Re-worked chapter ive been working on for a year, now made to change the ending of TROS
I will apologize in advance. There are missing chunks, that i am desperately trying to write, to fill in those gaps. In the meantime, here is the majority of the story before i figure out how to connect them.
But who gives a fuck? Its fanfic and all the REALLY important bits are included already. Enjoy.
Rey clutched at her throat, desperately trying to gasp for air.
She felt the lives within her womb stir in panic, but in her delirious, oxygen deprived mind, as she began to lose her grip on reality, she sank to the floor and succumbed to the flow of the Force. She floated in it, blissfully, like a warm river that would carry her away.
Ben’s eyes, clouded by Palpatine’s darkness, saw a flash of light, or rather, felt it. The brilliant glow of his lover. He could feel Palpatine’s power coursing through him, controlling his will, and his mind…but the light emanating from Rey was so pure… she was like a star about to go supernova.
Rey felt the rush of the Force around her. It was stronger than ever. All she needed to do was reach out and access the power at her fingertips.
He moved for her instinctively, cradling her in his lap. Palpatine bore down on Ben’s mind.
Ben kneeled down, and pulled her from the floor and into his arms. He felt her relax in his grip; he saw her fingers twitch slightly, “Ben…” she breathed softly, her other hand touching his own, which rested on the side of her growing abdomen. The grip on Ben’s mind eased slightly. Tears stung his eyes as he regained some of his own consciousness. He became aware that he was Force-choking Rey, squeezing the life out of her and extinguishing the lives of his children. “You will never be as strong as Darth Vader.” Her words rang through his head, crystal clear like a bell and filled with power; Rey’s voice almost deafening,, pushing out Palpatine. A vision came to him suddenly.
He stood on a strange plane, surrounded by lava.
“You’re breaking my heart. You’re going where I can’t follow.” A soft voice cried. He opened his eyes, and beheld a hand not his own, encased in a black glove, outstretched. He was killing his wife and unborn children. He watched the light fade from her eyes, her expression twisted with anguish and grief.
Suddenly aware of himself, he released his hold on Rey, who sank further into his arms, utterly limp.
Rey sank further into the flow. The light around her sparkled and glittered… it danced around her fingertips. She felt ethereal… goddess-like. “No!” She heard a voice cry out, “No, no Rey don’t go where I can’t follow!”
Looking down, she saw the light swirl around her belly, and the two little stars that glowed within her. For them, she would not succumb to the Force today.
Ben let out a sob, his lip twitching as he clutched Rey against his body, rocking her in his arms, her half lidded eyes unseeing and devoid of their usual luster. It seemed that even the golden flecks in her eyes had faded. He ran a hand over her belly, barely sensing the twins within. Hot tears coursed down his pale cheeks, much paler in realization of what he had done under Palpatine’s dark control. He rocked her back, and pressed his hand against her chest, breathing deep, channeling his energy, channeling the Force into her.
He would save her, even if it killed him.
Suddenly, he felt a searing hot pain in his mind. It glowed, like a white-hot hand. Agonized, he bent over Rey, his hand never leaving her heart. He felt a presence, familiar, like Rey.
It was her, burning Palpatine’s presence from his consciousness. He felt Palpatine’s rage, which clamped down even harder on him. He heard Rey, far away in a other realm, scream in response, pushing back with all her strength.
He felt it happen in Palpatine, before it occurred. Rey’s light traced its way delicately along his connection to Palpatine, like a spider feeling her way along the threads of her web, straight for her prey. He felt her burn him from the inside out. Felt him scream, and then felt him explode form the sheer force of Rey’s light. A black mist rose from under Ben’s skin. He removed his hand from Rey’s, clutching his head and screaming as she tore apart Palpatine’s mind with her bare hands, and then he blacked out.
In his mind’s eye, he saw Rey clothed in white robes and bathed in light, her skin seeming to glow from within. She looked as beautiful and ethereal as a goddess. She floated just in front of him, touching a hand to his cheek. It didn’t burn as she whispered, “Ben.” he reached out for her…
His eyes snapped open just as hers did. She sat up in his arms, gazing at him wide eyed, panting, before she breathed one word that lit him from the inside, “Ben.” His eyes searched hers, his fingers caressed her cheek, before running along her hair and resting his hand at the nape of her neck.
She pressed her hand against his cheek lovingly, and leaned forward, kissing him deeply.
When they parted, he pressed her closer against his body, shaking, “I thought you were gone.”
Rey gripped him tightly in response, “I would never leave you alone.”
He sat back and looked her deep in her eyes, “Let’s build a home. Let’s go home.” He said.
“I know the perfect place.” Rey replied.
“It’s not an AT-AT is it?”
She laughed, the sound merry, “No. Ahch-To.” He pulled away ever so slightly, but didn’t move, his puzzled expression encouraging her to explain, “It’s remote. No one found Luke when he hid there. The ground is good in the summertime, the Lanai Caretakers are a peaceful people, and it’s a spiritual place, strong with the Force.”
Ben kissed her softly and then said to her, “I think it sounds like the perfect place to raise our children.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was autumn on Ahch-To, and the Caretakers greeted Rey with open arms, but they were standoffish around Ben until Rey reassured them that he was not Kylo Ren. They eyed him mistrustfully, but they accepted him into their fold, albeit with less enthusiasm than they did with Rey.
They guided the couple to Luke’s old hut at the top of the village, closest to the mountaintop.
They stood outside the stone hut, gazing at its old metal door. With a deep breath, the couple pulled it open, and entered the home.
It was simply furnished, and not a speck of dust in sight, as if the Caretakers had continued to tend to Luke’s hut after he had gone. It was larger on the inside it seemed, as they noticed a bed to one side, a fireplace against the wall, shelves near the door. To one side of the fireplace, was an entrance to a kitchen, that held the bare minimum of cooking utensils. Only one wall was bare.
Ben hugged Rey against his side, “I think we should build an extra room, don’t you?”
“I’d like that very much.” She smiled.
He took a deep breath and patted her backside affectionately, “Let’s get to it.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ben traced a deep, wide line in the damp earth, creating a new section of the home that they would add on to their little stone cottage. Rey watched him from a stone bench, where one of the Lanai Caretakers rubbed her belly with an oil that smelled foul, chanting to herself before pressing a knotted rope of bone beads against her belly, praying for strength for Rey and her children. She admired how methodical he was as he worked. Next, he grabbed long beams balancing them against one another. They fell, again and again. Rey could feel his frustration building. She sent him a cooling wave of calm, standing up and striding over to him, after the Caretaker wrapped up her prayers. “Let me help.”
Ben let his shoulders relax in relief, “Can you balance these two?”
She nodded, and raised a hand, keeping the beams balanced against one another, until Ben could tie off the beams that would act as a new frame. Rey walked with him and held his hand while he carried a wheel barrow to the remains of a collapsed stone hut. Rey blinked in recognition, at the old hut that she had first touched Ben’s hand in, that night that Luke tore it down. The night they saw each other’s future.
Together, they loaded the wheel barrow up, and Ben pushed it up the hill. The caretakers pitched in, teaching them to lay the bricks of stone so that they required no mortar, and fit together perfectly. It was two days afterward, that the final stone was set into place.
Ben rose early on their third day on the island, and kissed Rey’s forehead, “I’ll be back soon.”
She moaned, “Where are you going? Come back to bed.”
He just smiled, tugging a worn black sweater over his head, “I’ve been wanting to build something for you, and I think I know how.” Rey rolled her eyes, and got out of bed too, her short nightgown made shorter by her belly, now showing she was six months along. “What are you planning to do?”
Rey grinned back at him, “If you’re going to be productive, then so will I.” She held a hand up, to stop Ben from interrupting, “I’ll rest if I feel the need to, and be careful.”
He sighed, “I’m headed to the docks. May I walk you down to the village then, Mrs. Solo?” he held his hand out for her. She looked at his hand, then into his dark brown eyes, and grasped it without hesitation. He pulled his thick black cloak off the wall hook by the door, and cast it around his wife’s shoulders before walking her down to the village. The women there had already set up spinning wheels, as well as baskets full of raw fiber. “I’ll leave you to it.” Ben said, pressing Rey close to his chest, and kissing her soundly.
She giggled, and kissed him back, “You won’t be far?”
(big ol gap here. Feel free to think of your own connections)
Rey gasped and braced herself with one hand against the wall for a minute. She felt Ben tug on their connection, and heard his boots thudding nearby. She could have sworn the very island trembled beneath his might.
Ben burst through the door, ready to spring into action. “Ben!” Rey exclaimed, already back at the stove, turning the meat again.
“Are you alright?!” He crossed the length of the hut, and pressed a hand to her belly, his face painted by worry.
She shrugged him off, “I’m fine. I think it was just a false start.”
“A false contraction. The women have been helping me with what to expect.”
Ben removed his hand, but did not step aside, “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. Go back to building.” She pressed her lips to his cheek, “If I need anything…”
Ben finally stepped back, turning his head frequently, taking his time to leave the house. Rey just laughed at him and went back to the couch to resume her weaving. She felt the slightest probe in her consciousness, by the time Ben made it to the building site for the barn. ‘Worry-wart.’ She teased him.
(Deeper into the winter months)
(also, i have never given birth myself. So if you have, and have edits for me, please do DM me!)
(sidenote, i have miscarried, but thats a whole other side story)
Rey gasped, one hand holding her swollen belly.
Ben put his hand on her shoulder, “What is it? Is it the children?”
As usual, Ben and Rey walked around the island. As her pregnancy progressed, it became more difficult, but she was adamant about her daily walk. Today however, Rey felt a twinge in her womb, a sharp cramp. She brushed it off. This wasn’t the first cramp she’d had, but as they ventured further away from the village though, the cramps grew in frequency and intensity.
Rey bent over, seizing her stomach. “Oh no.” This one was the worst by far. She blew out a long breath, which curled in the cold.
Ben immediately wrapped an arm around her, supporting her, “What’s wrong?”
She started to straighten herself again, “Maybe a passing contraction?” she took deep breaths, focusing on the energy around her for comfort.
“Should we turn back to the village?”
“I think I’m alright.” She took a step, moving with care. She paused again and let out a long moan from behind her gritted teeth as she widened her stance, “Nope. I think my water broke.” A wide, dark stain appeared between her legs on her trousers. Ben scooped her up in his arms without hesitation, letting out a low groan of his own, hefting her weight. He staggered and broke into a fast walk towards the village. Rey turned her head into his shoulder and let out a long moan again, followed by another, and another, before he felt her relax slightly in his arms. He counted his steps in between her contractions, hurrying as the sun began to set.
The stone village appeared sooner than he expected, but the sun hung low over the huts. He was preoccupied with Rey, as she groaned through her contractions, “Ben.” She moaned.
“Help!” He cried out, “Help!” Lights came on in several huts. As he got closer, Ben saw the midwife run out of her hut to meet them. She spoke in her own tongue, and it was all Ben could do to try and figure out what she was saying.
“The contractions, started, and then my water broke.” She grit her teeth, “They’ve been getting worse.”
The midwife nodded and patted Rey’s belly reassuringly, pointing to Ben to put her down. “She says I need to finish the journey through her door on my feet.” Rey gritted between her teeth. Ben obliged, setting her down delicately. They made it to the door of the hut, before a male Lenai pulled him to the campfire near the hut, where the others were roasting meat on sticks, “You stay with us.” One grunted, “That is the hut for the women.”
Ben stared dumbly, sitting on a stump, resting his elbows on his knees, his guts in knots. Even through the thick stone walls, and the solid wood door, he could hear Rey’s groans.
As time dragged on, and the hours slipped away, the moon reaching its zenith and falling back down to the horizon, Ben grew more and more agitated. Her cries ripped at his very being. He could feel her suffering, birthing their sons, while he stood by running his hand through his hair repeatedly. The Lenai assured him that labor often took a long time, but Ben found no comfort in their words. The frustration built up in him, tortured him even “Push!” the Lanai shrieked. Ben heard her let out a long howl, as he paced, his mind closely connected to Rey. It wasn’t enough for him to let her feel his presence. He couldn’t stand the separation.
Rey cried out again, in the throes of her pain, the sound cutting into him deeper and more painful than a light saber. He could hear her gasping for air, and her long, low pained moans. He moved toward the hut, his stride filled with purpose. A Lenai man grabbed his cloak, tugging it sharply, “Come and sit. The women can handle it. They won’t let you in there. It’ll be over soon. No doubt, they’ve untied all the knots in there, and opened all the jars to help ease her birth.”
Ben whirled on him, pushing the little man back with the Force. Rey’s cries echoed in his ears, tears pricking at his eyes, “She’s bringing my sons into the world. I’m not sitting by while that happens. She won’t be alone.”
Now the Lanai pulled hard, stopping Ben, “It is something for the women. You can’t go in there.”
The air around Ben rippled and shimmered, “And which one of you is going to stop me from being with her?” he pushed the little caretaker away from him, forcing his way past several more Lanai before he burst through the door. One of the female Lanai tried to push Ben back out, and shield his eyes, but she was too short to do so. Instead, Ben saw her laying on the pallet on her side, her legs apart, her huge belly exposed, and her hair let down from its usual updo, sticking to her sweaty face. There were countless ropes hanging around the room, all untied. Even the numerous jars on shelves around the room were opened, their lids sitting beside them.
“Ben!” Rey gasped, her hand reaching out for him. His breath caught in his throat, paralyzed for a moment, until she reached out with her mind too. He crossed the room in three long strides, his hand taking hers. She gripped it tightly, panting. Ben cupped her cheek and kissed her damp forehead, lending her his strength.
She whimpered softly, “Help me up.” She rolled to a seated position, and Ben bent down, letting her wrap her arms around him. He looped his arms under her, and lifted her into a standing position. She leaned heavily against him with a moan, her whole body rocking.
“You can do this.” He whispered, “You’re not alone.” His eyes closed, and he channeled his strength into her.
Rey whimpered as another wave of contractions crashed into her. Ben let out a low moan as her consciousness melded with his. He trembled, but did not let go of her. She gasped again, pushing and squeezing his hand hard. Tears streamed down her face.
The midwife moved closer to Rey, watching the couple. It was all Ben could do to support her. He could feel her birthing pains, and it grieved him that he could do nothing to take away her pain. Rey sent him a tendril of thought between two swift contractions. He was doing everything she needed. He was by her side, holding her steady. He was her rock.
She swayed in his arms, moaning so deeply that she leaned her full weight against him. Ben guided her back to the bed, where she kneeled beside it, on her hands and knees. She leaned on her forearms on the bed, while Ben kneeled beside her, his right arm over her shoulders, while his left held her hands. He kissed her cheek and hair, moving a few stray strands of hair from her face. When his hand returned to hers, she griped them hard, in the throes of another contraction.
“I can see the first!” The midwife cried, “Keep pushing! It’s a breech!” Rey gasped, and pushed with all her strength. “I need the man over here! I need another set of hands!” She released Ben, who moved closer to the midwife. “I’m going to assist the birth, but I need you to catch the child. Your hands are big enough for the task. He waited, half in terror, half in eagerness. He laid a reassuring hand on her swollen belly in reassurance before he settled between her feet. Her skin seemed to thrum in response to the energy in his touch.
The midwife guided a pair of little feet out first, and Ben’s hands moved immediately. Rey cried out again, her strength waning. Ben opened his mind to her, giving her strength, and love. He felt the Force flowing through her body, and encouraged the flow around the children. In a handful of seconds, the rest of the infant followed, one arm tucked against his side, the other outstretched, reaching back towards his mother. “Han.” He whispered, in awe at the child, screaming, writhing, and wet.
A moment later, she shrieked delightedly, “This one is head first!” A little hand protruded first, and Ben realized in awe, the twins must have been holding hands the whole time. The midwife thrust a clean cloth at him, to wipe the mucus off little Han, while she washed the fluid away from his eyes and slipping a soft bracelet over his wrist, before passing him clean baby blanket to wrap him in, before attending to the second child, already crowning. Ben cradled little wailing Han in one arm, tears stinging his eyes. He nestled Han in his cloak beside Rey, so he could catch his next son. This one seemed easier for Rey, and he came out faster than his brother, his little hand clenching and unclenching towards his brother Han. “Luke.” Ben whispered to him, cleaning him off as well with the midwife. Rey had sunk against the mattress, so Ben brought Han to the midwife and laid him beside Luke.
“The babies…” Rey moaned, turning her head.
Ben kissed her forehead, “They’re healthy and beautiful.” He murmured, “Do you want me to help you into the bed.”
Rey nodded her head, her eyes closed. Ben tenderly helped her up, supporting her weight until she was comfortably back on the bed.
The little Lanai woman grunted at Ben, and then went to her many jars of herbs, methodically sealing them, before laying the babies in their father’s arms. He carried his sons to Rey, beaming with pride, “You did so well.” He murmured, passing the wailing infants to her open arms. She immediately held them and began to nurse them. She seemed to glow in the candlelight, and in a way, gave off her own light.
As she nursed them, she cooed softly, “Han Finn Solo, and Luke Poe Solo.” Ben gently touched the fine black hair on their heads, “They look like you.” She murmured.
Ben kissed her forehead softly, “They have your eyes.” He replied, sitting on the bedside, wrapping an arm around Rey. She leaned her head against his shoulder, silent, joyful tears cascading down her cheeks, soaking into his sweater.
Ben’s eyes stung with tears as well, and he let them fall unhindered. He kissed her hair again, as the Lanai midwife cleaned Rey. The other nurse ran outside, greeting the cheering Lanai villagers outside. Their cries of elation reached the happy couple in the hut.
The nurse came back in, gesturing to Ben and the children, speaking too quickly for either of them to understand. The midwife paused in her work, “They want you to present the children to the village. Its tradition. This is the way.”
Ben glanced at Rey, who handed him the twins. He cradled each one in his arms, their little squeaks and moans threatening to make him tear up again. The small woman parted the curtain, and then opened the door for Ben.
He blinked hard against the morning light, which poked through the thin clouds across the island. A roar went up from the gathered Lanai, beating their drums, strumming their instruments in a wild fanfare. The sound was raw and primal, but Ben felt its call deep in his very soul. This was not just a song for his sons, to celebrate the strength they would attain as men. It was a song for him, as a father. He blinked again, before drawing himself to full height, “My sons!” He shouted, holding the infants up high. They cried out again, their little faces scrunched against the light and the boom of his voice, wriggling in their tightly swaddled blankets. The crowd engulfed him, herding him farther away from the birthing hut. Farther from Rey; he cast out his consciousness, and felt her presence. She was still going through aftercare, and the midwife was telling her what to expect in the coming weeks.
(and some more added fluff. Because WHY NOT?!?!)
Rey helped Ben make the final adjustments to the halter that fastened Han and Luke to his chest, before he squatted down and let Rey climb onto his back. He hooked his hands together to support her posterior, before standing up with a grunt, and finished the ascent to the top of Ahch-To. It was at the top, that the boys began to fuss more. Ben set Rey down on the edge of the meditation pool, and gently handed her each of the boys, letting her nurse them. They latched on and suckled greedily. Rey watched them with a smile, before turning to Ben. She was puzzled by the expression on his face, until he let out a tendril of a thought her way.
He saw her there, glowing with motherly love, nursing their two beautiful sons, and the only way he could think to describe her, was that in all his years travelling the galaxy, she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
