Ascension

O N E

It's been six years since our fall to the Dark, and it pains me to say that it's comfortable. Ever since we stepped foot in front of Snoke, I knew there was no way out. I had to go along with everything, and I've become accustomed to how things are operated. It's different here. I've been shown something unknown and powerful. I knew where I was headed the second I felt it.

As for the Knights of Ren... well let's just say I don't keep in touch. The few that went with us were granted the role alongside Kylo, but me...no. After all these years I'm still not trusted enough to be one of them. Snoke said there is too much light left in me and that it must be snuffed out before any drastic changes are made. I'm seen as weak, a work in progress, only a child.

We have been put to training, mine being harsher than Kylo's for obvious reasons. I wasn't part of the plan, but Snoke didn't mind an extra piece to control in this war. I was essentially a gift to Snoke. Just another object here.

We altered the old lightsabers we received from Master Skywalker, changing the will of the crystals. Our lasers were now red. It was a symbol of our turn to the dark. I was afraid to wield the thing that was used to murder my friends, but it felt oddly right in my hands.

In the first year on board, I don't think I did anything to help Kylo back towards the light. Probably, it's because I slipped as well. I've become so familiar with the dark to where sometimes I forget who I was; who I am.

I was too naive back then to help bring Ben back. I was just 18. Just a kid. My age made it easier for Snoke to manipulate me. Kylo was young too, though. Young enough to be bribed with power.

What was I supposed to do?

~

My footsteps echoed alongside Kylo Ren's throughout the empty, cold hallway within the Star Destroyer. We were silent, not even glancing at one another. That was normal for us. We were always like this after speaking with Supreme Leader Snoke. His presence was unnerving.

We reached the command station where General Hux stood eagerly. I stopped beside Kylo and made eye contact with the snake everyone called General. I didn't exactly like him, and neither did Kylo.

"Good news," His voice slithered, "we know where they are keeping Luke Skywalker's coordinates."

I turned my head slightly to look at Kylo. He didn't move. His mask remained on as he spoke. "Prepare the ships."

-

When our shuttlecraft landed on Jakku, the small village was already raided and in flames thanks to the Storm Troopers. Kylo and I stepped onto the sandy earth, making our way to Lor San Tekka, the one who supposedly held the missing piece we needed.

The Storm Troopers circled the frightened villagers towards the center of the town.

Kylo hovered over Lor San Tekka, making the man seem small. "Look how old you've become," Kylo spoke, his voice thick.

"Something far worse has happened to you," The old man replied, little fear showing in his features.

"You know what we've come for." I ceased their bickering. I wanted to get what we needed and leave.

"I know where you come from. Before you called yourself Kylo Ren." San Tekka remained to stare at my masked partner. "Before you took her away."

He didn't need to look at me or even say my name for us to know whom he was referring to.

"The map to Skywalker. We know you've found it, and now you're going to give it to the First Order." Kylo ignored him, trying to remain on task.

"The First Order rose from the dark side...you did not," San Tekka spoke calmly, which seemed threatening to Kylo Ren.

"I'll show you the dark side." Kylo's voice deepened. I readied my hand over my lightsaber sensing Kylo's tension. We could read each other easily.

"You may try, but you cannot deny the truth that is your family," San Tekka said his final words. Kylo's lightsaber ignited, pure energy emitting from it. I gripped my saber but did not ignite it, knowing Kylo would handle the situation.

"You're so right." Kylo ripped his saber down across the old man, killing him instantly.

As this happened, a younger man came running from the hill yelling. He fired his blaster, and my instincts pulled my hand up in a split second. I froze the bolt in midair, trapping the man under my force as well. It was so intense he couldn't move a muscle.

Storm Troopers gripped his arms and dragged him towards Kylo and me. Kylo took a step closer to him. I studied the man's face after he was forced to kneel in front of us.

He had dark curls and strong features that complimented his complexion, although he was covered in dirt and sweat. Our eyes caught. I could feel something about him. I couldn't explain it, but Kylo looked at me for a moment sensing my uncertainty. I blinked away from the man's gaze.

"So who talks first? You talk first?"

I admired his humor, something that was lacking back in The First Order.

"The old man gave it to you," Kylo deciphered.

"It's just very hard to understand you with all the-" he motioned to Kylo's mask.

"Search him."

"-apparatus."

I watched as they patted him down, the Storm Troopers coming up with nothing.

"Put him on board," Kylo demanded, losing patience. I was just as tired as he was.

Captain Phasma spoke, "Sir, the villagers."

Kylo thought for a moment and turned to me. I could feel his eyes on mine through his mask.

"She'll take care of it."

I held his gaze, making sure he understood my thoughts. I don't exactly enjoy murdering a bunch of innocent people. But that's precisely why he had me do it.

Kylo turned away, heading back towards the ship. He knew I would follow through, even if I were stubborn.

I ignited my lightsaber and stepped towards the villagers. They quivered seeing the red light dangerously close to their faces. I couldn't help but silently apologize...

I closed my eyes, something that has become a habit in moments like these. I breathed in.

I felt my blade rip through their bodies, sensing each soul torn from its life. I didn't even bother to count how many there were, I just knew there were a lot.

When my eyes opened, I kept them up, not wanting to see the mess I had made. I stepped over what was left of the people and climbed on board, the Storm Troopers at my back.

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