Chapter Fifteen: Mind Trick
Of all the locales for them to stumble upon unwanted squatters on the planet's surface, Kylo knew the deserted shipyard would be the most likely place. He touched down behind a rocky overhang two klicks away, encrypting the ship's vital systems and banishing the droid to its charging station before heading to fetch Rey.
The computer lock was more to keep her from starting up the shuttle than any vestige Rakata guests. If—or when—she slipped from her confines, a hijacking wouldn't be far off. His madness at bringing her here would only be complete if she commandeered the vessel, leaving him to fend for himself until the First Order intercepted his distress signal.
Kylo's steps grew wary as he neared the crew quarters. The girl had managed to erect enough of a mental barrier between them that he couldn't sense her motives, though her overall signature was as pronounced as ever.
Still, it didn't bode well.
It had only taken her one failed attempt before succeeding? How much strength did her hate of him give?
Approaching her room's door, he noted a red light still rhythmically winking at its access panel. She hadn't broken through at least. Squaring his shoulders and brushing aside enough of his cloak to easily reach his lightsaber, he typed in a set of digits and opened the door.
Rey was sitting cross-legged on the end of a stiff, military-issue cot, palming her knees with her eyes closed. She tried not to react to the sound of his entrance, but he caught a twitch at her forehead.
Stepping into the room, he broke her concentration further, stirring up emotions simply by breathing until she had no hope of maintaining repose.
"What?" She asked, abandoning her meditation with a snap of lifted lashes.
"We've arrived," Kylo said. "And today begins your training."
"I don't want any training from you."
"Your alternative is very permanent."
Rey's eyes narrowed. "I'm not afraid to die," she said evenly.
"Now that you're not quaking on the med-bay floor?"
Her glower rivaled his own. "An instructor who doles lessons under the threat of bodily harm?"
"It's how my master taught me," he shrugged. "Come."
Rey dropped her gaze, and the rigid fight in her frame eased. "You don't have to do this," she murmured. "Let me go. Please."
The gentleness of her entreaty seeped into him, sad and hopeful, enveloping him in soft frailty that robbed the strength from his next inhale.
She needed him to help her. She was so innocent. So worried. He could just let her go—.
Kylo froze, recognizing the persuasive tendrils of a jedi mind-trick. He shook his head, casting her influence aside and crossing the room with jerking strides.
"Y-You!" He spluttered. "I am no weak-willed, easily coerced—."
"I had you for a moment," Rey cut in, looking triumphant. "Perhaps you'll be the one learning."
Kylo grabbed her elbow, wrenching her into a stand. Her head barely reached his collar, and her lack of stature infuriated almost as much as her gall. How could someone so small irritate so much? "Your first lesson…," he began. "Is to never anger your teacher."
Rey tried twisting her elbow free, but he kept hold. His dark helmet loomed close as he craned down.
"I can teach you through pain," his modulator made the ominous offer low. "Or you can learn in compliance,"
Hazel eyes bored into his mask. "I am not your student."
Kylo sighed. "Pain it is, then."