A Seam Within the Galaxy • Kylo Ren

Ch.9

I wiped my lips at the thought of him and pushed off of the wall, starting my way down the hall. I stick to the rule I gave myself, not wanting to work with any men, or even troopers for at least the day. I needed to spend some being productive in a different sense, working toward the betterment of myself. I let my feet carry me to the training area, entering the hall as I knew one of the training rooms would be open and didn't have any classes for the time being.

Upon walking through the doors I see everything in pristine condition, equipment cleaned and polished, plush training dummies lined up neatly, zip lines all set up in their places and ready to go. This room had not been used yet today, it was too early.

This time I tell myself I am here to see what I am capable of, not to push myself beyond my limits. I needed to remember to stay mindful, injuring myself beyond my state now could result in worsening my chances of fighting again in the future, which scared me straight enough to abide by it. I was able to walk without drawing too much attention to my limp, thanks to the medication I took.

I swallow down any nerves I could possibly have, wondering if it's too soon for me to be training after everything that has gone on. I walk up to the wall of weapons, once again reaching for the electro staff. I feel it's weight in my hands as I get used to the foreign feeling.

I am here to see my capabilities, not to push myself.

I put an end to these thoughts, pressing a button alongside the wall and walking to the center of the room.

I am here to see my capabilities, not to push myself.

I repeat this in my mind, making myself believe it through repetition. I forced a grin on my face, trying to enjoy it. It's what I loved. A beep rings throughout the room.

I am here to see my capabilities, not to push myself.

I exhale, a second beep ringing out, signalling it is almost time. I switch the electro staff on and watch it glow bright red, illuminating the dark room as it radiates and sputters heat against the side of my leg.

The final beep sounds off as I repeat my mantra once more, silently to myself.

Two droid-like figures fly out of the compartments of the ceiling, one racing toward me on the left and another on the right. I stand still as long as I can, finally ducking down to the ground as they fly past where my head once was, nearly colliding into each other. They circle the room, quickly turning and assessing my whereabouts to track and follow once more.

They glided toward me and I lunged forward, swinging the staff and knocking one out of the air. The droid short circuits from the intensity of the blow, fizzing as sparks fly when it hits the ground across the room.

The second one is sneakier, hearing it whiz behind me. I duck once more, sticking my left leg out to balance myself. The object quickly returns, dipping down to my level. I quickly ascertain I would be too slow on my bad leg to stand and deflect the flying droid, so I opt for a ground-based attack. Just before the droid is able to reach me I duck, bending my legs and leaning backward until my rear and my backside are resting slightly on the ground. I rest my head on the floor while keeping my arm out, staring at the ceiling. All at once I twirl the staff as it connects with the droid, coming to an abrupt stop as it shreds into pieces and falling all around me.

Three more beeps sound out and I am able to get to my feet before the last one finishes, watching three, faster droids expel from the compartments in the ceiling. I grin, taking the staff in both hands this time and crouching down slightly, ready and excited for the next round. I half expect Commander Ren to be behind me, similar to the last time I trained in this room. A warm sense kindles within me at the thought of the connection between us, as alarming as it was, it felt special to me. As I snap back into the present I see he is not there. I shook off the idea of him as quickly as he entered my mind.