Prologue
Rey sensed a new presence of darkness in the Force, an unsettling disturbance that tugged at her heart after years of peace. It had been eight years since Ben Solo's death. This emerging threat drove her to seek out Finn. Together, they began focusing on his training, preparing him to become a Jedi Master. His advancement would not only strengthen their efforts but also aid in training the next generation of Jedi.
Oneness
Chapter 1
Rey lay in bed, her heart aching as tears streamed down her face. Even in her dreams, she couldn't suppress the shock. "Ben," she whispered, a hint of joy in her voice. He had given her everything. She kissed him, trying to show him how much she cared, how deeply she longed to be with him. She wanted him, wanted a life with him. Even when he was Kylo Ren, she had cared for him, and he for her. She didn't miss Kylo Ren, but she would give anything to have any version of Ben still alive.
The dream continued. They kissed, and for a brief moment, they were both happy and at peace. She thought she was getting the ending she had always wanted, but that wasn't the case. She remembered this part all too well—Ben collapsed, the essence of his faded. Gone. Gone, yet still with her. "Ben, no!" Rey screamed. "No, I need you," she pleaded, tears streaming down her face, but it was too late. He was gone, one with the Force. His words haunted her: "I will always be with you." They had once brought her comfort in the early days after his loss.
She was in shock for a long time, pushing through, giving everything she could to ensure his sacrifice wasn't in vain. But even ten years later, she felt like a different version of herself, someone who wore a mask. To others, she was a strong, resilient woman—a Jedi, a beacon of hope and light, balance. But when she was alone, it was as if she were trapped in a loop, doing the same things over and over to distract herself from the pain. She became obsessed with improving the galaxy, often neglecting to eat or sleep. She was broken.
Another dream came to Rey, a beautiful one. It began like her usual nightmares, but this time, instead of Ben collapsing, he was there with her. They embraced after their kiss, holding each other for what felt like an eternity, tears streaming down both their faces. "I thought I lost you," Rey whispered, barely able to contain her emotions.
"I lost you," Ben replied, his voice heavy with heartbreak. "I had to give the galaxy you. If you could help me when I was breaking, I knew you could restore hope." He gave her a thoughtful, yet heartbroken smile.
"No, Ben," Rey cried, her voice trembling. "It should have been you. You should have stayed. You're stronger than me," she wept, her eyes searching his, unshed tears brimming. Ben leaned in and kissed her as tears fell from her eyes.
"Rey, you need to accept my choice," he said, his words stinging. Sensing he hadn't conveyed his feelings fully, he started again, looking at her with affection. "Rey, you need to accept my choice. I love you. You're everything I wanted, but I couldn't live without you. Rey, you gave me hope. Without me, you still had hope. You need to hold onto it."
"I'm tired of fighting," Rey said, looking down, unable to meet his gaze.
"I know," he replied, sadness in his voice.
"Ben, I need you. Please, I need you," Rey pleaded.
"Rey, I'm here with you. Please, for me, keep going."
"I don't want to," she said, her voice breaking as she looked into his eyes. She reached out, placing her hand over his heart, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and breath. "I want to be with you," she said, heartbroken.
They stared at each other as he held her close. "One day you will be," Ben said, trying to assure her, hoping she wouldn't give in to her feelings of hopelessness. "I'm waiting for you, Rey," he added, trying to hide his despair.
"Ben, I want to be with you. I'm done... I won't fight anymore. I want to be one with the Force," she said, a flicker of hope in her eyes at the thought of being with him again.
Ben struggled to find the words to pull her out of her thoughts. "Rey, I'm always here with you. Please, keep going." Rey looked up at him, and they kissed passionately as she cried, seeking peace in his embrace.
Rey suddenly jolted awake to a loud knock, infuriated. The dreams of Ben were all she had left that gave her peace, and she desperately needed them.
She needed him. She needed him to feel whole again. Most people didn't know how she truly felt. She still loved him, and she didn't care what anyone else thought. She would never lose him, even if it meant enduring heartbreaking nightmares that reminded her of her loss. All she wanted was to see him, to feel his presence—it consumed her. Her obsession clouded her judgment, leading her down a dark path.
It was Finn. He was older now, but his eyes still held that familiar softness. He was stronger, tougher than before, yet still carried the same determination. He reminded her of the man he once was in the early days of their friendship—a man desperate to defeat the evil that had taken everything from him.
"It's supposed to be our last training day," he said, "before I help you build the new temple." Finn looked at her, his heart sinking. "What is it, Rey?" he asked flatly.
"Nothing," she replied, staring at him, trying to hide any trace of her emotions.
"Rey, please. You keep hiding," Finn pressed.
"No, Finn, really, I'm fine."
"I know you're not," he said softly. Rey forced a smile. "Come on, Finn, let's go."
She had slept in her training clothes from the day before and didn't bother to change. It was easier to throw herself into the training session than to face how she was really feeling.
Rey led Finn to the training grounds, the early morning sun casting long shadows over the ancient stones. The air was cool, crisp, and filled with the quiet hum of the Force. As they walked, Rey felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.
They reached the clearing, where the remains of old Jedi structures stood as silent witnesses to their journey. Finn turned to face her, his expression a mix of determination and concern. Rey could see the questions in his eyes, but she wasn't ready to answer them—not yet.
"Today," Rey began, her voice steady, "I want to teach you something that goes beyond combat. It's about understanding the Force on a deeper level—about being a guide, a mentor. You're not just learning for yourself anymore, Finn. You're going to help lead the next generation."
Finn nodded, his attention fully on her, ready to absorb whatever she had to offer.
Rey ignited her lightsaber, the yellow blade humming to life with a serene glow. Finn did the same, his own saber casting a green light. But Rey didn't move to engage him. Instead, she deactivated her blade and gestured for him to do the same.
"We've practiced the forms, the techniques, the combat drills," Rey said, pacing slowly around Finn. "But there's something more important that you need to grasp. It's about balance—within yourself and within the Force. A mentor isn't just a warrior; they're a protector of that balance, a teacher of harmony."
She stopped in front of him, her eyes meeting his with a calm intensity. "Close your eyes, Finn."
He did as she instructed, his trust in her absolute.
"Feel the Force around you," Rey continued, her voice soft but commanding. "Let it flow through you, not just as a tool or a weapon, but as a connection to all living things. The new Jedi Order won't just be about power; it will be about peace, about understanding. You'll teach others to fight, yes, but more importantly, you'll teach them to listen—to the Force, to each other, to themselves."
Finn stood still, his breathing deep and even, as he immersed himself in the energy surrounding him. Rey watched him closely, feeling the subtle shift as he opened himself up to the Force in a way he hadn't before.
"Now, focus on the balance within you," Rey instructed. "Think of all the things that have driven you—your pain, your anger, your desire for justice. Let them go. Instead, center yourself on the love, the hope, the light that you want to protect."
Finn's expression softened as he did so, his posture becoming more relaxed, more at peace.
"Good," Rey said gently. "This is the foundation of being a mentor. You must be balanced before you can help others find their balance. Now, open your eyes."
Finn's eyes opened slowly, and Rey could see the change in him—a calmness, a quiet strength that hadn't been there before.
"For our final exercise," Rey said, a small smile playing on her lips, "I'm going to teach you a technique that will help you connect with your students in ways beyond words. It's called Force Bonding."
She raised her hand, palm up, and Finn mirrored her movement. Their hands hovered inches apart, and Rey focused, reaching out with the Force. Slowly, Finn began to feel it—a gentle tug at his consciousness, a bridge forming between their minds.
"This bond," Rey explained, "is what will allow you to truly understand your students, to sense their struggles, their fears, even when they don't speak them aloud. It's not something to be used lightly, but with time, it will become an invaluable tool in guiding them."
Finn felt a warmth spreading through him, the bond deepening as Rey shared her calm, her peace, her confidence with him. He could sense her emotions, her memories, even her lingering grief—though she kept the worst of it hidden. It was overwhelming, but also comforting, knowing that this connection would help him in the difficult times ahead.
Rey slowly withdrew the bond, leaving Finn with a lingering sense of connection.
"You're ready, Finn," she said, her voice filled with quiet pride. "You've grown so much since we first met, and now, you're going to help others grow too. The new Jedi Order will need you as a mentor, a leader, and a friend."
Finn looked at her, his eyes shining with determination and a newfound sense of purpose. "Thank you, Rey. I won't let you down."
Rey smiled, a real, heartfelt smile that was rare for her these days. "I know you won't, Finn."
As they left the training grounds, side by side, Rey felt a small glimmer of hope rekindle within her. The future of the Jedi Order was uncertain, but with Finn at her side, she knew they had a chance to build something truly lasting—something that could honor the sacrifices of those they had lost.
They were on Ossus, the planet that once housed Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy. The legacy of her old Master lingered in the air, a constant reminder of the path she had chosen. Rey honored the Skywalkers, knowing that while her relationship with Luke had been complicated, taking the Skywalker name helped her feel closer to Ben and brought hope to the galaxy.
"Rey," Finn said softly, almost as if he could read her thoughts, "you miss him, don't you?"
"More than anything," Rey replied, her voice tinged with sadness.
"But all these years... you rarely talked about him. Why now?" Finn asked, his tone gentle but curious.
Rey gave Finn a half-smile, her gaze drifting away as she tried to find the right words. The memories of Ben were always there, just beneath the surface, but she had kept them locked away, afraid that speaking them aloud would make the loss even more real.
"It's not that I didn't want to talk about him," Rey began, her voice quiet. "It's just... it hurt too much. And I was afraid that if I started, I wouldn't be able to stop."
Finn nodded, understanding the weight of her words. He had seen her strength, but he also knew the pain she carried. "You don't have to carry it alone, Rey."
"I know," she said, finally meeting his gaze. "But sometimes, it feels like talking about him would make it harder to keep going. Ben was... he was everything. And losing him, it felt like losing a part of myself. But I also know that I have to keep moving forward, for him, for the galaxy."
Finn placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're here for you, Rey. You don't have to do this alone."
Rey nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest that she hadn't felt in a long time. "Thank you, Finn. I'm trying... to find a way to honor him, to keep his memory alive without letting it consume me. That's why I took the Skywalker name. It's a way to stay connected to him, to all of them, and to bring hope to others."
Finn squeezed her shoulder gently. "And you're doing that, Rey. You're bringing hope to the galaxy, just like Ben believed you would."
Rey's smile grew a little wider, and for a brief moment, the weight of her grief felt a little lighter. "I hope so, Finn. I really do."
Rey's heart ached, but she forced herself to continue, even though every word felt like a wound reopening. "I want to build a legacy for him," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I never really explained before because... because I didn't want you to be mad. I know you never really liked him."
Finn's expression softened as he listened, the weight of her words sinking in. "Rey, I'm not mad," he said gently. "I never hated him. I just didn't understand. I didn't understand how you could care for someone who had caused so much pain. But I see now... you saw something in him that none of us did."
As they stood together on the ancient grounds of Ossus, the sun began to rise, casting a golden light over the ruins of the past. Rey felt a sense of peace settling over her, knowing that even in the face of loss, there was still hope for the future. And that was something worth fighting for.
Chapter 2
The next chapter begins with the soft, golden light of dawn breaking over Ossus. The ancient planet, once home to Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy, was now the site where Rey and Finn would begin the next chapter of the Jedi Order's legacy. The ruins of the old temple still stood, weathered but strong, a testament to the resilience of the Jedi who had come before them.
Rey and Finn stood side by side, surveying the remnants of the old structure. The temple, though damaged, still held a quiet dignity, a reminder of the teachings and history that had shaped them. The stones were cracked and worn, yet they radiated a sense of calm and purpose. Rey could feel the presence of those who had walked these halls before her—Luke, Yoda, and even Ben. The Force was strong here, and it filled her with a sense of determination.
"We'll start here," Rey said, her voice steady as she pointed to a section of the ruins that had once been the central hall of the academy. "This will be the heart of the new temple. We'll use what's left of the old structure as the foundation and build upon it."
Finn nodded, his eyes scanning the area. "It feels right, using what's already here. Like we're honoring the past while creating something new."
Rey smiled at his words. "That's exactly what we're doing. This place has seen so much history, so many Jedi who came before us. We're continuing their work, but in our own way."
They moved to the central hall, where the remains of the old stone pillars still stood, some toppled but others still upright, defying time and destruction. Rey knelt down, placing her hand on one of the fallen stones, feeling the connection to the past through the Force. She closed her eyes, sensing the echoes of those who had once trained here, and made a silent promise to carry their legacy forward.
Finn nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. "So, where do we start?"
Rey stood, brushing off her hands. "We start with what we have. We'll clear away the debris, reinforce the existing structures, and then build from there. We don't need to create something entirely new. The strength of the Jedi lies in their ability to adapt and grow, just like this temple will."
With that, they set to work. The task ahead was monumental, but they approached it with determination and a sense of purpose. Finn used the Force to lift the fallen stones, carefully placing them aside, while Rey began to clear away the rubble, using her lightsaber to cut through the thicker vines and overgrowth that had overtaken the ruins.
As they worked, the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting warm rays of light over the ancient stones. The air was filled with the sound of shifting rocks, the hum of Rey's lightsaber, and the occasional conversation between the two friends. They shared stories of their journey, of the battles they had fought, and the people they had lost. And through it all, they began to rebuild—not just the temple, but the foundation of a new Jedi Order.
Hours passed, and slowly but surely, the central hall began to take shape. The old pillars were reinforced, the walls repaired, and the floor cleared of debris. Rey and Finn worked in harmony, their bond as strong as ever. The new temple was a symbol of hope, not just for them, but for all who would come after them.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the completed section of the temple, Rey and Finn stepped back to admire their work. The central hall, once a ruin, now stood tall and proud, a blend of the old and the new. The ancient stones of Luke's academy were seamlessly integrated with the new structures, creating a temple that honored the past while looking toward the future.
Rey placed her hand on one of the newly built walls, feeling the warmth of the stone beneath her fingers. "This is just the beginning," she said softly, more to herself than to Finn. "We'll rebuild the Jedi Order, stronger and wiser than before."
The new Jedi Order was rising from the ashes, and with it, the promise of a brighter future.
After a long day of work, Rey and Finn stood in the newly restored central hall of the Jedi Temple on Ossus, their hearts full of pride and hope. The temple, though still a work in progress, was a testament to their determination and the legacy they were committed to building. But the temple alone wasn't enough—they needed to find others who could carry the torch of the Jedi, to help rebuild the Order and bring balance to the galaxy.
Rey turned to Finn, her eyes reflecting the resolve she felt deep within. "We've done all we can here for now. The temple will be ready for them when they arrive, but first, we need to find those who will come."
Finn nodded, understanding the weight of the task ahead. "We need to find those who are strong in the Force, people who can be trained, who can help us rebuild."
Rey smiled, a mix of excitement and determination in her expression. "And I know just the way to find them."
They left the temple as the last light of day faded, casting long shadows across the ancient stones. The Millennium Falcon was waiting for them, parked just outside the ruins. It had been years since Rey had last flown the Falcon, but it still felt like home—a symbol of adventure, resilience, and hope.
As they approached the ship, Finn couldn't help but marvel at the sight. "You know, I still can't believe we're flying in this thing. It's seen so much history."
Rey chuckled, running her hand along the hull. "The Falcon's been through a lot, but it's always managed to pull through. Just like us."
They climbed aboard, Rey taking her familiar spot in the pilot's seat while Finn settled in beside her as co-pilot. The ship's controls lit up at her touch, and the Falcon hummed to life, its engines roaring as they prepared for takeoff.
"Where do we start?" Finn asked as Rey began to navigate the ship through the atmosphere of Ossus, the stars becoming visible against the deepening night sky.
Rey thought for a moment, reaching out with the Force to sense the galaxy around her. "The Force will guide us," she said, closing her eyes briefly to focus. "I can feel it. There are people out there—young adults, some who may not even realize they're strong in the Force. We'll find them, and we'll bring them here."
Finn watched her, feeling a sense of awe at how connected she was to the Force. He had always admired her strength and determination, but seeing her in this moment, he felt more confident than ever in their mission.
The Falcon broke through the atmosphere and into the vastness of space. Rey set a course for the first location that came to mind—a remote planet on the edge of the galaxy, where she had once sensed a strong presence in the Force.
As they traveled through hyperspace, the stars streaking past them, Rey and Finn discussed their plans. They would visit the outer rim, searching for those who might have gone unnoticed by the galaxy but were destined for something greater. They would offer them the chance to join the new Jedi Order, to train under Rey's guidance and help restore balance to the Force.
Their journey took them to planets both familiar and new—desolate worlds where the remnants of the Empire still lingered, bustling trade hubs where the shadows of the Sith once loomed, and peaceful villages where the Force flowed quietly but steadily. Each stop was a new adventure, a new opportunity to connect with those who might have the potential to become Jedi.
In the quiet moments between missions, Finn would practice his own Force abilities under Rey's guidance. Though he had never formally trained as a Jedi, his connection to the Force had grown stronger since their last adventures together. Rey was proud of his progress, and she knew he would make a great mentor for the new generation of Jedi.
As they traveled, the Falcon became their home—a place where they could reflect on their past, plan for the future, and share stories of the battles they had fought and the friends they had lost. Each new encounter brought them closer together, strengthening their bond and reminding them of the importance of their mission.
Finally, after weeks of searching, they found themselves on a small, uncharted planet, hidden away in a distant corner of the galaxy. The Force was strong here, pulsing through the air like a heartbeat. Rey could feel it—there was someone here, someone with great potential.
They landed the Falcon in a clearing, surrounded by tall, ancient trees. The air was thick with the scent of earth and leaves, and the only sound was the gentle rustling of the wind through the branches.
Rey and Finn stepped out of the ship, both of them immediately sensing the presence they had felt from space. It was close, and it was powerful.
They walked through the forest, the Force guiding their steps, until they reached a small clearing. There, standing alone, was a young woman, perhaps in her early twenties. Her eyes were closed, and she seemed to be meditating, completely in tune with the world around her.
Rey approached her slowly, careful not to startle her. "Hello," she said gently, her voice carrying a sense of calm and reassurance.
The young woman opened her eyes, looking at Rey with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with strength.
"My name is Rey," she replied, offering a warm smile. "And this is Finn. We're Jedi."
The young woman's eyes widened at the mention of the Jedi. "I've heard of the Jedi... but I thought they were gone, my names Keira"
Rey shook her head with a gentle smile. "Keira, it's a pleasure to meet you. I understand this might be overwhelming, but I sense that you have a strong connection to the Force. I believe you could play a significant role in helping us establish the legacy of the Jedi. We've built a new temple dedicated to the light, where you can discover your path and assist others in their journey."
The young woman looked down, her expression conflicted. "I've always felt... different. Like there's something inside me, something I can't control."
"That's the Force," Rey explained, stepping closer. "It's strong in you. And with training, you can learn to control it, to use it for good."
Finn nodded, stepping forward as well. "We're rebuilding the Jedi Order. We want you to join us, to help us bring balance to the galaxy."
The woman hesitated, clearly overwhelmed by the sudden offer. But as she looked into Rey's eyes, she saw the truth and sincerity in them. "I... I don't know if I'm ready."
Rey smiled, understanding her hesitation. "No one is ever truly ready. But with the Force as your guide, you'll find your way. We'll be with you every step of the way."
After a long moment, Keira nodded. "Okay. I'll come with you."
Rey and Finn both smiled, relief and excitement washing over them. They had found their first new recruit, the first of many who would help rebuild the Jedi Order.
Rey and Finn waited on the Falcon while Keira went home to discuss her decision with her parents. They supported her choice, believing that joining the Jedi would be a great opportunity to contribute to the galaxy's peace. Keira packed a bag with clothes, personal items, books, and a journal. She informed her family of her destination and promised to return and share her experiences as soon as she could.
Just before they left, Keira's brother, Stephen, came running after her. He had been busy working as a mechanical engineer throughout the day. Keira explained her decision to him, and Stephen asked if he could join her. Rey and Finn, sensing Stephen's potential with the Force, agreed that he could come along. Stephen quickly packed a bag and said his goodbyes to their parents before joining the group.
And so, the Millennium Falcon lifted off from the planet, carrying with it the seeds of a new Jedi Order—one that would honor the past, embrace the present, and build a future filled with hope and light.
Chapter 3
The hum of the Millennium Falcon's engines filled the cabin as it soared through the stars, heading toward the newly constructed Jedi Temple on Ossus. Keira and Stephen, still adjusting to the ship's steady motion, exchanged excited glances. Their journey from their homes to this moment had been swift, but their anticipation was palpable.
In the cozy yet bustling interior of the Millennium Falcon, Rey and Finn gathered Keira and Stephen around a central table. The ship's lights flickered softly as the stars streaked past the viewport, setting a reflective tone for the discussions ahead.
"Keira, Stephen, I'm glad you're both here. As you know, we're on a mission to rebuild the Jedi Order. Our goal is to continue the legacy of the Jedi and bring balance to the Force," Rey said.
"This new Jedi Temple on Ossus will be a place for you to learn and grow. It's not just about lightsaber combat; it's about understanding the Force, developing your skills, and finding your place in the galaxy," Finn said.
Rey turned to Keira, her gaze warm and encouraging.
"Keira, I understand this is a lot to take in. When I first began my journey, I faced many challenges. But with time, you'll learn to harness the Force and understand its deeper aspects. There will be struggles, but there will also be great rewards. I'm here to guide you through every step."
Keira nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"I'm ready to learn and help however I can. It's just a lot to process."
Finn then addressed Stephen, his tone practical yet supportive.
"Stephen, becoming a Jedi isn't just about power. It's about responsibility, courage, and discipline. You'll learn to use the Force to protect others and uphold justice. It's a demanding path, but one that can be incredibly fulfilling," Finn said.
Stephen listened intently, absorbing every word. His expression showed a blend of determination and curiosity. "I understand. I've actually been practicing with a staff in my spare time, not realizing it had any connection to the Jedi. I've always wanted to contribute to a better future for the galaxy, which is why I became a mechanical engineer—to help build and maintain ships for the Resistance."
Rey smiled, appreciating Stephen's commitment. "That's the right attitude. We'll start with the basics and build up from there. Both of you have shown great potential, and I believe you'll excel with dedication."
Soon, the group returned to the newly constructed Jedi Temple. Rey guided Keira to her quarters, while Finn showed Stephen to his. That evening, they gathered around a fire outside, where Finn shared stories of past Jedi with Keira, Stephen, and Rey. The warmth of the fire complemented the warmth of their conversations, creating an intimate setting for learning and bonding.
Ben stood on a long glass platform, shimmering with undulating waves of energy beneath him. His heart was weighed down by a relentless pull, a burden he could not shake. It had been ten years since his sacrifice for the galaxy, yet he felt trapped in limbo. His mind raced with relentless flashbacks from his time as Kylo Ren. He replayed the moment he killed his father, vividly recalling the instant he ignited his saber and thanked his father. The horrific look on Han's face as he reached for his son, only to fall from the platform to his death, haunted Ben. "No!" he cried out, as if reliving the moment that occurred a decade ago. Tears welled in his eyes as the memory looped endlessly, forcing him into a fetal position on the glass. Ben clasped his hands over his ears, squeezed his eyes shut, and gritted his teeth, desperately trying to block out the excruciating pain.
That night, Rey dreamed of Ben again, but this time it felt different. Ben looked more solemn and regretful, his face much paler than in previous dreams. "Ben," Rey said, "what's wrong?" He paused, his voice filled with distress. "Rey, please help me," he begged. "The pain is overwhelming." Rey, confused, asked, "Ben, what do you need?" Ben remained silent, his heart weighed down and feeling lost, trapped in another dimension.
Luke appeared to Ben, kneeling beside him and gently placing a hand on his shoulder to offer comfort. "Ben," Luke said softly, "you need to confront and seek forgiveness for your past actions. You must address the harm you caused, including the death of your father, Han Solo, and your role in the First Order's tyranny."
Luke's gaze grew more serious as he looked into Ben's eyes. "Ben, Rey needs you. She needs you to help restore balance."
"But how?" Ben asked, kneeling on the platform and looking up at Luke. "You need to aid in rebuilding the Jedi Order," Luke replied firmly.
Ben's eyes dropped to the ground. "I only remember Rey and bringing her back. I don't know about a new Jedi Order."
"That's a good start," Luke said with a stern nod.
"What do you mean?" Ben asked.
"You remember your final moments," Luke explained. "That means you have a chance—a chance to return."
"Ben," Rey cried out in her dream, her voice trembling. "Ben," she called more softly. As she sat up in bed, shaking and sweating from the nightmare, she pulled her legs close to her body. "It felt so real," she whispered sadly to herself.
Rey tried to calm herself. "I can do this," she said quietly, using the words to ground herself in the present moment and find some peace. Desperately, she focused on their Force bond, hoping to strengthen it and better understand Ben's emotions and pain.
Rey realized that exploring the Jedi Temple grounds might help her connect with Ben. As dawn approached, she rushed out of her quarters, eager to uncover more about Ben's pain before her training session with her new student. The Force guided her to a small area of land where she discovered a stone slab—remnants of what seemed to be the foundation of a large quarters. Here, she felt Ben's presence more intensely than ever. The Force suggested he had been here before, and she remembered that Ben's quarters had been destroyed in a desperate attempt to stop Master Skywalker from killing him.
Rey focused on her meditation, attuning herself to the world around her—embracing both life and death. As she meditated, she sensed the elements of nature: the wind rustling and new life emerging from the ground. "Ben," she whispered, trying to reach out to him, seeking answers. "I need you," she cried out, her voice filled with desperation.
In her meditation, she felt a surge of darkness, a cold, black presence that reminded her of the ominous force she had sensed before deciding to rebuild the Jedi Order. The threat was shadowy and indistinct, a vague menace she couldn't fully perceive. Despite her fear, she continued to call out to Ben, determined to find him.
Eventually, she connected with him. Her vision revealed him lying on a glass platform, pulsating with energy. "Ben," she cried, "it's okay, I'm here, my love." Ben's eyes opened, and he gazed into the vast, empty expanse surrounding him, marked only by surges of energy and a horizon of muted blues, grays, and whites.
"Ben!" Rey pleaded louder, desperation thickening her voice, hoping he would hear her. But he didn't respond. Her frustration and guilt began to cloud her mind, and the darkness around her seemed to grow stronger.
The dark side whispered insidiously, wrapping around her thoughts: "You can bring him back," it coaxed. "You need him. Don't let him suffer. It's your fault he's there. He sacrificed everything for you."
Rey cried, feeling herself cracking under the weight of her guilt and sadness as she struggled to reach Ben. Finn found her, confusion on his face as he saw her with her head buried in her hands. "Rey," he said gently. "Rey," he repeated, "we need to get ready to train the students today." His words were an attempt to pull her back to reality. Rey swallowed hard, fighting to compose herself. "Alright," she replied firmly, masking the sadness in her voice.