Chapter 13: Unsettled Tides on Ahch-To
The days on Ahch-To had a strange way of passing in a blur, like the tides that ebbed and flowed around the island's shores. Ben's return had brought a palpable shift in the atmosphere. He had become a mentor to the Jedi in training, his teachings often laced with the hard-earned lessons of his past. Though Rey was grateful for his presence, not everyone shared her relief.
Tension simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over at any moment. Finn, who had once stood unwavering by Rey's side, now seemed distant, watching Ben with an edge of resentment. His usually cheerful demeanor was clouded, his interactions with Ben curt and strained. It wasn't just Finn—Sky's mood had darkened as well. He brooded in silence, casting glances at Ben that were tinged with both envy and frustration.
Ben stepped out into the cool afternoon air, making his way toward the training area. He could already hear the clashing of sabers, the hum and crackle of energy weapons as they cut through the air. Sky, Finn, and Keira were sparring—Finn's movements were sharp and deliberate, Sky's more aggressive, and Keira's balanced but hesitant.
Ben approached silently, observing them from the shadows. Keira spun gracefully, her saber coming up to block a swift strike from Finn. Her movements were fluid, but Finn overpowered her easily, forcing her to retreat. Sky stepped in, his saber swinging in a wide arc as he aimed for Finn's side. Finn countered quickly, the blades clashing with a sharp crack that sent sparks flying.
Ben's presence hit them like a wave.
Finn was the first to notice, his eyes narrowing as he disengaged from the sparring session. "So, you've finally decided to show up," he said, voice laced with tension.
Sky and Keira paused as well, their attention shifting to Ben. Keira's expression was a mix of uncertainty and curiosity, while Sky looked on with something closer to suspicion.
Ben stepped forward, his tall figure imposing in the dim light, his saber held loosely at his side. "I thought it was time we settled this," he said evenly, his gaze locked on Finn.
Finn's face hardened, his fingers tightening around his own lightsaber. "Settle what, Ben? The fact that you're here at all is still hard for me to wrap my head around. After everything—"
"I know," Ben interrupted, his voice low but firm. "I can't change what I've done. But I'm not here to fight you. I'm here because Rey believes there's something worth redeeming in me. And I believe it too."
Finn took a step forward, his saber igniting with a sharp hiss. "Words don't mean anything to me right now, Ben. Actions do. Let's see if you've really changed."
Ben stared at Finn for a moment, then nodded. With a snap-hiss, Ben's blue lightsaber came to life in his hand. The soft hum of the blade filled the space between them as they squared off.
Sky and Keira stepped back, giving them room, eyes wide in anticipation.
Finn lunged first, his green saber slashing toward Ben's left side. Ben parried effortlessly, their blades crackling as they met in a shower of sparks. Finn swung again, this time aiming for Ben's legs. Ben leapt back, dodging the strike, then immediately countered with a quick downward slash.
Finn blocked just in time, the impact forcing him to take a step back. He gritted his teeth and pushed forward, his attacks coming faster and more aggressive. Each strike was filled with pent-up frustration, but Ben matched him blow for blow, their sabers a blur of blue and green as they clashed in a furious dance.
Ben shifted his stance, slipping into a more fluid style. He sidestepped one of Finn's strikes and spun, his saber coming up to block a follow-up attack aimed at his torso. The blades locked, crackling with energy, their faces mere inches apart.
"You're holding back," Finn growled, his voice strained from the effort.
"Maybe," Ben replied, his expression calm but focused. He pushed Finn back with a surge of strength, then swiftly moved into the offensive, his saber cutting through the air with precision. Finn was forced onto the defensive, his movements growing more desperate as he struggled to keep up.
Ben lunged forward, vaulting over Finn as he crouched low to try and trip him with a sweeping kick. But Ben sprang into the air, landing on the ground with his back to Finn. In a swift movement, he used the Force to shove Finn backward.
"Rey has taught you well," Ben chuckled, "but there's still so much more for both of you to learn."
As Finn clashed his green lightsaber against Ben's blue one, Ben continued, "I need to apologize for what I did as Kylo Ren. That's not who I am anymore."
Finn spat in Ben's face, his voice filled with anger. "An apology isn't enough. It might be a start, but it'll never be enough. If it weren't for Rey, I'd have you off this island in no time."
Ben pressed his advantage, landing a hard blow on Finn's saber hilt, nearly knocking it out of his hand. Finn grunted but managed to hold on, retreating a few steps to regain his balance.
"Come on, Finn," Ben said, his voice steady but with an edge of challenge. "I know you're better than this."
Finn's eyes blazed with determination. He surged forward again, his strikes wild but powerful. Ben ducked under one swing, then spun to the side, bringing his saber down in a controlled arc that forced Finn to pivot sharply. Finn swung again, but Ben was ready. He raised his saber high, catching Finn's blade, then swiftly disarmed him with a precise twist of his wrist.
Finn's saber flew from his hand, landing several feet away in the dirt. Ben stepped back, deactivating his own weapon and breathing heavily.
The air between them was thick with tension, but something unspoken passed between them—a recognition, perhaps, of shared pain and struggle.
"Is that enough action for you?" Ben asked, his voice quiet but firm.
Finn stood there for a moment, chest heaving, then slowly nodded. "For now," he muttered, his gaze dropping to the ground.
Keira and Sky, who had been watching in stunned silence, exchanged a glance, unsure of what to say.
Ben took a deep breath and approached Finn, extending his hand. "If you can't accept my apology, at least allow me to make things right. I can help train the next generation. I can be everything Rey wanted me to be. Didn't she tell you about her plans to be with me?"
Finn looked down, clearly conflicted. "Yes," he replied sadly. "I know she wants you in her life. If you were to ask her to marry you, she would gladly accept. But, Ben, I've already forgiven you for my own sake. The truth is, I forgave you a long time ago. However, I haven't forgiven you for what you did to the Resistance, to your mother, father, Luke, Poe, Rose, and Rey. I don't think I can trust you completely, but I know Rey trusts you. This Jedi Order belongs to her, and because I love Rey, I'll do my best to try."
Ben reflected on Finn's words, recognizing the pain etched in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he spoke with sincerity and compassion. "Finn, I'm truly sorry for what I did to my parents. When I was lost in the world between worlds, I confronted my past and faced the weight of my actions. I apologized to both of them, and that moment brought me some peace. As for Rey, I know I don't deserve her, but I would do anything for her. I'll dedicate my entire life to proving my love and commitment to her."
He paused, feeling the gravity of what he was about to say. "I regret what happened with Luke. We've come to an understanding now, and he will always be my mentor in the ways of the Force. I understand that I have a long way to go, especially with Rose and Poe, and I promise to do my best to make amends with them, too."
Looking directly into Finn's eyes, he added earnestly, "You need to believe me when I say that I will never hurt Rey. I'm committed to doing better, and I'll show you that I can change. Please, be patient with me."
Ben couldn't shake the thought of Finn's earlier words about Rey wanting him to propose. The idea stirred a mix of excitement and fear within him. Could he truly be the partner she deserved? He knew he needed to focus on earning Finn's trust first, but the thought of a future with Rey filled him with hope and determination.
Finn looked at Ben, surprised. He never imagined that someone like Kylo Ren—now Ben Solo—would ever utter the words "I'm sorry" or "please." He could see in Ben's expression that Rey was important to him and that she wanted him more than anything. Taking a step closer, Finn avoided Ben's gaze but felt compelled to speak from the heart for Rey's sake.
"Ben, when you were gone, there was a long period where I didn't talk to Rey because she needed to heal. She isolated herself. I heard she took on dangerous missions to help people escape the dark side because you were on her mind. Those missions reminded her of you. She saved many young acolytes and Padawans who were tempted by the dark side in your absence, yet she often refused medical attention afterward, embracing the pain just to feel something other than the loss of you."
She wanted you that whole time," Finn said sadly. "She still wants you, and a big part of her wishes you had stayed instead of her. Recently, she's started talking about you again, but for a long time, she held back because she was afraid she wouldn't be able to stop. Ben, I don't like you, but I can't bear to see Rey hurting herself, and I can't let her believe she doesn't deserve love from anyone."
As Finn spoke, a wave of guilt crashed over Ben, pulling him under with the weight of his past. Hearing how Rey had isolated herself, participating in dangerous missions while trying to save others from the darkness he once embodied, filled him with a profound sense of shame. Each word Finn uttered was like a sharp reminder of the pain he had caused, and he couldn't shake the image of Rey suffering alone, grappling with the void he had left behind. The thought that she had to endure so much pain in his absence pierced his heart, making him acutely aware of the burden she had carried.
Yet, amid the tumult of remorse, a flicker of hope ignited within him. Finn's admission that Rey still wanted him, that she had held on to her feelings despite the chaos of his past, stirred something deep inside Ben. It awakened a longing to make things right, to prove to both Rey and Finn that he was no longer the man who had hurt them. He felt an overwhelming desire to step into the light and earn back the trust that he had shattered, knowing that it wouldn't be easy but feeling compelled to try for Rey's sake.
However, with this hope came a swell of anxiety. The realization that he might not be worthy of Rey's love loomed large in his mind. Finn's words about Rey's struggle to even mention his name brought forth a fresh wave of fear—what if he could never fully bridge the chasm his past had created? The idea that she might still be afraid to love, to open herself up again, gripped him with dread. Ben's heart raced at the thought of losing her once more, knowing how much he wanted to support her in her healing. As he stood there, he realized that his journey to redemption would not only be about finding forgiveness for himself but also about helping Rey believe she deserved love—love that he desperately hoped to give her.
Finn continued, his eyes fixed on Ben as he processed his thoughts. After a moment, he finally met Ben's gaze. "I tried to encourage her to find someone," he said. "You know, Ben, she's almost thirty and still single. She did date someone once, according to Rose. His name was Tarin." Finn moved in closer, lowering his voice to ensure that Sky and Keira wouldn't overhear. "Rey told me about that relationship, but recently, Rose mentioned that she ended things with Tarin. He became frustrated with her because she couldn't move on from you. She still refers to you as her partner, and that's the worst part—despite any desire for intimacy she might have, she left Tarin because he wanted to take their relationship further, and she wasn't willing to sleep with him. She wants to be with you, Ben. I know it's tough to hear, but you have no idea what she's been going through. I swear, if you hurt her again, I'll come for you, Ben Solo."
Ben felt a surge of emotions at Finn's words. Each revelation hit him like a wave, crashing over him and pulling him under. He knew Rey had endured pain during his absence, but hearing the extent of her struggle struck a deeper chord. The thought of her feeling alone and lost, clinging to the memory of him, twisted in his chest like a knife.
"I had no idea she was suffering like that," Ben replied, his voice thick with regret. "I thought... I thought she would be better off without me. That I was protecting her by staying away."
Finn shook his head, the frustration evident in his posture. "You think leaving her alone was protecting her? You hurt her by leaving, Ben. She thought you were gone for good. You need to understand how much she still loves you. It's not just about her wanting you back; it's about what she sacrificed in your absence. She's been fighting her demons while holding onto the hope that you might return."
The weight of Finn's words pressed down on Ben, each syllable a reminder of the pain he had caused not only to himself but to Rey as well. The image of her standing alone, longing for a connection he once took for granted, shattered him. "What if I can't be the person she needs? I don't want to hurt her again. I'm not the same person I was, but I still carry the darkness within me."
Finn stepped closer, his tone shifting to one of understanding. "We all carry darkness, Ben. The key is not to let it define us. Rey believes in you. She sees the good that still exists, even if you can't always see it in yourself. If you truly want to be with her, you have to confront your past and fight for her. Show her that you've changed. That you're willing to be a partner, not just in word, but in action."
Ben nodded slowly, the enormity of the task ahead dawning on him. "You're right. I need to prove that I'm worthy of her trust again. I'll do whatever it takes."
Finn's gaze softened, a flicker of hope in his expression. "Good. Because she deserves love and happiness, and if that's with you, then I'll stand by her side as you fight for it. But just know, if you ever hurt her again, you'll have to answer to me."
As Finn's words settled in the air between them, Ben felt a renewed sense of determination. For Rey, he would face any challenge, no matter how daunting. It was time to fight for the future he once thought was lost.
Sky's gaze followed Ben as he continued his conversation with Finn. Watching the two men spar sent a chill down his spine. While Ben fought fairly, it was clear to Sky that he was stronger and more skilled than both Finn and Rey. That realization terrified him; if Ben truly had such an advantage, Sky knew he stood no chance in a physical confrontation. He attempted to step closer as Ben and Finn began whispering again, but Keira tightened her grip on his wrist. "I know what you're thinking—stay away from Rey's boyfriend," she hissed. Sky looked down at his sister, who stood about five foot four and was slender. Although she was muscular and strong, she remained significantly smaller and less powerful than him. "He's not her boyfriend."
"I'm pretty sure he is," Keira replied boldly. "He's gorgeous."
Sky's anger flared, and he clenched his fists at his sides. "You don't get it, Keira! It's not just about how he looks! He's dangerous, and I can't just stand by while Rey gets hurt again." His voice rose, drawing a few curious glances from the others nearby.
"All you see is the surface! Do you really think Rey would want to be with someone who has a past like his? Just because he's tall and brooding doesn't mean he's good for her!"
Keira met his gaze, unflinching. "And how do you know what's best for her? She's not some damsel in distress, Sky. She can make her own choices. Just because you don't like him doesn't mean he isn't right for her."
Sky shook his head in frustration. "This isn't about me not liking him! It's about keeping Rey safe! She's been through so much already, and I can't let her fall into his arms, only to get hurt again!"
Keira sighed, her expression softening slightly. "But she loves him, Sky. And if you really care about her, maybe you should respect her choices, even if they're not what you want."
Sky turned away, frustration simmering within him as he thought about his sister and the formidable presence Ben exuded. He recognized Ben's immense power, which overshadowed both Rey and Finn. Sky felt helpless in a physical confrontation, but perhaps he could find a way to reach Rey on an emotional level.
Ben nodded at Finn as he started to leave, sensing Sky's conflict and growing desire for Rey. A protective instinct kicked in. "Sky," Ben called out, stopping him in his tracks as he headed toward Rey's hut. "Rey is your mentor—don't forget that."
Sky shot Ben a glare. Though he was at least four inches taller, with a physique that radiated masculinity and power, a flicker of fear coursed through him. Jealousy, however, burned brighter. "Rey doesn't belong to you yet," he snarled.
Ben shook his head, disbelief etched on his features. "Do you care about her, or do you only care about what you want? There's a difference."
Sky laughed and pushed Ben aside, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Unless she's married— and maybe even after that—I'm going to pursue her. She deserves better than you."
Ben merely glanced at him, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Even if Rey indulges you just a little, I'll never leave her. Just so you're aware, she already belongs to me, whether you want to see that or not."
Sky narrowed his eyes, refusing to back down. "But you haven't claimed her yet, have you? So what makes you think she won't choose me instead?"
Ben stepped forward, their faces inches apart again. "Because I know her, Sky. I understand the weight of her past and her struggles. I'm the one who has always been there for her. You're just an infatuation, a fleeting distraction."
Sky felt a surge of defiance rising within him. "You don't know what she needs, Ben. Maybe she needs someone who can make her feel alive again, someone who's not tied to her painful memories."
Ben's expression hardened. "And you think you can be that person? You're playing with fire, Sky. You might get burned."
The tension crackled in the air between them, but Sky stood his ground. "I'm willing to take that risk for her. I know what I want, and I'm not going to back down."
Ben's jaw tightened, the protective instincts surging within him. "You might think you know what's best for her, but the truth is, she has to make that choice herself. Don't underestimate her strength."
Sky met Ben's gaze, a mixture of anger and determination in his eyes. "And don't underestimate my feelings for her. I won't let you intimidate me just because you think you have some kind of claim."
The tension between them thickened as they locked eyes, each man unwavering in his resolve. The stakes had never felt higher, and Rey's fate seemed to hang in the balance. As Sky retreated to his hut, adrenaline surged through him, his heart racing with the weight of it all. He felt overwhelmed, knowing he could never match Ben's strength or skill. What bonded Rey and Ben so closely remained a mystery to him; neither Sky nor Keira had discovered the truth about their dyad.
Until now, Sky had never been tempted by darkness since arriving on Ahch-To, but today was different. The argument with Ben and the growing sense that he might not belong in Rey's life left Sky feeling powerless, a feeling he despised. The darkness whispered to him, offering power. Sky glanced around, seeing nothing, but a chill crept down his spine. He was torn between a hunger for control—his desire for Rey—and the need to decide where he truly stood. Trained in the Gray, he was no stranger to the Dark Side, and a part of him wanted to embrace it if it meant defeating Ben Solo.
Ben paced, frustration simmering as the thought of Sky thinking he had a chance with Rey gnawed at him. He knew Rey wanted a deeper commitment—he could feel her fear of losing him again. The idea of an engagement, he realized, could give her a sense of control, a way to ensure they stood united against the dangers they faced. But Ben had his own concerns. Sky felt like a threat, and though Ben wanted to be sure Rey was truly ready for such a commitment, he also couldn't ignore the fact that after facing death and spending years in the world between worlds, all he could think about was Rey. While battling the darkness there, he had even imagined marrying her. Sky's taunting words echoed in his mind: "But you haven't claimed her yet." Ben scoffed at the thought. He didn't need to prove anything to Sky or anyone else—but maybe it was time. With the darkness growing stronger and the galaxy's chaos looming, Ben realized he couldn't wait much longer either.
Ben rushed into Rey's ship, his heart racing as he opened the comm to contact Chewie. His voice was steady but tinged with the weight of past mistakes.
"Chewie, it's me... Yes, I'm back. I know I've got a lot to make up for, and I'm sorry. Sorry for what I did to my father, for what I did to you, to everyone. But listen, I need your help. You care about Rey, and I need you to do something important."
He hesitated for a second before continuing. "Do you... do you have my mother's signet ring? Leia's? It's important, Chewie. I need it." His voice softened, as if saying the words made everything more real. "For Rey."