Venus & Mars

Chapter 7 ~ In The Dark Of The Night

After the day I had training with Kylo, I went back to my chambers and slept. I was absolutely exhausted. Using the Force, especially to the extent that I had during our duel, takes a lot out of a person.

Hours later, a loud clanging from down the hall roused me from my slumber. My eyes blinked open slowly, adjusting to the dim light as I listened intently to the ruckus. Sighing, I sat up, curiosity getting the best of me. Pulling on my velvet cloak, I got out of bed and headed out of the room in search of the noise. I turned down the hallway, hearing the buzzing and clanking grow in intensity as I got closer to a door. My eyes widened at the realization that the door was one that led into one of my training rooms.

My fingers shook slightly as I held my hand up to use my powers on the doors. They opened swiftly, revealing that the room on the other side was ominously dark and silent. I crept closer, holding my breath as I ventured into the unnerving atmosphere with the upmost caution. I looked around slowly, trying to let my eyes get adjusted to the contrasting darkness. If curiosity killed the cat, I hope I have nine lives...

Almost in response to my thought, there was a loud buzz behind me and I was instantaneously pushed to the ground. The force of whatever hit me actually caused me to roll across the floor, causing me to land heavily on my spine. The air was pushed from my lungs, and as I tried to gain my breath something began to crush my windpipe. I scrambled against the cold tile, some unseen force keeping me pinned to the ground. I began to choke violently, gasping for air.

Then, there was some sort of weight pressing down across my abdomen, and I felt legs straddling my hips. A lightsaber was suddenly hovering at my neck, the red glow illuminating my frightened features. Through the haze beginning to cloud my vision, I recognized the lightsaber as Kylo's, just as it was pulled away.

My throat was released from the crushing pressure, cold air rushing into my lungs as I took breaths that made me look like I was trying to swallow the ocean. "Andromeda!" Kylo's voice echoed off the metal walls, full of surprise and confusion. "What are you doing here at this time of night?" He asked incredulously. "I could ask you...the same question." I grunted, feeling him shift above me. The vocal change didn't go unnoticed by Kylo, because he moved off of me a moment later. Though the room was still pitch black, I could sense that he was feeling a mixture of emotions ranging from anger, to unhappiness, to loneliness, to slight happiness, and even a tinge of embarrassment. I cleared my throat to indicate my discomfort without completely verbalizing it, my back beginning to ache from the hard floor pressed against it. "Oh...sorry..." He grumbled, releasing the force pinning me to the floor. My eyebrow perked in curiousity. I had never heard nor expected Kylo to apologize to anyone ever, especially not to me. But he did. "Thanks." I finally murmured, taking a deep breath.

Kylo gave a hmph of acknowledgement, and the lights of the room began to flicker back on. I shut my eyes at the sudden blinding light, waiting to let my eyes adjust once more before returning my gaze to Kylo's. "So...what exactly were you doing in here?" I inquired casually as I sat up. "Training." He replied. I took a moment to analyze the walls around the room, seeing fresh burning slash marks tearing through the metal effortlessly. "I see..." I whispered. "Why were you down here?" He countered. "Your 'training' woke me up." I smirked, seeing a slight pink flush cover his pale cheeks. Barely noticeable, but there nonetheless. "I apologize Andromeda." "It's okay." I smiled at him in a friendly manner, and only then did I realize that he was lacking a shirt and cloak. I nonchalantly glanced over him. Even I had to admit he was pretty nicely built. Strong arms, a broad chest, and amazing abs. Old scars adorned his pale skin. Where did all those wounds come from? I quickly shoved the thought away and returned my gaze to his face, hoping he hadn't noticed. Kylo met my smile with a smirk of his own, and then shifted his gaze away from me to stare off into space. I wanted to keep talking with him though.

When he wasn't barking orders or throwing temper tantrums, he was actually not a bad person. At least not entirely. He was intelligent, witty, and surprisingly pleasant. I wanted to experience more of that part of him. The part that I'd only seen a handful of times. The man behind the mask. Not the man wearing a costume and playing a role. I wanted to understand him. I wanted to know what drove him so deeply into the dark side. But in reality, what can you ask the man who is striving to be the ruler of the entire universe without being too invasive. "Tell me something Andromeda..." Kylo began, breaking through my thoughts and saving me from starting an awkward conversation. "Why did you willingly agree to be my apprentice?" He asked.

The question took me by surprise. "Um...well, I didn't have much choice, did I?" I said, lightheartedly trying to avoid the real question. But he continued to stare at me as if he was waiting for me to continue. "We all have a choice. You could've let your planet burn. I've been in your head. I know what you went through as a child." He said quietly, watching me carefully. "I'm the daughter of one of General Organa's finest. I was always taught to defend the defenseless, at any cost. What those children did, it hurt me deeply. But that was years ago...Wounds turn to scars, and scars heal after time. Many of those children came to me as adults and apologized for their actions, but I had already gotten over it. I grew stronger because of what they did. That village, that planet, was my home, and the people there trusted me with their lives. If becoming your apprentice meant that no harm came to them, then it was a chance I was just going to have to take. It was well worth it. So thank you, Kylo, for keeping your promise. I appreciate it more than you know..." I trailed off.

Kylo grew silent, as if he was still trying to comprehend my words. "Are you nervous for tomorrow?" He finally asked, curiosity obvious in his voice. I shrugged. "I guess." I muttered. "How did you feel when you first met Snoke?" I asked in return. Kylo straightened his spine. "I was honored to meet my Sith master and overlord." He answered, though I could see a flash of unease in his eyes. Sighing, I rolled my eyes and flipped to lay more comfortably on my stomach. "So what should I expect?" "Snoke said he wanted to meet you and discuss the possible advancement of your training. In terms of what to do during the meeting, all you must do is speak when spoken to and do as he says. If you think I'm bad, you'll despise him I'm sure. But for your sake and for mine, I suggest you act like you're enjoying all of this. He'll probably read your mind, so don't think anything stupid. And don't do anything stupid. He could kill you without blinking an eye." Kylo told me.

Despite the content of the conversation itself, he actually sounded normal. More relaxed. I could get used to speaking with him in this state. The calm that engulfed the two of us. It was not unpleasant. "So in other words, act and think exactly the opposite of myself?" I inquired with a smirk. Kylo chuckled, for the first time in my presence. "I suppose so. Yes." He said. I laughed then, which was yet another first. I hadn't laughed or really smiled in the last few months since my capture. But I was now, and it felt good.

When I was done, I went silent for a few moments. "Kylo?" I finally began, looking over at him. He met my eyes with interest. "I'm sorry for being such a difficult student." I swallowed my pride to apologize. If the great and powerful Kylo Ren could say sorry for waking me up, I could apologize for always fighting him. Kylo nodded. "It's fine. I can't say I really blame you. After all, I practically tore you away from the life you knew and cared for and into a world of corruption and greed." He replied. I shrugged, looking away. A few more quiet moments passed. "I should go. Snoke wants to meet with us early. You should get to sleep. I won't be training anymore tonight." Kylo said, getting to his feet. I nodded, getting ready to follow suit. I had assumed Kylo was already walking away. However, I was surprised to see a hand being held out to me. I looked up, seeing Kylo waiting with a blank expression. Hesitantly, I took his hand, allowing him to help pull me to my feet. "Thanks." I whispered. He didn't reply, simply nodding as I stood. Then his hand left mine and he strode out of the room. "Goodnight, Kylo." I murmured, even though he left. I sighed again and made my way back into the corridor and toward my room.

As I crawled back into my soft bed, I could've sworn I heard a soft Goodnight, Andromeda. in the back of my head. I smiled again as I closed my eyes. Maybe things are looking up.