Chapter 35

AN: Hey guys. I'm so so so so so so so so so so sorry that I haven't updated in weeks. Or has it been almost a month? Was it really that long? I feel so bad and I really have no excuse. I was lazy. And it's entirely my fault. But I also kind of stopped so I could complete my summer assignments that I waited until last minute to do. But then again I finished them pretty fast, so now we're back to me being lazy. So I really had no reason not to write during the rest of the summer, and I'm so sorry.

But then summer ended and I was back at school September 7, yay. :( And of course my teachers have to make everything difficult the first few weeks by giving us homework. (In some classes I didn't mind and it wasn't that bad. But pre-calc is freaking me out, I have no idea what I'm doing.) Top homework with tennis matches after school lasting about two hours and having work two days a week. Plus add not really any down time while at home or on the weekends, and the whole college application thing, it's been a pretty terrible school year so far. People say how fun senior year is, not really getting the whole fun part. I'm feeling like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown if I don't get one day to just chill. Hence me just now posting chapter 35. But at least I'm in a creative writing class, so one good thing has come out of school so far. You probably don't want to hear about how pathetic my life is, so I'll just stop.

Getting back on track here. I'd like to thank Junia Grey, ThinkerPal, chibichibi98, and PinkRathian for following this and favoriting this while I was inactive. So glad to see that people are still interested in this. It means a lot guys, thank you so much. The reviews and knowing that you guys like it are what kept me from completely forgetting about this. You guys rock! And speaking of reviews, I think it's about time I answered the ones from the last chapter.

SaintsFan1- So glad you enjoyed it. I enjoyed writing the dream sequence, writing Obi-wan and Maul's dialogue was the best part. And you're right a lot of it did come true, fate has a way of working itself out in the end. Rey probably would've been a completely different person if her parents hadn't left her on Jakku. She probably never would've been able to do half of the things she's capable of. Or meet Han and bring him back to Leia, which means no attack on Starkiller, which means the Resistance is destroyed! (Sorry, kind of got out of hand there a little bit.) Glad you liked Kylo's childishness about the holo net. The way he acted is literally me when I want to watch a movie but someone else in my family wants to use the tv. (my brother) You'll get to see what happens soon! Thanks so much for reviewing!

C.Z.B- I know right! I pretty much based their whole interaction on me and my younger brother. He always wants to use the tv for video games, but I want to watch tv on it. (It doesn't help that he's always on it) We also fight over the volume a lot, if something's too loud for him when it's fine for me he freaks out. (It's not like a tantrum or anything, he's turning 14 next week, so it's nothing like that. But still it's annoying and he's actually louder than the tv.) Anyway, glad you think that about the dream. Who knows it very well could be, but only time will tell. Awww, it makes me so happy that this is your favorite chapter so far! That definitely brightened my day. (Or should I say night because I'm posting this around 11? Eh, it doesn't matter.) I loved that part too, it was very fun to write. Thanks so much for reviewing!

BetterinTexas- Glad to see that you're all caught up. Good to hear that you liked the chapters. Thanks for the reviews on the last two chapters!

Okay this is my longest author's note. And I'm very sorry about that. If you wanted to skip it I don't blame you. But if you read everything, so glad that you were able to get through it. But enough babbling from me, let's get this thing started up again!

"Keep your stance sturdy. You can't lose balance with this or you'll hurt yourself."

"I'm trying." They had been practicing her new lightsaber technique all morning. She had to keep her balance more because she has two blades that could bring her down with the wrong move. She also had to learn to not hit herself with the other blade while attacking with the opposite one. And if she were to use both at the same time that she couldn't keep them so close to her body.

They've been using the practice sabers, normally they wouldn't use them as much but it was better than accidentally cutting off a limb while learning.

Kylo was working her harder than usual. He really wanted to complete her saber training so they could leave. She didn't blame him, she just wished that he wouldn't go so fast to the point where she couldn't keep up half the time.

She was improving nicely and she was able to learn the fighting style quickly along with the movements required for this type of weapon. It helped that she'd done similar feats with her staff, so she didn't need to spend so much time on it.

What she was really having trouble with was trying to make sure that she wouldn't harm herself. If she was in the wrong position or was off balance she could burn herself, or worse.

Rey felt like she was getting the hang of it, but then Kylo would point something out that was wrong and she had to try and fix it.

They've been sparring for hours. And though Rey would enjoy something like this, she was beginning to get very tired from having only three breaks. Kylo noticed that she was beginning to slow down and stopped. "Rey do you need a break?" She began to pant from being out of breath.

"Yeah. That. Would. Be. Great." She grabbed her water and leaned her practice saber against the bench. When she felt she was hydrated enough she sat on the floor, and seconds later laid down on her back.

"Uh Rey, are you sure that you want to lay down on the floor? It gets pretty sweaty."

"At this point I don't care. I'll go in the refresher before I work, I just need to lay down for a second."

"Couldn't you just do that on the bench?"

"Yeah, but I'm already on the ground."

"Can you at least put your bag under your head. That's just gross."

"Ugh fine. Can you give me my bag?"

"Are you really that lazy?"

"I'm not lazy. I'm tired. Now give me my bag." Kylo sighed and brought the bag over to her. She placed it under her head and closed her eyes.

"Please tell me you're not going to take a nap."

"No. I'm just relaxing for a little bit. And besides I seem to recall you doing the same thing yesterday."

"Yeah but I was on the bench not the floor."

"So?"

"Ugh nevermind. Let me know when you're ready." He sat on the bench and waited for Rey to get up. She laid there for 10 minutes and made no signs of getting up. Kylo had to check every once in awhile to make sure she wasn't sleeping.

He was beginning to get uncomfortable so he put his bag under his head and laid down. He didn't fall asleep or anything, but it was a lot more comfortable, to some extent anyway, he was still on a hard bench.

After several minutes Rey got up and went over to Kylo. "Okay we can continue now."

"Really? Just as I start to get comfortable you're ready to start up again."

"Yeah."

"Alright. Help me up would you." Rey grabbed hold of his arm and helped him into a sitting position. "Let's spar again."

"Alright. I'll just mess up again."

"No you won't. You use it well, you just need to learn how to not kill yourself with it."

"Yeah yeah I know." They picked up their practice sabers and took a stance. Rey attacked first and Kylo was put on the defensive. She switched between each blade during her attacks, while occasionally using both to make him go off balance.

For once Kylo wasn't critiquing her about anything, so she must've been doing it right. She was beginning to get tired again and decided to end the match. She put more pressure on her blades to the point where she was forcing Kylo to bring his saber down. She then released, kicked him, and gave him one final blow on the side, causing him to fall over. "I win."

"Very good Rey. You actually did everything right this time. Now let's use our actual sabers this time."

"Do we have to? I'm getting tired. Why can't we just do that tomorrow?"

"Because I want to get this done. We need to take care of the Coruscant problem." Rey rolled her eyes. She wanted to fight as badly as he did, but she wouldn't do well if she was tired.

"Fine."

"Good, get your saber."

"I am." She put away her practice saber and grabbed her real one. She felt it's weight in her hands as she waited for Kylo to be ready. He stood in front of her and activated his red blade. She did the same and took her stance.

Kylo lunged at her and she began to parry his strikes. So far she wasn't injuring herself, so that was a good sign. She suddenly kicked him in the leg, causing him to back away. She then started to attack him, twirling her blood red blades as fast as she could to the point where they were a blur.

Kylo blocked them well for several minutes. But Rey had started making her attacks more intense and she began to finish him off. She managed to knock him down and pointed one of her blades at his neck. "I win again."

"Excellent. You didn't manage to harm yourself once. I think it's safe to say that you're completely finished with lightsaber training."

"Yes! When are we leaving? I want to kick some butt."

"Whenever the troops are assembled. I suggest that you speak to your squad commander before we leave."

"Why? Is my squad coming with us?"

"Yes. I want to see how well you can lead them in situations like these."

"I'm pretty sure we'll be fine. I was able to lead them well during the little invasion on board. None of my men got killed."

"I know. But this situation is most likely going to be more of a battlefield. It has a different feel to it."

"I'm sure I can handle it. How many times have you been in situations like these?"

"Several. Most of them were with the Order, but I did go into several battles with my knights."

"Oh yeah. I completely forgot that you were the leader of the Knights of Ren. Am I ever going to see them?"

"Eventually. Snoke tends to bring them out if he feels they are needed. Otherwise I just give them mundane missions to keep them occupied. They aren't force users and they can get pretty rowdy when restless. It's easier to just keep them occupied during training or small missions for the Order."

"Cool. Do they all look like you?"

"To a point, yes. We all wear helmets and black robes. But because each of them has a specialty they have to accommodate their clothing to what helps them in combat."

"When will I get to meet them?"

"When your training is complete. I haven't really informed them about you."

"Keeping me a secret are you?"

"Well yes. But they'll probably take advantage of you if you aren't completely submerged yet. They'll do anything to gain more power in the Order. If I wasn't the one keeping them in check they'd probably just kill everyone."

"I see. I'm gonna go freshen up. I smell like sweat."

"That and you were laying on the floor."

"Why do you keep bringing that up?"

"Because it's gross."

"Whatever. I'll see you later." Rey grabbed her things and went towards her room. As she approached she saw Larry and Bandit as always. "Hey guys." The two troopers responded simultaneously.

"Hey Rey."

"How's it going?" Larry answered her.

"Pretty good. We're on guard duty so not much really happens."

"What do you guys do when I'm not in my room anyway?"

"Well we talk, grab some food until you come back, and sometimes we sneak a holonet tablet into our armour so we can watch it."

"And you guys don't get in trouble for it?"

"Nah. Not a lot of high ranking officers come down here."

"Okay. Have you guys ever been in a battle before."

"I haven't but Bandit has." Rey turned to face Bandit.

"What's it like?"

"Well it's loud and chaotic. You have to watch your surroundings at all times. You take care of yourself and your teammates because they're trying to protect you. You have to be a quick thinker and not ask questions for your commanding officer. There's bodies everywhere with blood trailing out of them. There are even some cases where body parts are detached from their owners. And sometimes those people are still alive. If you handle yourself well you shouldn't have any problems at all, unless you get hit of course."

"How many battles have you been in?"

"About 3. They aren't all like that. That's mostly if it's really bad and the enemy is ruthless. Otherwise the biggest thing you have to worry about is the crossfire."

"Oh okay."

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because Kylo and I are going to Coruscant to eliminate the group of Resistance supporters that are planning on fighting back."

"Why are you and Ren going? Aren't you just sending down more troops? That's what we were told."

"We are sending more troops, but some of the supporters are claiming to suddenly be force sensitives. If this rumor turns out to be true, Kylo and I have to handle it. Besides he's having me bring my squad down. He wants to see how well I do in leading troops in that situation."

"Oh okay. Did you guys make a plan of attack yet?"

"No. I just finished my lightsaber training for good. Kylo wanted me to complete it before we go so that I don't end up killing myself."

"Alright! How did that go?"

"Pretty well. I managed to defeat him several times so I'd consider myself a force to be reckoned with. Anyway I'm going to go into the refresher. I don't smell too hot."

"Alright." Rey walked into her room and threw her stuff on her bed. She unhooked her lightsaber, undressed, and went into the refresher. She enjoyed the hot water, it was so soothing and it really helped with her sore muscles.

When she felt that she was clean enough she got out and changed into a new set of clothes. She attached her lightsaber to her belt and walked out of the room. She knew that Kylo would want to meet with her later for the whole attack planning thing. But she had to tell Austin about what was happening first.

She turned to Larry and Bandit. "Do you guys know where I can find Austin?" Bandit shook his head no, but Larry knew where he was.

"He's either in the cafeteria, in his room, or he's doing exercises with his men in our training room."

"Wait a second. There's another training room?"

"Yeah. It's mostly for weapons training and physical training. It's used by the troopers that are staying in that area most of the time."

"Oh. Where is it?"

"Um, I'm pretty sure that it's close to the main hangar."

"What do you mean by close to the main hangar? I didn't see it before."

"Well it's in a different direction. It's closer to where the squadron barracks are."

"Okay. Which direction do I go then?"

"You know how when you go to the hangar from this direction there's a three-way fork in the halls."

"Yeah. You go straight to make your way into the hangar."

"Right. To get to the training room you take the right hallway."

"The right hallway, got it. Do I just walk straight down or are there any turns."

"No turns. Just follow the hallway until you see a door with a blaster on it. That's the door to the training room."

"Got it. I'll go there first so that I won't forget. I'll see you guys when I get back."

"Alright, see ya Rey." With that she began to walk down the hall in search of her commander. She went towards the hangar and sure enough she came to the three-way fork. She hesitated for a brief second before taking the right hallway.

She walked down it for several minutes, it was definitely a long and slightly curvy hallway. As she walked she noticed several troopers walking through the hall and entering the several barracks that were off to the side. Most of them didn't have their helmets on, but they kept their white armor. Quite a few of them were looking at her as she walked. She guessed that not a lot of non-troopers came down this way.

Soon enough she found the door with the blaster on it. She let it open and walked into the large room. Lucky for her Austin was there along with the rest of her men. Some of the men were doing blaster practice, while others were working out and sparring.

As she entered the room she saw that everyone had stopped to stare at her. Austin didn't realize what was going on. "What are you stopping for?! Get back to work!" No one responded, instead the closest trooper to him spoke to him.

"Uh sir, Commander Kenobi is here."

"Now why would she be here?" He turned around and sure enough he was face to face with her. "Oh uh, so sorry Commander. I didn't mean to sound rude, I didn't know you were here."

"It's fine. I don't get mad at those types of things. I actually came by to talk to you. And this is even better because everyone's here. Everyone is here right?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Now I'm sure you've all heard what's been happening down on Coruscant."

"Yes we've heard about the rallies."

"I don't know if you know this, but there are several supporters that are claiming to be force sensitive and they are vandalizing and doing small amounts of damage to the Sith temple."

"We didn't know that."

"Well now you do. Anyway, along with the additional troops we'll be sending down, Kylo and I are going as well just in case those Jedi rumors are true. Plus he wants me to get the experience. In addition to the troops he's told me that I will be bringing you guys as well and that I will be leading you. He wants to see how well I can do in these types of situations."

"I'm sure we'll be victorious with you leading us."

"I hope we are. So now you guys know. Austin I want you to come with me to the briefing, I think it's only fair that you know what's happening. You can tell the men after."

"Of course sir. Let me just grab my helmet." He took his helmet off the bench and turned to the troopers in the room. "You may take leave for the rest of the day."

With that said Rey and Austin left the room and started to make their way towards the bridge. She's never really been part of an attack briefing before, this would be an interesting experience.

AN: I hope you guys liked it. I apologize for you having to wait this one and it's short. I just wanted to reach my 6 page limit so I could get it out to you guys. I can't guarantee that I'll post daily like I was doing before. It's going to be hard with school, tennis, and work, but I'll try my best.

If any of you guys are still reading this, or if your new, feel free to leave a review. I enjoy reading your thoughts and they definitely make me want to continue. And I will never abandon this story at all. I always finish what I start, and that's something that you can always count on. Even if it takes weeks for me to upload, just keep in mind that it's still coming and that I haven't forgotten about it or you guys. I will always pull through for my loyal readers.

I don't know when we'll meet again, but until we do, may the force be with you. Bye!