Echos of the Force

Chapter 3: Shadows and Light

The Millennium Falcon descended through the storm-wracked skies of Exegol, its hull rattling with each blast of lightning that crackled across the atmosphere. Inside the cockpit, the tension was palpable. Rey gripped the controls tightly, her eyes focused on the swirling darkness outside the viewport. Beside her, Finn sat in the co-pilot's seat, his brow furrowed with concern, while R2-D2 beeped anxiously from behind them, his dome swiveling to take in the ominous landscape.

"This place gives me the creeps," Finn muttered, glancing at Rey. "You sure about this, Rey? Exegol's not exactly a vacation spot."

Rey's jaw tightened, her eyes never leaving the storm outside. "I have to be sure, Finn. I felt him. Ben's alive, and he's here. I know it."

Finn sighed, his concern evident. He had been reluctant to let Rey come here alone, and when she had insisted on it, he had flat-out refused. After everything they'd been through, the idea of her walking into the heart of darkness on her own was unbearable to him. He'd seen enough pain, enough loss. He wasn't about to let his best friend face this alone.

"I never thought I'd be back here after last time," Finn said, his voice carrying a mix of unease and determination. "I thought we were done with this place for good."

Rey glanced at him, seeing the same haunted expression she felt in herself. Exegol had left its mark on all of them, a place that epitomized the darkness they had fought so hard to defeat. But now, it seemed that their battle with this cursed world wasn't over yet.

"I know," Rey replied softly. "But there's something here we missed. Something that's keeping Ben from truly being at peace. We have to finish this, Finn. I can't leave him behind."

Finn studied her face for a moment, then nodded, the determination in her voice convincing him. "Then let's go get him."

R2-D2 let out a low, concerned whistle, his sensors detecting the overwhelming presence of the dark side that saturated the planet. Rey reached back and placed a reassuring hand on his dome. "It's going to be okay, Artoo," she said softly. "We'll get through this."

The Falcon shuddered as they approached the surface, the dark, jagged landscape of Exegol coming into view. The Sith temple loomed in the distance, its spires piercing the storm-filled sky like the teeth of a great beast. The sight of it sent a chill down Rey's spine, but she pushed the fear aside. Ben was here, somewhere within those walls, and she was determined to find him.

Finn's hands moved over the controls as he guided the Falcon to a landing spot near the temple's entrance. The landing gear groaned as it settled onto the rocky outcrop, the ship swaying slightly in the fierce wind. Rey powered down the engines, and for a moment, the only sound was the relentless howl of the storm outside.

Finn was the first to unbuckle his harness, his movements quick and efficient. "We'll need to be careful," he said, standing and reaching for his blaster. "This place is crawling with dark side energy. We don't know what we're going to find in there."

Rey nodded, rising from her seat. "I know. But I can feel him, Finn. He's close."

Finn studied her face for a moment, then nodded, the determination in her voice convincing him. "Then let's go get him."

R2-D2 beeped in agreement, rolling toward the exit ramp as Rey and Finn grabbed their gear. The ramp lowered, and the roar of the storm intensified, cold air rushing into the ship. Rey pulled her hood up, steeling herself against the chill as they stepped out into the open.

The temple loomed before them, its massive stone doors half-open, as if waiting for them. Finn exchanged a glance with Rey, his eyes full of worry, but he didn't voice it. They had come too far to turn back now.