Chapter 1: Back to Base One
When I think about the war and how exactly I got pulled into that mess, I can't help but laugh. If anything different had happened, I would still be stuck on Jakku waiting for a family that didn't exist. That fact is a bit jarring, but if I could take back a single thing, I wouldn't. In fact, I would live it over and over again. I won't bore you with my testimonies of war since that part of the story has already been told. I want to talk about him. The man I speak of is the very reason why I'm still alive and well. I don't mean to say that I'm helpless, living in isolation for thirteen years had taught me how to care for myself physically. But I had no clue how to deal with other's or even my own emotional trauma. That is truly how this man saved me. This story isn't about Kylo Ren, supreme leader of the First Order, but about another man called Ben Solo. One might be inclined to say that they're one in the same, but I stand with the idea that they are different minds in the same body.
I first met Ben Solo on Exegol; he had come to my aid during the battle to complete his desertion of the First Order and his return to the Light. After the battle, he collapsed due to his innumerable injuries. With the help of the Force, I managed to haul him out of the Sith cathedral and into my X-Wing, though I was exhausted myself. He was half-unconscious and didn't speak a word to me. Part of me was glad he didn't since he had given me my first kiss, and although it wasn't awkward, I still wasn't sure how to conduct myself. I guess it didn't matter since all I really needed to focus on was getting back to base and taking Ben to the medical ward.
As I was taking off in the X-Wing, I saw thousands of people all from different walks of life come together in the sky in triumph. After four years of war, everyone could celebrate in peace. Seeing this made my heart soar, but I really knew Leia would be proud not only because we won but because her son was finally home.
As I flew back to base, I couldn't help but stare at the man behind me. He was unconscious, but I could spot details about him I'd never noticed before. He looked so peaceful, like nothing had happened. He looked so young, too young. I was certain he was older than me, but not by much. He looked like Leia in the face, but he had hints of Han in him. As I looked at him, I realized an unsettling truth. I had no idea who this man was. I had only ever seen glimpses of Ben Solo, never the full person. He was always overshadowed by Kylo Ren. I couldn't say what he liked to do, what his favorite color was, how he usually conducted himself, or even his birthday. I was diving into unknown waters. I began to fear that I might not like him, that he might be annoying or boring or a jerk. I was certain of one thing: he cared about me. He had come for me, he had risked his life for me, and he had kissed me back.
"Red Five, do you copy? Red Five." I had completely forgotten there was an entire fleet following me back to base. "General Poe, this is Red Five, copy." I said over the radio. "Rey! I'm so glad you're okay!" Poe exclaimed over the radio. "Poe, I need a medical team standing by as soon as I land. Can you do that for me?" I asked. "I'll send them. How badly are you hurt?" Poe asked. "I'm not hurt; I'm fine. I can't explain it now, but Chewie will understand. I need him down there too." I explained. "Rey, what's going on?" Poe asked, concern coating his voice. "It's a long story that I will tell you, but not now. Can you just trust that whatever I'm doing is important?" I asked. "Okay, but you have a lot of explaining to do." Poe warned. "Thanks. Over and out." I had been worried about how my friends would respond to Ben. I never said a word about me and Ben's bond out of fear they would call me a traitor. They most definitely wouldn't accept Ben right away, but I saw the good in him and I knew others could too.
As I entered the planet's atmosphere and began to land, I saw that Poe had done what I asked. I thought of a plan as I landed; I couldn't just bring Ben out right away. When I landed, I got out of the X-Wing and went straight to Chewie. "Chewie, I can't get into details now, but I need your help. I found someone while I was on Exegol, someone you love." I said. Chewie came to close to X-Wing as I revealed Ben to him. He stood quiet for a moment until he roared with emotion. Chewie was happy to see the boy he had known for so long. I knew I made the right choice in bringing Chewie. Chewie picked Ben up in his arms as I told the medical team, "I know you see him as the enemy now, but he saved my life, all our lives. Please, can you find it in your heart to help him?" The medical team looked uneasy for a moment until Lando butted in and said, "This is my nephew; he deserves proper care." The medical team agreed to help and they along with Chewie carted Ben off to the medical ward. "Thank you, Lando. How did you know what happened?" I asked. "I don't know, but that boy has given me more joy than anyone else, and I love him like my own. I would've stood by him in any case." Lando replied. His words warmed my heart; at least two people cared for Ben as much as I did.
"Speaking of which, what did happen?" Lando asked. "Yeah, Rey? What happened? Why did I see the medical team carry Kylo Ren to the medical ward? He is a prisoner of war." Poe approached. "No, Poe! He's different now! He defected from the First Order to join us. Ben Solo saved my life." I explained. "Different? He's a Sith! He's a murderer and a monster! How could you risk the safety of the Resistance to harbor the enemy!?" Poe yelled. "The war is over, Poe! He's not the enemy anymore!" I yelled back. "He's a savage! He should be executed right here, right now!" Poe shouted in fury. "NO! I'm begging you, Poe! Please, don't do this! He's injured and unconscious! Can't you talk to him first and see who he is before assuming he's a monster?!" I begged, tearing up at thought of my bonded dying. Poe stood silently for a moment. "Poe, why don't we all take a moment? We just came back from battle, and Rey has been loyal for almost two years. Don't you respect her enough to take her at her word?" Lando asked Poe. "We'll talk about this tomorrow." Poe warned as he walked away. "He'll come around, Rey. Keep fighting the good fight." Lando retreated as well. I didn't want to fight anymore. I wanted peace. I composed myself and then went to the medical ward to check on Ben.
Hey guys! Thank you so much for checking out my story! This is my first ever story that I'm publishing, but I've been writing for a long time. I would really appreciate it if you followed this story and commented, it helps me so much and gives me motivation. I promise that I won't abandon this story like some people do to their stories. You will know how it ends! Anyways, I'll post the next chapter once it's done. Bye!