*DISCLAIMERS*
1) I do not own anything Star Wars related! (characters, plot, etc.)
This is written for the intent of fan enjoyment and with respect towards SW creators.
2) This is the first time I've ever written a Star Wars related fanfic. Please go easy on me!
I probably won't go into great detail about planet/galaxy names and locations. I'm not the most knowledgeable about those specifics.
3) I have seen Star Wars, The Force Awakens, at least 5 times, but that doesn't mean I am an expert on the movie! I am only using my imagination to come up with a plot, and I am just wanting to enjoy writing about one of my favorite series. I hope you all like it, too!

STORY: Ties to Cloud City
(MAJOR The Force Awakens SPOILERS!) One month after the confrontation at Starkiller Base, the First Order's plans take a new turn. The Resistance is doing all they can to retaliate, and Finn is thrown right into the mix, in turn changing his destiny when a secret unfolds. (FinnxRey)

Chapter 1- Training Cut Short

Green flowing grass. Clean air. A quiet calm. The island stands in a peaceful state.

A young woman takes a deep breath, concentrating. Her eyelids stay closed, gently, not wanting to open until the absolute perfect moment. Gripping tightly onto her staff, her hands' quivering had already faded.

Ears sharpened, she hears a quick whir in the distance.

Immediately, her eyes shoot open. She twirls her weapon to block a rock heading straight for her. Soon, many more are coming, and she also blocks them with fluid, almost graceful movements.

Then, she senses something far greater. Her instincts tell her to drop the staff, and she does so.

Her hands come up in front of her face, her breathing getting slightly more ragged. A large boulder appears, coming at great speed, but she stops it midair. Although not with ease, she drops the boulder on the ground, and it emits a huge clamor.

Try as she must to take things slowly afterward, she can't help but fall to the ground in relief, sweat dripping down her brow.

Her Jedi Master appears only moments later, giving her a most gracious smile.

"You surely are improving," he congratulated, "However, you still need more control."

She stood up, wiping off dirt from her legs that had accumulated on her clothes during the exercise, "I'm sorry, Master." Although in a little bit of a daze, she spoke with as must respect as she could muster, "I appreciate your kind words, but you are right," she couldn't help but smirk, "I am a little rusty."

Luke Skywalker couldn't help but let out a short, quiet, one-noted laugh in response. He then continued walking closer to her, his hands coming to her shoulders, "Rey. I am proud of you. Make no mistake about that."

She looked at him, more seriously this time, "I am very grateful. You are much more powerful than I could ever be. I am honored you are still training me after all this time."

"Patience," he reminded her, "You think too little of yourself. You will one day become strong in the force as I have. Remember, I was not always a teacher," Luke turned around, gazing at the sky, "I was once the learner. I, too, was in your position...and, honestly, I was quite a fool," he had to chuckle at himself, thinking of the days with Yoda on Dagobah, "You definitely have a more level head on your shoulders than I did."

He now faced her again, "Again, don't doubt. A Jedi is always mindful of oneself. Overconfidence can lead to darkness, but a lack of confidence can also hold you back."

Rey nodded, "Okay."

"Though, you are a very humble person. I commend you for that, at least."

Luke tilted his head to the left, motioning for her to follow. As he began walking, she caught up with him, strolling beside.

"So, what have you learned from today?"

Rey thought carefully, remembering Luke's words from that morning, "A lightsaber is a Jedi's weapon of choice, but there are other means of fighting and defending yourself."

"Very good."

"And..." she thought more carefully, "The Force is our ally, so..." Rey was a bit disappointed in herself as she spoke the rest, "If we rely on it and focus, a boulder is no different than a tiny pebble."

Luke continued walking without a word.

After several seconds, Rey sighed, "I really have a lot to learn still, don't I?"

"Your path will not always be easy, and it may be a long one."

"I know..."

"But, I have a feeling you will do well."

As they reached their usual resting spot, sitting on a set of flat stone slabs, Luke reverted to the past in his mind again, "I went through a very similar trial."

Rey listened intently as she started a fire for their upcoming meal.

"Master Yoda proved me wrong that day," Luke chuckled once again at himself. At this point he was not the young man he used to be. Nonetheless, thinking back on it made him jovial, almost feeling like a young adult at heart, "I was so naive. I was frustrated. Nothing was going my way during my training. I kept saying it was impossible."

He rested his hands on his lap, "Over and over again, I doubted myself. At the time, my mind was not thinking that. I was just angry at my master for all he was having me go through in such a short amount of time. Of course, I eventually knew better."

"So, what happened? What changed your mind?"

"I told you that R2 and I had crashed on the planet, correct? We were stuck with no way to leave. When I was about to give up, Master Yoda was able to lift my entire X-Wing ship out of the water and onto the land."

"Are you serious?!" she was aghast, "Something that heavy?"

"Rey. You are forgetting what you had stated earlier. Master Yoda was attuned to the Force. The object didn't matter, nor the size."

She couldn't help but smile, "Yoda must have been very wise. You really looked up to him," she craned her neck to look at Luke, "Didn't you?"

"I still do, you know."

It took a while for it to sink in for Rey, but then she questioned, "Still?"

"Young one," Luke looked intently at her, "I think you are ready to learn something very important that I have not told you yet."

xxxxxxxx

Poe Dameron sat in the pilot seat of an updated design T-47 airspeeder. He had been in the middle of teaching Finn how to run the gunner position.

"So, do you need me to repeat anything?" he asked.

"Maybe. I mean, it would be nice to test this thing when we're actually flying in it," Finn replied.

Poe couldn't help but let out a laugh, "I don't think you'll have a problem. After what we went through when we first met, I know you can handle yourself back there."

"I hope I can," he said, not so sure.

As Poe pressed the button to release the speeder's hatch, allowing them to step out, Finn questioned, "I was wondering something. Why did the Resistance build these recently? I thought you mostly used your X-wing fighters."

"See, that's the thing. We need more variety. General Organa knows better than I do about the history of rebel aircraft. I mean, she wasn't a pilot, but she was there in person. I've dabbled in reading up a bit myself. I'm no expert by any means, but apparently these speeders work best at low heights. That's why we're using them if we ever need to protect our base. If a battle were to break out here, they would be a great help to have on the planet. They wouldn't be much use out in space. This is the best place for them."

They decided to walk off and call it a day, but kept on talking.

Poe continued delving his knowledge to Finn, "In a very important battle on the planet of Hoth, T-47s were used to try and stop the enemy from advancing. Even Master Skywalker flew one. I've been told about that by the general herself."

Finn stopped walking for a moment, "Why...why do you think Luke hasn't come here yet? I mean, I know Rey is being trained right now, but..."

"You're talking about something that will only lead to making the general upset. Just don't talk about that topic in front of her, alright?"

"But, he's her brother. I don't know a lot about what happened in the past, but I know enough," Finn suddenly became very solemn, "Solo...I mean, Han...told us that Luke felt ashamed about a Jedi who turned against him. After what happened on Starkiller Base, I know now it was Kylo Ren."

Poe sighed very loudly.

"A lot has taken place, but from what I know, it's been years since they've even seen each other in person. In my opinion, she could really use him right now. Especially after..." Finn decided to stop there, not wanting to think about Han anymore at the moment.

"Well, even if you say that, I know I'm not getting involved in any family affairs," Poe decided, "It's not our place."

"Yeah, you're right, I guess."

Poe smiled to cheer him up, "Come on!" he slapped Finn heartily on the back, "You just woke up from your coma a week ago and we've spent almost the whole day going over ship mechanisms. You're probably exhausted. I think we need a break, so let's get some dinner."

"Alright."

The two walked only a few more steps, when BB-8 rolled over from the other side of the ship hangar, beeping uncontrollably.

Poe immediately turned around, "Hey, hey! Calm down, buddy, what is it?"

The droid made more sounds, and Finn still could not understand him any more nowadays than before his coma. Thankfully, Poe could translate for the both of them.

However, Poe's face was not looking pleased, "Finn, we need to go talk to General Organa. Now!"

In another area of the resistance base, in a control room with many screens and lights, Leia Organa sat very quietly. Then, Poe and Finn entered.

"General!" Poe exclaimed, "What's going on?"

Leia was very solemn when she looked up at them, "They're back. The First Order is operational once more. They've made the first move."

Finn's expression instantly changed into one of anger.

"So..." Poe slammed a fist into the open palm of his other hand, "They finally decided to come out of hiding after all."

"I hate to admit it, but..." the general looked directly at Finn, "We need Rey."

"Is that really a good idea?" Finn wasn't so sure of this, "She's still training."

Leia grabbed Finn's hands and patted them gently with consideration, "I promise I will update you with all the details later, but for now, you need to grab Chewie. Take the Falcon and go get Rey. Please."

Finn could tell she was worried, so he simply nodded, not wanting to start any arguements.

xxxxxxxx

"Are you serious?" Rey stared at Luke, dumbfounded.

He had just finished explaining to her about the fact Yoda, Obi-wan, and his own father have still been able to give him guidance in their afterlife.

"Do you think I will be able to..." Rey hesitated.

"In time. In my case, it happened all of a sudden for my first experience. Obi-wan just appeared to me out of nowhere. I couldn't believe my eyes."

"Some day...some day I would like to do that. I really want to get to know your mentors."

"It might work differently for you. For example..." Luke sighed, "Rey, I'm not getting any younger. You know in your heart you will need to say goodbye to me in the future. I can always guide you, even after my death."

Rey laughed, but half-heartedly, "C'mon, don't talk like that."

"Search your feelings," Luke said in a gentle tone, "I might have to face great evil alongside you. Just be wary. That's what happened when Obi-wan was teaching me."

"You mean...he was in a battle and-"

"Yes. I watched as he died. Right in front of me."

Rey gulped, "That must've been horrible."

"It was. But, I learned to move on without him and rely on myself more."

"But, still-"

Rey didn't get to finish her statement, for at that moment, the Millennium Falcon flew overhead, finding a place to land. She couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, "Chewbacca must be in there!"

Luke didn't show it much, but he also was happy, "Come. We are done for the day anyway, so let's greet him."

Once they made it down to where the ship was stationary, it opened. R2-D2 hurriedly scrambled out, straight to Luke.

"R2!" he happily greeted.

R2 responded with a number of robotic noises.

Chewie stepped out next, and Rey walked over to give him a tight hug. Chewie, of course, returned the favor, as Luke also joined in on the hug.

Chewbacca made a few sounds at Rey, who could understand him at once. You could definitely tell, because her face lit up, "You mean...he's-?"

"Rey!" a familiar voice shouted.

The girl turned toward the sound, joyful tears forming in her eyes, "Finn!"

The last time they had seen each other were not on good terms. Finn had seen Rey, unmoving in the cold snow. Rey, on the other hand, wasn't sure if Finn had waken up from the coma caused from his injury...

That is, until now.

The two friends rushed to each other into a warm embrace, their emotions of overwhelming relief sweeping over them.

"I'm so glad you're awake," Rey continued speaking, her tears now running down her face.

Finn pulled back with his good 'ol smile, "Well, as you can see, I'm just fine now!" His next statement was more toned down, and he took a quick, satisfied breath, "It is really good to see you."

"Same here," Rey couldn't have smiled any wider at that point.

Finn looked at Chewie, who gestured towards Rey again, so he talked some more, "Rey, you need to listen. The general needs you back with the Resistance right away."

Rey looked confused, yet also worried, "What? What happened?"

"It's the First Order," he backed up from her so they could talk more casually, "But, I even told General Organa I wasn't sure, though, since you're training."

Rey turned towards Luke, "Master...what do you think?"

Luke crossed his arms in thought, his head lowered, "Your friend is right," he looked troubled, "I can feel it...a disturbance..."

"Master," Rey kept on asking, "My training...are you sure it is alright for me to leave?"

Luke turned around, "Come."

"Excuse us," Rey told the others, following her Master to a more secret place to talk.

Once they were alone, Luke spoke up, "I have a feeling that this is a path you must follow."

Rey's face looked slightly somber, "I don't feel ready."

"Don't worry," he patted her on the back, "You will be."

"How so?"

He gave her a genuine smile, "I will continue to train you."

The girl realized what he meant, "You mean...you're coming?" she said with surprise.

Luke exhaled deeply, "It has been far too long...and my sister is worried. I know this won't be easy for us, but with what happened with Han..." his frown expressed it all: his sadness, his concern, "I should go see her, even if she doesn't feel like we're on good terms yet."

Rey also felt as if tears would come, but she held it in, "I'm sure she'll understand," she wanted to comfort him, "She probably just misses you."

He nodded, "I hope you are right," and with that, they both walked back to join the rest of their comrades.

xxxx

END OF CHAPTER 1