Chapter 15

The planet was a frozen wasteland, in Kylo's opinion. His troops were freezing cold but Kylo felt nothing. They marched down the winding path until they came across a frozen, deserted village. Kylo slowly made his way through the small village. It was cold and lifeless. It had to have been here for centuries.

It took him quite some time to find any maps to this planet. It was as if someone was trying to erase it from history. But he found the information in the end.

After more walking, Kylo suddenly felt a presence coming from down another path. He turned and quickly withdrew his lightsaber while his soldiers drew their blasters.

Coming down the road was an old woman, walking with a cane and a basket of what looked to be vegetables sticking out of it.

The woman looked up, looking unfazed by him or his raised lightsaber.

"Ah, I wondered when you would find your way to this place. Took you long enough."

Kylo was taken aback. This woman showed no fear of him. She was also not speaking verbally. She was using the force to speak into his mind. Just like Saya. They also shared the same silver hair and lavender eyes.

She looked at his lightsaber and smirked.

"I knew that's why she built it that way. She kept saying the cross guard was useful but I know she just wanted a part of you with her."

Kylo lowered his lightsaber. He could feel power coming off of the woman, but it was weak. She would be no match for him, lightsaber or not.

"Who wanted a part of me with them?"

The old woman rolled her lavender eyes. "Saya, of course."

Kylo clenched his fists. "So Saya was here…"

"For about a year, yes. At first light, she would go to the Temple to train and spend her evenings with me. Such a lovely girl. I do miss her company. Although I spent most of that time making her eat. Poor girl was way too thin."

Kylo placed his lightsaber back on his hip and marched up to the old woman.

"You will answer my questions. Answer them and you may live."

The old woman rolled her eyes again and waved her hand at him.

"Oh don't try that intimidation game on me, young man. I'll answer your questions. Just come inside my home. And no temper tantrums while you're in it. It took me a long time to fix it up."

Kylo looked at the woman, completely bewildered by her. She walked past him into the small house behind him without a second thought. Even his soldiers looked at one another in confusion and awe.

He turned to his Stormtroopers. "Stay here"

He swiftly entered the small house. The woman set her basket on the table and set to putting water in a kettle to set over the blazing fire in the corner. Kylo tried to imagine Saya sitting at the table with the old woman forcing her to eat more and more. He was thankful to her that she was able to get Saya to a healthy weight. But he wouldn't tell her that.

As soon as the woman placed the kettle over the fire, she sat down in the chair with a sigh. She placed her cane on the table and looked up to him.

"Are you at least going to sit down? I imagine you have a lot of questions. Might as well be comfortable."

Kylo considered it, then slowly sat down across from her at the table.

She smiled at him. "You may remove the mask. I have already seen your face."

"How is that possible?"

"In Saya's memories. She shared them with me. You shouldn't cover up a handsome face."

Kylo wanted to refuse. He wanted to feel like he was in control. But he saw no harm in it. His soldiers were outside and wouldn't see the moment of compliance.

He slowly removed his helmet and placed it on the table.

"You will answer all of my question."

"I will, happily. For an exchange."

"And what do you want?"

The old woman extended her hand. "Give me your hand. Just for a moment. Then I will answer all of your questions"

If that was all, then fine. He began reaching for her hand and she snapped it away.

"WITHOUT the glove, please"

He gritted his teeth, but removed his glove. As soon as he touched her hand, she gasped and pulled away from him.

The woman looked to the floor and took several breaths.

"Oh the stupid things you have done, boy…"

He felt a surge of anger. "What do you mean? You better be careful with your words, old woman."

She rolled her eyes. "You may kill me. Death does not scare me. Not anymore."

Kylo narrowed his eyes at her. "What did you see?"

She looked up and met his eyes. "Everything. From your first memories to you coming here."

Again, he was shocked. He didn't even feel her enter his mind. And her power was weak compared to his.

"HOW!?" He demanded to know.

"We have always had the ability. It's part of our power. I tried to teach Saya but she was so reluctant to learn the skill. Saying other people's lives are not her business. Could never make her understand how useful it can be"

Kylo sat back, becoming impatient.

"Enough! I've done as you asked. You will answer my questions!"

She lounged back in her own seat.

"Yes, yes. I keep my promises. I already know your first question. You are in the 'Land of Twilight'. The place without a sunset or sunrise. This was once the village of the Mahjai."

So that's what Saya is. A Mahjai.

She continued.

"We flourished for centuries until a Sith lord attacked our planet and tried to exterminate our people. Saya and Torin are probably the last of us. Our blood dies with them."

Kylo clenched his fists. "You know of him?"

"Only in your and Saya's memories. He is a disturbed and misguided man. A sickness in his mind is taking over him. As far as I'm concerned, Saya is the last true Mahjai."

Kylo thought for several moments. Never once in his life had he heard of these people.

"There is no history of any race called the Mahjai in the galaxy."

"I'm sure the same Sith that tried to destroy us has worked to erase us from history"

"And why would a Sith want your race to go extinct?"

You've felt it, haven't you? The power Saya has. Now imagine an entire race of people with that power. And now that Saya is training properly, that power will continue to grow. I believe a Sith wanted to exterminate us to wipe out our power.

"Your people can't be that powerful if they allowed themselves to be destroyed in such a way."

The woman glared at him.

"Tell me young man, if someone was trying to kill everyone and everything you loved all at the same time what would you do? I was there. I saw everyone running and screaming, trying to protect their children and the elderly. My own mother died protecting me. Even we can succumb to panic and desperation."

Kylo almost felt ashamed for a moment. Even he found his statement to be in bad taste.

"You said Saya went to a temple to train every day. Where is the temple?"

"About an hour to the north. She would rise early every morning to go train. She has decided to follow her ancestor's path to become a Gray Jedi."

The woman seemed to say it with pride.

"The Gray Jedi religion is extinct."

The woman smirked. "Not anymore"

He clenched his teeth again. As much as he admired the old woman's sass, he was also annoyed by it.

"Saya trained here and then just decided to leave. Why?"

The woman shrugged.

"She said it was time. She may not have been raised here, but Saya is a true Mahjai. She came running from the temple one day and said it was time for her to go. So I helped with her helmet and armor, we said our farewells and she left with Bayard."

He felt a flare of anger and jealousy.

"Bayard…"

She rolled her eyes at him. "Bayard is a wolf, you jealous boy. Bayard was once a guardian of the temple. Saya is the last of us. So he followed her down the path she has decided to take. Many of our people had animal guardians. As Saya is the last Mahjai, Bayard is the last guardian. He was always meant for her.

He remembered his men telling him of the white wolf that was with the mysterious Jedi, who turned out to be Saya.

She tilted her head and continued to stare at him.

"She loves you. Sorry, I should say she loves Ben Solo. And you are Kylo Ren. Is Ben Solo really gone?"

His eyes narrowed at her, unsure of where this conversation was going.

"Yes, Ben Solo is dead. I am Kylo Ren, Supreme Leader of the First Order."

She continued to smirk at him.

"He can't be completely gone if you still love her. I've seen the desperation inside of you. The longing you have to have her beside you again. Those feelings are Ben Solo's, not Kylo Ren's"

He had enough. He swiftly stood and replaced his helmet.

"You've given me enough information. I will go see this temple. If you leave this house before me and my men are gone, they will shoot you."

He turned to leave.

"I hope she finds him again"

He froze at her words.

"Ben Solo made her so happy. Saya deserves it after all she has been through. I hope Ben Solo returns so she can find some joy in her life again. She loves him more than life itself"

He slowly looked over his shoulder at her.

"Saya will be happier with me than she ever was with Ben Solo"

He finally made his way out of the house.

"No you won't"

He slammed her door shut upon hearing her final words.

The wind was picking up and his men were shivering in the cold. They would get over it.

"Stay here. The woman doesn't leave the house until I return"

The men nodded and he made his way north. The wind seemed to pick up but it did nothing to stop him.

After some time, he finally saw what must have been the entrance of the temple. Large crystal doors attached to the mountain side. He easily pushed the door open and walked inside.

Kylo expected darkness but was surprised at how well lit the structure was. He also had to admire the craftsmanship of the room. Large crystal columns and statues of men and women around it. After looking around, he looked against the far wall and words carved into the wall caught his eye.

He walked forward until he was able to clearly see them.

THERE IS NO DARK SIDE, NOR A LIGHT SIDE

THERE IS ONLY THE FORCE

I WILL DO WHAT I MUST TO KEEP THE BALANCE

THE BALANCE IS WHAT KEEPS ME TOGETHER

THERE IS NO GOOD WITHOUT EVIL, BUT EVIL MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO FLOURISH

THERE IS PASSION, YET EMOTION

SERENITY, YET PEACE

CHAOS, YET ORDER

I AM THE WEILDER OF THE FLAME, THE PROTECTOR OF BALANCE

I AM THE HOLDER OF THE TORCH, LIGHTING THE WAY

I AM THE KEEPER OF THE FLAME, SOLDIER OF BALANCE

I AM A GUARDIAN OF BALANCE

THIS IS THE PATH OF THE GRAY JEDI

Kylo remembered Skywalker telling himself and the other apprentices about the Gray Jedi religion. Those who walked along the path between the light and dark side of the force.

Saya's words entered his mind…

"I am a Gray Jedi, like my ancestors before me. I am a protector of the balance of the galaxy. I accept that there is no light without darkness but I will fight to make sure darkness does not take over the light. And that means fighting the First Order."

Not only was she the last Mahjai, she was also the last Gray Jedi. Kylo placed his hand on the wall and slowly the images of the past came into the room. He saw Saya practicing her footing with a stick, pretending it was a lightsaber. Saw her meditating in the middle of the room. The last image he saw was of her building her lightsaber on the floor, taking great care in making the perfect one for herself.

He slowly lowered his hand and the images disappeared. The Gray Jedi religion was not for her. No, he would make her see the power of the Dark side. He and Saya will combine their power to bring true balance to the galaxy under their rule.

Kylo had seen enough. It was time to leave. He left the temple and was back at the village sooner than he realized. His Stormtroopers were still guarding the house and he waved them along.

"I'm done here."

They eagerly followed him, obviously ready to get out of the cold.

"I hope you find your happiness again"

Kylo froze, then turned to see the old woman standing outside of her house.

"If Ben Solo can still hear me, I want him to know I pray for his return so he and Saya can find happiness together. He once promised to take her to see the ocean. Once he keeps his promise, Saya will be happy again"

He wanted to snap back at her but he had no words. He continued down the path back to his ship.

Kylo Ren could just as easily take her to the ocean. Perhaps he should have said that. But he was done with her and this frozen planet. Saya didn't belong here. She belonged with him.

He was lost in deep thought as he boarded his command ship and they began the flight back to his Star Destroyer.

The old woman's words still echoed in him. Saya's power was only going to grow more and more. Just how much power did the people of the Mahjai have? It didn't matter. Once he got her back, he would progress her training. There was so much he could teach her that no one else could.

When they finally reached his Star Destroyer, he felt as if lightning had struck him. He felt so stupid for not thinking of it before.

Snoke had easily connected him to the scavenger. Kylo may not have Saya by his side at the moment, but his powers had long since grown since then without her to aid him.

If Snoke could create a connection between him and the scavenger, then he could create one between him and Saya.

-!-!-!

Leia gave the orders for the Resistance to stay completely quiet for now. They had the information on the other two cloning labs but Leia wouldn't risk another trap or failed mission. She wanted everyone to train and better prepare for the next chance they had to take action against the First Order.

Saya felt odd for a while without her helmet and armor. But there was no point to it anymore. Kylo knew she was back with the Resistance. Hiding her face wouldn't do anything to protect her or her comrades.

Leia gathered a small team inside the large hut one evening. A team that included herself, Rey, Poe, Finn, and Rose along with a few other members. Bayard sat happily next to her as she scratched behind his ears.

"Everyone, we have the chance to make a new ally. Across the galaxy is a very wealthy family that may be willing to assist us. I want you all to go with me to see them and help me convince them to join with us. They would be able to provide us many valuable resources, including weapons and ships."

They all looked to one another, then slowly nodded.

"When do we leave, General?" Finn asked.

"Tomorrow morning. We should only be gone for a day at the most."

"If they don't join us, won't they turn us in to the First Order?" Rose asked.

"The Varasys family is an old and honorable one. They wouldn't turn us over unless they make it plainly clear they side with the First Order. We will go and convince them otherwise."

Everyone was still unsure, but Saya trusted Leia. She stood and made sure everyone in the room could hear her thoughts.

I will go wherever you go, General. If you say they will not harm us, I believe you.

Leia smiled at Saya and everyone else followed her lead, standing and saluting to Leia.

Leia beamed at all of them.

"Thank you everyone. But this mission will still not be without its risks. The First Order has spy's everywhere. We will be landing in an underground passage that will lead us directly to the family's home. We have to remain hidden at all times.

They all understood. Leia dismissed them and they all quickly went to their huts to get some sleep before departing in the morning.

The planet was so hot at the moment. Saya closed the small window in her hut and closed the curtain. There was no wind to cool the huts down so closing the window would make no difference. She made sure her door was firmly closed, then removed her boots and pants. Bayard made his way into the small corner of the small hut and curled up to sleep.

Saya grew accustomed to revealing more skin. And it was so hot, she didn't care about modesty at the moment. She kept her pants close to her in case an emergency came up and she needed to dress quickly.

She crawled into her small bed and curled up on top of the blankets.

In her dreams, she was with Ben. Always in her dreams, they were back under their tree. Together, they would stare at the stars and imaging traveling to the different planets together. When it got too cold for her, he would wrap his robe around her or hold her in his lap with his arms around her.

Tonight, she imagined them laying in the sand and staring at the sky. Suddenly, he turned and smiled at her.

"Saya, I miss you…"

She looked at him confused.

I'm right here, Ben…

His fingers suddenly began stroking her leg and she had to admit she liked the feeling. He slowly leaned down and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. At that moment, she prayed to never wake up again.

He slowly broke the kiss and looked into her eyes.

"I love you Saya… please tell me where you are"

She blinked at him.

I'm right here with you? Where else would I be?

"Saya, please… I need you to be by my side…"

Saya was becoming more and more confused. This was her dream, wasn't it? Why was he acting like this in her dream?

Saya suddenly felt reality hit her and she blinked several times. She was suddenly no longer under the stars. She was back in her hut.

And Ben was sitting next to her. She could see him clear as day.

"Saya… please…"

No, this couldn't be real. Saya jumped up from the bed and swung the small curtain open, letting in the light of the moon.

She turned back and he was suddenly gone. Like he never had been there.

Saya dropped back down to the mattress and began to silently cry. Byard quickly stood and rushed to her, placing his head in her lap. She fell to the floor and wrapped her arms around him while his head lie on her shoulder.

Bayard… I think I'm losing my mind…

-!-!-!

I have a couple more little 'side stories' I want to put in before I try to dive into leading this into 'The Rise of Skywalker'. I haven't had the chance to see the movie yet but until then, I hope this will do.

Hope everyone is enjoying! Please review and give me feedback!