Chapter 2

Rey gazed at the horizon of Tatooine, sitting beside Ben in the warm sand. He held her securely as she nestled between his legs, leaning against his chest. Tilting her head up, she met his gaze, and her heart fluttered softly in response. In a spontaneous movement, she turned around to straddle him, and they kissed. Laying her head on his shoulder, she whispered close to his ear, "Come back to me."

Suddenly, Rey woke up, the remnants of the dream still lingering. Her body was drenched in sweat from the vivid vision of Ben returning to her, both of them watching the sun rise over Tatooine's horizon. A feeling of emptiness washed over her as she realized it was just a dream. The only times she found peace were through her thoughts, Force visions, dyad communication, or meditative moments that connected her to Ben Solo.

Unsure how to move past the pain, she clung to the hope that her recent dream held some truth. We will be together one day, she thought, trying to stay optimistic. But how do I bring you back to me? she muttered to herself, finally pulling on yesterday's training clothes and stepping into the cold dawn air.

Finding her obstacle course, she began to tackle it, dodging the training droids' attacks with determination. Anger surged within her; for the first time in years, she felt a pull toward the darkness. I don't have Ben anymore, she thought bitterly. Why does it matter? Consumed by her fury, she unleashed it on the training droid, obliterating it after completing the course three times.

Frustrated, she retreated to a forested area, seeking solace on a stone surface to meditate. Be with me, she thought, reaching out through the Force. She could feel the light side flowing around her, but her mind was clouded with doubt. How do I save him? How do I bring Ben Solo back? All she received in response was silence, accompanied by vibrations of the Force.

Her mind began to clear as she continued to meditate, but questions nagged at her: Do I really still want to start a Jedi Order like the traditional ones? Is that what Ben would have wanted? He never fully aligned with either the Sith or the Jedi; perhaps she should explore the nuance of the gray path. But she quickly dismissed the thought Ill just continue to grow my ideas and see what I choose later. I can still train Jedi in the light while also embracing love and relationships in this new order. Friends, family, and partners are what fuel my hope, Rey reflected, resolute in her determination to forge a new path.

The ruins of the old temple on Ahch-To were limited, bearing the scars of destruction from the fire unleashed by Snoke all those years ago. However, some remnants remained. The huts of the caretakers were well-maintained, and the meditation circle still stood intact, a serene reminder of the Jedi who had once gathered there.

Rey and Finn stood side by side, taking in the remnants of the old structure. Despite the damage, the temple retained a quiet dignity, echoing the teachings and history that had shaped them. The stones were cracked and worn but exuded a sense of calm and purpose. Rey felt the presence of those who had walked these halls before her—Luke and even Ben. The Force was potent here, filling her with determination.

"We'll start here," Rey said, her voice steady as she gestured 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 remains of the old structure as our foundation and build upon it."

Finn nodded, his gaze scanning the area. "It feels right to use what's already here. It's like we're honoring the past while creating something new."

Rey smiled at his words. "Exactly! This place has witnessed so much history, so many Jedi who came before us. We're continuing their work, but in our own way."

They approached the central hall, where the remnants of old stone pillars still stood—some toppled, while others remained upright, defying the passage of time and the ravages of destruction. Rey knelt and placed her hand on one of the fallen stones, feeling a deep connection to the past through the Force. Closing her eyes, she sensed the echoes of those who had trained here, making a silent promise to carry their legacy forward.

Rey glanced at the nearby building droid and the materials scattered around, a smile spreading across her face as she recognized the small glimmer of hope they had to create something new. Just then, BB-8 whirled into view as Poe landed on Ahch-To. The little droid beeped enthusiastically at Rey.

"I miss you too, BB-8," she replied, her heartwarming at the sight of her friend. BB-8 beeped excitedly in response.

"Yes, of course you and Poe can help with the building," Rey said, her voice filled with happiness.

Finn, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, asked, "So, where do we start?"

Rey rose, brushing off her hands. "We start with what we have. We'll clear the debris, reinforce the existing structures, and 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 purpose. Finn used the Force to lift the fallen stones, carefully placing them aside, while Rey began clearing away the rubble, using her lightsaber to slice through the thick vines and overgrowth that had taken over the ruins.

As they worked, the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting warm rays of light over the ancient stones. The air buzzed with the sounds of shifting rocks, the hum of Rey's lightsaber, and the occasional banter between the two friends. They shared stories of their journey, their battles, and the people they had lost. Through it all, they began to rebuild—not just the temple, but the foundation of a new Jedi Order.

Hours passed, and gradually 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 became a symbol of hope, not just for them, but for all who would follow.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the newly completed section of the temple, Rey, Poe, BB-8, and Finn stepped back to admire their work. The central hall, once in ruins, now stood tall and proud—a harmonious 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 embracing the future.

Poe glanced at Rey and Finn, nodding with approval. "You're doing the right thing," he said, and BB-8 beeped in agreement.

"Sure, BB-8," Poe replied with a grin. "You can stay with Rey. The Resistance is strong, and I know she'd love to have you here."

Rey smiled and embraced BB-8, her heart swelling with warmth. She placed her hand on one of the newly constructed walls, feeling the comforting heat of the stone beneath her fingers. "This is just the beginning," she whispered, more to herself than to Finn. "We'll rebuild the Jedi Order, stronger and wiser than ever."

The new Jedi Order was emerging from the ashes, embodying the promise of a brighter future. After a long day of hard work, Rey, Poe, and Finn stood in the newly restored central hall of the Jedi Temple, their hearts filled with pride and hope. Although the temple was still a work in progress, it stood as a testament to their determination and the legacy they were dedicated to creating. However, the temple alone wasn't enough—they needed to seek out others who could carry the torch of the Jedi, helping to rebuild the Order and restore balance to the galaxy.