Author's Apology: So, this is a really long chapter. I also don't really care for this chapter and I'm sorry. There's certain parts I liked, but if I keep editing it and re-writing it you guys are never going to get it.
But.
We are so freaking close to the end. I think this story is ending at Chapter 70? I'm fairly certain of it. So... hold on to your seats, guys.
Thank you to those who are reviewing and continue to review. Y'all are appreciated more than you know. Thank you so much. Keep it up, we're almost there!
Also. I named Phasma. Don't hate.
Captain Gwendoline Phasma remembered the old days clearly; a mix of a far-off memory and yet, clung to so tightly with such a fondness that they seemed like yesterday. She trained as hard as she could; focusing mostly on her combat training as well as tactics. High in her ranks, she was a promising future for the First Order as they continued their attempt to rebuild.
She could see it now, the day Brendol Hux found her among the ranks of the nobodies she surpassed greatly. He called her up in the ranks, kept her focus and mindset on only one thing; to lead the troops to victory. She was skilled, she was clever and above all, she was dangerous.
Yet, there was something a little more dangerous that even Phasma could not even fathom. The ginger haired son of Brendol Hux. The up and coming General in training; the man being primped for a life of solitude and never-ending headaches from his subordinates. A man following in his father's footsteps that would all but surpass him someday. At least, an achievement he could only hope for. A man with a smirk that killed. A man that Phasma loved more deeply than she could have ever prepared for.
She followed him. Entranced by his ideas and beliefs that were in every way intoxicating. He was a strong person who never demanded anything from her but loyalty. A simple idea in her mind; she could give that to him. And she did. Throughout the academy, Phasma was by Hux's side and he by hers. The two a duo that were inseparable. While others saw that as a dynamic that would ultimately be for their gain; very few realized truly what was below the surface.
Perhaps that was what made all of this so hard in the end? She trusted Hux. She trusted him even when the dark-haired man with the biggest temper arrived. And while she saw their friendship as harmless, it wasn't. Not when she had time to really think about it.
When they came together; Hux, Ren, Brass and herself, they were an unstoppable force that was hell-bent for total annihilation. They were fueled by a forceful determination to reach their destinys and everyone knew that. Everyone stood out of their way. Things were glorious, especially when they graduated and became the youngest group of superiors. Hell, they were trusted with their own giant weapon. A StarKiller.
Everything was moving smoothly; everything in place as it should have been. The group was thriving in their new positions of power. Then… well, then it all went downhill. The dark-haired man with the golden orbs began to question the order and decided it was time to bite the hand that fed him. He began to think against the years of training, the way things were being ran. She didn't realize at first, he wasn't the only one who thought this either. And when Hux came to her with the proposition; she wanted to refuse. But, the heart knows what it wants and soon she was following Hux down this vortex of lies and deception. She believed in what they were doing; she knew she did. But that didn't make any of it less of a gamble.
Phasma knew what her purpose was going further. It was to keep them all alive. And she had done so in her own way. Killing and threatening anyone who stood in their path; disguising it as 'treason to the order'. She kept everyone important out of danger, even when Kylo Ren threw the wildcard of Ashlyn in their faces. Phasma kept her composure and she kept the group thriving. Following the ideas of Ren and Hux; a new beginning. A new era where war was a thing of the past and order would be restored.
Right now, Phasma was beginning to second guess it all.
It was the way Kylo Ren spoke to them before he disappeared to stars knows where, Phasma began to feel that seed of doubt begin to grow and spread throughout her. No, she was not doubting their ideas. She was doubting the sanity of Kylo Ren. Something was wrong, and while men were often too blind to see it, she wasn't. It was only confirmed when Ashlyn confronted her. What if this didn't go the way she thought? What if the idea of a better tomorrow was just a ruse? What if Kylo Ren became exactly what they were trying to rid the galaxy of?
Phasma had a bad feeling about it all. Even when the ginger got off the bed to join her, standing behind her and kissing her bare shoulder. She didn't feel any better about any of it. "You're going to have to sleep eventually." He mumbled into the soft flesh between her neck and shoulder blade.
"I know that." She replied, staring out at the multiple starships outside their apartment window. Their army. No, his army. They were just a part of it. "It's been three days, Armitage."
"He'll be back." He tried to soothe her.
"Even when he does return-" She began. "I don't think he's actually going to be the one returning."
Hux made a face, moving now she he was standing next to the worried blond. "What do you mean?"
"Something is wrong." Phasma explained. "When he snapped at us during our debriefing; disappearing from the base-" She paused. "Ash knows more than she's letting on and I'm starting to wisen up to it. Something was different about Ren when he left and I feel like when he returns he won't be the same person." She kept her blue eyes locked on the starships in front of her. "What do we do if he becomes exactly what we feared?"
Hux pursed his lips; the thought had crossed his mind thousands of times. His friend, a term he'd use very loosely at times, was hanging on by a thread. The two of them knew it; but not to the extent of how far down this could all really go.
But, Armitage Hux was prepared for all of this. At least, he had thought more about it once the red-haired girl came into play. The only girl who could best Ren at his games. The only person who could stop him. "I think we need our own contingency plan, should this fear of yours comes to pass." Phasma finally tore her eyes from the ships, looking at Hux with a mix of desperation and curiosity. "I think it's time we had a talk with the future Madame Supreme."
"Ashlyn would never turn against him." Phasma reminded him dutifully. Phasma knew where Ashlyn stood, it was the same if Hux had ever turned. Phasma would more than likely still be by his side.
"I never said she would." Hux continued. "But, I believe she is just as desperate as we are to keep him from going off the deep end." Phasma said nothing, her silent agreement had been something she was always so very used to when it came to Hux. Trusting him and her unfaltering loyalty to him. "Is she back on base?"
Phasma frowned. "She is, but we're not going to bother her with this now. It's late."
Hux smirked knowingly. "You and I both know that girl doesn't sleep through the night."
"We'll talk to her in the morning, Hux." Phasma decided, turning away from him and walking towards the bed.
He knew her better than anyone; he always had. They were each other's silent weaknesses and strengths all bundled into one person. He knew. "You're still upset at her for the other day?"
Phasma paused, stopping entirely before inhaling deeply at the accusation. Albeit, the accurate accusation. "She threatened me."
Hux scoffed. "Threatened you?"
"It was the first time she had ever done so, but I saw it. Although reluctant, she was willing to do something outside her beliefs for an answer." She turned back to him, her face like stone, yet her eyes unable to hide the concern she was feeling. "Tell me, what is more dangerous than a woman desperate for answers? A woman who has been consistently kept in the dark and gone through the things she has?" Phasma made her point clear. "A woman like that would do anything as desperation is quite the motivator."
"Are you saying we cannot trust her either?" Hux asked, afraid of the answer.
She shook her head, avoiding his gaze again. "No." It was a simple answer. She truly didn't believe Ash to be a problem. However, Phasma understood where Ash was coming from. Unlike the men, Phasma knew what a desperate woman could do when provoked. Considering she continually did everything in her power to keep Hux, Ren and Brass safe for all these years. "I'm saying that I don't think you realize how in over our heads we are."
"Gwen…" He watched her climb into bed then, not caring for his tone. It made her feel weak to be spoken to like that. Even if it was in such a caring way.
Finally, she pulled the sheet over her lower half as she looked over at him, making her final point. "I've always stood beside you through all of this. Without any question and will continue to do so. But, I don't think you're ready to do what is necessary should Ren become exactly what we feared." She explained somewhat sadly. "And I get why. I truly do. He was the one who made all this possible, he had helped us through so much-" Hux's eyes narrowed, waiting for the woman to get to her point. "Just don't be too torn up over it if we have to kill him."
The deafening silence that fell between them… this was the first time the notion had ever been said out loud. If Kylo Ren became exactly what they feared… could they do what needed to be done? If the desperation of Ashlyn came into play, would she be just as much of a problem as him? It was questions Hux didn't want to know the answer to, at least, not right now. Not as Phasma finally settled back into the bed. She was already well aware that he wasn't going to be joining her as he swiftly made his exit.
It was safe to say that Armitage Hux clung to the promise of Kylo Ren from the moment the Force User set foot on base. Sure, Ren was not exactly a friend, but he had a different set of rules. He was a commitment of a future that Hux could actually stand. Growing up in such a military consumed family, not reaching the standard of his father; of the Order. Nevermind that he was a bastard. Hux wanted more; he ached for it. That was why when the opportunity to join Kylo Ren and take down the First Order came across his desk, he jumped at the chance.
Ren understood him a lot more than Hux could ever give him credit for. He too grew up around those who value their work more than their own child. A family that always seemed to push them to the sidelines. Ren was someone who understood. Someone who promised him that after all this was said and done that Hux could have what he wanted. The freedom to be the person he wanted. The freedom to be with Phasma without repercussion. The freedom to live. Something Hux had never had.
Which was why this made everything all the more difficult. Phasma was right, when the time came, could he take down Kylo Ren? The same man who promised him so much. The same man who was on the brink of total self-destruction.
No, he realized. He couldn't. Neither could Phasma or even Brass, for that matter. Not after all that Kylo Ren had done for them. However, there was one person on base who could should the occasion arise. And like he predicted, she was having trouble sleeping.
When the apartment door slid open, the two stared at each other silently for a moment. Ash sensed his reservations; his clouded mind of 'what if' and uncertainty. He had something to say; it was written all over his face. So, Ash stepped aside, allowing the General to enter the quiet apartment.
"Are you going to make me ask the right questions like he does or will I get an answer without trying?" She asked, somewhat hesitantly. They had done this song and dance before. Hux always seemed to show up when he needed to discreetly reprimand Ashlyn or remind her exactly where her place was on StarKiller. But, this wasn't StarKiller.
He snorted slightly, watching Ash as she moved to her couch and plopping down on it. The girl looked exhausted. Dark circles were forming under her eyes, he wondered when the last time she got a full night's sleep was. "I'm not here to play games with you."
"Then why are you here?"
"I know you feel it in him. You understand what he's feeling on a higher plain than I do." Hux accused, noticing how Ashlyn's eyes really did give her away. A trait that Ren had mentioned to him once. "Something's wrong; something's different. And while I can't put my finger on it, Ashlyn, I've known him for so long." Hux pulled back, knowing he was losing control over his own emotion now. "Is he being consumed by darkness?"
Ash swallowed; her throat suddenly running dry as she did. A question she wasn't ready for. Hell, she wasn't expecting any questions from him. Only answers. Quickly, she realized, he had none. "No." Her answer firm, yet hardly believable. "And we won't let him be."
That term 'we' amused Hux; who was she expecting to be so bold as to stand up to Kylo Ren with her? Certainly, she didn't believe Hux or Phasma stood a chance. "I need to know-" He said. "I need to know that if the time came would you-"
"You're asking me to turn against my husband, Hux."
He shook his head. "Not exactly." He explained further. "I need to know if we need to stop him… that you can do it."
Ash frowned, unsure what Hux was expecting from her and only fearing the worst of scenarios. "I won't kill him, Hux."
"I don't want you to, nor do I expect it of you." Hux said; his lips forming a thin line as he reluctantly went further into detail. Details he didn't want to have to say out loud. He said again. "But, if we need to stop him-"
"He's not going to turn." Ash snapped; the room growing silent at her small outburst. Their eyes locked as they waited for the other person to falter first. It was Ash; her ultimate need to protect those around her always seemingly getting in the way at times like this.
Overall, this seemed like a waste of time. Hux was not going to get the reassurance he wanted, it seemed. A creeping fear beginning to worm its way through his brain as he began to understand more of what Phasma had said. That Ash would never turn on Kylo Ren. But, maybe this wasn't about turning on him as it was about saving him. "I have seen a side of Ren, consumed by darkness. The day you were sent away." Hux reminded her. "I don't want to ever see him that way again."
Ash bit her lip, watching Hux as he turned on his heel and made his way to the door. "I won't let him. You won't let him either..." She finally said; her words sounding more like the promise that Hux had wanted.
Hux didn't turn around. Instead, he only paused for the briefest of moments before leaving. Yet, in that small pause, Ash felt a small hint of relief within the General. Although, this didn't really feel like relief in her mind. If Hux and Phasma were onto Kylo Ren and what the stone was doing to him, maybe he was in deeper trouble than she had wanted to believe.
His absence was noticed by both Ascension and Resistance members, as well as Luke and Rey. Although, in retrospect, that worked better for Luke. He was able to train with the other Force Users more closely and without the consistent distractions of sarcastic banter from his nephew. And while Ash was still somewhat distracted over the disappearance of her husband, Luke tried his best to work with what he was given.
The issue still remained, however. Ash couldn't use her stone. Even feeling balanced, the trio still had trouble determining what exactly Ash could do. The base began to notice the defective state of Ashlyn Solo. At least, in her mind, they were noticing.
Ash also came to learn that practically everyone but her knew of Kylo Ren's intentions in becoming the next Supreme Leader. A fact that Ash did not take too kindly to at first. Yet, the reasons remained the same. Everyone was afraid of Ashlyn's reaction to the news. But, one variable stood out in the wave of information. They were all afraid of it because Kylo Ren had told them so.
Ash couldn't focus on that right now. No, instead she knew where she was needed. She had to learn to use the stone within her lightsaber. She stood, face to face, with Rey. Both girls clutching their lightsabers as they stood on the salt field of Crait, ready to train.
Luke watched from a distance, joined by Brass, Poe, Leia and Finn. Poe had noticed that whenever Ash was down on the Resistance base, she had someone following her at all times. As though they were keeping an eye on her. Granted, he knew of her new title should all of this come to pass, however, he also knew Ash. He knew she absolutely hated it. The attention, the title, the constant need for supervision. It showed as she raised her amber blade and struck down with force at Rey; whom, luckily, was prepared for the attack as she blocked it.
The sabers danced and tangled; the only bright colors among the field of white and crimson, as they clashed. Both Force Users completely focused as they trained in the distance.
"They move so-" Brass couldn't find the word.
"Fluidly?" Finn finished his sentence.
Luke's lips twitched upward slightly. "It's because they've bonded. Their friendship keeps them in tune to one another." He explained. "It's all about balance."
With that, Rey swung around Ash, causing the red-haired girl to duck. In doing so, she managed to swing upward to get the upper hand on Rey. However, that never came as Rey sensed the motion; dodging it completely and causing Ash to fall over.
Groaning Ash laid back, staring up at the sky as she tried to catch her breath. "You're getting better." Rey assured her.
Ash frowned, grinning slightly. "Coming from you, the one with heightened insight, I take that as a huge compliment."
Rey laughed, offering her hand to Ash. She haphazardly took it as Rey helped her to her feet. "You still open yourself up for weakness though." Rey added sternly. "You need to always be ready for the next hit." Ash nodded as the two retracted their blades, Ash taking a moment to look at her lightsaber hilt. "Anything yet?" Rey asked knowingly.
"Nothing." Ash admitted disappointedly. "It still feels the same."
"We'll figure it out soon." Rey gave her a reassuring smile.
Ashlyn wasn't as convinced. Instead she forced a bright smile and avoided the topic all-together. "Well, I need to shower. I can already feel my muscles tensing; I'm going to be sore."
Rey looked at her knowingly. "You promised you'd join us all for dinner tonight."
She grimaced slightly, almost forgetting she had done so earlier. "Right, dinner."
"Ash-"
"Hey, I'll be here, okay?" Ash quickly said. "I'll be back after my shower."
Rey looked back at the group that had been watching them. "With your body guards?" She asked.
Ash frowned. "They're not my bodyguards." She looked at Rey again. "Still not happy you didn't tell me about my husband's plan."
"You didn't tell me you got married." Rey countered. "Consider us even." The two were locked in an intense glaring contest before cracking, their expressions softening as the two laughed lightheartedly. Rey leaning in to hug her friend quickly. "Go shower; we'll be waiting for you."
The duo walked over to the group, offering quick smiles as Brass beamed at Ashlyn. "Ready to go?"
Poe frowned. "What about dinner?" Brass exchanging glances between Poe and Ashlyn over the plans that he was clearly left out of.
Ash sighed; another disappointed person over her decision to leave. Luckily, Rey answered for her. "She's going to shower first."
"We have showers here." Poe was still frowning as he tried to keep Ash on Crait.
"Not like the one on the destroyer." Ash began to describe the best perk on the entire ship, at least in her mind. "Heated floors."
Rey groaned. "I'd kill for heated floors."
"And no salt in the showers." Finn chimed in.
"Or Porgs." Rey added; beaming brightly at the ex-trooper as they stood next to each other.
"Porgs are still a problem?" Ash asked incredulously. She hadn't seen or heard a Porg since their invasion on the Falcon.
"Sort-of." Finn explained. "Pretty sure the crystal foxes ate a lot of them-" Ash grimaced at the thought. "But every now and again we find another one hopping around."
Brass smirked. "You screwed up a planet's ecosystem by bringing those things here."
"Not exactly our choice." Rey grumbled at the thought of cleaning up after the Porgs.
"Anyway!" Ash interrupted the conversation, looking at Brass. "Shall we?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Brass mock saluted.
Ash groaned at the gesture. "What did I say about saluting?" She really, really hated the saluting.
Rey, Finn and Poe exchanged mischievous glances before standing up straight and saluting Ashlyn, making her groan more as she began to stomp off. "You're all the worst!" She called back to them as the group laughed.
The hot shower was exactly what Ashlyn needed. The steam and warm water was relaxing her muscles as she hummed mindlessly. Heated floors were seriously the best; her feet were in heaven! She placed her arm on the marble wall, resting her head against it as she let everything soak in for a moment.
In those three days, she didn't reach out to Kylo Ren. Not after their encounter in the salt mine. He needed to be alone and she needed to have faith. Something easier said than done.
She'd be lying if she said she didn't miss him. She did, she really truly did. However, the events of the previous night continued to play in her mind over and over again. Hux's concern over who could stop Ren if they needed to. He seemed so certain that Ash could be the one to do it. She wasn't so sure.
It was hard for Ash not to debate with herself over what the Force was expecting from her. It seemed so simple; protect everyone, use the stone, not let anyone die, oh and stop her husband from turning completely evil. Easier said than done.
Ash truly realized then she didn't understand a lot about the Force and what her destiny was. While she wanted to protect everyone; that lingering fear of her nightmares continued to haunt her. She had yet to see an outcome where everyone lived. Maybe that was all a repercussion from not being able to use the stone? And as for Kylo Ren? Was her destiny really set on stopping him? Had it always been about stopping him? Anakin had mentioned that he could never be brought back to the Light, so what was Ashlyn supposed to do about him? How could Ashlyn stop him, if that was even what she was supposed to do?
She inhaled deeply, allowing the warm steam to soak into her lungs before exhaling as she reluctantly turned off the hot water. She knew she couldn't just sit around in the shower all day and contemplate, people were expecting her. Although, she totally wished she could.
Wrapping a white fluffy towel around her body (Ash was shocked it wasn't black) and walked out of the refresher. She ran her fingers through her wet, red locks as she entered the main living area. Looking up, she jumped at the sight before her, a yelp escaping her lips as she stared at him. Of course, he was smirking and proud that he had startled her. "You're back?"
Ren's brow quirked upward at her very obvious observation. "I am."
"When?" She asked; her eyes still wide as she stared at the man who seemingly just appeared out of mid-air.
"Just now." He answered simply, before walking over to her and kissing the wet hair on the top of her head. He continued around her and to the refresher, entering a cloud of steam as he did.
The curious part about it all was that Ash hadn't even felt his presence. In fact, she still couldn't. That swarming darkness that she had felt ever since he found the stone was gone. Hell, even just their general bond felt different.
He walked out of the refresher, noticing Ash had turned to face him. A questionable expression on her face as that stupid, smug smirk tugged on his lips. "You're wondering why you can't feel me." She frowned at how easy he read the thoughts she didn't even realize she had been projecting. "I'm fine, there's no need to worry."
That answered absolutely nothing. "But why can't I feel you?" She blurted out, a slight panic in her voice. "What about all that darkness? I felt it when you left; I felt it when I projected..."
He let out a chuckle, distracting her from her thoughts. "I found a way to balance the darkness within me. Why is that so hard to understand?" Her jaw fell slack at his explanation, unable to find words to grasp the situation in its entirety. She didn't have time to regardless, he was already making his way over to her; his tall frame towering over her as he looked down at her. "Everything's fine, I promise." A part of her didn't feel reassured as he gently cupped her face and leaned down to kiss her passionately. A simple gesture he had wanted to do for days now; he missed her.
It didn't feel right. It didn't feel like Ashlyn was kissing her husband. A silly thought to have, it was clearly him standing in front of her. But, she began to second guess it. He felt different, like a stranger. Sure, she could feel bits and pieces of him when they kissed. But, the overall feeling was off.
He didn't give her time to register it as his hands gently tugged on the white, fluffy towel around her body. "I've missed you…" He said softly into her lips.
Her mind began to fog then. "Ben, I have to get back to Crait..."
He paused for the briefest of moments before kissing her again. "Please…" He murmured into her lips. "I feel like I've been gone for years. We can go after." Ren gave her no time to object, kissing her forcefully again and rendering her senses useless as his hands found their way to her bare body. While Kylo Ren felt different in many ways, he still had a way of dizzying her. She was definitely going to be late to dinner…
Hux stomped into the communications hub; his steps angry and heavy as he did. "When the hell did he get back?" Hux asked the duo that sat in there.
"Ten minutes or so-" Brass informed them. "We had no prior warning, no engagement. He simply came in and landed. Luckily, we tracked the ship, otherwise we would have fired." Brass looked from Hux, to Phasma, then back to Hux; he noticed immediately their silent exchange. "Are we not happy to have the Supreme Leader back?" They didn't answer. Brass inhaled deeply, his shoulders rising and rapidly falling as he exhaled. "We are not happy to have the Supreme Leader back."
"We are." Hux replied snappily. "We're very happy to have his unannounced ass back on this ship. We're very happy that he had no contact with us for almost four days and absolutely and completely ecstatic to be left in the dark to all of his plans."
Phasma's brow quirked upward. "You're starting to sound like Ashlyn."
Hux glared at the blond. "Her frustrations are warranted."
"Well, this is all fine and dandy, but-" Brass interjected. "What happens now?"
The trio then realized, somewhat horrifically, that they did not have an answer. Sure, they all knew the end game was to defeat Snoke, get Ren into power and then change the ordered governments to a less corruptive one. However, the elephant in the room still remained. They were unsure what exactly they needed to do now. "Our Force friends needs to get their act together."
"A noble request hindered by the stubbornness of all three of them…" Phasma drawled.
Hux stopped pacing, he hadn't realized he even started in the first place, before adjusting and straightening his posture. "Any word from our eyes on the Finalizer?"
"They're assembling." Phasma informed them. "They're getting ready for war, however, it's unclear if they know our whereabouts."
Brass frowned contemplatively. "Maybe they're readying for an attack from us?"
"You know as well as I do that that is not the case." Phasma added. She had a point.
"Then we tell the Resistance our findings." Hux finally said; receiving two uncertain looks from his Captain and Lieutenant. "They need to prepare as much as we do."
Stars, she was sore. The shower did nothing to alleviate any of it. Granted, the very rough and passionate love making with her husband really did not help either. While that familiar feeling of their intimate moment was a breath of relief for Ashlyn, there was still that lingering sense of dread pooling in the back of her mind. What if Hux was right and Kylo Ren was slipping further and further into darkness? Then again, slipping would imply the beginning of it and like Ashlyn feared, her husband already had.
However, he was a sneaky son-of-a-bitch and any glances she tried to steal in his general direction while the two dressed, or even brief moments to channel what he was feeling, he stiffened and blocked her out completely. Even then, he still took the time to try and throw her off the scent even more so by kissing her tenderly whenever she was in reach. That was when Ash realized, he was trying to keep her from going back to Crait. She wouldn't be so distracted. At least, she'd try.
Ash smiled slightly, wrapping her arms around his waist after she was finally able to get fully dressed. "I promised them." She explained. "I'm already late as it is."
He frowned; that possessive part of him coming to light in that moment. "Starshine, I just got back." Regardless of the darkness that was surging within him; hiding beneath the surface as to not cause any alarm within the Grey User, it didn't hinder any feelings he had for her. He really did just want her all to himself then.
Her smile didn't falter as she tried to bargain with him. "Then come down with me; spend some time with us. We could all use a break." In her mind, she hoped that maybe the interaction with everyone would be a good distraction for him. A part of her also not wanting to admit she was afraid to be alone with him for too long right now. At least, not until she could pin down exactly what was going on.
Kylo Ren was torn for a lot of reasons. He wanted his wife happy, which meant joining her to Crait. However, that also left him open to Rey. If anyone could sense exactly what was happening within him, it was probably her considering her new insight ability. If he joined Ash, he'd have to be on his guard just a little more so than usual tonight. He couldn't lose this darkness, he finally bonded with it. He needed it. It kept Ash safe in the long run. Or so he believed in some corrupted capacity. "How has training been?" He finally asked, trying to keep the subject off Crait. Although he silently was agreeing to joining her.
"I'm really sore." She forced a laugh as she pulled away from him; stretching slightly and feeling her tense muscles resist against the movement. "But Rey and I made some progress. You'll be training with us tomorrow, right?"
He frowned. "You really want me to go to Crait."
"Well, it's a step towards saving the Galaxy and all that." She retorted.
It was then that Kylo Ren realized he wasn't going to be winning this battle tonight, at least, he wasn't going to be winning it if he wanted to keep his new formed darkness persona a secret. Reluctantly, he sighed and nodded. "Fine, let's go to Crait."
That blip of uncertainty; something Ren didn't even notice that came from him. In that moment, Ash felt him. She felt that piece of him that seemed like it was gone forever the moment he returned. A piece of her husband that he thought he was rid of; Ash felt it, even for the briefest of moments. That small blip that gave Ash the biggest sense of hope that maybe all of this wasn't lost. Maybe her husband really was still hiding behind those golden orbs. So, she smiled. That smile that made Kylo Ren weak on his knees and caused him to crumble every damn time.
Horrifyingly he realized that Rey was not his biggest threat anymore. No, the person who could compromise his new power was the same person he was trying to protect. And now he was about to travel with her down to the shark pit where he could lose his resolve all together. What the hell did Kylo Ren just get himself into?
The walk to the launch bay was silent for the most part, until the duo was saluted by Ascension personnel. While Kylo Ren didn't really care to give them any second glance, he did notice how uncomfortable his wife became over the gesture. In fact, he couldn't help but smirk at the face she made over it. "I hate it, you know I hate it." Ash mentioned in passing as her husband chuckled.
"You learn to ignore it."
"I don't think I ever will." She grumbled.
His smug smirk only grew. "You're still angry with me." It wasn't a question but more of an observation as they entered the launch bay on the destroyer.
She was. Although, she didn't really think on it until that moment. Her lips pursed slightly. Yes, she was still indubitably angry with him. Granted, in some sick world where his actions could be defended, she technically had an inkling as to what his ultimate plan was. That still didn't make it okay that he tried to keep it hidden from her. Instead, she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of a fight. "I am, considering you had people following me while you were gone. But I have bigger things to worry about right now than yelling at you over it."
"Which is?"
"Well, one of them is that my husband likes to start fights with me just because he finds it funny." She gave him a knowing look.
Kylo Ren stopped her, grabbing her wrist gently and pulling her towards him. For once, he didn't care who was around to see him act this way with her. "I do it out of love."
She rolled her eyes, unable to hide the smile that was forming on her lips. "Yeah, yeah. You keep saying that."
He leaned a little closer to her. "Because it's true."
"Oh, stars. Now that he's back these two are going to be making out all over the damn ship again, aren't they?" The two Force Users looked over at the newly arrived General, Captain and Lieutenant before Ash pulled away from him completely. "At least everything is back to normal." Hux continued as Ren glared at him for the interruption.
"Came to see us off, General?" Ash asked, albeit somewhat suspiciously. She expected Brass to follow her down and keep an eye on her, but was it really necessary when Kylo Ren had returned?
"We're coming with you, troublemakers." Hux explained dutifully before continuing to the transport unit. Ash and Ren exchanged glances before following the group onto the transport unit.
"And you're joining us because-?" No one was making this whole hiding-out-in-plain-sight thing easy for Kylo.
Hux didn't turn around to look at him. "I have things to discuss with General Organa. Also, I hear there is dinner being served." Conveniently, Hux left out the seemingly obvious part about keeping an eye on them. To say it was the most awkward ride of Ashlyn's life would be an understatement as a deafening silence echoed throughout the transporter cabin.
Armitage Hux had a bad feeling, which included, but was not limited to, the idea that Ashlyn was fully aware of the state of her husband and was hiding it from him. Whether it was warranted or not; it was a fear he had nonetheless. He didn't want to take matters into his own hand, should the circumstance would come to fruition. He didn't think he could either way. But, if his fears over Kylo Ren were to ever become a reality, then someone was going to have to do it. For now, he'd be diligent and ever watchful of his friend and Leader.
Although, unsure what the vibe on the transport unit actually was, there was a few things that were made clear to him. Ren was avoiding Ash, even if it was such an insignificant gesture in doing so, he was and Hux noticed. Then, there was the other awkward avoidance between Phasma and Ash. A lingering fight from a previous day still hovering over the two. He knew Ash felt bad about it, it was obvious in how she carried herself around Phasma. He also knew how Phasma felt, or rather, the hidden feelings of the woman he had come to love over the years. She kept everything inward, even though he knew that it was truly tearing her up apart as well. He wished he had Brass's ignorance then. The man kept trying to make sarcastic jokes and light of the situation they were in.
To everyone's relief (and now building concern of Brass), when the ship landed, they all practically ran off the ship… except for Brass. Was it something he did, he wondered.
It all came down to the two of them; Ash and Kylo Ren. It always had and it always would. Forget everything she had learned of the prophecy, forget the triangle; the battle of Light and Dark. There was so much more to it. A lot of it she didn't truly understand. However, there was one thing growing increasingly clear. Only one of them could win in this game of chess they were unknowingly playing with one another.
Ash felt she held a sense of responsibility for Kylo Ren; in truth, she did. Whatever his actions were, be it for good or malicious intent, she was responsible. In that weight of responsibility came the need to keep him safe and also keep everyone around him safe. If Ren was being consumed by darkness, she was going to need to find a way to stop him without alerting the Resistance or the the Ascension; least of all, Rey. Her fatal flaw in needing to protect everyone came down to this divide. How did she keep everyone safe when the one person she wanted to protect was the one causing harm? She couldn't let anyone know of her concerns over her husband, not yet. There was still some part of her, a rather ignorant part, that wanted to believe he really did find balance within the darkness.
Unbeknownst to her, he really thought he had too. In some sick way, Ren thought this was how it was supposed to be. That what he was feeling was natural. Even if the remaining parts of Ben Solo was kicking and screaming as he tried to find his way back into some semblance of control. Kylo Ren wouldn't let that happen. The Darkness wouldn't either. Power was blinding and Kylo Ren was completely uncomprehending of what was happening to him. It was in this ignorance that the two were playing a very dangerous game.
The two were tiptoeing around one another. Ash trying to get answers to a question she was certain she already knew while not alerting anyone to her plan. And then there was Kylo Ren, trying to keep her safe all in the while hiding from her and everyone else. The two were stubbornly destined for failure.
But, Ashlyn was learning how to play his games and like all games, there was always a winner.
Ash joined the Resistance trio for dinner; keeping her distance from her husband and the Ascension as she did. It was obvious to any outsider that there was a strange tension lingering in the air. Ash was determined to keep some sort of peace.
"They seem quiet." Poe nodded to the Ascension leaders as he handed Ash a bowl of meat and rice. Sure, dinner on Crait wasn't exactly a five-star meal, but it would do.
Ash shrugged, trying to play it off cooly least she wanted to alert the Light User that was sitting with them. "Hux and Phasma weren't too keen on Ren leaving for a few days." It wasn't a lie. "None of us were. I mean, I get it. He had things to take care of, but still. He shouldn't be going off alone."
"And he's okay?" Rey asked; she wasn't really asking about his well-being. However, she had felt it when the trio were on their mission to get the stones. Something was stirring within Kylo Ren and now she couldn't sense it.
Ash looked at her bowl, frowning at it slightly as she moved pieces of it around with her fork. "He seems fine." She didn't want to sound too eager or too negative. "He just needed to find his balance without the drama of everything else."
Rey wasn't exactly convinced, nor was she ready to argue it. Being in the Light, she had to trust, and she would continue to trust her bond with her friend that she was telling the truth. "Now that he's back, he can train with us." She changed the subject as she grinned. "I don't think he's going to be ready for how strong we've become."
Ash laughed. "He's still probably going to kick my butt."
"I don't know, Ash." Finn chimed in. "You two have been getting better and better each session. He better watch his back."
The girls exchanged glances. "I'd pay to see that." Poe added with a mouthful of rice. "You two kicking his ass."
"I'm sure everyone would like to see that." Finn laughed. "The big bad Kylo Ren losing to self-trained girls."
Rey rolled her eyes playfully. "We're not really self-trained. Master Luke has helped us."
"And Ren helped me." Ash confirmed.
"Then this should be easy!" Poe exclaimed.
Lieutenant Brass had overheard the conversation as he walked over to the group. Sitting with the very intense Ascension leaders was dull and quite boring. He wanted to get in on some fun, and immediately was interested in the topic as he sat down with them. "I'd bet on this one." He nodded to Poe, his new gambling buddy. "Who you got?"
"See?" Poe said. "People would love to see it."
"It's not going to happen." Ash replied. "We are not going to be gambling on who would win in a fight."
Brass grinned mischievously before standing up, addressing the room of soldiers and personnel. "Who would bet on these two lovely ladies right here beating the Leader of the Ascension in a light sword battle?"
Ash groaned as the group excitedly cheered the notion. "It's called a lightsaber…" She mumbled, Rey gently patted her on the back in understanding.
"This is utterly ridiculous-" Rey added as the room went quiet.
"Piece of cake." The baritone voice echoed in the room as Ash and Rey looked up to see he was now standing; smirking slightly as he stared at them.
Rey frowned as she stood to the challenge. "Your confidence is misplaced."
His brow quirked upward. "I think not."
While red flags should have been going off in Kylo Ren's head; the raging darkness within him wanted the challenge. It excelled in the challenge of defeating Light and Grey. He was giving in to the excitement of the fight. The Eye of the Sun stone was only making it worse.
Yet, in similar fashion, the Heart of the Universe stone that Rey channeled was also brewing for the fight. The clash of Light and Dark beginning. It was only the Grey User, whose stone was not functioning, that had something against this. "We should probably just wait to train in the morning…" She suggested, looking at Poe, Finn and Brass for help. They were not giving it to her.
"You should listen to your friend, scavenger." Ren taunted. "She knows you won't win."
Rey glared; but before she could yell angry obscenities over to the man in black, Ash reluctantly stood. She let out an exaggerated breath before reluctantly agreeing. "Alright, let's kick his ass."
The room erupted into excited cheers as Brass began yelling something about taking bets. Rey looked back to Ash and offered a reassuring smile. "We can do this." Ash only nodded, trying to keep her own concerns as hidden as possible as the trio relocated to the open area outside the base.
Word spread like wildfire of the sparring session that was being held after dinner and soon there was a crowd forming by the main entrance of the base. The onlookers kept a decent distance from the Force Users, not wanting to get in the way of the fight. Brass had collected over five hundred credits, two hundred of it coming from Hux who eagerly bet on Ash and Rey. He wanted to see Kylo Ren get his ass kicked.
Leia and Luke had caught wind of the commotion and joined the onlookers. While not exactly approving over the reason behind the bet, Luke had tried to reason that maybe this was good training and also a humbling experience for the trio. Leia, however, saw it as a game oh who was the strongest. She wasn't wrong. However, when Brass sheepishly came over to ask her who she picked to win, while she didn't actually bet, her money would have been on the girls.
The excitement began to turn to uncertainty quickly when the stones were mentioned. Those who (sort-of) understood what Kylo Ren and Rey's stones did at a bare minimum, also realized that they didn't know what Ashlyn could do. While not many knew that Ash couldn't use her stone, the masses were unsure if it would be dangerous or not.
The sun of Crait was beginning to set as three blades ignited in the distance; one red, one blue and one amber. Ash looked at the bloodthirsty Light and Dark Users, feeling her stomach begin to tie in knots as she asked one last time. "You guys sure about this?"
Ren swung his saber lazily and without much effort. "No backing out now, starshine."
She sighed, dejectedly. "And it's still Rey and I versus you?"
"It only seems fair, considering the power I have." Ren snorted smugly.
Rey rolled her eyes. "And when we kick your ass, it'll be all the sweeter."
Ren smirked wickedly. "I'd like to see you try."
Ash and Rey exchanged silent glances before both quickly charging for the man in black, their sabers tightly in hand as they swiped down at him. Kylo Ren was ready. He dodged Ashlyn's attack and countered Rey's only to immediately duck from Ashlyn's next swing.
The onlookers watched in the distance as the blue, red and orange blades danced chaotically. Kylo Ren clearly dominating the playing field again; although it made sense considering the stone in his possession.
"The stone gives him a heightened strength, and while Rey can predict it, it's still powerful blows." Luke explained to the group watching. "This will also help Rey and Ash understand how to counter raw power. Once facing Snoke, they won't have anything but their survival skills to protect them."
Poe didn't particularly like how careless Kylo Ren seemed with his swings. "He's not going to hurt them, is he?"
Hux contributed. "He wouldn't. He has more control than that." Although, deep down, he wasn't so certain of that.
Kylo Ren raised his arm, knocking Ashlyn back with force as she landed on her back with a thud. A loud groan coming from her as she rolled onto her front, propping herself up on her knees. She was slightly winded from all of it.
Rey slashed and jabbed at Kylo Ren, barely missing him or colliding with his saber at each and every turn. He began to grow more aggressive on his defense before suddenly throwing a more offensive stance at her. Something Rey was not exactly prepared for as he threw stronger and faster attacks at her.
Ash watched on in horror, noticing how dangerous this was becoming. "Enough, Ben!" She yelled to them. He didn't stop.
Rey continued to deflect his attacks, but quickly was losing speed as he then hit down with intense power. Rey deflected, but only barely as she stumbled backwards, landing on her behind.
She saw it, they both did. The sudden blackness that took over his eyes as he began to stomp forward. He wasn't in control, Ash knew that, Rey didn't. She wasn't moving. Quickly, to her feet, Ash ran forward and between the two, knowing she would probably get hit but not caring. Rey needed her help. Her arm went up, ready to take the blow of the lightsaber… however… it never came.
Instead, a loud thud echoed outside of Crait as Ash opened her eyes. Kylo Ren had been thrown backwards, now lying on the ground. Between them, a grey, opaque bubble that surrounded the girls.
Ren sat up, his head fogging slightly, but the darkness was starting to subside again as he tried with everything in him to recall it. He stared at the grey bubble that was shielding the two girls; the bubble that Ash created. "Holy shit!" Ash exclaimed as it disappeared. She stood up, helping Rey to her feet before looking down at her hands again. She didn't feel different. Something that had always been inside her was finally breaking free.
Rey was focused on Kylo Ren as he came to his feet again. "What the hell was that about, Ren?!" She exclaimed. "You could have killed us!"
"Rey-" Ash tried as Poe and Finn ran over in a panic.
"What the hell was that?" Poe exclaimed, looking at Ashlyn.
Luke answered for her as he walked over; he looked unamused. "Tomorrow, we start at dawn and finish your training." He looked at Rey then to his nephew. "All of you." Luke Skywalker felt something; a power that was pulling at his nephew that he knew none of them understood. It was time to take control of the situation before it fell apart even more.
Ash tried again, walking over to Rey in hopes to explain something, anything. Instead, Rey pulled away from her, not allowing her to get closer as she shook her head. "Don't." She said sternly. "Just don't, Ash."
As Rey began to walk away, followed by the sorry expressions of Finn and Poe. She realized she was now standing on the outside of it all, looking back in as only she and Kylo Ren stood on the salt field of Crait. Everyone had left them and began heading inside. It became perfectly clear that no matter what she tried to do in keeping some peace, there would always be a clear divide and Ash would always find herself in the middle of it all.
The path of the Grey was to always hold the balance together and even though she found her new ability, she also found herself directly in the middle of an invisible war between the Light and the Dark.
Final Thought: And Ash has found her ability... but at the cost of a rocky friendship and a husband who is losing his shit. She better mend these bridges before Snoke shows up... Remember to review and see y'all next chapter!