Star Wars Episode X: Afterlife

The United Republic

Author's Note: It's a whole new world I am writing about here - times are different in the universe with a new overseer. This chapter was a huge turning point I got stuck on because there's alot to set up for the rest of the story. I'm honestly so nervous about writing this novel, and I'll probably be nervous for every chapter hereafter. For those hanging on after this long...thank you for patience.

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Day 662.

The dream seemed all too real.

Rey was running at a full sprint through a forest, desperately fleeing something she couldn't get a glimpse of as she continued to check with quick glances over her shoulder. There were only endless trees falling far behind her, nothing else among them.

But he was coming and she could feel it.

Her boots pounded the forest floor with each step, branches flying within inches of her face as she continued on. The sound of a lightsaber hummed from somewhere behind, motivating her to keep on. Dread was building in her gut as it always did at this part of the dream.

A tall figured in black suddenly loomed over her, wielding a scarlet blade from a crossguard hilt.

"You can't hide, Rey" the low voice of Kylo Ren said from behind the mask. "Not from me."

The scarlet blade came down in a vicious arc toward her neck, and she barely reacted in time to block it with her own lightsaber. The heat of their blades clashing radiated against her face, the crackling energy vibrating her arm as her shoulder took the brunt of the weight. He released her and relaxed his arm.

Rey retreated quickly when he did not strike again, putting a wide tree between them. She hated this version of him.

His voice came from behind the tree trunk. "We're a dyad in the force, Rey. Two that are one."

Continuing to back away from the tree, her blade remained poised before her. "You and I are not one" her voice quavered, watching for the helmet to appear. "Ben Solo is the other half."

A moment passed in silence as she waited for a reply, but none came. She nearly called out to provoke an answer.

From behind the tree instead, appeared a limping and disheveled Ben Solo, still wearing the loose shirt she had last seen him in. He stumbled back against the tree, his eyes gazing at her in relief and wonder.

Rey gasped, eyes filling up with tears as she disengaged the blue lightsaber in her hand.

What torturous dream is this? She thought, advancing forward cautiously. Ben was still looking her, grasping the tree trunk for support. The crunch of leaves and twigs beneath her boots was deafening in the moment.

"Ben...?" she sounded unsure as her fear dissipated. His breaths were laboured as he nodded in response.

Three steps from him, Rey clipped the lightsaber back to her belt; her right hand trembled against her thigh. She studied him from where she stood; thick, dark locks framed hazel eyes that looked on with restraint and tenderness. Ben looked like he was both frozen to the tree trunk, or about to leap from it.

Shoulders shaking as he braced the tree, Ben extended his hand to her. Rey reached in return, taking another two steps to close the distance.

A broad, calloused hand slipped its fingers between her own, clasping tightly in a firm and desperate grip. Dragging her toward him, Rey resisted, terrified by the desire in his look; intimacy was such an alien concept, even in dreams. Unlike other dreams, this Ben almost seemed too real.