. He said you killed everyone at the Academy, killed his friends, his fellow students, your father, and now one of my fellow resistance members."
"That was an accident!" Kylo cried back, remembering about that girl he accidentally killed. "Have you paid attention to where I deflected their laser fire? I was deflecting them back to wound them, but that one soldier got in the way and died."
Kylo, then continued, "Besides I thought that girl was you when I came to her and noticed the similar hair style that…you…have."
"That person was my friend and you killed her!"
"Again, it was an accident. I don't do justified killings when my orders were to do a quick recon mission to find any precious Jedi artifacts at this temple. I let the others do the killing for Killing people is not my forte. But, no thanks to you…you animal I have to resort to excess violence. You monster!"
"What me? A monster? So, I'm the monster now, Kylo?! You're the one who murdered people!" yelled Rey.
"This is war, Rey. Don't be naïve. It's not like compassion doesn't exist in the battlefield. We, Knights of Ren, have a code of conduct in the feat of battle."
Rey, angry, said, "Code of conduct, really? You're lying!"
"When did I ever lie to you? If I want it, I would've killed you anyways," Kylo shouted back.
"Really, Kylo…Ben?! You force threw a brick at me and made me lose two teeth."
Kylo stopped where he stood. He couldn't believe that this scavenger did not back down from a fight, let alone a verbal one. He turned around and said, "I was simply defending myself when you threw a pole at me that nearly twisted my ankle. You even stabbed me in the arm."
Rey shouted back, "You shot lightning at me!"
"You punched me in the face and shatter my mask!"
"You almost stabbed me in the back!"
"I was trying to dodge your attack!"
"You have the ground sunk below me!"
"Your force powers did that. You're too strong! So, I evaded you!"
"Wow, Ben Ren! You're really not as strong as Darth Vader, then…huh?!"
"What!?" Kylo getting even more angrily, "How dare you say that!"
Kylo Ren ran towards Rey and swung his damaged lightsaber handle at Rey's face. Rey blocked the attack.
They both stood there in silence as Kylo realized this was useless and decided that it's better to call it quits.
Kylo said, "Okay then… let's have a boundary? This is the line. You stay at your side. I stay at my side. You find your way to escape. I find my way escape. And we never mention of this to any of our people, agreed?"
"Agreed," said Rey.
Rey, turned around and kicked a rock in front of her. Rey thought to herself before sitting down to look at her sabre-staff. He's such a cry baby. I can't believe Luke and Leia said there's still good in him. I respected them and all, but how I can convince them that their Ben is gone. I know I have my orders to bring Ben back, but how can I do that if there's no hope for him.
Meanwhile at Kylo's side, he sat down and examined his cross-guard saber. Kylo thought, she's strong...stronger than me. I am amazed by her sheer brilliance in the Force. I really admire her and her will to live, but how can I get my point across to build trust between us. She's so stubborn! She's feisty! I said one thing; she comes back with fifty different things. This is the first time having to deal with someone that I consider my equal. These feelings are so conflicting. I know Snoke wants me to kill her if I failed to turn her to the dark side. But at the same time, I can't. I want to be her teacher. I want her to be on my side the same way grandfather did with Uncle Luke. I hate this loneliness. This internal conflict. This has to end. She's my own only hope. Sigh. It's been over 6 years and nothing has progressed for me. I really want to go home. But, I'm delayed by my own foolishness and Hux's stupidity. I can't believe Hux wants to destroy the Resistance base with his precious toy, the Starkiller Base. Good thing, Snoke slapped Hux for having the base destroyed. He deserved it.
Kylo looked around his dark clothes for wounds and then took out his belt and found Hux's tracking device.
Oh great, pathetic! Hux's tracking device. That weasel! I am going to smash this thing and use its parts to fix my saber!
Kylo placed the tracking device on a nearby rock and hit it with the bottom of his lightsaber. The tracking device made a tiny explosion, sending out pieces of circuits, wires, and even metallic particles in the air.
"Argh! That stupid, son of a…" Kylo yelled.
Rey heard the commotion and came over on top of stone outcropping, looking below.
"What was that?" Rey asked.
"None of your business!" Kylo yelled, "Go away!"
Rey used her force vision to examine closely at the damaged device. Wait a minute. A tracking device? That idiot!
Rey remembered from examining various First Order electronics on their design, structure, wiring, coloring, texture to know tracking a device upon a single glance.
"That's a tracking device, isn't it?" Rey asked.
"How should I know? I needed something to fix my stupid…saber!" Kylo cried, like a spoiled child, well pretending to be one anyways just to annoy Rey away.
"It is! Don't lie! How could you destroy tracking device that could allow us to escape?"
"Escape…us…escape…really, scavenger? Escape? What makes you think you're coming with me even if I do have a tracking device? What are you going to do if that's true? Follow me and kill me when you get the chance?"
"Maybe, maybe," said Rey with her arms across her chest, "But, that's still very dumb of you to do something that could get you out of here."
"Why do you care? Is that compassion coming from you, too?" Kylo smirked, "Maybe I don't need anyone's help, esp. from the likes of you…Nerfherder!"
"You say what?"
"Nothing, I said nothing. Now, go back to that little side of yours and leave me alone. I don't want to talk to you anymore. Besides you want this stupid thing. Go ahead. You can have it. See what use it can bring to you."
Kylo threw the damaged device with all its parts right at Rey. Rey caught it and walked back to her side.
Rey thought to herself. This is weird, why would he give this for me? He wants me to repair my saber-staff to fight him again?
Rey suspicious decided to monitor Kylo Ren from time to time to make sure he does not do anything stupid. For the next few hours, Rey spent most of her time, repairing her light saber-staff, making sure it's in working order. Rey thought at first to repair tracking device itself, so it can be used to send a signal to the Resistance to pinpoint on her location. However, the device was so damaged, there's hardly any use for it.
During these same hours, Kylo Ren also spent the time, fixing his cross-guard light saber not for the sake of ever battling Rey again, but for the sake of following protocol to return with an undamaged saber. It is part Snoke's principles for the Knights of Ren that one should not go into battle and return from with a damaged weapon. For such damage weapon meant punishment through torture. Kylo Ren remembered seeing a young initiate returning with a damaged saber and underwent a dark force drain where the life force of a person leaves the body, crippling him. Usually, it did not result in death only as long the Force drain is not used to kill the tortured. Thus, creating a painful reminder that losing a weapon one more time meant certain death.
Kylo add some finishing touches to his saber and ignited it. It worked…well…for a brief moment before it faded away like a blinking light bulb.
"Ahhh…damn it!" yelled Kylo and this time using a force punch to punch a hole in the ground.
Rey, surprised from Kylo's rants as she activated her saber-staff. Rey turned it off and giggled at Kylo being his idiot self as she continued to hear Kylo Ren's complaining about his dysfunctional lightsaber.
"Work, damn you!" shouted Kylo.
Rey, loosen herself a bit and let out a small laugh that poor Kylo had mediocre mechanic skills, something she greatly excelled in. Oh poor Knight of Ren. This what happens when a girl like me is better than you.
Kylo still frustrated with his so-called fine creation. He placed his saber down and held out from his left pocket a memory-recall holo disc. Unlike the other holovid-based tech out there, this one was custom made, designed to read, record, and store the memories of the user's mind. It's a Ren Knight battle-custom to recall memories of prior battles in a device to learn and review. Instead, of memories of prior battles, they're memories of Kylo Ren's past.
Instead of moving images of Kylo's fights with Rey or anyone else, they were images of people he used to look up to, people who looked up him, friends, and…his father.
No matter how far I have come even with my training complete. I still feel a hole inside me, reminding me to do the right thing. The light is still pulling me at the wrong times. How can I finish what I truly started if I am so torn apart?
He looked at the images of young students, older students, colleagues and friends he had over the years. He looked down, felt heaviness in his chest, sadness and tears in his eyes. He let out a small sob.
One day your deaths will not be vain. It was my mistake for ending your lives so soon. I will finish it. I will come home. You will be remembered. People will know the truth even if it means I have to bear the weight of its outcome. If no one can't help me, then fine…I shall die alone, fighting for a cause no one even cares about. It's like the scavenger girl said. I am a monster. So one I die…I am no one.
Kylo sobbed a little and using his cape wiped the tears away. He placed the holo disc on the floor next to him as he lied down with his arms across his chest, feeling the guilt and pain he's going through.
Rey heard the sobs. She felt confused and curious on what's going on. Kylo's crying. That's weird. What's going on?
Rey, got up, carrying her saber-staff on one hand as he walked over to the other side. She continued to hear the small cries of Kylo before hearing him fast asleep. Rey came over to where she can see Kylo lying down on his side. Rey then saw the images flipping through on his holo disc.
Who are these? Rey thought and came over to look at them. She saw pictures of a young Ben Solo smiling with old friends. There's even an image of Poe and him, during their younger years.
What? He was friends with Poe Dameron?!
Rey continued to think to herself that something is amiss here. She connected the dots. Kylo Ren, compassion, code of conduct, saved my life, gave me his tracking device, tears, crying, images, friends…Luke and Leia said there's good in him. Is it true? Or, was this all a trick to join him?
There is only way to find out. Rey placed her saber-staff down. She placed her hand few inches above Kylo's head. She closed her eyes and began to invade Kylo's mind.
Rey saw herself entering Kylo's dream. She expected to see misery and hell of a man who loves to kill. But instead, she saw herself on an island with trees, bushes, and a night, star-filled sky. She proceeded to walk across this amazing landscape of wonder and beauty.
Okay, this is weird? I never knew Kylo also dreamt about some island below a night sky. Let alone something I dreamt about.
Then, she came across a massive graveyard of tombstones. Oh my…a graveyard! She then saw the names of each tombstone. There was even a note of "Your death was not in vain. I will finish it" along with a flower on each one. There was tombstone that stuck out to her. It was Han Solo's. Instead of a note it was a miniature shrine with these words carved, "Forgive me father, for I have failed." Instead of a red flower, it was a vase full of flowers of different colors with water dripping from each one.
Rey could not believe her eyes. There is still good in him. Is that why he said he wanted to be my teacher? Is that why he saved me earlier when we fell into these caves?
Rey heard the waves of the water touching the shore of a beach. She ran towards the sound and in quick haste, hid behind a bush to see a now Ben Solo, sitting down with his back towards her, meditating. Instead of the dark clothes of a Ren Knight, it's beige and grey colored robes of a Jedi!
Rey observed Ben, sitting on down in lotus position, breathing in and breathing out. In between his breaths, there was slight staggered intake of air like a growing sadness, blooming in his heart.
Ben said out loud to himself, "I wish this was real and not a dream. I hate my life. I wish things were…different."
Then, a voice was heard in the distance. Ben turned his head to his right and saw a familiar face. Rey saw this figure as well and was awestruck on who it was. It was Han Solo. Ben's father. Rey's surrogate father.
"Father," Ben said. He stood up and walked towards his father, looking actually the same he saw back at Starkiller Base.
"Father, what are you doing here?" Ben asked.
"I am not really here, son. But, I am actually part of you. Part of your…subconscious mind," Han replied.
Ben feeling distraught, began to turn away.
"Hey, hey. You're still my son, just speak to me. Let me help you," said Han.
"I don't know…what's the point? If you're not really here, then why should I talk to you?"
"I am always part of you. You are my son. There's always a part of me in you."
Ben finally gave in to talking to his supposed subconscious in the form of his father, "Father, I have been thinking. I think it's time to just…give this up and run away from it all."
"Run away? Why do you want to run away? Running away does not solve anything. You have to go back and finish what you started. That's how you learn and grow as a person."
"But, you did, father. You ran away."
"That's because at that time I was afraid, afraid to face my guilt. But, I know one day I have to return to do what is right."
"What is the right thing to do? Ever since Uncle Luke gave me this mission to defeat Snoke, everything fell apart."
What? Rey thought to herself. She remained inside the bush, away from Ben's sight. Master Luke never told me about this. What's going on?
"That's what happens in any kind of mission. Things will not always go as plan. When something goes wrong, you must adapt and do anything to win, regardless of the outcome."
"Father, I killed people. I killed…innocent people. I brought destruction to the Jedi Academy. I led the Knights of Ren in slaughtering those who look up to me. Even when I was with the First Order, I've killed people who have husbands, wives, and children. I even killed you."
"Ben, everything we do in life always comes with a price. I died so you can live. You must know that. The bigger the price on your head, the better reward it is when you actually win."
"But, how? I tried everything. I tried to be consumed by the dark side to get close to Snoke, so I can kill him. I thought having my training complete with him would allowed me access to his whereabouts, but…he's always many steps ahead of me. I felt he knew I was coming to get him and just pushes me away. How I can finish what I started if I am always in this loop. What should I do, father?"
"Don't fight alone. Fight with someone who can be your ally."
"Like whom?"
"You already know."
"The scavenger, Rey. I…I…I can't."
"You just got to have faith, son and be patient. Women always find a way to help you as long you can help them."
"I tried convincing her to be my student. But, that did not work. She's too strong for me. I felt like something is holding me back."
"Nothing is holding you back. As long you can stay true to yourself and show the goodness that's in you, she will come to you."
"That's easy said than done, Father. I don't think there's any way to tell her the truth. I think she's under orders to kill me. Even if I tell her the truth, she will never believe me. What should I do?"
"You have to keep trying. That's what I did when I fell in love with your mother. It was tough at first, but over time we understood each other and became close."
"I wish I could do that."
"You will, Ben. No matter how imperfect you are, I always believe you are better than me and you will succeed where many have failed."
"I don't know…father. I don't know if there is a future after this. If I win this war, defeat the First Order, and brought back the knowledge of balancing the force, I don't think everyone will forgive me. I will be sent to the courts on Coruscant where I'll be tried as a criminal. I would either be sentenced to death or be sentenced to exile. When that day comes, there will be no one to come for me. I'll be alone…again."
"But, even if that is the result. What matters the most is you did the right thing and doing the right is what it takes to bring peace in your heart and to the galaxy. I died knowing I'll be alone. But, I know it would help you to bring you back to the Light and help you finish the mission."
"I don't believe you knew my mission after all father. You're just a piece of my mind. You're really not here. I'm just talking to myself."
"No matter if that is the truth. The truth is…this is your life. You are in charge and let no one take that away from you. You do not belong to Snoke, or me, or Luke, or anyone. You belong to your own your moral choice to end this war and bring everyone home. You must think of everything to overcome. If all else fails, then you know the last choice to leave everything behind was the right one after all. The same goes for that ancient dinosaur, Ben Kenobi, your name sake."
Ben saw Han's hands placed on his shoulders, encouraging him to continue the mission, "As of now, you must continue. Continue to fight no matter what happens even if you have to die, knowing that no one knows the truth of your important mission. What matters the most in the end is that there is peace in your heart and at peace with the Force."
"I wish I could do that, Father."
"Do not wish, my son. Just will and know that I'm always proud of you."
Rey saw Ben hugging his father and saw the tears dripping onto Han's leather jacket. Rey too cried knowing that she too never had a father like that during her hard times. Rey remained as she was behind the bush. She knew the truth and realized what a fool she's been. They were right. Luke and Leia were right. There is good in him. I got my anger the best of me.
Rey turned around and began to see more of Ben and his father.
"Father, I wish you can be here with me right now. Not in this dream, but with me where I am at."
"I know. But, I'm always with you even if I am not really there."
Then, Han Solo began to fade away into the background, disappearing to whence he came.
"Father, wait. Please! Don't go! Come back! Father, please…I need you! Come back!" Ben went down to with his knees with his two hands cupping his face, holding his tears. Ben continued to cry, feeling the same loneliness he since he left the academy to join Snoke.
Rey, as she were, felt the pain of when she too was alone. Rey turned her attention to Ben again, just wanting to walk over and comfort him.
Poor Ben. I never knew he had this.
Then, the scenery changed.
Instead of an ocean, with the star-filled night sky, there was only sand: the sands of Jakku, the desert planet.
Ben still with his hands on his face, continued to shed tears until he heard a young girl crying.
"Please come back!" cried the young girl.
Ben opened his eyes and saw the desert world. Wait a minute, this is Jakku. How did I get here? He turned around and saw two people.
Rey was looking at her younger self, crying for those on a faraway ship to come back. Wait a minute, this is not Ben's dream. It's my…memories. Rey turned around and saw to her horror, Ben Solo.
"What are you doing here?" asked a flabbergasted Ben.
Rey, surprised and lost for words, tried to say something. However, before she could lay a single word, hands appeared beneath her and grabbed her ankle, sinking her to the desert.
Rey screamed, "Ahhhh!"
"No!" Ben yelled and jumped towards her. Ben clanged to Rey's body with his two arms and pulled her out.
Both Ben and Rey fell and rolled down a sand dune. They came to a stop and the instead of the desert sands, it was a dark hallway. Then, there was a shook and a crevice was formed, separating the two.
Ben and Rey got up to their feet and saw each other, not knowing what to do. Then, ghosts, apparitions of Ben's victims appeared. They surrounded Ben and pinned him down to his knees.
They all chanted, traitor, weakling, and a disgrace at Ben. Ben tried to ward off these undead with pleas for forgiveness.
"Please. Please. Listen to me. Your deaths were not in vain. It was a mistake. I will make up to you. I promise. You have to be patient with me. I will finish the mission."
Traitor, weakling, disgrace to the grandfather's legacy were still the words thrown at Ben. Then someone appeared before him.
"Hello, Ben Solo," said the Dark Being.
"Who are you?" asked Ben.
"I'm the one who kept haunting you. I am the vision of the one who will destroy the one you love."
"Snoke?" asked Ben
"No. Someone much worse."
Rey far away, realizing what's going tried to think of something to get across. But, the big tear in the ground between continued to grow bigger and bigger.
Ben continued to see this dark one walking towards him. The Dark One wore a black and red hood. It's not Sith, Ben thought. It's someone familiar. Ben began to know who it could be. The Dark Being took down its hood, revealing an all too familiar and feminine face.
"You, it' can't be. I don't believe it!" Ben said and felt a hot blade stabbing into his heart, the same place where his father felt when Ben thrust his lightsaber.
Ben screamed in agony as the other undead beings pulled out their lightsabers and metallic blades and impaled them into his flesh. Ben finally awoke from the dream, hyperventilating with trouble breathing. The anxiety attacks kicked in his chest as Ben stood up and ran few steps forward before falling back on his knees. Ben began to hallucinate and hear the words of his victims demanding retribution.
Rey, too awoke from this dream and took several quick breathes before maintaining her composure.
"Is this real? Am I alive? Where am I?" Ben said as he felt the weight of guilt and pain growing heavier in his chest.
"The pain…No…the pain," Ben struggled to breathe and his arms began to shake uncontrollably as he began to lose his mind.
Rey immediately ran over to Ben. She placed her two arms around Ben's shoulders, comforting him "It's okay, Ben. It's okay. I'm here. I'm right here. You're not alone. Just breathe, Ben. Just breathe."
Ben obeyed as his perception of reality restored. He returned to his normal self and began asking Rey, "What were you doing?"
Rey, not knowing what to say, just continued to glance at his pale face. Half an hour later, Ben finished the whole story on what was truly going on: his mission to infiltrate the dark side, assassinate Snoke, and bring any knowledge Snoke knew about the Force.
Ben and Rey sat side by side as equals as the animosity between them faded away. Rey placed her two hands on her face as she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Then, she spoke her mind, "I can't believe this. I just…can't believe this. Ben…you were sent here to die. Why?"
"It's the only way. Snoke is a cunning foe. He always hides himself as a defensive measure. Luke and I believe that in order stop him and future Dark Lords, I must become one with the Darkness."
Rey, feeling like this whole thing was so wrong, rebuked Ben's position, "But, that's still wrong. Ben, why risk your life when there's countless other Jedi amongst you to stop him? If the Jedi Academy had so many better students, why won't they take on this mission instead of you."
"It's not that simple. Snoke wants someone who is of Anakin Skywalker's bloodline. My bloodline. He wants no one else. If we tried to send a huge contingent to stop him, it would be suicide. Too many Jedi I knew died in various secret missions to investigate the presence of the dark side. I too took part in these missions even when I was the only survivor. That's why Luke believed I was the suitable candidate to undertake this mission. I'm the only one who can take on dangerous covert missions and come back in one piece."
"But, Ben. It's still wrong. You're on a suicide mission where someone could've helped you, guide you, or even comfort you. You risked you life, living day by day avoiding death and no came to rescue you. I can't believe that. I just…just…can't…" Rey stopped and began to take several deep breathes as memories of her life came to her.
"Oh gosh…" Rey said as tears rained across her face as her hands continued to shake. Rey stood there as she felt she 's about to faint. Ben recognized what's going on and ran over to hold her.
"It's okay. I know what you are feeling. You too lived a terrible life. Every day and every night you worried about having enough to eat while I worried about not getting killed."
Ben pressed Rey's head close to his chest to absorb more of Rey's emotional pain. "That's why I destroyed that tracking device because I do not want General Hux or anyone from the First Order to know where I am. Just so I can keep you safe. To be honest, I was sent on a mission to convert you to the dark side that I don't…I would have to kill you. "
"Is that why you never wanted to kill me despite what just happened between us?"
"Yes, that's why," replied Ben.
"I'm…so sorry, Ben. I'm such a fool," Rey said, hugging him closer. "Luke and Leia wanted me to get you back, but I did not listen to them. I was so angry with everything you've done that all I wanted was to…"
Ben, after putting some space between himself and Rey, he placed his two hands on her shoulders and said, "I know. You want to kill me and that's fine. That's why…I should apologize for everything I've done. I have done so many bad things to end this war that all of it is my fault. I'm so sorry for hurting Finn, Poe, Uncle Luke, my mother, my father, and others you knew. All of it just to kill Snoke. But, as you can see, it's gotten much worse…and you were right, I am a monster and…"
Ben sighed and continued, "Sooner or later, my worst fears will come true. I would die as a monster and no one…not even my mother nor would my uncle know that there was always good in me. I will forever shame the Skywalker legacy. I will never be as strong as my grandfather in the hopes that one day I will know how to balance the force and pass it on to everyone. I don't think there's any hope for me."
Rey looked down at herself while feeling the warmth of Ben's hands on her shoulders.
She immediately hugged Ben and said, "Ben…don't say that. You're not a monster, Ben…I don't care if you're not as strong as your grandfather…I care that you're good man and you must do the right thing…I know that now and I'll be there for you."
Then, she thought of an idea, a noble one. Something that she would risk her life for, "Let me help you. Teach me the ways of the Force and I'll show you what I have learned from Master Luke."
Ben, surprised with this offer, hesitated for a moment before accepting it. Then he said, "Okay, I will show you everything I know. The Dark side, the Knights of Ren, the First Order, everything and then…maybe we can come up with a plan to take on Snoke and finish him."
Rey smiled with tears of joy in her eyes. She looked up at Ben seeing the same tearful joy on his face. They immediately hugged each other not as enemies but as friends.
"Thank you for telling me the truth, Ben. Once this is over, I'll take you home and let everyone know what really happened," said Rey as he looked at Ben's face.
"Thank you, Rey. I finally won your trust. Once this is over, I would help you to find your parents and bring closure to your past."
Rey gave one more hug to Ben and said, "You're tired Ben. Let's get some rest. Come to my side, it's warmer over there."
"Sure," Ben replied as he and Rey walked over together. They both lied down and fell fast asleep into each other's arms.
Back at the Rey's quarters, Ben continued to explain what happened next. "For the next several days, we trained. We taught each other various fighting techniques. I showed her the various counter attacks against Ren Knights and at same time show her some dark side abilities like Force Lightning and how to use anger to increase the lethality of a choke hold and pushing an opponent away. I grew happy every moment knowing that for once we having a fighting chance to end Snoke."
Poe said, "I see. Did both of you had the chance to explore more of the caves? I mean it's beneath the Jedi temple after all. There's got to be something there."
"There is and that's where I am heading," Ben replied, "During our breaks, we explored the caverns not only to find a way out, but also find any source of food or water. Food was scarce but as for water…well, we had our ways."
Ben continued, "Rey was very talented in constructing miniature moisture farms to absorb water from trapped moisture inside the caves. She even knew which cave wall that had edible minerals for us to eat. Oh yes, I even forgot to mention that I taught Rey several techniques to absorb energy from the surroundings in order to fight off hunger."
"As we continued to look around and find a way out, there was one moment I will never forget. The murals. Not just any murals. Cave paintings made permanent into the cave walls. Murals telling of legends of the earliest beliefs about the Force."
At the caves…
"Ben, are you seeing this?" asked Rey.
"I do. I can't believe this. Murals. Cave paintings about the force," Ben said.
"It is, Ben. It's…beautiful," Rey said, "Look at this one. Do you know what its saying?"
Ben, intuitively, used the force to understand this particular mural. He let out his hand to feel the force energy emanating from it.
"Rey use your force ability decipher it. I think these murals were designed only for Force users to know its message."
Rey followed suit and read together with Ben on this one particular mural in regards to the beginnings of the Universe.
In the very beginning, in a time immemorial, there was an energy, which could also be an entity, bringing the first light into the dark void. There was a massive explosion and an expansion of the universe. There were energies, spreading themselves across this empty void. This main energy split itself off into many different levels of energies. These energies attuned its frequency to build the worlds, stars, planets, galaxies, and everything in between. Of these energies, came the Ones, beings of the Force, traveling across the universe. Some became the deities of various civilizations in these regions of space. Deities responsible for the creation of all physical life in the universe. Others took on physical form across these various worlds in the form of animals, plants, and even the embodiment of landscapes. Others reside themselves in stars in order to tap into its power and jump to other realms of existence.
"Ben, it's unbelievable. It's like the Force is some entity creating everything that exists in the universe," Rey said.
"It could be. But, there is so much about the Force we have yet understood. Rey, let's go and see the others," Ben replied.
Rey agreed and went along with Ben to read other murals. They saw one about "The Selfless Hero," who was called the Lord of the Skies across many galaxies bringing law and order to the chaos at bay. There was another mural about "The Caring Mother," creating beings in another far away galaxy with some of the children races obeying and some rebelling. There was a tale of the "75." The seventy-five beings, setting up events to restore peace to a galaxy at war.
Then, there is one that Ben Solo is already familiar.
Whenever there is imbalance, the one shall come to bring the balance. Since the beginning and even till the end of time, the one bring balance in many forms. In the first balance, the one became formless to influence the formless. In the second balance, the one became form to influence the forms. In the third balance, the one became essence to influence essences. In the fourth balance, the form became celestial to influence the celestials. In the sixth balance, the one became one with mortals to influence the mortals. Then, came the seventh balance, the one became immortal to influence the immortals. Then, the one became one with the force at the end of everything.
Then, there was one that had the most relevance.
"Ben…looked at this!" Rey cried.
"What is it?" Ben asked. He came and was shocked by its beauty. "Oh my…It's not the same as the others."
They looked closer and saw an image spiral-like structure like that of double helix, starting from the top heading down to the bottom. The legend in this mural started off at the far left corner. It spoke of two force beings traversing the universe. The two were both the same, but yet opposites of each other. They went around, observing and learning what they are seeing in the vastness of the universe.
Standing here is the "Legend of the Two." A duality of two beings, two entities that came to a halt at a galaxy. The two split and the two lived as mortals. Every number of eons, periods, epochs, the two would meet up again to share their experiences. But, the two branched off into different sides of the force. One personified the light; the other the dark. At the time of the crossing where the two intertwined, the two clashed, the two died. The two would meet time and time again at each crossing, clashing and dying. Upon each rebirth the one that was light would become dark and the one that was dark would become light and switched at every crossing. After many lives, many incarnations later, an enlightenment came for the two. The two remembered; the two grieved; the two repented. Ashamed they were, the one they seek was the one they killed. The two trained to retain their memories in the hope that in the next life, the two would meet in peace. So, the two did. The two met. The two shared. The two forgave. The two remained together and for their next lives the two brought balance to the energy, binding them to the galaxy. Then, the two return. The two return to the force as one.
"It's beautiful, Ben. Do you think…Do you think it's about us?" Rey asked.
"What do you mean, Rey? It's just a legend and legends are not always true," Ben replied.
"But, there's got to be a bit of truth in them, Ben. I mean Master Luke once told me about the existence of Force Beings like those who called themselves the Ones who can connect with each other and other life forms."
"Yes, I know. But, even if there some truth to these legends, it's not always the whole truth. Besides, all of these murals we saw could just be lessons. Lessons to be inspired. Lessons to have faith. Lessons to believe. Lessons to be one with ourselves. Lessons to achieve a balance…without falter."
Rey, held her hand with Ben's and said, "Ben, these have been the best days of my life. I have gained so much than all the years I had on Jakku."
"I know," said Ben.
"You do?"
"Yes, and for the first time. You are one of the first people I can call friend. Someone who gave me a hope to believe again and believe there could be a life after this war. And to tell you the truth…" Ben continued, "I did save you from our fall when the temple collapsed in on itself."
Rey shocked and turned to see more of his face.
"Yes, it's true, Rey," Ben went on, "and I lied about it because I don't know how to build trust with you. But, now I do. Before anything happens…I…I just want to say…that…I…"
Rey quickly placed her hand on Ben's scar was and said, "I know and I love you, too."
Ben and Rey looked into each other's eyes one more time before falling into each other's embrace. They kissed and no longer were they enemies. No longer were they just friends or allies. They were now equals who cared for each other like it was meant to be. That familiar energy that they felt at the Starkiller Base came back and remained strong as ever. Rey and Ben continued to kiss and before they know it, they fell asleep, falling asleep next to the mural about "The Two." The one of light and the one of dark, forever entwined they are.
Author's Note: The theory about Ben and Rey going to some caves beneath a Jedi Temple was based on some online news report that Episode VIII will do some of its filming in the caverns of Mexico. As of this time (May 7, 2016), we are not sure if that is going to happen or not. Changes in production always happen and things do change. The theory went over here is the reincarnation theory that Ben and Rey met in the past live. However, as Ben pointed out, these murals are legends. They're not meant to be taken as the truth.