Exams are approaching so this chapter's quality isn't as good as I'd like it to be. However, this is leading up to a several-chapter development that will enhance the characters in the story. One of the reviewers mentioned that there are several typos. It is in my best interest for me to read over the chapter and edit it, but sometimes these things escape me, so I'm sorry for that.
I was asked by one of the readers RavenAndTheBeast whether the whole story will be in Rey's POV. No, it won't, but the majority of it by far will be through her. However, this chapter is Kylo's.
If you enjoy what you're reading so far, please review and follow! The more there are, the more motivation I have, lol.
Kylo
Kylo Ren fiddled with the controls for his command shuttle.
That scavenger. How she infuriated him to no end, yet at the same time, filled him with an emotion he couldn't explain. He didn't know how the droplets of rain fell on him while he was on the Finalizer when he shared the vision with her on Ahch-To. He didn't know the meaning behind their connection when they touched fingers, other than the only simple explanation that his previous Master offered.
His privates gave a throb and he had to bite down to keep down his moan. Curse the scavenger. It was a cheap move, and she knew it.
The hangar opened and Kylo Ren docked his ship inside. The hangar door hissed open and he tried his best to harness the aches as he walked down it, ignoring the fleet of Stormtroopers stationed at his arrival.
All First Order Star Destroyers were more or less of the same build with the same blueprints, so he took no issue in finding the door he belonged in.
With a flourish of his hand, the door unlocked and opened. Inside was a small conference room table able to seat ten, and on either side of the wall were two enormous tanks that held all sorts of exotic fish and plants. He rolled his eyes inside his helmet and cleared his throat.
"Are you Knights of Ren, or children?"
Two of the Knights that had their faces glued to the glass of the tank, blatantly captivated by the swimming creatures, startled.
All five of the Knights in the room quickly came to their senses and stood alert, acknowledging him in the process.
Kylo Ren gave a jerk of his head and the two Knights that were standing yanked their helmets back on their heads and paced over to their chairs and sat down.
"Knights of Ren. You know why I called you over."
From the corner of his eyes, he noticed one of the Knights gently caressing his neck, and Kylo smiled.
He had snapped at Deimos when he asked why the Supreme Leader had to fly over to The Zenith instead of all the Knights congregating onboard the Finalizer. Kylo Ren had punished his Knight's insolence, but it was to hide the truth.
There was no way he'd be able to focus if he was on the same ship as her.
"I would like to discuss the future of the First Order. Before we begin, would anyone like to express thoughts on their mind?"
He didn't need to see the Knight's face to know he was scowling.
"Why have we stopped going after The Resistance?"
Kylo Ren's right hand was under the table, and he was pleased it was so no one could see him tighten it. It seems like the Knight still hadn't learned his lesson.
"For now, we will be focusing on garnering our resources and other tasks that Snoke turned a blind eye too. Not everything has to be completed through war. The First Order took heavy losses in the last battle with them, and the next time we will strike, we will take none."
"Snoke was right. The Zenith is dissatisfied with seeking alliances and other menial tasks. War is the answer."
Kylo was about to strangle the man was it not for another Knight speaking up.
"Be quiet, Deimos. You've already done enough damage as it is. Weren't you in charge of one of the Star Destroyers that we lost in the battle two days ago?"
Deimos remained silent.
"Jarrok Ren," Kylo Ren acknowledged with a nod of his head.
"Supreme Leader."
"Now, if interruptions are done and over with," Kylo said, placing both hands on the table. "I am reassessing your tasks and relocating a few Knights. Given the loss of General Morok, Jarrok, you will be assuming control over The Vengeance."
Jarrok gave a nod of his head.
"Deimos, you will stay will you are. Lype, you are now assigned to The Punisher. General Erst has been rumored to be plotting against the First Order and I need you to keep an eye out on him. Use any force necessary if you see it."
"Supreme Leader, if I may," another Knight spoke.
"What is it, Sula?"
"Is there any way I can be with Jarrok? The Vengeance is close to the other side of the Outer Rim, far away from The Zenith…" she trailed off.
"No, Sula," he refused. He saw her shoulders sag. "I have a different assignment for you."
"Supreme Leader?"
"You will accompany me back to the Finalizer after this meeting. I have a special task for you. And as for Leo, you will continue to operate on Coruscant for the next week until I have another task for you. Keep low."
He looked around the room.
"Supreme Leader, if I may," Leo chirped.
"Yes?"
"Rumors have it that on the Battle of Crait, after you defeated Luke Skywalker, the Padawan came after you. Is she with you now?"
Kylo could feel his anger levels boiling. He did not want to talk about Rey in front of his Knights, and Leo mentioning his old Master's name did nothing to help either.
By the looks of things, Leo could sense this.
"I meant no disrespect, Supreme Leader. We were merely curious as to her status and your plans for her."
Now that Leo was openly discussing Rey, Kylo noticed Deimos sitting up. He was less slouched and more attentive, and Kylo did not take kindly to this.
"The plans I have for the scavenger is not to be discussed at this time. You shall know when I deem it appropriate."
Leo bows his head. "Of course, Supreme Leader."
"That is all. There is a minor occurrence on Numina, and if the situation grows dire, I will not hesitate to contact everyone."
"Numina?" Jarrok asked.
This was the first time Kylo had heard him sound so surprised, and it took him a few seconds to understand why. Jarrok was from the planet.
"Is there a problem, Jarrok Ren?"
"Not at all, Supreme Leader."
"Good. Then you are all dismissed."
All the Knights got to their feet and began to leave. Sula was almost out the door with Jarrok when Kylo stopped her.
"Sula Ren, stay behind."
"Supreme Leader!"
He saw Jarrok give her a glance, but she dismissed him with a nod.
"Why do you suspect that I withheld you from the rest of the Knights?"
"Supreme Leader, with all due respect, the fish—"
Kylo waved his hand.
"There was a reason why I picked The Zenith to hold this meeting."
"Supreme Leader, if I may…do I have permission to speak freely?"
"Permission granted."
"With all due respect, is it because of the girl?"
"You are not wrong, but that is only half the story. You are to return with me to The Finalizer. I want to propose a task for you. The girl…Rey." Saying her name still felt foreign to him, and departing it to one of his Knights set him even more at unease. Names held a certain power over someone and left them vulnerable. It was one of the few reasons why he no longer went by his old name.
"Rey," Sula repeated.
"You are to train with her when I cannot. You are not to harm her. I will order for your accommodations to be near the main training room."
"And if she doesn't show up, should I actively seek for her?
"No, she will. I have a hunch. She is a fighter, and an energetic one at that. She'll need a source of release, a means to vent."
"You know her well."
To this, Kylo Ren didn't know how to respond. Even though all of his Knights were Force-sensitive, he doubted any of them would understand what a Force bond was. But as much as he hated to admit it, Sula was different, and whether it was her feminism that played a role in it or not, he didn't know. Whereas the rest of his Knights were all male and had no qualms in obeying orders, with the exception of Deimos, Sula was more compassionate. More empathetic.
"I do," he settled. Feeling an urge of protectiveness toward Rey, he continued.
"I want you to befriend her. She is insistent on harboring hatred for the First Order. She believes that we all stem for evil and that the Resistance is the right path."
"So, what you're saying is that you want me to make friends with her in order to change her mind and sway her loyalty toward the First Order. You want her to break ties with the Resistance. You want to turn her."
"Exactly."
"I'll do as you ask, but isn't that a little harsh and unfair?"
"I see no problem with it."
Sula sighed underneath her mask.
"May I remove this?"
"You may."
Sula pressed a button on her helmet and it unlocked. She took it off her head.
"Rey won't be happy with this. The foundation of friendships are forged on honesty and candidness, not ulterior motives."
"She won't find out. I'll make sure of it."
"And you yourself are okay with this?"
"Do not test me, Sula. I am growing impatient. There is no other way."
Sula stared at him with her silver eyes. He knew he was being stubborn, but he truly believed in what he said. And as Supreme Leader, he would not let anyone deviate him from his plans.
"Yes, Supreme Leader."
Kylo turned and walked out, with Sula trailing behind.
"There was something else you wanted to discuss with me?"
"I have had the general aboard this ship move us closer to our destination. We are on the border of the Outer Rim."
"The Wild Space? I've never been anywhere as far out as here," Sula exuded.
Kylo knew she would like it. She, after all, held an immersive fascination with space. Another reason why he was sure Sula and Rey would befriend.
"We are approaching the extragalactic zone. You will come with me to Kamino."
"Kamino?" she asked, pausing her task of slipping her helmet on.
"The spy in our systems—I have thoroughly searched the Finalizer, and reports from you and the rest of the Knights turn up negative. This spy and General Erst appear to be disconnected. I have no choice but to assume the traitor lies within our troops."
Sula frowned. "The thought of recondition isn't enough to deter anyone anymore these days. Apparently it wasn't enough for FN-2187."
"Correct."
"I thought the training academies were on Lothal."
"No. Locating all of our sites on one planet would be a foolish move. There is a training facility on Kamino and a few other ideal planets. Once Leo completes his assignment in Coruscant, he'll investigate Lothal himself."
The two of them slowed down their pace. They had arrived.
"Keep the ship floating in orbit," Kylo commanded, walking forward. He didn't need to turn around to hear the general's affirmation.
Sula followed him, tucking herself into the co-pilot's seat and strapping herself in. There was a reason why Kylo chose her, out of any of his Knights, to accompany him. He trusted her. The other Knights, especially Deimos, was displeased at his ascension to Supreme Leader. He knew a couple of them had intentions on pursuing the path themselves at the slightest opportunity, and when Kylo seized the title unexpectedly, they were less than happy even though everyone in the group knew he was the strongest. And not only that, the other Knights were permanently bloodthirsty and groundless, and he needed someone who had some modicum of control over their emotions during their subtle reconnaissance. Havoc was the last thing he needed. Until he found the spy, that is.
The two of them departed from the hangar and into the open space. Kamino was close enough so that Kylo could jump into hyperspace, and he did so, pushing his thruster to the max.
"Kamino…I've always heard about the planet but seeing it with my own eyes is a lot more terrifying," he heard Sula say. Kylo took a glance himself. Even though they were a few minutes away, he could still discern the strikes of thunder and the tumultuous roar of the waves on the giant hull of the planet.
Kylo was just about to answer her when he felt the wake of a being. The waking of Rey.
Her presence had undeliberately snuck into his train of thought. She was awake, but didn't realize she was projecting. A bit later than usual, but maybe it was because she was tired. No doubt the recent current of events were not easy on her body.
Sula was smart enough to see the small adjustment of him body in his seat, and she took over of the controls while he was distracted.
There she was, standing as proud as ever. Her side was facing him, and he knew she hadn't sensed him, so he used this time to bathe in her presence. Dark brown hair tied up in three buns, with a few unkempt strands tracing down her jawline and to her slender neck. The plodding, yet methodical grace of her moves as she walked from the refresher and sat down on the bed—the bed that Kylo Ren himself had made sure layered with the finest sheets the ship had on supply. How soft and smooth her skin looked. How fragile she was.
Even though he was still angry at her for her unwarranted attack the previous night, the desire to speak to her superseded his need to punish her.
Rey.
He saw her turn around and witnessed as her eyes grew when she saw him sitting in the cockpit of his command shuttle. Standing up, she walked closer to him. It didn't escape his notice that she did it with tentative steps.
Kylo?! What are you doing here?!
You are quite the sight.
And she was. She was beautiful, but he didn't want to voice that. She was dressed in a cadet blue nightgown that was shorter than the other ones he had requested to be placed in her room. Her shoulders gleamed tan, sun-kissed by the scorching heat on Jakku. And to make matters worse, this nightgown cut off right at the knee, and it was painstakingly difficult for Kylo to not let his eyes wander and glue themselves to her lissome legs.
Rey crossed her arms.
You're invading my personal space.
I sensed your presence. I wanted to visit.
Rey frowned, but she didn't tell him off. Eager, he continued.
We may as well learn more first-handedly about this connection we have.
So now you are in a talking mood. Quite the difference from yesterday, don't you think?
Kylo growled. You will watch your tone. If anything, I should be the one reprimanding you.
I'm not being rude, Rey responded. I favor this side of you far more than your angry one.
Be as it may, my states of emotion are not in your jurisdiction to control.
She rolled his eyes at him. Where are you?
Orbiting Kamino with one of my Knights.
Knights? He could see Rey biting her lips and he sucked in a tiny bit of air, relieved that Sula couldn't see what he was seeing.
That is correct.
I had a vision once… her voice trailed off.
And what did this vision entitle?
I was somewhere. Somewhere damp. It was raining. The ground was coated in mud and it was nighttime. This was all I had registered before I saw one of your Knights towering over me.
My Knights? he asked.
I know it was your Knight, because the next thing I knew, you killed him. From behind.
Impossible. I would never put you in danger.
You've held your lightsaber excruciatingly close to me when I dismissed your thoughts. At this point, I don't even know what is possible and what isn't.
Kylo didn't like the way she said that.
I am making everything possible for you.
Rey laughed. I'm trapped in this room, on this ship for another two days before I'm allowed to leave! What kind of rule is that?
I am keeping you safe.
Rey shook her head and stared at him in the eyes. He could feel her anger levels begin to boil. No, you are dictating what I can do and what I can't. You are controlling me. I can't even leave my quarters and go to the cafeteria and get food! I assume there is a cafeteria, isn't there?
Yes, but you are not to go there. The sustenance they provide is muck.
I'm from Jakku. I'm used to eating muck.
Kylo quickly stifled his own anger at her persistence when she mentioned Jakku. He had been on the planet a few times. The only thing worse than the people were those portions…they were lower than trash. Nothing better than tasteless glop that slimed down your throat.
No.
I won't let you tell me what I can or cannot do. He could see her scowl, but it didn't deter him. In fact, even a scowl managed to make her face look as beautiful as ever.
Do you want to eat or not?
Rey's stomach suddenly gave a tremendous roar and Kylo smirked.
I suppose that answers that question. Stubborn girl.
He could see Rey turning pink. Oh, how tantalizing she was. The rush of color to her cheeks was like life's very essence to his eyes.
Fine. How am I supposed to eat then?
The panel next to the headrest of your bed—go to it.
Rey moved closer to her bed and did as he told.
Just pull out the panel and order what you'd like. It's already afternoon for you, so something from the 'Lunch' category will do. All the food will be delivered to you by a droid when ready.
Maker, there's an endless array…this is…
Exquisite?
There was a silence from Rey, so thick and long that even he started to believe she didn't hear him.
What do you recommend I get? she finally asked.
He frowned. The tone in her voice was slightly different. Off. Something was bothering her.
I would get some pappardelle with sea urchin and kalettes. The delivery droid will be at your door in fifteen minutes. The dish does not take long to prepare.
She tapped on the panel.
As long as it's not bright green, he saw her chuckle. On Ahch-To, Master L—
She stopped talking. Kylo watched her as her face drooped and fell into despair.
No. No. This will not happen. He will not let the talk of Luke Skywalker dampen their conversation. His presence could still ruin the moment, even though he was dead. Dead.
Luke Skywalker.
An unsettling feeling blossomed in Kylo's chest. He looked down at his gloved hand. He killed him. He was the one who took the legendary Jedi's life. His hands would forever be stained with his blood. His soul was forsaken.
He began to shake and his vision grew dark, his memories returning to the battlefield. Kylo was magnetized toward staring into the eyes of the old man as Luke relished in the last few seconds of his life. Kylo remembered just how piercing his former master's eyes were—they held no blame, no pain. It was almost as if this was the way, a path forged by the Force itself. Luke had to die. And yet, with his death, Kylo felt no better a man than he did before. As a matter of fact, he felt worse. Even more lost. Weaker. Abandoned.
Kylo?
His name leaving the lips of Rey pulled him back to reality. He looked up at her, noticing how her eyes were filled with wary, and what's more, concern.
Are you okay?
I'm fine! Realizing he snapped at her, he repeated in a much softer tone, I'm fine.
He knew she could see through his lie.
Tell me about Kamino, please.
The 'please' helped. Kylo breathed a sigh of relief.
Kamino is not a pleasant place to live. Filled with treacherous waters and year-round rainstorms, few individuals ever step foot on the planet. Kylo projected an image of the planet's surface and he felt Rey recoil from him. Even though she loved rain, he knew that this was too much even for her.
Why are you going to a place like that?
Kylo hesitated, unsure of whether he could tell her. It wasn't a matter of trust—even though they were on opposite sides, he knew that he could entrust himself wholeheartedly to her. And as much as it was disconcerting, it was also consoling.
There is a small issue I need to resolve.
Issue? He could see Rey immediately tense. Maker, don't tell me—Kylo, you're not going to kill anyone, are you?
No, Rey. Not unless I have to.
Unless you have to?! she shrilled. I can't believe you're throwing around life like a ball. Unless you have to? Who decided you were to play god?
I do not want to do this right now.
Then tell me. Promise me you won't kill anyone.
Kylo sighed, irritated. Chances are, findings would come up short. He didn't expect to find anyone of guilt on Kamino, which meant no one would have to suffer, but he didn't tell her this.
Fine. I promise.
Good. Rey's expression morphed to concern yet again.
Will you be safe?
He felt his wrongdoings recede into a corner in his heart, deeply reserved for the darkest of secrets. In its cage, they were impotent, but unextinguishable.
I am the Supreme Leader.
Supreme Leader, yes, she rolled her eyes. But even you are not invincible.
I have one of my Knights accompanying me. She is more than capa—
SHE?
Yes, she.
Kylo saw Rey as she bared her teeth.
Who is this woman?
It took him a few seconds to understand where this behavior was coming from.
Rey, are you jealous?
Don't Rey me! she snapped.
Kylo couldn't help it. He began chuckling. Out of everything he has seen, he never would've expected Rey to react like this.
His laughter died away when he saw her reacting to his response. Some of the jealousy melted away and was replaced with insecurity. He could see it by the way her head was tilted down toward her feet.
I have never been with a woman before, Kylo intervened. He didn't like how downcast and hurt she looked. Nor is Sula of anyone important. All she is to me is a loyal Knight of Ren.
She's your comrade. Of course she's important to you. For someone who at first seemed to harbor distaste, Rey was now defending her.
I am surprised at how quickly your tone changed.
I am not letting this matter drop.
Kylo heard the rap on her door a second before she turned her head toward it.
We can talk about it while you eat, if you would like.
No! You are not going to watch me eat! she scowled. And that is final.
Rey marched over to the door and received her food from the delivery droid with a small 'thanks'. The droid gave her some kind of response. It was binary, a language Kylo had never bothered to learn. Droids were below him.
Open the lid, he said after she sat down at the table.
Maker, this smell…
He caught a glimpse of Rey's dumbfounded face staring at the food. Her nostrils involuntarily flared. Kylo was well familiar with the dish himself, and he swore he could smell the food from here. All of a sudden, a quick bite to eat before leaving for Kamino seemed like the right idea. An idea he sadly did not partake in.
You're not really going to watch me eat, are you?
If I really wanted to, you could do nothing to stop me. But I will respect your wishes. However, I do believe what you mean is while you eat alone. I reckon I will join you soon enough for meals.
Maker, you really are a pain in the arse, aren't you? Inserting yourself in other people's business without permission.
Even though her voice held disdain, he could see a small smile teasing him from the corner of her lips.
Enjoy your meal. He began to withdraw from her mind.
Wait! At her outburst, he paused.
What is it?
Rey's tiny fist balled around the handle of her knife. Don't leave completely. I still don't want you to watch me eat, but stay, won't you? Just so that I know you're here.
Her request surprised him. Of course.
Rey nodded, the only sign she gave before he cut their connection.
He was back in his command shuttle, but he could still feel Rey within him. It was like another personality was infused with his, but it was just slightly there and not anymore so that he didn't have to incessantly focus on it unless he chose to.
It lured him into solace.
Kylo turned his attention to piloting the ship, but he couldn't see anything. Next to him, Sula was fighting with the control stick. The rain crashing into the hull of his ship threatened to dismantle their balance. Everything was dark and black.
After breaking through the clouds, they slowed their descent. A lone red light flashing in the distance was the only thing that welcomed them.
"How are training centers going to be of any use to us when the Stormtroopers in training haven't even begun serving the First Order yet?" Sula asked, jerking him out of his thoughts.
"Not the training centers. The operational manager oversees all the training. For the Stormtroopers, I expect their principles will have been engrained in them already prior to their recruitment. FN-2187—I could sense his conflict even before my visit to Jakku. The operational manager is required to report any signs of suspicious behavior before deploying new Stormtroopers, but often times a position of power leads to indolence."
"I see."
The two of them docked on the open platform. Kylo was not looking forward to this. Not just because of the pouring rain that would obliterate his vision the moment he stepped off the ship, but because of the extreme hassles that could manifest. But he would bear through it. He knew Rey was watching over him.
Next to him, Sula was excited. He knew she loved the rain. Another perk. She and Rey would get along just fine.
"Keep your weapons hidden but ready," he said.
"Yes, Supreme Leader."