Star Wars: Edge of Hope

Chapter Twenty-Two: Everything You Need...

Leia wandered through the tall grass feeling the leaves beneath her palms. Feeling the sun as it danced across her face warming all the way down into her soul.The time had come...she was leaving...as her teacher it brought me pride, as her confidant it made me worry, and as her friend..it made me sad. She was so much more than any teacher could have asked for in a student. And somehow, in the time we'd shared, I felt I had learned as much from her as she had from me. Which was a feeling I wrestled with...the uncertainty of choices I'd made and old regrets overlapping new faces. These next steps would change her, the truth of who she was, and the burden she was destined to carry. But she wouldn't be alone and that at least brought me comfort. But the comfort of knowing what she would face, and who would have to face it alongside her, awoke fears in me I'd never truly faced. The way she moved around the group that had become as much a family to her over the last four years as they had to me. There was always something about partings which changed the way we saw the ones we loved. It was the distance that grew ever wider and farther from our arms. It made us feel like we were reaching for something, and now there was something reaching back. Something we didn't understand and couldn't antcipate, but something we couldn't run away from. Rey was going to face herself as much as she was going to face him. The two halves would be brought together, it was the final test...and this one, this test...this choice was one she would have to make for herself. It was one I'd had to make and one that Ben had felt he couldn't escape, but carrying shadows of the past wasn't a burden they should have to bear. This was time for a new beginning, a rebirth...and in some ways perhaps...a resurrection...of all the lost Hopes and dreams we'd laid aside in the service of something greater than self. Something that had the power to move worlds, shake stars from the heavens, and rival the will of the soul. I couldn't help but smile...because if there ever were wills strong enough to challenge that of the Force...to take control of their fates or their destiny...It would be Ben and Rey.
Leia walked over to Rey who was standing by the open mouth of the mechanic bay. She stood watching the rebuild on the wounded engine of an old rebel allaince Hammerhead Corvette.

Leia: You'll be needing this. Trust yourself, Rey...don't give into your baser instincts. And if you feel lost, look inside yourself, and you'll find...

Rey: I have everything I need. I will do my best to make you proud.

Rey smiles softly and tearfully, she wasn't ready to go, she knew she had to, but being parted from Leia now felt wrong to her. She looked to her for comfort and guidance, the episodes...the fragmenting always left her spinning and off balance. Leia was her center, the true north by which Rey could always plot her course and find her bearings. She was that bright light that told you were home was...and that someone was waiting for you.

Leia: You've already done that, Rey. This journey isn't for that, prove to yourself that you're worthy, but never doubt it. Ah, I've always hated goodbyes...the fear of never seeing another hello...it's been so long since I watched this ship fly away..Watched him fly away...

Rey: We will see each other again, I'm sure of it. I don't know how I know it's just..

Leia: A feeling? I know all about those. Be careful, be mindful...and don't let yourself be drawn in...Remember Anger, Fear, Hate...they lead down a path you may never return from. They will test you and try to trip you up when they can, and if you left lost...look for the light, Rey. Look to the Force...And you will always find someone to show you the way back.

Rey threw her arms around Leia's neck, it felt like she shuddered under her weight for a moment, and that's when Rey could see it. The pain she was in...the strength she was using to hold on until...until their return. Rey could feel her spirit holding her, lifting her into the light, and letting her know...She wasn't alone. Rey decided then...no matter what it took she would find a way to make it right, and make sure her suffering wouldn't be in vain.