AN: Hey everyone! sorry for updating so late, work again. My boss wants me to work extra hours so that I can finish a project. :( (I work in a library and we're moving the non-ficiton to the fiction, fun.) But she says I don't have to if I don't want to. :) Anyway, let's get on with it.
I'd like to thank nesguy for favoriting this, thank you.
SaintsFan1- She just might be going darker, but you'll have to read this next chapter to find out if it's true. I'm glad you liked the sparring session and Rey beating Kylo. I doubt that he liked it as much though. :D But the reward was very sweet. She's making friends with more than the stormtroopers, and I don't think Finn will be too happy about that. Yes, for once things are starting to look up for Kylo, but something will happen that will give him something to worry about. Thanks again for reviewing!
C.Z.B.- Rey being a fast learner is a good thing for her and Kylo, and for me. It allows me to not focus so much on the training sessions, although I really enjoy writing them. You'll find out which side Rey chooses in this chapter, so you won't have to wait long. It's quite alright for you not reading this immediately and reviewing a bit later. I don't mind at all, take all the time you want. I guess it's good that I start school in September, but I really don't want to, considering that it literally ended the last week of June. So really I only had a two month summer, which isn't very long, but that's my view of it. Anyway, thanks again for reviewing!
I bet you guys want to get reading, so go right ahead!
Chapter 22
During their training session the next day Kylo had been teaching her how to enter the mind. Considering that she was a Kenobi she was learning fairly quickly. "Very good Rey, now try and break through the barrier."
"Got it." He had taught her how to enter the mind and navigate it. Now he was seeing how strong her will was to break down someone's barrier. It wasn't bad, but she was weak.
"Put more strength into it."
"I'm trying."
"You need to concentrate Rey."
"I am." She was starting to become frustrated again, but she showed no signs of stopping. Sweat was beginning to go down her face as she pushed herself to the limit, but it wasn't good enough. She left his mind and tried to regain herself.
"Come on Rey I know you can do it."
"I'm trying okay. I just can't."
"It helps if you're thinking about something that gives you strength, like when I was interrogating you. What were you thinking about then?"
"That I needed to get you out of my head and later kill you."
"Yeah that's not offending me at all."
"You know I feel differently about that now."
"I know, I'm only teasing." She smiled at him and he returned it.
"Find something that makes you stronger."
"Alright."
"Let's go again." He put up his barrier again and waited for her to enter his mind. When he could feel her presence he started to push against it. Kylo's wall was sturdy and it was going to be hard for her to break through. As he studied her face he saw that her expression changed from concentration to anger. He felt her increase her strength so much that it was beginning to become a strain for him. "Rey."
She showed no signs of stopping as she kept pushing harder and harder. He was beginning to feel his wall fall and he mustered up all of the strength that he had left to keep it up. "Rey." It became too much for him and his wall fell and she worked her way into his mind. "Rey." It was the third time that he said her name and she finally pulled away. "What were you thinking about? I felt and saw a lot of anger coming from you."
"I was thinking about everything bad that happened to me. About how my family abandoned me, how Luke was afraid of my power, having to survive all those years alone, Luke halting my training, and Finn not trusting me. I just feel more strength come from me when I'm angry. I'm sorry if I caused you any strain."
"No it's fine. This is actually a good sign."
"It is?"
"You're embracing the Dark Side."
"Shit." She slapped herself across the face for letting that happen. "How could I be so stupid? I'm going to the Dark Side. And I don't even want to go to the Dark Side."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yeah."
"You've been acting different lately. You're acting more mischievous, you laughed at Hux's misery, and you're more accepting of the First Order."
"Oh. I guess I didn't realize that. But I still don't want to join."
"That's what your brain is saying, but what about your heart? I won't force you, but you need to do what feels right for you. If you're more comfortable with the light then stay there, it's up to you."
"Can I have time to think about it?"
"Take all the time you want. Do you want to continue the lesson?"
"Might as well."
"Good. Now that you're able to do that, let's work on mind manipulation. I've ordered Captain Phasma to come see me and when she opens the door I want you to tell her to run into the wall."
"Why make her do that?"
"Because I can't think of anything else."
"Out of ideas already?"
"Hey, you try planning a lesson, it's not easy." She rolled her eyes and just then the door opened. And sure enough there was the silver armoured Phasma.
"Sir, what is it that you needed to talk to me about?" Kylo nodded to Rey to begin and she waved her hand in front of her face.
"You will run into the wall." Phasma turned to Rey and didn't say anything and just stared at her. "You will run into the wall." This time Phasma responded.
"I will run into the wall." And sure enough they heard the loud thud of her armour hitting the hard wall. She wasn't knocked out but it was effective nonetheless.
"Very good Rey."
"Thanks, why did you choose Phasma?"
"Because she's the most trained stormtrooper out of everyone and would've been harder to control. But you did exceptionally well."
"Thanks. She won't be mad will she?"
"I doubt it." As if on cue Phasma got up and turned in their direction.
"Sir, what was the purpose of that?"
"You have just taken part in our lesson Captain. You may leave." Phasma tilted her head in confusion but didn't question her superior.
"Yes sir." Phasma left the room and the two were alone once more.
"See I told you she wouldn't be mad."
"Yeah I guess you're right. So what now?"
"Well not much really. I mean the only other thing with using the mind is communication, but because we have a connection it's easier for us to communicate with ourselves and others. We'll work on force pushing and that should be it for the basics really."
"That was fast."
"Well you're a fast learner. If there's anything else that I need to teach you I will, but for now you should be fine."
"Alright, and then it's all about what side of the force I'm on."
"Exactly. You need to follow your heart with that decision Rey. We should get back to work. I'll see you later."
"Right, all of those tie fighters aren't going to fix themselves."
"That's my girl." He pulled her in for a hug and kissed the top of her head. "I'll see you later." They separated and she watched as he put his helmet back on and left the room. Rey collected her things and went to the lower hangar.
Kylo went to go see Snoke to give him the good news about Rey. Things were starting to move along nicely with her and it was only a matter of time before she joined them. As he entered the chamber Snoke's image appeared. "Master I have good news about Rey."
"Good. I sense a darkness beginning to grow in her."
"Yes. She's using her anger to make her more powerful in the force. She just did it during training."
"Excellent, has she considered joining us?"
"I brought up the topic and she's undecided. She thinks in her head that she doesn't want to join us, but I think she's feeling otherwise. She just needs to find out for herself."
"Very well. How is basic training?"
"We're almost complete master. I think we'll be able to finish tomorrow."
"Good, when her basic training is complete I'm giving you the authority for her to construct her own lightsaber."
"Thank you master. We won't disappoint you."
"You better not. Dismissed."
"Yes master." Kylo left the chamber to go continue the rest of his duties. All he needed to do now was wait for Rey to make her decision on who's side she's on.
As Rey worked on the tie fighters she thought about what Kylo had said. She guessed that she was acting different in a way, she didn't mean to be. But now that she thought about it, she realized that she liked it. It was enjoyable for her to express herself in a different way. She could finally let all of her emotions free and not be worried about concealing them.
And she was starting to become more accepting of the Order. It was beginning to feel like a home to her. She had gotten to know lieutenants, commanders, and individual soldiers while on board. Although they showed some hatred towards her, the more time she spent with them the more they began to accept her, as shown by LR and BT. It was as if she was being accepted as one of them.
She thought that she'd hate herself for it, but she really didn't mind anymore. She still thought that the First Order wasn't the best thing in the world, but it was hard for her to picture herself leaving. She'd gotten used to the surroundings so fast that it was as if she'd been there her whole life. She was even getting used to Hux and enjoyed making snide comments at him from time to time.
But if she joined the Dark Side she'd be aligned to the Order, but she still cared about the Resistance. It was a hard choice to make considering all that's happened to her. And she didn't have to just consider the Order, she had to bring Kylo into the decision as well.
If she chose the Light Side Snoke would most likely punish her for it or kill her, unless she somehow escaped before that happened. But then she wouldn't get to see Kylo anymore and if they were on opposing sides they would have to eventually kill each other. She couldn't let that happen, without Kylo in her life it's as if there's no point to anything. If he's suddenly cut off from her physically and mentally she'd start to feel the emptiness again, and she hated that feeling. The only way to stay with him for certain was to be on the Dark Side, but then she couldn't go back to her friends.
She thought about Finn and Poe. Finn didn't trust her judgement, he couldn't accept what she had with Kylo, and it angered her. He was supposed to be her best friend, but he was acting so immature about it. Poe on the other hand was different. He accepted what she had and supported her. If she joined Kylo she'd never see them again, but she wasn't sure if she'd be able to forgive Finn for the way he acted. Perhaps if he learned to accept it like Poe, but there was no way that was going to happen.
Then there was Luke. She still trusted him and had begun to understand why he stopped training her. But she was still upset that he stopped in the first place and that he was afraid of what she could do. There was also the fact that he knew who her family was and didn't bother to tell her. He had so many chances to, but he chose not to. She'd never forgive him for that. She cared about Leia, she didn't do anything wrong and she viewed her as a mother. But she doubted that she would influence her decision.
All of her frustration caused her head to hurt and she stopped working to rub her temples. Just thinking about what to do made her head hurt. But Kylo had told her not to use her head, instead she should listen to her heart.
She closed her eyes to calm herself and felt the force around her. She didn't have a single thought in her head as she listened to what her heart had to say. It ached with what happened to her in the past and present. She had so many terrible things happen to her that it caused her to bottle up her anger.
Whenever she released that anger her heart didn't ache anymore and she felt happy for once. Then there was the compassion that she had for Kylo. It made her heart fill with joy and whenever he wasn't around it saddened. When it came to her friends and Luke there was happiness. But there was also sorrow for what they had done to her.
The Resistance made her feel safe, but whenever they were in danger her heart quickened from the fear. With the First Order she also felt safe, but they had several unknown locations and weren't in constant danger. Her heart was calm here and there were no signs of them constantly being under attack. With the Resistance she knew a few people, but her heart didn't register them as she didn't get to know them. With the First Order her heart filled with belonging as she got to know several different people and they had accepted her as one of their own. With the Resistance she was just viewed as the girl with the force, if it weren't for that she'd be a nobody.
She opened her eyes when she had comprehended all of that. Once she listened to what her heart had to say the choice became clear to her. She felt more at peace here, a larger sense of belonging, and more compassion towards the people around her. When she let out her anger through the force it made her feel happier and stronger than she ever had before.
Although she wouldn't become exactly like Snoke and Kylo who were too far gone to be brought back, she realized that the Dark Side was where she belonged. She belonged with the First Order and everyone in it. Most importantly she belonged with Kylo Ren, and if she ever had to leave him it would tear her apart.
If this is what the force had meant about her destiny along with Kylo then she was perfectly okay with that. She continued working and managed to get two more fighters done before she left to go report to Kylo and Hux. She left for the bridge and ran into Commander Chatenn in the hallway. "Evening Rey."
"Evening Commander."
"How are things going with the tie fighters?"
"Very well actually. I managed to complete two more today. Things would go a lot faster if I had help."
"Excellent. I'll try to pass the word along. Perhaps I can have one of our mechanics help you."
"That would be great thank you."
"You're very welcome. I'll see you in the cafeteria tomorrow I'm sure."
"I'm sure you will. Have a good evening."
"You too." They continued in their separate directions and Rey had a smile on her face. This is what she meant about getting to know the people around her. She began seeing them in the cafeteria and around the ship and they always stopped to have a conversation with her. As she reached the bridge she saw that Hux was there but Kylo wasn't.
"Evening General." Hux turned around to face her.
"Evening Rey. How's the progress with the tie fighters?"
"They're coming along good. I was able to finish two more today. I ran into Commander Chatenn on the way here and mentioned that I could use some help. He said that he'd pass the word along and that he could get one of the mechanics to make the work go faster."
"Interesting. Well if that word ever gets to me, I'll be sure to consider it."
"Of course you will. You're not going to send someone to help me are you?" She crossed her arms as she waited for his response.
"Now I didn't say that. I'm not always what you think Rey."
"Yeah I noticed when you attacked me."
"You're never going to let that go are you?"
"No not really." Suddenly Kylo's footsteps could be heard and she turned around and waited for him to approach them. "Hey Kylo."
"Hey. How're the tie fighters coming?" She repeated what she said to Hux and he nodded his head in approval. "Good, the mechanic help is Hux's decision not mine but I'll try to influence him." Hux spoke up.
"You know I can hear you right?"
"I know." Hux rolled his eyes and Rey let out a small chuckle before speaking.
"So how are things going on your end Kylo?"
"Well one of our star destroyers is coming in tomorrow to get hooked up, the production is improving nicely, and we still can't find the Resistance. I assume that your report is similar Hux?" Hux nodded his head in agreement.
"Well I have some much needed good news."
"Really? Regarding what?"
"About which side of the force I'm going to be on." Kylo and Hux exchanged looks at each other before turning to her expectantly.
"That was fast."
"Yeah well, I did what you said and listened to my heart."
"And what's your decision?" She took a deep breath and looked at the two of them.
"I'm joining the Dark Side and the First Order."
"Are you positive?"
"Yes, you said so yourself that I've been acting differently. And I have to admit that I liked the way that it feels. Besides, using my anger in the force not only makes me stronger, but it helps me to let all of that anger out and feel more at peace. I've had it bottled up for so long that now all I want to do is let it out in the force."
"But what about the Resistance?"
"I'll still care about them, but I don't really know anybody other than Luke, Leia, Finn, and Poe. Oh and Chewie, R2-D2, C-3PO, and BB-8. But other than that I don't really know anybody and when the planet exploded I didn't really feel any sympathy towards their deaths once I found out that Luke and Leia had survived."
"I see. And you're willing to serve under Supreme Leader Snoke and the First Order?"
"I am. I feel more at home here and I'm really starting to get attached to some of the people around here. As for Snoke, I think that as long as I stay on his good side I'll be fine. I might not always agree with him in the ways of brutality, but I do understand the importance of it."
"Are you willing to kill in the name of the First Order?"
"Yes. If I was willing to so easily kill stormtroopers, which I now regret because I'm getting to know quite a few of them, then I shouldn't have a problem."
"Very well then. And you're absolutely 100% sure of this. Because there's no turning back if you do."
"Trust me, I'm sure."
"Well then, I think it's safe to say that you've officially become my apprentice."
"And that makes you my master." Hux spoke after being silent.
"Welcome to the First Order. When you're done with the tie fighters I'll have you work with Ren on his duties until you're ready for your own."
"Sounds fair. I suggest that we should go tell Snoke now?" Kylo nodded his head and the two began to leave. Kylo stopped her when he realized that Hux was following them.
"You don't have to follow us General."
"I believe that I do. I'm the highest ranking officer of the First Order and I believe that I need to be present when you tell Snoke that she is joining us."
"Very well. Let's go." The three of them went to go see Snoke and walked together in silence. When they arrived they waited for his image to appear and he was shocked at seeing all three of them.
"What is the meaning of this?" Kylo spoke first.
"Master, Rey has decided to join the Dark Side." Hux quickly chimed in.
"She's also agreed to joining the First Order." Snoke looked Rey over as he processed the information.
"Interesting. Tell me Rey, are you truly willing to learn the ways of the Dark Side, serve under the First Order in attempting to rule the galaxy, and to follow my every command without question?"
"Yes Supreme Leader, I am."
"Why have you decided to join us?"
"Because I like the feeling of using my anger to make me more powerful in the force. When I was training with Luke I had to conceal my anger, and I'd already been doing that for years. When I got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore it felt so good to finally let it all out. And everytime I do it I feel more powerful and stronger, while also feeling more at peace."
"I see. Why are you willing to join the First Order?"
"Because I feel more at home here. I know more people than I ever did in the Resistance, and I'm starting to understand what you're fighting for."
"Are you willing to kill innocent lives for us?"
"Yes. When I was with the Resistance I killed innocent stormtroopers without giving it a second thought. I didn't realize that they were actual people until recently. If the people I'm to kill are like that then I feel like I've already accomplished it. It just depends on which side you look at it from."
"Excellent. When your basic training is complete you may construct your own lightsaber and Kylo Ren will show you how to make the crystal bleed so your blade will be red. When you return he will begin your training of the Dark Side. You are now his apprentice."
"Thank you Supreme Leader. I will not disappoint you."
"You better not. General Hux, what is her status among the Order?"
"She's currently repairing the tie fighters that were damaged during the attack against the Resistance. When that is complete I was planning on having her assist Ren with his duties until she's ready for her own."
"I approve of this. The three of you are dismissed." They all bowed as the image disappeared and they exited the chamber. Hux turned to them and spoke.
"I'll see the two of you tomorrow." Kylo turned to face Hux.
"Very well General." They watched Hux leave and they started to walk towards their rooms. As they walked Rey broke the silence.
"I'm not going to have to change my name am I?"
"You'll probably have to in time, but I don't really see a reason for it. You don't have to do it now if you don't want to."
"Good. I can't wait to build my lightsaber."
"I'm sure it will be as unique as you. I'll see you tomorrow." He went down the corridors to his room and Rey continued walking. For the first time in years she felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.
AN: So what did you guys think. I hope that you guys don't hate me for making her go to the Dark Side.
Feel free to review and let me know what you think.
I'll see you guys in the next chapter, may the force be with you.