Good morning! I am so thankful for all of you, and also my three year old screaming about an airplane in my ear at 7:37am… I had a lot of fun writing the last chapter (I kind of rushed it), and I definitely look forward to writing more of Kylo and Rey on Naboo. As the story progresses, we will see more of the light in him, and him fulfill his promises to Rey, who will feel flabbergasted. But, Kylo has other plans while he is on Naboo too. As always, reviews are wonderful, and if you have any ideas on where the story should be headed, feel free to message me.
Guest – I wanted to go into more detail about Theed, but I felt like it was a lot of unnecessary plot points. Lake Country, however, will be described in more detail, and when we go back to Theed too.
Idsrsc – I haven't decided if they will find out in this chapter or not. I know from their standpoint, the longer Rey stalls Kylo, the happier they will be. But, there will be some surprises in this chapter!
Chapter 6:
Location: Lake Country, Naboo
The vast lake shimmered in the sunlight as Kylo and Rey were dropped off at the ferry's dock. They had come to one of the castles situated on the edge of one of the many islands on the great lake. This particular castle was part of the land that Kylo's maternal grandparents (the Naberrie's) owned, and where his grandmother was buried. Rey admired its beauty as the ferryman helped her onto the dock. She thanked him, and took in the enormity of the castle, its design, and the clear blue water lapping at the edges of the island. The climate was considerably warmer than in Theed, and also had just a slight breeze that rustled through her curls.
The concierge took their bags and welcomed them to the Lake Country, told them that they had a variety of hosts and hostesses ready to entertain them, and that they were most grateful for their stay. Rey had never seen Kylo as warm as he was as Ben. He shook the man's hand and thanked him for his kindness to which Rey could do everything in her power to not have her jaw drop subterranean. Kylo led Rey up the stone carved stairs, while she marveled at the pink, white, and red roses lining the steps in their intricately carved flower holders. Everywhere she looked was something beautiful, majestic, and serene. She didn't know that this much serenity existed in the entire galaxy.
They came to a small platform before Kylo led her into the castle. He opened the large wooden doors into a room full of sunlight with pillars framing another balcony. Rey stopped in wonder at that moment. She had never admired a man in such a way as Kylo in that instant. He stood in between her and the balcony, arms a tad out from his legs with his white shirt flowing in the breeze, and his black hair blowing in the direction of the wind. The sunlight shone all around him, through him it seemed, and wrapped itself around the vine coated pillars. Kylo looked like he belonged here – maybe as a glass crafter, fisherman, or sailor. It seemed as though he only ever existed in this castle, on this planet, with Rey. It was hard to believe that the man standing in front of her, who was so at peace and beautiful, had caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and was currently ruling the galaxy as Supreme Leader of The First Order.
Rey willed herself to move from where she was currently rooted, to join herself at Kylo's side. She gazed out into the crystal blue lake, spying the islands they had passed on their way to the castle. They looked so little now. She gazed on the fisherman who raised their catches in the air in triumph, to the little girls playing and running in the sand on the peninsula to her right, and to the dolphins leaping out of the water. Her heart was full of happiness and wonder.
"This place is magnificent," she whispered.
Kylo looked down to the woman standing beside him. She looked radiant, with the light making it seem as though her dress was glowing black and navy blue. In another life, he would have done anything to remain on Naboo with her – they could live in this castle, start a peaceful life in The Lake Country, and retire from The First Order and The Resistance forever… There was nothing more he wanted in that moment. Everything felt like it should… right, just. He hated it; his conflicting emotions. The other side of him was fighting that dream, screaming at him to open his eyes; running away with Rey here would never happen. He had an empire to lead and a galaxy to conquer. But, none of that mattered right now. What mattered was the girl beside him, and how content she was with him.
"Did you visit here often as a child?" Rey asked him, going over to where the carved some balcony walls connected with the stone barrier between the castle and the lake. She leaned her arms against the cool stone, still gazing out into the water.
"A few times," Kylo replied, joining her. "My mother was very imperative that we learn all we could about our family. I think she was trying to wipe the memory of Darth Vader, and coming here where my grandmother grew up would help her justify that Vader was once a person."
"I know you wanted to be just like him," Rey said, knowing that her words were laced with danger. But, she was willing to take that chance. "Remember, Ben… Vader was once a good person, otherwise your grandmother wouldn't have fallen in love with him. Just like you – I know there is good in you."
Rey could sense Kylo's annoyance beginning to flare up. She knew that he didn't bring her to this amazing place just so she could try to convince him to turn to the light. But, she had to try. He was continuously amazing her since he had taken her from Sullust, and she could sense that there was something there trying to shine through. Maybe it was because of her, or maybe he was just coming to it on his own. Either way, she was going to poke and prod at him until she received a reaction.
"I didn't bring you here to have a repeat of the last time you tried to turn me," Kylo said and glanced down at her warningly.
"Then why did you bring me here?" Rey demanded. Her vigilance outweighed her calmness and she was beginning her defensive cycle once more as her pitch became desperate.
Kylo sighed. "This planet is very important to me. It is the place my grandmother was born, raised, and ruled. I hoped bringing you here would help you… understand me more."
Rey's lips clamped shut as she thought of her reply. "I understand why you brought me here, but I don't understand you."
"All I hope that is by the time that we leave here, you will," Kylo replied with a deep sincerity in his voice.
He gently put his arm around her shoulders, feeling the satin fabric of her dress brush up against his skin. Rey didn't push him off of her like she had last time. Instead, he felt her shoulders relax from their tensed state, and her demeanor calmed. While Rey was defensive, she was also able to see reason. The two stared out onto the sunny lake in silence. He hoped that she realized that she could have all of this and more, if she stayed with him. But more than anything, he hoped that he could find who he was once more, as long as she was there to guide him.
Location: Thakwaa, Outer Rim
It hadn't taken much of a vote for the Resistance to agree that they were going to go planet to planet in order to recruit and increase their numbers. Leia had advised them in the methods that the Rebellion has used, and told them beyond anything, their base could absolutely not be a ship. They needed to find a planet that was willing to host them, and give them the resources they needed. Meanwhile, it was Finn and Poe's mission to recruit followers.
Rose had suggested that they land on Thakwaa. Leia had agreed immediately – during the time of the Galactic Empire, the planet had repeatedly attempted to be seized by the Imperials. To no avail by the locals, however, who had defeated them time and again. Eventually, after multiple conquests, numerous casualties, and many Imperial credits wasted, the Emperor abandoned the idea of Thakwaa joining his Empire. Thakwaash weren't keen on outsiders trying to conquer them, which made them a strong ally to The Rebellion, and hopefully to The Resistance.
Poe had offered to lead the landing party, with Leia extending her rule to him once more. She had stayed with Nein Nunb and the rest of the Sullustans while Poe had a brigade standing by. He had been warned about the natives' hostile and unpredictable behavior, and wanted to make sure that he was protected if the mission went south. Chewie insisted that he go with Poe, just in case the situation became reckless. Leia also insisted – it was better if Poe had someone to back him up.
When Chewie and Poe reached the main city (after crossing miles of grassy plains that took them most of the morning), they were marveled at how the bustling city seemed to be hanging up in trees. There were settlements on the ground, but there were many levels built into the canopies of the trees long stretching branches. The Thakwaash were animal-like creatures that reminded Poe of Chewie, but smaller. They were built toughly, however, and it showed from their choice of clothing – not a lot of them were covered. Poe looked up to Chewie as they moved through the bustling crowd.
"What do you think, big guy?" he asked quietly. Chewie's black eyes scanned the crowd and he uttered a little grunt. Poe nodded. "Yeah, I'm thinking that too."
These creatures seemed to display a different range of personalities. One would take over when the Thakwaash was finished with a task, and then they would rotate. Poe had never seen such an unusual phenomenon, and it made him uneasy. Would they even remember committing to The Resistance?
The two came to what seemed to be the embassy (from what Poe could tell from the scribbled lettering along the front); a long building made from branches that stretched all the way up into the green canopies. There were multiple Thakwaash going to and from the building, all speaking about the different systems that had been attacked by The First Order, General Hux, Star Destroyers, and how they would strike back with a force they never imagined. Poe turned to Chewie whilst overhearing the conversations, and Chewie growled a little in agreement. This was their opportunity.
But, their opportunity was stalled after the two entered the building and were immediately seized by two guards dressed in blue coverings armed with electrified staffs.
"Hey, hey, let me go! This is not what you think it is!" Poe growled. The creatures were much stronger than what he had originally thought – it felt like his arm was being ripped out of its socket. Chewie growled dangerously as one of the guards confiscated his crossbow.
"You don't have a permit," replied the guard while patting Poe down. Poe grimaced as the beast's hands went over regions that they shouldn't have. "And you are carrying a weapon."
"Half the people here are carrying weapons," came Poe's agitated response as he shook his shoulders to release the guard's grip.
"You do not have a weapon permit or a permit to be in the city," the guard said, squaring up with Poe. His bead-like eyes narrowed as he looked down upon the pilot.
Poe looked to Chewie nervously and took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "I would like to speak to your superior officer."
The Thakwaash laughed a full deep booming laugh that chilled Poe to his bones. "You ask the impossible, outsider."
Poe raised an eyebrow. "We are outsiders, yes, but we need to speak to your leader privately."
The other guards joined in to the booming laughter, and Chewie and Poe exchanged a worried glance. Their plan wasn't going as expected. They could not, under any circumstances, reveal that they were with The Resistance, just in case there were First Order sympathizers nearby. When Poe agreed to take Leia's superiority and recruit, he didn't realize how difficult it would be. Or all the awful situations they were going to get into. The question now was: how were they going to get out of this one?
Location: Lake Country, Naboo
Kylo sat on an intricately carved stone stool, his legs bent at the knees and his elbows resting on them. His fingers were clasped between his legs, right in front of his chest, were they were intertwined within each other. The soft Naboo breeze had windswept his hair over his brown eyes, with little wisps flitting and tangling with his eyelashes. White curtains blew softly behind him, almost hiding the view of the white satin sheets with the Naboo royal emblem embroidered in gold around the trim that covered his bed. He was perfectly still, his brown orbs focusing only on one thing: the girl on the end of the balcony that led out of his room.
After the two had had dinner, Rey had changed out of her traveling clothes into another stunning ensemble. The attendants had dressed her in a strapless purple dress with different shades of lilac flowing like water towards the hem. She had three bands of pearls on her arms a few inches from the crease of her elbows. The brown curls in her hair had been brushed out into waves, with clips of pears throughout the strands that reflected the orange and reds in the sunset. Rey stood regally at the edge of the balcony, her arms in front of her. If she knew that Kylo was there, she didn't show it in her physical appearance or through her emotions; he would have sensed it.
The time had long since been lost track of. Kylo had studied every inch of her from the way that the baby hairs near her neck blew when the breeze quickened to the way she shifted her weight from one side to the other when the strain became too much on either side. He had spent hours imagining her when he was hunting her down. It almost didn't seem real that she was in front of him now, calm and assured.
The sun created an army of reds, yellows, and oranges as it blazed across the sky in a fiery retreat. Rey had been on the balcony for quite some time, studying the newly found phenomenon. He had found her out here after one of the hostesses had pointed him in her general direction. He didn't want to disturb her, so after a few minutes of leaning against the dark wooden doorframe of the double doors leading into his room, he took a seat on the stool. Kylo was at ease with the silence; hearing the birds chirping softly and the water lapping at the beach beneath them was enough to put his heavy-weighted mind at ease for the first time in such a long time.
The two stayed in that positioning for quite some time until the colors began to dwindle, and the blackness began to rise out of the east. With the overwhelming darkness came the twinkling stars. When there was only enough light to see one another at a close proximity, Rey turned only to the side and looked upon the man sitting by the balcony doors. She sighed softly, and sent him a small smile as he rose from his sitting place. Kylo walked over to Rey, standing beside her as the two looked up into the open sky. They spotted a fast moving orb circling the planet, and Kylo pointed to it, tracing the small bright light with his finger.
"Look," he whispered. "There's a ship."
Rey followed his finger. "It's a strange feeling, being this small."
Kylo chuckled. "It takes some time getting used to."
Rey took in a sharp breath and turned to face the man to her right. "I feel at home here. I can't explain it…"
Kylo's eyes softened as they drifted to her fading figure in as the darkness crept over her. All he could make out of her now was from the fire burning in the lanterns on either side of the balcony, and the soft yellow light emitting from his bedroom. "You don't have to explain."
Rey's eyes narrowed quizzically. "Ben… Why are you being like this to me? You bring me to this beautiful planet… You aren't trying to kill me – or anyone else for that matter –"
"I'm honoring your wish with that," he answered. "Besides, I haven't had a reason to kill anyone. I needed this as much as you did. My mind needed the retreat."
Rey only gave him a tiny nod before looking back up into the night sky. Her hazel eyes located the bright white light that Kylo made out to be a ship and followed it until it disappeared behind the mountains. Never in her life had she ever once thought she would have visited this paradise, let alone with Kylo Ren. But, now that she was here, she never wanted to leave this heaven.
However, she was growing tired, and it was time to retire to her bedroom. Rey tried to justify not leaving Kylo's side with every viable option she could muster, but her throat was beginning to burn from holding back her insistent yawning, and her eyes were growing heavier by the moment. She turned to face Kylo, and he matched her almost instantly. As tired as she was, she couldn't quite find the right words to say as she brought her heavy eyes up to meet his. Kylo seemed to be in the same situation, because his lips parted only slightly but no words escaped his breath.
The two stared at one another for quite some time before Rey felt his fingers brush the side of her cheek. It was a new feeling: feeling his touch without the leather of his gloves covering the padding of his fingers. He flattened his hand to cup her cheek. He was warm, inviting, and so subtly enticing. His scent over must and evergreens had overtaken her like the strongest drug created. Rey felt her eyes closing, and his breath tingling the skin on her lips and chin. He was so close…
A silent scream and cry for help rang out in her head. As much as she tried to ignore it, it pressed her farther and farther until she forced her eyes to open slowly. Everything about him in that moment begged her to submit – his touch, his soft breath against her skin, the way that his eyes ate her so hungrily… But, now was not that time…
"I'm sorry," Rey said, taking his hand gently off her cheek. Even at the littlest of gestures, their touch was igniting and made the pit of her stomach churn. "I should go to sleep."
Kylo's eyes saddened, and Rey pulled herself away from him before she took pity on his dejected state and ran back into his arms. His whisper brought her back to reality. "I understand. Sleep well, Rey."
Rey took a few steps away from him, her heart entirely deep in confusion. She wanted to run back to him, allow him to take her in whatever way he wanted – needed – her. She turned towards him over her shoulder dangerously, meeting his sad eyes once more, before she turned herself back around and disappearing behind the soft glow of the curtains.
Kylo sighed after she was out of his sight and turned back out towards the lake. He rested his hands on the cool stone balcony and leaned upwards on his arms, putting his weight on his hands. He took a deep breath, staring down into the water below him, allowing it to calm his racing mind and tender heart. Her rejection should have fueled his fire, his hatred, his passion… Instead, it only made him hunger for her touch even more.
This place was changing him.
