Family?

Our…family?

It takes a moment for Rey to understand. The warmth of Ben's hand radiates on her belly.

But, It's so alien, so unbelievable, so…

A child? Our child? In me?

She thinks… well she doesn't know what to think. She knew that what they had done was how procreation happens, but she had thought, I don't know, that she'd have to want for it to happen. There's elation and fear, wonder and anxiety. She looks at him with tears in her eyes…

Then Rey thinks about her parents and his… her childhood and his… and she feels a woops of terror go through her.

"Don't be afraid," he murmurs, his grip tightening, moisture in his eyes matches her own.

"We are not your parents or mine," Ben says firmly. "We've changed the future, and now, we'll make this right too."

A rush of relief and exhilaration fill Rey to the brim and she meets his determined gaze.

She just opens her mouth to speak when they both feel it. Rey and Ben gasp and turn their heads, sensing a tugging of the force. A familiar aura is flickering. A powerful will is fleeing the force.

They're running and before they know it they're by Leia's bedside. Rey is curled up beside Leia on the bed as Ben stands, stoic and unmoving, looking out of place and at a loss for what to do. He doesn't deserve his mother's forgiveness, after all the pain he's caused, and the pre-mature death he's the cause of. He took her husband, broke her heart, failed to protect her from the missile that pierced the bridge of the Raddus.

But there was still much he didn't forgive her for either. For sending him away, for fearing his darkness instead of acknowledging that darkness lives in us all. It's a part of the balance. He wishes his parents had known to embrace him instead of isolate him. He wishes it could all be different, that they could have a second chance.

Then she opens her eyes.

With her final strength Leia lifts a shaking hand towards her son, a glimmer in her gaze. Rey sits up, already crying, watching the scene unfold before her.

Ben lets out a ragged breath, before his large trembling fingers engulf her own.

"I'm sorry," comes Leia raspy, struggling voice.

His heart feels like it's being ripped from his chest and it takes all his focus the keep himself from breaking down entirely in that moment. Deep brown eyes snap up as he feels his mother's life slipping away beneath his fingertips.

"Me too," comes his deep, broken voice. His throat burns with suppressed emotion as Leia, winces and closes her eyes.

Her voice fails her, as does her body. And with her last thread of consciousness she reaches out to her son with her mind.

I'll be with you. Always.

As she fades from the force Rey lowers her head, kissing Leia's hand and laying it on her chest. She stands, taking Ben's hand instead and giving it a squeeze. She can feel his giant frame shuttering, wrecked with suppressed sobs. He kneels, thinking he doesn't deserve his mother's love but desperately relieved to have had it in the end. Rey's hands move to his shoulders and that's how they stay for a long time in reverence of the life force that just left them.

Neither knows how long they're standing like that when their mourning is interrupted by… what's that?

Something they didn't sense before. Ben spins around placing his hands on Rey's belly and she gasps, meeting his eyes with awe. The tiny heart beat within her is not one, but two. And they highly suspect they know, who has joined her sibling.

The force has truly given their family a second chance.

11 YEARS LATER

Mara and Gray stand among the landing party on the small shuttle, descending from the mega star destroyer down to the dreamscape that was the lake country of Naboo.

They huddle together in the cramped quarters among their secretive personal guard, flanked by two Knights of Ren and a few paces behind their indomitable father. Clad in his black armor and robes, he commands these forces, and all the Free Order forces across the galaxy. They know by now they are expected to behave, at least, that is, until they can get away from prying eyes.

Mara and Gray have always been heavily guarded, and often didn't see or speak with anyone but their parents, their parent's close friends and a handful of students. The twins have grown up onboard various giant Free Order ships, at times alternating between Coruscant and Naboo. But they are never far from their parent's sides, always with either one or the other, but rarely with both together.

That's why the 10-year-olds are so excited. For three glorious days they are going to be together as a family, thanks to some big galactic meeting. Plus, they'll get to see Uncle Finn and Auntie Rose, who they haven't seen in close to a year.

Gray is a happy go lucky, sweet and bubbly boy, much like his mother. Mara is more reserved and serious like her father, but with a wicked sense of humor. Even now she pinches her brother using the force, he winces, whining, "Stoppp," as low as he can.

A moment later they both wince.

"Ow!"

Both are pinched on the arm at the same time and they look up ahead to see their father shoot them a mischievous smirk, followed by a definite sense that if they didn't cut it out, they'd feel it in training later.

You got us in trouble.

Maybe if your face wasn't so punchable I could control myself.

You're not funny Mara.

No, I'm hilarious.

Ben lets a deep sigh escape his throat as he tries to tune out his children's mental squabbling. He can't wait to see his Rey.

The twins crane their necks to look out a tiny view port as they zoom over their family's Naboo lake house. A minute later the shuttle shutters as it lands on a platform before a collection of what look like small castles surrounding a large lake, framed by mountains that are alight with the reds and oranges of the early morning sun.

The ramp descends and as the troops file out Mara and Grey catch sight of their mother in billowing white and grey robes, her hair in a half bun and a giant gleaming smile on her face. Their 5-year-old brother Jace is wrapped around her leg.

"Mom!"

"Mommy!"

Shucking all decorum, the twins break from the landing party rushing their mother who they haven't seen in three months. They tackle her into a heap of happy giggles, hugs and wet kisses. It feels so good not only to be in her presence after so long, but to be able to call her mother without fear of discovery.

After taking hold of the First Order, Rey and Ben began a long, arduous process of transition with Ben commanding the military might of the First Order as Rey led the great galactic negotiations for autonomy and free governance. There were still a great many dissenters, but what came of it all was the Free Order.

Galactic governance, with the safety and order of those worlds guaranteed by Ren and his forces.

He took the mantel of Supreme Commander Solo of the Free Order forces while Rey temporarily became leader of the new Galactic Senate, with the power to veto if things got off track of their vision.

It had been incredibly stressful, especially since they had chosen to keep her pregnancy a secret. They knew their family would be the ultimate target.

It took a long time for the twins to understand that it was for their own protection. It's still a sore spot in their little souls that they can't always acknowledge their parents when they're before the other students or in public. For Mara, it's more of a sore spot than for her sweet, sensitive brother. Gray has always been a peace-maker and Mara loves to tease him. But she also is never quite as enraged as when someone makes him cry. Mara often wonders if the world is as dangerous as their parents make it out to be…

But right now, there is only bliss.

"My lovey monsters how I've missed you!" Rey calls as she hugs her children close.

Eventually the twins move on from their mother, to grapple with their younger brother.

Ben approaches, dark robes billowing, his deep brown eyes devouring the sight of her. He offers her a hand, lifting her effortlessly up and into his chest.

"Husband," she breathes, arms circling his impossibly broad chest, made more-so by the armor.

"Wife," he rumbles and Rey delights in the sound.

They savor their brief display of affection before breaking away, knowing they'll have time to catch up soon. Rey steps back and they take each other's hands and squeeze.

To most they are saviors of the galaxy. An undefeatable couple bound by marriage and the mystical wonder of the force. But their greatest achievement, they feel, is as mother and father. Mara, Gray and Jace are strong and loved and SAFE. It's a significant achievement considering the magnitude of threats they've both fended off.

After Rey handed off governance responsibilities to an elected leader, she was able to focus on finding and training force sensitives from dozens of worlds. That allowed Mara and Gray the chance to meet new people and act like normal kids. It also gave their parents time to conceive their brother ;)

Rey and Ben took turns teaching about both the light and dark sides of the force and in so doing they were able to pass the children back and forth. The truth only known to their inner most circle.

Finally tearing his eyes away from hers, Ben steps over, reaches down into the fray of little bodies and pulls up Jace, holding him high above his head at full arms-length.

"Did you take care of your mother? Did you protect her? Did you do everything she says? Did you get stronger?"

Little Jace giggles, nodding his head as he stretches his little arms down trying to embrace his father.

"Hug!"

"Did you take a bath and do your weapons training? Did you eat your vegetables?"

Chuckling he finally lets the boy down and lets his little arms wrap around his neck in a crushing embrace.

"I see these little rathtars are sooo much more-tame after their time with Daddy," Rey says with sass as the twins try to scale their tiny mother.

He just scoffs.

"They have too much of their mother in them."

She scoffs back and punches him playfully (too hard) in the gut and they share an electric, knowing glance. He'll get her back for that when they're alone.

They need to make an appearance at the palace before the galactic summit.

Reluctantly they entrust their children to the care of their human nannies and the two Knights of Ren who are accompanying them on this particular mission. They'll be safe for the time being.

….

Bliss personified is the only way to describe their day.

Once the preliminary meetings with dignitaries at the palace are over, Ben and Rey return and sweep into the wide marbled entryway of their castle-like home, shucking their capes and gathering screaming children into their arms. As Rey swings Jace and Mara around, Ben flings Gray into the air with the force and sends him soaring up to the very top of the vaulted ceiling.

He plummets into his father's arms, landing with an Oomf before erupting into hysterical laughter. Rey shoots Ben a sharp look once her heart starts beating again.

"What? I caught him," Ben says defensively, as he chuckles, mischief in his eyes.

Then the other children are clambering around their father with arms up, begging to be thrown as high.

"You always were a fan of inappropriate uses of the force," Rey laughs.

Ben gestures as if to say, 'who me?' in a way highly reminiscent of the scoundrel Han Solo. Then he scoops up Mara and Jace and flings them both in the air.

"Rii'a's beard," cries Rey as she dives to catch a shrieking Jace. Mara lands in her father's big black arms, her wild hair falling over her face as she giggles madly.

Later, in an expansive kitchen, Ben and his best kitchen droids prepare a delectable dinner of favorites from across the galaxy. Rey, Gray and Jace are not allowed to help because they eat the ingredients but Mara is an eager student. Cooking time with Dad is her favorite time. Ben floats some Endorian beats her way, and flicks Mara's little high top pony tail when she's sliced them correctly. She beams at the affection.

Ben had vowed long ago that their children would never be left alone with any droids. Though, practically being raised by a kitchen droid did leave him with some impressive culinary skills. What a strange but wonderful thing this was. Giving what he always longed to receive, living through his children's happy smiles. There was a time in his life of only darkness and despair, he could have never imagined this life for himself. And now, he knew he could never be without it. These small moments, rare as they were, meant everything.

…

Later that evening the family walks along the lake front as the sun sets brilliantly over the mountaintops.

Lush cliff faces surround the water in all directions, accented by wildflowers and babbling brooks.

Their parents are fighting again.

Well, play fighting.

Beside the shimmering country lake, with twilight sending a million sparkles off the gently rippling waters… Ben and Rey stand facing off against each other dramatically.

They've dressed down to more casual attire. Ben in a cool thin black shirt with a soft folded fabric v-neck collar flapping in the wind. His pants are also black but thinner. Rey is wearing an airy, sleeveless beige tunic and gray capris.

"Fight me Jedi," Ben booms, pointing a wooden training staff in her direction.

She laughs in his face. "You know you're no match for me. I'll destroy you."

Their normally stoic father gets way too into it. Standing tall upon a rocky hill he proclaims, "You may try, but you will see that the force is stronger with me."

Their boys giggle while Mara rolls her eyes. They're playing on some boulders nearby.

Mara whines, "Really? You guys do the same thing every time. Then disappear for hours…"

"I will defend my honor," Rey proclaims, stepping up with her own play staff.

Grey shouts excitedly, "Yeah! Get him mom!"

Mara scoffs. "Please, we all know Dad is the strongest. All he has to do is tickle her..."

Rey attacks! Ben blocks her blows above his head then spins blocking another blow from behind, then stabs at her. Rey leaps, twisting over his head and landing behind him. Their fight carries over the boulder and down onto the beach where Rey uses the force to hit him with a wall of water. He slices through the water sending streams of spray all around him, soaking his short sleeve shirt so that it now clings to every sinewy muscle flexing and striking with power. He blocks an intensely quick series of strikes and force pushes her back towards the woods.

The children try to follow cheering, but it isn't long before they lose their parents like they always do.

Rey and Ben are working up a sweat, not pulling any punches. They put power into their strikes causing tremors in the ground. It's too much for their staffs. The wooden swords shatter sending splinters flying. It gives Rey time to scramble back into a cool cavernous cave.

This was carved out by water. Tree roots are snaking through the stone making the air sweet and damp.

Ben recovers quickly, stalking his prey into the cave.

"Yield," he demands in a sultry boom.

Rey backs into a wall and Ben pulls her hands above her head.

"Never," she proclaims and he captures her mouth with a passion. Ben kisses his wife like it's the first and the last time.

She whimpers into his mouth, throwing her arms around his neck and leaping up. He easily catches her by the bottom, pressing harder into her against the cool cave wall.

An overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude swell within him. Ben halts his moment of passion and pulls away letting his head fall on her shoulder and pulling his Rey into a tighter embrace, breathing her in. Rey smiles knowingly and hugging him back. They share an overwhelming sense of relief.

"I missed you too," she whispers, answering his unspoken sentiment.

He growls his contentment.

"Now kiss me."

She doesn't have to ask him twice.

And for two hours Ben gets reacquainted with his wife several times.

…

It's on their return, just as they emerge from a clearing approaching their estate that the blast happens.

A massive explosion rattles the ground, and off in the distance, in the direction of the palace, a giant fireball rises into the night sky.

They run back to the family compound, skidding to a halt in the courtyard.

Gray and Jace are frightened and hugging. Their small staff are gathering together looking off to the distance where thick black smoke is rising.

Looking around, Ben makes a sinking realization.

"Where's Mara?"

"She ran towards it, after the knights left. I couldn't stop her…" says Gray.

Ben is off before he can finish talking.

"Stay here, don't move!" Commands Rey as she takes off after her husband, leaping onto a sleek land speeder. Catching up to Ben, she holds out a hand. He takes it, leaping onto the speeder behind her and together they race towards the palace.

...

Mara has always been daring, always eager. She doesn't want to be left behind, especially when she thinks she can help. She waits until the knights guarding them take off, before bolting towards the thrill of danger.

That thrill is quickly extinguished when she runs right into a full-scale assault!

Mara gasps and throws herself to the ground as laser fire zooms over her head. This is too much! She must get away!

A large part of the palace is burning, the charred bodies of men and women lay strewn across the grounds. She's never seen a dead body before and the sight alone is like a punch to her chest, followed by the percussion of another blast nearby. Mara screams a little and starts crawling back towards the tree line when something comes walking over the hill. With thunderous steps she sees a line of modified AT-AT Walkers, all in black.

But those are Dad's weapons, she thinks wildly to herself. This can't be right! What is happening!?

The ground rattles as a walker crashes through the trees beside her, shattering trees and blocking her route of escape.

The massive machine turns with a sickening whine, training its weapons on Mara scrambling in the grass.

She cries knowing there's nowhere to run and then…!

He's there like a wall of darkness. A crushing blackness sweeps before her, halting a massive blast dead in the air. The viciousness of it chills her to the bone. Mara is left shaking, looking up to see the face of her savior when he turns to look over his shoulder and it's her father! He's grimacing at the weight of the force holding the blast. It's the first time she's ever witnessed the true crushing intensity of his dark power. Was this really her Daddy?

"Run!" He screams.

She's too petrified to move.

Ben screams agagin, throwing the blast back from where it came. It strikes the walker with a blinding explosion. Then he jolts her back with the force and it's finally enough to snap Mara into action.

"Go protect your brothers!"

"But dad…"

"GOOO!" he roars, just as another barrage comes their way.

There's a sweep of light and her mother is there. Rey's power is just as intense but with a smoother, brighter texture, not as terrifying as her father's. It is pure awe, like the energy of the earth itself rising up around her.

Mara closes her eyes and she can feel her parents' energy flowing around each other, repelling attacks, predicting new ones. It's like life itself. It's total awe.

She's pulled out of her wonder by a tug in her chest…

Gray! He's in trouble! She can feel her twin's panic. She's dashing off like a rocket, willing the force to make her faster.

…

It's mayhem back at the estate.

Their staff lay stunned and bloodied across the courtyard. Gray and Jace are huddled in the center, surrounded by dark figures. One reaches down lifting the both of them easily. She hears their screams as Gray fights to keep his little brother in his arms.

It's her only chance.

She grabs the practice saber at her side. It won't kill but she might be able to stun some of their attackers, causing enough confusion for them to get away.

She screams a warrior cry and dives at the group. Her brothers fall to the ground and she swings her blade as quickly as she can. But she's met with red energy weapons she's never seen before. Just two of them attack her, the others looming, dark humor and murderous intent spilling from them in waves.

They're too strong, too fast!

Moments later the saber is flung from her hand and Mara is force thrown back at her siblings. She lands with an oomf and hugs her sniffling brothers close.

"You will learn to obey little Skywalkers," comes a low, almost reptilian voice of one of the hooded figures.

All seems lost when…

VROOOM

The Millennium Falcon swoops in! Uncle Finn and Chewie at the controls. They open fire, taking out several dark figures. The attackers around the children scatter. The Falcon lands continuing a barrage of fire, as Mara pulls her brothers out of the courtyard and behind a stone wall.

Seconds later two familiar presences in the force are back. Rey and Ben descend on their enemies in a blur of light. Ben and Mara peak over the edge of the wall at the brutal power of their parents' attacks. The twins for the first time begin to understand who their mother and father truly are.

Moments later the sounds of battle quiet. The would-be kidnappers lie dead, but for one.

"Get the children," Rey calls to Finn and Chewie.

Ben towers over the last living assailant, Rey joining him at his side.

"Who are you," his voice is deadly.

That reptilian creature just laughs and gasps a bloody breath.

"Who. Are. You," Ben booms, laying all the weight of the force to compel the creature's compliance.

"Sith," it hisses.

Rey and Ben share a stunned look before Ben drops to his knees, pulling the black assailant up by its tattered robes.

"What's your purpose here?"

"The heirs of Skywalker will join us or perish. We will restore the First Order and destroy all your foolish sentiment."

BAM! Ben slams the evil thing down on the ground, breaking into its mind with his outstretched fingers. "Tell me everything."

…

"I didn't know Snoke had other apprentices." Rey can't keep the fear from her voice.

They stand outside the childrens' chamber. The three young siblings are finally asleep after their terrifying ordeal, snuggled up in a giant bed with their Uncle Chewie keeping watch.

"I made an effort to dispatch them once Snoke was gone. There must have been a survivor."

"They know who our children are. They won't stop."

"Nothing will tear us apart. We take the fight to them. NOW."

Rey puts her hand upon his shoulder.

"We can't leave the children alone. We can't hide them. But if they come with us, we're taking them right into the heart of danger. No one is powerful enough to stop this threat but us. And no one is powerful enough to protect our children but us. We can't trust your Knights. You know as well as I how restless they are. If there's a new apprentice to Snoke, a new Sith… they could turn on us. They won't protect our children. What do we do?"

Ben wraps his arms around his wife, taking some solace in her light. He hates to admit that she's right. His Knights grow tired of peace. He will have to test their loyalty again.

"No one is taking this from us," He rumbles into her hair, kissing her head. "We'll fight them. As a family. The children stay with us."

At daybreak they set out together in a hunt for the monsters that would tear their family and the galaxy asunder.