AWAKEN

28

SHE WASN'T just going to let him leave without a proper goodbye. Sure, their conversation in the woods was one thing. Him giving her his mother's ring to hold onto was another thing. But Amara needed to see Poe off. Snap, Jess, and Karé were at their respected X-Wings. They were all in their flightsuits and getting their last minute things prepped. The three pilots were even saying their final goodbyes to their friends that remain from the Battle of Crait.

Poe stood at the bottom of the ladder of his X-Wing. Next to him was Finn. Poe and Finn were talking quietly, and Finn placed a hand on Poe's shoulder. Amara walked over slowly. She watches as BB-8 is hauled into the X-Wing. Amara watched as Finn and Poe turn to her.

Finn has a smile on his face, "I'll give you two some time," He says, "Be careful out there, buddy."

Poe and Finn embrace in a hug.

"I will, pal." Poe says.

The two let go. Poe watches as Finn walks off. Finn placed a hand on Amara's shoulder and slightly nudged her forward.

Poe looks at her, "Hey,"

Amara gives him a sad smile, "Hi."

She steps over to him and is quickly embraced into a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around his neck and felt his hands on her waist.

"I'll be back in no time," Poe tells her.

Amara nods and pulls back, "I- I want you to hold onto something for me," She says, "For luck."

Poe gives her a puzzled expression, "What?"

Amara reached into her pocket and pulled out a crystal necklace that is attaches to a sting like material. The crystal was green.

"Amara," Poe looks at her in confusion, "I've- I've never seen you with this before."

Amara nods, "I've kept it hidden as a child and even now," She says, "This was a gift from my mother the day I was born."

Poe's eyes drift from the crystal to Amara.

"She gave one to Ben too," Amara says, "She had hoped that we'd use this to make our own lightsaber if we possessed the ability of the Force."

Poe's eyes widen, "This is- This is a Kyber crystal?"

Amara nods.

Poe gestures for her to keep it, "Amara, I cannot take this." He says, "It's too valuable."

Amara shakes her head, "Yes you will take this." She pulls out from under her shirt to reveal his mother's ring, "If I can protect this, you will protect that."

Amara puts the ring on the chain back under her shirt. Amara puts the crystal around his neck. Poe stared at the Kyber crystal for a moment, before hiding it under his flightsuit. Amara's hand rested on his chest and looks at him.

"When you come back to me," Amara says and smiles, "'We'll return each other's property."

Poe gives her a small smile.

"Commander!" Jess yells, "We ought to be heading out!"

Poe and Amara glanced over.

All three pilots were ready. Jess was the only one who put on her helmet, Karé and Snap were giving each other a final kiss before parting into their X-Wing. Poe nods at the pilot and then turns to Amara. He cups the side of her face and kisses her deeply. Amara didn't want him to pull away, but sadly, he does. Poe reached down for his helmet and then stood up, he rested his hand on her cheek. Amara held onto that hand and stares at him.