The rise of empress palpatine

A shadow within

Rey sat by the cave on Ach-to, the two lightsabers in a hole she had made beneath the sand. She covered the hole with sand as she ignited her own saber. However,  instead of the bright yellow she was expecting, the blade glowed a piercing crimson. That's strange, she thought. Why was the blade red? And why did it feel...good?

Suddenly, Rey heard footsteps in front of her. She looked up to see a woman from the local villages standing in front of her. " Not many people come to this place," she said. "Who are you?"

"I'm Rey," replied Rey. It was the answer she'd always used.

"Rey who?" pressed the woman.

Rey didn't know what to say. However, without thinking, she looked inside her heart...

And found herself inside the cave, gazing up at  a tall hooded figure, whom she instantly recognized.

Rey quickly knelt." Grandfather!" she said, and  Palpatine smiled. Wait, Rey thought." Why am I bowing to you? You were a sith! How are you even here?"

Sidious chuckled." I am everywhere... inside of you."

Rey gasped." Exegol! You said you would put your spirit into me-you're inside me!"

"Ah, so she learns the truth. By resurrecting myself I weakened my spirit's hold on you. But I still have a little influence..."

"No," Rey gasped," This can't be happening. I saw you die."

"Yes. And in killing me, you sealed your fate-as empress."

Rey sighed. " You're right. If the jedi couldn't kill you, then the dark side is truly stronger."

"Yes." Palpatine laughed." Rise... my apprentice.