After Rise

Dreams

ANAKIN

"Anakin!!" shouts Obi-Wan.

"What now Obi-Wan?"

"Anakin, you have to speak to all the overseers. They all have to know what's going on"

"I know Obi-Wan. I've just talked to Rey. Just talked with my children. Leia is worried. He's growing desperate and I'm yet to even talk to Ben. I needed to see all of them before talking to the rest of the overseers. My family is more important to me."

"Okay, okay. Talk to Ben first. I'll call up a meeting when you're done. I'll let the council know too. Master Yoda has been trying to find you as well."

"I'll go see Ben now."

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Anakin Skywalker makes his way to the temple where Ben Solo has been meditating.

Ben sits with his eyes closed. Anakin stares at his grandson who reminds him so much of himself. He almost feels wrong for interrupting his grandson's meditation but it must be done.

"Ben."

Ben slowly opens his eyes.

"Grandfather?"

"Ben. I've spoken with her. We can only guide her but we cannot tell her the immediate answers to what she seeks. She closed herself from the force after your death. This is why she cannot hear you. Your death is different from Leia and Luke to her. You're her dyad. She's been living like half of her is gone. But she will rise, Ben. She will find you and she will bring back Ben Solo."

"Grandfather, I don't understand what you're saying. I'm just trying to connect to her the way you and my mother do. Will I..I?" he sighs, "Is there a way for me to go....to go back?"

"Yes, Ben. The overseers have all come to the conclusion the dyad needs to be together for balance in the physical realm. Although you're already here, that can be turned since Palpatine took life from both of you together. Ben in due time you will return to Rey. But everything in the time the Force allows Ben. Do not be impatient. Let her find her way."

Ben stares in disbelief. All he can think is "What would it be like?"

He had so many questions but all he could come up with was,

"Did she...did she say anything about me?"

"She did. Your death haunts her. She also said if you would've walked out of Exegol alive she would've taken your hand even if it meant leaving the Resistance because she knew it'd never feel like home to you. She wouldn't have let go of your hand. She said and I quote, "I think we were going to love one another. Someday."

Ben breathes heavily and looks down.

" In the end, all I wanted was to protect her light from Palpatine. I followed after her, knowing the risks. At that moment none of it mattered anymore; the First Order, being Supreme Leader, and ruling the galaxy. All I wanted then was to be beside her. When I saw her lifeless body not even an ounce of doubt arose. I immediately decided to transfer the bit of life I had left into her. She would always be more deserving than me. The galaxy needed her more than it did me. I never regret saving her. I never will."

"Then I don't think you two 'were' going to love one another."

Ben's head shoots up in confusion because his heart unconsciously wants it to be like that.

"You two were already in love with one another."

"Ben, you will be given a chance to be with her. Don't ruin it. Don't lose seeking more when you already have everything in front of you. I lost Padme. I wasn't given another life to be with her. Don't allow yourself to lose Rey. When you go back you will be given human desires again. Darkness will try to reach you again. Don't let it power over the light you've always carried.