This is an alternate ending I wrote for TROS, this starts right after Rey kills palpatine.
Palpatine was gone. Rey searched the room with wandering eyes for any sign of her grandfather, the sith, but it was nowhere to be found. Rey felt her breath begin to fade, nothing prepared her for this fate. She heaved loudly for air that couldn’t be found, it was the end. Her hands went limp and she watched as her lightsabers fell to the ground with a thump. That noise echoed through the chamber, then, everything went dark. Rey’s body collapsed onto the floor of Exegol, the body that once held life so pure and innocent a moment before, had been drained dry.
A few moments after Rey collapsed, a hand reached over the edge of a chasm so deep and deprived of life, that one could mistake it for a bottomless pit. Ben Solo, with every ounce of power he had left, pulled himself out of it and was now kneeling on the ground, both hands in front of him. “Rey.” He thought to himself. He pushed his body forward. He walked a few steps before collapsing to the ground. He could see Rey now, lying on the ground a few feet away. He put one hand on the floor and hoisted himself up onto his feet, grasping his side in pain. He hobbled over to the motionless woman until his feet finally gave up again, he fell onto his knees, his arms supporting him. He crawled the rest of the way, Rey was right in front of him, but he couldn’t feel her force anymore. She had had such a massive presence in it, strong, smart, brave, and beautiful, but the person in front of him was an empty husk. He couldn’t feel anything coming from her, just the natural force around himself and the throne room. Ben grabbed an arm as gently as he could. He ran his fingers over her own and looked at her with fear and confusion. He didn’t want to believe it. He struggled with her body a second, his feet slid across the smooth floor of Exegol with little traction, but he grabbed the other side of her and managed to pull her off of the ground. Her hands hit the ground, stiff and lifeless. Ben held one hand behind her head, and one supporting her waist, while her torso and bottom half draped across his lap.
He thought he felt his heart stop, she met his gaze with a blank stare, unblinking and with no emotion. His breathing slowed a little and he was able to finally calm down, if you could call it that. Everything he felt at that moment was not normal, some of the emotions were one’s he had never felt before. Ben looked around the room for a moment searching for something, anything that could save her life. His chest heaved with every breath, as if he had to manually work in order to keep his body functional. Finding nothing, Ben turned his gaze back down to Rey as if to see something different, but it was the same. Ben lifted her slowly into his arms, nestling his head into her shoulder, he sat in silence for a few moments, all emotions rushing across his face at once before he decided on what he needed to do.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Ben slowly lowered Rey out of his arms, he kept one arm behind her head, holding her up slightly above the ground and put the other on her belly. He breathed in deep, the oxygen was rich and fresh, something he hadn’t noticed before. Each time he exhaled,he could feel his body lose a little bit of life as it was being poured into Rey. This continued, each breath giving more and more, and yet he still couldn’t feel her in the force, it almost seemed pointless to continue, but it had to be done, he wouldn’t let her die. He would rather die then live in a world without her. The process continued, Ben felt himself become weaker and weaker, and just when he thought he couldn’t take it anymore, he felt her chest move up and then down. Before he had time to process it, her hand suddenly shot up from the ground and grasped his on her.
Ben opened his eyes, the weakness and fatigue just hitting him, to see Rey adjusting to her surroundings, she blinked a few times, the light of life hitting her for the first time. She raised her head up a bit to see Ben staring at her, his mouth open a bit, his eyes tired and droopy. Rey picked herself up, scooting herself on the floor towards Ben. He grabbed her head once more, running his hand through her hair, knowing that he would never see or feel her again. He didn’t know how much time he had left, so he needed to take in everything. Rey searched his eyes for a moment, shocked and confused before finally understanding, “Ben.” She said softly, a smile forming on her face. Ben looked back in shock, his name. He heard it from her mouth and was immediately stricken with happiness. A smile began to form on his mouth, he looked across her face, memorizing it. Her hand touched the side of his face, her skin was so smooth. He could have died there and been happy, but she wasn’t done.
He watched her eyes wander down for a moment, and before he could think, her lips were pressed against his. In shock, he moved his hand from her belly to her back, holding her and taking in the moment. The kiss was passionate, love between two people who were able to see the other and their true feelings for the first time. Rey breathed in and let go, she looked at her dyad with love, something so strong that it shifted the balance of the force itself. Ben looked back with shock at first, unable to react, but regained himself after a moment, seeing her smile at him so genuinely made him happy. His eyes drifted shut and his simple smile grew into a grin, his teeth showing. For the first time in a very long while, he genuinely laughed; just a simple chuckle, but a laugh none the less.
Rey noticed something was wrong right away. His smile faded after a moment, turning into a blank canvas. She searched his face with concern, and watched his body go limp. He fell backward, she moved her hand to his back, keeping him somewhat off of the ground. Just before his head hit the floor, something happened. Rey felt it a moment before, but thought nothing of it. A pair of hands reached toward them and caught Ben’s head. Rey stared in shock for a moment before raising her gaze to infront of her, General Leia. She was kneeling on the ground, her body glowing in blue light as Luke’s had on Ach-to. She had white garments on, they reminded Rey of the clothes she had seen in the general’s closet many times. Leia looked up at her for a moment with a smile, but then focused her attention on Ben who was still lifeless.
“Leia.” Rey said, her mouth open in awe, Rey hadn’t been there to see her last moments, she merely felt it through the force. “You’ve come a long way.” Leia said, her gaze still focused on her son. “My boy may have done some horrible things but one thing has always been true about him.” Rey looked at her curiously. “He loves you more than his own life, Rey. You two are the future, the next generation will come from you both.” Rey watched as Leia’s hands began to glow, almost lighting the entire room in blue light, but after just a moment it began to fade. Rey watched in shock as Ben’s chest moved up and down for the first time after the ordeal.
Rey moved her hand back to his head as Leia pulled backwards, she grasped the floor with her feet, gaining traction, and lifted him up slowly. Ben’s eyes blinked open for a few moments, still confused and disoriented before fixing them on Rey. He met her gaze with one of open mouthed shock. “Is this heaven? Are you an angel?” He jokingly asked, a smile plastered across his face once more. Rey laughed, her eyes filled with tears and she let all of her emotions out at once. Both of her hands reached around his head, grasping either side of it. She kissed him again, more forcibly then before. He took it in again, able to fully comprehend. She pulled back after a few moments, realizing that Leia was still staring at them, a big smile on her face. Ben seeing her gaze shift, turned himself around to find his mother. No words were spoken between the mother and son, Ben found it hard to keep his composure seeing his mother for the first time since he left many years ago to train with Luke. Ben wrapped his arms around his mother, practically crushing her with the force of his embrace. He let all of his emotions out into her as she cradled him, stroking his hair and rubbing his back. Ben didn’t want to let go, but she had to pull away. Ben held his mother’s hand in his for the first time and felt a sense of joy.
Leia smiled back at her son with sad eyes knowing that she would have to go soon. “You two take care.” Leia said, her voice starting to fade. Ben’s hand fell, the vision becoming a simple transparent one. Rey put one hand on Ben’s back and took his free hand into hers. Leia faded into nothingness, her image replaced with the walls of Exegol as if she had never been there in the first place. Rey looked toward her soulmate, eyes gleaming with hope and love. Ben looked back at her, his face hiding what part of him still hurt; but for once, they were happy together. They could almost see their future, they would live a peaceful life on a distant planet, free of the sith and the jedi, they would live their lives free from those horrible fates.
*A few years later*
The planet of Naboo was known throughout the galaxy for its beauty, and the connections to the pair. Rey and Ben had created a home for themselves and a school for force sensitive children, with plans to start an adult program. The two had spent the last few years searching the galaxy, in the darkest alleys, the shadiest factories, and especially those sold into horrible situations. Although not all of them had potential to use the force, it became their mission to help all of those in need of it.
The final touches to the school were being finished by a band of workers and engineers, Rose leading them. Today was the day that Finn and Poe would visit them for the first time in a while.
Their ship landed on a small patch of landing strips specifically designed to only allow a few ships at a time. The bay doors opened and the two stepped out, standing close like always to each other. Rey greeted them with many pleasantries and hugs. Ben stood near the back, still unsure of the relationship he held with the two. Poe was oddly calm about seeing him, but he could feel the force around Finn tense whenever Ben looked at him; it seemed as though ill feelings were still present, but that could be resolved in time.
“Wow! You don’t see someone for a while and they turn into a completely different person.” Poe said, looking Rey up and down. Rey had changed her physique somewhat after Exegol; her hair was longer, now only held up in one bun while the rest lay limp on her back and shoulders. She was wearing simple clothing, a tan tunic in a familiar style to the ones she had worn during her resistance time. Ben could see Finn eyeing him out of the corner of his vision, clearly unnerved by his presence. Poe turned to face him and then met his gaze at Ben who was standing with his arms crossed, in a relaxed position. Ben hadn’t changed much, his hair was wavyer and more flowing than previously and his clothes consisted of a dark gray shirt covered by a similarly shaded vest with black pants.
Poe noticed the uncomfortableness of the situation fast and decided to change the subject. “How’s the school going? I hear it’s almost done-” Just then Rose came from around a pillar and greeted the four with open arms. “Rose!” Finn said excitedly, shifting from uncomfortable to happy. Finn and Poe immediately went over to her and exchanged in more pleasantries. Rey walked back towards Ben who was now staring toward the three friends.
“He still doesn’t approve of me.” Ben said, his face turning into a sour expression.
“It just takes time.” Rey said, staring at her friends. “He’ll come around eventually.”
Later that day, Finn finally got alone time to talk to Rey. Ben was off dealing with other business so they were free to talk one on one without tension. The two stood on a balcony overlooking a large courtyard, the day would not be ending for another hour or so but it was still a sight to behold. Finally, after a long and uncomfortable silence, Finn was able to speak.
“Rey.” He said, his face told her that he was trying to find the right words. “This is a wonderful place, i’m happy that you are happy here, and I support you this way, I just wanted to ask if you-“
Rey stopped him before he could finish, “Finn, Ben and I are happy together. It’s like we complete each other, he makes me feel happier than I have ever in my life. I know you two have had your differences, but I want you to know that I love him.”
Finn stared in a sort of puzzled expression before he could finally say something again, “Rey, that’s not what I was getting at at all. I support your decision to be with him, I just wanted to tell you that I think I might be force sensitive.”
Rey met his puzzled look with one of her own, then laughed. “That’s it?” She giggled, practically beside herself with this revelation. “I’ve always known! It’s something that we can sense. I knew since the moment I met you, even if I didn’t understand it at first.”
Finn’s face turned into a smile and he laughed as well, thinking about how silly it was, but there was something still bothering him. He turned towards Rey again and started, “There’s just something that I felt as soon as I saw you again, I felt something, i’m wasn’t sure what it was, but-”. Rey stopped him again, putting her fingers to his lips, shushing him. Finn’s expression changed to shock as reality finally hit him, “Rey are you-?” Rey shushed him again, as if that would help her situation, Ben wasn’t around anywhere. She simply smiled and after a few moments, put her hand down. The topic was not brought up again that evening.
Watching the sunset had become custom to the dyad, it was so peaceful, so perfect, the right amount of light and dark. Rey stood as close as she could to Ben. She leaned against him, arm around his back and the other rested comfortably at her side. Ben held her similarly, but took a moment to turn her towards himself. He looked down at her with love and passion in his eyes, something that filled Rey’s heart with so much happiness and joy that she felt comfort just being looked at by him. She met his gaze with one of her own, her face was one that she only showed him; in the hut on Ach-to, the elevator ride to Snoke’s throne Room, on the floors of Exegol, she was the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. He placed one hand on her belly and she put hers on top of it. He smiled even brighter than before, knowing that he had made the right choice.
“I love you.” Rey said to him, her smile pierced his soul, it filled his heart with so much emotion that he could have broken down and cried.
He met her smile with a big toothy grin and a deep yet soft voice, “I know.” He returned.
The two leaned in for a kiss, Ben moved his hand to her neck, and hers to his. She practically stood on her toes to reach him, but it was just the right amount of difference to not make it awkward. The sun set behind them, finally fulfilling its role in the day to make way for the night.
This is still my proudest fiction I’ve written. I thought I’d reblog it again if anyone cared. I don’t even know if the fandom is still alive, but I remembered that this existed today and thought I’d share it with the world again
This is an alternate ending I wrote for TROS, this starts right after Rey kills palpatine.
Palpatine was gone. Rey searched the room with wandering eyes for any sign of her grandfather, the sith, but it was nowhere to be found. Rey felt her breath begin to fade, nothing prepared her for this fate. She heaved loudly for air that couldn’t be found, it was the end. Her hands went limp and she watched as her lightsabers fell to the ground with a thump. That noise echoed through the chamber, then, everything went dark. Rey’s body collapsed onto the floor of Exegol, the body that once held life so pure and innocent a moment before, had been drained dry.
A few moments after Rey collapsed, a hand reached over the edge of a chasm so deep and deprived of life, that one could mistake it for a bottomless pit. Ben Solo, with every ounce of power he had left, pulled himself out of it and was now kneeling on the ground, both hands in front of him. “Rey.” He thought to himself. He pushed his body forward. He walked a few steps before collapsing to the ground. He could see Rey now, lying on the ground a few feet away. He put one hand on the floor and hoisted himself up onto his feet, grasping his side in pain. He hobbled over to the motionless woman until his feet finally gave up again, he fell onto his knees, his arms supporting him. He crawled the rest of the way, Rey was right in front of him, but he couldn’t feel her force anymore. She had had such a massive presence in it, strong, smart, brave, and beautiful, but the person in front of him was an empty husk. He couldn’t feel anything coming from her, just the natural force around himself and the throne room. Ben grabbed an arm as gently as he could. He ran his fingers over her own and looked at her with fear and confusion. He didn’t want to believe it. He struggled with her body a second, his feet slid across the smooth floor of Exegol with little traction, but he grabbed the other side of her and managed to pull her off of the ground. Her hands hit the ground, stiff and lifeless. Ben held one hand behind her head, and one supporting her waist, while her torso and bottom half draped across his lap.
He thought he felt his heart stop, she met his gaze with a blank stare, unblinking and with no emotion. His breathing slowed a little and he was able to finally calm down, if you could call it that. Everything he felt at that moment was not normal, some of the emotions were one’s he had never felt before. Ben looked around the room for a moment searching for something, anything that could save her life. His chest heaved with every breath, as if he had to manually work in order to keep his body functional. Finding nothing, Ben turned his gaze back down to Rey as if to see something different, but it was the same. Ben lifted her slowly into his arms, nestling his head into her shoulder, he sat in silence for a few moments, all emotions rushing across his face at once before he decided on what he needed to do.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Ben slowly lowered Rey out of his arms, he kept one arm behind her head, holding her up slightly above the ground and put the other on her belly. He breathed in deep, the oxygen was rich and fresh, something he hadn’t noticed before. Each time he exhaled,he could feel his body lose a little bit of life as it was being poured into Rey. This continued, each breath giving more and more, and yet he still couldn’t feel her in the force, it almost seemed pointless to continue, but it had to be done, he wouldn’t let her die. He would rather die then live in a world without her. The process continued, Ben felt himself become weaker and weaker, and just when he thought he couldn’t take it anymore, he felt her chest move up and then down. Before he had time to process it, her hand suddenly shot up from the ground and grasped his on her.
Ben opened his eyes, the weakness and fatigue just hitting him, to see Rey adjusting to her surroundings, she blinked a few times, the light of life hitting her for the first time. She raised her head up a bit to see Ben staring at her, his mouth open a bit, his eyes tired and droopy. Rey picked herself up, scooting herself on the floor towards Ben. He grabbed her head once more, running his hand through her hair, knowing that he would never see or feel her again. He didn’t know how much time he had left, so he needed to take in everything. Rey searched his eyes for a moment, shocked and confused before finally understanding, “Ben.” She said softly, a smile forming on her face. Ben looked back in shock, his name. He heard it from her mouth and was immediately stricken with happiness. A smile began to form on his mouth, he looked across her face, memorizing it. Her hand touched the side of his face, her skin was so smooth. He could have died there and been happy, but she wasn’t done.
He watched her eyes wander down for a moment, and before he could think, her lips were pressed against his. In shock, he moved his hand from her belly to her back, holding her and taking in the moment. The kiss was passionate, love between two people who were able to see the other and their true feelings for the first time. Rey breathed in and let go, she looked at her dyad with love, something so strong that it shifted the balance of the force itself. Ben looked back with shock at first, unable to react, but regained himself after a moment, seeing her smile at him so genuinely made him happy. His eyes drifted shut and his simple smile grew into a grin, his teeth showing. For the first time in a very long while, he genuinely laughed; just a simple chuckle, but a laugh none the less.
Rey noticed something was wrong right away. His smile faded after a moment, turning into a blank canvas. She searched his face with concern, and watched his body go limp. He fell backward, she moved her hand to his back, keeping him somewhat off of the ground. Just before his head hit the floor, something happened. Rey felt it a moment before, but thought nothing of it. A pair of hands reached toward them and caught Ben’s head. Rey stared in shock for a moment before raising her gaze to infront of her, General Leia. She was kneeling on the ground, her body glowing in blue light as Luke’s had on Ach-to. She had white garments on, they reminded Rey of the clothes she had seen in the general’s closet many times. Leia looked up at her for a moment with a smile, but then focused her attention on Ben who was still lifeless.
“Leia.” Rey said, her mouth open in awe, Rey hadn’t been there to see her last moments, she merely felt it through the force. “You’ve come a long way.” Leia said, her gaze still focused on her son. “My boy may have done some horrible things but one thing has always been true about him.” Rey looked at her curiously. “He loves you more than his own life, Rey. You two are the future, the next generation will come from you both.” Rey watched as Leia’s hands began to glow, almost lighting the entire room in blue light, but after just a moment it began to fade. Rey watched in shock as Ben’s chest moved up and down for the first time after the ordeal.
Rey moved her hand back to his head as Leia pulled backwards, she grasped the floor with her feet, gaining traction, and lifted him up slowly. Ben’s eyes blinked open for a few moments, still confused and disoriented before fixing them on Rey. He met her gaze with one of open mouthed shock. “Is this heaven? Are you an angel?” He jokingly asked, a smile plastered across his face once more. Rey laughed, her eyes filled with tears and she let all of her emotions out at once. Both of her hands reached around his head, grasping either side of it. She kissed him again, more forcibly then before. He took it in again, able to fully comprehend. She pulled back after a few moments, realizing that Leia was still staring at them, a big smile on her face. Ben seeing her gaze shift, turned himself around to find his mother. No words were spoken between the mother and son, Ben found it hard to keep his composure seeing his mother for the first time since he left many years ago to train with Luke. Ben wrapped his arms around his mother, practically crushing her with the force of his embrace. He let all of his emotions out into her as she cradled him, stroking his hair and rubbing his back. Ben didn’t want to let go, but she had to pull away. Ben held his mother’s hand in his for the first time and felt a sense of joy.
Leia smiled back at her son with sad eyes knowing that she would have to go soon. “You two take care.” Leia said, her voice starting to fade. Ben’s hand fell, the vision becoming a simple transparent one. Rey put one hand on Ben’s back and took his free hand into hers. Leia faded into nothingness, her image replaced with the walls of Exegol as if she had never been there in the first place. Rey looked toward her soulmate, eyes gleaming with hope and love. Ben looked back at her, his face hiding what part of him still hurt; but for once, they were happy together. They could almost see their future, they would live a peaceful life on a distant planet, free of the sith and the jedi, they would live their lives free from those horrible fates.
*A few years later*
The planet of Naboo was known throughout the galaxy for its beauty, and the connections to the pair. Rey and Ben had created a home for themselves and a school for force sensitive children, with plans to start an adult program. The two had spent the last few years searching the galaxy, in the darkest alleys, the shadiest factories, and especially those sold into horrible situations. Although not all of them had potential to use the force, it became their mission to help all of those in need of it.
The final touches to the school were being finished by a band of workers and engineers, Rose leading them. Today was the day that Finn and Poe would visit them for the first time in a while.
Their ship landed on a small patch of landing strips specifically designed to only allow a few ships at a time. The bay doors opened and the two stepped out, standing close like always to each other. Rey greeted them with many pleasantries and hugs. Ben stood near the back, still unsure of the relationship he held with the two. Poe was oddly calm about seeing him, but he could feel the force around Finn tense whenever Ben looked at him; it seemed as though ill feelings were still present, but that could be resolved in time.
“Wow! You don’t see someone for a while and they turn into a completely different person.” Poe said, looking Rey up and down. Rey had changed her physique somewhat after Exegol; her hair was longer, now only held up in one bun while the rest lay limp on her back and shoulders. She was wearing simple clothing, a tan tunic in a familiar style to the ones she had worn during her resistance time. Ben could see Finn eyeing him out of the corner of his vision, clearly unnerved by his presence. Poe turned to face him and then met his gaze at Ben who was standing with his arms crossed, in a relaxed position. Ben hadn’t changed much, his hair was wavyer and more flowing than previously and his clothes consisted of a dark gray shirt covered by a similarly shaded vest with black pants.
Poe noticed the uncomfortableness of the situation fast and decided to change the subject. “How’s the school going? I hear it’s almost done-” Just then Rose came from around a pillar and greeted the four with open arms. “Rose!” Finn said excitedly, shifting from uncomfortable to happy. Finn and Poe immediately went over to her and exchanged in more pleasantries. Rey walked back towards Ben who was now staring toward the three friends.
“He still doesn’t approve of me.” Ben said, his face turning into a sour expression.
“It just takes time.” Rey said, staring at her friends. “He’ll come around eventually.”
Later that day, Finn finally got alone time to talk to Rey. Ben was off dealing with other business so they were free to talk one on one without tension. The two stood on a balcony overlooking a large courtyard, the day would not be ending for another hour or so but it was still a sight to behold. Finally, after a long and uncomfortable silence, Finn was able to speak.
“Rey.” He said, his face told her that he was trying to find the right words. “This is a wonderful place, i’m happy that you are happy here, and I support you this way, I just wanted to ask if you-“
Rey stopped him before he could finish, "Finn, Ben and I are happy together. It’s like we complete each other, he makes me feel happier than I have ever in my life. I know you two have had your differences, but I want you to know that I love him.”
Finn stared in a sort of puzzled expression before he could finally say something again, “Rey, that’s not what I was getting at at all. I support your decision to be with him, I just wanted to tell you that I think I might be force sensitive.”
Rey met his puzzled look with one of her own, then laughed. “That’s it?” She giggled, practically beside herself with this revelation. “I’ve always known! It’s something that we can sense. I knew since the moment I met you, even if I didn’t understand it at first.”
Finn’s face turned into a smile and he laughed as well, thinking about how silly it was, but there was something still bothering him. He turned towards Rey again and started, “There’s just something that I felt as soon as I saw you again, I felt something, i’m wasn’t sure what it was, but-”. Rey stopped him again, putting her fingers to his lips, shushing him. Finn’s expression changed to shock as reality finally hit him, “Rey are you-?” Rey shushed him again, as if that would help her situation, Ben wasn’t around anywhere. She simply smiled and after a few moments, put her hand down. The topic was not brought up again that evening.
Watching the sunset had become custom to the dyad, it was so peaceful, so perfect, the right amount of light and dark. Rey stood as close as she could to Ben. She leaned against him, arm around his back and the other rested comfortably at her side. Ben held her similarly, but took a moment to turn her towards himself. He looked down at her with love and passion in his eyes, something that filled Rey’s heart with so much happiness and joy that she felt comfort just being looked at by him. She met his gaze with one of her own, her face was one that she only showed him; in the hut on Ach-to, the elevator ride to Snoke’s throne Room, on the floors of Exegol, she was the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. He placed one hand on her belly and she put hers on top of it. He smiled even brighter than before, knowing that he had made the right choice.
“I love you.” Rey said to him, her smile pierced his soul, it filled his heart with so much emotion that he could have broken down and cried.
He met her smile with a big toothy grin and a deep yet soft voice, “I know.” He returned.
The two leaned in for a kiss, Ben moved his hand to her neck, and hers to his. She practically stood on her toes to reach him, but it was just the right amount of difference to not make it awkward. The sun set behind them, finally fulfilling its role in the day to make way for the night.
