Author's Note: So, it's Christmas eve and even though I'm sick I totally felt awful leaving you guys without any hope what-so-ever. So, here's a christmas gift of a positive future for our characters... maybe. It could still blow up in our faces so... but here. Fluff. Have fluff!

Our favorite redhead, Ashlyn Novafall is lost. We know that. She has no stake in anything, no purpose. Perhaps it's time for her to find it? But not before learning a new trick and feeling even worse. Hopefully Anakin can help her!

And you guys. Really. You're so awesome, I love hearing from you guys. In reviews; PM's, whatever. I don't care. I love hearing from you and talking to you. You have made this adventure so much fun and I know it's a slow burn story and frustrating at times, but we will get through this! Hopefully y'all stick around for it!

Reviews:

MotherAiya: Thank you so so so so much! I'm trying my best to just update sooner rather than later. I know how much it sucks waiting for chapters, I'm also super guilty of that as well so trying not to! I'm also really happy to hear people like Ash, that makes me so freaking happy so thank you!

Guest: It was a gamble, I debated having a Force Ghost, which I figured made sense. She needs help. But… who!? I think we can all agree if anyone can slap some sense into both Ash and Kylo… it's him!

Warnaudrey: Thank you! I'm feeling a little better today! And I agree, I hope he shows up and is like "Ben… come on. The heck you doin?!"

Sapphist: They are so wise…when it's too late haha. They're so good at screwing everything up! Thank you!

Ravenclauses: Poe will definitely figure it out, but not so soon. However, we are heading into TFA territory soon so… who knows! And thank you! Being sick for the holidays really does suck!

Catherine Moffit: Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

DominoDuh: AHHHHINDEED! And she totally should rub it in his face lol

Alter Ego Bob: Exactly, I was pretty torn over adding a Force Ghost, but like I said, it made sense in helping Ashlyn get on track. Also, I feel like no one can get shit done on their own in these movies so, let's add some ghosts lol

Lipstick Survivors: Exactly! It was Anakin or bust! Don't worry, they'll be seeing each other soon… will it be happy? Uhhhhh…. Oh hey uh… look at the time, I gotta go!

LoveFiction2017: Thank yoooou and merry Christmas!

Fangirl0012345: I think we're all have had enough of Kylo's shit at this point. Let's start an organized line and slap that jerk

MrsKyloRen: Thank you so much!

Louise: Oh, we're getting some positive stuff in this chapter. It's Christmas after all, right?!

Xscouselondonerx: Thank you so very much, I'm so happy to hear that. I hope you keep enjoying and I keep doing right with these characters!

Tuscan of Mandalore: Thank you so very much, I really appreciate hearing that. Writing OC's is freaking terrifying, it's hard to mold them well enough to fit into a story. I'm so happy it's worked out! Also, you feel better too! Being sick for the holidays is awful!

Ash attempted to start slow in rebuilding her connection to the Force. She knew she had to grow stronger if she wanted to battle the darkness and not be condemned forever within it. Without a physical teacher, it was easier said than done. She also wanted more than anything to have the Force leave her alone. If it was going to keep throwing things in her path to help her; (i.e. Poe, a droid, Ghosts), perhaps it was time to listen.

Every morning that week, Ash meditated. Her connection was shaky, but it was a start. At first, she couldn't find any focus whatsoever, then slowly it began to piece itself back together. However, Ash soon began to feel suffocated in her surroundings, she needed to expand outside of her small living space. Yet, Ash was stubborn and tried anyway to make things work in her tiny apartment. It clearly wasn't working and the Force was growing impatient.

Anakin appeared in Ashlyn's room one morning, noticing the redhead was sleeping still so late in the day. Even after their conversation, there she was. Asleep. The Force had plans for her; for his grandson too, and in order for any of it to take place, she needed to get back on track. With a wave of his hand, the Force Ghost lifted Ashlyn off the safety of her bed and moved her ever so slightly to the edge. With a quick snap of his wrist, Ashlyn dropped to the floor with a thud. She yelped at the sudden drop and immediate contact with the cold floor. Angrily, she sat up, looking around the room to see what happened only to be met with the smirking ghost. "What was that for?" She asked.

"You need to train."

Ash frowned. "Right this second?"

"You're wasting daylight." Something in his tone; the sarcasm, was almost familiar. Too familiar. "Have you been meditating?"

"Daily." Ash explained dryly. "I'm running out of space though."

He gave her a pointed look. "Well, let's find a bigger space."

"You expect me to do that, how?"

"Ask the pilot." Anakin answered as though it were obvious. It should have been. Ashlyn simply didn't want to ask Poe. However, she didn't have a choice right now, especially if Anakin was not going to leave her alone.

She glared at the ghost. "Fine. I'll talk to Poe." She unwillingly agreed as she removed herself from the floor. Ash walked over to her clothes, grabbing them and heading for the refresher to change out of her pajamas. Regardless if Anakin would have looked or not, it at least made her feel just a little bit comfortable getting out of sight for a moment.

Ash dressed for the day; storming out of her refresher. Anakin was nowhere to be found in her room. She sighed with relief before pulling her hair into a ponytail. Perhaps she could get a few more hours of sleep if she did so quietly. As she walked to her bed, a voice rang out in the room. "I'll drop you again."

Ash groaned, grabbing her lightsaber and heading out the door to find the pilot.

Ash wandered into the command center of the base, nodding at the faces that had become familiar since her arrival. Granted, she still didn't know their names. She also didn't care to. The darkside of things made her just a little unbearable, now she understood why Hux and Phasma were constantly annoyed with Kylo Ren. Yeah, let's not think about him. She thought to herself as she wandered around the command center, her eyes locking on the familiar pilot in the orange jumper, taking to the General.

Leia noticed the girl first, smiling warmly as she came closer. Poe turned, seeing Ash and giving her a smile as well. "Morning." Poe said.

"General Organa, Commander Dameron." Ash greeted formally, the two exchanged knowing glances.

"I think she wants something from us, General." Poe quipped.

Leia grinned knowingly. "I believe you are right, Commander." The two teased.

"Can't I be professional?" Ash asked sweetly, knowing they saw right through her. Ash grimaced then, realizing she was getting nowhere. "Alright, I'll be honest. I need a place to train."

"Train for what?" Poe asked.

Leia gave him a sharp look before asking Ashlyn the real important question. "You're going to return to your Force training?" Poe caught on.

"I think it'll help me even out." Ash admitted. "With guidance from the Force, I think it's important that I restart my training."

Leia smiled warmly once more; the two ignoring the slight concern from Poe. "I agree. We have a few training rooms you can take."

"I don't mean to sound like a pessimist here." Poe began. "Ash, no offense, but you're kind of…" He couldn't find the right word.

"Unstable." Ash answered for him.

"Yeah…" Poe reluctantly agreed. "Those training rooms typically have anywhere from five to ten soldiers at a time. If you got angry-"

Ash nodded. "Say no more, I get it. I can train in my room."

"What about the field?" Poe suggestion quickly. "There's a pretty empty field to the right of the ship yard. You're still close to the base should you need anything, but far enough to train in private."

Ash actually smiled. "Perfect."

Poe returned the smile. "Great, I'll show you where it is." He looked to General Organa, offering an apologetic smile that lacked in sincerity. "I'm sorry, I'll be back."

"Always a gentleman." Leia quipped, receiving a laugh from Ashlyn.

"It's good that you're training again." Poe admitted as the two walked towards the shipyard. "It'll probably help you sort things out."

Ash exhaled. "I hope so."

"I think it will." Poe said hopefully. "But once you do, what are your plans? What are you going to do?"

Ash shrugged. "I don't really have an answer to that."

"You have a place here." Poe offered. "We could use your help."

"I think I'm over the whole war thing and taking sides." Ash admitted. "It hasn't worked out for me yet."

"Maybe this time it will." Poe agreed.

Ash nodded. "Maybe when I figure everything else out, I'll have an answer for you."

Poe smiled. "Hey, if you decide to join us. Great. We won't make you." While Ashlyn knew she was an asset to the Resistance, especially with how much she knew about the First Order. She still didn't have the one thing she was looking for. Purpose. Then again, did she ever have that? Even with her time on StarKiller, did she ever know her place in all of this? Everyone else seemed to know what they were fighting for. Ashlyn? She had no idea. What brought Ashlyn into this, where was her purpose? What was her drive being apart of all of this? Maybe she didn't have one. Maybe she truly had no allegiance and would continue on that path.

Kylo Ren sat on the couch in his apartment. His mind full of conflict; it had been the entire month without Ash. He hated it. He hated missing her; he hated the feeling of not having her. He hated feeling her slip into darkness without him. She wasn't meant for darkness, yet he knew she was almost powerless to stop it. She didn't know how to and he caused that. Ren had learned to block her out of their Force Bond, it wasn't easy. In fact, it took two weeks to perfect. Luckily for him, she hadn't realized how to get around that.

Without the light that Ashlyn brought to his life, he plummeted into the darkness. He welcomed it. What was the point in fighting it anymore? She was gone, she wasn't there to balance him and pull him into some semblance of sanity. She was gone and he was going to make everyone on this damn base pay for it in some fashion.

The plan had changed; at least not to anyone's knowledge but his. They'd still take down Snoke, but now Kylo Ren had his eyes set on a much bigger prize. The plan was to disassemble the First Order and create a new order. But, maybe they still needed a Supreme Leader, and who else but him should take the role? However, with the darkness that surrounded his heart, there really wasn't much stopping him from turning out to be the same evil that Snoke was. He really didn't care.

There was nothing Phasma nor Hux could do except stay the course. To expose Kylo Ren would expose them in return. There was no talking him out of the darkness her sank to; he was so far gone it seemed. All they could do was wait, complete the mission and hope that someday he'd come back. Although, Phasma wouldn't say it outloud, she feared it impossible without the red haired girl. Now, Hux and Phasma had to secretly find a way to get her back. Yet, how could they do that with a scorned mind reading Force User in their way?

At first, Ash didn't know what to do or where to start as she stood in the grassy field Poe lead her to. She felt ridiculous. How the heck was she supposed to find herself and find her path back to her balance? Anakin had told her so much and yet nothing at all. Perhaps it was a mistake to listen to a ghost, what if he was wrong?

"Are you ready to stop doubting me and train?" The familiar voice asked. Ash turned, seeing Anakin now standing in the field with her.

She retorted. "Are you going to stop with the vague responses and help me?"

He grinned. "Lesson one. You're trapped in the darkness; surrounded by it. You're not meant for just darkness."

Ash sighed in defeat. "Then how do I get out of it?"

"Patience." Anakin replied. "It won't be easy. You need to find your balance again."

"And if I can't?"

His grin turned more sympathetic. "The Force has a plan for you; however, you need to get there yourself. Have faith."

"If the Force has a plan for me, then why didn't it warn me on how easy it is to slip to the darkside?" Ash asked. "I gave up; it won. If the Force didn't want that, why didn't it stop me?"

"The Force always knows what the dark and light will do. They're predictable in their actions; it always leads to one or the other. It's in their nature. You?" He explained. "You're a gamble. The Force never knows for certain where you'll end up. Only you can keep that balance when you let the Force guide you." He nodded to the ground. "Now focus and let's meditate."

With a frustrated groan, Ash plopped down on the grass. She looked around curiously, wondering if anyone had seen her talking to a ghost; or if they could even see the ghost at all. Luckily, no one was around and Ash began to notice everything else around her; different starships taking off and landing every so often. She grew used to the sounds of their engines; the way they took off. The sound of the breeze gently caressing the grass around her, blowing it ever so slightly. Nearby aviary creatures, chirping. She inhaled deeply through her nostrils and closed her eyes.

Focus, Ashlyn. She heard Anakin's voice in her mind. Find the balance…

At first, nothing happened. She sat in darkness for what felt like an eternity until everything happened at once. Silence, a deafening silence overtook her. She then began to do something she hadn't done since her arrival on D'Qar, she began to feel everything. Light, dark, peace; the balance. It was all there, it was sitting there within her reach. All she had to do was reach out and grab it. It wasn't that simple. There was something else there… No. Ashlyn realized. There was someone there. She was reaching out through the Force, clawing her way through.

She saw the room. The oh-so-very-familiar room. The same room she had slept in on a nightly basis for months. His room. She looked around, finding it seemingly empty. How did she get here? Was she even really there or was the Force showing her something?

She wasn't the only one asking that question as the familiar dark voice spoke. "How?"

Ash quickly turned, he didn't look angry. No, he looked afraid. He looked like he had seen a ghost.

Her heart was breaking all over again as she looked at him. She could feel the darkness within her pulling her resolve back to the deepest and foulest corners of the dark side. It soon became hard to breathe; hard to concentrate. Before she could say anything, Ash was ripped out of that existence and brought back to the field. Her eyes snapping open; her chest rising rapidly as her lungs worked overtime.

He wasn't there. He was still on StarKiller and she was here. Yet, she saw him, she was there with him. "What the hell was that?" She asked angrily, looking to the Force Ghost that was no longer with her. Seeing Kylo Ren again only reminded her of how lost she truly felt. She was lost without him, she was lost sitting in this field alone, she was just utterly and mindlessly lost. What was the point of any of this? She knew she had to fight, but for what? What was Ashlyn Novafall fight for? Once again, Ashlyn found herself with more questions than answers and she was growing very, very tired of it.

He was livid. Of all things Ashlyn could have taught herself, it had to be this? He had felt the strange pull of darkness; then the light. The unique mix of uncertainty she brought in her wake. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Kylo Ren had let a grey Force User on her own to discover things and in doing so, he realized that Ashlyn had sank into the very darkness he tried to keep her from. He had hope, however. When he felt the balance upon her arrival; he knew if anyone could fight it, it was her. But the doubt still remained, without a teacher, Ashlyn was a time bomb waiting to go off.

He wasn't prepared for how strong the Force Bond had been between them. How easily the Force made it for either one to contact the other. It wanted them together; for the greater good of the universe. He wasn't having that. No matter how hard he tried to keep her out; make her feel as though the connection was no longer there, she still fought against it. Now, he needed to work even harder to keep her out.

Ashlyn was frustrated. The want and need to fight back against the darkness was strong, yet without any merit. She had nothing to fight for; nothing to motivate her. Seeing Kylo Ren only proved that. Seeing him struck something within her, but not the need to fight back. Being part of the First Order or the Resistance, neither one gave her that spark. What was she fighting for. Without a sense of purpose; she knew she could never pull herself back. Anakin was all but helpful, the Force as well, in guiding her to that. "What is the point to any of this?!" She shouted in her room, receiving nothing in return. Little did she know, the answer was there all along; she just needed to see it and the Force would give it to her.

She was standing in front of a small and horribly familiar kitchenette. It took a moment to place where she was, the image clicking in her mind as she realized she was in the hut on Maridun. Her heart raced in her chest, although she knew this was a dream, she was more than afraid to see what the Force was showing her. "Oh good, you're finally awake." Ash turned sharply to see the man in black. He was grinning as he looked at her. Yet, something in his smile was different. It held no hidden motivation or qualm. It held peace in darkness. She felt balance. Something else Ash noticed on his face, a scar. A rather long scar on the right side of his face. It looked as though it had healed years ago. "Everything okay, starshine?" He asked with concern, walking into the hut and over to her.

"I'm just tired." She lied; knowing anything she felt now didn't matter. He wasn't actually there. He was just a projection of what the Force was trying to show her.

His grin turned mischievous; a familiar image to Ashlyn. "Well, after last night, I'm not surprised." His arms snaked around her back, pulling her to his chest and holding her.

Ash couldn't help but smile at his remark. It felt good to be in his arms again, but deep in her mind she felt this entire thing had been displaced. Kylo Ren could never feel so balanced; so unconflicted. "Kylo-"

He snorted. "You haven't called me that in a while."

Ash pulled back, looking up at him with more than just confusion on her face. "I- what?" Her eyes searching for something in his face, anything to give him away. Then, it locked on something else odd. There was more to the hut than she remembered, an extension where the living room was. Another room? "When did this place get so big?"

"Okay, starshine. You're starting to worry me. Are you sure you're okay?" He asked, chuckling awkwardly.

Ash shook her head. "I'm sorry." She tried to distract the man in black. "I just feel so…"

"Like you're seeing something for the first time?" Kylo Ren asked.

She let out an airy laugh. "Yeah."

He shrugged, smiling. "Well, when you're ready come outside. We have something to show you." He said, kissing the top of her head lovingly before leaving the hut.

It clicked in her head. 'We?' she asked herself. The odd wording only left her in confusion as she walked to the door of the hut to see what he had been talking about.

Her heart stopped in her chest; her breath hitched in her lungs. Kylo Ren stood in the field next to a smaller boy. The boy was a splitting image of Kylo; dark hair and honey orb eyes. Smiling and carefree as he ran around the tall giant. Kylo was beaming with pride as he got the child's attention, pointing over to where Ashlyn stood and saying something she couldn't here.

The child; beaming, ran towards Ashlyn. His arms outstretched for her. On instinct, Ashlyn bent down and wrapped him up in her arms. It felt right, it felt more than right. This child was hers and she knew it just by the way he felt in her arms. Tears streaming down her cheeks as she held him. This child was of the Force, a child of light and dark; perfectly balanced. The child of grey and darkness.

Ash woke from her dream, sitting up in the darkened room. Tears streaming down her cheeks as she tried to hold onto the feeling of the child hugging her. She knew she wasn't alone in the room. "There's a child." She said; looking over at Anakin whom was standing across the room. "We had a child and he's perfect; he's perfect with the Force, he balanced in both light and dark and-"

"He's chosen." Anakin admitted. "He will not be the only one to bring balance to the Force, but he's one of them. After a long line of failure and uncertainty as to who would bring balance. It was never one person; it was many. Children born of dark and light, and even grey. Your child would be one of them."

"He'd bring balance to Kylo Ren." Ash said. "He'd bring him back from the dark."

"He could." Anakin reminded her. "Remember, not everything is set in stone."

Ash shook her head. "No, but I know what I have to do." A smile appeared on her face as she wiped the stray tears that had fallen. "I've seen what could be. It has to be. I'm going to save Kylo Ren." Her eyes pleading now. "I know you can't give me a definite answer, but please. I'm begging you, Anakin. How do I begin. Where do I start?"

Anakin caved, knowing the Force wouldn't be happy. But even he had a stake in this, that was his grandson and this woman was going to bring him back. Of course, he'd help. "Talk to Leia. Help her, but be cautious. While the Resistance are the path to light, there still is darkness hidden in the shadows."

In that moment, Ash found the spark that would ignite the revolution within her own heart. She was going to save Kylo Ren and she would start with Leia Organa.

Final Thought: And so, our Ashlyn Novafall has realized what she needs to do. Let's hope no one stops her from doing it! Everyone has a plan, from Kylo to Ash to even Hux and Phasma now... something is bound to explode sooner rather than later right? yikes... I'm out. Merry Christmas, remember to review and see y'all next time!