Ordered

Chapter 22 - In Which Ren Eavesdrops On Rey At The Temple

(Chapter Rating: T)

Eavesdropping was wrong. But at this point, Ren was far from caring.

He'd heard the front door shut in the darkness and he'd missed her. He'd wondered what her plans were now. So quietly, he'd followed her. Watching her watch the sunrise outside the Temple. She didn't look happy. Something was nagging at her, even as she walked inside.

Now with his back and head pressed outside the entrance of the Temple wall, he was learning so much. He was NOT going in there. It wasn't the sort of place he belonged. She would immediately sense him. But from here, he could hear perfectly. He didn't even need the Force to listen. His hearing was making up for the bad eye.

The poor dear was conflicted. Her pleas were so touching. By now, she'd be sitting cross-legged in front of some statue of an ancient Grand Jedi Master and all the florid carvings on the wall. Perhaps there were candles like in other temples, making the chamber smell of flame and soot. Maybe even old relics collecting dust.

Her voice broke as she admitted, "I know I am too unstable. The Force is unbalanced. Luke hasn't said anything, but I know he feels my hostility."

Ren folded his arms, stopping the urge to sigh. What did Luke know? The Jedi was foolish.

"How can I possibly help when I know so little? What good is power if I can't call it on command?"

Yes, Ren marveled. She knew he was right. Logic and reason would win out.

"Would it be wrong to train with him? Would Luke be angry? If we go into battle, what use will I be?"

He realized he was holding his breath. Forcing air into his lungs, his emotions were surging again. Who cared what Luke thought? Why was everything about Skywalker? He willed her to give into her feelings and pursue her desire for knowledge.

"I know he killed his father...," pain entered her words, "But, surely, if Luke trusts him, the balance is tipping towards the good. Luke is solid. With Ben in the grey, if I can keep my heart and mind open, less bitter, surely there would be no harm."

Grey, what the hell did that mean? Ren held his breath. Another reason to sorely regret killing Han Solo.

Her crying sounded across the Temple walls, "Please guide me."

Frustrated, Ren would do some pleading of his own. If she accepted his training, she would learn to trust him. If she could trust him, he could win her. If he could win her, they could return to the First Order together.

"Grandfather, please." He waited, but his whisper faded in the wind. He couldn't feel the power in it.

Why wouldn't the darkness rise and aid him? Why had Snoke forsaken him? Was he truly destined to be his uncle's lackey? No one listened. This was Luke's fault. The Jedi had pulled something hokey again.

He had never uttered the name aloud before. It was as forbidden to the First Order as was the name Ben Solo. Yet, desperate, needing aid from the beyond, the name was actually on his lips.

"Anakin."

There was a strange peace that lingered with it.

Ren allowed the Force to flow through him. Wouldn't the darkness or the light grant him this one thing? He truly wanted to help her. The talent, the power, it was being wasted. She knew so little. There would be no malice in his guidance. Just to be near her and have her trust would be enough. For now.

He continued to listen. Time passed slowly. She didn't speak. What was she doing in there?

After waiting an eternity, she muttered, "Yes, I'll do it."

Ren's lips parted in a devious smile. He swore his heart would soar out of his chest. An intoxicated energy filled him. It brought warmth to his dark face. The Force was all knowing and wise. It wanted this, for them to be together.

Or at least, strictly righteous companions.

It was a start. The restart they needed. He heard her footsteps. He had to move. Delirious with the possibilities, he leapt over the Temple wall and took off towards the beach. There was so much he had to prepare. They could start today.

As Rey walked out of the Temple, she knew she felt a presence, but she couldn't place it. Something strangely new and joyful. Running.

Looking towards the crashing waves below, she knew she could be strong. When he asked again, she wouldn't say no.