Navigating the busy streets, Rey was hot and dizzy. She knew she couldn't give up, and kept the image of Leia's defeated eyes in her mind as motivation. She was so grateful when they reached their destination.
'In here.' She indicated to the men. Finn was first to enter with Rey behind him, two of the men accompanied them and one remained to guard the entrance. They advanced slowly and quietly. Upon reaching a door at the top of the staircase, Rey and Finn placed themselves on either side of the frame as the rebel soldiers broke through the door with a swift kick. Two guards flanked Leia, they looked surprised. They were quickly dealt with by the rebels blasters. Rey and Finn entered the room. Finn ran straight to Leia to untie her. Rey stood still, she felt uneasy. Something was wrong. Hux would never have left Leia here with so little protection.
'Leia, are you alright?' She asked.
'Yes I'm fine. He couldn't harm me, he needed me alive. I'm just groggy from whatever that concoction was he had been forcing down my throat.'
Finn shook his head as he helped Leia out of the chair,
'I'll kill that disgusting coward.'
Leia patted his hand,
'Now, now Finn. Don't get worked up. Let's get out of here.'
Rey's eyes searched the room, something wasn't right, she just couldn't put her finger on it. The baby flipped in her stomach causing her to wretch.
'Rey are you okay?' Finn asked with concern.
'Probably just the heat getting to her, huh Rey?' Leia said and Rey appreciated her attempt to cover for her despite her ordeal.
'Yes, probably just the heat. Let's go, we can leave someone to watch the premises and notify us if Hux returns.'
They started down the stairs, Rey bringing up the rear. Stepping out into the streets, suddenly Rey's senses felt flooded with sensations. The sun was too bright, the towns people were too noisy, she covered her ears to block out the sound. She flagged behind and lost sight of the others, her vision became blurry and her heart began to race. Then she heard a blaster shot and a scream. People started running everywhere, they ran into her, knocking her off balance and she almost fell. Suddenly the crowd parted and she saw Hux walking towards her with a sinister smile on his face. She tried to run, but her legs wouldn't move. Hux stopped in front of her,
'Well, Well, Well, If it isn't the great and powerful Lady Ren herself. What brings you to the outer rim?'
'You Hux. Surrender and come with me now.'
'I'm afraid I can't do that. You see I had hoped to use Leia as leverage but when my spies told me of your arrival, I knew you wouldn't be able to resist trying to save your precious general and that's when I realised you would be a much bigger prize.'
Rey swayed.
'Are you feeling okay Lady Rey? Don't worry, you won't be harmed. I just made sure they gave you enough to make you more...agreeable.'
'What?'
'I had my men drug your water supply. You're impressively strong, it's taken quite a high dose for it to finally take affect.'
'You won't get away with this...'
'I'm afraid I already have... your friends have gone, left you behind and you are in no position to fight.'
Rey could hardly stand, she fought to keep her eyes open.
'Shhhhh, it's okay. I will take care of you. You can sleep now.' Hux's words sounded like they came from under water then suddenly everything went dark.
Hux caught Rey before she hit the floor, carrying her in his arms.
'Let's go.' He said to his men.
Hux smiled to himself as he walked through the streets. Now he has Lady Ren, Kylo would be completely at his mercy. Time was of the essence and he had to get back to his ship as soon as possible. No doubt the small band of rebels would be looking everywhere for Rey. He had to leave immediately.
Something wasn't right...mother was sleeping and there was a bad thing. The bad thing was taking them somewhere. No. This was wrong. This was all wrong.
Across the galaxy Kylo was having a heated discussion with Phasma regarding new armour requirements, when he felt a stab to his chest. The pull was back but much stronger than before. Rey. He thought. Putting his hand up he stopped Phasma mid sentence and left the room.
Rey awoke in restraints on a small shuttle. Her head throbbed and her movements were lethargic.
'I trust you are well rested empress?' Hux drawled.
Rey gritted her teeth,
'You know, I was willing to show you mercy, but a death sentence is all you're heading for if you stay on this path.'
'Speak for yourself.'
Rey pulled at the cuffs around her wrists,
'Where are you taking me?'
'I couldn't possibly say, we never know who is listening do we?'
'If I had my saber right now...'
'But you don't, not this time. This time I'm the one in control.'
'He'll kill you for this Hux. You're a dead man walking.'
'Oh really? We will see how the formidable Kylo Ren acts when his beloved brides life is in danger. I will have him on his knees begging for your life.'
'No, you will be on your knees begging for yours. I should have claimed your head when I had the chance.'
Hux sneered at Rey and walked away.
Rey was annoyed that he wouldn't give away their intended location but knew it was a minor set back. She felt the tether her little one had created through the bond as she lay unconscious. She felt Kylo coming for her, following the invisible thread that bound them together like a trail of breadcrumbs. She patted her stomach. The good news is Daddy's coming. She whispered. The bad news is he knows everything.
