Hunted

Chapter 8: Do You Feel It?

 "Get up."

You thought you were hearing things. The running water was loud and your head was pounding. Must be hearing things.

"I said get up."

You quickly were on your feet, knowing the voice was real.

"Are you fucking kidding me." You groaned, reaching for the handle to turn off the shower. Before the steam could dissipate, you wrapped yourself in a towel and stepped out of the shower to face a towering Kylo Ren, standing before you. The sight was enough to make you laugh, though, you found absolutely no humor in the situation. You were exhausted and emotionally drained. This was quite literally the last thing you wanted to deal with right now.

"Please, Commander, leave me alone. Just let me sleep. You can continue tormenting me tomorrow." You said, still soaked and dripping on the refresher floor.

"Do you feel it?" His mechanical voice asked.

"I feel the pounding in my head, I feel my joints aching all over, I feel the cuts on my skin burning, I feel the swelling in my throat, and I feel this conversation is over." You replied, without looking at him. You gazed at yourself in the mirror, ghostly-looking with shriveled skin and stringy, wet hair. The bags under your eyes had never been more pronounced and you looked 4 inches shorter as your shoulders rounded in a defeated slump.

He paid you no mind and continued, "I first felt you many years ago. Just a flicker of a dream. But then it grew and I could sense you; sense your fears, your anger, your hatred, your pride. I could seek you out but did not know whom I was searching for. Until the visions came and I saw you. I had to find you, you see. I have to know."

You finally looked at him, still clutching your towel to your chest. "I don't understand." You said, staring into the emotionless helmet.

"Why do you think you are able to anticipate an enemy's every move? Or, have you ever wondered why your ship seems to fly exactly where you want it to without having to set precise coordinates?" He was closing the distance.

You took a step backward, suddenly being overly aware of your physical vulnerability. "I've always been stealthy and I've been training as a pilot since I could walk." You said, eyes darting in thought.

"The Force." He said, still pressing forward towards you.

You backed into the closet and slammed the door. You knew he would tear it off the hinges if he had to and he could open the door in a matter of seconds. You threw on a black robe to cover yourself before the door snapped open. "But I'm not-"

"Force sensitive" he cut you off, "and you will begin regular training with me as an apprentice. Tomorrow."

The Commander turned on his heels and began to exit your quarters. Your head was still pounding but now with unrelenting questions. "Commander, wait!" You yelled, unnecessarily as he was barely a few feet away.

He stopped just short of the door and looked over his shoulder. You were stomping up behind him, intent on further explanation.

"I will not. I am not. I am not a force-user, I am not First Order, and as soon as possible I will be leaving this planet." You said, staring into the visor of his helmet.

"On what ship?" He asked, cocking his head.

Rage is all you felt. You were seeing red, your entire body flushed with heat, and in a thoughtless motion, you screamed and raised your hand towards the Commander and he slid, just slightly on his feet, towards the door. A pressure that built within you to be unbearable suddenly released and brought you to your knees.

"I will show you how to use that," He said, bending down on one knee, "I will show you power and ability you could not even imagine. True freedom, the galaxy yours for the taking."

With heaving shoulders, you looked up at him, his helmet being mere inches from your face. "Show me." The Commander started to stand, satisfied with your answer.

"Wait." You said, softly. The Commander knelt back down, his helmet even with your eyes. "Show me your face and I will agree to become your apprentice. I want to know who my new master really is."

With only a moment of hesitation, he raised his hands to his temples. The helmet hissed as it released. He placed it on his knee and you found yourself staring into his eyes. You sharply inhaled as you took in his features. His eyes, while fiery and intense, were deep in greens and browns, like tree moss and honey. You were astonished at how young he was; likely only a few years older than yourself. In picturing him, you had visions of a monstrous, ugly creature. Instead, you found him stunning. Jet black hair framed his face, matching the boldness of his facial features; his mouth was wide, his nose was long, and while asymmetrical, his face came together in perfect harmony. His eyes were searching yours and there was a moment of breathlessness between you.

"Day after tomorrow, 0700. I will expect you in the training center." He said, standing up and refastening his helmet in place.

"Yes, Commander." You said, remaining seated on the floor of your quarters.

"Master." He snapped back.

"Yes, Master."