Keep Him There

Weakness

When Rey opened her eyes, the ground before them had pushed itself into a low mountain, half crumbled and jagged.

"It worked." she breathed, stepping toward the great monolith. The others followed tentatively behind her.

Finn pointed at a spot close to the ground,  "There's artwork on it. And wolves."

Rey followed her friend's finger to see a great circle of wolves on the side of the mountain. Though they were drawings, she swore she could see them moving. She was cautious as she approached them, resting a hand against the cool stone. They indeed ran in a circle, almost like they guarded something, she reached out to see-

And fell through the mountain side.

                                    -
Ben stared at the place Rey had just been standing, the wolves still dancing around it. She had been there a moment ago, reaching to touch the ancient rock. Now she was gone, even her presence felt light years away.

His mouth fell open, "Rey? Rey!"

Instantly, Finn was right beside him, also searching the solid stone in front of them. Only Jacen held back.

"Where'd she go?" Finn demanded, spinning around to Jacen. The hybrid man stood still, face calm.

"Where do you think? That's the portal, she's in the temple."

Finn's face fell, "Oh."

Ben still studied the wall, eager to find her.

As if reading his mind, which was entirely possible since Ben wasn't keeping his thoughts quiet, Jacen set his hand on his shoulder.

"It won't stay open long, you should go. I'll stay here with Finn."

With only a nod, Ben shot forward into the wall.

And then through it.

He fell through nothingness, into darkness. Stumbling, he finally fell onto a lighted pathway. It led to a fork of two other paths, each of which split into more pathways, those looping into more. Intervals laid between them, portals at each.

The place was silent as it was empty. Only whispers sounded across the chasm.

Rey knelt in the center of the first fork, face peaceful in the ethereal light.

"Do you hear it?" she asked as he neared her.

"The mumbles?"

Rey looked over her shoulder at him, "They're not whispers, Ben. Listen, it's the whole galaxy."

He knelt beside her, closing his eyes like she was. It was like a storm opened above, voices pelting him like rain.

"You're stuck with me, Skyguy."

"Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter."

The experience was almost like being in hyperspace, a million stars all blending together.

"We will not win this battle, Caleb! You must run!"

"Train him, he is the Chosen one."

And lastly, a voice he knew. It still comforted him on the nights when he couldn't sleep.

"Ben." she said, calling out to him from the cosmic Force. Her voice was just as warm as he remembered.

"Ben."

"Mother." he whispered, choking on the word.

"Ben, my only hope," she murmured, "We believe in you."