Chapter 16
Saya was quiet the entire flight to Volrath. Many of them were excited to see a new planet. Especially one that was known for its beautiful gardens and waterfalls. Volrath was knows as one of the richest planets. They were hopeful that such a wealthy planet and family may become allies to the Resistance.
While everyone was conversing and talking about seeing the beautiful planet, Saya was silent and stared out one of the windows of the Millennium Falcon while scratching Bayard behind his ears as he sat next to her on the floor. Her dream from the night before felt too real to her. She could almost still feel his hand on her leg. Part of her wished it was real.
She was finally thrown out of her thoughts when Leia sat down next to her.
"Are you alright?"
Yes. I just had an odd dream last night and I can't get it out of my head.
"A good one or a bad one?"
… A good one. In a way.
"Then why does it bother you so much?"
Saya thought for a moment.
I guess… I just wish it was real…
Leia reached out and held her hand. "Don't dwell too much on dreams, Saya. Focus on what's in front of you. And fight to make those dreams reality."
Saya smiled at Leia but she didn't bother telling her how her dream was probably never going to happen. Both had their attention pulled away by the droid that approached them.
"Excuse me General, but we are approaching the planet." C3PO stated.
Leia stood and addressed the small team. "Everyone, prepare to land and exit the ship. Remember, we are their guests. Mind your manners and remember, the First Order has spies everywhere. We must always be careful"
Leia went to join Rey and Chewie in the cockpit while Saya went back to looking out the window. Upon arrival at the planet, the team was started by the beautiful lights and scenery. When the ship got closer to the planet, Saya saw many people on the ground rushing around and decorating what must have been their village square.
C3PO seemed to get excited.
"Oh, we seem to have come here right in the middle of their Fallen Festival!"
Poe stood from his seat and gave the droid an odd look.
"What the hell is a Fallen Festival?"
"Well sir, its best described as a remembrance celebration. They begin by honoring the loved ones they have lost and later into the evening, they celebrate and honor their memories and lives"
Saya looked outside and wondered just how many people they have lost and possibly lost them to the First Order. She wished she could have been there to possibly save some of them.
The ship was flown into a deep cavern that was dimly lit with candles. The team was quick to exit and they were greeted by a young woman in a bright blue dress.
"My master, Quinn Varasys welcomes you. Please follow me. He is awaiting your arrival."
Everyone was quick to follow with Leia leading them. Bayard happily walked next to Saya as she followed along with everyone. They followed the girl through large white doors and entered the most beautiful home Saya had ever seen. After walking down a grand hallway, the girl led them into a large sitting room where a man was awaiting them.
He was already standing, with a large smile on his face.
"General Organa. Welcome to my home!"
He was tall with no hair on his head but a white beard. His clothes were very clean cut and obviously tailored just for him.
Leia smiled and shook his hand.
"Thank you for having us here, Lord Varasys."
"Please, just call me Quinn."
Leia turned to the rest of her team.
"Please allow me to introduce my members with me today."
Varasys cut her off.
"Oh so many people, General! I won't remember all their names. Please forgive me. But they are most welcome here while we talk business. Perhaps they would like to join the festival while we talk."
"Well, Quinn I was hoping we could all sit and speak together-"
He was waving his hand.
"Nonsense. You and I will speak alone. Your party is welcome in my home and may go and enjoy the celebration in the town."
Saya knew Rey and Poe were desperately wanting to speak out and say something. But they promised Leia to behave themselves.
"Quinn, I trust you when you say we are safe in your home. But the First Order has spy's everywhere. We need to be cautious when-"
"Well, good thing everyone wears costumes and masks!" He turned to the servant girl that was standing by the door. "Retrieve my daughters for me, please"
The girl quickly exited the room. He turned back to Leia with a smile.
"I assure you General, you are all safe here. The festival requires everyone to be in costumes and masks. We have plenty to go around for your party."
The man then looked to the bewildered looking team with a large grin.
"And such pretty girls you have here!"
Saya, Rey and Rose all looked taken aback. Saya couldn't help but turn red.
"My daughters will happily help you get ready for tonight!"
As if on que, three young women suddenly ran into the room and gave their father a large hug. It was obvious to Saya they were triplets.
"Just in time! Girls, these are members of the Resistance. I would like you to help them dress for the festival tonight."
The girls got big smiles on their faces and Leia obviously started to look worried. Leia was looking right at Saya
"Quinn, if any of my members are recognized-"
"They won't be. This festival will be filled with people from all over the galaxy. And with costumes, no one will know who you are."
The girls all suddenly set eyes on Saya, Rey and Rose. Without warning, Saya felt one of the girls grab her hand.
"Dibs on you! I'm going to make you look so pretty!"
Before Saya could even try to get a word in, she was suddenly rushed out of the room while the other two girls descended on Rey and Rose. Bayard actually had to jog slightly to keep up.
Saya was eagerly led down a series of hallways until she was shoved into a large and elegant bedroom. As soon as they were in the room, the girl let go of her hand and rushed over to her closet.
"I have the perfect dress for you! It will bring out your eyes and match perfectly with your hair!"
Saya looked bewildered at the young girl.
I don't think it's safe for me to go. Many people are looking for me-"
The girl didn't seem to be listening. She pulled out a dress and held it up.
"This one! Perfect!"
She laid the dress onto her bed then turned to Saya.
"Ok, we need to do your hair and makeup!"
Saya raised her hands and took a step back.
I really want to, but I can't! There may be someone who recognizes my hair and eyes!
The girl kept her large smile.
"Trust me, they won't. Like Papa said, there will be people and creatures from all over the galaxy here tonight. You will be the most normal looking on there. And if you're that afraid, we can cover your hair."
Saya still hesitated.
You promise no one will recognize me?
The girl raised her hand.
"Scouts honor. I promise."
Saya slowly nodded.
Ok. So what kind of mask do I have to wear?
The girl's large smile suddenly had a sinister hint to it.
"Oh you won't need a mask, per say. I have the perfect makeup in mind for you!"
Saya could already feel that she was going to regret this whole evening.
-!-!-!
Poe and Finn felt like they were dolls for the young girls to play with. As soon as they took Rey and Rose away, the two girls came back after a while to make sure the men all had costumes and masks. All of the masks were different variations of skulls, all in different colors and even in different shapes. They all wore black robes with different kinds of costume jewelry. Poe and Finn felt entirely overdressed.
"This party better be worth all this" Poe said, gesturing to his outfit.
Finn shrugged. "Hey, at least we get to be out of hiding at least for one night."
Poe couldn't help but agree and their heads turned at the sound of a door opening. Poe and Finn turned and felt their jaws drop.
Rey was wearing a red knee length dress with black lace and a skeleton mask that covered her eyes and nose yet leaved her mouth uncovered. Her hair was decorated with red and black roses. Rose had a similar style yet her dress was a deep blue with black lace and a similar mask. Her hair was in a tight bun on her head with blue carnations.
"So… do we look ok?" Rose asked.
Finn swallowed. "Um…. Yeah. I think so"
"It's not too crazy?" Rey asked the men.
"Um, I have a feeling this whole party will be crazy. We will probably be the normal ones there." Poe said with a laugh.
Everyone laughed while another door opened on the other side of the room.
What's so funny?
Everyone turned and Poe swore he felt his heart stop.
Saya was in a black dress with purple lace and a corset top. It was knee length and Saya wore matching black heels. Rather than a mask, Saya's makeup decorated her face as a skull but with purple and silver glitter. Her hair was up in a head dress made of purple and black roses.
Poe felt his heart suddenly begin pounding hard in his chest.
-!-!-!
Saya felt completely out of place. She thought the girls looked much prettier than she did. She began feeling uncomfortable under everyone's stares.
Do I look that bad?
"You look great!" Rose said, obviously excited.
Poe cleared his throat and looked down.
"So, uh… we ready to go?"
"Lord Varasys's daughters are still getting ready. They said when they are ready, we will all go to the village together."
Saya slowly bent down to Bayard who was waiting patiently next to her. She gently scratched him behind his ear.
Please stay here with General Organa. Protect her if she needs it.
Bayard stared at her for a moment, then trotted off down the hall to seek out Leia.
-!-!-!
Kylo was in a foul mood, as always. He was able to establish a force bond with Saya but wasn't able to hold it for long. He needed to keep trying. The more he connected them, the longer he would be able to hold onto the connection.
His breath caught in his throat when he saw Saya for the first time since she was taken from him. She was laying down in only a small tunic and panties, revealing her slender legs with her hair spread out. She was cured up in what must have been a small bed. He could only assume because he could only see her and not her surroundings.
But that small connection was enough for now. He would try again as soon as his rounds with everyone were done.
So far, there was no word or even a whisper of a possible Resistance base.
He would find them soon enough. For now, he would settle with his connection to Saya.
-!-!-!
Rey and Saya made sure to keep their lightsabers hidden and strapped to their legs but everyone else seemed to be relaxed and easily went without their blasters. Lord Varasys's daughters were more than happy to lead everyone to the town to begin the celebration. Leia, Chewbacca, C3PO and Bayard all stayed behind at the Varasys's mansion. Saya prayed that Leia could convince him to become a Resistance ally.
The Resistance group was actually able to blend in well with the rest of the town villagers, as everyone was in over the top costumes and masks. Saya actually felt good about not being recognized.
Everyone was chattering away until they heard a distant bell ring.
"And now begins the mourning ceremony!" One of the girls whispered.
Rey turned to the triplets who were all in matching yellow dresses and masks.
"What happens now?"
"Well, everyone who has lost a loved one will march down the hill with a candle to represent the loved one. They take the candles down to the water and send them floating down the river. As a way to say goodbye. Then anyone who wants to say a prayer for a loved one goes to light a candle to allow that to float down as well. Then everyone begins the celebration of honoring the lives the lost ones have lived."
In the distance, everyone began to see the march of candles that suddenly appeared down the road. Everyone cleared the way to see a march of several people in black robes and white floating candles. Their faces were covered with skull masks.
Saya couldn't help but silently mourn at all the people marching with the candles. It seemed that they lost a great many people this last year.
Just as the group marched past the town to head down to the river, the girls whispered to the group again.
"And now, if anyone has a prayer to say they can get a candle from the priest and float it down the river."
Saya couldn't resist turning to the girls.
Where can I find the priest?
All three of them pointed across the road to see a small church passing out candles to those who asked for one. Saya slowly followed suit and asked for a candle. Before Saya even realized it, she had already walked down to the end of the road and was at the river's edge.
She looked over to see all those with candles knelt down by the river, praying. Saya followed suit and closed her eyes.
Please… bring my Ben back to me. I feel lost and incomplete without him. Please let him come back to me…
Very slowly, Saya lowered the lit candle to the water and watched as it floated down the river along with the other prayers.
She slowly rose from the ground and made her way back up the path. The moment she returned to the village, she was brought back from her thoughts with loud music, laughter, and dancing. The mourning ceremony seemed to be over and the celebration had begun. Saya couldn't help but giggle as she saw several Resistance members either eating to their hearts content at the food table or dancing in the town square. She spotted Rey and Rose laughing on the corner of the town square and quickly joined them.
Where is Poe and Finn?
Rose gestured over to the food table. "Over there, stuffing their faces."
Sure enough, Poe and Finn were at the end of the table chugging down what must have been wine.
After some time, Finn and Poe finally walked back towards the girls. Rose couldn't contain her excitement anymore and grabbed Finn's hand.
"Finn, dance with me!"
"Wait, what-"
Before he could protest, Rose dragged him into the center of the square and began dancing awkwardly with him. After a few moments, Finn seemed to finally relax and get into the dancing with Rose. Saya and Rey smiled and laughed when Poe suddenly grabbed Saya's hand.
"Dance with me!"
I don't know how to dance!
"Neither do I!"
Before Saya could protest, Rey gave her a tiny shove and she was sent sailing along with Poe to dance with the small crowd of people.
Like Finn, it took Saya a few minutes to relax and just go with the flow. Everyone else seemed to be dancing just as badly as she and Poe were. After the song was finally over, Saya stopped to clap along with everyone else but was stopped when Poe took hold of her hand. She turned to see him standing very close to her.
Poe? What's wrong?
He didn't say anything. Poe took a deep breath then leaned forward and kissed Saya.
She felt frozen. His kiss was gently but she felt nothing but a cold feeling wash over her. He wasn't like Ben at all. He wasn't tall like Ben. Poe was actually her height so it felt odd being kissed and not having to tilt her head back.
Saya felt nothing. There was no spark or warm feelings.
Poe tried to deepen the kiss but Saya quickly took a step back, looking absolutely bewildered and shocked. Poe didn't seem unfazed at all.
"Saya, I-"
She didn't hear the rest of it. She quickly turned and ran down the road to the river. She heard Poe calling after her but knew he wasn't following her. As soon as she reached the river, she fell to her knees and began shaking.
Never in her life did she think she would be kissed by someone other than her Ben. She was completely oblivious to Poe's feelings. This entire time, she thought they were just friends and that he felt the same way. She was s wrong. But Saya knew she could never return his feelings.
Saya kept her heart locked away for Ben Solo.
After a little while, she knew she had to get back to the party. They may come and find her if she was away too long. She wasn't sure how she was going to face Poe but she had to think of something.
With a small sigh, she stood and turned to go up the path but was distracted by a figure standing next to the river.
Saya's blood ran cold and she looked into the eyes of Kylo Ren.
He seemed to look her over with utter confusion as Saya took several steps back. He wasn't here. She was seeing things. She must have fallen asleep as this must be a dream or a sick hallucination.
His eyes were taking her in, looking utterly confused.
"Saya, why are you-"
He stopped his own words when realization hit him.
"The Fallen Festival. Volrath…" His words trailed off as Saya felt as if cold water had been poured over her.
This wasn't a hallucination or a dream. Kylo had connected them through the force and he could see her clear as day.
She didn't wait a moment longer. Saya turned to run as fast as she could up the path. He knew where they were.
They only had minutes to run back to the falcon before the First Order would arrive and tear this planet apart.
-!-!-!
Kylo stormed out of his room and bolted to his command post. Volrath was not far from their position in the galaxy. It would take one jump in light speed to get there and only a few more minutes for him to send troops down to the planet.
Upon his arrival at his post, his Lieutenants and Generals stood at attention.
"The Resistance is on Volrath! All forces to the planet, now!"
They all quickly jumped into position and quickly made the jump to light speed. He needed to hurry. He knew Saya would warn the other Resistance members to help them escape.
As they made the jump, he couldn't help but remember how Saya looked. While he always thought it was a ridiculous celebration, she looked absolutely beautiful even with her face in such odd makeup. The dress was perfect for her and made her look even more feminine that any other dress he had for her. He would have to have some of that style ready for her.
As soon as the jump was done, his soldiers ran into their TIE fighters to descend onto the planet.
"Send half our forces to monitor the planet for ships trying to escape. The Resistance will know we are coming. I want them all captured for interrogation"
Kylo hoped that after tonight, he wouldn't need his force connection with Saya to speak to her again. After tonight, he would finally be able to actually speak to her and keep her beside him.
-!-!-!
Saya had to kick off her heels to be able to fully run up the path. She immediately noticed Rey by the food table with Rose, laughing and smiling. She ran right over to them and grabbed Rey's arm.
She turned, looking at Saya with confusion.
"Saya, what-"
WE HAVE TO LEAVE! THE FIRST ORDER IS COMING!
Rey and Rose had a look of panic.
"Are you sure!?" Rey asked, her voice shaking.
YES! We all need to leave, NOW!
Rey and Rose didn't waste any more time. Rey turned to look into the crowd while Rose ran to find the Resistance members that were scattered about.
"WE ALL NEED TO LEAVE! THE FIRST ORDER IS COMING!"
It took Rey several yells into the crowd for anyone to take notice of her words. The music had stopped and everyone suddenly took in her words. As Saya expected, everyone began to panic and run about for either shelter or for a ship to escape in.
All the Resistance members ran back to the mansion with the triplet girls panting after them. Upon arrival, they ran into a large sitting room where Leia was sitting with Lord Varasys. C3PO and Chewbacca were standing by the doors. Bayard, who was sitting next to Leia swiftly stood and joined Saya's side.
Everyone was trying to catch their breath and Leia stood.
"What is going on?" She said with worry on her face.
"The First Order is coming!" Rey said, still trying to catch their breath. "We all need to leave, now!"
Leia shot a glare to Lord Varasys and he looked flushed.
"That's impossible! I made sure you would all be safe-"
Then they all heard it. Screams from the town echoed all the way through the mansion windows and they felt the shaking of blasts from TIE fighters.
Lord Varasys turned to Leia. "General, I am so sorry! I don't know how-"
Leia ignored him and turned to the Resistance.
"Everyone to the ship, now! We leave immediately!"
They didn't hesitate. Everyone ran to the Falcon as Leia turned back to Lord Varasys.
"I assume you have an escape route?"
He was pale but nodded. "Yes, I can escape with my family on my own"
Leia gave him a swift nod and followed her team. Everyone was running as fast as they could and ran into the Falcon. Chewie was able to get ahead of everyone and start up the ship. Rey ran to the cockpit to help fly the ship while everyone else quickly took a seat, preparing for the rough flight ahead.
As soon as they flew out of the tunnel, Saya watched as the town ran around scrambling to escape or hide as First Order troops descended down upon the planet and the town. Saya had to hold back tears.
This was all her fault…
-!-!-!
If you guys want an idea of what Saya's makeup looks like, look up the music video HOLD ME TIGHT OR DON'T by Fall Out Boy. I watched it a while ago and loved the makeup of the woman in the gold dress & headdress. That's what inspired Saya's whole look for me. Just different colors and such.
More to come soon! Please review and give me feedback!