While the Wookiee did classified each of the Knights of Ren as humans, there are, surprisingly, a small-amount of human species/race/origins. Unfortunately, it doesn't say which ones they are or where they're from. So, through the Star Wars Race Name Generator Website, I had to figure out/decide where they're from by either their names, personalities and/or appearance of the actors that played as. Most likely, I picked wrong, but this is what I decided for each of them:
Kuruk: Corellian
Ap'lek: Lothalite/Lothalian
Vicrul: Savarian
Cardo: Serennian
Ushar: Chalactan
Trudgen: Chandrilan
Also, because I'm not familiar on which is canon and which isn't (I mean, seriously, there's so many timelines that I can't figure out which is the true canon that took place or not [Especially, after Disney got a hold on Star Wars and decided to make it even more complicated].), the scenes I'm adding, whether it be from the comics, movies, episodes or even video games, are for the sole purpose on Rey's path heading down to her depression.
Now that's out of the way, let's continue with the story!
At the Finalizer, in Interrogation Sector...
Kylo Ren walks through the double-doors, heading for for the prisoner, Ruus Snaju, and his knight, Ushar.
"Anything?" He questioned his knight, staring down at the unconscious Ruus in the interrogation chair.
Ushar turned to his leader.
"I searched through all his memories of his encounter with the Resistance, Supreme Leader, and I gained nothing on what he may know where they're hiding at." Ushar reported, sounding very annoyed and disappointed that his victim is unconscious. "Even when I broke both of his arms, legs and a couple of his ribs, he still won't tell me what he may know. Perhaps I should torture him with the Mind Probe, while he's unconscious?"
Within the Knights of Ren, Ushar had been known for torturing his prisoners until they beg for mercy, which made many of the First Order and some of the knights uncomfortable by his unstable, sick desire to torture their enemies to the point they beg for death. But then, when one has an abusive father that likes to inflict fear and pain into his own child since childhood until he first used the Force to squish his old man's head like a grape at the age of ten, does cause those to feel sad for what made him into what he became*.
While he doesn't mind with Ushar's suggestion, if it meant he'll find Rey quicker, he didn't want to risk Ruus becoming suicidal and kill himself the first chance he get.
"We need him alive, Ushar. For the time being, that is." He informed his knight. "For now, let's leave him to the guards to take away. A few days in solitary confinement, while recovering from those wounds you gave him, will surely give him the motivation to reconsider on defying us. Unless, he wants to risk having another session with you."
He was disappointed to have his fun interrupted and put to a stop, but Ushar knows to not disobey Kylo's orders.
Besides, if their roles were reversed and he was looking for Tierny, he would rather have the fun be put to a stop and keep his prisoners alive in hope for clues to be found than kill off possible leads to his beloved. That, and Tierny had been helping him to have a handle on his desires when he needs to stop and didn't want to upset her by staining his armor in more blood than it needed to be.
"Understood, Supreme Leader." He confirmed, and followed his leader out of the room.
"Take the prisoner to his cell." Kylo ordered the two guards. "Have medical staff over to check over his injures. Heal only until he's capable to function, but the injuries must remain as punishment for aiding Leia Organa-Solo. He's to remain under solitary confinement for seventy-two hours before he be put to work. If he finally feels like talking, contact me, immediately."
Receiving their orders, the two Stormtroopers ran into the room to grab the injured Sullustan and drag his body to his designated cell.
Kylo Ren and Ushar watches them take off to perform their task, before they decided to leave the Interrogation Sector.
Ushar then requested to take his leave, wanting to clean the blood off his body, which Kylo Ren granted and continued to head down the hallway.
He was soon met with Ap'lek and Kuruk.
"Supreme Leader," they greeted in unison.
The thirty year-old nodded to the both of them.
"Ap'lek. Kuruk. Where are Vicrul, Cardo and Trudgen?" He questioned, needing to know his knights' whereabouts should he be of need for their assistance.
"Trudgen is training in the Training Room, alone. Cardo is shadowing Hux, before he oversees the reports of the workers with General Engell. And Vicrul is on standby with Allegiant General Pryde on the bridge, in your place, should there be word on Resistance sighting." Ap'lek reported.
The Supreme Leader nodded his head, pleased to hear his knights are doing something useful to benefit their positions.
"Very good," he stated. "And what of you both?"
Kuruk answered the question.
"I was on my way to check with Captain Phasma on the update of our newest recruits, before I take off for a routine patrol near the boarder between the Mid Rim and the Outer Rim."
A low hum left Kylo, then turned to Ap'lek.
"And you, Ap'lek?"
The second knight lowered his head a bit.
"I was going to accompany Kuruk to see Captain Phasma. With some of our newest Stormtroopers being our captured Resistance prisoners, it doesn't hurt to have an extra pair of eyes and ears, in case Hux's influence were to start a mutiny or trigger any of them to contemplate suicide."
Kylo is very pleased by Ap'lek's self-objective that was truly important. Especially when it involves Hux trying to cause chaos, since the sudden change to the Stormtrooper Program.
Almost immediately, when he began his duty as Supreme Leader, Kylo Ren had put a stop to the Stormtrooper Program, by preventing the abduction and brainwashing procedure to children, infants and babies. Instead, after he overturned the Republic, he issued enlisting new recruits, however way each planet in the galaxy enlist their people to serve their homeworld.
It would mean a significant decrease on new soldiers to be enlisted and there would be some issue on deciding who can be approved to be part of the First Order army, but Kylo knew that this was the right choice to make. That this was one of the many things he needed to do, in order to show that the First Order are maintaining order and peace to the galaxy.
...To show Rey, wherever she may be, that he's not going to follow Snoke's way or the way of the Sith. To never continue one of the many sins that had taken her, his-... Their innocence, their childhood, away from them.
He did considered bringing back the process of a clone army, as he did in the past and way before FN-2187's defection. But, after he discovered a certain secret Snoke kept in his quarters and found out the truth behind the cloning process and the origin of his former-master, he now sees why it can never be brought back and will never choose such a atrocious action that would make him as evil, or worse, than Snoke. Or even Palpatine.
And, with the information he found, he and his knights went and destroyed all twelve known Cloning Facilities within the galaxy. Along with them, all the files, the data, the notes and any other piece of information that would breathe a single word on how to perform the cloning process. History may not be so easily erased from those who lived, but destroying what possible chance it could try and come back in the future will prevent future generations from ever to endure what the older generations had.
The only ones to ever know about this, is Kylo Ren, Ben Solo, and his knights. And that bit of information will carry on with them, until the day they die.
Hux, of course, learning they were going to be like 'the commoners' and 'weak-minded insects' by offering such high positions, he was outraged on all level. He objected, displaying his dissatisfaction to the decision and claiming he's weakening the First Order by 'hiring low-class vermin of Bantha dung!'.
Unfortunately for him, not only did the other generals didn't share the same opinion as he did, but it also costed him his position and had him demoted to oversee the prisoners alongside Captain Phasma, General Engell and Agent Tierny. And, as icing on cake, he's to take orders by either of the three women and witness General Pryde be promoted to Allegiant, before he's been escorted out of the room.
Kylo Ren knew Hux would do whatever he can to reclaim his position, take control of the fleet. Even, as he knew on the Supremacy, to have him killed, and become the new Supreme Leader and rule the First Order. Which means undoing all of Kylo's hard work, bring chaos to the galaxy... And, most of all, Rey's life be put in jeopardy and have her killed.
And so, when that moment comes, he and his knights will be ready to catch him in the act and then he, himself, will kill him. And he'll thoroughly enjoy having the threat eliminated before his very eyes.
Kylo nodded his head towards their direction.
"Carry on," he said.
Kuruk continued to walk on, but Ap'lek remained where he stood, watching their leader walk away. No doubt, to his quarters.
"Ap'lek?" Kuruk questioned, pausing to see what was keeping the Lothalian* hold up.
"I'll meet up, Kuruk. Go on ahead." Ap'lek replied, which made Kylo pause in his steps.
He can sense something with one of his knights... One of his brothers.
He turned his head to the left.
"Is something wrong, Ap'lek?" He asked, wanting to hear what his knight has to say and not use the Force to look into his thoughts.
Each of his knights has his own personality and trait that would differ from the others, both inside and out of battle. Ap'lek, the youngest of the group, uses deception and strategy when it comes to taking down their foes.
Yet, when not in combat, he's known to being a listening ear within the group. Always willing to hear the turmoil and struggles each of his fellow brothers had to endure and face. And once he senses something off with one of their own, he'll push through whatever wall that comes in their way to help unload any weight the others had to shoulder.
"...Permission to speak on even ground, Supreme Leader?" Ap'lek requested.
Without saying a word, Kylo gestured the Lothalian to follow, both heading towards the Turbolift for his sanctum: His quarters.
It's the most secured room in all of the Finalizer, and only Kylo Ren has access to enter the room and/or allow anyone to go in or out. So far, the only ones he allow to enter his sacred area, are his knights.
He hopes, very soon, that his Dyad will be found and will give him the chance to share his wealth and values with her.
After riding to the upper level of the Finalizer and reached the large, double metal-doors, after removing one of his gloved-hands to have the computer scan, the two entered. Like the entire ship, both the walls and floor are black. Long, tube-shaped windows shows space and the stars outside of his room. Even in just the living quarters, the two can feel how cold and barren his room is, even if Kylo had brought one of his brothers for a moment.
Ap'lek, turning to his leader, pulled back the hood of his water-shedding oiled cloak from the top of his head and removed the menacing rictus and crude designed mask from his face. Underneath the mask, reveals a young-male in his late-twenties, two years younger than Kylo to be precise.
With the copper-sheen in his skin, proudly display his Lothalite heritage, even when wearing his armor most of the time. His chopped, black spiky-hair stood up as soon as the helmet was removed. His blackish-brown eyes showed great concern, closely resembling the innocence of a child... Though, when out performing his tasks, his eyes better aided his deception on others and become the undoing of others when they cross the First Order or his master and brothers.
Ap'lek looked up at the helmet of his master.
"...Kylo. -His voice, no longer being altered by the modulator, was gentle and calm. As if talking to a scared, feral beast.-...I need to know. We all need to know... How are you holding up?"
For a moment, Kylo, with his helmet on, only stared down at the Lothalite that stood before him, his face exposed and asking him such a question that would classify anybody as weak to the First Order... If it had continued the way as Snoke had run it to follow, that is.
Then, the thirty year-old reach with both of his hands and removed his own helmet. He, too, revealed his face as the man hiding behind the mask: Kylo Ren... Ben Solo.
He still appears as he always does: Numb from any kind of emotion, stoic expression that shows nothing but his own strength and dominance. And, with that scar that remains on his face... The mark of the girl he formed a Force-Bond with, and who captured his heart and gave him the push to overthrow Snoke to become the Supreme Leader. Shows to all to never dare challenge.
...Yet, his eyes, easily mistaken to either being a blackish-brown or, even, a pure-black color, tells Ap'lek all he needed to know on how his leader, his brother, is feeling.
Empty. Incomplete.
"I'm managing just fine, Ap'lek." Kylo answered, calm but sounding more as if answering automatically. As if asked the same question so many times and is using the same answer to end it as quickly as he could. As if he's tired. "...Although, you can already tell that it isn't all true."
Ap'lek nodded his head, confirming with the Supreme Leader that he's right.
"She's still blocking you. Pushing you out through the Force-Bond. Isn't she?"
That time, Kylo grumbled underneath his breath, walking over to a table and setting down his helmet.
"She's getting weaker," he informed the Lothalite. "She still blocks me, but I can feel her strength is getting weak. The strain she's undergoing, while pushing me back, is taking its toll on her."
He let out a deep sigh, hunching over on his hands to lean on the table.
"Something's wrong with Rey, Ap'lek. I can sense something is going to happen and I need to find her. The gap between us, the longer we're apart and she keeps fighting this, the more harmful to her health and wellbeing it'll get. And if I don't find her, soon, the same effect will drive me further into madness. -He turned to a quiet, concerned Ap'lek.- I need to find her, Ap'lek... I must find my Sonellia."
That name, Sonellia, it isn't the first time any of his knights had heard him call the girl, Rey, as.
The Alderaanian language for males to refer their female lovers as. The Alderaanian language for their Beloved. One true love... Their Bond-Mates.
Ap'lek, one of the two knights to not be in a relationship, knew this was hurting Kylo on a sever level.
Rey's constant refusal to let him reach out to her, her many attempts to block the bond and pushing him back had been putting him on edge. Constantly worrying for her and, when somebody sets him off by how they address to her, resulted his rage and pent up emotions to come out, either to mostly wound or even kill the poor fools for pushing him.
Ap'lek knew, from reading the Jedi Text with the others, back when they were Luke Skywalker's students, that this is the cause from Kylo Ren and Rey being a Force-Dyad, making the separation and rejection between the two much worse than the negative effect of a Force-Bond. And, if they don't reconnect or one keeps distancing from the other, the effect is going to get much worse for the both of them.
Ap'lek walked over and laid a hand on his right-shoulder, bringing Kylo to look over his shoulder and stare at the younger-male.
"We will find her, Kylo." He stated, as if giving him a solemn oath that he nor the other knights won't brake. "She will be found, and will be by your side. We'll see to it that it will happen, even on our dying day."
Kylo, seeing the serious and determination in one of his knights' eyes, slowly nodded his head.
"Thank you, my friend." He replied, appreciating his support and helping him with his struggle from being separated from his Dyad for months.
Ap'lek nodded back.
"No problem, Kylo." He said, then smirked up at him. "Besides, we're all very eager to meet our sister and wish to commend her for being the first to ever beat you in combat. It's not every day that we get to meet somebody, who left a mark on you and live to see another day."
To that, Kylo glared at his knight.
"Be glad that you're the youngest of the Knights of Ren, and just reassured me that you and the rest of my knights will find my Sonellia. Otherwise, that hand of yours will become part of my collection. Or, I could give it to Trudgen and he could incorporate your severed limb into his armory and be a reminder why you're missing an appendage."
It wasn't a threat, but it was a warning for the Lothalite to not push it.
"Message recieved, Kylo." He informed, before he continued. "We were, also, wondering if you regained contact with Darth Vader, yet."
To that, Kylo stared down at his helmet, disappointment written in his eyes.
"He remains silent."
That was unfortunate news to hear. Ap'lek knows how much the Supreme Leader looks up to his grandfather, and seeks for his guidance.
And, with Kylo's Dyad somewhere in space, weak and possibly defenseless without her Bond-Mate there to give her strength and balance each other, now was a good time than any for his grandfather to help him.
"Ever since that day, when I killed Snoke and fought Luke Skywalker, he hadn't made any attempt to contact me. I tried many times to call for him, but he never came. It was almost as if he never contacted me, at all."
Ap'lek watches the anguish written on his leader's face, as if he's just been rejected by his own grandfather and was disowned as family from Darth Vader, himself.
Yet, rather than feel sad for Kylo, there was a reason why he asked if he had contacted his grandfather or not.
"...Kylo, while I apologize for the unfortunate news, there's something you should know."
Kylo turned his head to stare at the Lothalite, giving him his full attention.
"We've all had a few discussions, lately. On figuring out why Darth Vader had stopped talking to you... And, we came with a few possible answers as to why."
That caught the Supreme Leader's attention, turning his whole body to Ap'lek. He folded both arms over his chest.
"Go on." He said, granting his knight his blessing to tell him.
Ap'lek sighed deeply, then started to speak.
"Well, first, we think one of the reasons he stopped contacting you, is because he was pleased that you overthrew Snoke and took over the First Order as the new Supreme Leader. And, believing you've learned all that you could from him and has his full confidence in you, he could've chose to no longer see you and is within the Force."
That logic is possible, though Kylo Ren Ren, Ben, will never admit that he didn't want his grandfather to ever stop contacting him, even if he believe he no longer needs to hear his grandfather's words of wisdom or his company.
Plus, he was hoping to introduce his grandfather to Rey. In a way, showing his grandfather that he had found his own Padmé and was going to assure Darth Vader that he won't ever lose her. Like how he lost his Padmé and, unknowingly, his own children.
He wasn't going to let that happen to him and Rey... Not to them, and the children they'll be having.
"The second thought we came up, is that he can't always be summoned when you want him to. But, when you need him. Like, when something involved with the Force is in need for your attention and he has to warn you about it. Though, that could be unlikely, considering how dire it is to help you find the girl."
Kylo, also, agreed that the second idea isn't strongly likely the reason. Though, not completely unlikely to not be the case.
"Then, we have the third theory and... Honestly, Kylo, we've been having suspicious about this for a long while and, after deep discussion and done digging around, we believe this is the actual answer to why you can't hear, let alone sense, Darth Vader, anymore... And, you're not going to like it."
"Just tell me, Ap'lek." Kylo ordered, immediately. "Even if it is because Hux, somehow, gaining the power of the Force and has became the new Sith Lord to obtain the power to cut us off, I'm still going to hear the answer."
"...Well, the good news, that's not the case... Though you may wish that it was, so you can kill him... Like you killed Snoke."
Kylo heard how much emphasis he used when saying his former-master's name. And, not needing much time to think, he learned what the third theory was.
"You six believe that Snoke had something to do with it? But, he's dead. What could his death had done to cut off my connection with my grandfather?"
Ap'lek looked off to the side, sighing deeply again, before facing his master.
"His death wouldn't had done anything to sever your connection with Darth Vader... Unless, he was the one who made the connection and had used his powers to make you think you were healing your grandfather's voice when it was Snoke, himself, you've been talking to."
...He was right. Kylo would rather hear that it was Hux who was causing all of this and give him the chance to kill the sly-weasel, than hear that his former-master had played him for a fool by pretending to being his grandfather and influencing him further down the path to being his puppet.
The Lothalite can sense the rage building up inside of his master, who simply stared at him. Appearing to be calm, when he's seething from within.
"...Request of me to leave you?" Ap'lek asked, knowing Kylo is gonna want to be alone.
"...Go." Kylo hissed out, walking away from his knight to his personal training room, not bothering to see Ap'lek leaving... There, when the door closed behind him, he pulled out his crossguard lightsaber and, with a mighty roar, charged for the first thing that came before him: A deactivated training droid.
He couldn't believe on how much of a fool he was. How he was so blind to not think, for even a second, on how he one day just heard the voices of his grandfather, without any sign. Let alone, a single moment, to see his Force Ghost appear, when all he ever gotten was just a voice in his head... Like how Snoke contacts him through the Force, since his could remember.
He didn't want to believe it, but after recalling moments his conversations with his grandfather would end and then would be summoned by Snoke, how his words and presence would be just as similar as his master's and, would feel no connection as soon as Snoke was killed, all the evidence proved that his knights were right on their discussion and had solved the mystery to one of his problems.
Yet, now that he sees that his sessions with his grandfather was all a lie and another scheme for Snoke to control him, made him feel lost and abandoned. Just like when he learned that he's there grandson of Darth Vader, and his mother kept the secret from him.
Without his grandfather, he has nobody to turn to for guidance. Sure, he has his knights, men he views and call brothers, but even with them understanding the pain and loneliness isn't enough to know the suffering of being separated from the woman he loves. She who is his equal.
...His Bond-Mate. His Force-Dyad.
...The Light, to his Darkness.
He sliced, jabbed and crushed the droid until it was nothing but scraps and melting metal. And even then, he continued to cut, burn and scar the floor in his rage.
His soul in rage, and despair. It cries for its mate.
He needs to find Rey.
With a final jab into the floor, Kylo kneeled to the ground, panting heavily. His adrenaline slowly died down and while his rage began to settle, his heart still beats to find the girl that's part of his future.
...A piece of himself, that's alone and lost.
"You really have it bad for her."
Kylo jumped to the voice and, pulling his lightsaber out from the ground, turned and aimed his weapon at the intruder.
Rage-filled eyes turned into shock, as he sees the figure that stood at the end of his weapon.
Similar hair-style, as his own. Same skin-tone as his mother and his own. Close height range... Same blue-eyes... As his uncle, Luke.
Kylo felt the air freeze in his throat and lungs, swallowing past the lump, as he stares at the figure that stood tall and proud. His body, translucent and light-blue.
When he found his voice, one thought got him to speak.
"...Who are you?"
...The person smirked down at the thirty year-old.
"I think it would be the obvious, since you wish to hear me... Grandson."
Stunned by the title he called him by, Kylo could only stare at the ghost, skeptical if the person was telling the truth or lying to him, like Snoke did.
The Force Ghost, seeing the glare, chuckled at the look his grandson was giving him.
"I figured you wouldn't believe me, after just finding out that Snoke tricked you into believing you were talking to me. -He took a few steps back, opening his arms out.- As such, Ben, ask me off anything for me to answer, that only I, your mother, Leia, or even your uncle, Luke, would know to prove I am who I say that I am. Although, besides me knowing the name you were given by birth, in honor of my friend and Jedi Brother, Obi-wan 'Ben' Kenobi."
His left-eyebrow twitched in irritation on being told the reason he was given the name, Ben, but the ghost knowing how he gotten it did convinced Kylo to turn off his crossguard lightsaber and slowly rise to his feet. He still kept his distance, his lightsaber, despite activated, remained pointed towards the stranger.
"...If you really are who you say you are, that if you really are my grandfather, I have only two questions that only Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, would know."
The Force Ghost, having a serious look on his face, nodded his head, granting Kylo permission to ask the two question that he knew he has the answers to.
"First: When you were still a Jedi, as a member of the Jedi High Council, did you reach the rank of Master? And second:...Who was your father?"
The figure lowered his head, letting out a deep sigh, before looking back up at Kylo. His face remained serious, yet calm.
"...No." He answered. "No, I never was given the rank of Master, for they deemed me too young and my anger grew from the loss of my mother. And, that I was in love and had a secret marriage to your grandmother, Padmé. As for who my father was... I have no father. My mother, your great-grandmother, Shmi Skywalker, ended up being pregnant by the Force, itself. -A low chuckle left the Force Ghost, seeing the disbelief on Kylo's face.- I know, unbelievable, but the Force had, actually, had children be born without fathers. It's even capable on having couples having children with each other, without having to engage intercourse. Believe it or not, Ben, you could've gotten your own Sonellia pregnant with your child, when you two touched each other's hands through the Force of your Force-Bond."
To that, Kylo chocked and blushed from the news. Of course, through some of Luke's lessons, he was told that such a feat was possible, but it still took him by surprise to hear that he could've gotten Rey pregnant and wouldn't had known about it until she was either captured, somebody would've reported to the First Order or even felt it through their bond.
Though, the thought of Rey ending up pregnant with his child did make his heart flutter and puff in primal satisfaction to have her show she's his love and Bond-Mate to all that would gaze upon her. He knew that she'll look beautiful, practically glow, as soon as she's carrying their child. A sign of their love and devotion, that will blossom and grow, as they make a family of their own... His future children.
In the back of his mind, he pray to the Maker that none of them will have his ears.
The Force Ghost, the stranger Kylo silently acknowledges to being his grandfather, cleared his voice to recapture his attention.
"I see that the possessive thought of seeing our Sonellia heavy and carrying our children, has been passed down in you, Ben. And though I'm not complaining, I'm afraid there's much we need to discuss and very little time is on our side."
Kylo put away his weapon, then folded his arms over his chest.
"What do you wish to tell me?"
Anakin, mirroring his nephew, folded his arms over his chest, too.
"...Ben... Rey, your Sonellia, is in grave danger."
His eyes widened to the one sentence and started to run for his living quarters to use the COMM to contact Allegiant General Pryde to double the search for Rey, but Anakin popped up in front of him.
Kylo sneered at the Force Ghost, pulling his crossguard lightsaber from his hip and reactivated it.
"Move!" He growled, not caring that he's willing to attack the grandfather he admired and wanted to be.
Anakin wasn't in the least afraid of his grandson threatening to harm, and its not because Kylo can't physically harm a Force Ghost.
"Calm down, Ben. She isn't in danger, as of this very moment." He reassured the shaking, sneering Supreme Leader. "However, unless you wait and listen to what I need to tell you, then you won't be able to save her when she needs you to be there."
Kylo glared into the hardened, but carrying concern eyes of his grandfather, pushing back the unease familiar iris of his uncle staring back at him, as his emotions screamed and roared for him to ignore the ghost and goi find his Bond-Mate. Then, regaining control of his emotions, he put away his weapon for a second time and straightened.
"...Tell me." He forced out in a calm tone.
Anakin nodded his head.
"Since we don't have much time, I'm going to get to the point." He informed Kylo, before he began. "Ben, as you already know, Rey has been a slave on Jakku, since she was five years old. What you don't know, is that from the moment she was sold to Unkar Plutt to working with what's left of the Resistance, she had come to term that she'll only be viewed as nothing more than a tool, to be used and taken advantage for other people's benefits. And, sadly, when you had her admit of her origin and had told her she's 'nothing', you unknowingly gave her the push to head towards a fate that had taken the lives of past Jedis that were placed in similar positions she's in. And I gotta say, Ben, your attempt of a proposal to your Sonellia wasn't really the right way to put in the words you said to her."
Kylo was confused by his grandfather's words, along with fear for Rey's safety and disgust that others had made her believe she isn't a human-being and is just a tool to them.
"I may not be clear to express my feelings to her, but I made it clear that she isn't nothing to me when I told her 'But not to me'." He replied, not trying to find a excuse for the words he said to make her face the truth but feels he needed to explain why he said them. "She was holding on to a lie for so long, that it was doing more harm to her if she kept holding on to false hope that she was wrong and that her parents are alive, looking for her. Let alone, wanted her back because they had a change of heart and loved her. -He glared down at the metal-floor beneath him, both gloved-hands clenching into fists.-Just as I held on to false hope that my parents wouldn't fear me, anymore. That they would love me for who I am, even if I don't ever become a proper Jedi, let alone turn away from the Dark Side of the Force and become a Light User like my Uncle, and would welcome me home with acceptance and open arms."
Anakin sighed deeply to his grandson's words. He understands how he felt, back when he was a few years younger than Ben was when he was separated from his mother and left in the care of Obi-wan, after Master Qui-Gon was killed.
"...I hoped for the same thing, too, Ben." He admitted. "When I was still alive and before my time as a member of the Jedi High Council, I had hoped they would see, despite my temper and inability to conceal my emotions, on how wrong they were for following the same rules that they, themselves, don't truly see is wrong in its beliefs. I had to have a secret wedding with Padmé, since the rules forbade Jedis to get attach to whoever we hold feelings towards, whether they're platonic feelings or between lovers, that prohibits us to marry... Of course, since you were brought up by Snoke and was manipulated to being a weapon for his conquest on ruling the galaxy, you can guess on how my attempt went and the result of my fate."
Kylo's confusion grew by the statement, since he wasn't given the whole story on what pushed Anakin to become Darth Vader, but was more taken back by the news of his grandparents had married in secret. Neither of his parents nor his uncle ever told him about his grandfather and Snoke only told him only bits and pieces of Anakin Skywalker, though it was mostly about his powers growing that made the Jedi Order start to fear him and the suffering he endured while being trained as a Jedi.
He was very much taken back that his grandparents had married in secret, despite that Padmé was the Queen, Senator of Naboo and would've had to reveal her marriage status, should a discussion of a suitor to form an alliance with a prince or king of a former-enemy or ally to Naboo were to be brought up. All he knew was that his grandmother died after childbirth, due to a broken heart, and that his grandfather was 'gone'.
A hand was placed on his right-shoulder, which came from his grandfather, as if he was really alive and in this very room with him.
"Ben, while you suffered greatly in your past and had been let down by many who you thought and hoped to trust, you chose to not follow the same path as Snoke chose to go by... Away from the path that I thought was the only path for me, when under the guidance of Palpatine. And for that, grandson, you make me so proud."
To hear his grandfather tell him that he's proud of him, hear the caring tone in his voice, made the thirty year-old feel at peace, cared for... Loved, when he wasn't given such praises by his uncle or see the joy in either of his parents' eyes when he did something that he felt proud on doing.
But, as soon as he saw the pride in his grandfather's eyes, it went away and a serious, mournful expression took its place.
"However, I fear your path will alter and become a tyrant behind a mask, when your Bond-Mate, your Sonellia, is taken from you."
Again, hearing that he'll lose Rey, his other-half, Kylo pulled away from Anakin's hold.
"I won't allow it!" He swore, reaching for his weapon for a third time and activating the crossguard lightsaber. "I'll kill whoever would dare take her from me! I'll hunt down every threat in the galaxy and see to it that they suffer a slow and painful death, and have all know such a fate if any try to harm my Sonellia!"
Anakin didn't seem that convinced and, instead, had a saddened look on his face. Then, his next question took Kylo completely off guard.
"...Even if that threat turns out to be Rey, your own Sonellia, herself?"
Meanwhile, with Rey and Chewie...
Rey had dozed off in her seat, unable to remain awake during the hyperspace to their destination for Ahch-To. Chewie heard her breathing evening out, though with a few small-coughs here and there, and didn't dare wake her up.
'Little Light needs rest,' he thought to himself. 'She needs all she can get, to help her body and mind heal... Hopefully, Ahch-To will help her heal.'
As they continued through hyperspace, Rey dreams away.
...Her dreams, anything but pleasant.
She sees two individuals, a red-skinned Togruta and a human-male fighting in combat, both wielding lightsabers, with the intention to kill each other. Then, the human-male thrusted her back with his lightsaber and summoned Force Lightning to to send her slamming against the tentacle of a Sarlacc. Then, raising both hands, let out a massive amount of Force Lightning on both the Sarlacc and the Togruta girl.
The Togruta landed heavily on the ground, yet slowly picked herself off the ground and stood on trembling legs, holding her bleeding, injured side.
"You are Vader's slave. But your power is wasted with him. You could be so much more..."
She didn't appear to be angered that she lost, even as the blood continued to spill from her wound and down her lips. Rey can see solemn, hurt and sadness in her dark grey/blue eyes for the human.
"You will never convince me to betray my master." The human hissed, so loyal and committed to follow his master.
Rey didn't know who they were, or why she's dreaming strangers in the first place.
"Poor boy, the Sith always betray one another. But I'm sure you'll learn that soon enough."
Then, in a flash of a moment, the Togruta turned to Rey. The nineteen year-old was taken back.
"It'll never end, Dear One. The cycle will always continue, no matter what... It's time to end it all."
Before Rey could even ask her a question, the Togruta allowed herself to fall backwards into the pit, willingly allowing herself to be devoured by the Sarlacc. The human, despite clearly working for the Sith, to Rey's shock, made a useless attempt to run after her and save her.
Then, a bright-blue light shot out... Rey, then, finds herself on a ship.
There, she sees a red-haired male, his clothing telling her he's a Jedi Knight... And, to her horror, fighting against Darth Vader, himself.
" Join me and I'll let you live."
The molecular, sounding so similar yet darker and heavier than Kylo Ren's, made ice stab into Rey's spine.
"What? No. No! It doesn't matter what you do to me. I care only for my charges. Live or die. I don't matter. Understand this traitor. I will fight you." The Jedi Knight replied, still continuing to fight on, despite that his effort will be in vain and is losing a battle that he, himself, can't win.
It wasn't long until Darth Vader overpowered him, standing over the Jedi Knight.
"It is over. But you do hot have to die. -He aimed his lightsaber to the Jedi's neck, its blade nearly burning the end of his beard.- My master has use for all. Join us, and I will spare the Padawans."
"You are lying." The Jedi hissed, before being forced on his back to avoid the lightsaber touching his chest.
"What use is a lie to me now? Surrender and I will withdraw my troops."
Rey can sense that Vader was lying to him, as well, even when he swore he'll spare the Padawans... Yet, to her shock, the Jedi made a response she didn't expect a Jedi to make.
"Swear it. Swear it and I'll join you."
She had expected him to allow death to take him. Yet, he cares for the safety of the Padawans and, defeated and broken, he was willing to join the enemy, if it means they'll be spared from death.
With a firm nod, Vader pulled back his lightsaber and extended a hand for the Jedi to take. Believing he saved his student, the Jedi took his hand.
"I will join you."
Through the window, she watches as the ship, presumably the Padawans are in, took off and made their escape... Then, through the COMM, a voice called in and ordered the Jedi to let him speak to Vader.
...To her horror, and greatest fear, Darth Vader asked the person calling if the explosives on the escape vessel set and ready to be used, which the caller confirmed. Thus, Vader gave the caller permission to proceed.
The Jedi Knight, horrified that Vader had, indeed, lied to him, yelled.
"What? I swore to serve you! You swore to me!"
"And my promise is nothing weighed against my duty to my master." Vader replied.
...Then, the vessel exploded... And, just like the Jedi, Rey felt the many lives on that ship die and vanish from the Force.
The Jedi Knight, still in horror of the deaths of the Padawans, turned to Vader.
"Why?! If you wanted them dead, why not kill me? Why the game? Why did you want me?"
"Because it was easier this way. Because my Master prefers to possess rather than destroy. But you served only to save your students."
Darth Vader the proceed to leave the ship, walking away from the clearly broken Jedi Knight. Leaving him with a final message.
"And because I've more than just killed you. I've broken you. A Jedi. An enemy. Whatever you do when I leave here will serve my Master. You have done your duty to him."
As soon as he was gone, the Jedi Knight, fell to his knees. His head hang low... Defeated. Then, reaching for his discarded lightsaber, he held it to his chest.
...
...Then, it ignited, piercing through his chest.
Rey could only stand there and watch, as the Jedi slowly succumb to death.
...Then, like the Togruta, he turned to the girl. Blood gliding down his lips.
"Whatever choice you made, whatever deal you make to them, will only resource the suffering and death of others... And so, you must embrace your failure and serve nothing at all."
...
...
...Then, she finds herself on Jakku... Standing over a human-female, fourteen years Rey's senior, lying still on the ground at Niima Outpost... Dry blood circled underneath her left-wrist, where cuts from a small-knife marked her skin.
...
...
...
...Big Sister, when Rey and other residence of Jakku found her... DEAD.
Rey collapsed to her knees, tears running down her face, as she watches her younger-self, nearly seven years ago, crying over the person who cared for her and looked after her for eight years of her life.
"Big Sister! Wake up! Please, wake up!" She cried, begged the dead corpse to obey her request and come back to life. "I didn't mean any of it! I swear, Big Sister, I didn't mean it! Please, get up!"
Those around them only gave her look of pity, watching as she shakes the body and begs for the woman to get up, a useless attempt to rouse the dead to wake.
"I'm sorry, Big Sister! I'm sorry! Please, don't leave me, too! Don't leave me!"
Rey bowed her head, weeping alongside her younger-self for the woman she called "Big Sister"... Once known as Mariya Cerilla , before she was sold to Plutt and was told she'll only be known as "Girl".
"You're just like the rest of them."
Rey raised her head, staring at the anguish and hate on Big Sister's face, who lifted her head to stare at the nineteen year-old. She couldn't say anything, as the twenty-seven year-old slowly crawled on the sand towards the still weeping girl.
"I cared for you. I loved you as my little sister, and all I wanted was to get us off this Kriffing Force forsaken planet of a junk pile! Instead, you have to be like the others: Selfish! And because you wished for me gone, I did what you asked and died, alone and cast aside like garbage!"
Rey held both hands to her head, covering her ears in her weakest attempt to block the words she knew she deserved.
"Your fate had been sealed, the moment you were made! To be a tool, that relies on nobody but herself... A Nobody... A TROQ, that brings death and destruction! Who deserves to die!"
...
...
...
...She's now at her AT-AT, standing at the highest point of her home... The home she shared with Big Sister.
...
...
...
...In her right-hand, she holds her own knife. Her own tool, which she made out of her own hands... With help from Big Sister, when teaching her how to craft her own weapon.
The sun slowly sank down, signaling the near ending of the day.
Dry tear-stains covered her face, as a black, numbing expression remained on thirteen year-old Rey's face.
...
...
...Then, with a quivering tone, the teenager began to sing.
"Ask not the sun why she sets
Why she shrouds her light away
Or why she hides her glowing gaze
When night turns crimson gold to grey."
Rey closed her eyes, listening to her younger-self sing the song that all slaves of Jakku sang when they knew its their time to part from this life... The song she learned from Big Sister, after they learned that an old merchant had died due to the pains of inhaling too much sand and heared she "Lost the fight to carry on".
There's no doubt that Big Sister sang the song, before she, too, lost the fight to carry on.
"For silent falls the guilty sun
As day to dark does turn
One simple truth she dare not speak
Her light can only blind and burn."
The sun sank further over the horizon, the skies changing a darker color as the seconds ticked by.
...Then, Rey slowly brought the knife to her left-wrist.
"No mercy for the guilty."
The blade sat against the skin, where she knew where the veins are located... Where she must make her mark.
"Bring down their lying sun."
From the other side of the sky, as the sun was halfway gone, she knew the moon started to take its place in the sky.
"Blood so silver black by night
Upon their faces pale white."
...Rey watches her younger-self, clenching her eyes shut, slashed at her wrist. Blood decorated the metal, as it started to pool out from the wound.
Lightheaded took place and the thirteen year-old, unprepared by the feeling, fell to her knees and collapsed on her side.
Rey remembered how cold she suddenly felt, as the rays of the sun touched her face.
Her breathing grew harder and harder for her to catch, telling her that her body is shutting down.
Her heart, once racing, now was slowing and echoing against her eardrums.
...A sad smile spread on her face, as her mind, hazing and most likely seeing small figment of her Imagination, tricked her into seeing two figures slowly walking towards her.
She's left whispering the last of the song, as her eyes started to close, staring at the rest of the sun.
"Cruel moon, bring the end
The dawn will never rise again."
Thirteen year-old closes her eyes, welcoming the cold sensation that will mean her end and no longer has to suffer.
The current Rey stared down at her younger-self, seeing the peace on her face that she had lost.
"It's time for the Jedi to end."
"It's time to let all things die."
Now in her right-hand, the same knife she used to end her empty existence, all those years ago... The same knife she carries with her to this day, sat in her grip.
Then, she stared up at the sun, that suddenly came back high in the sky.
...Two final tears ran down her face.
"...It's time to end it all..."
A satisfied, happy rumble awoke Rey from her sleep, making her sit up and, right before them, she sees Ahch-To.
The Porg that was napping with her, after being roused by its sleep, saw the planet and, when they flew over the ocean and heading for a very familiar island, squealed in glee. Soon, hearing it's cry got the other two adult Porgs to come to the cockpit and, sitting in front of the glass, squealed alongside their flock-mate.
The two babies chicks, not knowing their true birth land, chirped and squeaked along their parents and uncle.
Chewie growled in annoyance.
"Quiet, you pests!" He ordered, trying to swat the two Porgs off from his view that quickly flew back in front of his view. "Drumstick, Thigh, move it!"
Rey, still tired from waking up, softly giggled at Chewie's failed attempt to get the little guys to quiet down. She set her suit back to its position, stretching her arms over her head, wincing slightly when some of her joints popped.
"You know they won't listen to you, Chewie." She stated, leaning down to get left to gently gather the chicks into get hold so they can see the island.
The Wookiee simply grumbled at her recliner, as he got the landing gear out and ready to land on the same spot as they were at the last they came to Ahch-To.
"If these little rodents don't want to end up as dinner, they need to start listening. Otherwise, Nugget and Breast will be next on the menu."
The nineteen year-old rolled her eyes at the names Chewie called the little guys as, while stroking their little heads and earning purrs of content.
"Again, Chewie, you can't name them as chicken-based food products. And you can't stop the act; you wouldn't dare try and hunt another one of these little guys, again, after they guilt tripped you for eating one of their own right in front of them.
The Wookie growled lowly to that statement, muttering "Smartass Cub".
Rey simply beamed at the hairy creature, before she felt the itchy sensation in her lungs to cough harshly.
The chicks jumped of her lap, but remained beside her since their parents and uncle still chirped at the sight of their home.
Once the Falcon landed and the ramp is opened, the little creatures took off running, wanting to see their home and introduce the chicks the land and their extended flock.
Chewie turned to Rey, who wrapped both arms tightly over her chest and shivering from the cool air entering the ship. Her lips, once again, turning a pale-blue color.
Ever the worried parent, as she gets up from her chair to head on out, Chewie grumbled at Rey to gain her attention, jerking his head towards the cabin.
"Go get your cloak before you go out, Little Light. Can't have you freezing to death."
Rey can see in his eyes that he wasn't going to let her go out without wearing something to stay warm, even if she has her wrappings covering most of her arms to keep some form of warmth in the cool air.
Plus, judging from the clouds in the sky, the wind is going to pick up and may rain in the evening.
Rey let out a sigh, but went to get her cloak as the Wookie told her to. It completely engulfed her small, thin form, feeling more like a heavy-blanket than a coat to just keep her body heat regulated from the normal temperature that would make her feel much colder from living on a desert planet for over nineteen years. She, also, grabs her quarterstaff and lightstaff. Out of habit, and should she consider training, again.
She walked off the Millennium Falcon and, grabbing on off the poles, stared at the view of the island, remembering how it looked the first time she came to Ahch-To.
Beautiful mountain terrains, fresh green-grass, Porgs squealing in the air and flying freely with the wind and the vast sighting of the ocean lapping against the land.
Then, she sees the brick-stone hut of the Lanais, knowing that the caregivers will be up in a few hours for their evening chores and gathering of food before they turn in for the night.
Rey felt her stomach drop on recalling her disturbing and causing trouble for the Lanais. When she fired her blaster through the wall of her hut when she was aiming to attack Kylo Ren, slicing a rock in half to tumble down the slope and destroy their wheel barrel, narrowly getting them crushed in the process, disrupting the Lanais welcoming their mates back, and having one of their hut to be blasted away to pieces. Well, Luke was the one to destroy the hut she was starting in, but she still felt responsible for that one.
If she hadn't given in to talk to somebody, when she found the Dark Cave Mirror and poured out her experience. If she hadn't reached out to Kylo Ren... If they hadn't touched hands...
Now, she fears to get off the Falcon to face the Lanais, completely convinced that she won't be welcomed in their village. She'll be lucky if they wouldn't care too much with her staying on their shoreline in the Falcon.
But, Chewie, coming up from behind her, gently nudged her forward.
He grumbled purr at her.
"Go. Explore. Do something."
Rey tried to find a way out.
"But, the ge-"
"I'll contact Leia, and inform her that we made it to Ahch-To. Go have fun. Find something that relaxes you."
After having those dreams. Those memories that continue to haunt her, it seems impossible to find anything so enjoying. Let alone, something to help her relax.
And, with nothing much to do, the best option for her is to do some sightseeing of the island. Reconnect with the land that she stayed on for three days.
...Maybe, find something that'll put her guilt at ease... Something useful.
"The belonging you seek is not behind you… it is ahead."
Maz's words popped up in her head and, with her eyes set on the Lanais' hut, in her heart, she instantly knows what she must do.
TBC
*: Each of the Knights of Ren will have a dark, sad, or tragic history.
*: Lothalian/Lothalite, are humans native to the Planet: Lothal. They have tanned skins and resemble middle-eastern people in both names and appearance. Obvious, because of the physical appearance of the actor that played him, I had Ap'lek be listed as Lothalian. And had decided he changed his name. His real name will be revealed, in a later chapter.
If only were to learn/hear Alderaanian Language. Would be cool to figure out what they say, how they greet and whatnot.
So, as you can guess, Sonellia (Soon-ell-ia) is made up. I was originally going to go with Sonala (Soon-all-la; closely sound to Sonata, from Moonlight Sonata), but changed it. It means: Beloved, Love [Title for female lover/wife].
Also, a friend of mine from work, an uber Star Wars fan, helped me with the questions Kylo asked Anakin to be certain he is who he says he is.
R&R