Chapter 10

I awoke from a peaceful slumber when the room seemed to shake. Not violently like an earthquake, but rumble enough to where it felt like a vibration. It was only for a few moments, so I brushed the wonder aside. Probably just the air conditioner trying to work again. I rolled over and smiled, Kylo and I now facing each other. The movement didn't wake him up, and I admired how cute and gentle he looked. I fought off the urge to cuddle him for he would probably kill me for disturbing him.

I was attempting to go back to asleep when the room suddenly tilted slightly to the side. The shaking was one thing, but now the bedroom isn't even level? What the flipping heck is going on?! Is this planet already going to cripple like the first Starkiller Base did? Because I don't want to be on it or anywhere near this place.

I grabbed the datapad on the nightstand, the screen illuminating at my touch. I pressed a memorized button (Kylo showed me this feature) and the panels to the windows lifted so I could see what was happening outside. I gasped as I saw not mountains but stars. The Finalizer was back in orbit. I suppose General Hux has the air conditioner repaired and working properly. It does feel warmer in here. Not hot, but comfortable. Finally.

I laid back down as the room became level again, relaxing. I can't even begin to say what a relief it was to see it was only the Finalizer returning to space. I know the Resistance. Surprise attacks are not uncommon amongst the gang of rebels. I just don't want to be here when that occurs.

I was nearly back asleep when the alarm clock went off, chirping loudly. I groaned. It was way too early to be getting up. I had no idea what time it was but it was just too early for my liking.

Kylo didn't seem to fond of the awakening either. He hit the clock (literally with his fist) and rolled over onto his back, trying to wake up. He glanced over at me and was pleased to see I was already up. "Oh good. You're awake." He yawned and I followed along, it too contagious to fight off. "We need to get done quickly. Hux is expecting us soon."

Kylo got out of bed and stretched. I nearly drooled. And you wouldn't blame me. Watching that back flex is a blessing to the eyes.

He crossed the room then paused, looking out the windows. "And...we are in space. Wow. Nice of Hux to tell me."

I giggled. As harsh as the exchanges between them were, it was almost comical to watch. Their bickering over the littlest things, whether it attempting to prove the other wrong or just trying to pass the other in a walkway as it seems, shows the naivety of their character. Yet, I wouldn't want either to change in any way.

Kylo stopped at the end of the bed, his clothes in his hands, eyeing me. "I suggest you get up. We can't be late to the meeting."

I yawned again. "I know, Kylo. I just wish I could sleep longer. The bed feels so comfortable..."

"Well, you can't, so get up!"

My eyelids felt heavy and I shut them. "I could rest here a few more minutes. I'll be ready, no worries."

The covers were suddenly ripped off me and I opened my eyes to see Kylo smirking. I shot him a look. "How mature. Joke is on you because I don't need covers to lie here."

He frowned, thought a moment, then gestured his hand at me. It felt like I was shoved as I fell off the bed onto the floor. Now I was irritated. I glared up at him. "You could have just been a gentleman and asked me politely to get up. I would have been more caring and listened."

"Already tried that." He snickered as he walked into the bathroom. "Besides, where would the fun be?"

The door shut before I could think of a comeback.

* * * * * *

Once Kylo and I were done in the refresher and dressed (he wore his mask but I chose to leave mine behind, because after all, everyone here knows what I look like), we ate a quick breakfast in the cafeteria then started for the meeting room, with plenty of time to spare. This just shows that I could have laid in bed longer but whatever.

We approached the door and I hesitated. Kylo noticed this and turned to me. "What's wrong?"

Let me see: I'm about to be the one responsible for the death Luke Skywalker. "Just...nervous is all."

"Don't be. You are of higher rank than anyone else here."

I cocked my head to the side. "How so?"

"As you know, Snoke owns the First Order. If he were to die, I would take charge. And then if something were happen to me, since you are my apprentice, you are entitled to its ownership."

Wow. "What about Hux?"

"Unless you were ever to die, the general would never gain complete control of the First Order."

And the redhead probably knows that too. No wonder why he despises me...I am cutting off his line to the top. "I hope that day would never come about."

Kylo nodded, though his tone seemed to hint more than he would reveal. "Me too."

The door opened and Kylo entered first with me behind. I must say I felt out of place. The First Order officers watched me walk inside, almost shocked to see my presence. Yet none dared say a word, not wanting to witness the wrath of Ren.

This area resembled the same conference room that Darth Vader, Grand Moff Tarkin, and his Imperial officers occupied for important meetings. Such as in A New Hope, a discussion over the operation of the Death Star. The only difference between both designs was this room was little bigger, more chairs were at the long, oval table, and a holoprojector was built into the wall on the far end.

General Hux was eyeing the clock as we entered. "Only a minute late. Though that is normal with you Ren." Really? I thought we were early.

"I did not come here to get mocked," Kylo countered. "Unless you plan on going over the assault on Skywalker, I will easily leave."

It became a stare off. The officers glanced at both leaders until Hux (surprisingly) gave in. "No, the Supreme Leader has requested your presence to make an approval or disapproval on his part, since he is currently absent."

"I don't need your stating the reason I am here. Just proceed with your demonstration."

I could see the general was biting back his tongue as he stood from the table and turned on the holoprojector. Once a holographic screen of space appeared, he used an extendable pointer to clarify his work.

"According to the information that your apprentice has given us, Skywalker is hiding out on Ahch-To. But unfortunately, the location of the planet is unknown because we never retrieved the map. We still only have this uncompleted one." He seemed to direct that last comment at Kylo.

The Dark Knight stepped forward, studying the hologram. If Hux's words bothered him, he didn't show it. "A minor setback. But we don't need the map because we have her."

All eyes fell on me and I felt about two inches tall. I swallowed back nerves. "Um, m-me?"

Kylo motioned me to come over and I did, though reluctantly. He had me face the incomplete, holographic map, his arm gently resting on my shoulders. "You know where the planet is," he said softly, as if only meant for me to hear. "Your visions have showed you where. Take a moment and see if you can reflect on the location."

Kylo stepped back, giving me space. Oh great. The pressure is on now. Trouble is, I really don't know where Ahch-To is. I saw the map in the Force Awakens, but heck, it just looked like stars with a line connecting them together. I have no clue where to even guide them First Order...which may be a good thing. That will keep Luke safe. Though...it may also lead to my own self destruction.

"Darth Shadow?" Kylo asked, granting me only so much of the little patience he has. "Where is Ahch-To?"

I hesitated, turning to him. "I...I don't know."

Some gasps escaped the Order's officers mouths. It's probably best if I didn't see Kylo's reaction. "You don't know? You told me you have seen the planet before in your visions. Was that a lie?"

I nervously shook my head, panicking. "No, not at all. I have seen it, I just don't know where it is."

"I knew this was a waste of time," Hux muttered beneath his breath but Kylo managed to hear him.

"General! Give me a moment and I will have all the information we need." I don't like the way he said that...

Hux dismissed the officers, who were all too eager to leave. He then pulled Ren aside, though not completely out of earshot. "I want the answers out of that girl. I don't care what you have to do-"

Kylo brushed the general's arm off. "Not to worry. I have my ways."

Hux's tone seemed to imply more of a dare than belief. "Very well. Prove it then. I expect this time to be more successful than the last..."

"That will never happen again." The rebuke clearly meant nothing to Ren. "Within the hour, I will have everything we need to execute the mission."

The general eyed him again before leaving, showing distrust. "We will see."

I did not like one bit of what I heard.

Kylo waited for Hux's presence to be gone before speaking to me. "Darth Shadow, will you please follow me." It was not a question, but a command.

If he was using my Dark Side name, I was probably in trouble. I didn't argue, staying right behind him as he led me down the corridor. He gestured for me to stop in front of a steel door, then shifted himself behind me. I had no idea why, but once the door opened and I saw what room it was, I knew.

The interrogation room. One where prisoners, spies, or just the accused are binded to an inclined table with restraints and tortured to Ren's pleasure. I have only seen him do it twice in The Force Awakens, once to the famous Resistance X-Wing pilot, Poe Dameron and second time to the scavenger, Rey. That was enough. I have sadly experienced the mind-probing maneuver before, but I have a feeling that this time will be much different than the rest. Kylo has no mercy on those he needs information from.

I will not stand for this.

At sight of the room, I immediately started to freak out, wanting to get as far away from the place as possible. But Kylo remained a blockage in my path, and his strength quickly overpowered mine. I twisted, kicked, and fought but to no avail. Once Kylo had hold of my arms, I knew it was game over. But like heck I would let him do this to me without a struggle.

"Stop fighting me!" he ordered. I ignored him, still attempting to get away.

I suddenly felt something come over me, and this was officially it. I cursed as his Force paralyzed me. I tried but couldn't move at all, becoming limp in his arms.

He dragged me over to the "death table", as it should be called, and strapped me down to it. Only after I was fully secured did I regain the control of my body. I still tried to break out of the restraints but after a few moments gave up, knowing it was pointless to continue.

Kylo then stepped back, looking me over. He removed his mask, holding it beneath his arm. "Now, was all that commotion really necessary? You knew I would overpower you. Why even bother attempting otherwise?"

I was panting, worn out from the relentless fight. "The question that should be asked is: why are you doing this to me?!"

He set his helmet down on an ashtray pedestal in the corner (how many does this guy own?!) then came back to me. "Because you refrained from releasing the information we need from that amazingly intelligent mind of yours."

"As you know, I would do anything to get the heck out of this torture chamber," I said, glaring at him. "But I can't say what I don't know."

He stepped closer to me. "The map to Ahch-To. You must have seen it. Otherwise, how would you know where Skywalker is hiding?"

"The visions. I can only go by the visions," I answered, trying to keep my voice calm. I felt myself becoming more and more anxious with how close he stood to me.

His brown eyes searched mine intensely. "These 'visions' you keep proclaiming yourself to have. Sights the Force has given you...so you say. You have fooled the Supreme Leader, myself included, but I am beginning to think that you may be lying. And...I don't stand for liars."

Now I was beginning to sweat. "Kylo, I swear it's not a lie. I'll prove it. Ask me anything and I can answer."

"Where's the location of Ahch-To?"

Oh come on. "Okay...anything but that question I can answer."

"That's the only question I want an answer to."

This is going to be impossible. "Look, you will have to trust me then. I'm not lying. I just see things, I can't explain it." An actor plays out your story in a movie on earth, how do you explain that?

The look in his eyes said otherwise. "If you won't tell me the answers, then I will take them from you. In the end, I will get what I want. I always do."

I shook my head, pleading tears wetting my cheeks. "Please don't do this. I wouldn't keep secrets from you! I honestly don't know!"

His gaze reflected his distrust. "We will see."

With his arm raised at my head, the probing began. Resisting meant pain beyond what could be described, but I mentally fought him anyway. Might as well make him work for what he wants. I did manage to overcome this torture once, even reverse his power, but this wasn't going to be one of those times.

The force and pain Kylo inflicted was worse than I have felt before. He was not holding back at all. And eventually, I couldn't hold up my defense any further and the brain barriers collapsed.

A thin smile was across Kylo's face, proud of how he broke me. He concentrated hard on my mind and I squirmed from the pain. I would scream but he prevented me from doing so. I just had to deal with it.

His face went from pride to curiosity to surprise. He was probably digging deep into the depths of my mind, and with all those crazy Star Wars fangirl thoughts in there...

"You have seen so much..." he murmured, almost tranced. "From the Republic era of the Clone Wars, to the rise and fall of the Empire, to the heighth of the First Order. It isn't just knowledge, it's actual views of the people. How is this possible..."

He suddenly broke away and if I wasn't restrained to the complex table, I would have collapsed onto the floor. I was now even too weak to scream.

A leather-gloved hand cupped my chin, raising my head so our eyes would meet. The gaze that he returned was frightening. "I demand to know how you have acquired those thoughts. How have you been able to see them? You certainly weren't alive at the time."

My mouth moved but nothing came out, my body drained of energy. He leaned my head back against the table, letting me rest there. Though I had no time to relax. His fingers traced my face and I began to panic again. If he inflicts any more pain on me I think I might die.

"Summer, answer me."

I finally gathered enough breath to speak. "Kylo...I can't say..."

"You will say," he ordered. "Explain to me how you could see the past so perfectly and I can't. I clearly have a stronger hold in the Force than you."

I shrugged, the best that the restraints would let me move.

His eyes darkened and he placed his forefinger on my temple, an intense, sharp pain rushing into it like a zap of electricity. I shrieked and jerked my head away.

"Answer me," Kylo repeated, his finger lingering around my temple. "I can easily do it again."

"I have tried to explain it to you on earth," I muttered, my voice shaking. "It's like watching a movie. I can't put it any other way than that. Please...no more pain..."

His eyes showed disbelief. "I see." He pressed on my temple and I screamed out again until he moved his hand away. "Try again. The truth this time. Or there will be much more pain."

I was shaking, either from being tortured to the point of no return or it was just fear. "Stop...please..."

Kylo nearly touched me again but then pulled back his arm, trying a different approach. "Summer, this doesn't tire me the least. I could do this all day until you decide to talk."

I didn't answer, averting myself from his stare, too afraid. I knew he was brutal, but I never imagined I would ever be put through his torture.

He seemed to read my thoughts and leaned closer, his lips hovering over my ear. "You seem to know quite a bit about me. My past, my story, my power...but let this be known." He forced me to look at him. We were so close that if I was to lean forward I could kiss him, but that was the farthest thing from my mind. "You don't know half the things I'm capable of. And for your sake, I would consider being more cooperative."

Only because Kylo was holding my head steady with his hand did I not tremble. I have never been so afraid in my life. Even when he originally kidnapped me I was not this scared.

He released me, taking a step back. "I will give you a few moments to rest and choose your fate. But when I return..." His threatening tone sent chills down my spine. "I expect answers."

He donned his helmet then left the room, the echo of the metal door shutting reverberating off the circular walls. Then I just couldn't take it anymore. I cried. For how long, I don't know. It was one of those cries where halfway through you forgot what you were crying about, and when you remembered you cried that much harder. I stopped only when I felt like there was no tears left for me to cry out.

"Why is he doing this..." I spoke softly, my voice still sounding loud in the silence of the empty room. "Why..."

I sighed, leaning my throbbing head back, nearly crying again. I felt so weak and defenseless: exactly how Kylo wants to make his prisoners feel. But I'm not his prisoner, if anything I'm one step away from being his girlfriend. And even putting that aside, I'm his apprentice. I should never, ever, endure such a wrath from him. Any trust was now destroyed. I am frightened by him, more than I ever was to begin with.

I muttered again, even though I knew no one would hear me. "Someone...anyone...please...help me."

I shut my eyes, praying that I will have the few moments Kylo promised me to rest. I don't think I can take any more wrath from him.

"Use the Force..."

I jumped at the sound of the voice, my eyes darting in every direction. I couldn't look behind me but the voice didn't appear to be with me. In fact, it sounded like it was coming from-

"The Force will help you..."

My mind.

"Who are you? Where are you?" I asked aloud, trying not to freak out. The voice was familiar but my head hurt too much to match it.

A boyish chuckle followed, obviously finding my wonder funny. "Would you like to see me?"

I debated how I should respond. "Who are you?" I repeated.

A blue light suddenly appeared in front of me, glowing so brightly I had to look away. When it dimmed, I glanced back and stared in awe (and fear) at the who in front of me.

Anakin Skywalker. Former Jedi Knight and the best pilot the galaxy ever had. He was young (like in Revenge of the Sith, but not burnt) and even more handsome than I remembered. His curls nearly at his shoulders, and his soft, brown eyes gave me a sense of peace. With the iconic smirk and the usual Jedi Knight robe he wore...I had to remind myself he was married. And dead.

Oh my gosh I'm staring at a dead guy. I think I might faint.

"You seem...afraid. I can sense your feelings." He stepped closer, studying me. "There is nothing to be afraid of. I will not hurt you."

I wanted to speak but my mouth feel dry, no words coming out. He laughed again and smiled. "Shocked, are you? Never thought you would ever encounter a Force Ghost in your lifetime?"

All I could do was shake my head.

"Well, if I frighten you that much, I can go-"

"No!" I shouted, only to blush with embarrassment after. "I mean...no. Stay. Please." Keep it together Summer, the Anakin Skywalker is standing right in front of you.

Anakin shrugged. "Well, I can't turn down an invitation. But first...you look a little uncomfortable. Here." With a wave of his hand, the restraints unlocked and I fell off the table onto my hands and knees. I looked up at him, never imagining how tall and charming he would actually be in person.

He winced. "Sorry. Forgot how weak you were. Let me help." He raised his arm, using the Force, and I rose back to my feet. I steadied myself against the table, using it as support, not trusting my legs.

"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling myself blushing again. But for a different reason.

"No problem. So I watched your little..." He paused, thinking of the right word to say. "Incident, my grandson caused and I wanted to apologize on his behalf. I've been trying to get through to him for years but he just won't listen. He keeps going to a stupid helmet for guidance, like that would ever answer him..."

I only heard half of what he said, still overwhelmed by his presence. "You truly are the real Anakin Skywalker?"

He laughed. I noticed his ghostly image glowed a little brighter when he was happy. "Yes, in person. I would say 'in the flesh', but...you're about fifty years too late." He wasn't counting the years he was Darth Vader, which I don't blame him for.

I awkwardly laughed along with his joke. "So then...the stories are real too?"

Anakin nodded. "All of them. The good...and the bad." After a moment of silence, he added, "Now it's my turn to ask a question. Why are you here?"

"Kylo kidnapped me."

"True, true...but you had so many chances to escape yet you didn't even try. So, would you still consider yourself a prisoner here?"

I furrowed my brows. "I don't know what you mean. I never had a chance to escape."

"The Resistance spy. Brake Atomgold. Went undercover to gather information but instead made a breakout attempt to free you. Remember him?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Whatever happened to him?'

He pointed to the table I was leaning on. "He was murdered right there."

"WHAT?! EW!" I jumped away from the table, nearly bumping into Anakin. I quickly made space between us. "Sorry."

He laughed. "No matter. Look." He waved his hand through me and I held back a scream, not knowing if this was more creepy or gross. "Well, you're certainly edgy."

Seriously? "Can you blame me? You saw what I just went through."

"I also saw you resist leaving Ben- I refuse to call him 'Kylo' -multiple times because you, shall I say, love him."

I hesitated. Was it really true? We're my feelings for him deeper than I think? "Love is a very strong word."

"I know." I noticed a hint of pain in his voice and his glow dimmed. "If anyone knows, it's me."

I awkwardly shifted my feet. "I'm sorry."

Anakin took a breath, shrugging off the memory. "Anyway. My point is even beyond Brake's attempt of helping you, there were quite a few times when you could have left. Like right now. You're free, but you won't leave. You're too attached to him."

I crossed my arms. "And what makes you think I am?"

He smirked. "You have kissed him twice. You enjoyed it. A lot. You even wish you could do it more."

I scoffed, feeling my face heat up. "I do not. After today, I am completely over Kylo- I mean, Ben."

"Really?" he challenged. Not harshly, his smile was too big. "Well then, I suppose nothing is holding you back from leaving."

I shook my head proudly. "Nope."

"Fine." He took two steps back, elbowing a button on the wall (somehow he touched it). The door opened and he made a 'ladies' first' gesture towards it. "Then leave."

I swallowed, not expecting him to go that far. "Um, right now?"

"Why not? Nothing is holding you back, right?"

For some reason my mind strained for an excuse. "No, it's just...I don't have an escape plan."

He shrugged. "Do what I do: Make it up as you go along. Always worked for me." I kept eyeing him until he added, "Alright, most of the time it worked for me."

I glanced out the doorway. "Still...how would I leave? I can't fly a ship."

"No problem. I'll guide you once you're in the cockpit." With a smirk on his face, Anakin leaned slightly forward. "Any other excuses you would like to throw at me? I know them all. Working alongside Obi-Wan was not always fun." When I didn't respond he sighed. "I knew you wouldn't leave." He hit the wall and the door shut.

"Well, I can't just ditch Kylo- or um, Ben," I corrected myself yet again. "He has trust issues. If I left, he would think I betrayed him and joined the Resistance."

"Which is what you need to do," Anakin urged. "But not just the Resistance. Your hold in the Force would make you a powerful Jedi."

"I don't belong up here, Anakin. I wish I could make you understand that. I wish this entire galaxy understood that!"

"You want to be on Earth. Back with your family, living a normal life."

I was speechless for a moment until I found my tongue. "Yes...that is exactly what I want to do actually. But how do you know that?"

"Not hard. I can tell what kind of person you are. I was like that too with my mother, but she pushed me to leave with Master Qui-Gon Jinn and join the Jedi Order. Do I have regrets? Yes and no. I made great use of my power during the Clone Wars and helped defeat the Separatists, but then I also abused it as I became arrogant enough to join a Sith Lord. I mean, I killed my own wife..." His ghostly appearance dimmed again as his brown eyes fell to the floor. "I was so strong, yet...I couldn't save her."

My eyes pooled with tears but I held them in as I listened to Anakin vent his feelings. He is not one to do something like this (unless it was to Padme) and I almost felt privileged and flattered.

I stepped closer to him and he looked up at me, sensing my movement. "You didn't kill Padme, Anakin. The chancellor wanted you to believe that, but you didn't. You merely injured her."

He suddenly moved towards me and I stumbled back against the table, surprised by his action. Just mentioning his wife seemed to "trigger" him. There was no way he could possibly be more interested in hearing what I had to say than right now.

"I'm not the one responsible for her death? How do you know this? Is that true? Is she really dead then? Why would Palpatine say that? Well, looking back I guess it speaks for itself, but-"

"Anakin, calm down," I nicely interrupted. "She is dead. Unfortunately, she died at childbirth, just like you envisioned it. She was heartbroken over the path you chose and just lost the will to live."

"So I did kill her then." If a ghost could cry, he would have. "Not physically, but emotionally. Ultimately, I am the reason she is dead."

I never looked at it that way but I guess he's right. "Um, yes..."

He turned away, rubbing his forehead. I tried to touch his shoulder for comfort but my hand only passed through him, forgetting about his transparency. I yanked my hand away, feeling grossed out again. He glanced back and smiled thinly over my expression. "Still not used to it?"

I shook my head. "Is there a way you can get accustomed to it?"

A small laugh came out and he faced me again. "Forget about my past. It's not important. I made mistakes...big ones...but that doesn't mean you have to make them as well. Heed my words when I say to leave this place as soon as possible, for joining my grandson on the Dark Side will not help him, but only hurt him in the future. You're just encouraging a mistake he is making. And you don't need to endure the suffering of the Dark Side."

I nodded, sighing. "I know."

His hand moved over mine and lifted it up. It was weird, I felt him but at the same time I didn't. It was warmth without a solid figure. "I am only here to help and warn you. Nothing is for fun. This is a serious matter. Please listen."

I nodded again. "I will try to leave but I can't promise I am able to..."

"Don't think of it as hurting but rather helping Ben," he encouraged. "Perhaps once you leave, it will push him towards the Light."

"Or further into the Dark Side..."

"In the end, you are free of the clutches of the First Order, and that is what's most important." He lightly kissed my hand. Again only warmth, no feeling of lips. "I trust you will make the right decision."

Anakin let go of my hand and stepped back, offering me a small bow. "We may meet again in the future, but as for now, I must leave. My time is up."

I frowned. "Already? I really could use your guidance with more things though-"

"Trust in the Force, and it will help you." He smiled, glowing. "Farewell Summer. May the Force be with you."

His ghost disappeared and I let myself blush. Anakin Skywalker said my name! Omg he knows my name! Okay, back to reality. Well, if you want to call this reality. I just spoke with a dead guy and I'm still in a fantasy existence.

I sighed, leaning back against the titled table. Time to make the decision. What do I do? Attempt to escape and save myself from the downward spiral of the Dark Side? Or remain and try to stay good, yet probably eventually fail. Kylo would be so hurt if I left...but staying doesn't mean we're dating either. In the end, we won't be together either way.

I suppose leaving is the best option. Anakin wants me too. If anything, he knows about the temptations of the Dark Side and the terrible life of it.

My mind has decided. My eyes filled with tears but happy ones. It's time to finally go home...

Kylo POV

I reentered the conference room, not even the slightest bit surprised that General Hux was already here. An hour hasn't passed but that didn't matter. Time was a major importance in his eyes. If I was early, then he didn't care. Two seconds late, and I would never hear the end of it. Purposely, because I know how much it annoys him, I try to arrive twenty minutes late to meetings. I love getting on his nerves.

"I have information from the girl," I said, grabbing Hux's attention from his datapad.

He set his device down and met me halfway across the room. "Please continue."

"The map. She's seen it with her own eyes, as well as many more things that I have yet to discuss with her. But most importantly, I have a copy of the map in my thoughts."

"You're sure?"

"Positive."

He stepped aside, motioning to the holoprojector. "Proceed."

I walked up to the mechanism and pressed the button, the incomplete holographic map appearing. With a wave of the hand I made the already known path shrink. Then I took a moment as I studied the hologram, recalling the thoughts I saw in Summer's mind. So many thoughts...no, just focus on the map and the map only.

Hux soon appeared by my side, perhaps getting impatient and doubting my abilities, but I ignored him. He didn't speak, but I would just snap at him if he did. He probably knew that too.

Finally a clear image of the map appeared in my head and I touched the hologram, slowly tracing my finger from the known track to the destination of Ahch-To. I moved back after, smirking, satisfied.

Hux stepped closer to the now complete map, analyzing it. After a few minutes, he turned back to me, clearly skeptical. "And you're fully confident that this is correct?"

I nodded with assurance. "Yes."

After another glance, the general also nodded, almost looking impressed. "Very well. I shall get these coordinates the the captain immediately. We shall fly the Finalizer there as soon as possible."

"The sooner, the better," I added before he left. I crossed my arms behind my back as I stared proudly at the map. Now we can finally annihilate Skywalker from the picture before any more Jedi can be trained. My main concern? Rey.

Summer POV

I kept to the corridors, glancing around every corner and down every connecting hallway before continuing. Though I tried to be very inconspicuous whenever surveying my surroundings, for troopers and officers were everywhere, and I don't need to be stopped and questioned.

I'm not sure if the news of me being stuck in the interrogation chamber had spread amongst the ranks yet, but so far so good, no one even glanced differently in my direction. For once it felt good to feel invisible. But I was still cautious, because overconfidence can become a weakness.

I just remained as normal as I could: walking at one pace without slowing, taking short, determined strides, and keeping my head held high. All this gave the aura that I knew what I was doing and where I was going, which was exactly what I needed.

I had no idea where the ship bay actually was but I didn't fret, letting the Force guide my way through the Star Destroyer. Or at least I hope I am with the Force enough to where it is helping me and I'm not just walking in circles. I wouldn't be able to tell anyway; all the corridors looked the same to me.

I turned a corner, deciding to switch directions. Maybe I'll get more luck this way.

"Wrong way..."

I stopped as the voice echoed in my mind. Anakin? No, it sounded different. Deeper. Older. Obi-Wan? Not sure if it had an accent. Well, I guess it doesn't really matter who it is in the end.

A stormtrooper eyed me as he passed and I shook out of my thoughts. I can't look suspicious. Maybe I'm just imagining things.

I continued down the corridor, second guessing my choice. Maybe I should just go back-

A door suddenly opened to my left and I froze, seeing a tall, dark figure with his back to me across the room. I will never not heed a warning from the Force again.

Hearing the door open, Kylo turned around, taking a step back with surprise. We just stared at each other, only I felt like a deer in headlights.

His breathing increased and he balled his fists, looking ready to bolt at me. "YOU ESCAPED?!"

"Run!" the voice shouted through my mind. Like I really needed to be told that...

Not wasting another second, I took off as fast as my legs could carry my down the corridor. I heard thunderous footsteps behind me and I didn't dare glance back, not even guessing who it was.

Though I eventually did (you just do that when you're being chased) and I saw him surprisingly a ways behind me. Huh, I thought he would be faster.

I kept changing directions whenever I came across a connecting hallway until finally when I looked over my shoulder, he was nowhere to be seen. I slowed my pace, knowing it was best to save my energy for more desperate use.

I turned a corner and bumped right into my pursuer. How the heck did he pass me?! I shrieked and stumbled back, getting ready to run again but I went nowhere. With a gesture of his hand my body became paralyzed to his will.

Stormtroopers came racing up the corridor for support but Kylo motioned for them to stay back for now, having the situation under control.

He walked up to me, looked me over, and slowly started circling me. I hated that. It's never good to ever let him out of your sight. "So, this is where the trust is officially broken."

"Shouldn't I be saying that to you?" I manged to say, struggling for use of my jaw. "I didn't strap my apprentice down to a table and torture her to death!"

Kylo finished his circle in front of me, his masking staring me down. "You look quite alive to me. Well enough to try to run. But like I told you when we met..." He stepped forward, his mask basically touching my face. I couldn't see his eyes through the darkened lens, but on the other hand, I didn't want to. "You can never escape me. I will always find you."

"You're not in control of me," I rebelled, not caring at this point. "You never were and you certainly aren't now."

Is it bad I hear him breathing harder through the mask... "Do not push me. I am considering on being generous on your punishments."

"Punishments?" I inquired, almost offended that the word was plural. "What punishments?"

Kylo seemed shocked I asked. "Apart from breaking out? Withholding crucial information form a First Order authority for one. I would not have interrogated you if you would have just told us the location of Ahch-To. Another is lying that you were clueless about your sensitivity to the Force. Clearly your actions on Abregado-rae proves your claim wrong. I should just label you a traitor and end you, but I am feeling surprisingly lenient."

If I had the ability to move, I probably would've slapped him. "Kylo, I have only been loyal to you. You have no reason to even have that consideration in that twisted mind."

"A twisted mind I have... I would choose your vocabulary usage more carefully, for your own sake."

I glared at him, wishing my eyes were tasers so I could knock him out. "Oh, I have plenty more 'colorful' words that I could be using-"

"Enough." He waved his hand and I felt my head whirl and my legs go out from under me. Last thing I remebered was collapsing onto the cold, metal floor heartbroken...

Kylo POV

"Take her away. Bind her arms and lock her up in a detention cell."

The stormtroopers didn't hesitate for a moment, reacting quickly. This was actually to their benefit because I have no patience for slow-paced work.

The ginger-haired general, being alerted about the commotion, approached me from behind. "Ren, what happened?"

"Darth Shadow is what happened," I answered coldly, not turning to him. "She escaped from the interrogation room."

He snickered. "Another one? This must be a new record for you."

Quicker than he could react, I grabbed his shirt collar and pushed him against the wall, holding him a foot off the floor. Stormtroopers stayed close yet didn't intervene, wanting to break up a fight without getting in between us. Correction: me.

Hux's legs were dangling as he struggled to get free. "Ren...don't do this..." He wasn't pleading but instead warning. "Snoke will make your head roll."

"Not if he never finds out," I retaliated. I moved from his shirt to his neck, keeping him in a death grip. He began coughing and sputtering for air as I closed off his windpipe. "Oh how easy it would be to just snap that puny neck of yours..."

"Release him," a British, female voice ordered from behind me.

I looked back at her, then sighed, letting the general go. Hux stumbled over to a medic, who was called on probably by an onlooker, inhaling deeply to resupply his deprived lungs. He shot me back a look. "How dare you..." He coughed. "This will not go unheard of this time!"

Coughing still, the medic aided in walking him back to the infirmary to check for any injuries.

With a menacing glare at the remaining onlookers, the hallway quickly dispersed, yet Captain Phasma remained. "Why must I always be the mediator?"

"Staying out of it works well too," I fired back, not in the mood for anyone's attitude. I tried to walk away but she followed me, her reflective armor clanking with every step. It was starting to annoy me.

"Sir, I intervened because you were going to kill him." Before I could interject, she added, "And yes, that was your complete intention."

I suddenly moved in front of her, making her halt. "I don't need you stating what my intentions are. I am completely aware of my actions."

"All due respect sir, you and I both know that General Hux is needed here at the First Order. None of his successors are good enough to run this place as well as him."

I groaned, which through my helmet sounded something crossed between a wookiee and a rancor. "Needn't I remind you, because of Hux's poor decisions we already lost one superweapon, not to mention the entire crew with it! We are so far into debt, we're going to start washing off our disposable plates soon."

I wasn't meaning it as a joke (it's the truth) but I swear she giggled over it. "Sir, the general is doing the best he can with the resources we have. Soon enough we will have the First Order even more powerful than before."

I shook my head in disagreement. "Not if we don't finish in time."

* * * * * *

Summer POV

When I awoke, I found myself once again in a white detention cell. The lights were dimmer than I remembered but I was actually glad about it, for the brightness reflecting off the walls would be blinding. I was lying on the metal ledge that served as a bench or bed, depending on the time of day.

Only when I sat up did I notice my arms were chianed together. My wrists were binded with what looked like a blue streak of electricity between them as a replacement for a chain. What the-

I yelped when I moved my arms too far apart, a shock hitting my body until I pushed my wrists back together. I tested it again to see the distance, wincing through the pain. No further than a foot. Dang these are some harsh restraints.

I carefully (trying not to use my arms) scooted myself back against the wall, using it to lean on. Currently, the cold ledge was a chair for me.

Finally, I looked up and saw the only darkness in this bright room.

Kylo Ren, crouched on one knee, rose when he noticed my gaze. His helmet still on, his voice was still changed into the well-known sinister tone. "We need to talk."

I shrugged, not having a choice in the matter. "Go on."

"Your powers. I demand an explanation for them."

I raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't I be asking you how the Force works? I'm pretty new at this."

"Are you?" The skepticism was clear in his tone.

"Well, yeah. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have known I had the Force. For crying out loud, on Earth that's considered a myth."

"I find that answer doubtful, but I will accept it. Next question: who trained you?"

I eyed him, confused. "Um...you?"

"I did nothing of the sort. You came to me fully trained."

I nearly laughed. "Okay, again: no idea about the Force until you brought it out of me."

"I did not show you the ways of the Force," he said, taking a step closer to me. "You proved you already had the knowledge on Abregado-rae."

"Want to know how I did that? It's a little thing called luck-"

"There is no such thing as 'luck' in the galaxy," he rudely interrupted. "Everything happens for a reason and has a purpose. Your suddenly ability to wield a lightsaber and move a boat on the planet was not 'luck'. Your deep, detailed visions of the past are not 'luck'. You don't just wake up and miraculously be able to do these things. It takes practice, years of it, to get to where you are. So I ask again, and I demand the truth: who trained you?"

I didn't know how to answer him. "Kylo, I'm not lying-"

"Summer." There was that "warning tone" again. After what I endured today, the last thing I want to do is suffer from any more of his wrath.

I hesitated, trying to make up a believable answer for the unpredictable man in front of me. He noticed my hesitation and I could tell it was only making him more impatient.

But really, how could I reply? I don't know how I did those things on Abregado-rae. I guess I was so desperate to protect Kylo, that I just became one with the Force. Unfortunately, the Dark Side of the Force. That answers for the lightsaber, but for the flatboat? Heck, I have no idea. I just copied what the characters did in the movies and hoped it worked.

"That's impossible," Kylo said out of nowhere. Sensing my confusion, he added, "Your answer for your Force-related action is impossible."

I stared at him, horrified and shocked. "Are you reading my mind?!" I don't even feel him! It's just frightening that he can do it without one knowing.

"Using your anger to grab hold of the Dark Side of the Force to weild my lightsaber, I admit, is believable," he continued, avoiding my question. "But going by your visions to use the Force is preposterous. No one, not even me, could use the the Force like that. And that excuse coming from someone who is 'untrained', so you claim, is just stupid."

"Kylo, no matter what I say, you won't believe me because it's not what you want to hear." He didn't reply to that, my comment catching him off guard. "You're expecting my answer to be some Jedi trained me. Well, it's not. I'll be honest, I never knew Jedi existed until I met you (heck, I didn't even think you were real). But here I am now, goodness knows how far from home, with the commander in chief of the First Order. I still have to make myself believe this isn't some sort of dream. Think of how crazy it is for me! So when I say no, I'm not trained, and no, I don't have the slightest idea of how I managed to use the Force on Abregado-rae...you just have to believe me."

I waited for his comeback for that but it never came. Not one word.

I stood up from the ledge, cautiously stepping towards him. "Kylo, don't you trust me? I would never lie or betray you. I know you think I would, I've been blamed for it more than once, but I am forever loyal to you."

Kylo finally spoke. "The Supreme Leader has ordered multiple times I should kill you if you couldn't be turned to the Dark Side. So far, I have failed to execute his requests, much for your sake. I don't want to do it, but if you leave me no choice..."

I felt my eyes filling up. Though these tears were of anger. "You don't believe me, do you? I'm just telling another lie to fool you and let myself live. That's all it is to you, isn't it? Me trying to avoid death. And no, I don't want to die, but perhaps it's deeper than that. Ever think there is more than meets the eye?"

Another pause before a reply. "I know why you're here Summer, and it's not for the benefit of the First Order. There is too much Light in you. The only reason you're here is because of your feelings for me. Otherwise, you would have found a way to escape from my clutches."

"Maybe you're right," I said. "And maybe you're wrong. Perhaps after I found out about my power I wanted to work beside you. But you never gave me that chance. Every day you talk about training me but it never comes about."

Kylo closed the distance between us. "How dare you. I didn't plan on Snoke demanding a visit from me. I certainly didn't intend on the Finalizer's cooling system to malfunction, nor our long and exhausting trip to get the part. If you think that my full intention wasn't to make you my apprentice-"

"I almost believe that you brought me up here just to get rid of me," I stated, staring straight into the darkness of the lens of his mask. I couldn't see through but I didn't have to. I could see that comment affected him.

I swear I heard his breathing behind it. "I never wanted to hurt you. I have repeatedly pushed your death order aside from Snoke, and I don't know how much longer I can keep it up. But I don't stand for traitors."

"Quit calling me that!" I basically shouted at him. "And if you really cared about me, you would stop hurting me and actually show it!"

Kylo continued walking, forcing me to back up until I hit the wall. "I don't care about you and I never will!"

His words struck like a knife, but I gathered my composure, trying a different route. I will get through to him better if I talk calmly. "Kylo, if you really don't care about me, prove it."

He cocked his head as if to show uncertainty. "What?"

I stood proud, remembering how Anakin acted to make me admit my feelings. Time to turn the table. "Prove it. Kiss me. If you can still deny feelings afterwards...then I will allow you to kill me as Snoke wishes." I'm betting literally everything on him. I better not be wrong.

He didn't move. I don't even think he breathed.

"Kylo?"

He shifted uneasily, but still didn't speak.

Seeing I clearly had the upper hand, I took the test a bit further. "Take off your mask."

Hesitation followed silence. Kylo stepped back far enough to give me breathing space but kept me cornered.

"You don't need it. Why wear it?"

Again, he was at loss of words.

I remained vigilant as I spoke. "Then I will do it."

I nervously raised my binded arms to the top of his helmet, gently pushing the hood back. Much to my surprise, he didn't protest or even object to my doings.

I took hold of the advantage of being so close to such an iconic item, and traced his helmet, my fingers bumping over the cracks and dents from battles. Shockingly, he let me. I paused at the unusually large mouthpiece, feeling the side of the helmet for whatever triggers it to open.

I (on accident actually) found it and the mouthpiece shifted upwards, recycled air blowing out. Carefully, I lifted it off his head, his handsome face finally revealed.

Finding the mask much heavier than I expected, and because I was at a disadvantage thanks to the my binded wrists, I ended up dropping the helmet onto the floor. The metals met with a loud clang! that echoed off the walls and made my ears ring. I startled myself from it. Kylo seemed unaffected, merely blinking, not even twitching from the sudden, piercing noise.

After collecting myself, my eyes fell upon his tender, scarred face. His eyes were red from tears, though I was unsure it was from pain or anger or both. Even more cautious than the first time, since if I move my arms too far apart it will end up electrocuting both of us, I placed my hand onto his cheek, gently rubbing it with my thumb. It took a moment but he finally melted into my touch, liking the contact. There he is. Finally, I'm through to him. I have a chance.

Our eyes met and the nerves kicked in. I may have kissed him before but that doesn't mean I'm not nervous.

Not wanting to lose the moment, I leaned in and gently kissed him. Lightly. Passionately. Enough to show him how I felt without overdoing it. I couldn't have been happier to feel him kiss back. Oh how I've missed his lips...

I finally parted, controlling myself. I then stared into his sparkling brown eyes and said the very thing I was stressing over. For the kiss was only a test, even though I desperately wanted it to be for otherwise. "Say you didn't like that, that you don't like me. Try to find the strength to say it. But just don't ignore your rapidly beating heart, or the butterflies in your stomach, or the miniscule bit of joyous thoughts that infiltrated your mind. Deny me after all that. I'll wait."

I could never picture Kylo Ren to be someone who gets worried, but he certainly was now. His lips quivered, speech trying to come out but failing. Finally, two simple words managed to escape his cracking voice. "I can't."

A small smile grew onto my face. He likes me. I get to live. He likes me. I could squeal right now. But there's no time for celebrating because he looked even more troubled than before. I wanted to hug him but the stupid binders would end up shocking us. I instead kept tenderly rubbing his face, since he found enjoyment from it.

"I wish it didn't have to be this way," I said, admiring his beauty. "I wish we could be together."

He exhaled, as if this thought constantly bombards his mind. Maybe it is. "I know."

I was reluctant to ask, but I couldn't resist. "Kylo, why does Snoke ban you from love?"

He didn't immediately answer. "The Supreme Leader knows the ways of distraction. I must focus on my training and my training only. A relationship would only distract me from achieving my potential. Love is a weakness."

"Love is not a weakness. Love makes one stronger. It gives them a reason, a purpose, and a strength in life. If you had it, you would understand the true power of it."

"Summer, there's something you don't seem to understand," Kylo said, his voice still uneasy. "Look at me. I've weakened. I'm not the person I used to be since I met you. I'm failing my master."

"Your master is just using you," I countered. "One day you will realize that and see I'm right."

He shook his head, backing away from me. "I don't believe you."

I pushed his rebuke aside. "Right now you don't. Why is it so hard for you to see the truth?"

"I know the truth. You're just telling me lies."

"Kylo, don't go there. We've been over this. I don't want to go through it again. Just tell me one thing though: why are you so afraid to love?"

He almost offended by the question. "Afraid? I am not afraid of anything. I am a dark warrior, stronger in the Force than you could imagine. Why would I be afraid?" His eyes darkened. "Perhaps the question that should be asked is: why are so desperate to have us together?"

"And you're not?" I countered.

His studied me, unsure to answer.

But I wanted one. "Kylo."

"What can I say? My opinion and thoughts do not matter. It's not who I'm suppose to be or what I'm trying to achieve." He shook his head. "You don't understand my position. You don't see the true importance of the matter."

"The true impor- what is more important than our feelings for each other? How could something possibly come before that?"

I could see he was trying not to cry in front of me. "Summer, just stop. This conversation is over. I don't want to hear another word."

"Kylo-"

"Silence!" His voice echoed off the small room, making him sound as large as Snoke's hologram. I, on the other hand, felt about the size of a mouse droid.

I watched him bend over and pick up his helmet, wiping off any smudges I made. He was planning on leaving, but I wasn't done with him yet.

"May I say one more thing?" I sweetly and timidly asked, hoping he would bend for me.

It worked. Kylo glanced at me, sighed, and nodded. "Fine."

"Why will you not fight for us?"

His eyes fell upon me again and a tear accidentally escaped. He looked as if he wanted to say a thousand words, like there was something he was waiting for the right time to tell me, but only a few came out. "Because...I just can't."

I stared him down, knowing him better than that. "Kylo, what are you keeping from me?"

His mouth opened then he shut it, deciding otherwise. After seeing my glare, he finally, and painfully admitted, "You have never been hurt by those who claimed to love you... Summer, you don't know what I've been through."

Now I felt a tear escape my eye, feeling sympathetic as I reflected on memories. "Your parents."

With a nod, he choked out, "Yes. They betrayed me. Kept things from me. I never knew who my grandfather was. I never knew who I was destined to be. They hid it from me." He paused, then added, "My mother was the daughter of the most powerful Sith Lord ever, and she never told me."

"There must have been a good reason for it," I said, trying to bring the mood back around. "She was probably just trying to protect you."

"From what?"

I shrugged. "Who knows. Criticism. Mocking." I hesitated before adding, "Snoke."

Kylo shot his eyes in my direction, already getting back on the defensive. "Supreme Leader Snoke has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. He told me what I'm meant to do, who I should be, what I can become...I would be nothing without him. Snoke is he reason I am where I am today." Well, no lie there...

"You have a lot of respect for him. Too much, really. I think you put too much faith in him. He's going to betray you one day, you know that right? If it ever came to his life or yours, he will push you in front of him to survive."

"Summer, again, stop. The Supreme Leader has brought me this far, he's not about to ditch me yet."

"Yet? So...you do see it happening?" I inquired, wanting to see if we were on the same page.

He shook his head, trying to deny it. "No, he would never-"

"He would and he will," I clarified. "Snoke is not who you think he is."

"And that's where you're wrong, I know exactly who he is," Kylo countered, stepping towards me. "He is making me as powerful as Darth Vader, so I can finish what he has started. The Empire may have fallen but the First Order will rise."

I exhaled, calming myself down so I can choose my words more wisely. "Kylo, deep down, I know you hate the life you have and regret every moment of it-"

"That's not true-"

"And if you had the opportunity, you would slay Snoke so you wouldn't have to answer to anyone, am I wrong?"

He stared long and hard at me. I knew at that moment the tide has turned on the argument. "I...I wouldn't..."

I gave him a sympathetic look. "Kylo. You know I'm right."

His lips quivered and he finally answered, "I'm not strong enough. I can't do it alone. That's why...I was hoping you would help me."

My eyes widened, not expecting that answer. I was frozen with shock for a few moments until I found my tongue. "Wait a minute...you want me, to help you, defeat basically a Sith Lord?"

"If you're going to mock me-"

"No, no, that's not it," I specified. "You just...I'm not trained or have any dueling capabilities that could compare to yours. How do you expect me to help you kill Snoke?"

"Look at it this way," Kylo said. "Snoke, at any cost, wants you on the Dark Side. I can use the excuse of you as my apprentice to my advantage to overthrow him. With my training, you could become as powerful as I, and we can take revenge on him. Then we will be the most powerful duo the galaxy has ever seen. With Snoke gone..." His fingers gently lifted my chin. "We could be in a relationship. I know that's what you waiting for. The day we can finally be together. So I ask..." He stepped back, holding out his hand. "Will you help me?"

I looked at his hand than back at his face, which now appeared to be gentle. Perhaps a sign, or maybe just an allusion.

All I could do was blink. Wow. I mean...wow. That is a lot for someone to process. And he looks so anxious for a reply. Great. I'm being put into the same position Padme was offered from soon-to-be Sith Lord on Mustafar, though I don't want my life to proceed like hers did.

The true issue is I really don't want to become a part of this war. But with Snoke out of the picture, the Resistance would have a chance to defeat the First Order once and for all.

Anakin did make me realize my feelings for Kylo are deeper than I thought, so that really is the only thing holding me back. That, and...it's like impossible to escape this place. And oh how I miss Earth...my family must be so worried about me being gone this long.

I can't ignore the inevitable. The choice is literally resting before me: Do I stay with the man I love and help him destroy the biggest threat to the universe? Or do I take the next advantage and leave all this behind in order to see my family and get my normal life back?

I exhaled, making my life-determing decision. I know what I must do. "Kylo, I..."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Aaaaand that concludes chapter 10! Please don't hate me for the cliffhanger, I just really wanted to try something like this ;)

So what did you think of the chapter? Did you like Anakin's appearance? What path will Summer take? Let me know in comments :)

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Pic of the chapter: Yes, it's art. I know, I can't believe it either. It's so beautiful 😍 (that's a heart eyes emoji if you can't see it) and also appropriate for the mind-probing section of the chapter ;)