AWAKEN

49

Finn then does something that he never has done with Amara in the time they've been friends, he pulled her in for a hug and held the woman in his arms.

"We'll be okay," He says, "Because I have a feeling we'll be okay."

All Amara does is nod.

{RISE OF SKYWALKER}

THE NIGHT sky of Kijimi was dark. Poe and Zorii stood close, but not really close as they were keeping watch. There were some small explosions and screams in the distance from the night raid.

Poe frowns, "How long has it been like this?" Poe asks.

Zorii watched as the pilot of the Resistance looks from the city below towards her. She frowns under her helmet, but despite Poe not seeing the frown he knew it was there.

"First Order took most of the kids a long time ago," Zorii says, "Can't stand the cries anymore. I saved up enough to get out. I'm going to the colonies."

Poe looks at her, "How? All those hyperlinks are blocked."

Zorii kept her attention on him. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a coin. Poe looks at her and then to the coin, there was a sudden realization as to what it was.

"That First Order Captains medallion." Poe almost chuckles at it, "I've never seen a real one."

Zorii looks at Poe, "Free passage through any blockade, landing privileges through any vessel."

Poe and Zorii kept their gaze on one an other. Zorii lifts her other hand, the one that wasn't holding the medallion and taps something on her helmet. This action caused the visor to slide away on her helmet revealing to Poe her eyes.

"Wanna come with me?" Zorii asks.

Poe sat there hearing that question from her. He glances away for a moment and rubbed his hand over his stubbly chin.

If he had been asked this five years ago, maybe three years ago, he would've jumped at the chance to go with Zorii. He had such a strong connection to this woman when he was apart of the crew.

"I can't walk out of this war," Poe says, "Not til it's over. Maybe it is. We sent out a call for help at the Battle of Crait, nobody came. Everyone is so afraid. They've given up."

Zorii watched as this man, this man who captivated her by his charm has fallen. His charm and pride has disappeared into this sad and depressed man.

"Nah," Zorii spoke, "I don't believe you believe that."

Poe kept his gaze toward the city. He had been dealing with the guilt he still is haunted with from the Raddus and from Crait for a year. He knows he is forgiven from the mutiny, but it doesn't change his action. It doesn't bring back all was lost because of his leadership.

Zorii placed a hand on his shoulder, "Hey," She gains his attention, "They win by making you think you're alone. Remember."

Poe nods.

"There's more of us." Zorii says.

Poe nods again and moves his gaze away.

Zorii kept her hand there, "Besides, I'm certain your Jedi girlfriend would be telling you the same thing."

Poe let out a sad chuckle, "You noticed that?" He asks.

Zorii nods.

Poe glanced over at her, despite not seeing her mouth, he could tell through her eyes that Zorii was smiling.

"I'm happy you were able to find love again, Poe." Zorii says.

Poe shakes his head, "No you're not."