The sandstorm nipped at Kylo Ren's cloak. After a while of searching, using his tri-saber to guide his way, he finally came across the cave he was looking for. A flock of Shyrack came flying out upon his entry, eager to attack the intruder disturbing their slumber. He easily cut them to pieces. Afterwards, he ventured into the cave, slowly advancing into the darkness. He eventually came across a bridge with another flood of Shyrack that rushed him. With a whirlwind of red, he tore them asunder. He ripped the wings off of the survivors and dropped them into the pit below. Then he crossed the bridge and was met with a familiar door, the door to the Millennium Falcon. Kylo tilted his head in confusion. This was an impossibility, so he assumed this was where his final trial took place. He put away his tri-saber and cautiously entered the door. All of a sudden, he wasn't the apprentice to the Supreme Leader, nor the leader of the Knights of Ren. He was Ben Solo. Merely a child on his father's ship. The memories of his time spent there began to pound his head as he walked the ships halls. They were too much to bear. He clutched his head and leaned against the wall. Suddenly a voice rang out. "BEN!" He turned around. He was Kylo Ren again, back on Starkiller Base. Back on the bridge where he... He looked into the eyes of his father, they were filled with sadness and disappointment, but also the tiniest glimmer of hope. Kylo's saber was running through his chest. He could only watch as he shoved his father off the bridge, casting him into the depths below. The scenery melted into one of rain in the black of night. Before him stood Luke Skywalker. "What have you become Ben?" he pleaded. Kylo rushed him. The clash of their sabers lit up the night, illuminating the countless bodies that littered the ground around them. After a few clashes, Kylo had gained the upper hand and was about to strike down Luke, but the world fell apart once more. It formed an amalgamation of something far more sinister. A massive, formless, monster appeared before him. The sound of a child's laughter echoed through the void. He attempted to slash at the beast, but his efforts were in vain, for the beast was untouchable. The colossus summoned up its power and flung Kylo backwards. Clear of the door, the bridge, and all the way back out of the cave. The sandstorm that was once raging outside had ceased. Kylo took his mask off to catch his breath. A few drops of blood splattered on his helmet. He ran his glove across his face. His wound had opened back up.

General Hux stood at attention. The shadow of the Supreme Leader loomed over him. "How goes the preparations General?" he asked. The lighting of the room highlighted the severity of Snoke's scars. Hux tried not to stare. "Preparations are proceeding as planned, Supreme Leader." He reported. Kylo entered the throne room. Hux continued. "We estimate we will be ready to launch in two days' time." he finished. "Excellent." Snoke said. He then turned to Kylo, who was still bleeding. He waited for the boy to kneel before speaking. "How fared your trial in the tomb, my young apprentice?" Kylo hesitated before responding. "I have failed. Forgive me, Supreme Leader." His voice was quiet and ragged. Hux smirked. "It seems the pet dog's bite isn't as strong as it thinks." he mocked. Kylo did not react. Snoke merely stared at him and blinked a few times. Kylo was awaiting his wrath. "Thank you, my apprentice. You are dismissed." he said uncaringly. Kylo's eyes widened. That was it? No scolding? No punishment? Nothing? He looked up at Snoke. He wore a disinterested expression. Kylo reluctantly left the room.

Snoke's attention turned to Hux. "General. I sense... an opportunity on the horizon. I foresee that when the fleet engages with The Resistance forces... one of their ships will attempt to slip by you... and their destination is here. When that occurs, you are to let them through." Hux shot a look of confusion. "Supreme Leader, is that wise?" he asked. Snoke leaned forward in his throne. Hux felt the collar of his suit get tighter. "Are you questioning my will, General?" Snoke threatened. Hux immediately put his head down. "N-no Supreme Leader! I-I am simply expressing my concern for our defenses." he weaseled out. Snoke leaned back in his throne. "You will leave such matters to me, General. Now go. Every second we delay is another chance for Skywalker to return." he settled. Hux bowed and left. Snoke brought his hand to his face. He wiggled his fingers, the light shimmering through them. He thought for a moment, then a twisted grin carved itself upon what remained of his face.

After getting patched up by the medical droid, Kylo arrived back at his room. Frustrated, he began to pace. Fury gripped his heart. He removed his mask and slammed it down on its altar, sending ashes flying everywhere. After pacing some more, the helm of Vader caught his eye. He turned and stormed straight for it. He then stopped right in front of it, contemplating what to do next. "Why won't you help me?" he asked. The mask did not respond. "Why won't you answer me?" he asked again. Silence. He lifted the charred helm. "Have I done something wrong? Said something? Am I not worthy of your presence anymore?" he desperately asked. The sound was deafening. The fury in his heart grew stronger. He threw the helm to the ground. "SAY SOMETHING!" he yelled. The sound of the helm hitting the ground echoed for what seemed an eternity. It was mostly undamaged. The boy ran his hands through his hair, then placed them on the altar, attempting to regain control of himself. His breathing was just beginning to slow when: "What is it you wish to hear?" a voice said. Kylo ignited his saber and whirled around to the voice's origin. His saber's edge found the figure of a young man in robes emanating a blue aura. His hair was blonde and had a scar on the upper right side of his eye. Kylo thought he looked familiar, like he had seen him long ago. Suddenly, recognition flashed in his eyes. He lowered his saber. "...Grandfather?" he hesitantly asked. The young man smiled. Kylo looked confused. "Why appear before me now? Why did you stop talking to me?" he asked. Anakin's expression was stern. "This is the first time I've ever spoken to you Ben. The dead wish to stay out of the affairs of the living, so that they may choose their own path without interference." he explained. Kylo considered his words as he put away his saber. His confusion was only growing. "I come before you now as your attempts to commune with a long dead shadow are in vain. Now, as I asked you before. What is it you wish to hear?" he asked again. Kylo regarded Anakin for a moment, then he took a deep breath and resigned his reservations. "Ever since... ever since Starkiller Base… I've been feeling... weak. Unsure of myself. My feelings towards Skywalker have not changed. Nor have my feelings for the girl. But... I have begun to have doubts about The First Order, about the Supreme Leader, about myself." he struggled to say. Anakin nodded with understanding. Kylo's shoulders sagged. "I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know which path is the right one. Can you help me?" he asked. Anakin stroked his chin. "That is indeed a most perplexing dilemma. I believe I know of the best help that I can give you." he said. Kylo looked at him expectantly. "I'm going to ask you a question that someone very important to me once gave me." he said with mystique. Kylo leaned forward. Anakin followed suit. "What does your heart tell you?" he recited. Kylo blinked and looked down. He contemplated the question. "I-" he looked back up, but Anakin was gone. He looked around the room, but it was empty.