RESISTANCE ━━ k. ren ✓

xxxii

The next morning, Ben decides its his time to go. He needs to kill Skywalker, but he says he will spare Rey. Not that killing Luke makes you feel any better.

In the end, you join Ben. You aren't going to let him hurt Luke or Rey.

You pull on your cloak and buckle your belt. You pull the hood of your cape up and spin around.

"How do I look?" You ask Ben. His eyes rove over you hungrily.

"You look beautiful Princess." He says. He pulls his boots on and retrieves his saber.

You clip all three of your sabers onto your belt. They all bang against each other merrily.

"Do me a favor and use the red one today would you?" Ben asks. You pause before nodding. For your plan to work, you need to do exactly as Ben says.

The two of you leave the ship without a backwards glance.

The closer you get to the heart of the island, the more you can sense Rey's presence. You're excited.

~~~~~~~~~

Ach-To is not meant for the easily broken. The stairs up to the top of the mountains have you heaving for air. Ben on the other hand, looks just as he did before. His hair hasn't even been blown out of place.

Once the two of you reach to top, you bend over, hands on your knees.

Ben stops just ahead of you.

He growls something under his breath, then turns and walks back to you.

"They're not here." He says.

"W-what?" You ask. You're still having a hard time breathing.

"They're not here. They're down by some huts. We'll have to lure Luke out." Ben says. He starts to walk back down the stairs.

You groan and follow him.

The trip back down the mountain takes half the time it did to get up the mountain. You and Ben arrive at a small grouping of huts.

Inside one of them, there's a small fire burning.

Ben stands in front of the hut.

"Astrid, go and stay out of sight until I need you." He says, not even looking at you.

You sigh and do as he says. He didn't even look at you. He's too focused on Luke.

You find a nice pile of rocks to hide behind that give you cover, but also let you see Luke's hut.

You sit down, back against the rocks, and pull out your gold saber.

Using the end of your cloak, you wipe off finger smudges on the metal and stare at yourself in the reflection. You look different. Older, wiser.

You shake your head and clip the saber back onto your belt and wait.

Almost immediately, there's a loud bang and someone yells.

Your breath catches in your throat and you turn, sitting on your knees, to see what's happening.

The door to the hut has been thrown to the side. Ben has his saber out. He's pointing it at Luke who has his hands up. Standing behind him is Rey. She has her staff at her side.

She steps in front of Luke.

"Where's Astrid?" She asks him. Her staff is poised, ready to strike.

Ben is silent.

"I know she's with you! I saw her yesterday, and I can sense her now."

"Move Rey. I'm here for Skywalker, not you."

"How did you find us Ben?" Luke asks. His voice is oddly comforting.

"I tracked Rey through Astrid. Their connection is strong." Ben says. His saber zaps and spits sparks.

"You-you b-" Rey yells.

Luke cuts her off.

"Go Rey. Find Astrid. I'll take care of him."

Rey turns and runs down the path, staff swinging wildly.

You continue to watch the scene below.

Luke ignites his saber, a bright blue color.

The two men are circling each other.

Ben attacks first, swinging upwards. Luke just barely blocks it, and your breath catches in your throat.

As you sit and stare, you can't help but root for both Ben and Luke. You love them both.

Ben spins his saber and swings at Luke. The old man ducks and with his outstretched hand, pushes Ben backwards.

Ben stumbles and falls flat on his back. His breathing is heavy.

Luke stalks towards him, saber held above him, ready to strike.

Without even meaning to, you stand up and run down to the battle.

You throw yourself in between Ben and Luke, just as the blue saber swings down.

It catches you in the side, and would've sliced you in half if Luke had not stopped himself.

"No!" He yells. His voice is raw.

You barely twitch at his words. You're lying across Ben's stomach.

He slide out from under you.

"No. No, no, no, NO!" Ben screams.

He pulls your head into his lap and strokes your hair.

You're barley breathing.

"This is all your fault!" Ben yells at Luke. The old man is trembling. He releases his saber and drops to his knees.

"Astrid." He murmurs. He reaches towards you, but Ben pushes him away.

"Don't touch her coward! You did this! It's your fault!" Ben yells again.

Up ahead, Rey rounds the corner. As the catches sight of the scene below, she begins to run.

She skids to a halt beside you. Tears run down her face.

"W-what happened?" She whispers.

"I...I accidentally hit her." Luke says. His voice quivers. "She jumped in between Ben and I."

Rey lets out a sob, and touches your forehead.

Ben pulls you closer.

Faintly, he feels your heartbeat.

He keeps himself from gasping. If he wants to keep you away from Rey and Skywalker, they have to think your dead.

Ben stands up, holding you in his arms.

"Where are you going?" Rey asks. Her eyes are still glossy.

"I'm giving her a funeral." Ben says angrily.

"She deserves to be with us." Rey says. She looks as if she's keeping herself from crying again.

"You can have her when I'm done, you resistance scum." Ben spits out.

He carries you all the way back to his ship.

He quickly lays you on the couch and takes off into lightspeed.

You let out a moan. Ben rushes to your side.

"Were going as fast as we can Princess. Just hold on." He places a kiss on your forehead and squeezes your hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi! So if you couldn't tell, I really struggled w this chapter. I had some writers block but it's okk! I finished online school today so maybe I'll update more? Who knows! Also, changed the cover again. I think the drawings adorable! As always, love you guys 🥵💋

word count : 1108