The Pull to the Light

Chapter XXVII

Fortunately, Chiara and Ben's ship had gained some distance with Starkiller Base before the explosion occurred. When Chiara turned to look back, the base had transformed into a brilliant sun, much like the one it had been draining for its power.

"What are the coordinates of your land on Yavin?" Ben asked her, knowing that they had survived the initial take off.

"We can't go straight there, Ben," Chiara argued, receiving a confused glance. "The First Order can most likely track this ship, we're going to need a clean one. Set your course for Takodana, I am sure Maz must have repaired since the attack and she's the only one I trust."

"I can't go there, Chiara. I had my troops destroy the place and kill everyone there, or perhaps you don't remember."

"Just stay land on the outskirts of the village and stay in the ship while I acquire us a new one. I've got it covered, don't worry."

Ben still did not agree with this plan, but he obliged anyway, trusting Chiara beyond anything else. Besides, he didn't have much of a choice. If they wanted to get off the grid, they couldn't be riding in a First Order owned vehicle that would be far too easy to track.

They soon landed on the lushly forested planet and Chiara found herself to be right about Maz repairing the place. It looked almost as good as new. Ben stood up with her as she got out of the copilot's seat, planting a kiss on her forehead before she had a chance to exit the ship.

"Be careful out there, ok? I don't want anything to happen to you," Ben spoke, holding her close to him.

"Don't worry, I can handle myself. Besides, I don't believe anyone here wants me dead. You, on the other hand, must make sure no one sees this ship and decides to come investigating," Chiara smiled, slipping out of his grasp and lowering the ramp.

"May the force be with you, Chiara," he added as she began to descend out into the surrounding clearing.

"May the force be with you as well, Ben."

Before stepping off of the ship, Chiara grabbed a black cloak, slipping it over herself to conceal the daggers and lightsaber that she wore on a belt around her waist. She then put the hood over her head in order to conceal her face. As she climbed the steps up into the large hall, her heart began to beat faster, hoping that no one would recognize her and report her to the Resistance or the First Order.

But everyone in the room was far too engaged in their own affairs to notice her even walk in. She paused by the door, scanning the room for Maz, hoping that she would be willing to help her and Ben. Finally spotting her in the back of the room, Chiara began towards the table that she was sitting at.

"Maz, may I speak with you?" She whispered, leaning down by her ear. The short woman nodded, leading her into the back, where they wouldn't be disturbed. As soon as they were concealed from the crowd, Chiara lowered her hood, "I doubt you remember me, but I came her with Han on the day the First Order attacked. My name is-"

"Chiara," Maz finished for her, studying her changed figure. "You are different, the man that you loved, you have gotten him back, haven't you?"

Chiara nodded, albeit a little tentatively, "That is why I am here. You see, the man that I love is-"

"Kylo Ren. You have changed him, haven't you? He has returned to the light," Maz asked, a spark of hope filling her eyes.

"Well, not exactly. He still has darkness inside of him, but I have convinced him to leave the First Order. That is why I am here, we need a clean ship, one the First Order cannot track. Can you help us?"

"Of course, my dear," Maz answered with a kind smile. "Is he here on Takodana?"

"Yes, but I figured it wouldn't be the best idea to bring him into the building that his men had attacked. I was afraid someone would recognize him."

"I can give you the ship, but I would like to speak to him as payment," Maz replied, indicating for Chiara to lead the way.

She bit her lip, unsure if she should accept, but she knew there was no other choice. She shrouded herself with the cloak once more and returned to the hall of chatting people, Maz in toll.

Chiara boarded the first order ship and called out, "Ben? Where are you?"

"Have you gotten a-?" Ben began to ask, appearing from the shadows. He stopped abruptly, noticing Maz behind her. Giving her a bloodcurdling glare of accusation, he then turned to the small woman, "Maz Kanata it has been a while."

"Ben Solo, I haven't seen you since you were a young boy, eagerly following your father around and glancing around in wonder at the assortment of creatures in my watering hole. Han had taken you on one of his little escapades, much to your mother's dismay," Maz smiled, acting as though she wasn't speaking to the most feared man in the galaxy.

"Do not speak of them," Ben growled, his teeth clenched and his hands in fists.

"Hmm, perhaps Chiara was wrong. She told me that you had changed, but what I see before me is a man that is only burying his true feelings. You may not still be with the First Order, but that does not make you less on the dark side. You need to go back to your family. You need to go home, Ben."

Noticing Kylo Ren breaking through, Chiara stepped forward, "We at least need to make sure no one can track us before going anywhere. Please Maz, we just need a ship and then we shall be out of your hair."

Maz turned to her, "Of course, my dear. But you must take him home eventually."

...

I'm totally not writing this chapter in order to procrastinate writing my essay... That totally doesn't sound like me...

Plus I kind of realized how similar I am to Ben, at least family-wise. I guess it explains why I am a bit hot-headed and passionate