Even though it was mixed in with fear, he could hear the affection and humor in his lover’s voice. “I love it when you talk dirty.” Ben wouldn’t say it aloud but if it was the real Snoke, he’d sooner let his old master slice him in two before being pulled back to the dark side again. He had lived life already. It wasn’t one he wanted to go back to. That kiss did give him the strength he needed to finally push the door open. He tried not to think that it could be the last-
One end of the hallway was blocked by Snoke’s hulking figure. It was almost funny to watch such a tall form try to fit between the walls and floor, like a child who had outgrown its bed. A very large angry child. Snoke immediately lunged forward, a clawed hand extending out and delivering a mad grab for them. Behind him, he could hear Armitage making a run for it. Ben blocked the way, effectively trapping Snoke in the hall with him. Or trapping himself with Snoke. Either way, he knew he could hold long enough for Armitage to return with Rey and the others.
Snoke sneered and drew his empty hand back. His face turned into a snarl, the deformed scars on his face twisting unpleasantly. “Murderer! Monster!” He hissed through wet teeth.
“Your words mean nothing to me,” Ben tried to sound brave when he shouted. His knees and hands shook so hard that he could hear the bones rattling. But he gripped his mother’s lightsaber and a brief feeling of peace washed over him. “And I’ve outgrown you.”
Snoke jumped forward with a shout. Ben braced himself, holding his ground and screamed back. He waited for the inevitable feeling of pain as those hands found him but instead his skin was hit with a gust of cold air as the image of Snoke evaporated like smoke just as those long bony fingers seemed to reach his neck.