The Millennium Falcon streaked through hyperspace, the swirling blue and white tunnel reflecting the whirlwind of emotions inside the ship. After everything that had transpired on Exegol, the journey back to Coruscant felt like a return to a different world—a world where they would have to face the consequences of their actions and begin to rebuild.Rey sat in the cockpit, her eyes fixed on the stars beyond the viewport as they emerged from hyperspace. The planet Coruscant filled the window, its surface a patchwork of city lights that sparkled like a million tiny stars. It was a stark contrast to the dark, stormy skies of Exegol, a reminder that light still existed, even after the darkest of nights.
Behind her, Ben entered the cockpit, moving more slowly than usual, still recovering from his ordeal. Rey turned at the sound of his footsteps, her expression softening as she saw him. The darkness that had once clung to him like a shadow was gone, replaced by a quiet strength and a vulnerability that made her heart ache.
"Coruscant," Ben said quietly, his voice laced with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. "It's been a long time since I've been here."
Rey nodded, understanding the weight of his words. Coruscant was a place that held many memories for him, both good and bad. It was where his journey had begun, where he had taken his first steps down the path that had led him to become Kylo Ren. But it was also where he could now start anew, where he could begin to make amends.
"We're not who we were then," Rey said softly, her eyes searching his. "This is a chance to start over, to make things right."
Ben looked at her, the sincerity in her words piercing through the lingering doubts that still clung to him. He nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. "I hope so," he replied, his voice quiet but resolute. "I want to make things right."
Rey gave him a small, reassuring smile. "We will. Together."
The Falcon descended through Coruscant's atmosphere, weaving between the towering skyscrapers and gliding smoothly toward the landing pad near the New Republic's central hub. The city was alive with activity, the buzz of the urban metropolis a stark contrast to the eerie silence of Exegol.
As the ship touched down, Finn appeared in the doorway of the cockpit, his expression still guarded but softer than before. "We're here," he announced, though there was a note of uncertainty in his voice. He still wasn't sure what to make of Ben's presence, but he had agreed to give him a chance—for Rey's sake, if nothing else.
Rey stood, glancing at Ben before she turned to Finn. "Thank you, Finn. For everything."
Finn shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Just doing my part." He paused, his gaze shifting to Ben. "Good luck out there," he added, his tone neutral but not unfriendly.
Ben nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you," he said simply, his voice steady.
The three of them exited the Falcon together, stepping onto the landing pad. The Coruscant air was cool, a gentle breeze brushing against their faces as they took in the sprawling cityscape before them. It was a place filled with memories—some painful, some hopeful—and now, it was the place where they would begin the next chapter of their lives.
As they made their way through the bustling streets, Finn eventually split off, giving Rey and Ben some space. There was still much to be done, and Finn knew that Rey and Ben needed time to figure things out between themselves.
Rey and Ben walked side by side in comfortable silence, the noise of the city fading into the background as they made their way to a quiet spot overlooking the skyline. The lights of Coruscant twinkled like stars beneath them, a reminder of the life and energy that pulsed through the galaxy.
"This place," Ben murmured, gazing out at the city. "It's so different from what I remember. It feels... lighter."
Rey looked at him, a soft smile on her lips. "That's because you're seeing it through new eyes."
Ben turned to her, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe. Or maybe it's because I'm not carrying the same weight anymore."
Rey's heart swelled with emotion as she reached out, taking his hand in hers. "You've come so far, Ben. I'm proud of you."
Ben's eyes softened, and he stepped closer, his hand tightening around hers. "I couldn't have done it without you, Rey," he said, his voice filled with gratitude and something deeper, something that had been growing between them for a long time.
Rey looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat as she saw the intensity of his gaze. The connection between them was palpable, electric, and it pulled them closer together, like two pieces of a puzzle finally finding their place.
"Ben..." Rey whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
He didn't need words to respond. Ben cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing over her cheek as he leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. Rey closed her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest as she tilted her head up to meet him.
And then, finally, their lips met.
The kiss was gentle at first, a tentative exploration of something that had been building between them for so long. But as the seconds passed, it deepened, the intensity of their emotions flooding through the bond they shared. It was a kiss filled with everything they had been through—pain, loss, redemption, and, most of all, love.
When they finally pulled back, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other's as they savored the moment. Ben's hand remained on her cheek, his touch warm and reassuring.
"I love you, Rey," Ben whispered, his voice filled with a quiet certainty that left no room for doubt.
Rey smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I love you too, Ben. I always have."
In that moment, with the lights of Coruscant twinkling around them and the darkness of their past finally behind them, they knew that they were exactly where they were meant to be—together, ready to face whatever the future held.
And as they stood there, hand in hand, the stars above them reflecting in their eyes, they knew that this was just the beginning of something beautiful. The galaxy was vast, and there were still challenges to face, but they would do it side by side, their love and the light guiding them forward.
For the first time in a long time, Ben felt truly at peace, and he knew that with Rey by his side, he could finally leave Kylo Ren behind and embrace the man he was always meant to be.
As they looked out at the horizon, the first rays of dawn began to break, casting a warm, golden light over the city. It was a new day, a new beginning, and for Ben and Rey, it was the start of the life they had fought so hard to build—a life filled with hope, love, and the promise of a brighter future.
And as the sun rose over Coruscant, they knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.
The End
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Echos of the Force
SciencefictionA short reimagining of what would happen if Ben Solo came back to life. 3rd person narrative Started September 2024 ©️Sky Mincharo