A/N - Welcome to the story! This is a rewrite of the Captive series by Erica Stevens, with minor changes to account for the Star Wars universe and characters! I hope you enjoy!

P.S. Leave a comment if you've read the original novels! They're my favorites, and would love to find some fellow fans!

First Order Slave.

The words were enough to send a cold chill of terror down Rey's spine. She shuddered, swallowing heavily, and repeatedly, as she tried to wet her suddenly very parched throat.

Her lips were sore, she could taste her dried blood upon them as they were chapped and cracking. She'd had nothing to drink in hours, she was thirsty, and her mouth was dry as cotton.

The fire that had consumed parts of the forest had burned her throat, and she could taste the ash upon her tongue. The smell of smoke clung to her, cloying in its acrid odor. She would have given anything for some water, but she was fairly certain that her misery and discomfort would soon be coming to an end anyway.

The dead did not require water, after all.

Surprisingly, the thought of dying aroused even less fear in her than the alternative did, and that was becoming a slave of the First Order. Though the notion had never entered her mind before, she realized she'd prefer to take her own life before such a thing happened to her.

She'd practically already been a slave back on Jakku, prior to joining the Resistance, and would die before she was lowered to that status again. The thought of being kept, of being trapped, was enough to make her want to rip out her hair and run screaming.

She did neither, however, simply because she couldn't move enough to carry out either action. She was trapped, surrounded by the bodies crammed against her. The raid on the base on D'Qar had been successful. The temporary home of many had been ripped apart, destroyed, then set ablaze. Their lives had been irrevocably destroyed; they would never see their loved ones again.

The fortunate ones, the ones who weren't chosen by high-ranking First Order officers as slaves, would be locked away if not executed, depending on the extent of their involvement in the Resistance.

The unfortunate ones, the slaves, would be used to fulfill whatever purpose was given to them by the officers until their owner became bored and sent them off for execution or imprisonment.

Rey hoped that she would be slated for execution. She would rather die than serve anyone again. And that made it less likely that he would find her.

She knew that if the First Order found out who she really was - the piece of the map still contained in her head, her ability to use the Force - they would never grant the merciful end she fervently hoped for.

No, they would send for him, and he would undoubtedly punish her for the defeat she had handed him at Starkiller Base.

She glanced at the people surrounding her. She knew they would all willingly die before revealing her identity; she also knew that she had been a fool, a complete idiot for allowing herself to be captured in the first place.

If these monsters ever found out who she was, they would have strong leverage over the Resistance, and the location of Luke Skywalker. She had been about to take off to find him when the First Order arrived on D'Qar.

Her thoughts turned to Leia, Finn, and Poe. Her two boys would risk everything to get her back; Leia would want to do the same.

Leia would also know that it couldn't be done. No matter how much she would want to, she couldn't risk the lives of so many for just one person, even if that person had the ability to use the Force.

Though it would hurt to lose her, Leia would make the sacrifice, just as she had sacrificed so much else in her life.

No, she had no grand ideas of salvation, no dreams that Finn and Poe would charge recklessly in to rescue her, yelling like banshees, just as they charged so wildly into everything they did.

She didn't have these dreams because Leia would never allow them to do such a thing. In fact, she would probably have to tie them up to keep them away. They would hate it, but it would be the only way to keep them alive.

A twinge of regret and sorrow filled her at the thought of her friends. She never should have allowed herself to be captured. But then, she hadn't had a choice. Rose…

Rey's gaze slid to Paige Tico. Paige stood proudly, her shoulders thrust back, her chin jutting out as she stared unblinkingly across the sea of heads before her.

If it weren't for the tears streaking silently down Paige's dirt and soot smeared cheeks, Rey would have thought her fearless. Even with those tears, she still looked proud, defiant, and unbreakable.

Seeming to sense Rey's stare, Paige's eyes slid toward her. It was Paige's sister, Rose, whom Rey had saved. It was Rose's place that she had taken in this cramped hell of near certain death and deprivation.

Rey had forfeited her life for Rose's, and she would do it again if she had the choice. She just wouldn't have been so reckless about it. She wouldn't have plunged carelessly in again, and she would have at least tried to think of a way to ensure that she and Paige were not ensnared also.

Like her friends, though, she rarely thought out her actions and often charged thoughtlessly forward, heedless of the consequences. But these were by far the most dire consequences she'd ever faced and they would also soon be her last.

Or so she hoped.

Paige held her gaze for a moment; gratitude filled her brown eyes. She briefly nodded her thanks, and managed a tremulous smile that Rey returned.

The First Order officers on this planet didn't know who Rey was, and she was certain that no one here would tell them. The people had always admired and respected General Organa, but today, with her actions, they had also come to admire and respect her too.

They would all die before they handed her over, even if handing her over meant a pardon on their own lives, even if it meant a chance at freedom for themselves.

"Worry not, Rey."

She tried to turn to see who had spoken to her, but she couldn't move against the crush of bodies pressing against her. She could smell the dirt, the sweat, the fright, and smoke that adhered to all of them.

Life on Jakku didn't allow for regular bathing, and she was accustomed to body odor; but this was far more intense than what she was used to. She didn't know if it was because they were all so confined when they were used to wandering free, or if it was the certain end of their lives that made their odor exceptionally acute.

Either way, the stench was overwhelming.

She wanted to gag from it, cover her nose and attempt to block it out. She wanted to cry, but instead she stood unmoving, frozen by the paralysis of revulsion that gripped her.

Sudden movement drew her attention back to the stage set up before them. A stage for kriff's sake. It wasn't humiliating enough to be packed in like this, but they were also going to be paraded forward, separately examined, and chosen from the specimens presented. Rey shuddered again as she struggled to keep her composure in this swiftly unraveling and entirely unfamiliar world.

"Be brave, Rey, be brave." She swallowed heavily, managing a nod, as another voice whispered in her ear. "Take strength from those around you."

Rey fought back the hot wash of tears that suddenly flooded her eyes. She straightened her shoulders, refusing to show weakness, refusing to break down in front of the monsters now lining up before them.

As long as she was chosen for death, she could remain strong through this. She could, she would be as brave as Leia would be in this situation. She would never give the First Order the satisfaction of seeing her break; she would die with her pride firmly intact.

There was a ripple of movement among the imprisoned crowd. Rey realized that the gate had been opened and they were starting to pull people out. She watched in revulsion as they removed the first person and led them up the stairs to the stage.

She didn't recognize the young woman, who was sobbing openly as she was paraded before the line of officers eagerly eyeing her.

Behind the stage, other citizens gathered on the street that seemed to lead through the heart of the town, which was contained within the massive walls surrounding the distant palace. The First Order members were crammed in between the two and three story buildings lining the street as they eagerly strained to see the fresh Resistance meat being presented.

The enormous walls, that offered protection for the town nestled within them, enclosed nearly four square miles of land around the palace. The richest, the aristocrats of First Order society, resided within the walls, lavishing in their lives of opulence and brutality while the Resistance fighters they enslaved suffered at their greedy hands. Snoke himself was said to reside in the palace with his most esteemed generals when not traveling on his ship.

Rey despised them. Every part of her, every cell in her body, hated every single First Order within these palace walls as well as outside of them.

On the mountain, rising above the town like an avenging demon, the imposing palace loomed over them. She'd seen it before on holos, but she'd never been this close to the enormous structure before. Though she hated to admit it, the palace was impressive and beautiful as it glimmered in the muted rays of the sun. She hated the fact that it terrified her as much as it did, but she couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of doom as she gazed at the massive, exquisite structure that housed the biggest monster of all.

The gathered officers watched the proceedings with an air of indifference that left Rey fuming. It was bad enough that they had been caught, but did they have to be treated as if they were worth less than an animal?

Actually, most animals she came across were treated far better than this as they were necessary for human survival. Rey's hands fisted at her sides, her jaw clenched as she fought to keep control of her volatile temper.

She watched as a woman was led to the side. The woman bowed her head; her shoulders shook with the force of the tears that streaked her face as she was brought onto the stage. The woman's clothes were little more than rags, though Rey knew her own clothes weren't much better.

For that matter, neither was her hair, or her overall appearance. In fact, due to having just arrived back from her battle on Starkiller before being captured, she'd gone even longer than normal without bathing.

The lingering scent of blood, body odor, and death stuck to her. They didn't blend so well with the other awful scents encompassing her. She found herself hoping that her dismal appearance and scent would be enough to earn her the much coveted sentence of death.

The muted sound of sniffles began to make their way through the rest of the crowd. The majority of people remained strong, but it was only a matter of time before they were also broken beneath the heel of the monsters that now held their fate.

Rey watched unseeingly as more people were brought forth. The compression of bodies began to ease; if it weren't for the tense pressure in her chest, she might actually have been able to inhale easily again. Instead, she could barely breathe through the panic threatening to crush her.

Though most people were slated for imprisonment or death, it was the ones that were chosen to be slaves that were the saddest and openly wept the loudest. Rey was panting for breath when someone stepped beside her. A strong, work worn hand slipped into hers and squeezed it reassuringly.

She turned toward the person beside her, and felt as if she'd been kicked in the teeth when she saw him.

"Finn," She breathed.

Finn managed a wan smile for her. His brown eyes were sad and resigned, yet they still resonated with the strength and confidence she was so used to from him.

Sadness engulfed her; the sight of him here was nearly her undoing. A sob rose up, caught and strangled within her throat.

"Finn," She whispered again, heart shattering into a thousand pieces. She had not thought that things could get any worse, but she had been greatly mistaken. Her own death was fine, she could handle it, but to know that Finn might die too, or even worse survive, was more than she could tolerate. He had been a slave before too, as a stormtrooper - she knew it would kill him to be one again.

"Stay strong Rey, stay strong," He told her. "Think of Leia, and Poe. We will get through this."

"How did they catch you?" she mumbled miserably.

He didn't have to answer her, though, she already knew how. She and Finn had been together when the First Order attacked. Though they had originally rushed to aid the people, it had quickly become apparent that it was going to be a losing battle and they would be of no use. The best hope was to flee, to retreat into space, to escape and hide until the First Order withdrew with their new captives.

That was what they had been doing when Rey spotted Rose being detained; she'd plunged heedlessly forward to intervene on behalf of the girl. And because of that, Leia had lost two of her best soldiers.

"Oh Finn," she whispered, hot tears burning in her eyes.

"I couldn't let you come alone. Plus, I've always been curious about what happens here," He was trying to sound light, but she could hear the tension in his voice. "Don't cry for me, Rey, they'll think you're crying because of them, don't give them that satisfaction."

"They'll keep you," She moaned, knowing it was true. He was filthy and disheveled, but his handsome features were still clearly visible.

"That will give me a chance to figure out an escape plan for the two of us."

"No, Finn, they won't keep me. They can't," Rey shook her head forcefully. "It would be too dangerous. Right now, at least I look like I have nothing to offer them."

It was true; she was skinny, dirty, disheveled, smelly, and unwomanly in every possible way. They wouldn't choose her, or at least that was the hope she held on to.

"I'd rather be dead anyway," She assured him.

His eyes filled with displeasure.

"They will pick you, Rey, and when they take you, you must cling to the knowledge that I will come for you. I will save you. Keep hold of that certainty, it will get you through the trying times ahead of us."

"Finn…" She swallowed heavily, staggered by the earnest emotion that radiated from him.

"I will come for you, Rey. I promise you that. Don't doubt it."

She gasped, stunned, as he was suddenly ripped away from her. It was then she realized there were just a handful of people left within the fenced holding area. She almost chased after him, but she only made it one step before she halted abruptly.

She couldn't show that much emotion here, they would only use it against her, or Finn. No, she had to remain in control, be as emotionless as she could, or they would use her love to destroy the both of them.

Finn was paraded onto the stage and promptly claimed by a wealthy First Order woman oozing sadism.

Rey was shaking; her legs trembled and it was only sheer will that kept her upright.

She didn't fight the rough hands that seized hold of her; she was in too much shock, too worried, and too dazed to even begin to fight right now.

She was led through the crowd and brusquely paraded before the horde gathered on the stage, before being led past the crowd of officers packing the streets. She was dragged back past the people on stage and pulled roughly around, but no one laid claim to her.

She didn't feel as relieved as she thought she would. If Finn was in here because of her, then it was only fair that she should suffer the same tormented fate that he did.

She met Finn's gaze briefly, hating the dread and helplessness in his eyes as she was pulled back toward the side street. This would be the last chance for someone to claim her, and if they didn't, she was fairly certain Finn would go ballistic in his attempt to save her.

An officer stepped forward.

"I will take it."

It! It! Rey's mind screamed, and she recoiled in dismay at the word. She could scarcely breathe through the panic constricting her chest. The officer that had claimed her was moving through the crowd, digging into his pocket to retrieve the money he would spend on her.

He would not be spending much, as she had nearly been on the chopping block before he claimed her.

Money was exchanged; the two troopers holding her released her dismissively to the man. She felt the urge to flee, to run screaming down the street, but she wouldn't get far, and she would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her snap.

The man began pulling her toward the stairs, not at all caring that she could barely keep up with his faster gait. She staggered, trying to keep her shaking legs beneath her as he reached the stairs.

"Wait!" A deep voice boomed across the crowd gathered within the street, and echoed off the surrounding buildings. It rang with authority, and a note of command that stopped even Rey abruptly in her tracks.

The man holding her froze instantly, his hand loosened upon her arm, but he didn't release her. There was a rippling among the throng, murmurs filled the air but were swiftly silenced as the crowd stepped aside to reveal Kylo Ren standing in the middle of the street.

Behind him stood two stormtroopers, but Rey barely paid them any attention as the man who had disrupted the proceedings began to make his way forward, stopping in front of the stage.

The man who had claimed her, and still grasped her upper arm tightly, finally broke the profound silence.

"Kylo Ren… uh, sir?"

Rey straightened her shoulders, and a wave of defiance washed through her as she clenched her jaw and lifted her chin. She didn't know what came over her, but her apprehension vanished in the face of Kylo Ren.

Maybe it had something to do with her victory over him at Starkiller Base. Whatever it was, now she was angry. Pissed actually, royally pissed by the inhumane and unfair treatment of her fellow Resistance members.

The man holding her shivered, his trepidation became almost palpable as Kylo Ren remained unmoving and silent. Everyone seemed to be fearful of the man before them, with the exception of Rey herself.

Behind his mask, Rey could feel him smirk, his attention riveted on her.

"She will come with me."

A collective exhalation escaped the crowd, but it was rapidly silenced by the sharp looks of the stormtroopers flanking Kylo. The auctioneer sputtered somewhat, eyes darting to Rey and the rest of the stage.

"Sir, we have others…" he broke off, looking frantic and confused as he searched the crowd for help that was not forthcoming. "Better looking, and more kempt ones."

Rey bristled, her nose scrunched up. She shot the auctioneer a dark look that he didn't notice as he was too focused on the intimidating man at the foot of the steps.

"No," Kylo Ren responded forcefully. "I am taking that one. Give the man his money back and give her to me."

The man holding her released her instantly; he couldn't seem to get away from her fast enough as he hastily retreated.

Rey turned toward Finn. His eyes were wide, terror written all over his face; however, it was not terror for him but for her.

"Come here," He commanded her, but Rey found her feet frozen in place. The auctioneer was gaping at her like she was a total moron, but she couldn't bring herself to walk.

Finally, having decided that she must be a complete idiot, the auctioneer stepped toward her and reached out to grab hold of her arm.

"Do not touch her!" Kylo Ren growled, and she heard the distinctive sound of his lightsaber being activated.

The auctioneer stumbled backwards, having gone deathly pale. Sweat poured down his face as he gaped at her, not understanding why Kylo Ren was so interested in her.

Unfortunately, Rey knew the answer to that.

But she couldn't stand here all day. Kylo Ren would come for her, and she didn't know what he would do if he was forced to retrieve her. There were other innocents on this stage, and Rey worried that he might hurt them if she continued to disobey him.

Finn took a brisk step forward. She shook her head sharply at him, terrified of what Kylo would do if he recognized the former stormtrooper. This whole mess was her fault, and she had to accept the consequences, no matter how dire.

She stiffly made her way down the stairs, and Kylo followed her movements, stepping back as she stopped before him. She could see herself reflected in his mask, and was relieved to find she didn't look terrified, even though she was a trembling mess of confusion and turmoil on the inside.

He remained unmoving, his gaze fixed on her for a poignant moment. Then, he abruptly turned away, leaving her bewildered and motionless. She didn't know what to do, what was going on, what was expected of her.

Her gaze slid helplessly back to Finn.

I'll find you, he mouthed silently.

Rey would have liked to believe him, but she didn't see how she could possibly escape. How could she get out of the palace? Maybe if she had remained in one of the homes within the town she would have had a chance, but she couldn't even begin to fathom a way out of that monstrous place.

"This way," He beckoned. The two stormtroopers that had accompanied him came toward her, their hands outstretched. Rey took a small step back.

Kylo turned back to glare at them, and the two seemed to sense his sudden irritation as their hands fell limply to their sides. Rey stared at him in surprise, startled to realize that he seemed truly angered at the thought of them touching her.

"Move," One of them commanded gruffly.

Kylo Ren didn't turn back around as he walked leisurely down the street, the three of them trailing behind.

A/N - I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of this Captive rewrite!

As always, leave a review with your thoughts, suggestions, and predictions, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

~ Elizabeth (FanOfDeliciousFlavour)