When the Time Comes

Chapter Fourteen

The trials would be going on for months, maybe years. A new system was in place, the galaxy was united and each planet had their own ambassador to represent them in what was deemed the Confederation, simple as that. They held elections to decide how to handle issues throughout the galaxy and how to handle each First Order member. They aided each other when needed, as some planets weren't as wealthy as others. This filled Rey with pride, as she remembered desperately gathering scraps to exchange for food and hoping she would have enough to eat every night.

One issue also had to be discussed. Ben and Rey were users of the Force, and they wouldn't be the last. Ben proposed to rebuild Luke Skywalkers academy, where he and Rey, under Leia's supervision, would train generations of Jedis. It was decided that families who's members showed abilities could elect to send them to the academy alone, or come with them in the employment of Rey and Ben.

"The Jedi should not be made to die out, we are here to keep the balance in the Force, a gray balance." Ben spoke before the Confederation with Rey at his side.

"It is not simply black and white, as we all believed for as far back as we can remember." Rey added in her part. "Inside everyone in tune with the Force is both dark and light, and to balance it out, we must accept it and only then can a student find harmony within themselves."

This caused quite the stir. It had always been believed that even the slightest sliver of darkness was frowned upon.

"They will be instructing under my careful supervision." Leia began to speak, and all was quiet. "Students who show far too much potential for darkness will be carefully dealt with. I believe my son and Rey will be able to raise a new Jedi Order, one that will thrive and protect us, as is their sworn duty."

In the end, it was ruled that they would be permitted to teach students from all over the galaxy.

"I'm very proud of you my son, and of you too Rey." Leia held one of their hands in each of hers. "You've come a long way. You should be very proud, not everyone gets to have what the both of you do."

Rey wasn't sure what she meant, whether it was about her and Ben's relationship or the way they had both found themselves in the chaos of the war. But she loved it either way.

"I have some matters to attend to, I will meet up with you later for dinner." She hugged them both and went back in to speak with the Confederation. Rey and Ben were finished with their duties for now.

"There's only one more matter." Ben said as Rey held onto his arm with hers as they descended the steps to go to their room in the grand palace the Confederation used as their designated meeting location.

"With this new Jedi Order, we make the rules. Which means old traditions can go out the window." Ben explained.

"Like what?" Rey knew of some, but couldn't possibly know about them all.

"Attachment seems to be the most bizarre issue to me. You see, the Jedi were forbidden to have an attachment to another person. It was considered a path to the dark side. But my attachment to you seems to have had the opposite effect." Ben smiled.

"You mean Jedi weren't allowed to engage in relationships such as this?" Rey inquired.

"No." He answered. "That is one tradition we are most certainly ridding ourselves of."

He turned to Rey, holding a ring that shone more beautifully than anything she had ever seen in her life.

"Rey, in our time together you've shown me who I really am supposed to be. I can't tell you how much I love you for that, you got past Kylo Ren and saw a glimpse of Ben, and that was enough for you to drag me out of the shadows. You never gave up on me." He dropped to a knee, with Rey still in shock. There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted a future with this man, to see where life would take them, but she never imagined he was just as ready. She was prepared to give him all the time he needed, even if he never wanted to commit to her this much, she would spend her life with him.

"Will you be my wife?" He choked out.

Rey dropped to her knees so she could be face to face with him. Unable to form words, she simply kissed him and wrapped her arms around his neck, sobbing into him.

"Please don't cry." Ben was tearing up himself, unsure why she seemed so upset.

"No, you don't understand. I didn't know you would ever be ready to bond yourself to me this way." Rey pulled away and smiled at him, relieving his worry.

"I didn't think so either. But a few weeks ago, when we were talking about what to do if the outcome of the war didn't go the way we wanted, I realized I don't ever want to be separated from you. I want to build a new life with you, a happy one." He proclaimed.

Rey smiled brightly and covered her mouth as she sobbed in happiness. Ben slid the ring on her finger and stared, such an important finger and HIS ring was on it.

That night he told his mother over dinner, he and Rey would be bonded and be their own small little family. The way he said it was so important to her, because what family she did have had abandoned her years ago.

What she didn't expect was for Leia to offer to perform the ceremony. As a general and the former leader of the rebellion, and as royalty, she had the power to marry them.

And so that night, on their balcony overlooking the beautiful city, they made their vows in an intimate ceremony, with Ben's mother serving as the witness as well.

It was a week later that they headed off toward the academy that Ben once destroyed. Upon seeing the devastation he left in his wake, Ben seemed more than a little thrown. He walked around slowly, staring and touching what were now relics after a decade of sitting.

"We will preserve as much as possible." He announced to Rey and his mother.

"Ben..." Leia began.

"It will serve as a reminder of the consequences of the dark side, of giving in. And in memory of Luke. He built this, he will be remembered." Ben said.

Both women nodded, and when help arrived, they were informed as well.

And so the rebuilding process began. What remained were several statues, arches, a wall or two. All would stand in memory of Luke and the other students who attended here.

It no longer pained Ben to see it, he took it in stride. He now had confidence in himself that he would never turn to the dark side again, and everywhere he went, he felt the presence of his uncle and his fellow students that once walked these grounds.

It didn't take long before families arrived with students for Rey and Ben to take on. They arrived in various ages, as teenagers or young adults that assured their parents they would help with rebuilding and would be fine on their own here, but would appreciate visits. The youngest was only five, accompanied by her parents who had used their last bit of money to bring their daughter here to be trained. Rey and Ben welcomed them with open arms, and soon began to teach as the workers and parents staying with their children were able to take over rebuilding the academy.

Rey found so much joy in helping these families and teaching children. For now, everyone progressed at the same time, as they were all beginners. One day they would be able to work with them individually.

Some of the older students took to it remarkably well, Ben worked with them when regular lessons were over for the day. These were the hopefuls that would assist in teaching the younger students, to raise the new generation.

"Ben, I have never been so proud of you." Rey told her husband late one night. Most of the school had been rebuilt, including places for everyone to stay. Which meant Rey and Ben now had their own quarters. It resembled a small apartment, two bedrooms, a small living area that also served as a dining area, and a kitchen. They usually elected to eat with everyone else there, but sometimes they made the choice to eat in the privacy of their home.

"Have you ever felt like your life was leading up to something?" Ben said from behind her. They were sitting in what became their favorite position, Rey sat comfortably between his legs, leaned back against his broad chest.

"Yes, I've always felt that way. For years I thought I was waiting for my family to return." Rey admitted.

"I feel like everything I've been through, all the hell I caused, was because I had to become this, and be where we are now." He soothingly ran his hands up and down Rey's arms, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes, enjoying the intimacy.

"Well I did say I was waiting for my family. You are my family now." She tilted her head back to kiss him.