Chapter 2: Determination

Months later

Kylo Ren walked around his throne room, his strides swift and powerful, worthy of someone in his current position, Supreme Leader of the First Order.

He thought back on his grandfather's dream a sense of immense satisfaction filling him. He was closer than he had ever been to accomplishing that dream. He looked outside through one of the vision panels to his right. The First Order fleet filled the skies as far as he could see. Mine he thought, with immense satisfaction. It almost made him smile. Almost.

Oh how he loved power. Light or darkness. That did not matter. But power. Power felt right. Satisfying. Power helped him gain control. And ever since that day he had needed to maintain the control,

First Rey. Then Luke.

Kylo Ren had lost it day. And because of that he had dedicated himself to perfecting his control over all things: the Force, the Universe, the First Order, his own heart.

And as it turned out that had helped him overcome his enemies. Continuously, and without ceasing. No word of the Resistance and definitely no threat from them. Although he knew they were in hiding preparing themselves. And the fact that they were not giving up was bothering him.

That she was not giving up, was really bothering.

"Supreme Leader?" A stormtrooper said approaching him.

"What is it? You know how I feel about being disturbed without good reason?" He barked at the man.

"Beg your pardon, Supreme Leader. General Hux has sent me to inform you that we have n-news regarding the Resi-Resistance, Supreme Leader. " he stammered.

Kylo Ren's eyes flared briefly before he stormed out of the room without a word.

"Where is she?" Kylo said when the doors opened onto the first deck.

"She?" General Hux asked. "Do you mean the girl, the scavanger?"

Kylo tensed.

"Of course I do not mean the girl, General. I mean the ship." he said calmly, a note of annoyance in his voice. "The Resistance ship." he added for good measure.

"Of course. The ship. Forgive me Supreme Leader. We don't know where the ship is as of yet. But we have discovered some very unusual activity on this particular side of the galaxy" he said pointing a perfectly manicured hand towards one of the smallest planets on the three-dimensional map open on his desk.

"What do you mean unusual?" Kylo asked.

"A multitude of ships have recently landed on this particular planet in the past few days. The ships were well disguised but we managed to gain control over the satellite in one of them. Since then we have been able to monitor the activity in the area. At least a dozen ships have landed in the past 24 hours. And another dozen over the days previous. No ship has taken off so far." He looked purposefully at Kylo Ren trying to gauge his reaction. But all Kylo did was watch the small planet spin round in circles. It was not far from where they were now. It was close.

She was close.

Trying to read the Supreme Leader's expression Hux added "I believe this has something to do with the Resistance. Perhaps they are gathering forces and preparing an attack. After all there is only that smallest part of the galaxy left unconquered."

Kylo's eyes rose to his, black eyes piercing.

Hux shook a little inside but years of military training allowed him to maintain his position. He did not move.

"So what are you waiting for?" Kylo replied.

"Supreme Leader?" Hux stammered slightly, not believing he was saying what he thought he was saying. Because in truth, Hux had always doubted that Kylo Ren had it in him to destroy the Resistance. Because of his mother. And because of that girl.

"I mean, what are you waiting for? To destroy the Resistance. Frankly General, you disappoint me. I thought that it was what you most desired." Kylo spoke without raising his voice, but every word was so carefully spelled out that it shook general Hux to the core.

"Well I thought you wanted to ... have a part in this. Also the girl. We would need your help with the girl. If she was powerful enough to kill Snoke and leave you unconscious, surely she is a major threat."

Klyo's eyes flared. He turned around abruptly. One hand on his lightsaber, he walked swiftly towards the front of the deck which allowed him a view of his entire fleet.

"I wouldn't worry about the girl." He gritted out, his voice suddenly hoarse, his mouth dry. His hand had started shaking so he grabbed the lightsaber tighter. He added "I did not consider this was necessary to tell you before, but the girl only defeated me because I had some splintering in the Force. It was Supreme leader Snoke who told me before he died. You wouldn't understand anyway. But I am stronger than Rey." Kylo Ren said convincingly, turning to the General and looking him straight in the eyes.

"Rey." General Hux whispered and Kylo's chest tightened.

"Is that her name? Just...Rey?" The general replied. "Rey. Rey. That is not what I would have expected. Rather like a scavenger's name." He threw a superior grin towards the captain "Rey hmm."

"Stop saying her name." Kylo barked out, his eyes blazing, his grip tightening on his lightsaber. In that moment, Kylo would have gladly squeezed the life out of his second in command, even though he was the best man he had. Control, remember.

"Of course. As you wish Supreme Leader." Hux replied.

"Indeed. As I wish. Now where was I? Yes, I will defeat the girl. She is no match for me, particularly because she is untrained. I am more powerful than a Jedi or a Sith. She is not even a Jedi." Kylo Ren said pointedly. And he really did believe what he said. Every time he thought back on that night he became more convinced that he would be able to defeat Rey if he faced her again. In the beginning he doubted he would ever be able to. Because it was Rey. Because once she was gone, there would be no one like her. And no one like him.

And then he doubted he could. He wasn't sure how it had been possible for her to escape that night. But then he remembered Snoke's words about how killing his father had splintered his spirit and caused him to lose that first fight with her.

He realised then that it must have been the same on the night she escaped. His spirit must have been splintered, because he had just chosen to let his mother die on one of the ships. And because Rey had said no. And that future that he had seen when they had touched was torn away from him.

And that had broken something in him. Something he that ran deep. He really prefered not to think how deep.

So yes, it had been those things only that had caused her to win.

But now he had gained control over himself. And he would never be so foolish as to beg for anything ever. He would destroy her if he needed, just like he had sworn himself before Luke.

Finally snapping out of his thoughts, he looked at General Hux.

"Well if that is all General, I assume we will be ready to kill that nuisance of a Resistance by tomorrow. I will come with you, in case the girl is there and causing any problems." Kylo pressed a button to close the map and turned to leave.

"Actually Supreme Leader, there is more. We have reason to believe that the Resistance ships have also gone there to pay their final respects. We have intercepted an on-board conversation between one of the ships and one of the rebels at the base."

"Why are you boring me with this General?" Kylo said impatiently, not bothering to turn around or look at the General.

"It's the Leader of the Resistance, Sir. "which made Kylo freeze " It seems that General Organa, your uh-" long pause "you mother, is dying." Hux finished.

Kylo Ren was struck. He did not move or turn around. His chest felt tight but he chose ro ignore it.

Ben Solo would have wept, yes. For the mother he was losing. Even though it was the mother he had never had. Not with him anyways.

Kylo Ren had no one.

"I have no mother." He threw out and stormed out.

Later that night, when he was alone, Kylo did something he had not done in years.

He meditated. Mostly because he needed to feel whether he could reach out to his mother across the Force. But he couldn't reach her. Or Luke.

In truth, he had not been able to reach them since he had gone.

Only Rey.

Rey had been so connected to him that at times he felt her as part of himself, like she was a limb he couldn't live without.

But that was a long time ago.

Too long ago.

In his mind he saw her face before she closed the door to that ship. He hated that ship. Her betrayal had been so blatant.

He could feel rage swelling up inside of him. He breathed in. Out.

Months had passed since then and strangely enough his connection with Rey had not faded.

Eventually, they both got better at ignoring each other. Rey would not look at him now. He knew that she always sensed him. There were things that always gave her away. She would tense. Then control her breathing. Then try and act normal again.

In the beginning he would watch her with longing. Wishing she had chosen to be by his side. Sometimes his anger made him hate her and want to harm her. Sometimes self-pity consumed him.

From the moment she stopped speaking to him he had never once said a word to her.

But he still saw her. If not through the Force, then in dreams or memories.

She was like a ghost haunting him with impassioned speeches meant to turn him towards the light.

Strange warmth enveloped him suddenly, waking him up from his thoughts.

"Ben." the softest whisper that he felt like a caress on his skin.

"Oh Ben. Please let me see you before I go. Please Ben." His mother's whispered plea was felt like a ripple across the Force. Pure energy. Light. A force in and of itself.

Kylo Ren closed his eyes tight, torn between granting Leia her last wish and using this opportunity to punish her.

"Hello? Can anybody hear me? Do you copy? I need to speak to General Hux? Hello? Do you copy? My name is Poe Dameron and I need to speak to General Hux."

The same message was repeated several times over the empty deck of the First Order ship.

Kylo Ren walked into the room just in time to catch the final sentence that the man had said.

He pressed a button on the commander's pad.

"This is Kylo Ren, Poe Dameron, I imagine you wish to speak to me rather than General Hux."

Poe chuckled briefly.

"My my you are cocky." His grin could be heard even if not seen. "Who do you think you are, Master of the Universe?"

"Yes." Kylo Ren said flatly.

"Haha. Not yet Kylo Ren" he chuckled. And then added on a serious note "and not if I can help it."

Kylo Ren was glaring at the pad, his nostrils flaring. He could feel control slip. He composed himself before asking.

"What do you want Poe Dameron?"

"Oh man." He heard him say distractedly. And then he heard a BB unit communicating with Poe. Then Poe replying "No, I have to keep my word BB8. I know it sucks but Leia asked for this." Then some more BB unit noise. And Poe's reply "It's gotta be done, pal. It's gotta be done."

"Are you ever going to get to the point?" Kylo asked impatiently. "What do you want Poe Dameron?"

Then a noise to his right alerted Kylo that he was no longer alone. General Hux and his Captain were now also on the bridge, looking at him questioningly.

"Is that a rebel you are talking to?" General Hux inquired.

Kylo only nodded.

And then finally Poe Dameron spoke.

It was driving Kylo mad. He wished he would have killed them all sooner.

"I am here to escort you." Poe said.

"I beg your pardon. What kind of nonsense is this?"

"To see your mother. She is dying. Surely you know." Poe said unsure now.

"Of course I know." Kylo said defensively. "I know everything."

"Of course you do" Poe mocked him.

"Which begs the question then, why do you think I would need escorting?" Kylo got out through his teeth.

"I did not say you need it. And I definitely don't want to give it to you. But your mother thought this would be the only safe way for you to see her. I love Leia and would not harm you if she asked me. But for most of the people there you are the monster who took their homes and families from them. They will not think twice about trying to at least attempt to rid the world of you." Poe said all mocking gone from his tone.

Kylo realised then he was indeed speaking to a Leader of the Resistance.

He thought about this for a brief second. He thought about the consequences if he didn't go. And about the consequences if he did go. Neither scenario appealed to him.

He glanced at General Hux, whose whole body was tense, mouth thinned out in a hard line. Disapproving. Of what, Kylo did not care. He remembered some time ago when he told Rey to let go. He remembered his need to let all things die so new things could be born. He felt it then, inside of him. The need for closure. With his mother. Maybe then Kylo would finally feel free.

"Alright" he said to Poe Dameron over the comm. "What is the plan?"

Poe was speechless from Kylo's response. "Right. Yes. Well, for one, I am going to need you to wear normal clothes. With your doom and gloom costume you're gonna stand out too much."

Kylo rolled his eyes at Poe's childish words.

"I will need you to get on one of your ships and come meet me on Jakku. That will be our meeting point. I will pick you up and deliver you to the same spot. During that time I will guarantee for your life."

"I can take care of myself." Kylo Ren stated. The nerve on the little rebel.

"Yes whatever. So meet you there. Gotta go now. "Poe said and communication was disconnected.

Kylo pressed the comm button on the pad and turned to leave the room.

"Supreme Leader you're not actually going?" Hux questioned.

"General Hux. You know I value your work and zeal. You are a most loyal servant. However, you are not my equal. We both already know what happens when you question my orders. Or do I need to remind you?" Kylo said those last words so menacingly that the general flinched and the captain took a step back.

"Out of my way." Kylo barked and exited the bridge.

"Hold on tight. This is gonna be a bit bumpy. Haven't really had time to fix this baby properly after the last time your fleet bombed it" Poe grinned but his tone was resentful.

"We're at war. You decided to be our enemies." Kylo said matter of factly.

"You would have wiped out everyone!" Poe raised his voice.

"No. We would have wiped out everyone who opposed the Order." Kylo replied not phased.

"The Order is corrupt. It needs opposing." Poe combated.

"If you say so." Kylo answered.

Poe just shook his head and used all his energy in making sure the landing was good. Not that he didn't want to see Kylo Ren dead. But Leia. Leia was like a mother to him. And she wanted to see her son. So Poe would bring her son. With a huff of annoyance and completely ignoring the man behind him Poe brought the ship safely to the ground.

Both him and Kylo quickly jumped out. He gave the man a quick look. He looked oddly out of place in Poe's white cotton shirt and deep burgundy jacket. Still, the way he held himself. It reminded Poe of Han Solo and of Leia. His charisma. Her depth. It was strange.

With a shake of his head he motioned for Kylo to follow him, all the time shaking his head. He could not believe that the leader of the First Order was within shooting range and he wasn't going to do it. Shoot him that is.

The things one does for family. He sighed.

"This is good." He whispered to Kylo. "Nobody seems to have noticed who you are so far." He said looking around the crowded common room they had just entered. He waved at Finn and Rose, who had noticed. But they were fine to notice.

Phew he thought. They had averted the worst. But then all of a sudden a dozen people started noticing him. Then pointing him out to others as well, heads bowing low together to whisper.

Oh damn. Here goes nothing thought Poe, wondering why they had noticed all of the sudden.

And one look at Kylo confirmed it. Of course he had taken the cap off. With that hair and that scar and that lightsaber he was gripping at his belt you'd have to be dumb not to notice.

Poe sighed prepared to defend him if necessary.

A commotion ahead broke Poe out of his thoughts. Both him and Kylo Ren looked up.

And there was Rey. Walking towards them.

Striding.

Angrily.

Towards them.

Poe felt a genuine moment of fear. I mean she was a Jedi after all.

But she was not coming for him.

She strode all the way to Kylo Ren and only stopped when her feet almost touched his. She was stiff as a board, her hands closed up in fists. She emanated anger, her eyes fiery, her mouth in a hard line.

Kylo's heart skipped a beat. Not from the fear. Or the Force. No, not that force. But because of her. Because it had been so long since he had seen her. Seen her hazel eyes filled with passion. Felt the warmth of her aura, even if now it was fiery red and not the usual gold.

His eyes looked her over hungrily, taking her in. He breathed in deep, as if trying to inhale the very essence of her spirit. He felt drunk, his senses bathed in her.

His expression showed nothing, but inside of him Kylo felt like an entire universe had just exploded.

Poe's eyes moved rapidly from one to another. He saw Finn join him, but did not acknowledge it. Whatever this was, it was going to be fun. He had a look around the room, just out of curiosity and saw that everyone was now looking at the two of them.

"Ben." Rey said between gritted teeth. She could hear people murmur around her.

"What did she call him?"

"How does she know him?"

"Did she call him Ben?"

"Oh my he is actually the general's son."

"Look at that face. That's a Solo any day."

"Ben." She repeated angrily, glaring at him. And then she raised her arm and slapped him flat across the face. Rey thought she heard Rose gasp and Poe snicker.

Kylo Ren's head jerked to the left from the strength of the blow. Then his eyes rose to hers. Black meeting hazel. Fire meeting fire. The Force around them so vibrant, so alive, Rey thought she heard a few people murmur out loud at the amazing energy that was felt in the room, the tension between them filling the whole space. She couldn't believe it herself. How she had missed it. How alive it made her feel.

But she was angry with him. So angry.

"How dare you?" She cried out. And then added. "Your mother is dying Ben. And you use that weakness against us. I know you want to rule the Universe. And I know that you don't want any part of the Light." Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears now. "But this is Leia. She is your mother. And I know that a part of you feels for her Ben. I cannot believe that you are that much of a monster."

Kylo Ren had not said one word during Rey's impassioned speech. He did not know what to say. Or how what she just did made him feel.

But before he could say a word, his mother appeared also into the common room.

"Ben." She whispered and extended a hand. She looked pale and week.

Kylo looked at her indecisively. He was not Ben. And he was not here to comfort sick old people.

He was Kylo Ren and he had just been humiliated in front of the entire Resistance.

Rey pressed a warm hand on his chest. His bare chest, in fact, as Poe's shirt was open at the neck. Not something he noticed. Not until she had touched him.

Rey looked at her hand on his chest and then quickly pulled it back, her cheeks tinted with red.

"I lost my temper I am, Ben I am so-

"It's Kylo Ren." He cut her off.

She raised her eyes to his, no trace of tears left. She squared her shoulders.

"I see. Kylo then. I am sorry."

"It's of no importance."

"But you're bleeding." She raised her fingers to his cheek as if to touch him. Kylo could not take that. Not now. In a swift move he gripped her hand tightly in his.

"Don't. I have deeper scars, I assure you. Some of which you gave to me. I do not need your tender ministrations now." He said squeezing her hand tighter with every word.

Out of the corner of his eye he could see Finn ready to fight him and Leia's concerned look.

Rey's beautiful, hazel eyes only burned into his. And he knew he was hurting her, but she said nothing. Bore it to restore his dignity. Allowed him to restore the balance.

With one final look in her eyes, he dropped her hand brushed past her and towards Leia, who extended her arms out.

But he also brushed past Leia and walked all the way outside, leaving everyone behind him speechless.