#dark temptations

“I do!” Ben quickly interjects, making you just as quickly press your question.

“Then?”

Ben simply shrugs and that causes your anger to heighten, making you stand from your seat abruptly and storm off to the cockpit of the Falcon. Where the silence is only imaginative and the company brings peace to your mind.

“Hey, junior.” Your uncle Han greets as he looks at you over his shoulder. “Are you doing okay?”

“Yeah,” you nod stiffly. “I’m fine. How much time until we reach Lothal?”

Your uncle Han looks back out to the transparisteel and shrugs. “Not long, now. Why? You excited for the grand meeting?” He asks sarcastically.

You scoff and cross your arms over your chest. “Super, can’t you tell?”

Your uncle Han looks back at the feigned excited expression you managed to express on your face and he laughs. “Well that makes two of us.”

“I told you already, Han that you didn’t have to come, I’m fine with Ben and y/n.” Your aunt Leia argues from the co-pilot seat.

“And what was I supposed to do at base? Sit on my ass and wait for you to return?”

“Exactly.”

You can’t help the genuine smile that grows on your lips at hearing them both bicker so lightheartedly. It has been so long since you’ve seen them both and even longer since you heard them bicker like this. The last time you had seen them it was so little and you were barely in the mood to talk. Not like that has changed much.

“Where’s chewbacca? Why didn’t he come?” You question curiously, from the corner of your eye catching as artoo and Ben joined everyone in the cockpit.

“He had to stay at base,” your uncle Han answers, “but he sends his greetings to the both of you,” he looks over his shoulder again and looks from Ben and you. “He says he misses you both, he says he can’t wait until you two join us out on runs again.”

You quirk your brow and smirk. “He does?”

“Yes.”

You snicker and hide your smile with your hand. “Well when you see him tell him I miss him too. Just like I missed you too uncle Han.”

He instantly spins back around to look away from you and tries to act nonchalant about your comment. “I knew that.”

From the transparisteel, you see your aunt Leia's reflection roll her eyes at the behavior her husband displayed and even after years still couldn’t really take. She tried to comment on it, but he was quick to change the subject as the ship jumped out of hyperspace and saved him from having to hear any more of it. “We’re here kids, get ready.”

Wanting to meet Ben’s gaze as a force of habit to silently pick at his fathers doings, this time you restrain yourself since you were angry he had hid that he was talking to Rey through a weird force connection in the past couple of months. Instead, this time you look out to the incoming scenery of Lothal; noticing that it was unchanging since the last time you had been here with he who shall not be named. The fields were still dry and beige, the sky was grey as if it was going to pour at any moment. The rock spirals were still scattered around the planet, the town was the same and just as old—this time instead of landing in the middle of nowhere, you had the pleasure of arriving on a landing pad by the elegant white castle. This time you were greeted by overdressed guards and droid butlers. It was overwhelming. You wanted to go back home already.

“Artoo, if you could be a friend and hold one of my lightsabers, yeah?”

The old droid reveals a small opening and takes your lightsaber, beeping back an assuring response once the saber has disappeared inside him. You offer him a small smile and then lift your head to watch the scenery painted outside the castle, not being able to help but be in awe at how everything outside looked like from inside the castle; it was clear, you could clearly see the fields, it wasn’t like how you imagined it would look like from so far in the ground. The castle was almost made entirely out of thick glass, which explained why from afar the building looked white and elegant.

Albeit the calmness that such a scenic view brought, was ruined by the sound of the advisor's voice bringing back your realization of where you were, and why in fact you were here. “General Organa, if you could please stay standing here until I announce your presence to Lothals Governor.”

“Of course.” Your aunt Leia agrees sweetly, proceeding to watch as the tiny woman marched into the intended gathering room and did as she said in a loud booming voice that was heard even with the golden doors closed.

“Governor Starwind, may I formally present to you, the General of the resistance and Princess of Alderaan, General Leia Organa! And her Husband General, Han Solo!” The doors swung open and Ben and you were left out on getting presented (not like you would want to anyway), instead you were finally given permission to enter, letting yourself fall behind your aunt and uncle, as Ben walked in first, for just in case. Instantly at that moment the presented couple stepped inside, getting welcomed by another booming voice.

“Welcome, Generals! Please come on in and welcome to Lothal and my humble home.”

Pfft.

Lastly you walk in with Artoo beside you, lifting your gaze and at that instant moment finding amongst the crowd, the person you’ve been dreading, and wishing to every damn star that you wouldn’t see; Poe Dameron, in all his glory. Who just like this town, was unchanging, his choice in black clothes, choice in leaving his helmet over his face and everything else. You couldn’t see his face, but you imagined that too was not different, he probably still had his scar and the same brown eyes, the same face that never left your damned memories.

Curse him and this stupid town.

And just as you imagined he would, Poe's visor found you and followed your every step, not for any second leaving you and only making you squirm and fight the urge not to run and hide beside Ben, like a frightened child. You were the one that had to rip your eyes away and look at who you were here to help protect, being grateful at the fact that you couldn’t see his face.

At least for that you were grateful for. Being here on the other hand not so much, you still had to sit through a long meeting that was of no importance to you really. You were only left to listen and ignore the burning sensation that was caused by someone’s stare.

This was going to be a long day.

——

“I’m unlike my other predecessors, I care for my planet, for my people and their well being, we’ve been mistreated for far too long, I want to see peace fall upon Lothal.” Governor Starwind continued in that formal voice that was beginning to sound so dreadfully monotone in your ears. Any more time inside this elegant glass room and you’d probably die of boredom; it was not fair that Ben got to patrol outside and avoid hearing this meeting.

“And we’ve promised that you will get that with us and only with us, with the Resistance—”

“Commander Nomad, please,” the Governor cuts Poe off, “I will not accept slander of any kind, we are at a formal meeting, I’m sure you’re used to those. I have enjoyed hearing what The First Order has to offer to try and convince Lothal to stay, but let’s keep this professional. Alright?”

You don’t look to Poe, but you figure he nods since you don’t hear his modified voice respond out. All you think about while the meeting drags on is the fact that Poe was addressed as Commander and not General; such a drastic change was strange, and suspicious. It made you wonder too long on how it could’ve happened, why? You wouldn’t get answers, but you could wonder and keep yourself busy until you heard the holy words that woke you up.

“As of now, it’s late, you all must be tired, we will reconvene tomorrow to discuss further,”

You hear your uncle Han groan beside you at the words that made you dread tomorrow as well, it was a mutual feeling that you expressed with a single shared look.

“There's a banquet in the great hall, and some live music if you all would like to visit there to calm your minds.” The governor finishes, making everyone around the long table stand up, stretch their limbs, and start to head out while you beamed at the sound of food and getting to leave.

“Damn, I thought it was never going to end,” your uncle Han says as the three of you walk out and meet up with Ben in the hall. “I felt like I was going to just knock out, or die there.”

Your aunt Leia scoffs and shoots her husband a glare over her shoulder, not having the energy for a quick witty comeback and instead focusing on the great hall you had been welcomed into. Seeing as you did walk in that it was ten times more lively than the meeting, there were more people in fancy attire then there was in the meeting, the music as promised was a live band playing music you would hear at a cantina at times past midnight when everyone was already half wasted. The great hall was great indeed, as it seemed to have an opening that led to two other huge rooms lit by bright, elegant chandeliers.

Overall it was all overwhelming, but you stuck through—“come on kids, let’s present you two to the Governor and try and make a better impression.” Your aunt Leia instantly instructed, already guiding all of you towards the Governor in the back of the room, not waiting for a single argument, or the chance for any of you to explore on your own. Instead pulling you instantly in front of the Governor that looked young and quite charming, not compared to others you’ve met. “Governor Starwind, I would like to introduce my son and my niece accompanying me.” She looks at Ben beside her with a proud smile. “This is my son Ben solo.” She looks at you and keeps her smile, “and my niece, Y/N Skywalker.”

The Governor offers all of you a small charming smile, bowing his head slightly before his eyes drift from Ben and you, unknowingly showing a glimmer in his purple eyes as he stops to focus on you—“I've heard stories of Jedi as a child, and when I heard that not only one, but three Jedi were joining me today, I couldn’t help but feel like a little kid once again. It’s a pleasure having the three of you.” His eyes drift to Ben for a moment, but they end up back on you, shooting you a crooked smile. “And I am confident to say that what I hear of your beauty is not a lie, it must run in the Skywalker family.” His eyes flicker to your aunt Leia and he offers her the charming grin.

“Oh,” you breathe, trying to hide the fact that you were flustered. “Why thank you, but I can’t take all the credit, it seems that what I’ve heard of the Governor of Lothal is all true.”

The Governor chuckles and his face shows how suddenly flustered he felt. “Oh well all good things I hope?”

Before you could answer with a response that would surprise even you, Poe’s familiar voice interrupts you. “Governor Starwind,” he pauses and his head tilts to you, but you avert your gaze. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I seem to have a message from General Hux that he says is rather significant.”

“Oh,” Starwind looks away from Poe and turns his attention back to you to offer you an apologetic look. “I’m sorry to cut this short, but I do hope I find you later to continue our conversation.”

Your eyes fly to meet his, before briefly flickering to see Poe’s visor already looking at you and you can’t help but smirk and glance back at the Governor and bat your eyelashes. “I’m looking forward to it, Governor Starwind.”

He smiles and nods, letting you and your party walk off, not at all letting yourself have one last look at Poe. Instead hearing Artoo comment on what had happened; something that led your uncle Han to agree with an over exaggerated mannerism. “The droid is right, If the two of you needed a room, all you had to do was ask.”

You choke on your own saliva and slowly drag your eyes to him. “I was simply talking to him.”

Your uncle crosses his arms over his chest and nods slowly. “Sure kid. It’s okay to admit something if you want, I can give you a few pointers since well I wasn’t too bad at—”

“Dad.” Ben cuts him off. “Please leave her alone.”

Your uncle Han lifts his hands as if offended before he counters Ben’s comment. “What did I do?”

You chuckle and just roll your eyes, letting them continue with their unnecessary argument and focusing on the people dancing to the upbeat music, wishing Finn was here so you had someone to dance with, if even just to one song; but no, he had to stay back on the Island to continue with training. Maybe it was a good thing since Rey was there, Finn could watch over her while Ben, nor you couldn’t.

But you still would like the company. Even if you had to remember you weren’t here to mingle, you were here on a mission. So instead you kept yourself busy and walked around the great hall, eyeing the place and enjoying the droid by your side as your company. Unaware of the shadow watching you close and following you as far away as he could as to not be suspicious and spotted. Even if it ached him not to fall by your side, he lingered behind. Also unaware of the other presence searching for you around the feast, and the extra pair of beady eyes watching not only you but every other guest suspiciously.

“You know,” you tell Artoo as you eye the food with your mouth watering. “I’m quite hungry, let’s break away from the patrol and get something to eat, yeah?” You don’t wait for a response from someone who can’t eat and head to the food tables, carefully looking at every piece of food and taking too long to choose something to eat. An action that let the unexpected happen.

“Can we talk?”

You don’t dare look to your side once you recognize Poe’s voice and feel his body beside you, instead you go stiff; even if you had heard his voice before, even if you knew he was here you grew stiff, because for the first time since you left him behind and he said those cruel things, he was finally addressing you personally, he was talking to you. You didn’t know what to do, Ben wasn’t around to help you, nor was anyone else, it was just him and you. That sole fact made you grip onto your plate so hard that it broke in your hand, it made you feel as if your heart was going to rip out of your chest. Your breathing hitched and you parted your lips.

But you didn’t dare acknowledge him. “Come on Artoo, I’ve lost my appetite with that horrendous foul smell that suddenly hit my nose.” You put the broken plate down and turn on your heels with your head held up high, ignoring Poe and trying not to look back, instead paying all your attention to Artoo. “Yeah, of course you can come back home with me, I’m sure my dad would love it too.”

Artoo expresses a happy whir and you try to smile, but can’t manage one, whatever blissful daze you had built to be here and not look so grim had been destroyed by Poe’s interaction. It’s like you went through a glitch that left you with how you were before you left the Island. It was mind numbing and you only broke from your stupor when you joined Ben and your uncle Han.

“So has Luke made you two Jedi Masters yet?” Your uncle Han asks curiously, trying to break the tension that he even felt surround the small group.

“Not yet,” Ben answers, making you scoff and add a witty quip.

“Actually Ben is already Master, uncle Han.”

“Really?”

“What?”

“Yeah,” you smile innocently, “Ben is the master at lying and hiding truths from people.”

Ben scoffs and shakes his head, while your uncle Han is left bewildered at your unexpected remark.

“Come on I said I was sorry, I just didn’t want to worry you.”

You shoot him a raging glare and scoff, folding your arms over your chest and internally trying to calm yourself down. “No, save it Ben. You had all the time in the universe to tell me. And you never did!” Unknowingly you raise your voice to a sharp tone that was beginning to turn heads and worry Ben and his father alike. “After I kept asking if you were okay, you lied! I’m not a child, nor a wounded animal for you to be treating me as such!”

“Hey kid, calm down.” Your uncle Han tries to diffuse the situation, trying to grab your shoulder as you ripped your arm from its folded position and pointed your finger at Ben. When you feel the sudden touch on your shoulder, you snap your gaze away from Ben to look at the sudden touch. “I’m sure whatever Ben did can wait to be discussed for later.”

Feeling as if one word went through one ear and fell out the other you spin your attention back to Ben and continue to snap at Ben. “What if something had happened, and you were gone, huh? I wouldn’t have a clue of where you are because you kept things Ben! I thought we could trust each other.”

Ben’s own anger begins to rise at your claims that you threw at him, but his anger didn’t cloud his mind, he was rational about the situation and knew that adding more fuel to the fire would cause an explosion, so instead he stormed off with nothing to say. Leaving you to stare at the empty space where he once stood. Letting your uncle Han step in to try and check on your sudden outburst. “Kid, are you okay?”

You inhale and exhale deeply, nodding to say yes, but not at all assuring his worry. He wanted to press deeper into the subject, but you cut him off before he could try. “I’m going to get some fresh air, I’ll be back later, or just go to the room.” Without waiting for a response you walk past him, but don’t make it far as Artoo began to follow you. “It’s okay buddy, I’ll be fine, I just need some time to cool off, okay? Stay here and watch after aunt Leia, and uncle Han.”

The droid assures you and rolls back to where he was before, letting you maneuver your way through the crowd until you made it out of the great hall and to some balcony in the far end of the hall. And just as you stepped out you got out your comm and contacted your father. You didn’t have the chance to take a nice breath of air, you just stepped out and instantly contacted him.

He, who didn’t take long to answer. “Hey, kid, I’m surprised you called. I would’ve thought you were having too much fun to check in.”

You laugh softly, but can’t manage a smile even if you wanted to. “I just….It’s night time here already, I just wanted to say good night and check in on the current prisoner.”

There's a moment of silence on the other end, you wait, having no other option and instead rest your hands on the balcony’s railing; hearing him only minutes later. “She’s been good, nothing suspicious has happened and she’s been cooperative. I think she was being sincere when she said she meant no harm. Finn seems to be having more trouble than Rey.”

You scoff lightheartedly and shake your head even if he couldn’t see. “Well, that’s good….you let me know if she acts up, okay?”

“Promise.” He pauses again and talks in a softer, more assuring voice. “Are you doing okay? Do you need me to read you a bedtime story like when you were young, or something?”

You snort. “No. I just wanted to say goodnight and that I can’t wait to go back home.”

“Ah, well goodnight little sun, I love you.”

Tears well up in your eyes at his words, but you restrain yourself from doing so, albeit you let it be known that you were holding back tears when the crack in your voice gave you out. “I love you too.” And just like that the call ended and you were left with an aching throat and a cloudy vision. Left looking at the city below and the town in the distance.

Anger and fear still clouded your mind, but you tried to calm that by putting your head in your hands and talking to yourself. “I’m okay, I’m okay. I’m okay,” you sigh and look back at the sparkling city, drawing in a shaky breath and taking a moment before you slowly released it and rested your head back in your hands to try and avoid the echoing voices in your head. “I’m okay, I’m okay, I’m….” You suddenly pause at the sound of the tinted glass door opening behind you, you don’t lift your head and instead slide your eyes to the corner to see only a pair of black boots a couple feet behind you. You don’t speak and just lift your head from your hands to stand up straight. Instead you slide to the side to try and make it to the second door to leave, but of course, before you could try doing such an attempt you’re stopped by the voice of the man you expected it to be.

“Wait, please.”

You grow stiff and tighten your grip on the railing of the balcony, looking away from him as you saw him come to your side.

“Can we—”

“Leave,” you hiss, “get out and leave me alone.” You keep your eyes away from him and keep them on the raining night sky, hearing no indication of what you had asked. “Just leave,” your voice unwillingly cracks and you grip onto the glass railing harder. “Fine I will.” You push yourself away and try to leave, but a hand instantly catches your wrist and stops you. The unexpected grasp makes you gasp. But still not look back.

“Wait please listen to me.” He tries again, letting you know he removed the helmet off his head by throwing it across the balcony. Revealing a much softer, and less monotone voice. “Just listen for a minute.”

His voice however didn’t give you the serenity he expected, instead it infuriated you even more, causing you to snatch your lightsaber from your side and whip back to ignite it and threaten him with the end of the blade inches from his throat. “I told you to leave me alone!”

Poe’s eyes widen and he lifts his head so no part of his skin would touch the burning blade, he slides his eyes from the green blade and then looks back at you, not recognizing the anger that glazed your eyes. You kept trying not to get a better view of his face. Yet you just knew his dark eyes watched you. You hear the same voice that enraged you seconds ago and calmed you months ago. “If that’s what you want?”

You draw in a breath and hold it, trying to keep the same angry mask on your face. Albeit not maintaining it long as Poe tries to step closer to the end of the blade, and causes you to instinctively deactivate it and step back until your heels touch the railing and your hilt falls out of your hand and down to the castle. You run and hit the edge, throwing your hand out as if that was going to get it back. “NO!” You bellow, wiggling your fingers, feeling those tears that had been itching to fall out, roll down your cheeks. “No.”

Before the lightsaber hilt was out of sight, you see the lights of the castle and the city reflect on it as it comes flying back, albeit not to you (of course) but to Poe’s hand. When you look back at him, again you avoid looking at his face and look at your lightsaber in his hand and take a fearful step back as he tries to hand it out to you.

At your attempt however, you had already gotten to a dangerous edge and when you step back your body loses balance, causing you to almost fall back, but not managing to do so as Poe’s hand wraps around your wrist and pulls you to him. Instantly remarking on your dangerous actions. “Fuck Princess, be careful.”

Your breath hitches and you pull away from him, snatching your lightsaber from his hand and yet staying in your new spot.

“You welcome.” He retorts, not at all getting the answer he wanted. “Will you listen to me now?”

With your eyes still on the ground you shrug, “I guess.”

“Good,” Poe mumbles under his breath, stepping towards you and trying to cup your cheek, but receiving an instant decline. “Right, well, I just wanted to say that I-I I’m sorry.”

You gasp and your eyes fly to his, feeling your eyebrows furrow and your heart race. Your mind couldn’t comprehend what he was saying, or really didn’t want to. It was unexpected for some reason.

“I’m really am sorry, what I said to you before you left, I’m sorry, I didn’t—”

“Why?” You cut him off, fully seeing his face now and realizing that he had grown a beard, that more bags were under his eyes and his eyes expressed that same exhaustion. He looked like he hadn’t slept in months, he looked terrible; yet you wanted nothing more but to feel his face under your fingers, and got lost in his eyes. As much as you wanted to forget what you felt, to replace what you felt with hatred, you couldn’t, your heart still ached for him and made flips the moment you saw just the smallest bit of him; “why are you telling me this? I don’t want to be played again, so if that’s what you’re trying to do, just leave or I’ll call Ben. I’m sure he’d love to have a few words with you.”

Poe parts his lips, but nothing comes out, he just keeps looking at you with that same star struck face. He tries to get close again, but you step back towards a wall this time. Hearing as he managed to find his voice. “No, I don’t want to hurt you again, I promise,” he sighs and you notice his eyes are filled with tears. “I'm just sorry. That day you left, after you asked me to go with you, I said horrible things that I regret every damn day. I didn’t mean them, I didn’t, but I still said them and I’m sorry. I just…” his voice cracks and he pauses to collect himself, not for once breaking away his gaze, instead, taking a step towards you that you let him take while you froze in your spot because of what came out of his mouth. “I just wanted you to leave, and I couldn’t find another way to make you leave. I’m sorry.” His frown deepens and his eyebrows knit together, he swallows back the lump that kept forming in his throat and takes another careful step towards you.

“But why did you say those things, Poe? The things you said, they...they hurt me.” You finally share softly, mirroring the same long expression.

“Because would you have left if I didn’t?” He questions making your eyebrows furrow. “Tell me you would have left if I didn’t. That you wouldn’t have gone back for me.”

Just as you were going to say ‘no’, his last comment caught you off guard because it was true. You would have gone back for him. He knew that.

“I know I broke your heart, I know that I hurt you in more ways than I can ever know, but just know I’m sorry.” He continues softly and sincerely, taking that final step towards you and slowly reaching to cup your cheek, smiling softly as you let him be so near without turning him away. “Knowing I hurt you, hurt me too, deeply. And I thought I was going to forget, forget what I said, the way I saw your heart break through your eyes. And I didn’t, I wanted so badly to forget, forget the way you make me feel, how you would treat me like no one has for a long time. I thought I was going to forget and just return to myself before I saw you again, but my love, you-you took part of my heart along with you that day.” A wobbly smile spreads on his lips and he cups your cheeks with both hands, roaming his eyes all over yours to try and see what you felt. But you hardly knew; you wanted to be angry, but at the same time you felt a light of happiness that had been lacking from your life lately. You simply just let tears show your feelings. You let him continue.

“The other part you took years ago,” he expresses a soft huff of air and tears finally escape from his eyes.

You sigh. “Poe.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he reveals, “you don’t have to forgive me, I just wanted you to hear me, I just needed to see you.”

A smile finally breaks on your lips and you carefully reach to cup his face, gently stroking his cheek and part of the scar that ended on his cheekbone. “I….I understand why you did it. I do.”

More tears stream down his face, but you're quick to wipe them off. He expresses a sigh of relief and grabs your hand to press a soft kiss on your palm, smiling wider as he sees the bracelet around your wrist. “You’re still wearing it.”

“Everyday.” You assure him.

He stays quiet and his eyes keep roaming your face, he only manages to speak minutes later as if he couldn’t believe he was speaking, or you were here. “I missed you, I missed seeing your face, I missed your touch, I missed kissing you. Stars I just fucking missed you.”

You grin shyly and scoff. “Oh gosh, Poe.”

“What? It’s true.”

You look at your bracelet and then look up at the stars that seem to show a glow that you’ve haven’t seen from them in months. You look back to Poe and see a sort of color return to your view, and a warmth return to your body. A peace. “Truth is Poe, none of my feelings have changed, not since the day I met you, even after years I still feel my heart race just the same. With you everything just makes sense, you...you’re the light to my stars, everything shines brighter when I’m with you.” You smile softly and feel the salt of your tears on your lips, Poe expresses a soft chuckle as his own tears keep slipping from his eyes. “You completely stole my heart the day I met you, and I know I was young and a little naive, but I know that you completely captivated me that day. I’ve never felt the way I feel for you with anyone else. Never.”

Poe expresses another soft chuckle and his eyes fall to your lips just like yours do with his, he leans in but stops and looks back to you. “I really am sorry.”

“It’s okay, you’re okay.” You reassure him, continuing to look down at his lips but not giving in to the temptation. “But you have to know that I can’t leave—”

“Please, don’t. Let’s just not talk about that right now, okay? I just want to be with you for however long I can without getting mad.”

You sigh and nod. “Fine.”

He grins and pulls away. “I should leave you for now then. Can I meet you in your room later?”

You smirk and nod. “Please do.”

Poe grins wider, showing you a child-like grin as he summons his helmet to his hand. “Okay, good, good. Go see your family before they send an army out for you.”

You scoff. “They won’t but okay, I’ll see you later.”

Poe nods, walking back and clumsily hits his back on the door before he pushes it open and nods again. “Later. I’ll see you later.”

——

“No I’m sure, yes,” you assure Artoo, “I am perfectly fine being on my own.” You walk back further and further into the room and just peak your head out of the door, adding an assuring smile big enough so Artoo could leave you alone. “tell Ben I said goodnight, okay!”

Artoo shoots you with an annoyed, sassy answer that you just shrug off. “I know you’re not my messenger, but I’m still mad at him. Soo please do it and annoy him.” With one last feigned smile you finally close the door and face a beautifully moonlit room. An unemotional straight line forms on your lips however, as beautiful as the blue light reflected on the elegant white themed room. You trace your fingers along the dresser before heading to the balcony, quietly shuffling throughout the room and going unaware of the person hidden within the shadow of the room that finally decided to make himself known and sneak up behind you, covering your eyes and instantly making you freeze and hold in your breath.

In the sudden darkness that took over your eyes, you tried to reach your hand towards your lightsaber, or your comm to contact Ben, but you were frozen, feeling the breath of the mystery person behind your ear and feeling their hands slide down to your neck. Without the force you’re unable to detect anyone’s presence, you’re left completely blind.

The first thing that manages to squirm through to your mind is realization and then the signal to feel your arms and legs. So you move your hands to claw your nails onto their arm and attempt to flip them. But before you could, a voice stops you as it registers in your head. “Princess, it’s me, it’s me. I’m sorry.”

Your eyes widen and you rip away from Poe, grabbing onto your chest to exhale out your shaken deep breaths. “Poe! What the hell?!” You exclaim loudly.

Poe rubs his wrist and shrugs, “what do you mean? You told me it was okay to come to your room!” He protests.

Your eyes narrow on him and you scoff. “Yes, but not scare me half to death! I could’ve killed you!”

“I just wanted to surprise you.” He claims in a much lower voice, pulling his sleeve and seeing your nail markings on his skin. “Ow.”

“Oh don’t be such a baby.” You roll your eyes as you move to sit on the corner of the bed to kick off your shoes. “It’s your fault for sneaking up on me.”

Poe sits beside you and just scoffs. “Whatever.”

His comment makes you turn your head to offer him an amused look, scoffing and throwing yourself back on the bed as your boots are successfully off. “So, what do you want to do?”

Poe shrugs as he twists his body to look at you laying there and staring at the ceiling. “I don’t know, you tell me. We could talk.”

“About?”

“About how you’ve been? How…” he hesitates for a moment and looks to the balcony, hiding his pained expression. “How Finn is doing? Or I don’t know we could do something,” he looks back to you and smirks. “We can skip the talking and do something fun, I can finally give you what you want.”

You blink and slowly lift your head to meet his gaze, noticing his smirk. Poe takes off his jacket and throws it on the floor, followed by his shoes, continuing to fully turn around and crawl on the bed with you, examining your body before moving to be on top of you; placing both hands on either side of your head and tilting your head with the tip of his fingers so you’d be facing him. “Stars you’re beautiful.”

Your lips part and your eyes flicker down to his lips before you blink to look back up at him, wrapping your arms around his neck and repeating your previous actions. Wanting to speak, but instead keeping to yourself as your mind raced with so many thoughts—“was this something I want?” “Him?” “Yes.” “But not like this.” “Not here.” “It’s something I wanted before and he fills a void in my heart.” “But is this how I want this to go down?” “No.” “Yes.” “He keeps the voices at bay, yet not the temptation to act out what’s been asked of me.” “I want this. Forget everything and everyone else.” “I love him.”

“Do you want to do this, sweetheart?” Poe asks for assurance.

You let your eyes wander back to his lips and a smile tugs on your lips before you lean in and make the first move by crashing your lips with his. Instantly getting bambered with the feeling of relief and longing, passion and desire. You pull away only to give him a soft clear answer. “Yes, I do.” The answer makes a happy, boyish smile grow on his lips before he leans in to press a kiss on your lips, sliding his tongue on your bottom lip to part them and deepen the kiss, making his lips tug wider as he leans in closer and moves one hand to cup your cheek.

Whatever doubt you had before completely disappeared. Joy replaced the feelings that were missing and more desire burned within you. This moment was truly like no other. You were unmistakably happy with Poe.

Said man pulled away, but stayed close, taking a moment for the both of you to catch your breaths as he began to leave a trial of soft kisses all the way down to your collarbone, taking a bit of skin between his teeth and beginning to gently suck on it before you pushed his intentions away. “Don't you dare do that again. Last time I had to wear anything that had a turtle neck so Ben, nor my father would see the hickey.”

Poe licks his lips and chuckles. “Fine not there then,” his smirk deepens and he slowly slides his hands to the bottom of your shirt to basically rip it off of you. Leaving you shirtless and nude, your bare chest glowing under the moon light that shone inside. Poe’s pupils blew up and his smirk faltered as he went breathless. “Truly beautiful.”

A soft smile grew on your lips and you grabbed his face to pull him in for a passionate kiss, feeling his bulge rub against your thigh and a fluttering feeling in your stomach—yet as much as you didn’t want Poe to stop kissing you, he desperately pulled away to once again press kisses down the premises of your skin, until he stopped on your breast and repeated what he had intended to do on your collarbone.

Causing you to knot your fingers in his hair and gently tug on his hair as he sucked on the skin. You felt at that instant that your heart was going to rip out of your chest, even if so little had happened so far. You ached for him as he was taking his sweet old time, pulling away from you and shooting you a smug grin. You rolled your eyes at his expression, proceeding to move your hands down to his hips to pull his shirt off him, feeling your eyes widen in more desire, and worry as you finally saw his bare chest and torso.

His body was beautifully carved, his abs were perfectly toned and ripped through his skin; his chest and biceps were beautifully tan and glowing with the light of the moon reflecting on his bare skin. You ran your hands over his skin and little goosebumps grew all over his body. He smiled and tilted his head slightly so he could follow your fingers running over the premises of his warm and soft body. His smile however faltered, like yours did in fact, at the moment you stopped at each scar that was littered all over his body. They weren’t big scars, just small ones, like puncture wounds—“Poe,” You whisper, “what happened?”

Poe places his knuckle under your chin and lifts your head so your eyes could meet his, and he could assure your increasing worry. “Just old scars baby, I’m fine.”

Your eyebrows knit together and you part your lips to try and argue, but he cuts you off by pressing his lips on yours and deepening it by the second. Neither of you want to pull away, but you have to express your thought. One he had said first the day before you left, and one he had said today, but one you had yet to express.

“Stars, I missed you.”

Poe smiles softly and leans in to whisper by your ear. “I missed you too, my love.”

You grin like you haven’t done in a long time and can’t help but think in the deepest part of your brain, “this wrong. Being with Poe. Confessing everything and having sex was wrong. But it was a good mistake. Even if I knew it was going to cost me. A lot.”

Your battles that you were pushing aside, were only going to brew deeper after this. But it’s a consequence you’d deal with.

——

“So what? We’re supposed to act like we hate each other now or something?” Poe asks, combing his hair back with his fingers as he hesitated to put his helmet over his head.

You scan the hall you’re walking down and shake your head. “No, we just don’t talk, like yesterday, pretend like we don’t know each other.”

Poe scoffs. “It’s not that easy, you’re tempting.”

You roll your eyes and can’t help the smile that tugs on your lips, you scan the area to make sure no one is near to grab him by the arm and pull him towards a dark dead end hall. An action that Poe snickers to and gets all too cocky about what he thought was going to go down. “Princess, I knew you took risks, but here, really?”

You narrow your gaze on him and slightly tilt your head. “What are you talking about?”

“Well, aren't we going to have a quickie before returning?”

Your eyebrows pinch together and your eyes study him before you chuckle and shake your head. “No, no, I’m too sore and well we’d probably be caught, Ben and Artoo should be looking for me shortly.” You cup Poe’s cheek and smile sweetly, “I just wanted to say that I like the beard.”

Poe smirks and strokes his chin, “really? I thought you would.”

You roll your eyes and hit his shoulder playfully. “It suits you, just like you without one. I like either.”

“Noted.”

Poe’s hands go to your hips and he leans in to take you in for a heated lingering kiss, slowing down only to gently bite your bottom lip before completely parting away and look at you with a lingering look. “I'm going to miss you.”

You smile and stroke his cheek one last time with your thumb. “I’m going to miss you too.” You walk back and look back to the clear main hall, peaking your head past the wall and looking to both sides to check that the ghost was clear for you to walk out without being detected.

“Come with me.”

You grow stiff at Poe’s words and slowly pull away to stand up straight and keep your back faced to him.

“We can be together without having to hide. I can help you.”

You ball your hands into tight fists and look down to talk to the ground. “Help me with what?” And just like that, all color left from your view and darkness took over everything again.

“What you’re dealing with, Supreme leader Snoke can help.”

Kill the spare. Do it now, he’s there. He’s open.

“We can be a good pair, just you and me” Poe continues, making anger begin to boil within you.

“Poe.” You warn softly. “Please stop, or you’re going to ruin everything.”

“Ruin everything? Baby, we make each other happy,” Poe grabs your arm to turn you to face him, cupping your face to lift your head so your eyes could meet. So you could see the desperation behind his eyes. “I can see that, why can’t you? You're struggling but I can help.”

Your gaze doesn’t falter, but your hand does. Slowly you uncurl your fists and discreetly reach for your lightsaber as your mind was overcome with the tempting voice of “your grandfather”. Happiness seeps away from your mind, face and is replaced by nothing but that same numbing blankness that has overcome you entirely in the past months.

“I can correct what I did wrong. If you come, Master Snoke can bring back Jacen. We can overthrow Snoke and we can rule over the First Order, change it to our will and finally win this war. Together. Be with me.”

Kill him. Kill Poe Dameron. Now!

“I’ll kill him,” you whisper under your breath as an unusual evil smirk unknowingly tugs on your lips and that same sinister darkness grows in power within you. You pull your lightsaber from your side and slide your thumb to the activation button, moving your hand to cup Poe’s face and offer him a sweet smile that he couldn’t help but mirror; his filled with joy, unlike yours—“I,” you say out loud, “I will—”

Before you could finish your sentence however, you’re suddenly pulled back forcefully and hitting your ass on the ground with a painful thud. In that quick and sudden action, what had possessed you broke away and you were fully back, looking up to see Ben throwing Poe to the wall and lifting him off his feet with the force, proceeding to slowly close his hand as he began to force choke Poe.

“Ben! Leave him alone!” You exclaim sharply as you stand to your feet and run to Ben to try and pull his hand away, but ultimately getting pushed back by said man. “Ben! Please!” Your eyes water and you try to plead again. You knew you were meant to act like you didn’t care for Poe in front of other people, you knew that the voices inside your head told you to kill him, but seeing his life hang in the balance, watching the fear in his eyes broke you in different ways. “Ben! Leave him alone!”

“No!” He growls, dropping Poe from the death grip and stepping closer towards him to swing his fist over his face. You tried to stop him again, but Ben was physically stronger, without the force you were useless in your attempts. All you could do was try to see if you shouting at the top of your lungs would knock some sense into Ben. Even if you knew it wouldn’t—“we trusted you and you killed him! He loved you, he treated you like family and you betray him by killing him!” Ben exclaims, anger clearly in his voice and actions, the veins on his neck clearly showed as he shouted to Poe with that one single emotion. He was hurt and it was painfully clear. “Then you proceed to break my cousins heart and break her trust too! I should kill you!” Ben throws Poe another punch that makes you wince and Poe groans before looking up to Ben with a wide-stricken expression that he tried to hide his fear and own hurt behind.

“Then do it.” Poe groans, not even trying to fight back.

You take a step closer to the pair and plead again. “Ben, please leave him alone.”

Said man looks over his shoulder for a second before glaring back at Poe and continuing with a surprising comment. “But I won’t because the best punishment is you drowning in your own guilt,” Ben smirks and let’s go of Poe to stand up slowly. “I want you to remember everything you’ve done because I know that’s your weakness. You try to act tough, scary, but I know what you aren’t. You’re nothing, but a child, in a mask.”

Your eyes widen at his insult and Poe stays quiet, parting his lips and just that.

“And if you have any ounce of respect for Jacen, or me, I want you to leave my cousin alone. She’s gone through enough pain because of you. I don’t want to see you close to her again, because if I do, I’ll make sure I’m the last thing you ever see.” Ben finishes, fuming out of ears and pulls his foot back to land one last hard kick on Poe’s side, shooting him one last burning glare before turning around and grabbing your wrists to pull you away without a chance to check on Poe’s wounds.

You part your lips to argue, but Ben catches your before you can. “Don’t you dare try to defend him, or I’ll turn back and actually shove that lightsaber in your hand through his chest.”

You gasp and glance at the lightsaber still in your hand, instantly putting it away and choosing to stay quiet on that matter instead. “When are we going home?”

“Later,” Ben reveals, still bitter. “Theirs one last meeting and after we should be good to go.”

You hum softly and from the corner of your eye you see a masked Poe pass by the both of you. Not daring to even look your way. You want to go after him and talk, but you’d be a fool to do so. You had to watch him from a distance now, leave with many things left unsaid, even if he was only feet away, you had to fight the temptation. You had to pretend he wasn’t here.

“Where’s Artoo?”

“In the great hall with my mother and father, the meeting is taking place there.”

Your eyebrows knit together at his response. “The great hall? Why there?”

Ben shrugs and let’s your wrist go once he sees Poe enter the great hall and not be a threat to you anymore. “I don’t know, but it’s there.”

You both enter the hall yourselves and try to walk towards your family, but in that exact instant something stops Ben, and has you bumping into him. He grows stiff and looks back to the doors as they close, and the windows as the curtains cut off light from beaming in. You want to protest Ben’s actions, but a sudden hologram of an odd masked man in all black cuts you off. “I’ll keep this short. We the people are tired of you. The resistance and the first order, we don’t want to be in this petty fight. We’re tired of getting overworked and not paid enough. We don't want to be ruled, we want to rule. Our own planet.” The curtains swing open again, blinding you with the light, but yet demonstrating something outside; multiple battleships now littering the sky as they come out of hiding—“so I fortunately I report that now, we have to get rid of all of you. For good. No more light or darkness. Just peace.”

And with nothing else to add, the hologram cut off and five soldiers in the same all black outfit came out of hiding from within the walls, all surrounding everyone, even the governor. Ben grabs your hand to try and rush towards his parents, but explosions outside the castle stops him from moving. The castle rumbles and then a blazing and blowing fight breaks between the soldiers and everyone inside. Ben snaps from his stupor and grabs and urges you to follow him, ducking and avoiding blasts and punches from the armored-soldiers.

“Don’t look back and just reach my parents no matter what!” Ben shouts to you, both at the same time activating your lightsabers to deflect blasts and swing at the armored-soldiers.

Your eyes search all over the place and grow desperate to try and feel any spark of force within you. But nothing, you’re left with nothing, just jumping as the castle rumbles again and a window explodes as an explosion hits the side of the castle you were on, causing the building to tilt and your fear, and anger to rise. You slide slightly to the side but firmly grip onto Ben, spotting his mother and Artoo a few feet away. He quickens his pace and pulls you along, reaching his mother and not hesitating to be protective and curious. “Where's dad?”

“I sensed something was off, so I sent him to the ship he should be here soon! One of you help, Artoo break the window to be ready to jump when Han comes.”

You instantly nod and join Artoos side, stabbing your lightsaber through the thick glass and slowly, but surely attempting to melt a circle on the window. You try to avoid turning back at the sound of blasts all over, and screaming echoing in your ears, but you remind yourself that not only will you provide an escape for your family and you, but for these people too. That keeps you motivated to keep trying to cut the window. Albeit, all until another explosion hits the whole wall at your side gets blown in, making you flinch as debris flies past you and the force of the explosion sends the tower to tilt more and for you to almost slide out if it wasn’t for Artoo wrapping a cord around your wrist.

“Thanks bud,” you smile, digging your heels into the floor and picking your lightsaber off the floor; “you’re always there when I need—” you suddenly stop and your eyes widen as they focus on one single scene playing across from you. It takes you a moment to break from your stupor as your face expresses pure fear at what you see, but once you do, you’re slightly bending your knees to begin to run towards Poe getting badly hurt by three of the shadow-like, special all black uniformed soldiers. But before you could take your first step, arms wrap around you and you’re pulled back into a firm chest. When you look back you see no one other but Ben holding you back.

“No! Leave him, the Falcon is here we have to go!”

“No!” You bellow, kicking your feet and trying to break from his hold, feeling angry tears roll down your cheeks. “I need to help him!” The gleam of a vibro-sword catches your attention and that same fear from when you lost Jacen sparks in your brain, that same adrenaline. You feel it makes you stronger. This time you were.

Were you faster though?

Without the force could you save Poe before the blade punctured his body?

“No Ben, Poe needs me!” You cry, wiggling your arm out and throwing your elbow back to hit Ben’s jaw. Causing his grip to loosen, and giving you your chance to escape, instantly breaking into a full sprint towards Poe. Feeling your heart pump wildly in your ears, and your chest heavily heave, tears mixed with sweat, and your attempts to avoid being hit, or shot felt like a breeze. However nothing felt greater than jumping over your last obstacle and jamming your lightsaber on one of the special soldiers back as you landed on the floor.

The two soldiers trying to hold Poe down, stop as they see you throw their comrade to the side and you hear Poe utter your name in a surprised gasp. “Y/N?”

You offer him a faint smile and whisper, “I made it in time.” After one last short lingering look, you take out your other lightsaber from your side, flipping it in your hand so you could swing it and activate it, so the blade could scratch one of the soldiers helmet, making their hold on poe fall and letting him grab his blaster to swiftly shoot their other one at his side.

Leaving Poe ultimately ripping his helmet off and showing you the soft and shocked mixed expression on his face. “You came back for me?”

The corner of your lips tug into a smile, and just before you could speak your thought out loud, another loud, impactful blast hits the castle and this time you’re sliding off the castle that’s now hanging by a thread, while the top floor off you were on, hangs on its side. Before you could fall off the castle and free fall into the sky, you come to a skidding stop and manage to stop yourself on the rubble of the broken wall, staring out at the rubble, broken and tilting ceiling, fire and chaos hundreds of feet below. Poe however didn’t stop himself in time and hung from the side of the castle. Looking up at you with a fear-stricken look.

You instantly reach for his hand to try and pull him up, but in the dark temptation hits again, harder than ever. Kill him. Let him fall and you’ll get your brother back. Your family will be complete. You’ll end this war. Kill him. Let him fall.

“Y/N, pull me up.”

Your gaze snaps to Poe, and you meet his brown eyes, blinking to break from the cloudy daze and using both hands to pull him slightly, ignoring the blinding pain in your head and trying to pull him up with all the strength you could manage. “Poe, you’ve got to help me a little, you’re too heavy.”

Poe nods, heaving as he dares to look down before holding to your arm and helping you pull him up. “Okay, okay.”

“Drop him,” a real voice whispers by your ear, making you jump and snap your head over your shoulder to see one of the shadow-like, special soldiers beside you, it’s helmet caved in by the impact of your lightsaber, and showing a yellow eye.

“What?” You gasp.

“Drop him. I know you want to. You feel it, don’t you, Skywalker.”

Your hold on Poe weakens and your eyes remain wide, unable to blink out of the terror you felt by his words. “Wh-what. Who are you?”

They come closer and lift their helmet to just reveal their pink lips. “Your solution. Drop him.”

“Y/N!”

“To make myself legit, I’ll say this, you’ll find your first key to bring your brother back, in Dagobah.”

You gasp again, feeling your eyes fill with tears. The soldier drops its helmet and steps back, you keep looking over your soldier and let something completely cold take over. In one moment you feel Poe’s hand, the next you feel nothing, but a cold breeze. You’re lost in a dark cloud, and feel nothing but anger.

But it all disappeared in a snap as the sound of your name coming from below snaps you back and out of whatever faze you were stuck in. “Y/N!”

Instantly you fall on your knees and get close to the edge, feeling the heat of the fire below burn your face and the breeze howl in your ears. You throw your hand out and scream for him with the tears streaming down your cheeks, and complete heartbreak expressed in your eyes. “POE! NO!” Again you try with all your will to reconnect to the force.

But nothing. You feel nothing but failure. You see nothing but a disappearing figure as Poe is falling down and covered by the black smoke. Leaving you numb and broken. Leaving you to hear no one but the same soldier return to your side to grab the back of your shirt and pull you to them, proceeding to only whisper in your ear, “long, live, the Dark side.”

Before you could fight back, the soldier hits the side of your head hard and has your concinosess fading to black.

You’re only left to feel the breeze hit your body, see the blue sky above you, feel the sun rays dry your tears and warm your face, hear the wind howl in your ears and the soldiers' words echo in your ears after they throw you out of the broken window.

The last thing you feel is your body crash onto something hard that stops the feeling of yourself falling. You hear Ben's voice echo in your ears, but you block it out as a numbness takes control of every part of your brain. You hadn’t fallen into unconsciousness like you thought you would, so you weren't saved from hearing the soldier's voice in your mind. “Long, live, The dark side.”

You weren’t saved from seeing Poe’s face haunt your mind.

.

.

A/N- haha :)

Tagged- @thescarletknight2014 , @softly-sad @golden-guide​, @abysshaven , @a-dorky-book-keeper @kit-jpg , @zoeyangels, @algenforthewin, @leilei-draws , @throughparisallthroughrome

“Sunbathing?” She queried.

You sigh and fall back on the grass, “more like waiting. Patiently. Very patiently.”

“The new Padawan not here yet?” Master Tano—Ahsoka, asked—her name was still hard to get used to. Even if it has been years since she’s been correcting you, almost begging you to call her Ahsoka. Saying that your relationship was that much more than one of a Padawan and Master. “We’re friends. Best friends.” She would say. “No need for formalities.” She was right of course, but it was formalities that were permanently engraved in your mind.

Thanks dad.

You shake your head and from the corner of your eye watch as Ahsoka leans back, resting her hands by her sides on the grass. Looking as if she was and could take in the warmth of the sun on her face, her eyes on the sky, but her attention solely on you as you continued speaking. “No, she’s late.”

“She’ll show. Just got to be patient.” She chuckles, “more patient.”

You scoff, “Hmm, aren’t you supposed to be busy doing...I don’t know ghost stuff? Y’know instead of stalking me?”

Ahsoka giggles and snaps back with equal the attitude, “aren’t you supposed to be training?”

You chuckle and sit up to fully face her and quip. “I have a schedule, remember?” Ahsoka meets your gaze and the white marking on her right eyebrow bone lifts, shooting you curious look; “early morning, get up, get ready for the day, meditate, then join dad, Jacen and Ben for breakfast with the other Padawans. After that chores, then annoy Jacen. Not done yet, because this Padawan was supposed to come, so, that’s still on hold. But after that it’s talk with my favorite Jedi Master. Check.”

Ahsoka grins, “right on.” She then meets your fist to share a light fist bump at your comment.

You continue, “then more chores. Training with you or dad. Lastly annoy Ben before going to sleep and ending my day.”

“For such a busy person,” Ahsoka teases, “you’re surely doing a whole lot of nothing.”

“Ha. Ha. Funny.”

Ahsoka shrugs nonchalantly, “I know. Must be a Skywalker shared thought. Your grandfather thought I was funny too.”

You shake your head and smirk, “I’m sure he did.” Before you could add something else, the sound of a motor catches your attention, making you jump to your feet and look past the jungle trees, blocking the sun from your eyes with your hand to get a better view at the approaching speeder and who was riding it.

“You think that’s the Padawan?” Ahsoka questioned as she stood up to watch the same thing.

You shrug, “I don’t know…” you trail off, catching sight of what appeared to be a man. His face became more distinguishable the closer he got. A head of dark curls visible first before the sun hit and made clear of the tan face he carried. “Nope. Not the Padawan.” You interjected at the discovery of the seemingly young man on the speeder heading your way.

“Well, we'll talk later, okay? So you can tell me all about the cute visitor.” Ahsoka added with a final smile, her face and body fading away until there was nothing but the view of your father's jedi temple and the young man now a couple feet in front of you.

He gets off his parked speeder bike and his eyes fall on you before they begin to search for something behind you.

“Hello.” You greet with a warm grin, pulling the guys brown eyes back to you with an added smile on his lips.

“Uh, hi.”

You clasp your hands in front of you and search his face for a moment. Coming to a full conclusion that this was not your wanted Padawan; “since you don’t seem to be the Padawan I’m waiting for, I’m going on a whim here to say you’re here for Jacen?”

The young man's eyes widen in recognition at the sound of the name. “Yeah actually, he said he was going to be here.”

You scoff and shake your head, “oh well, of course he’s not here.” You look over your shoulder to see if your brother was anywhere in sight, but alas and to no surprise he wasn’t. “He’s probably busy. And I emphasize the word busy, sucking faces with his girlfriend or smoking. Sorry. You’re welcome to wait or I can go search for him if you want.”

The young man chuckles. A laugh that was meant whole heartedly and not feigned, his shoulders shaking as he did something so simple—“I’m fine. I think I’m in perfect company until he comes.”

You feel a heat crawl on your cheeks, suddenly being overwhelmed by the flustering state he put you in. A first, and a action not done by anyone before..until now; “Oh, well,” you smile and fumble to find any more words without making them sound like gibberish. He was a couple years older than you, you needed to remember that. Being your brother's friend and all. But when the sun caught and brightened the charming grin on his lips; one that showed how perfectly white his teeth were, how his eyes showed the same amount of happiness and glow you couldn’t help but grow more flustered.

What the hell was wrong? This is not you. Pfft.

Seeing your current state, he leaned his body on his speeder and proceeded to introduce himself with the same smile. “I’m Poe. Poe Dameron.”

You twist your Padawan braid between the pad of your index and thumb finger and smile shyly. “I’m y/n Skywalker. Jacen’s sister.”

“Oh, yeah he’s told me about you,” he points, “his as he says and I quote, “my annoying little sister.”

You scoff again, “Well I never said he was my favorite so. Whatever.” You sigh, “anyway if you want I can take you to him, or I can take you to the mess hall while you wait. I made food that hasn’t gotten touched, it would be a shame to throw it away. If you’re hungry that is.” But maybe it’s because you had no friends to eat your food. Your father wasn’t here and Jacen and Ben were somewhere around, the only friends you did have couldn’t eat because they were ghosts of past Jedi. Maybe it’s time to make friends with living people...but then again, they aren’t fun as the ghosts you hang out with. So, it’s better they way you are.

Poe shrugs, “sure I’m up for it.”

You grin and turn to guide him towards the hall, but when you try, the one and only, Jacen, appears a couple feet away with Ben Solo in tow. Looking like a matching set next to one another. One is never far from the other, like twins almost. Only they weren’t that. Looking as always, or at least Jacen all high mighty like he ruled this temple and those in it. Stuck up silly boy. Not at all how Ahsoka described your grandfather or grandmother to be. Sure they had flair to their step, being who they were, but Jacen over passed flair and went straight to stuck up, spoiled daddy’s boy. At least Ben wasn’t that way, even if he was considered a Prince; he was like his mother in that way, sweet and more genuine. Even if Jacen did get to him at times.

Anyhow, disregarding your cousin and brother's demeanor's, you let out an annoyed sigh, noticing right away the glare on Jacen’s pale and slim face, his blue eyes almost seeming to show a red hue due to his anger. A detail that was caused by the sun reflecting on his irises, one if you hadn't noticed such an effect would have thought his eyes changed colors with his aggravated mood. And for what reasons was he mad? Going by the glare he threw to his friend, and you were guessing here, would be because his friend was talking to you—when did he decide to be the caring older brother?

“Dameron,” your brother smiles, “I’m sorry I’m late, man.” For such a cold glare, he knew how to give a warm and genuine welcome. “I hope my sister wasn’t bothering you”

You frown and huff, feeling him very smoothly tug you towards him without showing Poe his true intentions of why he had pulled you away—“You’re rude and maybe if you were early I wouldn’t have to greet your friends.” You snap.

Jacen’s eyes drift to meet your own, his jaw clenching and showing you a feigned smile. “Go, dads back, go greet him.”

“Fine.” You turn to Poe one last time and offer him one last smile. “I’ll see you around, Poe.” Said man smiles in return, not really caring for your brother's death glare. Not like you cared either—Using a bit of the force you spin back on your heels and offer Ben a warm smile before leaving the group of boys and heading towards your father's strong force presence. Unknowingly keeping Poe's attention on you as your father soon came into view, a warm and kind smile on his lips at the sight of you welcoming him back from a failed recruitment mission.

“Dad!” Quickly you throw your arms around his neck and feel his own arms wrap around you to return your embrace, the long sleeves from his Jedi robes becoming a warm secure blanket on your back. As his familiar natural citrus smell engulfs your nose in its refreshing smell. A welcoming smell, just like he was a welcoming sight after what felt too long being without him.

“Hey, kid.” He warmly greets, pulling away from the embrace to cradle your cheek, “is it just me or is it every time I come back from being away you just get older?”

You shrug nonchalantly and refer to his graying hair. “I think you’re the one getting older.”

He chuckles and pulls away, shrugging off the pack hanging from his shoulder, his eyes looking for who you presumed was Jacen. “Where’s your brother?”

Yep that was it.

You scoff, “off being an ass.”

He raises an eyebrow to your choice of word, a reaction you knew wasn’t welcomed lightly, or at all. He wasn’t a fan of profanity, especially since you were to set an example to the other students since you were who you were. It didn’t stop you though, and you knew he let some bad choice words slip himself, you’ve heard him.

“Sorry.” You mutter.

He shakes his head and proceeds to pull out a small bag from his pack. “I stopped by Naboo before coming back here and when I was there I got you this.” He pulls your hand that was resting at your side to place the pouch on your hand, his smile glowing with happiness. “It isn't anything big, but I hope you like it.” Not being to hold your anticipation, you open the pouch and pull out a silver chain with a japor snippet charm hanging from it. The simple yet meaningful gift makes you grin and wrap him in another hug. “I made one for you brother too—I carved it out myself, I just needed something to hang it from. It’s like the one your grandfather gave your grandmother. It's supposed to mean good fortune. And well when I’m gone for too long so you can remember me.”

“I love it.” You happily exclaim as you feel him place a kiss on the crown of your head. Pulling away shortly after to discover something extra in the pouch. Treats from Naboo, his favorite treats, just like yours. A gift you knew he added so you’d share; “Thank you, dad.”

He wraps his arm around your shoulder and begins to guide you into the temple, the same kind smile on his face as he added with equally as kind words, “love you kid.”

——

(Ben Solo p.o.v)

“Where’s my daughter?”

Ben blinks, his lips parting try to form any word, just any word. To explain in the best way possible to his uncle and former Master that the only daughter he had. The last breathing child he had was being held captive by Snoke inside the First Orders capital ship. Of course he could just simply release that news to him like that. But by the look on his face, he preferred to let it out as easy as possible.

“She’s alive, I’m going to go back for her,” Ben revealed confidently, earning a narrowed look regardless of his choice of words. “Whatever it takes.”

Ben’s mother began to walk towards her brother, a softened look expressed on Luke's eyes, his attention falling on her for a second, his concerned expression appearing again as Ben finished speaking. “Possibility is that the ship they had her on isn’t going to be in the same coordinates, but I know people, I can search here for their location. I will go back for her, I promise.”

Luke sighed, “she’s my only daughter. I can’t…” he paused for a short second, if Ben hadn’t been paying attention to Luke, it would be an action that would have gone unnoticed, just like the crack in his voice. “I won’t lose her too. I’ll go with you.”

With you? Really? Is that what he said?

First, no one except for y/n herself knew where he was after he isolated himself. Second this is the first time in years Luke has ever talked to Ben. His mother sure, a couple times before he completely cut contact, but it had been years since anyone had seen him until now. Did he just expect Ben to know where he was?

Ben’s eyebrows furrowed his lips parting to say his peace before Luke interjected. “I can’t stay like this for too long.” He explained, referring to his current...state. “I shared the coordinates of where I am with your mother, come to me and we’ll go get my daughter.”

Before Ben could even nod to agree with what he suggested, or commanded, Luke disappeared, leaving nothing but simple coordinates in his mother’s mind through their force connection.

Ben cleared his throat and let his eyes wander the crowd that had gathered, noticing that they had begun to disperse at the sight of Luke gone and Ben’s hardened gaze searching the crowd. All of them pretending that they were now “busy”. Bullshit—“Let’s search for the coordinates on the datapads.” Ben said to his mother, her gaze turning to see him and expressing her motherly concern. Even after she had slapped him.

Well maybe he deserved that.

“Let’s get you patched up first, Ben.”

Ben shook his head and stubbornly began to head towards the datapads inside base. His words somewhat wavered as he walked ahead. “no, first we get those coordinates down, before anything else.”

“You’re hurt.”

“It doesn’t matter.” He cut her off, “y/n is still out there. I-I can’t and won’t let them keep her as some prisoner. The longer she’s out there, the higher the possibility it is for her to get hurt.” Ben sighed, “we know how she is.”

His mother sighed, unsure of what to really say to ease his worry. “she’s like her father, Ben. She’s strong and patient, she’s going to be okay.” She tried assuring him, but it didn’t at all coax his worry. That reason was exactly why he was worried. “She’d want you looked out after first.”

Ben sighed, “I know. But let’s just first figure out where he is.” Having no other choice, his mother stopped trying to tell Ben otherwise. She knew she wouldn’t win in this argument.

But maybe she should have, basing off the stares he was getting the further he walked into base with his torn clothing, bruised face and busted lip. It’s like they’ve haven’t seen someone hurt before, or seen him. Maybe it would have been better if he had gone somewhere else that wasn’t here….

“And you tell me who can outrun a band of bounty hunters with a inch of fuel left in their ship?”

“You.”

“I’m not one to brag, but yeah. Me.” The old man chuckles, straightening out the invisible wrinkles on his jacket and receiving a smack on the arm by the tall and hairy Wookiee sitting beside him not mere seconds later. “And Chewie. Don’t worry buddy I didn’t forget you.”

Yeah it was definitely better if he had chosen to travel somewhere else.

The old man’s dark brown eyes spot Ben from across the room, his eyes widening in recognition, the smile that grew faltering until it completely fell at the sight of Ben’s visible wounds.

“When did dad get back?” Ben quietly questioned his mother who walked behind him, his hand flying to his ribs at the sharp sting of pain.

“Earlier today.”

Ben hummed, making his way to his father regardless of his current feelings on him. A noticeable happy look on his father's face once he reached him. Not one that really made it on Ben’s face, but he tried. He was trying. “Dad, Chewie.” His eyes shifted to the pilot his father had shown off to. One of y/n’s friends….special friends; His breath hitched and his eyes drifted nervously to the ground with a very faint and shy smile spreading on his lips. “Hi, Mara.” Said girl smiled and offered him a short nod, her dark eyes searching for only one person who wasn’t by his side. The smile she contained slowly falling.

“Where’s Jaina?”

Who?

Ben blinked, an obvious puzzled look growing on his face, until the light bulb in his head went off a couple minutes later—right, y/n’s fake name to keep her real identity a secret. Right. “She’s….” Ben blanked again, a wave of guilt crashing within him. “She’s..not here.”

Mara answered with a soft “oh”, his theory of her answering with just silence, debunking as she looked up at him with concern. “Are you okay? Do you need me to patch you up? I have some free time.”

His dad tried to hide his proud smile behind his hand, but Ben caught the gesture and hoped Mara didn’t. Ben offered her an assuring smile nonetheless and ignored his dad. “uhh no,” he swallowed thickly at how much more nervous he was beginning to get, “later?”

She smiled and nodded, “okay, I’m here all day so,” she grinned at her own joke before finishing her comment. “Come look for me when you want.”

Ben offered a short nod in agreement and watched quietly as she walked away with Chewbacca, his gaze lost on her figure as she swayed her hips in a confident way, he smiled shyly at the thought of talking to her later, until all the excitement went away when his dad broke him from his stupor, expressing his concern for Ben’s beloved cousin. Or sister as everyone knew her here. “Ben what’s wrong? Where’s y/n? What happened?”

Ben responded with silence, turning to walk towards his intended destination, hearing as both parents paced behind him, ultimately having to force himself to answer with a grumble. “I’m going to get her.”

“Ben.”

“I’m okay, dad, really.” Ben winced softly, his face swallowed by the holo-computers bright blue hue in front of him. Ben’s fingers typing a whirlwind of buttons in a matter of seconds before looking over his shoulder to his mother who had barely caught up to him. “Could you please give me the coordinates.”

His mother nodded and pushed Ben to the side, quickly inserting what was needed before a strange new map flashed on, marking a path to the unknown regions of the galaxy. “Are you sure this is it?” Ben wondered before he zoomed into the new marked planet, his black eyebrows furrowing as he tried to decipher what it was and how the hell he was going to get there. He couldn’t go in the ship the First Order had so generously gifted him. Mainly because he knew it would be tracked. And he couldn’t on any of the ships here because they were all just one seater fighter ships. The only thing he could do was—Ben’s eyes slowly slid to his father, a soft sigh escaping his lips at the thought.

“Yes it’s there.” His mother remarked. “It wouldn’t be wrong.”

Ben ran a hand through his hair and then rested his hands on the table. Letting his mother explain to his father what this was and what had gone on just moments ago with her long lost twin brother. A mixture between excitement and confusion expressed on his father's face.

“Dad…” Ben paused and sighed again, hesitating to even continue. Just digging the heel of his boot into the stone ground, barely now feeling the high heat of D’Qar on him. Making sweat beads roll down his forehead as he tried to ask his father one simple question. “Could I use the Falcon?”

“To get your uncle and save y/n?” His father asked as he crossed his arms over his chest; Ben nodded stiffly, letting that be the only reaction his father needed to continue with a smug grin. “Of course. But your mother, chewbacca and I are going too.”

Ben froze and his eye twitched at the comment, his lips parting to protest. “But—”

“No.” His father interjected. “You’re crazy to think we’re letting you do this alone after what happened. Your partner in crime may be gone, but we’re here.”

“But mom has a base to run, she can’t leave.” Ben tried to argue, his father as stubborn as him.

“It’s okay. She can leave someone in charge. We won’t be gone for long. We’re going with you, end of discussion.”

Ben sighed and hesitated for a moment, knowing damn well that there was no point in arguing. “Fine.”

His mother and father smiled before Han added another comment. “Gives us the excuse to finally reunite the old crew. How about that?”

Ben feigned a smile and offered a short nod. “Great. Just great.” Well this was going to be an adventure—if only this was a different situation and y/n was here. She would have made this more tolerable. She would have loved his father's idea. She would have jumped for joy.

Stars. If only she were here…

——

“I am one with the force,” you slowly breathe out of your nose, trying with everything within you to feel a spark of something, feel the presence of anyone. Ahsoka, your grandfather, Ben or your father. Just anyone so that you could feel less hopeless; “I am one with the force. I am—”

“Does that really work?”

When did the door open?

You sigh and open your eyes with a dread, instantly being welcomed by Poe Dameron, his figure in the small dark room upside down as you balanced on one hand. In attempts to try and feel your force ability. Disappointingly enough though, coming out empty, especially now with the annoying distraction and his...cute white and orange droid by his feet; “What?”

Poe cocks his head to side, shifting the helmet underneath his arm and placing the plate of food down on the metal desk, a cocky smirk on his lips. “Mediating? And all your Jedi whatever?”

You huff, “not anymore since you’re here. Annoying me.” You remark, making him scoff playfully and for the droid to chirp to defend his master. His little soft sounds not at all affecting you. After all, you were friends with artoo. That droid was worse—regardless having no other option, you swiftly flipped back to stand on your feet and hesitate to face him, sighing as you did.

“I brought you food,” Poe points to the tray displaying a healthy amount of vegetables, what looked to be steaming mashed potatoes and fruits—At Least the First Orders food option wasn’t as bad as them.

Your eyes drift to the food and you shake your head, “I’m not hungry.” You cross your arms over your chest and shoot him a pointed look, ignoring the way your stomach growled as the smell of the food hit your nose.

“The guards say you haven’t eaten.” He grumbles, reaching to grab the plate, “eat or you’ll starve.”

You shoot him a glare and stay grounded as he begins walking towards you, his steps heavy as they hit the metal ground while his face clearly came to view under the white dim lights on the ceiling, his gaze not really expressing a concern, but an annoyance to your defiance; “you told me to rot in my cell, I’m doing that.”

Poe sighs heavily, “it’s a figure of speech. I was angry that you lied to me. Don’t they have that where you’re from?”

“I’m from Yavin-4 so you tell me.” You quip. Standing straighter as he comes to a stop in front of you.

“Eat, y/n.”

You grab the tray from his hand and grab the bowl of mashed potatoes, a small smirk faintly showing on your lips as you cupped your hand around the bottom rim and lifted it off the tray to shove it in his face. “Why don’t you.”

Poe’s jaw clenched as he reacted quickly by wiping the food off his face, his dark eyes burning holes inside your head. His lips parted to most likely argue, or scream at you, but instead he clenched his jaw once more. Letting the tray drop to the ground with a loud clang, the food remaining spilling on the floor by your feet, and his gloved hand clenching into a fist at his side before he turned to leave the room (cell) in a huff. His droid following him with concern and a hurried pace. Again, being left all alone with nothing but your failed attempts to reconnect with the force.

Usually when there were those moments when you felt alone, you usually liked to very carefully grab the japor snippet that would hang around your neck on a metal chain, but when you lifted your hand this time to try and feel the soft wooden charm, you only touched soft skin. No reminder of your dad, just the feeling of true and pure loneliness—Maybe the better choice was not to take it off before you arrived here. At least then maybe there would be something to keep you company, or keep you from feeling less alone. But there was no room for maybe’s anymore….

With a shaky exhale you drop to the ground, your eyes watering for a moment before they caught sight of the food spilled on the ground; having nothing else to do and really just distracting yourself, picking it up and placing it back on the tray. Feeling only a small, tiny bit of an inkling of remorse for what you did to Poe—He may be rude and annoying but….he..he was trying something nice.

Eww that even hurt to think.

Catching you by surprise the door slid open, different more lighter footsteps following as they walked inside, informing you immediately that it wasn’t Poe who returned, and it wasn’t Rey. You discreetly peeked over your shoulder as the door slid closed, spotting a black uniform reflecting the gleam of white light, a recognizable stormtrooper helmet on its head and a new tray of food in its hands—“there's people that can do that, y’know.”

Ah, now you knew who it was. “Oh, look, Poe sent in his apologetic stormtrooper.” You turn back around and focus on cleaning up the food. “Go away.”

“Finn.” He corrects you. “It’s actually Finn.”

You scoff as you sit up, still letting your back face him. “Okay.”

“You haven’t ate.”

You roll your eyes and sigh. “You too, huh? You know I thought that whole reason of being a prisoner was to torture me. Not to treat me like a child.”

“You’re a guest.”

Finally you roll your head over your shoulder to make sure he saw your raised eyebrow and narrowed gaze. “Funny.” You spin around where you sat to face him with the same reaction. “Tell your master that I’m not hungry.”

Finn nods slowly and grabs a metal chair, twisting it around so he could take a seat. “I won’t leave until you will.”

“Then I guess you’re staying here all day.”

“I guess I will.” He quipped back, sounding exactly how Ben would. So paternal. It sucked; “tell you what, Nomad was going to do this later, but, I can take you to a better room if you eat.”

You scoff. “I’m not some pet or some child that you can bribe!”

Finn sighed, even if his face was covered it was audible that he sighed through his nose. “You’re snippy, you know that?” He paused and shrugged, “look I know you’re not a child or some pet, but I can’t promise you anything else, okay? Plus this room sucks, it’s dark and depressing, your new room will be bigger and have a window. Gives you room to walk and see the stars. But only if you at least have a couple bites of food.”

You huff and hesitate to stand up, biting the inside of your cheek and drifting your eyes to see the soft red lights that decorated the ground as you contemplated your answer. “You’re weird y’know? Different from the other stormtroopers.”

Finn shrugged, “I’ll take that as a complement.”

You meet the visor where his eyes are meant to be and groan softly. “Fine, I’ll eat.” You take the tray of food he offers and sit in another chair across from him, noticing as he crossed his arms over his chest in a cocky way.

“Wasn’t so hard, now was it?”

A scoff escapes your lips before a faint smile tugged at the corner of your lips as you answer him, “I guess not.” Finn shrugs and you simply roll your eyes as you finally take a bite of your food. “Happy?”

He quips, “very.”

——

“You’ve got a smile brighter than any of those stars.”

A smile slowly tugs at your lips at the faint memory sounding in your mind, whilst your eyes get lost on the view of the dark and cold vacuum of space in front of you, pretending that if you thought hard enough, you could see the memory play in the twinkling stars. It was the only form of distraction to keep you from really feeling what your mind, whole being wanted you to really feel.

“Any more compliments and she’ll turn out like you, Anakin.” Master Kenobi retorted, making your grandfather grin smugly.

“And that’s wrong? She is my only granddaughter after all. Maybe I want her to be just like me.”

You chuckle and keep listening to what Master Kenobi had to say in return. “Ahsoka and I enjoy her the way she is. Don’t corrupt her please.”

A knock sounds on the door, pulling you from your stupor and causing your smile to fall. Only watching from the reflection of the transipersteel that Nomad had opened the door, his figure stuck at the entrance of the door, the bright light of the halls growing his shadow on a ground that was a hundred times more smoother than the cold hard metal, grate of a floor that was in your cell before. This cell had a bed. A bigger bed than you’ve ever had in your life, with a bigger room that could probably fit the small boxes you would stay in at base a hundred times over. The sheets were a dark silk heaven...Like how you imagine a cloud to feel, and there was a huge bathroom that was a part of your “room” (cell), and a walk-in closet that was only half full with First Order clothes you would never actually wear, but it had them hanging from the racks. Overall your excitement was obvious and not expected. They had spoiled you to the max with this room. Even if it was locked from the outside; which actually brought you to the conclusion that there was some reason behind this relocation.

Beside just the fact that they were obligating you to stay here alive.

“Do you need something?”

The sound of his weight shifting to his other foot echoed throughout the room, the sound nor him actually pulling your full attention just yet.

“Do you want to get out of your room?”

You sigh and bite the inside of your cheek, “cell you mean.” You correct him.

Nomad sighs loudly, “do you?”

“Depends. Am I going home?”

“No.” He deadpans before letting silence engulf the whole room. The sound of his helmet clicking before it came off was the only noise that traveled around, the sound of his voice much softer now without his helmet following shortly after. “Rey is gone on some mission. I need someone to train with.”

You scoff and cross your arms over your chest, being quick with a retort. “Your girlfriend’s gone so now you’re bugging me?”

Poe chuckled and was heard fully entering the room, letting the door slide shut behind him. “Not my girlfriend. She wishes she was. Plus I think you're more her type.”

“That, or she’s simply not into you.” You quip with a smug grin.

“Possibly.” He agreed, his footsteps stopping a couple feet behind you; “do you want to leave or not? I promise I’ll go easy, wouldn’t want to harm the pretty princess, y’know.”

You roll your eyes. “Stop calling me that, I’m not a princess. Far from it.”

“Your father is basically Jedi royalty, just like your last name, basically makes you one.”

“Nah.” You smirk, “the only princess I know is my cousin Ben. So.” Prince basically, but same thing. You loved to tease him. Got him ticked and got you happy.

“Come on. You don’t want to be stuck in here all day. It gets depressing.” Poe adds, making you grow quiet and not really thinking much of your answer before you answered with another sigh.

“Fine.” You finally turn to face Poe, seeing the cuffs already in his grip.

He noticed your gaze on the object and shrugged. “Trust issues. They’ll be off when we get to the training room.” Having no other choice you extend your hands and let him slap the cuffs on your wrists, watching as he put his helmet back on. Why? No idea. It’s not like he had trouble breathing like Darth Vader had, nor was it intimidating as his. It looked like any other helmet the stormtroopers with the black suits had on. You would have asked, but you didn’t feel like giving him the satisfaction that something about him remotely caught your attention. Unless it was his scar. But that wasn’t something you had the need to comment on anymore. Just like you didn’t comment on the silence that surrounded you both as he walked you to the training room. Walking past stormtroopers with the black uniforms that differed those with the usual get up. Again you wanted to comment, but again you chose not to. Just letting the silence continue until you arrive at the room, the cuffs soon getting taken off once you both are secured inside the unsurprisingly huge area.

“Here,” he says breaking the silence, handing you a new set of hand wraps as he took off his helmet with his other hand, his eyes traveling from what he offered you and up to you. “I’m not going to bite. Take them. And don’t wrap them on too tight, or you’ll open your wound on your hand.”

He remembered about that? You hardly did

With some small hesitation you chose to take the hand wraps from him and only mouth a soft ‘thank you’ before you took off the ugly long sleeved shirt they had put on you before, being in only the tank top underneath, just like he now was. You tried to avert your eyes, really tried, but found yourself looking at him regardless as you began to wrap one hand, noticing that he wasn’t built like before when you first met him, when he would hang out with Ben and your brother. No, he was older now, his arms weren’t as skinny as before, they had a lot more...muscle to them and his chest was much more..how does someone describe it? Toned? Just like his...abdominal area. It was all just stamped through his tight tank….

Wait a minute...no. No—hastily before he noticed you staring, you tore your eyes away and focused on what you were doing—was it hot in here? Stars. Fucking...

“You done?”

You swallow thickly again and nod. “Yep.” Before he was able to comment on anything you jumped up, and met him on the mat, looking around for any usual weapons you were used to training with. “Do I get to use any of my lightsabers?”

Poe shakes his head whilst he gets into a fighting stance. “Not until you don’t want to kill me and you don’t want to leave anymore.”

“I’m a prisoner inside your capital ship, Dameron, of course I will fight to leave. All the time.”

“Then you don’t get your lightsabers. Simple.”

You huff and get into your own fighting stance, a mixture between use of form V and the form Ashoka taught you. Carefully eyeing every movement Poe began to make as he paced around you, waiting for you to attack, watching with his own eyes as you shifted your body to be prepared for any attacks. Smirking once he got impatient and attacked first, letting you to quickly dodge his swing and swiftly return to your stance, kicking his side before swinging your other leg and missing as he ducked.

You grinned and slightly jumped back to avoid his move, shrugging as you added something with heavy breaths. “No training stick or anything? Or are you too afraid I’ll beat you?”

Poe hesitated to answer. Giving right away his thoughts, which was a clear ‘yes’. He might’ve responded with a ‘no’ but you knew.

Poe tried to swing again but you quickly caught his fist and smirked, twisting his arm a bit before jumping slightly to lock his neck with your legs and flipping him over to crash onto the mat. His hand you had pinned to the ground while with his other hand he was quick to tap your leg to call it quits—you did so and loosened your grip, letting him slip out and carefully touch his offended area, while he also tried to breath in air, his eyes on you expressing a mixture of something you couldn’t define; “damn, princess, who the hell taught you to fight?”

You push yourself up to your feet and shrug, “I’ve had multiple teachers throughout the years.”

“Your ghost friends?”

Your head whips to where he is and you furrow your eyebrows in confusion and shock. “You remember?”

Poe stands up and keeps rubbing his neck, using the force to summon a water bottle to his hand. Shooting you a look that read ‘yeah? Obviously.’

“Well them and myself.” Your frown returns to your face at the thought, “I wanted to be stronger so when I fought...Nomad. I’d win. I had to grow.”

Poe’s eyes drop and gulps down his water, licking his lips before he adds his other comment. “Well you have grown into yourself.” He smirks and you scoff, unable to tune him out as he continues. “I just mean you—never mind.”

You don’t press on the matter and look away from him, a sharp pain shooting to your palm repeatedly, making you quietly hiss from the pain. You bring your hand up and see the blood soaking through the wraps. Shit. You clench your hand into a fist and just try to ignore it until you were taken back to your cell. But you should’ve known better. Even if this room was big, it appeared almost small with just Poe and you here. He noticed; “I told you not to wrap it too tight. See now you opened your wound again.”

You huff and ignore him, hearing from behind you as he walked up behind until he stood close, his hand forcefully pulling your injured one. Carefully unwrapping the wrap and turning it to see the mess. “I can stitch it up.”

“No.” You answer bluntly, trying to pull your hand away from his grasp, but coming out unsuccessful as he pulled it back to him.

“I’m doing it.”

“Then why’d you ask?”

Poe shrugs and pulls you to sit on a nearby bench, moving away to get what he needed, not taking long in his leave and sitting right back down beside you, taking your hand in his once more and completely removing the hand wrap. Very delicately, in a touch you barely felt cleaning your deep cut you yourself caused when..you stupidly but bravely caught his blade with your hand. It was a move your grandfather would’ve been proud of and Ben would’ve disapproved. Saying ‘it's too dangerous. You’ll get hurt.’ Even if he does the same move too. Whatever—you keep your eyes downcast and just listen to your breathing, soon hearing Poe’s because of how close he sat by you. Unable to keep your eyes away before they drifted to watch what he did, slowly looking up to see his eyebrows furrowed and his gaze narrowed on your wound. Why was he being so nice?

“Why are you being so nice?” You question out loud.

Poe hesitates and inhales quietly before exhaling deeply, only briefly letting his eyes meet your own before choosing to answer. “You want to get an infection on your hand?”

“No.”

“You’re my guest, I like to treat my guests nice.” He adds, his gaze focusing on the needle in his hand, ignoring your scoff.

“If I was your guest, I wouldn’t be in a cell.”

“You’re in a room.”

“It’s locked from the outside. Forbidding me from going out like a cell would. So it’s a cell.”

Poe stops and looks up at you, parting his lips to argue but choosing to let the silence once again blanket you both. It wasn’t an uncomfortable one, but it was one that soon made you feel the remorse from what you did a while ago; “I’m sorry,”

His breath catches in his throat. He tried to pretend it didn’t, but you caught it. “For throwing the food at you. You didn’t deserve that. You were trying to be nice. I’m sorry.” You pause and a faint smile appears, “only for that though. You deserved me punching you.”

A very faint smile tugs at the corner of his lips, a soft amused huff of air leaving his nose, his gaze meeting with yours for a second before you looked away. Your attention perked up once he mentioned something…“you know when we met for the first time and after you left with your dad and Jacen finally was able to distract Ben with something he told me and I quote, “you’re my friend and as your friend I want to say this. My sister is off limits. I see or hear you talking to her in any sort of suggestive, flirtatious way I’ll hurt you.”

You scoff and smile wider, “he was an ass. I’m sorry.”

Poe shook his head and chuckled. “I didn’t listen, don't worry.”

The smile you had soon faded at the memory of what happened rushed in. Of that night, of who had killed him. The anger returns in a burning fury, causing you to pull your hand away, not caring if he was almost done—He noticed the shift in your emotions, not only by the force, but by the way your eyes watered and your face scrunched up in anger. He wanted to add something, but you cut him off sharply. “Take me back to back to my cell, I’m tired of being here and of you.”

Poe simply nodded and summoned the cuffs to his hand to slap them back on your wrists, his eyes drifting back up to your face to see the tears you tried to hold in. Choosing that only a simple “fine” was enough. Not daring to talk the rest of the way back to the place he called your room. Releasing the cuffs once you were inside, choosing at the last moment, thinking that you wouldn’t notice (when in fact you did) to leave the door unlocked.

A mistake on his part and something you took as an advantage.

——

With very quiet and careful steps you snuck out of your room, looking from hall to hall to make sure the ghost was clear. Once it was you walked down the halls to try and get to the hangar Ben had parked his ship. Hoping that it was still there to make your great escape. Biting the inside of your cheek as a nervous tick. The deeper you walked down the ships halls the tighter you bit down.

Ignoring the pain in your heart to leave your own beautiful purple lightsaber, and the green lightsaber your dad gave to you behind. It hurt your soul, but if you tried to find them you’d be caught, so unfortunately it was something you had to leave, hoping that one day you’ll get them back. Really hoping.

Finally by the miracle of the maker through the wide transparisteel the ship you had come in came to view. A grin spreading whilst you rushed inside the hanger and inside the ship. Lucking out when there were no stormtroopers around, or inside the ship; not like you hoped there would be or you waited to see them as you rushed to the cockpit, letting the necklace you were truly and deeply missing get forgotten until you were out in the safety of hyperspace.

Feeling the cold buttons from the control underneath your hand as it traveled to try and turn it on, feeling a cold breeze of air as you went unaware of the person who had snuck on, his voice breaking the silence that had filled in the small space, the suddenness of his voice causing your shoulders to jump in surprise; “what are you doing?”

Slowly you looked over your shoulder to see Poe standing stiffly by the entrance. His jaw clenched and his glare burned into you as he repeated in a deeper, angrier voice, “What are you doing?”

.

.

.

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A/N- the Ben part got long, sorry :/ also let me know me know if you actually want more from his p.o.v since the og group is going to reunite. And if you want to share ideas on what you want to see when they do, let me know :) and before you ask, yes, our beloved reader is friends with force ghosts ;)

Tagged- @thescarletknight2014​ , @softly-sad​ , @golden-guide​ , @abysshaven​ , @a-dorky-book-keeper , @kit-jpg​​ , @mybarnesmyhero​

After years of rigorous training, of mentally preparing yourself, of thinking of nothing but what you wanted to do, it was finally time. It was finally the day that you could put Jacen’s memory to rest by killing the man that killed him with the sole reason of just being a cold hearted son of bitch.

It was something you needed to do right, because if you didn’t, then who knows what you would do.

You knew your fight wasn’t going to be done completely, but this was a task you needed to finish so you could finally heal the strain in the relationship between your father and you. So you could finally know some peace, some small amount of happiness.

“How are you feeling?” You heard a deep voice ask behind you, breaking you away from your never ending ocean of thoughts.

You sighed and looked over your shoulder to see your cousin Ben leaning by the door, an assuring and what seemed to be a sympathetic look replacing the usual smugness that he showed on a daily basis. Something your father said Ben inherited from his own father. That and the scruffy hair.

“Truth?” You spoke up as you looked back at your reflection from your helmet placed in front of you. “Terrified.” As eager and prepared as you were, that was something you couldn’t help but feel.

That and nauseous, and like you couldn’t breathe.

“It’s going to work out.” Ben assured you as he walked to sit beside you. “I promise you it is.”

You offer him a soft smile before speaking to him in the same soft manner, “thank you for coming, for putting up with me and my outrageous revenge path.”

“You’re my sister, y/n.” Ben smiled, “you know I’m with you a hundred percent of the way. All the time. No matter what.”

Tears filled your eyes and you exhaled, the deep breath sounding shaky at his words.

“Jacen was like my brother. I understand what you want to do, I always have.” Ben finished.

“Still, thank you. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.” You smiled softly, wiggling your hand out from underneath your poncho and forming your hand into a firm fist to then extend it out by Ben, his eyes seeing the gesture and copying your actions to lightly bump the side of his fist with your own.

Ben’s smug smile returned as he stood up towering over you. “You would probably be sulking, and be bored out of your mind without me.”

You scoffed as you rolled your eyes at the man’s stupid comment, “sure, whatever you say.”

Ben began to walk back towards the cockpit, his words trialing off as he walked but still loud enough that you could hear. “A Solo and a Skywalker heading towards an enemy capital ship. Are we stupid or just turning this into a family tradition?”

You quickly followed behind him and dropped on the co-pilot's seat to place your boots on top of the control board. “Both?” Ben met your gaze, half of his face basked by the soft blues hues of hyperspace, while the other half was shadowed by the darkness of the room. His amusement overall seen through both lights. “Definitely both.”

“Definitely.” Ben agreed, combing a hand through his dark hair before he remarked on your current position. “Boots off the board, kid.”

You rolled your head to the side and showed him a smug smile of your own, folding your hands over your chest under your poncho, before pulling one foot off at a time and placing them on his lap instead.

“You do know we’re getting in trouble for this right?” You comment before looking back at the rushing stars outside the transparisteel.

Ben sighs, “I know.”

——

“Hell,” Ben groaned, “I’d never thought I'd be smuggling myself in these things.” He pushed himself onto his ship's platform, his hand outstretched to help you up, but stopping mid-way as he seemed to suddenly zone out.

“Ben?”

His eyes remained fixated on the hall as a short gasp left his lips. Having no option you pulled yourself onto the platform next to him, carefully studying his face to understand why he had suddenly given such a reaction. He didn’t seem scared, or nervous, there was nothing in the ship yet to shock him, but he reacted in that matter, almost seeming to be in disbelief or taken back by something.

As to what that was? No idea.

You carefully placed a hand on his shoulder to pull his attention back in this room. “Ben? Are you okay?”

Ben blinked and looked at you, his reaction remaining exactly the same. “Did you feel that?”

Your eyes narrow on him, “feel what?”

“Cold…” he trailed off before he could finish the rest of his sentence as the sound of multiple footsteps reentered the ship.

Quickly turning on your feet, Ben and you pressed your backs against the wall, hearing the footsteps get louder the closer they got. Neither of you needing to share a word, just a simple nod to communicate what needed to happen.

In a move faster than lightspeed, Ben and you pulled the officers approaching to the side and with a simple wave of your hand knocked them out.

“Let’s go.” Ben shared.

You shared a short nod and followed him out, suddenly feeling the anxiety you had been trying to push aside smack you in the face and engulfing you in that cold, dreadful feeling. Years of training was finally going to pay off in this one battle. All the pain was going to be over with the death of one man…

“Ben, the communications room is through here.” you pointed back, “where are you going?” You were slightly out of it by being here, but you were focused enough to know what you were doing. Apparently not Ben though.

“Trust me.” He shared as he strode through the halls as if he knew the place.

Regardless of his weird behavior you followed after him, passing down bright halls that all looked the same and luckily avoiding being spotted by any First Order foot-soldier. And because of your cousin's weird behavior there had been no time for you to really react or take in the fact that you were in a First Order capital ship. What exactly did you feel?

Cold...like Ben expressed before.

Something else that was unexplainable and strange…

Fear...but as your father would always say “it’s okay to be afraid. Confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi.”

Damn how much you’ve missed that old man; but this was for him too. What you were doing. After it was done he’d be proud….right? You hoped.

The only comfort until you could finally see him was feeling his force presence. When it would get too lonely that was the only comfort. Feeling his presence. Knowing that he would never leave you. You also knew he felt yours. Hopefully he found comfort in your presence as you did with his. Hopefully.

Anyhow returning to a now odd Ben. You trusted him enough to follow, but this was weird. He has never been here. Neither of you have. And yet it seemed like he had..

“Excuse me, but—”

Ben suddenly came to a sudden halt, his eyes lingering on huge metal doors down the hall before he shifted them to meet your visor. “In that room. That’s the place.” He explained.

Even if he didn’t see, you were shooting him weird looks. “How do you know?”

“You trust me right?”

Without hesitating you nod, “always.”

Ben swallowed thickly, “it’s time.”

——

Cold.

It’s all that was felt.

Not a cold that one would get from being on a cold planet like Hoth for example, or in a cold room, per say, but a cold that related to a darkness that you were always warned against. It was so powerful even with the smallest crinkles of warmth, of light, it was a cold that was felt all over your body, it made the little hairs on your arms stand up under your clothing, and made you go rigid.

Ben must’ve felt it too, or at least felt the disbelief within you at the cold feeling because he tried to assure you through your shared force connection, but for once in your life it didn’t work. Perhaps it was the room you now figured out was a throne room that made everything much worse; the red drapes surrounding the room, the dimly lit lights above, the bright almost blood red lights that illuminated the path to the only thing that stood out, caught anyone’s eye the moment you walked in. A circular metallic throne in the center of it all.

On it. The cause of the dooming cold feeling. A brunette with an icy stare. One of Snokes apprentices, his prized possession. Rey.

At her side, or more better, standing inches before the throne, the man of the hour. The man you were here for, another one of Snokes apprentices. Nomad.

It took a lot of restraint not to rush and tackle him to the ground. Not to just force choke him on the spot. Good thing he had a helmet covering the face that was yet still a mystery, or else that restraint would’ve only been a dream and you would have punched his face. Hard.

“Ben Solo.” Rey greeted in a cold monotone voice, her eyes drifting to you and narrowing to figure out who you could possibly be. As if trying to see through the material of the helmet you wore. Finding no answer, not through your force signature, nor through her impossible quest. “And…” she trailed off so could answer.

You straightened out your shoulders and lifted your head up high. “None of your concern.”

Nomad scoffed at your comeback, making Rey roll her eyes to later focus them on Ben. A small moment of hesitation at the simple shared look.

“What brings such an important man here?” Nomad spoke, his voice deep and metallic because of the helmet. “Especially with such a mysterious person at your side? Here to finally join?” His face was hidden, but the cockiness was heard through his voice. It was annoying. It ticked you off.

Ben scoffed and before he could get his response out, Rey cut him off. “Snoke will be happy to see you.”

“We’re not here to see him.” You finally spoke up bluntly, “or you.” You tilt your head in the direction of the man close to her, shooting him a burning glare under your mask. “We’re here for him.”

The light above reflects off Nomads black helmet as he cocks his head to the side. A smug grin almost visible through the helmet's material. Whatever he looked like, whoever he really was, you knew there was a grin under that mask. “Me?” Even if he directed his next comment to Ben, you could still feel his piercing gaze on you. “Ben, revenge is not a Jedi’s way. You of all people know that.”

“For you I’m making an exception.” Ben seethed, “you’re going to pay for what you did, Nomad. You and your gang of assassins.”

He hummed as you caught Rey standing from her chair, her face now twisted. “If both of you want to leave with your lives, I recommend you leave now.”

Ben glowered, “our fight is not with you, girl, so why don’t you run to your master and leave us be.”

“You made it my fight when you threatened him.” She remarked as she unhooked her lightsaber hilt from her belt, making Ben and you do the same with your own hilts.

Making Nomad step down until he stood on the main ground, a gloved hand slowly unsheathing his vibroblade.

“Again.” You continue with your thumbs hovering the buttons of your lightsaber hilts, “our fight is not with you.”

Rey feigned a smile and revealed two crimson red lightsaber blades. “It was the moment you both walked through those doors.”

Sharing a quick knowing look with Ben, you look back to Rey and ignite one lightsaber, the right side of your body illuminated by the purple blade, while a second color basked your left side as you ignited your green lightsaber. “Don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

Rey pulled her arm back, before thrusting it forward and turning her saber into a double-bladed lightsaber, the object spinning in her hand as she walked towards Ben. Her eyes focused on the man she intended to fight. “We’ll take him. Kill that one.”

Nomad gripped onto his hilt as he stalked towards you, his inflated ego obviously doubting you. Huge mistake.

“Nice lightsabers,” he quipped, “I’ve been on the lookout for one, guess my search is finally over.”

You scoffed and began to pace around him, a smirk playing on your lips under your mask. “yeah, guess it is.”

Every slight movement he made you followed like a predator watched over its prey. Watching and learning every move, building patience to catch it by surprise without giving yourself away. Just quietly stalking it.

But as quiet as one is, theirs points when the prey thinks itself as more, thinks it’s brave and strong enough to face that trying to kill it. It tries to huff out its chest and look strong, but with that comes impatience, it’s ego blinding its rational senses and making it go wild and stupid. Just like Nomad.

One of his many flaws was his impatience, something you on the other had been taught to have a lot of—with his impatience he attacked first, lunging forward to only meet his vibro-blade with your purple saber. You began to push back, discreetly moving your other weapon to catch him off guard; but he was quick to push you back with his own strength, making you slide back on your boots.

Nomad tsked, “don’t put up a fight. Trust me, everything will be much easier if you don’t.”

Spinning your green lightsaber in your hand you swing down, his blade clashing with yours and creating bright sparks at impact. “Oh, trust me sweetheart, there won’t be much of a fight.” You remarked coldly.

Nomad brought both hands to his hilt, a form of distraction and trickery to make you believe that you were getting the best of him. A mistake on your part as he swiftly pulled one hand away to take out another hidden blade. The vibrating metal creating a long gash on your arm.

You let out a hiss, but didn’t let your hold falter, instead flung him back using the force—he hit the ground with a loud thud, a proud grin growing on your lips. Using that distraction though, you are only able to get a quick glance at Ben, who was fighting with Rey. A close fight that played off one another, each move quickly met or dodged. Like if they had fought before.

“Smart.” Nomad taunts while he slowly begins to push himself off the ground, his head cocking to the side in curiosity, “who are you?”

You hold your head up high and trudge forward, “you’ll know soon enough, don’t worry.”

Nomad tries to stand on his feet, but you quickly react and push him down with the force. A couple grunts escaping from his helmet at the added force on his body.

He grunts, “revenge is not the Jedi way.”

“No.” You deadpan, “it’s my way.” Again you do a spin trick with your green saber, placing either foot on the side of his body to look down at him with a hidden scowl under your helmet, the memory of Jacens death rushing through your mind and making you angrier, making you sad. Making what you were about to do nothing you were going to regret…..

This was for Jacen, it’s what you needed to keep reminding yourself, keep trying to make that objective loud enough to block out the voices that tried to convince you otherwise. There was going to be no peace in your mind if this didn’t happen, if you didn’t obey the darker, much more tempting voices.

But even through the blinded, clouded mind of yours, there was the small part of yourself that was feeling remorse. He was a man with faults. A man that only followed orders….no.

He killed Jacen.

Fuck him.

The remorse is just the light side, the Jedi, your father, the Skywalker within you. The real you, trying to talk you out of it.

Not now.

Focusing on your anger and the painful memory, you pulled your lightsaber up before swiftly swinging it down, a soft ‘I’m sorry’ that wasn’t audible to anyone but yourself—but as you closed your eyes shut, you missed the way the blade stopped inches from impacting Nomad. Not by your choice, but by his actions.

You peeled your eyes open and saw the green blade hovering inches from his body armor, a silent gasp leaving your lips. “What the hell?”

Nomad pushed your arm up, slowly pushing himself to his feet before speaking in a cocky voice. “Surprise.” Without hesitation he flung your lightsabers off your hand, your eyes widening as you barely managed to avoid a swing from his dagger. You tried to summon your lightsabers, but he was quick to attack, actions you were quick to block or dodge, for a brief moment just a hand to hand combat.

All until he swung his vibro-blade to end this fight. A move you avoided by stopping the blade with your hand, ignoring the sharp pain that began to spread around your hand. He gasped at the contact, his helmet turning from the impressive sight in front of him to you. “Who are you?”

You only smirked, quickly kneeing him the stomach before letting go and moving to lock your arm around his throat. Bringing your knee up to hit the back of his legs and making his knees buckle, but not causing him to fall as you held onto him. “I’ll tell you.” You whispered. “I’m—”

Before you could say what he asked, you were thrown over him, a yelp leaving your lips as your back hit the ground harshly with a loud clash—Nomad was quick to move in front of you, straddling your waist to then spread his fingers firmly around your throat.

An action that you were ashamed to say, would have thrilled you, aroused you in any other case. And if he hadn’t lifted your head off the ground to then slam it, your mind would've shamelessly wondered. Now all it did was spin, little stars dancing in your peripheral view.

Your hands flew to grip onto his wrists, to pull it off. But this son of bitch was strong and made it impossible to fight his hold off; Even with your force ability, since he kept you frozen to the ground using his own. All you could do was gasp for air and listen as Nomad leaned in to whisper. “Whoever the hell you are, it’s a shame I didn’t get to know you. Maybe in another lifetime.”

With a new found adrenaline rush, you wrapped your legs around his waist to try and flip him over. Keyword try, since it didn’t work! Nonetheless your mind was quick to think of an alternative as your lungs were running out of oxygen by each passing second.

With the little strength you could manage, you peeled one hand away from his wrists and inched your body forward, your fingers wiggling to secretly pull out your hidden dagger within your boot. It was hard, but you were able to contort your arm in a way you came out successful in your attempts.

Before you blacked out, you spun the dagger between your fingers and stabbed the weak and open spot on his suit, stabbing his arm and immediately making him pull back with a groan. You gasped for air in the little break you had, coughing violently as you were freed from his hold. But before he could finish the job, you summoned your green saber, igniting it once it reached your hand—just as he was going to react, you throw your arm up, slashing half of his helmet and cutting deep enough to slash his flesh, a nasty gash now traveling from his dark eyebrow down to his tan cheekbone.

You gasped and crawled back, your eyes widening as you saw only part of his face exposed. A brown eye widened in horror, and pain at what happened, at the gash that throbbed with pain. You swallowed thickly, feeling an inkling of remorse for what you did.

Nomad stumbled back, his hand on the wound—shamelessly taking that as your opportunity, you jumped up, flipping your saber around to thrust back and stab his chest; before the tip of your blade could make contact, your eyes caught Rey forcing Ben on his knees, a lightsaber blade ready to stab him and contradicting her previous command.

“STOP!” You bellowed. Both Rey and Ben turned their heads in your direction, her blade hovering over his throat. “Leave him! Just leave him alone.” Hastily you moved around Nomad and had your own blade threatening at his throat. “Kill him and I’ll kill your friend.”

Rey’s hardened gaze faltered, her eyes drifting from an injured Nomad and the blade threatening his life. She swallowed thickly and pressed the blade closer to Ben, in ways taunting you, playing to see if you would actually do it.

“PLEASE STOP!” You cried, your hands immediately reaching your helmet to rip it off your head and finally revealing your face. “Let him go and I’ll surrender.”

“Y/N, no.” Ben muttered.

You shook your head, and briefly shot Ben an apologetic look.

“Why would I want you?” Rey seethed.

“Because.” You swallowed thickly, letting Nomad go, “I’m Y/N Skywalker. Luke Skywalker's last living child.”

Nomad expressed a soft gasp, “you’re supposed to be dead.”

Ignoring his comment you inch towards Rey, “let him go and take me. Please.”

“No, y/n.” Ben repeated.

You glanced at Ben, tears rolling down your cheeks and sharing soft words within your force connection—you trust me, right?

Rey let Ben go and moved towards you, instantly making Ben try and fight what she intended to do. “No. No, leave her alone! You touch her and I’ll kill you!”

Rey looked over her shoulder and smirked, a hand waving over him to knock him out before she turned to you with the same devilish smirk.

——

A soft set of groans escape your lips as your eyes begin to flutter open. Welcoming in the dim lights and the red hues from the ground. Your head pounded, and the strange, yet soothing woodsy, smoky smell didn’t help at the moment.

“What the—” finally your brain grasped where you were, caught the restraints around your wrists and legs. “What the hell?”

“Language.” A strange, yet familiar voice spoke, making your shoulders jump and your head to snap towards the direction of the voice. Seeing nothing but shadows and a figure very softly lit by the red lights below. “You’re finally awake. I was beginning to worry that Rey took it too far.”

Nomad.

The heel of his boots clicked against the metal floor as he slowly walked up to you, a thick tension felt as he just stood quietly in front of you, his head cocking to the side, letting you feel and know that his eyes were roaming your face behind his new helmet, silently just studying every inch of it. You didn’t say anything, just let your head drop and hang loose. Let the tension remain until he broke it with a click of his tongue.

“Who knew,” he mused as he tilted your chin up with his gloved knuckle, “I had such beautiful and valuable cargo on my ship.” The only thing you could see when you looked up at him was your own reflection through the visor of his helmet, but you didn’t need to see to know he had a smug smile on his face, that fact was detectable by the sound of his modified voice. That and the way his gloved thumb brushed on your bottom lip made it very obvious.

What an asshole.

You scoff and pull away from his touch, “because that would’ve changed the way you treated me?”

He leaned in closer and whispered in a way that made chills travel down the bottom of your spine. “Would’ve given you the royal treatment. Red carpet and everything.”

“I’m not some trophy nor your play thing that you can just show off.” You retort sharply.

He pulls back and straightens his shoulders, an amused tone heard under his helmet, “sure you are. You’re Luke Skywalker's last living child. You’re my best trophy yet.”

“Is your face okay under there? Hmm?” You chuckle forcefully, feeling a heat begin to take over your face. Feeling your head now lightheaded, like if you were floating up in the stars. Feeling braver in a strange yet fantastic way. “I got a good hit on you.”

Nomad stays quiet and clenches his fist, the material rubbing loudly as he did.

You lean your head forward and smile sweetly, feeling an urge to say anything that came to mind. “Shame really. You had such a pretty brown...eye.” You shrug, “I was always a sucker for big pretty eyes.”

Nomad throws his hand forward to slam your head back against the headrest. “Shut up!”

You chuckle and briefly shut your eyes, your subconscious wondering what the hell was going on with your body and your head. Feeling sweat beads roll down your forehead.

“You feel it don't you.” Nomad began smugly, “it’s working.”

You swallow thickly and loll your head to the side, “what are you talking about?”

Nomad leans in closer, “tell me Skywalker. Where is your coward father?”

Father?

It’s strange. You couldn’t feel his force presence.

A groan leaves your lips, feeling the urge to reveal his location, but finding enough courage to fight what it was that made you want to talk about everything. “Fuck off.” Managing to lift your head, you look at him through his visor, noticing your own reflection through it, but unable to meet his eyes or identify who was under it.

You smirk and lean forward, “I don’t know who you think you are. But I know exactly. You’re nothing but Snokes puppet. Something he will get bored of soon. You’re. A. Monster.”

Again he slams the back of your head against the headrest, this time a hand gently wrapping around your throat, making you swallow thickly.

“My cousin will come back for me.”

Ben? Ben. You couldn’t feel his force presence either. What in the maker is going on?

Nomad let out a huff of air, his head leaning closer to your ear. “Just like Jacen?”

A small growl leaves your lips and your eyebrows furrow as you try to attack him using the force. An action rendered useless as nothing happened, as you felt nothing. Not even a spark of light.

“What the hell did you do to me?” You scowl.

Avoiding your question, Nomads hand leaves your throat and he steps back, “darling I’m not the monster you think I am.” Nomad steps into the shadows of the room, his gloved hands slowly reaching up to his helmet, a silent click heard as he unlatched the black helmet, tucking his head to pull the helmet off his head, his face remaining hidden behind the room's shadow.

His boots only audible as they clicked against the metal floor, as he slowly stepped in front of the light.

A quiet gasp escaped your lips as you saw the man you once knew years ago “Poe Dameron?”

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A/N- soft Ben Solo? Yes because I love that and I needed more of him in the sequels. Also this is not my art, but I saw this and thought it would be nice concept for first order Poe (Nomad) So I’m using it! Nomad (Poe) and his elite squadron!

Tagged- @thescarletknight2014​ , @softly-sad​ , @golden-guide​ , @abysshaven​ , @a-dorky-book-keeper​ , @kit-jpg​ , @mybarnesmyhero​

He swallows thickly, combing one hand back through his well groomed and gelled hair. A deafening silence hanging over the both of you for the first time since you had woken up. Not that you would want to say anything to him. Or well there was a lot you wanted to say, but right now all you could think about was the way your body felt, the way your head pounded and the way that you couldn’t feel nothing from the force.

Perhaps it was whatever they had drugged you with. Whatever was causing this enormous headache. It was going to come back, soon…..right?

“Why so quiet?” He spoke, finally breaking the silence, “You wouldn’t stop talking a minute ago.”

You shot him a glare before a question surfaced in your mind. Maybe there was no need to ask, because of what it could bring, but all you wanted was one simple answer and nothing more. To bring ease to your tourment.

“Why did you do it…” what was the right way to call him, Poe? Nomad? Poe just felt so natural, you saw his face and that’s all you thought to say. But when the knowledge of who he portrayed to be hit; the First Orders honored General, beloved Ace pilot, Snoke’s admired dark force apprentice, all you saw was Nomad. That was conundrum….Poe or Nomad.

“Poe?”

That was it.

His eyes instantly met yours at the sound of his name coming out your mouth, a barely noticeable falter on his serious demeanor making you smirk.

“He’s dead. That man is dead.” He grumbled as his jaw clenched.

The smirk on your lips fell and you just ignored his statement to continue with your question, “Jacen loved you like brother. He treated you like one of us, you were one us.”

Poe scowled, “but I wasn’t one of you.” He began to approach you again, this time whatever cockiness he carried gone completely. “Your father never saw my potential, he just viewed me as a simple orphan with nothing to offer his failed Jedi order. Threw me aside like trash.” He stood inches before you and clasped his hands on his back, the feeling of his eyes heavily locked on yours making you slightly squirm.

It’s not that he made you uncomfortable, no. His glare was just intense. The anger lit within his eyes as he spoke of what you brought up was clear, it made goosebumps grow all over your skin. You wanted to look away, but also found that you couldn’t.

“Let me guess,” you grumble, “Snoke saw potential.”

“Yes, he opened my eyes to what I could do.” He explained with a little bit of too much pride, “it was always there. The force. He helped me see it within myself. He made me who I am today. Made me more powerful than Jacen could have ever been, or, you could ever be.”

You scoffed and rolled your eyes, “please, I almost killed you, if you were really all that powerful you wouldn’t have let me touch you.”

His adam’s apple rose before it slowly slid down, his words and smug smile contradicting the conflict and anger in his eyes. “But you didn’t kill me. Why?” He leaned his head closer and slightly cocked his head to the side to await for an answer he was never going to let you say. “Because you’re weak, like all the other Jedi you adore.”

You don’t let his words hurt you, and instead you narrow your gaze and copy his smug smile, “but I did get hit. Nice scar by the way, it suits your face.”

A small growl escapes his lips and he reaches for your throat, but is stopped by the door sliding open, the sound of light footsteps making him pull away and fall back to stand where he was before.

“What have you gotten out of her?” You heard a soft voice ask.

Poe shook his head, “nothing. She seems to be resisting the truth serum.”

The same soft footsteps approach closer, a pair of light brown eyes illuminating by the dim light above as Rey walks under the light. “What about the other test?” She questioned, her eyes slowly examining you.

“It worked.”

A faint smile showed on her lips as she now stood before you, “good.” She slowly extended her hand out, tilting her palm upwards and letting it hover over your forehead. A new pain adding to your already increasing throbs and pings, a new heavy pressure hitting your mind, feeling as if something was actually squeezing your brain. The feeling made you groan and for sweat to once again roll down your face, a pained cry leaving your lips as the pressure built.

She smirked. “Let’s talk.”

——

Ow.

Ow.

“Ow!” Your eyes slowly flutter open, taking in the same dull room as before. Only this time no looming presence of Nomad. Or Poe. Or however he went by wasn’t lurking in the corner.

“Sorry.” Someone fumbled, pulling your gaze to see a stormtrooper in a black uniform carefully trying to loosen the restraints around your wrists. His actions going unbothered and passing surprisingly as minimal danger to the back of your head, the sound of his words alerting you more than they should have. It was the first time you’ve ever heard a stormtrooper apologize….was this a fever dream?

No. Your head still ached. In a different type of pain this time. If it were to be rated on a scale of one to ten, then would be a solid eight, ten and beyond being the explosion of a pain that was caused by Rey’s attempts to mind probing. Now you felt like your body and mind were physically exhausted, lazy. The lights, as dim as they were, hurt your eyes, it just felt like you were getting off the biggest hangover thanks to her attempts.

“Ow.”

Again with the pinch.

“I’m sorry.” He apologized again, mumbling something under his breath that you couldn’t quite catch. It wasn’t until he expressed a soft, “finally.” Did the pinching on your skin stop and both your arms were set free and you were falling forward, feeling somewhat grateful that the stormtrooper was there to catch you before your face plummeted to the metal ground.

“Where are you taking me?” You grumble.

The stormtrooper ignores you and grabs your arm to begin guiding you out the door, your other hand which was surprisingly free and bandaged after the adrenaline packed stunt you pulled to stop, Nomads blade instantly lifted to cover your eyes with the back of your hand as brighter lights stung your eyes.

“Princess.”

Your eyes shift to the voice and a loud groan leaves your lips at the recognition of who it was. “Don’t call me that. I don’t like you. You don’t get to call me any nicknames.”

Nomad chuckled under his helmet, “I don’t care.”

You roll your eyes and have no choice but to drag your feet as they guide you forward. “Where are you taking me?”

Nomad brought his hand up to wrap his gloved fingers around your arm, securing that you wouldn’t try anything before he revealed what you asked. “Snoke. He’s been anxious to meet you since he found you rose from the ashes.”

Never died. So technically didn’t rise from anywhere. But he would’ve known that if he really took time to scour the place that unfortunate day….

“Now I wouldn’t try anything, if I were you.” Nomad continued explaining, “Snoke isn’t one to tolerate any shit you try. So take this as a warning.”

Choosing to ignore him you stay quiet, letting your eyes wander the halls you pass, the stormtroopers and officers that stop at the sight of the man next to you out a form of respect. How stupid—suddenly your eyes widen as you pass by a hanger with plenty of TIE-fighters you could use to escape. Your hands were loose so it wouldn’t be hard. The only thing was...these two men.

Hmm...secretly you let your eyes slowly examine Nomads black uniform. One that was designed like the stormtroopers at your other side. Only it was more...fitted to his body, more extravagant. He had a long dark scarf around his neck that traveled down his back, almost like a cape or cloak would. At his side he had his vibrosword. Both items that differed from the trooper next to you.

But there was only one thing you truly needed; You let your hand ease causally, waiting for a moment before you shifted your arm around his hold, and waited again. He didn’t do anything, so you wiggled your fingers, the tip of your fingers sliding on the handle of his vibrosword. Again another wait; Quickly you eyed him from the corner of your eye before stretching your fingers again, this time grabbing a hold of the cold handle to then swiftly pull it out and swing it up to hit the bottom of his helmet. The sudden action ripping the helmet off his head and making his hand leave your arm, making it the perfect opportunity for you to spin your body around and swing at the stormtrooper.

Whilst ignoring the soreness your body felt and the remorse you felt for hitting the apologetic trooper—it was needed—Sorry.

The trooper folded over in pain, leaving his blaster open and unoccupied so you could grab it from his side and shoot his leg before turning back around to face Nomad who had his own blaster pointed at you.

“Don’t try anything,” he seethed, “I will shoot you.”

You smirk, “would Snoke really like that?”

He grimaces and hesitates, letting both of you hold each other’s gaze with both blasters pointed at each other, neither of you making the first move.

The smirk on your lips widened as you tried to use your force abilities to pull the weapon out of his grip. Getting a sudden heavy feeling on your heart when you felt nothing. Again. It felt empty—your smirk fell and you blinked repeatedly in disbelief. The perfect opportunity for Poe to take advantage of your dropped guard to move forward, snatching the blaster from your hand with the force.

Your eyes flicker to him and you attempt to swing his own vibrosword at him, but the fact that you couldn’t feel a single spark of the force within you keeps distracting you. Something that makes it easy for him to disarm you and point the tip of his blade at your throat, watching as the light reflected off his slicked back hair as he tilted his head slightly to the side, “I said don’t try anything.”

You clench your jaw and glare at him, in a blink of an eye throwing your head back and swinging under the blade, immediately jumping back up to your normal height to swing your fist and punch his nose—he groaned and fumbled back, his gloved hand flying to grab the throbbing area. Swiftly you proceed to swing your fist again, recalling the more violent hand to hand combat learned from Han Solo, but only for whatever action you were trying to do stopped as Poe managed to capture your fist and twist it, swiftly moving around you and twisting your arm behind your back to pin you to the nearest wall with his chest pressed against your back.

“I said don’t try anything!” He whispered sharply, his lips close to your ear, before giving your arm another sharp twist and finishing what he needed to say. “Understood?”

You groan, “whatever.”

He pulls away and pulls you with him, now letting the trooper he was with slap cuffs around your wrists.

Smart.

“Go get your leg checked, Finn. I got her.”

The stormtrooper you now know as Finn hesitates, “are you sure?”

Poe offers him a short nod, “I’m sure. She won’t try anything, right?”

You scoff, “right.”

——

The moment you stepped out of the lift, the small hairs on the back of your neck stood up at the cold shiver that crawled down your spine, a falter flickering on your serious demeanor at the ominous sight of what once used to be just stories and sightings, now reality and sitting with a wicked smile on top of a grand throne in the depth of the red throne room. His cold blue eyes locked on you.

At some point of coming out of the oddly elegant elevator, you had stopped in your tracks, the sight of Snoke just completely catching you off guard apparently since Poe was forcefully pulling you forward. His stance physically felt stiffening as he walked by your side toward Snoke, who had yet to speak, his eyes neither moving, just looking dead or like a pale disfigured statue in a sitting position. It wasn’t until Poe took a respectful knee in front of his...master, did Snoke react. A smirk nonetheless.

The action only makes you nervous and apparently braver...a flaw, or so Ben told.

“Supreme Leader Snoke,” you spoke with a certain smugness, “you’re a lot smaller than I’ve imagined”

Snoke chuckled coldly, sitting up straighter and propping his elbow on the arm rest. “At least the evidence of your family name is clear with the same Skywalker humor you all tend to have.”

You shrug, “a great trait to inherit I guarantee you.”

“Frustrating to say the least.” He remarked, making you scoff; “However,” Snoke continued, “Skywalker, it’s good to have you in my presence, an honor I guarantee you.” His eyes shift to Poe’s frozen stance right next to you, a burning glare thrown his way. “It’s good that my...apprentice did not kill you like he did Jacen Skywalker.”

Your jaw clenches at the sound of your brother's name, your head slowly lowered to avoid showing the emotion forming in your eyes; only before any tears could roll down your cheek, you felt your head getting tilted upward by the same force you so oddly couldn’t feel circulating inside you. It left you unbalanced, like a huge part of yourself had gone missing. Feelings Snoke felt all too well radiating off of you.

“I’m sorry,” he remarked, “for causing such disturbance within yourself, but having your force abilities temporarily muted secures me that you won’t try to escape.” Snoke grinned, toying with your lightsabers you just noticed on his lap. “You see, you are of great use to me after all. After Ben Solo’s full turn to the lightside, all no thanks to you and your pesky brother, I was left without a promised Skywalker. I’ve brought you to once and for all turn my dream into a reality.”

Who did this monster think he was? He had so much faith in something that you were never going to agree to. He was a joke. Just like his order and apprentices.

Snoke slowly stood from his throne, the sight making your eyes blink in surprise, the action even causing Poe to react with a quick lift of his head and perplexed gaze. His gaze just like yours only became more confused as Snoke began to walk down the stairs that led up to his throne. The shadow of his figure covering you in a dark hue that almost caused you to give him the satisfaction to react. But you caught yourself before you could react with anything.

“You see, my girl,” he mused in an icy voice, “you are greatness, left untrained alongside your weak father and his failed jedi order, left to be fixed by greatness.” Snoke walked up to you, a smug grin appearing on his disfigured features, sharing words that echoed in your ears. “The potential of your bloodline,” his knuckle went under your chin and lifted it so you could meet his gaze, an urge to back away or punch his face growing increasingly dangerous inside you; “the new Vader. The mighty Y/N Skywalker.”

You grimaced and pulled away, a chuckle erupting from Snoke, the answer already so clear to him without you having to say a word. Letting him choose his words carefully, a strategic move on his part, bait he knew you would have a hard time pass by. “The powers of the dark side are that much greater than what the light side provides. Joining my side guarantees you something you deeply want. Your brother. Alive.”

Instantly your eyes flickered to him, the offer shamefully tempting every part of you. But you needed to remind yourself he was lying. Nothing that came out of his mouth was true. A temptation your father always warned you about. So instead, you lift your head in confidence and try to hide the smugness that threatened to show.

“With respect so, Supreme leader Snoke,” You let your eyes fall on Poe for a moment before looking up to Snoke again, who had now taken a few steps back. Thankfully. “General.” You straighten out your shoulders and stand tall. “I am a Jedi. Like my father before me and his father before him.” Snoke frowns at your comment. “So no, I will not join the dark side, nor your first order. Nor will fall for your lies.”

Snoke snarls and forces you to your knees an invisible hold tightening around your throat, “all Jedi are the same. Foolish in their claims to generosity, morality and greatness. But you’re all the same in order of weakness and stuck to your old ways. But that’s why you all die nonetheless. You are no different.” The hold around your throat drops and he drops you to ground gasping for air, his words now filled with venom, “my apprentice, take her to see the cousin she so much adores for the last time, see what her defiance cost her.”

What. No.

Poe stood up abruptly without the need to be told twice, his hand firmly secured on your arm before he began to drag you away, a new set fear blazing inside you at the thought of Ben still here, after they promised…

Snokes last words rang in your ears, a confidence heard in his voice. “After she watches her cousin die, take her to her cell, she’ll have a lot to think about.”

——

The moment the door slid open, your heart felt like it had shattered into a millions of unrepairable pieces, the sight of Ben, with bruises and blood stains littering on his face caused your breath to hitch in your throat and your eyes to automatically water with no intentions to stop. He was only here because of you. You basically caused him this pain he suffered. All because of a failed revenge plan you so stubbornly tried to see through even against your father's wishes.

“I told you to let him go. You said you would let him go.” You hissed at Poe, his hand letting your arm go once you both were secured inside the small viewing room that blocked you from reaching Ben completely.

Poe smirked, “we lied.” He shrugged, “Sorry.”

He said with so much sincerity.

At his words you huff and move forward to try and attack him, only for him to be quicker and stop you with a simple hold of your arm. “Stop. Trying. To. Fight. Me, Princess, you won’t win.” He pushed you back and turned to press the button that caused the door to Ben to open widely, the sight of Rey basked by the dim light from above welcoming you, causing you to stop whatever escape plan ran to your mind.

Rey at the sound turned to welcome you in with a surprisingly warm gaze on her features, letting you notice something different about her stance since you had last seen her. Nonetheless she shared a quick look with Poe before they both left you inside alone with Ben, your cuffs falling off your wrists once the door was secured shut.

“Ben,” you whisper in a pained voice, slowly taking a few steps towards him, noticing him knelt on the floor with chains securing his arms, his head slightly lifting at the sound of your voice, the black strands of hair matted to his forehead from sweat that gleamed on his face. Giving away the exhaustion they had put him through.

He muttered, “Y/N?” His voice cracking once his eyes fully locked with yours. “You’re okay.” He was more worried about you than he was about himself. A habit had never forgotten even after years of advising him otherwise.

Regardless you huff and kneel in front of him, your hands cradling his cheeks, “don’t worry about me, when you look like this.”

He chuckled lightly and shook his head, swallowing thickly before he spoke up again, every effort sounding pained. “If you have the opportunity, leave. Okay? Don’t stay behind for me.”

You blink and sigh, “you’re crazy, we’re in this together, remember?”

“Not if it—it means putting you in danger. Leave, y/n, promise me you’ll do it.” His gaze hardened on you, his voice attempting to sound stern and in a lot of ways paternal. He needed your assurance. But all you did was stand up and slowly turn to face the darkened transparisteel you knew Rey, and Poe were standing behind watching with amusement.

“Let him go,” You begin, tuning out Ben’s protest, “and I’ll consider what your master offered.” Carefully you walked toward the transparisteel and tried to strain your eyes to see past the tinted transparisteel, but all you saw was your own reflection, lips moving along to the words you uttered, “but I want to watch Ben get on a ship and fly into hyperspace without either of you or your stormtroopers chasing after him. Ben. Will leave with his life or else I’ll resist and deny time after time. Choose.”

The door flew open seconds later, Poe and Rey filtering in, cuffing your hands without hesitation like they had mistakenly done before. Poe held you close and turned you so you could watch Rey release Ben. Only just like you, secured in metal cuffs. Ben’s glare burning on you and to Poe behind you. An action that contained a different reason from the person he chose to glare at. The glare then solely focused on you as you all walked out into the hallway, lasting all the way until you reached an empty hanger. The feeling of it burning on your back making you upset. You were doing this for him, he needed to know that. You couldn’t assure him that through the force connection you had, but he knew you well to know that you were thinking it.

“It was a pleasure seeing you again, Solo.” Poe revealed in an all too fake way.

Ben scoffed, “trust me, Dameron, I’m jumping for joy at the mere sight of you.”

Letting out an amused huff of air at your cousin's sarcasm, Poe turned to you with a glare, receiving an unbothered glance from you.

“I would say my goodbyes if I were you. Chances are neither of you will see each other again.” Rey suggested.

Just as your lips parted and your eyes fell on Ben, the tall man was pushed back into the hanger by Poe, Ben’s bruised face disappearing behind the closed door. An action that made you gasp and your eyebrows to furrow in hidden emotional pain.

“Sorry.” Poe feigned, his arm tugging yours to pull you in front of the transparisteel, only allowing you to watch with tears in yours eyes as Ben was forced into a ship, by Rey, their eyes lingering on each other before he completely disappeared inside the perimeters of the object that was going to depart at any moment.

It wasn’t a fighter ship, so that somewhat calms your nerves of him trying to break you out.

Watching the ship lift and fly out of the hanger, finally made you let out a shaky breath that you didn’t know you were holding in. Nothing assuring you more than watching the ship disappear into the stars in the blink of an eye. Now more than ever in your life, feeling a loneliness growing upon you. Never in your life, even after Jacen’s death had this feeling felt so strong, or ever in reality has it felt this way until now, as you watched Ben leave you...at your request. You were glad he had the chance, given that was probably the idea of forcing him to stay in the first place. So they could get the satisfaction of having you stay and give in to what Snoke suggested. Only.

Fuck them.

Slowly you turned to face Poe, a mischievous smirk tugging on your lips, “sorry, I lied.” You leaned in closer to him, to make sure he heard you, “I would rather throw myself off a ridge then join you or your master.” You hissed, his head snapping to face you at the sound of your words.

Poe firmly gripped onto your arm, his fingers most likely going to leave bruises behind to remind your skin of his strength. “Fine.” He grimaced, pulling you close to the point his face only left inches of space open, his words cold and chilling, his gaze burning and making you squirm under his touch, a single breath of air let out of your mouth at the impact of his chest with yours. The impatience that you noted before so easily released at moments notice. “Then. Rot. In. Your. Cell, for all I care.”

You remarked, matching his cold voice and holding his burning gaze, “with pleasure.”

——

(Ben Solo’s p.o.v)

There weren't many occasions where Ben would get mad at his cousin, given she hardly gave him the need to get upset, but now in the cold tunnel of hyperspace, all he could feel when he thought about her was burning, uncontrollable anger. He could literally feel fumes flying out of his ears at the mere thought of her actions. He had everything under control, until she on her own gave him over, selfishly chose to let them imprison her with the promise of his freedom.

Stupid reckless choice. He was going to bargain for her freedom even if it meant ending up like her. He had it all under control….kinda. His intentions might’ve been interrupted by Snokes apprentice, Rey, but he was going to let himself be kept there until y/n ruined it. Maker!

“Stupid, reckless girl.” He muttered to himself, slamming his fist on the control board, letting the back of his head fall on the seats headrest, lifting his hands to rub his blue and purple bruised eyes, a small groan escaping his lips at the pings of pain that stabbed at his skin when he did such harsh motion. A sudden halt in his breath when something, someone, appeared in front of his closed eyelids, the darkness letting his mind pull out and show him something he had only been really thinking about in the depths of his brain. Rey.

There was something about her that at the slightest sight her, something ignited within him. An odd feeling, one that didn’t leave him cold, like he would’ve felt from someone with the darkness clinging around them like with her, no, it was something….something almost unexplainable. A feeling never felt with anyone else before. Like an awakening. She had also shamefully left her presence within, stained his mind with the fathoms of herself; her lips and the way she carefully moved them, the warm color of her eyes that were hard to identify under a dim light, her body and the way she so carefully moved around him...all meant in a less derogatory way than he self described her, to make things clear.

Since he knew that if his cousin or mother heard him think or even slightly try to describe a woman like he did just now, regardless of her alliance or statutes, he would’ve been scolded, both his mothers and cousins comments so loudly heard in his head. “Ben, women are not objects, respect them.” Grateful he was for having such great women in his life, but he didn’t really like the life lessons that came from a wise princess turned General, or from an oddly wise and young Jedi. He—shit...his mother. Shit.

The ship hastily dropped out of the vacuum of hyperspace and landed outside the atmosphere of D’Qar; his mother’s choice planet to have her current resistance base and his intended, now regrettable choice of destination. Ben was lucky that whatever some first order doctor inserted him with muted his force abilities, because his presence would have instantly alerted his mother if the ships tag wouldn’t. She probably would have shot him out of space out of anger for his disobedience and recklessness.

Good thing she wasn’t seeing him coming.

Not at the instant anyway, because he did see her once he entered the planet, people gathered around the black ship when he landed, some prepared to attack whatever was going to emerge from within the mysterious ship, not at all expecting Ben Solo to actually be inside an enemy fighter. Not until they all caught sight of him, all of them staying quiet and looking back at his mother as she made her way to him, an angry expression painted on her face, one his father had warned him so much about.

The sight almost made him want to climb back inside the cockpit and fly away, but he didn’t, instead he let his boots touch the earth and let his feet meet his mother halfway, a loud lump swallowed down his throat at the silent but tension filled greeting.

He sighed, “mother—” a sharp sting that radiated on his face cut him off from saying more, feeling the impact of his mother's palm slapping his cheek made him freeze, his eyes meeting her own raging brown ones. Whoever had gathered dispersing at the sight of impact, not wanting to be in close proximity to their general fueled with such anger.

“I told you, Ben not to go, I told you and y/n….” her eyes finally took notice of the disappearance of her niece, her eyes softening and losing the anger that had lit within them and letting a curiosity seep in them. “Where is she?”

Ben blinked and let his eyes drop to the ground, swallowing thickly before he answered, “she—” again he cut himself off, only this time not because he had been slapped, but because a strange and familiar feeling impacted within him like a huge angered wave—his force abilities returning quicker than anticipated.

However, the feeling wasn’t missed by his mother either, it made them both grow quiet and turn their attention to the depths of the forest that surrounded them. His mother's warm brown eyes widening at the sight of someone she hadn’t seen in years, a man that neither of them thought they’d see.

“Luke.” She mumbled, her eyes like Ben’s, intently watching as Luke somehow walked out of the forest, an unreadable expression expressed on his face. His eyes falling on Ben’s before searching the now gathered and shocked crowd, a change in his demeanor once he didn’t spot what he was looking for.

Ben wanted to say something, question how he was here when no ships landed nearby, but his own surprise to see his uncle once Jedi Master here, left him quiet. Knowing why he suddenly appeared from thin air, without having to ask.

When Luke stood before Ben and his mother, Ben swallowed thickly, his eyes catching sight of Luke clenching his jaw and focusing his determined gaze on him. His words bringing a cold chill. “Where’s my daughter?”

——

(Poe p.o.v)

The sound of his saliva as it dragged down his throat was an audible sound in the quiet lift, the rough sound echoing in the white bright lit space. The sound making the tension elevate levels he never thought they could reach. It was an understatement to say he was calm, because even if his face expressed the emotion, in the inside, his mind, body was wrapped in a nerve-wracking mess. Snoke never failed to intimidate him and has for so long. And today after the discovery of….the Skywalker girl, he knew nothing good was coming out of this “briefing”. Nor about the news of letting Ben Solo go just to force her to stay.

He could sense that, he didn’t have to use the force to know that he was in for it. Maybe Snoke was going to make another mark on him like she had done. Only this was going to be on purpose and not by self defense, given she was also angry. But she had only done one thing, Snoke on the other hand, was capable of hitting with force lightning that hurt for weeks. He was never a huge fan, or a fan at all...But he took the pain, sometimes even for simple mistakes Rey would make. It’s better he suffers then her. Whatever the punishment was going to be, it was going to happen, he could see it plotting inside Snokes cold blue eyes as the lift door slid open. A certain chill he had felt her get as he had brought her up here a couple hours ago ran down his body too. Only he hid it better than she had.

“My faithful apprentice.” Snoke greeted with a feigned smile and a sneer heard in his voice, all giving away that he was anything but content. However Snoke was, Poe had to take a knee in front of Snokes throne and bow his head, just waiting for his next words. “She left quite a mark on you my apprentice.” Snoke continued with amusement, using the force to lift Poe’s face so his scar was visible by the white dim light on the ceiling and the red lights on the ground below his feet. A straight line formed on his lips. “How’s the wound?”

Poe slowly lifted his eyes and met Snokes blue ones, his chill never ending; “healing.” He simply answered.

Snoke sat in silence, propping his elbow on the metal arm rest, letting Poe’s chin drop and burning holes into his skull as Snoke glared at him. His words losing the amusement and returning with the sneer. “You doubted her.” He bluntly stated, “your mistake. I warned you never to doubt a Skywalker and yet you did, hard headed fool.”

Poe let’s his eyes drop to the ground at the sound of the insult, feeling anger build up inside him.

Snoke continued with his words more harsh now. “Just like I told you to KILL HER!” Snoke slammed his fist on the arm rest and forced Poe to look up at him, so he could feel the anger Snoke was feeling. “look at me boy! You FAILED!”

“She wasn’t—”

“Are you giving me excuses for your mistakes?” Snoke countered angrily, causing Poe to shake his head and just mouth a soft ‘no’, his gaze narrowing to show an anger he was trying to put up.

“But she’s here now.” Poe tried to excuse, “you said you needed her.”

Snoke leaned back and let Poe’s head drop once more, his anger sizzling down and his emotions returning to the nonchalant, cold ones he always carried. “Yes,” Snoke mused, “her bloodline is special to me, to the order and our plans. With her by my side with her great Skywalker name, dominance over the galaxy is guaranteed. I need her,” he pauses and thinks to himself, his elbow once again resting on the arm rest, letting Poe try and say his idea out-loud, to try and get on Snokes good graces again.

“We could kill her cousin, Ben solo, she’s attached to him. We kill him and she loses herself.”

Snoke hummed softly, but then his glare burned brighter, “but you let him go.” Snoke sighed, “regardless if you killed Ben Solo, she has her father.” Snoke paused for a moment before continuing, “but there is something.” Snokes frown slowly and creepily turned into a smirk at a sudden idea. “Her doubt. Did you not feel it? It was strong. Her hesitation? One step away from a yes at the offer I made. Just one last right move and we have her at my grasp.”

What was this? A game of chess? Poe knew better, and Snoke should know better, because didn’t he say never to doubt a Skywalker? He was doing that now—“not her,” Poe argued, “I felt her presence the moment her ship dropped out of hyperspace, she’s strong in the lightside, she’ll never fall willingly.”

Snoke cocked his to the side and chucked coldly, “and she surrendered willingly did she not? All because of the love she has for her cousin, she came here because of her dead brother.” Snoke stood up slowly, causing Poe to swallow thickly and look to the ground. Snokes next words, pulling Poe’s gaze instantly in disbelief, “you will make her join.”

Poe shook his head and stood up to his given height, his dark eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “How? She hates me.”

Snoke chuckled as he slowly made his way to Poe with a determined gaze and a dark motive. “You’ll play with her beloved feelings. You and you alone. You’ll make her fall madly in love to the point of her compliance to the order and the dark side, all because she’ll want to stay by your side. Damn fool will never see through our plan.”

Poe met his gaze with the same burning determination, a smirk tugging on his lips.

“Because my dear apprentice,” Snoke grinned, “a Jedi’s weakness is their own emotions.”

.

.

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A/N- for all those who read this chapter, I’ll let you know now that next chapter a special Jedi ghost will make an appearance! I won’t say if it’s in form of a flashback or it will appear for our dear Ben, but just know they will appear and have some significance with reader :) y’all when take a guess who it might be??

Tagged- @thescarletknight2014 , @softly-sad , @golden-guide , @abysshaven , @a-dorky-book-keeper , @kit-jpg​ , @mybarnesmyhero

Ben grimaced, “trust me. I will.”

Rey slowly walked towards him, making Ben stay his ground and lift his lightsaber to threaten her, disgusted by the way she smiled, like if this were a game to her. It was also in this moment where he now fully realized that whatever enchantment he had been under after he left the capital ship, after her and her mindless white helmets, or snoke had put him under vanished at the mere sight of her, at the sound of the words that spilled from her mouth. All he felt for her was pure anger, he no longer thought of her as anything else but his true enemy. Whatever she was doing now, this-this illusion he just wanted it gone.

“You’re not doing this…” she voiced wanting to sound confident but sounding confused. “No, this is something else.”

“I’ll kill you. You’re a monster.” He seethed, following by taking careful steps towards the body, thinking that it wasn’t his cousin..it couldn’t be. It wasn’t—Rey saw and felt Ben’s confliction and just smirked wider, raising her hands to lift her hood over her head again, stopping as she heard loud footsteps come from Ben’s side, she met his gaze and then looked towards the doorway in Ben’s ship, her smirk faltering as she saw the famous Jedi her master had spoke almost so fondly about.

“Ben.” He spoke, breaking Ben’s gaze away from the body and looking over to see his uncle stand at the doorway, confused more than ever before. “I wanted to talk to you….is everything okay?”

Ben blinked and looked to where Rey had been standing only to see a chair and a wall filled with buttons and controls, no cloaked Rey or the body she claimed was his cousin. Nothing but his surroundings. Ben nodded stiffly and deactivated his lightsaber to hang the hilt back on his side, sighing before looking to his uncle once more, seeing his confusion spilled all over his face.

“Are you sure?” He repeated.

Ben answered bluntly, “yes. We’ll leave shortly, I don't know where she is, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.” Ben moved to walk past his uncle, but he was quickly stopped much to his dismay.

“Look what I did in the past, judge your confliction, I’m sorry.” His uncle began to explain, making Ben’s eyebrows pinch together, feeling more anger at his words.

“It’s all in the past.” Again he tried to walk away, but he was stopped and before his uncle could press on the matter, Ben cut him off, letting his anger speak for him. “I’m not mad about that anymore, that’s long been forgotten. I’m angry that you left her. You left your daughter when she needed you most, she suffered and you left her. Maybe it’s your fault she was taken away and that she’ll get killed.” With that said, Ben took the chance that his uncle froze to finally storm away, ignoring his family calling out to him as he stormed past them almost feeling as if he were leaving a smoked trail behind him with the anger that burned inside. All he could picture was the body and all he could hope was that it wasn’t really her….what would he do if it was?

Fall into the pit of darkness he felt creeping inside him? Something that tried to take over and cloud his judgment and every part of himself? She wouldn’t want that, his parents wouldn’t want that, but if the reason he had turned away from the dark temptation was gone. What did he have left? Jacen was gone. She couldn’t be gone as well.

Ben hurried into his small room in the ship and let the darkness and coldness of its now closed surroundings swallow him, leaving him to wallow with his anger all alone. What Rey said, what she taunted him with left him fuming. Made him grip onto the small desk for some form of stability as he tried to control his breathing and his anger, tried breathing in and out and forget the loud voices in his head. Tried to think that she was okay and that he was going to save her soon...that Rey was lying—she was lying. She was just trying to trick him and get him angry—she was lying—Ben tilted his head up to see his reflection through the mirror hanging on the wall.

Noticing nothing, not even a shadow or an outline of himself with the darkness of the room swallowing this place whole, swallowing him whole—he gripped onto the edge of the desk tighter until he swore he heard the wood crack underneath his grip, feel a pinch of sharp pain on his palms that made him throw the desk to the side to make it slam into the wall. Made his hands fly to the mirror and rip it out of the wall to throw it to the broken desk on the floor. Hearing the glass crack as it hit the wood. And now when he looked up to the wall he saw nothing but darkness again.

“Fuck!” His shoulders finally dropped and he let his head fall, sucking in a deep and shaky breath of air. Moments ago he had felt somewhat happy, now he felt angry, he felt tears well in his eyes, both angry and sad tears. He felt like tearing this whole room and just sit in the darkness with the mess around. The anger and darkness was just so loud. Almost frightening so. He felt like he could do nothing, felt alone…

Until out of nowhere a bright blue light casted on the wall, distracting him from his thoughts. He slowly lifted his head and let this feeling of familiarity seep through. His lips parted and he turned around slowly to see….“Grandfather…” his eyes drifted to the other blue silhouette beside him, “Master Tano.”

His grandfather smiled, “Ben.”

Ben’s eyes bounced from each of them, hearing Master Tano greeting as her eyes darted to the mess, her smile wavering and her gaze turning concerned, before she could question it, Ben spoke up first. “I’m honored to see you two, it’s been a while, but uh, why so out of nowhere?”

His grandfather blinked and let his arms drop to his side, “we’re looking for your cousin, we want to talk to her,” he pauses and collects his thoughts, like if he had trouble describing what he was feeling.

“We’ve tried to reach her,” Master Tano added, “but it seems she’s still blocking us out. We’ve tried multiple times but everything just comes out weirdly blank. Like if, like if she were gone.”

Ben sighed deeply and his shoulders dropped just like his eyes had, focusing on the floor and trying to push out the anger from before—“she….she,” Ben took a deep breath and cleared his throat to talk clearly, “the first order took her, they muted her force abilities which is why you can’t feel her presence.”

Both ghosts looked to each other and seemed to share a look that spoke words Ben didn’t or could ever understand, all he could do was stand and wait, begin to wish that the person they spoke of was here, she’d know what to say, she’d know the quiet but knowing looks, she’d make this less awkward.

“What can we do to help?” Ben’s grandfather asked, his happiness gone and only expressing the same concern as Master Tano.

“Unless you know where the capitol ship she’s in is…”

His grandfather chuckled softly and shook his head, “the force may be powerful, but it is not all knowing, without her presence we are as stuck as you. Sorry.” He walked up to Ben and lifted his arm to rest it on his shoulder, offering an assuring squeeze that his smile also expressed, “but we’ll see what we can do. You’re not alone Ben.”

A faint but soft smile tugged at the corner of his Ben’s lips, “Thank you.”

His grandfather pulled away and crouched down to collect something small and golden from the floor. Ben's eyes followed his movements as he stood back up and stepped forward to take Ben’s hand and place the golden dices on his palm, offering him the same smile and a quick and short nod, “we’ll talk soon.”. Ben didn’t respond and just watched as both ghosts disappeared just like they had appeared out of nowhere and out of sudden, leaving him alone once more, cradling the dices in his hand and using them as a sign of hope.

Hope he very much needed after feeling as if his anger and desperation were pulling him into a dark pit. It was overwhelming feeling such a thing, like if he were being choked, like the darkness was grabbing him by his throat and pulling. He just wanted it to stop, the faster he could find his cousin, the quicker this damned feeling could go away.

——

(Luke Skywalker’s p.o.v)

“Jacen! Jacen! Where’s your sister?!”

The freigented boy ran up to Luke, his blue eyes wide and expressing a fear he so rarely expressed as his words fumbled as he tried to talk, his eyes narrowing on the jungle in the distance as he tried to look through the rain, “th-they took her that way! I wanted t-to go after her but I waited for you.”

Luke stood to his given height and his eyes snapped to the jungle, finding it unlike before, darkened and unlit by fires as the rain poured down. A detail he couldn’t think of anything else but horrible. It meant that the raiders had gone either into hiding or maybe even left the planet. Which he hoped wasn't the case, he didn’t see a ship leave, but amongst the chaos it could’ve happened without him knowing. But again he hoped that hadn’t happened, that they hadn’t taken his little girl.

“Okay,” Luke breathed, his hand resting on his son's shoulder to look down and give him an order, “you stay here with Lor San Takka and Ben. I’m going to go find your sister.” Without waiting for a response he tried to rush past Jacen, but he was too quickly stopped as he felt the eleven year old boy tug at his robe to stop him.

“No!” Jacen argued, “I want to go with you!”

“No! You’re staying, I'll be back.” Luke countered sternly, “stay, Jacen.” Feeling said boy let go, Luke continued with his mission to find his daughter, running in a pace faster than he’s ever run, noting the sound of his hammering heart inside his chest, not only for what he had been doing to drive the raiders away, but out of fear for his daughters safety. He couldn’t deal or even think of the possibility of having her be taken, a girl of seven defenseless against a group of nasty and distasteful raiders. He only hoped that he could reach them even still.

All he could think of how scared she might be, how disappointed that he wasn’t there to save her in time, his mind spun with that thought that he only barely managed to catch the sound of a snap of a twig not far from where he was. The sound made him stop in his tracks as he also held onto his breath to listen better, catching the sound of rustling straight ahead. Luke pulled out his lightsaber and slowly stalked towards the sound, his eyes wide and intent to where he heard the noise come from past the trees, spotting a blue hue shine in the distance that got brighter the closer he approached and the closer it seemed to get.

His grip tightened and he kept slowly stalking forward, exhaling slowly as he felt a familiar feeling, making him feel a mixture of different feelings that ranged between scared, determined and assurance. He tried to focus on the reassurance, but as he saw the blue hue get closer he could feel that getting dim—he slowly moved aside a big leaf and he froze as his eyes widened at the sight of the ghost of his father and Master Tano holding onto y/n’s hands as they stopped at the sight of him.

Luke’s lip parted and he put his lightsaber away and looked to the ghosts and his daughter, feeling now more surprised than anything.

“Dad!”

Finally snapping from his stupor he focused on his little girl and got onto one knee as she broke away from both ghosts and rushed to embrace him in a hug, her little arms trying to wrap around his neck. “Hey, little sun, are you okay?”

She nodded and pulled away to face him, smiling wide as she looked back at her grandfather and Master Tano. “Yeah! Grandpa and Master Tano helped me get away from the bad people!”

“Yeah?” Luke reassured, his eyes drifting to his father and Master Tano to offer them a grateful smile.

“Yes!”

She followed by wrapping him in another tight embrace and holding onto him as Luke stood back up and addressed the ghosts before him. “Thank you to the both of you, so much. I can’t ever express how thankful I am.” He smiled softly, earning the same gesture from both ghosts before his father responded first.

“It wasn’t a problem, Luke, we would do it anytime.”

“Yeah,” Master Tano agreed, “plus she’s a fighter, I think the raiders were more scared of her than she was of them.”

Luke laughed softly and pressed a hand on y/n’s back. “Well isn’t that good?”

“Yes it is!” She answered happily, pulling away and looking at both ghosts, “will I see you guys again?” She cocked her head to the side and moved aside the wet strands of hair from her face, offering them a questioning gaze.

Master Tano grinned, “of course you will, soon.”

“We’ll talk again, soon Luke.” His father interjected, offering y/n a wave and a smile before they both disappeared, leaving the area surrounded by darkness. Finally letting him put the little girl down and take out his lightsaber to ignite it to provide some light as he put it down on the wet ground, noticing through the bright green light that her smile slowly began to disappear as his face dropped and twisted into one that showed his anger at her actions.

“Y/N.” He spoke sternly, “I’m very disappointed in you. You disobeyed me.”

Her face fell and her lip pouted as her eyes fell to the ground, “I know,” she whispered.

“I told you to hide and you did the opposite, you could’ve been killed or taken by the raiders. You put yourself in danger.”

Her chest heaved as tears began to roll down her cheeks while she tried to explain herself in a shaky voice, “I was just trying to be brave like you. They wanted to hurt Lor San Takka and I wanted to help him, like you would have done.”

Luke again got on one knee to get to her level and cradled her cheek to wipe the tears off, “being brave doesn’t mean you go looking for trouble.”

“But I wanted to be like you, not be scared of anything.”

“Who says I don’t get scared?”

“Jacen.”

“Well I do get scared. I was today.”

She sniffled and finally met his gaze, “You were?”

Luke nodded, “yes, I was scared I was going to lose you.”

“I thought Jedi couldn't get scared.” She countered. “That they we face them. Because it’s our destiny.”

“Who said that?”

“Jacen.”

Luke smiled, “well maybe we shouldn’t always listen to Jacen now should we?” She giggled and shook her head, but said nothing to let Luke continue, “it’s true that fear is something that can lead to the dark side, but being scared is part of being human, as long as you know how to control it there's nothing to worry about. Being scared especially for someone as young as you is normal. It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay for me to be scared as well.”

She smiled and moved the same strand of hair away from her face, “but you know who was more scared?”

“Hmm?”

“The bad guys.”

A grin spread on Luke’s lips and he chuckled as he pulled her in for a hug, “that’s cause no one messes with a Skywalker—” he abruptly cut himself off as he heard rustling coming from behind him, making him pick up his lightsaber to get ready to fight any stragglers left behind. Only to see Jacen walk past some trees and move past the big leaf, his still widened and terrified expression softening as he noticed his sister with Luke.

“Y/N!”

“Jacen!”

Said boy ran to her and hugged her from behind, only to be moved after Luke had put his lightsaber on the ground in order to grab Jacen’s arm to maneuver him to his side so he could pull him into a hug as well. Having to leave the lesson on disobeying for later as he took in both kids' presence and thanked the force that they were okay before kissing the top of their heads.

Y/n pulled her head away to meet Luke’s gaze to ask him her question, “dad?”

“Hmm?”

“You're going to go find me if I’m ever in trouble like today, right?”

Luke pressed a kiss on her forehead before answering with a smile, “always.”

——

Takodana

Luke takes a deep breath and stops in his tracks, looking up at the huge statue of Maz Kanata in the middle of the courtyard with what seems to be hundreds of flags decorating the walls, his gaze lowers and reads the words at the foot of the statue ‘Pirate Queen’. He can’t help but show an amused smile tug at the corner of his lips as Han joined his side.

“Is she your pirate queen, Han?”

Han face scrunches and turns to shoot Luke a glare, scoffing as the only audible response before he continues to move along, leaving Luke to walk aside his sister while Ben slowly follows from behind, his mind seeming to be miles away from this castle. Perhaps just like Luke’s, his body might be here, walking into the castle, but his mind was worrying about the only child he had left living. Thinking of keeping a promise he made her years ago as well as thinking if she was okay, that’s all he could let himself think of, the other outcome was too painful.

“We’ll find her.” Leia suddenly said, breaking Luke from his train of thought with words he needed and she of course knew to share.

Luke smiled softly and mouthed thank you before the loud outburst as they entered the castle interrupted him; “Han Solo!” Said man stood awkwardly eying the crowd and lifted his hand stiffly to greet the now silent crowd which seemed to get even more quiet as Luke entered the castle. His presence made someone drop their platter to the floor, creating a stunned tension that kept everyone staring, even the wrong type of people; until Ben closed the front doors.

“Luke.” The small orange sentient maneuvered through the crowd, until she reached the group, greeting Han first, “where’s my Wookiee boyfriend.”

“He stayed behind fixing the Falcon.”

Her gaze narrowed before she moved towards Leia and showed her a kind smile, “it’s been a long time princess Leia.”

“Too long.”

Seconds later Maz continued to move before Luke, smiling and taking his hand in hers. “It’s about time you returned Luke, the Galaxy needs you.”

Luke sighs quietly, “as much as you say it does need me, there's someone who needs me more, do you—”

“You need to talk.” She interrupted, pulling away and offering Ben a greeting smile before she turned her back to them, making everyone go back to what they were doing before their grand and unexpected entrance, only following the group as Maz waved them over to guide them towards an empty table, “why else would you be here.” She sat across from all four of them and took a long look at Ben, making said man squirm under her gaze, looking to his mother before meeting Maz’s gaze. “You have your mother's eyes.” She smiled.

Ben just offered her a shy smile before she turned away and focused on all members of the group, seeming to be mentally counting the people on the table multiple times before her eyes went back to Luke, her face dropping and seeming to connect the dots all by herself.

“We came,” Luke spoke up, “to know what information you have on the first order, mainly Snokes ship. My daughter, they took her and I can’t connect with her to know where she is. We came to you for your help.” His voice cracked and at that moment he looked at Maz like if she were the only person in this galaxy, his eyes burning with hope on what she could know.

Maz didn't smile, nor did she repeat her outburst from before, instead she looked down for a second before meeting Luke’s eyes once more. “I’m sorry, Luke, but I have nothing. Some resistance spies came here not long ago mentioning that they were going to the ship, but they never gave any coordinates nor have they returned. But,” Luke's attention didn’t waver at all, his attention focused solely on her, the hope in her voice. “You could try Ilum, it's a planet located in the 7G sector of the unknown regions, within the Ilum system. It’s as you may know where young Jedi used to go before. The First Order uses it now for its resources, it’s supposed to be their main base, your daughter might be there or information on her or Snokes ships might be within their base.” Her expression turned pitiful as she took Luke’s hand, “I’m sorry I can’t provide more, but if I can and theirs new information that passes by here I’ll let you know, you—”

Her words began to tune out as she kept talking, as the people he came with began talking, it was just hard to focus on anything as he thought about how he had broken his daughter's promise to keep her safe, to go after when she needed help. All he could think of was that same little girl that his father and Master Tano managed to help and return to him, all he could see was the face of that little girl in his mind asking for his help, urging him to hurry. His own desperation felt almost like a choking feeling, he felt as if every bad memory from his past piled on too, making him even more desperate, choking him. There was a light of hope, he always knew how to hold on to that, it felt almost as if that hope was calling him, a sense of light.

“Luke.” His eyes lifted immediately, feeling like the familiarity that was calling him was coming from inside this castle. “Luke.” His eyes again looked, only this time around, noticing that they were talking amongst themselves, none of them even looking to Luke to be that who called him. “Luke.” Again his eyes lifted and this time he focused on a door in the far end of this room, feeling the call come from there. “Luke.” Said man suddenly stands from his chair and excuses himself away from the group, not waiting for a response before he begins to maneuver past people and tables to reach the door where the call was coming from, said door opening and showing a hall dimly lit by torches on the walls.

Luke didn’t hesitate to walk past the door, letting it close behind him before hearing the call again, louder this time more persistent. But with that also came more...his daughter's voice, “You're going to go find me if I’m ever in trouble like today, right?” His breathing hitched but he kept moving, hearing more voices the more he continued, his father's voice, Master Obi-Kenobis, Master Yoda’s and Jacen’s. “I only wish to be as great of a Jedi as you.” They were followed by one another, louder and louder each time, speaking words from past conversations until it all suddenly ended as he reached a single dark door—his eyes examined the door before a small control panel lit beside it, opening said door and showing all types of things stored inside, but only one that caught his full attention.

Without having to wait, he walked in and walked directly towards a small but long box, halting once he stood before it and heard the voices again, louder, booming this time. His gaze narrowed and his hands reached to the box, flipping open the small lock to open it, seeing a black silk cloth covering what was contained inside. The voices only grew louder and more intense until he flipped the cloth over and it all suddenly stopped as he saw something he thought he’d lost forever.

His father's lightsaber.

——

“Poe?”

Said man’s head instantly flew up and he was quick to put the ring in his hand into his pant pocket before he turned to see you inside the small room. His eyes were wide and seemed to express shock, but he was quick to change his demeanor, putting on a smug smile before he put the butt of the cigarra between his lips, sucking in the smoke and inhaling deeply, following by taking the small object out with the sides of his index and middle finger to exhale and blow the smoke upward a few seconds later.

“I’m surprised you came.”

You huff, “like I had a choice.” Your eyes fall on the cigarra between his fingers and you shoot him a disapproving look, “that’ll kill y’know?” You walk up to the balcony’s rail and press your body on it to watch the soft purple and orange hues of the sunset, seeing the birds in the screen fly past, again giving it such a vivid scene, the songs they produced barely made you hear Poe’s lighthearted scoff as he copies your movements, looking at the side of your face as he turned his head to watch you.

“Argue anymore and I might think you’re worried.”

Your nose scrunches up and you scoff, “keep dreaming.”

He extended his hand out to you in a gesture to offer you a puff of what he was smoking which you were quick to react with a lift of your eyebrow, “no, thank you.”

He smiles, “you hate me and you still manage to respond so kindly.”

You roll your eyes and turn back to the screens, smelling the same pungent smell release into the room as he blew some of it out. Feeling his eyes on you as you admired the virtual sunset you wished were real. You felt almost felt like a teenager in one of those books you used to read as a child, one where the character sighed as she watched the sunsets or really anything pretty as she was locked in some high away tower….wait...oh the fucking poetry—you sigh and ask, “where is this anyway? This sunset?”

Poe finally turns to watch the screens again and hesitates to answer, “uhh, I don’t know, some random planet.”

You hum softly and have the thought of asking him to change it and maybe display Tatooine or Yavin-4, but you didn’t want to bother actually asking so instead you had to deal with watching this, being left to wonder again of what he did and what he wanted; “so, what do you want? Finn said you wanted to talk to me.” Both Poe and you turn to meet each other's gaze, whilst he also used the force to place his cigarra in the ashtray all nonchalant and very cocky like, his gaze never wavering in the meantime.

“I wanted to talk to a pretty girl, is that hard to believe?”

You roll your eyes and shake your head, “I will punch your lung, see how you do breathing after with all that crap polluting them.”

Poe’s lips broke into a genuine smile, “I like it. You. You’ve really grown into yourself, y/n. I mean it, and not like in a sexual way that you’re thinking of, okay? Like really, you have grown into yourself.”

You narrow your gaze on him and tilt your head as you lean one arm on the railing of the balcony to try and figure out what he was trying to get at with this talking down memory lane. He avoided your question and brought this up again….he was up to something or wanted something...hmm—“okay,” You breathe, “well if we’re doing this, why did you spare those spies, hmm? I mean they got killed regardless, but why did you want to spare them? They had important intel I’m sure. I don’t believe you would spare them out of the kindness of your heart.”

Poe swallowed thickly and looked back at the sunset, letting you notice once again the soft colors bask his face, almost seeming to highlight the scar trailing on his face, showing the red color that still stained it, that would always stay as a reminder of what you did. Looking at it almost made you feel guilty...almost! Because it was well deserved. Plus...it suited him, but that-that was just a quick comment inside your head, completely harmless and innocent. Maybe not like those words about his parents, but those were words out of anger, a stupid and vicious comment you should’ve never made, it was a low blow….

“I did it because I didn’t feel like killing them. Simple.” He answered, his jaw clenched and his gaze solely focused on what was displayed before him, which is why you didn’t believe him.

“Bullshit. They had info your dear master Snoke wouldn’t want out.” You remark, your attention still on him, noticing as his eyes slid to the corner to watch you. Waiting to see if you would look away and leave the subject, but once he noticed and took in the silence and tension of the wait he sighed and turned his body again to face you.

His voice was soft this time, sounding almost sincere? “Because it wasn’t the right thing to do, believe it or not, Princess we’re not as evil as everyone paints us to be.”

You both keep holding each other’s gaze for a moment, a second of disbelief showing behind your eyes as your mind tries to process his words. Lingering in between the line of believing him or not. Half of you did, but the other half didn’t, which should you believe? Well...that was hard to choose, his face seemed to be sincere as he spoke, his words as well. The only thing that didn’t let you believe him was well, going based on strategic points from his persona. His first order persona more like. And he noticed your unsure expression.

Poe leaned in slightly and reassured his statement, “it’s true, it wasn’t right. You of all people know how that feels. You’re too morally good, always have been. That’s a compliment.” He smiles softly.

You scoff, but the corner of your lips twitch, “not true, I’m not all morals...not anymore, I’ve gone off that path and disappointed everyone that I cared about in the meantime.” Everyone except Ben, you thought.

“Then fuck them.” Your eyebrows furrow at his comment and he quickly follows his comment. “I just mean that the perfect person you tried to portray in the past. That person your dad wanted you to be was just not going to happen.”

“My dad didn’t want me to be someone I wasn’t, he wanted me to be me, the person I wanted to be. Don’t talk like you know him.” You snap, surprisingly not getting him mad, instead hearing him try to correct himself.

“Listen, okay? We’re not perfect, we’re not meant to be perfect. Plus try to deny the fact that what you’ve done to be where you are now, hasn’t made you stronger?”

Your gaze falls and you simply shrug.

“I'll tell you, you’re a hell of a fighter. Not everyone would’ve stood up like you did today. You’ve got fire in you, Princess.” You turn to once again look ahead of you, but look to the side to hide your smile, hearing as he gets closer to your side, his gaze lingering on you before he spoke again. “I really am sorry for last night.”

At the sound of those words your smile falls and you swallow thickly as you think of what you told him. You didn’t want to say it, but you also did. Again you were stuck. Or as he pointed out, it was your morality. Pesky thing—you sigh and again meet his gaze, noticing this time the brown of his eyes, noticing the way he had his attention on you. It didn’t waver, nor did he just do something else, he was genuinely listening; “I’m sorry for what I said, I shouldn’t have said those things to you, I’m sorry.”

Poe surprisingly chuckled before he responded to your comment, “see again. Your morality. Don’t apologize. You don’t have to.”

“You just did.” You quickly remark.

He shrugs nonchalantly, “because I meant it.”

You lean in closer to him to reply, “and I meant mine.” His gaze stays locked on yours and the room falls in silence as tension builds. Something that lasted for a long moment, whilst neither of you broke the gaze, nor the silence. Poe leaned in closer and you stayed where you were, letting him for awhile until you snapped from your stupor, furrowing your eyebrows and turning away, clearing your throat before you broke the never-ending silence. “You never told me what you wanted.”

“I just wanted to talk, unless you want to go back to your room?”

You deadpan, “no.”

“Exactly,” he pauses and faces the sunset again, letting for a moment silence cover this room as he seemed to debate on what he wanted to say. Or more like, if he actually wanted to say it. He breathed in and slowly exhaled out, his words quieter but still seeming to remain that cockiness in his demeanor. “Why do you still call me..that?”

You blink and instantly know what he’s referring to. “What? Poe?” He nods stiffly and you shrug, “because that’s who you are...to me anyway.” You take a brief glance at him and continue, “I see you and you’re still the guy I met eight years ago. Not Nomad. Poe. Of course when you have that ugly helmet on all I see is Nomad and I want just stab my lightsaber through your chest—not like I won’t do it without it; but I don’t know I just see your face and it just comes up.”

Poe stays quiet for a short moment until he adds as his eyes narrow to the point his eyelashes almost touch—“no one has called me that for a long time, not until you came.”

“I could try and call you by your other name if that’s what you want.”

He blinks and his head falls for a moment before he pushes his body off the railing and turns to you. His face changed and didn’t contain the same softness, it was hard and serious, just like his words were now blunt. “Come on, let’s go.” He extended his arm out and opened his palm to receive his helmet as he summoned it with the force, while with his other hand grabbing your arm as you pushed your body off the railing to face the door. It was an odd sudden change in demeanor, but you also didn’t try and question, you just let it happen.

Watched as the hues disappeared as Poe pulled you out of the room, letting the hall you were in be covered in darkness, only one light at the end where the lights of the big hall slightly peeked in. You let the tension filled silence blanket over the both of you again and felt as it grew thicker as Poe put his helmet over his head, covering everything that defined him as that, showing your reflection on the dark visor of the helmet that identified him as his usual dark persona, Nomad…

——

Ben,

I don’t know what’s going to happen to me, I’ve been here, taking in injections that mute my force connection on a daily basis. It feels like months, but it’s only been a few days. I don’t know what to do with myself, all I can do is sit and do nothing, or lay down and do nothing. I want to write to my dad, but the truth is I wouldn’t know what to say, I’ve sat for hours with the pen on the paper, not writing anything, just simply staring at it. I don’t think he even knows what’s happened to me...I hope he does, I hope he comes and

No. You crumble up the paper and throw it into the small bucket beside you, pulling out a new piece and simply looking down at it, sighing before you begin to quietly hum to the song playing on the radio, spinning the pen between your fingers to then hold it correctly and tap the the point on the paper, making only a dark dot of ink before you picked it up again and continued spinning it between your fingers. Glaring at the delicate white paper and loudly muttering your answer as you heard someone knock on the door, seeing seconds later the bright light cast followed by heavy footsteps that walked up behind you. Such a familiar sound now that you didn’t need to look back to know who it was.

“What are you doing?” Poe asked.

You smirked, “writing a secret note to the rest of the spies on this ship. ‘We attack at midnight, get the one with the over gelled hair first.’” You look over your shoulder and offer him a teasing grin, one that fell as he didn’t laugh and seemed to try and read your expression to see if you were serious. Which you weren’t. “It was a joke. Obviously.” You sigh, looking back to your unwritten letter.

“I knew that.” He breathed.

You huff, “Ben would’ve laughed.” you slump into the chair and throw the pen on the desk. “You need something or are you gonna stand there like a creep?”

You hear the material of his suit shift as he began to shift from one foot to the other, clearing his throat to add, “I’m finally done with my briefings today, would you like to come train with me and a couple of my troopers?”

You shrug, “I don’t know, I have things to do today—Like sulk on the couch and stare out the transparisteel for a few hours, take hours in the shower. Wishing I was breathing real air and uhh writing letters to my family in case Snoke kills me.” Poe scoffs as a response and just as you heard his lips part to counter your remark you stand from your chair and turn to face him to continue, “but I guess I can squeeze you into my busy schedule.” He doesn’t respond and just motions you to move after him, using no cuffs to take you out the door (surprisingly) and guide you down the brightly lit and grey empty hall. Walking in silence until he turned into the same room he had taken you the first time he brought you to train with him.

This time though it wasn’t lacking people, there wasn’t a lot but there was more than before. A selected few it seemed. Two females and three men, one who was Finn, actually—All collectively looking at Poe and you walk in. You look away and speed towards Finn, taking a seat on the empty seat next to him and ignoring the icy glare the pretty purple Mirlian was shooting at you.

“Here.” Finn said, handing you wrappings for your hands. “I’m surprised you’re here.”

You carefully take the wrappings from his hand and shrug, “your dear master Poe asked me to come, so it was either this or sulk in the room.” Finn hummed and slightly nodded, parting his lips to follow up on you calling the man he knew as Nomad, Poe, but getting interrupted by your questions. “Who are the four people here?”

“Oh,” his gaze turned to the mat a few feet away from the both of you and pointed with his eyes the two girls that were on it, beginning to train a hand on hand session. “The purple Mirlian is Odette, she's part of the squadron just like the rest here.” Your eyes once again land on the purple Mirlian, seeing the black geometric tattoos gently line her high cheekbones and decorate in a line under her thin lips while three were also drawn below each brown eye. She was really pretty and her body was very toned, showing how much she took care of her body. You'd compliment her if she weren’t staring daggers at you—“the other girl, the Lethan Twi’Lek is Sibyl, I wouldn’t talk to her, she can be a little...stuck up and egotistical, y’know, Nomad picking her to be part of his squadron got to her head.”

You chuckle and look at him, “I feel some hidden disliking towards her.”

Finn scoffs, “that doesn’t even do it justice.”

Finishing with the wrappings you place them on the bench and look towards the two male near human sentients in the back, both seeming to be in their own world, but making it easier for you to really study them, one of them in particular catching your eye and making your face fall. Before you could think too much of it, Finn noticed you looking at the guys and spoke up. “The other purple Mirlian with the buzz cut is Odette's twin brother, Otto. Again stuck up, but he’s a great shooter and very smart.” You hum and nod, noticing the same tattoos on his face that Odette had, but that was irrelevant compared to the chiss talking in front of him.

“Who’s the chiss?” You question, your eyes never leaving his tall stature.

“That’s Dario, he—”

“Why Princess, you interested?” Poe suddenly asked, poking his between Finn and you, looking to the man in question and then turning his head to look at you, making every part of his face be only mere inches from yours, causing you to slide further to the side of the bench and roll your eyes to answer bluntly.

“He just reminds me of someone I used to know.”

“Who?” Poe probed, sitting himself between Finn and you.

You look back to Dario and deadpan, “it doesn’t matter who.” Turning your head you meet Poe’s gaze, seeing a cocky smile on his face before he continues.

“Why don’t we spar like last time, hm? Bet I could take you down this time.”

One eyebrow quirks up and a smug smile threatens to show on your features, but doesn’t as Odette walks over and cuts you off. “Finn why don’t you come spar with me?” She smiled sweetly and twirled the end of her long dark ponytail with her finger. “I believe you owe me one match.”

Your eyes dart between Finn and the very smiley girl, your smile curling up regardless and only widening as Finn seemed to be clueless on her intentions, answering very calm and unbothered; “next time, I don’t feel like doing too much training today.”—Poe and you looked at one another and shared a look at Finns clueless behavior. It reminded you of Ben and how he would be with girls when he was younger, a trait that his mother said wasn’t picked up from his father or her. You couldn’t help but snicker.

“Oh,” she mouthed, her eyes losing their twinkle, “fine then.” Like that she turned back around and walked towards Sibyl, both whispering to one another before their attention just like yours was caught by the two sparing men on the mat. You cross your arms over your chest and sigh, rolling your eyes at their technique and moves, gaining Poe’s attention as he leaned over to whisper in your ear, feeling the skin of his shoulder touch yours, almost feeling his words as he talked in your ear. All it overall makes you freeze and hold onto your breath.

“What do you think? I trained them myself.” He pulls away, but his eyes are still trained on you, letting you turn your head to share your quip with a hidden smirk.

“They need work, just like the teacher.” You glance at them again and notice all things wrong in just a second. “Their stance is all wrong, you see their feet are too spread apart and they’re impatient with their movements, just like you. They—”

“Okay,” Poe cut you off, a hardened look on his face, “okay, I get it. If you’re so good, why don’t you fight against them, hot shot.”

You bite the inside of your cheek and unfold your arms to rest your hands on the bench, tilting your head Poe’s way to comment. “I wouldn’t want to hurt them too bad.”

“Since when have you been so cocky?”

You shrug nonchalantly and just as you were going to reply, a voice beside you startled you—this time instead of it being Poe, your eyes slid to the corner to see Rey’s head poke between Poe and you—what the hell is wrong with these people and getting so close?—you breathe heavily and slide away again, shooting Rey an annoyed look as she shot you a taunting smile.

“I’ll spar with you. If you fight anything like your cousin it should be a good match.” She provoked you, looking only at you with the same smile, batting her eyelashes as she did so. “What do you say...I’ll let you fight with one of my lightsabers while I fight with the other.”

“Rey.” Poe hissed beside her. “Don’t.”

Said girl was unbothered and lifted her eyebrow as she pulled out her lightsabers and pulled them apart for them to become twin sabers, lifting one hand to bait you with it. “I’ll tell you what, you win and I’ll let you go back to your cousin. Something tells me he might not be doing so good without his hope of light.”

Your eyes drift to the sabers and then up to her, narrowing your gaze and not believing a word she said, but feeling your hand still go towards it instinctively.

“Rey.” Poe called again. “I’m telling you, stop.”

“Shut it.” She snapped, her gaze not bothering to turn to him as she continued trying to convince you. “I promise I’ll let you go.”

Inhaling deeply you think, fuck it and snatch a hilt from her hand, jumping to your feet and noticing the fighting had stopped on the mats and all four of them were grouped together watching Rey and you intently, a hint of fear and cursisoty in their eyes—you on the other hand felt fine, you had this, it’s no different than sparing with Ben or any of the ghosts jedi. This was the same...or so you tried to convince yourself.

Taking the hoodie off your body, you threw it on the bench leaving yourself in a black tank top and basic leggings. A comfortable outfit, but you usually preferred your tunic, much warmer; Regardless you follow Rey to the mat, standing with your back facing Finn and Poe, whilst you got into your usual fighting form, igniting the saber in your hand and seeing the red blade emit from within the hilt. Noticing the same thing with Rey, her own red blade basking her face as she ignited it, hearing nothing else but the lightsabers usual hum.

Spinning the lightsaber in your hand you watch her intently, seeing the same smugness on her face as she holds onto her saber, gripping onto it tightly. Unlike Poe, she’s more patient with her movements, waiting to see what you’d do. Watching as the corner of your lips tug into a smirk as you eyed her, making her hastily rush towards you and swing her lightsaber at you, quickly causing you to duck and do a spin trick that caused you to have your back on the intent audience and see Poe and Finn behind Rey, Finn showing more fear for your fight than Poe was. You shoot them a small smirk before flipping the saber in your hand, holding onto it with a reverse grip like Ahsoka did, moving your stance to be ready to block Rey like Ahsoka and your grandfather had taught you to do. Doing as they or at least Ahsoka and master Kenobi said, wait.

“Red is really not my color, but I’m getting to like your lightsaber.” You remark, making Rey respond with silence as she watched you, patiently, gripping onto her hilt and beginning to move around, her eyes following you as you moved with her, moving the position of your arms.

“I think I’m going to switch my training partner with you instead. You’re much more fun.”

You scoff and barely catch as she moves to lunge forward, causing you to quickly do a backhand swing and meet the red blade with hers, a bright red spark emitting from the impact. The hues of the red blades showing the amusement that had disappeared from her face with the clash. She tries to push you back, but you dig your heels into the mat and stay grounded, using your strength to slightly pull back but suddenly push back with more added force. Missing your force abilities now even more—Rey stumbles, making the perfect chance for you to raise your foot and kick her back, causing her to crash on the mat and roll to the edge of it, her back on the material and her eyes focused on the ceiling. The action creating an even more tense silence.

Carefully you stalk forward with the saber raised, seeing her chest rise up and go down heavily, her chest beginning to heave as a soft but angry growl leaves her lips. She gripped onto her hilt with a death grip that made her skin turn even whiter, before she jumped back up and looked at you with a burning glare. You swallowed thickly at the sight and moved back as she moved forward, a nasty smirk growing on her face before she spoke up. “I talked with your cousin Ben, recently.” Your eyes widen and the grip on the lightsaber in your hand loosens at the news. Rey notices and continues, “he seems very distraught, seems the search for you might be over, since he thinks you're dead….sorry.” She feigns to be hurt and plays to be innocent. All while your whole body freezes.

No—Your eyes water out of anger, but your body doesn’t react, your mind doesn’t fully react, it feels more numb. Beside the anger that is. You knew what the news could do to Ben. He struggled, he always has, hearing that won’t do him good, you knew that. He needed you and you weren’t there. Rey on the other hand took advantage of your moment of weakness and lunged forward, making Finn yell out your name to snap you from your stupor. And reacting with the wrong move. Instead of raising the lightsaber, you lifted your free hand to try and use the force to stop her movements, but coming out empty as it was impossible with that certain ability muted. Ultimately causing Rey to force throw you back harshly, letting her come before you, her legs on either side of your body as the tip of her blade went down to hover over your throat. A mischievous and proud smirk growing on her face, “looks like I’ll be seeing more of you. Good.”

Rey offered her hand to you whilst she deactivated her lightsaber, but you being in the heated anger you were, ignored and slid back to push yourself off the floor by yourself. Noticing the people that were still here now move to do their own thing, pretending as if nothing had just happened. All while you handed Rey back her lightsaber and stormed over to Finn, ignoring both Poe and Finn's stare. Hearing as Rey added one more comment. “Oh, Snoke said he wanted to talk to you. Nomad too.”

——

Breathing out heavily you hear the tremble in your breath, but ignore it as you focus your eyes on the passing red colors as the elevator goes up into Snokes throne room. Feeling like you did last time you saw him, a cold chill run down your spine. A shiver on your skin and dooming feeling at the pit of your stomach. Now more than ever you hoped Ahsoka, or your grandfather, or master Kenobi would appear to be a comfort in this unexpected meeting with a man that you didn’t like, that if you didn’t lie scared you.

“He’s not going to do it.” Nomad said to you as his arm hovered over yours—you just briefly glanced at him from the corner of your eye and didn’t answer, hearing your breath hitch and your body go stiff just like Nomad gripped onto your arm with a stiff hold as the elevator stopped and the doors flew open moments later. The dimly red room coming to view and a much colder chill running all over your body. You didn’t try to move, but Nomad pulled you forward, forcing you to move regardless, forcing you to see Snoke sit on his big fancy throne, an evil smile brewing on his face as he saw you walk in.

“My girl,” Snoke boomed, “I hope your stay is going well and that my apprentice is treating you kindly.” He waved his hand and the cuffs on your wrists fell. A surprising move to say the least. Just like the venom in his voice as he directed his comment to nomad. “Take that ridiculous thing off.” Not hesitating, said man did so, pulling the black helmet off his head, his head quickly going back to its previous bowing position. You watched, that’s all you could do, noticing Poe’s long expression as he stayed on one knee, only hearing as Snoke got up from his seat and walked over to you both. Mainly you, voicing a cold chilling voice one word as he moved. “Hope.”

You blinked and kept your eyes glued on Snoke as he continued moving, continued speaking, “what a funny thing. Many desire to get an inkling of it, to feel what that truly feels like.” He moves forward until he stops a few inches before you, towering over you whilst he grabs the charm hanging from your chain with his long white fingers, chuckling when he sees you swallow thickly; “while you, so gracefully cling onto it like your life depended on it.”

Your gaze narrows and you manage to straighten your shoulders, responding in a cold voice that matches his. “Hope like my aunt Leia says, is like the sun you see. If you only believe in it when you see it, you’ll never make it through the night.” Your lips curl into a smile and you fully meet his icy gaze when he lets the charm drop, “I plan to make it through, whatever you might want to throw at me you’ll never see me fall because of that hope I believe in. Or as you say cling onto.”

Snoke chuckles, “wise. Hmm, so wise. I’m impressed.” He walks back and his eyes never leave yours, “but I know where your perfect persona falters my girl. As much hope as you may have, I see it, sense it. Fear.” He begins to walk towards you, but passes you, making you turn to see him, noticing as he turns to gesture for you to follow. His eyes drifting to Poe as he stood up as well, throwing him a quick order not seconds after. “Stay boy. I’ll talk with you later.” You look over your shoulder to see Poe simply and stiffly nod, his eyes avoiding yours before you completely turned away and had to follow after Snoke, feeling a small sense of pity for Snokes way of talking to Poe. It was so cold and bitter, nothing like how he talked to you. It made you wonder how he talks to Rey? Kind or bitter?

However it was, you had to leave those thoughts behind as you continued to walk beside Snoke as he led you to a different hidden door, that led to a hall that looked like all the others, grey and brightly lit. Only this hall on Snokes right side there was transparisteel lining all down the long hall. Getting a view at the stars of space. A view you cherished the more you were here. It was silent and peaceful, nothing like being by Snoke or hearing him continue speaking as if he knew you—“I knew what you fear, Skywalker.”

You shake your head and scoff, answering bitterly, “you know nothing about me.”

“You’re afraid to lose people like he was.”

You gulp and your confident demeanor falters.

“Your grandfather. The great Anakin Skywalker. The chosen one.” He pauses and tries to see if you would respond, but once he notices your silence he continues, “but as hopeful and great as he was, he feared just like you. Feared to lose the people he loved just like you. Feared not being able to help them.” The both of you walk into a darker hall, one lit by red lights instead of the usual white, where the only source of bright lights is from the outside of the transparisteel; Where the view is replaced by showing the inside of this ship instead of the stars. Adding to your chills and adding to the dooming, dark tempting voice he was using as he continued to explain when he and you came to a stop; “what if I told you that you didn’t have to lose your loved ones anymore. Not Ben solo, not your father. Not like how you lost your brother Jacen Skywalker.”

Your breath hitches at the sound of his name and at the offer Snoke tempted you with. You knew what he was saying was a lie, just trying to tempt you to go towards the dark side, but there was something within you that couldn’t help but ask. “What could you offer me?”

Your hear Snokes lips turn to a wicked smile as he gestures his hand so you could look out the window. Your eyes drift to where his pale hand is pointing to, seeing the transparisteel, knowing he was pointing to what is shown behind it. You walk forward and see the platform below, filled with squadrons of stormtroopers, all neatly lined up, listening to what their general said. Raising their fists all at once as they felt their inspiration at the words.

“Everything.” Snokes voice echoed behind you, seeing his reflection casted on the transparisteel as he stood closely behind you and asked, “have you heard of the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?”

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Tagged- @thescarletknight2014​ , @softly-sad , @golden-guide , @abysshaven​ , @a-dorky-book-keeper , @kit-jpg , @mybarnesmyhero

——

Deafening silence transpired in the space of the room, as from the depths of the couch your eyes captured every dancing color painted in the nubla clouded outside the transparisteel of the room. Noting the beautiful crimson light reflected on the warm skin of your hand and the entirety of your resting and slouching body. Feeling a salty taste kiss the corner of your lips as wretched tears rolled down the curve of your cheeks; trying to ignore the somber fact however as you admired the blue and green colors from the rest of the nubla parading around and basking the entirety of the room in its hues.

Feeling an almost vacant mind while you tried to numb the emotions that connected to this day, regretting even accepting Poe’s offer to accompany him wherever it was he was going to.

You should’ve just said no and let him have a fit instead, all you felt like doing today was nothing but sit in the echoes of your silence.

You didn’t even feel like getting up to open the door as a soft knock sounded on it. But it was a problem quickly resolved as the familiar swooshing sound hit your ears, signifying that someone opened it. Someone that basing off the soft footsteps on the floor, was Finn.

And identifying that, you wiped the tears off your cheeks, managing a small smile before turning around on the couch to face him, noticing right away an obvious mischievous intent written on his grinning face and hidden hands behind his back.

Your eyebrows pinch together and you fly up to sit up straight and instantly question him. “What? What’s going on? What are you doing?”

Finn says nothing and only gets an almost boyish grin as you follow him all the way until he comes around to stand before you, making you more nervous than sad now.

“Finn—”

“Happy birthday!” He sang as he swung his arm back around in front of him, revealing a small white round cake with a single candle on it.

“Oh stars, no,” you muffle out as you hide your burning face and wet cheeks in your hands, unable to contain the giddy smile on your lips. “How did you find out?”

He chuckles proudly and you feel the empty spot beside you sink down. “I have my ways.”

“You stalked me.”

“Researched!” He corrects you, moving the hands away from your face to show the cake in front of you.

You smirk and meet his gaze. “Same thing, stalker.”

“Whatever.” he huffs before the same excited grin grows on his lips; noting at that instant as the blue and green hues of the nebula clouded outside basked his face, how handsome he really was and much kinder his grin looked. It was truly admirable just like his kind gesture. “Happy birthday y/n.”

“Thank you Finn.” You finally say softly, blinking down as he lit the candle and pushed the cake closer.

“Make a wish and blow it out.”

“Oh jeez,” you sigh, “I haven’t done this in seven years. How do you do it again?”

Finn chuckles and plays along, “you inhale a little bit of air and then blow it out on the candle. Just don’t spray it out.”

“Gotcha.” Sharing one last smile you inhale a little bit, hesitating for a moment as you actually thought of a wish for his sake...and maybe yours. Watching the single dancing flame on the candle and feeling it captivate you as your memories began to flash in your mind for a fleeting moment. A single second before you forced yourself to blow out the candle and smile.

With a wider grin Finn then puts down the cake to face you and ask the usual, “What did you wish for?”

You scoff, “I can’t say or it won’t come true. You do know that's an unspoken rule right?”

“Come on just a little snippet.”

With a sigh you choose to say it, knowing it wouldn’t really matter as the real sad wish you thought of would remain hidden in the depths of your brain. “I wished to be a jedi Master.”

His eyebrows knot together in confusion, “aren’t you...one?”

“Nope. Not yet, my father never had the chance to grant me the rank of master. I’ve been doomed to be a Jedi knight for the rest of my life like my grandfather was.” You share. The last sentence added as more of an inside joke between Ahoska, Master Kenobi and said person. Knowing that only two of the three would’ve gotten a good laugh and it would’ve been great. And as much as you longed to live through that moment now, all you could do was imagine such a scene.

Finn blinks, not understanding a word and choosing to continue without going deep into it. “So, I know it isn’t a lot but it’s done with a lot of love, okay?”

“Don’t worry about it, I love it.” You smile before moving to wrap him in a much needed embrace. “Thank you Finn. You’ve got a good heart.”

At those words, his hold tightens and he lets out a slow breath of air, responding with nothing but a slow building tension that was broken as the door slid open. Revealing as expected, Poe.

He froze by the door and he gave no reaction at first, not until he collected himself and let his gaze narrow on what he caught; hiding his weird, bothered emotions as he walked inside. Letting the door close behind him before speaking up once Finn and you broke apart. “Good morning you two.” His eyes drift to the table in front of the couch and then to Finn and you again. “What’s the occasion?”

Just as Finn was going to open his mouth, you cut him off. “Nothing. Finn just wanted cake this morning.”

“Hmm,” Poe walks over to sit on your other side, suppressing his threatening smile and instead leading with something different. “Well we’re leaving soon, so do what you need to do before then.”

You shoot him a pointed gaze and turn your back to him before huffing out as softly as you could, feeling your pout but hiding it as you took a piece of cake on a paper plate and began to eat it in your unwelcomed and sudden anger.

Poe knew what today was. You knew you told him multiple times before—roughly seven years ago, but still, it’s something you doubted he forgot.

Or maybe he did. And it shouldn’t matter! It didn’t!

Yet you remembered his birthday even after the passing years without seeing him. Why didn’t he remember—no it didn’t matter. It doesn’t matter. Yet your eyes began to water as if you did care and he fucking noticed—“hey Princess are you okay?”

“Don’t.” You hiss as you stand and sit on Finn's other side, hearing Poe instantly remark back.

“Here I thought we were making progress.”

Another huff escapes you and you ignore him, feeling your anger burn more. Knowing at that instant that it did.

It did matter.

——

If there was a prize for rotten judgment you would be the sole grand winner for choosing to care so much about something so minuscule like remembering a birthday you haven’t celebrated for so long until this day because of Finn! But it's not like you were choosing to actually care, you didn’t want to at all. Who cared, right? Who cared about Poe remembering. Not you, nope.

Yet it felt so aggravating!

Like you wanted to grab him by the collar of his shirt and punch his nose, or just cry. Either choice—but he wasn’t even worth all this anger you felt boiling inside, or the crazy knotted up mess that was your thought process right now. He wasn’t worth you getting worked up. He wasn’t, and thinking so, you finally chose to expel out all the negativity and...other, with a deep breath in and a deep, relaxed breath out.

“Y/N.”

Fuck.

You grumble, “what?”

Poe stays silent for a second at the sound of your response whilst he studies your face and then tries to suppress a smug smirk; instead distracting the temptation by pulling out a blaster from his holster and holding it in front of you. “Since we’re not really in a safe place I want you to take this for just in case.”

You glance down at the black blaster and manage an amused grin and a scoff. At that instant and only for that shared instant forgetting your anger for him. “What?”

“Take the blaster.” He explains bluntly.

This time a snort escapes you, “a blaster?”

“Yes.” Poe deadpans.

You quickly frown, “you’re serious.” Rubbing the bridge of your nose you sigh, “I can’t take it.”

“What? You don’t know how to use it?” Poe asks smugly.

“No, I do, but it’s just not me….blasters are just so….” your face scrunches up and you pick up the blaster with the tip of your fingers in an almost disgusted manner. “They’re just so—can I use my lightsaber instead?”

Poe shakes his head, “no, I don’t trust you with them. You’re too good with them, you could cut my team without blinking and then leave, so no, sorry Princess, you get what you get.” He then follows by leaning closer and maneuvering your hand to the parts of the blaster. “And if you don’t know how to use it; hit the trigger and then shoot with this end pointing at the enemy.”

You frown and anger boils up again, watching him shoot you a smirk before his face was hidden behind the features of his black helmet, waving you over to follow him and his squadron; that was surprisingly made up of more of his black armored stormtroopers this time.

But as he did instruct you to follow, you didn’t and just fell by Finn's side. “What are we doing on Navarro anyway?” You question the only person you talked to outside of Poe and the only one you weren’t currently upset at. “I doubt we’re here for the Twi’Lek healing baths.”

“Nomad is here to meet with someone.”

“Who?” You interject rather quickly.

Finn shrugs, “a collector and bounty hunter; some Mandalorian. I don’t know he was being cagey.”

You hum and think out loud, “I didn’t know they existed anymore.” But then come to another conclusion, “but why did he bring me? There's no need for me here.”

“You prefer being in your room?” Finn counters.

“Well...no, but I just...nevermind.” Expressing one last huff you don’t finish what you’re going to say and instead focus on the tavern you were guided too, noting right away the few people inside all minding their business until Nomad and his pack of plastic followers walk inside disrupting the peace. Building a thick tension in the small area that only thickened as in the corner sat a single Mandalorian in red and white armor, it’s head lifting to most likely look at the man it was waiting for; following his movements as he turned back around and walked towards Finn and you.

“I’ll be back, I need to handle something, stay here while I’m gone.” Nomad instructs, his helmet facing Finn and then turning to face you. “Use the blaster if you need it, okay?”

You roll your eyes and cross your arms over your chest while you look away and hear him and his squadron leave through a back door, leaving only a selected few to patrol the area. Leaving Finn and you to sit on the bar in silence that he was quick to break with an enthusiastic question. “Birthday drinks?”

A smile even if you tried can’t help but spread on your lips.You weren’t much for drinking, only on rare occasions, but you knew he was excited and his gesture was meaningful, so you had no choice but to accept. Being left alone, or well not really, but since none of the other troopers were even close or paying attention, you were basically alone while Finn went to get what he offered; a poor and unintentional choice on his behalf since you were quick to get lost in your loud thoughts. Still absorbed by the stupid anger Poe’s forgetfulness left you in.

Unaware of the fact as you fought your thoughts and feelings that someone beside you was eyeing you, recognizing you straight away and speaking out loud in a voice that both startled you and sounded so familiar. “Y/N?”

Your eyes widen and with one hand you try to reach for your blaster, but freeze as from the corner of your eye the face registers in your mind. “Uncle Lando.”

“Kid, what are you doing here? Your—”

“Shh,” you breathe out, dropping your hand back to your side and picking up your guard—only not for the man sitting beside you, but of who could walk through those doors at any moment. “You know I would’ve loved to catch up any other time, but as of right now I’m sorry to cut this meeting short.” Snatching a napkin left on the bar you then have to ask, “do you have something to write with?”

He blinks but takes out something, handing it to you as he asks. “You’re with the first order aren’t you? What can I do?”

You glance around and shake your head, not hesitating even for a moment to jot down the old and new piece of information you had collected; “I want you to take these coordinates and transmit them only to C3PO or Artoo, no one else. They can give it to Ben or my aunt Leia.” You smile as you pass the piece of information to him, having to look ahead as to not give him away. “Don’t try and fight these people, just take it okay?”

He hesitates at your instructions, wanting just like his group of his friends to break the rules. But unlike them he was more rational and did what he was told. Thank the force—“okay I’ll do it now.” He stands up to leave, but before he does he walks behind you and hastily as well as briefly wraps his arm around your shoulders. “Happy birthday, junior. Hope we cross paths under better circumstances soon.”

You grin and want so badly to leave with the man next to you, but knowing if you did you'd put his life in danger. So for now all you had to do was wish and watch him leave—“we will. Thank you, uncle Lando.”

Before he leaves he places a very gracious amount of money on the table in front of you—A present you quickly came to recognize. And like all the times before, an expensive one.

“Hey, sorry I took forever. I almost had to fight some women for these drinks.” Finn finally returns whilst explaining in an annoyed tone.

“No worries,” you dismiss him, turning your head to watch him place the drinks in front of you. “Now I won’t have to think of my escape.” You feign a laugh, seeing him hesitate as he saw the money before you.

“Where’d you get that?”

“Oh,” dragging the money off the table, you shove it into your pocket and offer him a reassuring smile. “Poe gave it to me. I was just counting it.” Avoiding having to explain further, you take a big gulp of your drink and feel the tension rise again. This time it was something that lasted until you finished your blue drink, slamming the cup down and shooting Finn an innocent smile he didn’t find a meaning behind. Instead drank his own blue drink, making a distasteful face as the liquid hit his tongue. Beginning to mutter something until he stopped himself and put his helmet back on, staying seated and making you anxious at the sudden drop in mood and raise in tensed silence.

Silence broken by a blunt, “we have to go.”

Having no other choice, you follow Finn and the rest of the left over stormtroopers out, finding it strange right away as they were all sent back to the ship. All except for the both of you that kept walking deeper into the small town and then out, walking on grey stone and feeling the blaze from the distant lava that scattered around the planet. Seeing nothing for a couple of miles but sad, grey scenery; both in land and above. Spotting a couple long minutes later of endless walking, Nomad and two others behind him; in front of them the Mandalorian that you saw before, it’s helmet turning to face you, tilting slightly too whilst stopping its words it muttered to try to step towards you. It’s attempts stopped quickly as Nomad blocked its path.

“Tell you what, General, new deal. The girl for what you seek.”

Nomad doesn’t even take time to think of his answer, snapping back in an intimidating modified voice. “No. That was never the deal.”

The Mandalorian lets out a loud huff and places its hands on the handles of its blasters. “There's a bounty on her head worth more than your pounds of gold placed by her family. Do you know who she is or need I inform you?”

“She wouldn’t be with me if I didn’t know,” Nomad countered, his own gloved hand going to the handle of his vibrosword. “And she’s not some prize you can just take, or fight for. She was never the deal. We have our deal. Take it—”

“I’ll leave it.” The Mandalorian snaps back, in a blink of an eye, pulling out its blasters and shooting the two stormtroopers behind Nomad before threatening said man with its loaded blasters. Both pointing at one another with their weapons. Leaving Finn and you still in the same position as before, your own weapons ready just in case. “I’m taking the girl. Deals off whether you like it or not.”

“No.” Nomad argued sharply, “I need what you promised!”

The Mandalorians head tilts and it clicks its tongue under its helmet. “And I said, deals. Off. Tell your master that if he wants it he can come get it himself.”

Nomad’s hold tightens around his vibrosword, his head turning to face you for a moment that seemed like it was forever when in fact it was only a minute. One minute he took before he spun on the back of his heels to pull out his other blaster and shoot a man that had jumped out of hiding. A sudden action that caused you to gasp and be left in a silent surprise; an expression that lasted only seconds as a cascade of unfortunate events unfolded because of who Nomad shot.

Forcing you to hide after your blaster was shot out of your hand, not noticing Finn knocked out until he fell unconscious next to you.

“Finn?!” You suddenly cried out, catching the approaching gang of scoundrels rush towards you with determined and raging glares. Causing you to jump to your feet and look beside you to notice the blaster consumed by the small lake of lava. “Shit.” You look ahead again and see the gang approaching fast, but in the chaos that the day turned out to be, you also saw the freedom you craved as Nomad was weaponless on the ground just feet away.

Leaving him to get killed by the Mandalorian would make everything much easier, make your own goals be accomplished, make these people, even if it was for the money, take you back to the family you missed, closer to feel the force flow within you again.

Nothing would be easier than to give yourself in. But again as your eyes fell on Nomad your mind fought the battle that brewed inside you too, outweighing the choice to leave and leaving you with nothing but your own morality and despair to reach him in time. An insistence that made you break into an adrenaline packed sprint, feeling as the hot wind hit your face like you were running almost in slow motion, feeling like you were unable to reach him in time to stop the Mandalorian. Feeling utterly helpless without the force you needed, feeling the inkling of the same feelings you felt that night seven years ago.

But unlike that tragic night, this time you ran fast enough, you managed to reach Nomad before he was killed. Managing to pick his vibrosword off the ground and sliding on your feet to land perfectly in between the two, redirecting the blast the Mandalorian shot with the blade in your hand, hitting his unprotected throat and seeing in a matter of seconds its body fall lifeless to the warm ground.

The sight made you smirk just as you got to your given height and faced the now stunned gang, their bravery even if you couldn’t feel it through force, dwindling and burning away as they saw their leader dead by your feet. Some daring to come after you, but stopped as Finn awoke from his short unwanted slumber and shot them down in an act of surprise. Leaving the weak to run away before they could be killed too.

“Are you okay?!” Finn yelled out from where he was, wobbling as he struggled to get back to his feet.

You shot him a thumbs up as a response before turning to face a helmetless Poe struggling to get up. His brown eyes slowly lifting to notice your hand out in front of him before they locked with your own gaze. Noticing the small assuring smile that hid the sizzling anger you still felt towards him.

——

“Do you need help?” You ask Poe hesitantly. Not because you didn’t want to help him stitch his wound, but because for the past ten minutes after returning to the ship, you’ve fought yet another battle inside your mind on whether you should come help. Feeling the anger never leave, poisoning your mind more and more the deeper you thought of him forgetting a fact that he most likely didn’t care about.

Thinking about it now still made you boil over.

It was stupid and annoying, but it admittedly hurt the deepest chambers of your heart. Your uncle Lando’s comment only cured so much.

Why? Why did it have to be like this?

“I,” Poe’s eyes go from the needle in his hand and then lift up to you, sighing out his response as he pushes his hand out to you, “yeah, could you please.”

You offer a quick nod and wash your hands before walking towards him, swallowing thickly as you tried to ignore the sight of his exposed upper body, or the feeling of his warm skin under the tip of your fingers. Concentrating instead on the bad stitching on his still very much open wound that bled on his shoulder. “H-how were you even trying to do this without a mirror?”

His head lowers and he shrugs his right unharmed shoulder, sighing deeply while his head rises again, wanting to look over his shoulder to look at you, but deciding to keep his eyes on the wall instead. “Why did you come back? You could’ve let them take you back to your family, away from where you’re heading back to. Why did you even save me? I thought you hated me.”

You stop what you’re doing at his questions, leaving one of your palms resting on his smooth back, while your other hand held onto the needle, hearing your heartbeat suddenly pick up its rhythm inside your chest. Your mind hesitating for a moment to answer with the responses you had no time in coming up with. Truthfully it was a surprise you were even going to answer him the way you were—“because it was the right thing to do.”

“What? Come back to your cell?” He interjected.

You sigh, choosing to continue with what you had been doing as you continued to explain. “No, go back and help you. It was the right thing to do, I couldn’t just let you die; no matter what you’ve done. I wasn’t raised like that.” You let silence surround the small room for a brief moment to really piece your answer for his last question, feeling tension grow between you both the longer you remained quiet. Answering abruptly only before he could utter a word. “And I don’t hate you.”

Another brief pause takes place, this much quicker to break than the other. “I don’t hate anyone. Hate doesn’t lead you to anything good, I’ve learned that the hard way.”

Poe responds with silence, his head once again lowering after you finished, his body remaining still with only his eyes following your figure moving around the room until you stayed leaning by the cot across from him, speaking just above a whisper. “Well, thank you.”

You sigh and force a smile, “yeah.” With nothing else shared, you push your body off the cot and only take one step before Poe stops you.

“Wait, don’t go just yet.”

Your eyes flicker up to him and your heart races all over again.

“Now that we're alone, I wanted to give you something.” Poe reaches for his coat, digging his hand into a pocket hidden inside the clothing to pull out a small square silver box.

You scoff, “if it’s a pack of cigarras, thank you but I told you I don’t find them appealing.”

A small smile tugs on his lips as he shakes his head to turn down your comment. “It’s not that, just open it.” he extends his hand out to offer you the small box; making your face burn hotter than the lava that surrounded Navarra, causing your stomach and heart alike to do all types of flips inside you. Making your attempts slow as you took the box from his hand, feeling your fingers brush against his, but that particular feeling so small and unmatched to the feeling exploding within you now as you held the box in your hands.

“Okay,” you words tremble, glancing at him and then back to the box to pull the top off. Hesitating for a moment as you notice a small white silk cloth covering what was underneath; thinking at that instant, fuck, fuck, fuck—but continuing nonethless with shaky hands and a shaky breath that was suddenly sucked in as your eyes finally captured what the box contained.

Stars. Stupid…

“Poe…” you gasp, “what is this?”

He grins shyly, but also smugly. How did he do that?—“it’s a bracelet. I was going to give it to you in the morning, but Finn was there so I chose to save it for later.”

You try to swallow back a lump that had been quick to form in your throat as you studied the silver clasp snake chain charm bracelet inside the box; but you were unable to fully contain what threatened to show. Feeling your chest tighten more as your eyes stung with annoying tears the moment you also noticed the two silver star charms that were already decorating the bracelet. Poe’s continuing comment breaking you from your trance.

“I know you like admiring the stars from the room, and liked to do so even before, so now when you can’t see them outside you need only look down.” His voice softens and you swore by everything that you could hear his smile in his voice. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

No, no. Fuck, he can’t make you feel any type of warm and heart fluttering, exploding kind of way, no, no way. You were just angry at—fuck. Who were you kidding….

Finally being able to break away from the thoughts that barged through your mind, your eyes blink up to meet his already intent and soft gaze, hiding your watery gaze by going to him and wrapping him in a sudden embrace that caught him by complete surprise. Leaving him utterly clueless on what to do for a couple of seconds until your tightening hold snapped him back; letting him finally return your embrace with a hesitant hold at first, but soon tightening it around you just like you had with him. Hearing your words whispered by his ear that sent shivers down his spine—“thank you, Poe. You didn’t have to get me anything.”

Poe smirked and remarked your comment to try and hide what he felt brewing inside him. “You thought I forgot, didn't you?”

You scoff and break away instantly, lying straight through your teeth. “No, I didn’t actually.”

Poe snickered, “you did, I noticed you’ve been mad at me all day. But don’t worry I never forgot about you, Princess.”

Unable to give a coherent response you choose to scoff instead and choose to spin around to leave, not getting far as Poe caught your arm in time and whispered by your ear. “I’ve never forgotten about you,” he turns you around to face him again, the current position you were in making you squirm under his hold, unable to meet his eyes like you had moments ago. Hearing his lips part to add more instead—or rather nothing as he closed his mouth, not sharing what he planned and instead tilting your head up with his knuckle, making your eyes meet his dark ones. Letting him lean his face closer to you. Feeling his hand that was wrapped around your arm, slowly travel down to your hand, causing the hairs on the back of your neck to rise and your skin to grow goosebumps as his warm hand snaked past every inch of it.

The gentle touch almost felt in some ways euphoric or like that feeling when one drinks water in the middle of the night. It made you want to pull away but let him touch so much more. But he didn’t touch anything else, or say anything, he only smiled sweetly and began to gently caress your cheek.

“I-I” you stammer out before your eyes roam down to his lips, getting the strong temptation to just lean in and really, truly feel what his lips felt like, what they taste like and not having to only imagine it, or relay off a dream.

Every part of your body screamed at you to do it, nothing was stopping you; no sudden interruption or nagging thought to run away. You could and wanted to do it like you needed it to breathe—So you did it. You leaned in to close the gap without saying anything more, feeling your cheeks burn and your heart hammer inside your chest. All of it albeit brushing off as your lips brushed against his, but only that as he swiftly swerved you and kissed your cheek instead. Leaving you stiff and confused while he uttered words you barely caught. “Happy birthday, baby.” The teasing fuck then pulled away and moved around you, stopping as he reached the ships hall to throw back one comment you heard him say through gritted teeth, “Oh and Snoke wants to see you.”

First, fuck Poe; the anger you felt for him before had left your body, but now it returned with more raging fire. Second, great. This was going to be absolutely fantastic.

——

“Skywalker, it’s been some time.” Snoke greets coldly, not even acknowledging Poe on his knee next to you. “Truly your presence has been missed my friend.”

Ew.

Taking your silence and glare as a response, he proceeds by standing from his seat and walking down to be just a couple feet away to then wave someone over from behind you. His pale face soon thereafter decorated by an ugly wicked grin that you identified was caused by the brunette that walked to his side with a long hovering object at her side, and a sly smile shot at you.

“I have two gifts for you. One will be shown tomorrow in the form of a ball, or party, whichever term you may like to call it. But today my faithful apprentice and I both wanted to gift you something...special for such an important day.” Snoke continued proudly and with malicious intent, glancing at Rey to give her a knowing nod. “If you would.”

Rey doesn't hesitate and Poe stands to his feet the moment she lightly pushes the hovering object in front of you; glancing at you behind her hood to share a mischievous smirk as she uncovered the hovering object to reveal a box.

“Go ahead, Skywalker, It’s for you.” Snoke urges.

You hesitate to do as Snoke, glancing at Poe; the only person you trusted here. Someone who noticed your hesitance and shared an unsure but assuring nod. It didn’t precisely make you at all excited to actually do as instructed, but you did so because you knew it wasn’t really a suggestion.

And in that moment you began to reach the box to unveil what was hidden within you got a horrible gut wrenching feeling and felt a cold chill slither down your spine.

Feelings that horrifyingly intensified and became much greater the moment you threw the top back and identified the object within. Darth Vader’s burnt helmet.

——

(Ben’s P.O.V)

“If it’s a fight you want Ben,” she uttered confidently, pressing the button on her lightsaber to reveal the double blades that emitted from her hilts, and that almost blended with the blood red background. The only thing that distinguished the two was the humming sound coming from her lightsaber.

“It’s a fight you’ll get.” She finished, forcing Luke to summon his own lightsaber from his side and welcome it to his open hand, pressing down the button to activate the lightsaber and show a steady humming bright blue blade.

Upon noticing the changing fact, Rey smirked, twisting her lightsaber in a fluid movement as she watched Luke begin to walk behind her, trapping her between Ben and him. Causing a change that should’ve knocked down her confidence a notch or two, but that did what appeared to be the opposite, as she confidently lunged at Ben first.

Causing Ben to react quickly, hastily avoiding her blade by moving to the side—Rey then without a fault spun around and tried to surprise Luke by swinging down, but he was too skilled and caught her actions, avoiding her swing and looking at her with a disapproving look that made her grip onto her hilt with both hands and swing her other end at him. Her shoulders visibly stiffening as Luke again maneuvered out of the way.

Ben couldn’t help the pride build within himself at the scene in front of him, almost wanting to smirk at the fact that Rey seemed to be getting angry at Luke’s dodges. But that was the keyword, almost, because Ben took the opportunity Rey was distracted and strided closer to her; lifting his lightsaber to jab down on her back. Only getting surprised as Rey spun on her heels to clash her red blade against the blue just in time, lifting her leg and kicking Ben back.

Said man remained in balance and slid on his feet, glaring at the determined girl as she strode towards him, swinging her double blades but being met every single time with a clash, or quick dodges that ticked her off more each time. Enough so that she let out an angry bellow and dug her heels to the ground before running towards Ben. Turning her lightsaber in her hand to go for a high swing.

Ben quickly blocked her and was about to retaliate until her voice interrupted his action. “I can help you, show you the ways of the dark side,” she put out, her gaze consumed by the red lights below, narrowing her gaze on his currently unmoving stance, “you could join your cousin. Be stronger. The three of us could be stronger together.”

Ben blinked, “three? What about your Masters pet?”

Rey ignored that specific question and chose to continue with her plan on distracting him, her gaze unwavering unlike Bens; whos eyes searched her face, causing the reflection of the lightsabers hues to change from red and blue as he searched deeply to find the lie or the truth on her face—or really to take a second to debate her offer. “Think about it, Ben, more power than you have now. The anger that clouds you, I can help you with. You can be better than Darth Vader. We—”

“Ben!” Luke bellowed, stopping her words and letting Ben’s eyes snap over Rey’s shoulder. Distracting him from the move Rey began to play out, letting her continue to move back and fake a high swing that she swiftly switched up as Ben’s attention went on her again.

He moved his lightsaber to block her until she deactivated her blades and hastily dropped her hilt to catch it with her other hand. Smirking as the red blades reappeared again and she swung up in intents to slash his torso. Failing nonetheless as she didn’t count on the force Luke used to pull her back to hit the ground and only letting her blades cut Ben’s black tunic.

“Sorry.” Luke shrugged nonchalantly, his hands clasping in front of him as he watched Rey’s face turn red out of anger. “I’ll tell you what I would tell Ben. Breathe, anger doesn’t do you nothing good.”

A small growl left Rey’s lips as her hand clutched on her hilt, parting her lips to talk back, but not managing to say much as Ben stomped forward, spinning his lightsaber and lifting his blue blade over his head to try and impale Rey.

But right as he was going to complete his action, Rey lifted her legs and kicked him back with all her pent up anger; knocking his breath out of his lungs and causing him to fall to the ground with his lightsaber now several feet away from his hand—Rey used this advantage to swiftly push herself back to her feet and fluidly spin back to face Luke, swinging half of her red blade at him, but not surprisingly, creating bright sparks as the red blade clashed with the blue. The colors mixing and creating a purple hue that basked their faces as they remained still while Luke spoke out words that caught her off guard.

“It’s not too late,” he spoke, her glare faltering, “I could help you, teach you the ways of the Jedi. Take you away from the anger that clouds you and the master who manipulates you. It’s not too late, you can change, I can sense it.”

Rey stiffened as she remained struck with flooding emotions, trying to unscramble Luke’s words as she heard Snokes echo and the dark side pull back stronger. Only creating a silent waiting tension that broke as “reason” hit her again—“no. You can’t manipulate me! I will not fall!” She seethed, moving back and gripping onto her hilt with both hands again to fight back, throwing an angry remark beforehand. “But your daughter will! And she’ll be the monster you’ll fear the most.”

Luke remained unphased and spoke as so. “My daughter is stronger than you think, than your master thinks. She won’t fall.”

Rey cocked her head slightly to the side and grimaced, “we’ll see.” And then in a brisk move she stepped forward, swinging one red blade to meet the blue before her jaw clenched and she swung the other end; catching him before he could block her by closing the extended hilt and trapping his blade between hers.

Her confidence overcame her, thinking she had won before the fight was over, before Luke skillfully turned around to her other side. Twisting her lightsaber along with him and leaving her disarmed and steaming with anger. Something that caused her to throw her hand out and summon Ben’s lightsaber to her hand, gasping as she felt a force pull it back, fighting against her.

Rey turned around and saw Ben on his feet, his hand out trying to pull his lightsaber to himself as well, creating a tug of war against each other that increased in intensity as they both fought harder. Creating the same scene from the force connection; both groaning and grunting as they fought. Only this time not to push each other away, but to reach for something that shouldn’t have even been fought for in the first place, something that was just fought for because of the anger they both had. Blinding both and adding a tension to Ben’s lightsaber that was unknowingly making the kyber crystal within crack.

“Ben, let go! Leave her!” Luke tried to reason, but it was only going in through one ear and shooting out the other. “Ben! Listen to me, let go of your anger! Breathe! She isn’t worth it let go!” Luke bellowed again, dropping Rey’s lightsaber and trying to make Ben understand without wanting to intervene with the battle in front of him. “Ben, y/n still needs us! Let go! Ben—”

Luke’s words suddenly cut off as something red flew through the room and hit Rey’s shoulder, sending her flying back and the hold she had on the lightsaber to be dropped out of a sudden.

Both Ben and Luke looked back and by the entrance stood Mara with a blaster in hand and a determined expression set on her features. Leaving Ben stunned and amazed.

“No more time to gawke, it’s time to go.” She explained, waving both men over; making them both listen and rush towards her to then run out of the room and down the same halls to get back to the Falcon. Leaving a moment of just silence that made Ben wonder out loud.

“Why did you go back? I thought my uncle Luke took you back to the ship?”

The man in question responded with nothing in his defense and instead focused on getting out, letting Mara answer instead. “He took me halfway and I decided to go back because I knew something was going to go wrong. You’re welcome.”

Ben’s mouth was left open, unable to speak any words, just let silence take over instead all the way until they reached the already started up Falcon, with Chewbacca waiting by the ramp, his shoulders dropping at the realization of the missing person.

He expressed his concern and Ben answered hesitantly as he climbed inside and walked past him. “She-she’s not here.” Not waiting for another question, Ben hurried to the cockpit where his father was waiting, his face like his mother’s dropping their excitement, as like Chewbacca they noticed the missing person they were here for in the first place. And before they could question the absence, like Ben knew they would, he interrupted their thought, “she wasn’t here, we have to go before they blow us up.”

They said nothing, but look at one another and then at Luke walking past Ben. He hadn’t meant to be so harsh when he answered, but he didn’t have the time or patience. All he could think about was letting his cousin down, failing and falling for the trap Rey had supposedly laid, the anger that he felt built more and more inside him, towering to a point it felt like it was going to tumble over and bring his composure down with it. Nothing felt like it could calm him down, not his family, his old master or Mara. Not the thought that he could save his cousin because he was failing at that. His anger was becoming overwhelming, clouding him. The only thing that seemed to distract him from imploding was the sudden violent shake on the Falcon.

“Oh no,” his father expressed, removing his hand from the hyperspace lever.

“Oh no what?” His mother questioned wide eyed.

“It’s not wanting to jump to hyperspace.” He stressed, his hand jumping all over the control board, avoiding another blast that threatened to hit the ship.

“What do you mean?” Luke followed, “I thought you were here fixing the ship the whole time?!”

“I was!” Han snapped back.

“Then?!”

Han turned to look back at Luke to point his finger at him, his annoyance for the situation clear as day. “I’ve got it handled.” He turned around quickly and began to give Chewbacca instructions, demanding answers for the problems, but receiving nothing but another hit that shook the whole Falcon.

“If we don’t get out of here, they’re going to blow us out of space.” Ben added to the tension.

“Not exactly,” Mara spoke up in an excited tone, a grin spreading on her face before she rushed out of the cockpit. Reappearing moments later through Hans headpiece, her intentions instantly explained as blasts from the Falcons gun began to shoot out at the TIE’s after them.

“At least someone’s thinking.” Han quipped, his attention wavering from flying, to helping Mara and trying to fix the Lightspeed problem. Causing Ben to move along and distract himself with that, going all around the boards, pushing, pulling and changing anything he could think of. Turning out that the stress this was causing was not the best for his already building up anger. Just as he was going to complain, his mother’s voice broke through.

“I did it.” She smiled, making Han turn to her stunned, in slight awe and admiration. “Maybe it’s time to retire, flyboy.”

Han scoffed and smirked, turning back to focus his attention on leaving, “Punch it, Chewie!”

This time the action came out successful; seeing the blue and white streaks of hyperspace fly past them. Dropping Ben back to his anger as well.

——

“Think about it, Ben, more power than you have now...”

No.

Ben grabbed his lightsaber from his side and set it on the table, taking it apart to see the blue kyber crystal that was once complete, cracked and unable to give full life to his lightsaber as it did before. Now it sputtered as it activated, steamed almost, like at any moment it was going to explode. All because of Rey.

“The anger that clouds you, I can help you with…”

No.

He took a deep breath and tried to find a solution to heal his kyber crystal, unaware that his hand was clenching so tight under the table that his nails broke his skin until it bled. Unaware of the pair of eyes carefully watching him from across the room.

“You can be better than Darth Vader...”

No.

“Ben.”

Said man clenched his fist tighter, flinching slightly at the sudden call of his name from the girl approaching.

“Mara,” He uttered deeply, meeting her gaze only briefly before he focused on his cracked crystal again. “Are you still mad?”

Mara sat across from him in the booth and rested her arms on the table, shaking her head, “I understand why she had to hide her real identity, but I just don’t get why you guys didn’t trust me enough to tell me...or atleast her.”

Holding the crystal between his thumb and pointer finger, Ben sighed, “don’t take it too personally, my cousin isn’t good with people, she prefers talking to ghosts or family. It takes her time to get comfortable around some people.” his eyes slid to the side to meet her dark ones, “she used to get bullied by the other kids in the temple when she was younger because of who she talked to that's why...just don’t tell her I told you. She’s never talked about it.”

Mara hummed in comprehension, folding her arms over the table and admiring the crystal in Ben’s fingers—“what’s wrong with it?”

Ben shrugged, running his hands through his long hair, “it’s cracked and unstable now. I need to fix it to make my lightsaber work...but I haven’t found a way yet. If you have any, I’m open to hear them.”

Mara giggled, “I know nothing about lightsabers just that they’re actually heavier than I expected.”

Ben smiled slightly, feeling his anger subside for a moment, but not enough. She wasn’t enough.

“I can help you find jai—y/n.” Mara continued, making Ben frown.

“No,” he shook his head, putting the crystal back into his lightsaber, “the only clue to where she could be ended up being a trap.”

“So, you’re going to give up?”

“No.” Ben snapped quickly, a sharpness in his tone he didn’t mean. “She’s still out there. As long as she is, I'm going to look for her.”

Chewbacca from where he sat in the Falcon, added to Ben’s statement, making Ben agree. “Chewbacca is right, we only know she might be in another star destroyer. No where. She could be anywhere in this galaxy. It could take months to find her. Months my mother and you don’t have time to keep looking. You both need to get back to base.”

“What about you?”

Ben only briefly glanced at her as he responded, “I told you already, as long as she’s out there I’m going to look. She needs me.” He looked into the depths of the crystal on the table, once again clenching his fist, breathing in deeply and exhaling out slowly. The topic he was talking about made his fist shake and his jaw to clench tightly. Made him roll his head to the side to try and cool his anger. The darkness that seeped through, biting down on him and not wanting to let go, trying to drag him down completely with no trace to be left.

No clarity…

“Ben!” His mother suddenly called, pulling his gaze to her entering the room with a hopefulness in her eyes. “It’s a message from Lando...from y/n.”

Ben instantly dropped what he was doing and rushed to follow behind his mother, hearing Mara and Chewbacca trial behind as well until they returned to the cockpit where the first thing he noticed was a small hopeful smile on his uncle Luke’s face, as he like Ben’s parents gathered around the comm with C3P0’s voice speaking out.

“Oh I feel so honored that master y/n, would trust me with such important information. I do hope she’s well—”

“Threepio.” Ben’s mother cut off the blabbering droid sharply. “The information.”

“Oh right,” the droid exclaimed, “Master Calrissian sent a personal message to me from Master y/n that only reads “05251977-05251983, Wing B”. It looks to be some coordinates. Oh, by the force what could it mean?”

The group inside looked at one another to try and understand the small piece of information, not grasping right away until Mara pointed it out. “It coordinates to the star destroyer she’s on.”

“Exactly,” Leia added excitedly, “and the last piece of information is where she is on the ship.”

Han chuckles, “that’s my girl! Smart like her uncle.”

Luke scoffs from where he sits but adds nothing but a narrowed gaze shot at Han.

“Okay, goldenrod thank you so much for your help,” Han shouted out to comm as his finger hovered the button to turn it off after adding one last thing before the droid could speak up. “bye!”

The cockpit falls in silence for a long tense moment that Ben breaks seconds later with a final happy smile, “we found her.”

.

.

.

A/N- a little drop of jealous Luke because Han called Luke’s daughter his girl 😌 lmao anyway hope you all liked and be ready for what’s to come :)

Tagged- @thescarletknight2014​ , @softly-sad​ , @golden-guide​ , @abysshaven​ , @a-dorky-book-keeper , @kit-jpg​​ , @mybarnesmyhero , @zoeyangels, @algenforthewin, @leilei-draws

Again you blink and this time you swallow thickly as you suddenly snap from your stupor, as you truly heard what he said; feeling an anger and sense of confidence begin to bubble inside of you that made you speak up against Snokes attempts; “you’re wrong about one thing Supreme Leader Snoke. Darth Vader was never my grandfather. Anakin Skywalker is.”

Snokes smugness drops and he shows a terrifying serious expression.

You notice it and your confidence falters but you continue, “whatever trick you're thinking of trying to pull off, it’s not going to work. I will not fall for the temptations of the dark side.”

“Not even to get your brother Jacen Skywalker back?” Snoke quickly counters, making everything you tried to uphold before slowly wither and shrivel up inside you. Something he instantly took pride in as he had regained the upper hand—“not even then, Skywalker? Hmm?”

You shake your head and take a step back, feeling the confidence completely blow away and your anger take over. “No. No. It’s not possible. He’s dead. Your apprentice made sure of that.”

“So your father never told you then? Never told you of a way to bring your brother back?” Snoke queried, taking your silence as a sign to continue. “There is one. A way to fully bring him back, but it’s a way that you can only know of course if you join me and my apprentices.”

You gulp. “Why don’t you tell me now and I’ll consider.”

Snoke chuckled. “Do you take me for a fool?” Silence again overcomes you but this time you shrug and show a faint smirk. He shoots you a glare before he finishes. “I’m not one, I know that the moment I tell you, you’ll run off and try, but what you don’t know is that the only way to achieve such a notion and know of the way, you have to join the dark side and leave your jedi ways.”

Your eyes drop to the floor and you respond with a low grumble, “I’ll never join you.” You look up at him with a glowering glare, “like I’ve said before, I’m a jedi, I will not fall for your temptations.”

Snokes pride doesn’t drop as he shows you an ugly grin, “we’ll see about that.” He steps back and looks towards the bright hall just as Poe joins you. Unbeknownst to you, grinning wider as he saw your eyes instantly find Poe’s—“take her back to her quarters, my apprentice, our girl here has a lot to think about. And after you do so come back to me, we need to talk.”

Poe nods stiffly, “yes, master.” His gaze once again goes to you and he walks over to you, trying to grab your arm but failing to do so as you pull it away from him. He scoffs and tries again, this time succeeding and gripping onto it tightly. Proceeding to pull you down the hall that was brightened by brighter lights, letting the silence and a tension build even as you reached the elevator. Occasionally stealing a glance each other’s way, shoving away the questions that were building within each of you, especially him. Only feeling your anger overflow inside you but unable to read a single thought inside your head as he tried to do it discreetly. Just adding pressure to the already built pain.

It wasn’t until the elevator doors opened did the tension and the pressure stop all at once, letting only the questions to linger overhead. One finally managing to be asked by Poe as he walked you down the hall with your arm in one hand and his helmet in the other. “What did he want?”

Your eyes meet his as you look at him from the corner of your eyes, frowning even deeper as Snokes words echo louder in your head the moment he asks. Now you didn’t feel like answering, but you did so regardless and bluntly. “It doesn't matter.”

Poe shrugs, stopping in front of your door before responding. “I mean you’re angry so it does.”

You scoff and roll your eyes, feeling a cold breeze as your door behind you slides open— “it doesn’t matter. Just leave me alone.” You snap. Making him scoff and take a step back before he retorted just as sharply.

“Fine, I’m sorry I was worried and asked. I won’t do it again.”

You huff out angrily at his comment and take a step back into the room, letting the door close in front of his face. Something that let your surroundings suddenly get engulfed by the darkness and coldness of the room. Making your shoulders drop and the mask of anger for him and his question fall at the moment the silence of the room echoed in your ears, noticing once more how lonely it was inside, having only your loud and cruel thoughts as company.

——

“And if they come back again? They most likely wanted to kill me, but found...Jacen first. I can’t be close. I have to hide and leave y/n behind.” Your father's voice sounded clearly in the room, the words making your heart crack and tears instantly fill your eyes, pulling away from Ben’s grasp as you burst into the room. The sudden interruption causing all three adults to look your way.

“You’re leaving?” You whimpered, looking to your father and trying to fight back your tears.

“Y/N.” He muttered, his eyes darting to his sisters across the table before looking at you once more. “I have to—”

“Without me? What about Jacen? Are we not going to go after the person that killed him?” You rambled, hearing your voice crack and feeling the need to let your tears fall burn your eyes; “I-I saw. It was someone in a mask...I-I saw. You can’t leave.”

He walked up to you and put both hands on both of your shoulders, letting his gaze turn assuring, but not his words. “We don’t look for revenge, as tragic as it was we don’t—”

“He was your son!” You cried as you pulled away from his touch and let your expression twist into one of anger. “And my brother! How are we not going to kill the person that killed him?!”

“Because it’s not right.” He argued, “you are a Jedi. We don’t look for revenge. It will only lead you down a dark path.” He sighed and tried to walk towards you again, hesitantly this time as he saw and felt your anger. “I know you’re mad and grieving, but we can’t. Promise me you won’t.”

Your lip quivered as you looked into his blue eyes, unable to respond with a definite answer as you still didn’t know what to do. You knew you wanted justice, but you also knew your father was right. The ghosts you talked to everyday always taught you that too. But he was your brother. Maybe the real debate was if he would want this? Jacen was daring and little more ruthless than most, he often did things that went against what your father would say a jedi should act, but Master Kenobi said those were just traits similar to your grandfathers and that Jacen was far from turning to the dark side. So would Jacen want to be avenged?

His body didn’t disappear so it meant he was no ghost, even if Master Kenobi did say that neither did Master Qui-gon’s and he turned into a force ghost. But unlike him, Jacen never appeared to either ghosts you talked to. They said that they haven't seen him or felt his presence. So it was impossible to really know. To get to communicate with him. So again it was hard to know if revenge is what he would want.

Is it something you want?

You look away from your father and look out the window, watching the darkness that the night brought as you thought for a moment. Only looking at your father once you came up with a response, “then promise me you’ll stay, or let me come with you. Please.”

Your father blinked and looked towards the ground as he tried to hide the sadness and pity in his eyes at the answer he immediately knew he was going to give. And once he managed to find the courage, he reached to cup your cheek and give his answer. “I’m sorry, but I have to hide alone. I can’t risk them finding you too. You have to go with your aunt Leia and stay with them, Ben will—”

“No.” You seethed as you stepped away from him, hearing your heart finally break inside your chest. “I understand you loud and clear. No need to further explain.” Shooting him one last lingering glare you turn around and storm out of the hut, hearing Ben instantly follow after you in the dead of night, no stars or fires to light the way you were going. Just storming off blindly in the darkness, hearing Ben’s footsteps track behind you as the only indication that you weren’t alone.

“Y/N! Wait! Y/N….”

——

“..hey, y/n.” Finn uttered as he basically ripped off the helmet off his head.

Looking away from the dark view outside the transparisteel you shift your body as you sit on the couch to face him with a small smile, greeting him just as warmly. “Hi, Finn. Good morning...or is it night? I can never tell here.”

Said man walks towards you and basically throws himself on the couch, “I don’t know either. But basing that I woke up a few hours ago, I’ll say it’s morning. Somewhere.”

You hum and turn to face him, noticing the lack of trays he always carried when coming to your room—“uhh, no food today? Are Poe or Snoke starving me because of what I said a few hours ago?”

Finn chuckled and shook his head, “no. Uh, Nomad ranted about you a bit after he came back from seeing Snoke, but he didn’t say anything about starving you. Like I would listen if he did.”

You grin warmly, “aww you’re gonna make me blush.”

Finn responded with a light hearted scoff, going silent as he locked his eyes with yours for a lingering moment until you looked away and broke the tension you felt building at the shared interaction, as well as breaking the silence with a clear of your throat before speaking up. “I do want to thank you...” you look away from the void space and turn to him to continue, noticing his attention had gone unwavered.

“...for taking your time to eat with me for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I really enjoy it. I enjoy our time together as well as your company.” Your voice cracks but you swallow back the lump in your throat that began to form and burn. “I’m not used to eating alone...I'm always used to eating with someone. Usually now my cousin Ben, or my aunt Leia, or my uncle Han and or Chewie. Sometimes all four. Or it would be Ahsoka before she got mad at me. I mean she can’t eat cause she’s a ghost but she keeps me company.” You stopped and took in a shaky breath of air, looking up to the ceiling to avoid crying as you exhaled just as shakily.

Finn took a moment to give a response. You didn’t know if it was because your words touched him or because he was speechless, but he stayed silent for a moment, enough time to let you look towards him again. Noticing that he was looking away and that his gaze had faltered even if a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. It wasn’t until he sighed deeply a couple minutes later that he finally turned to look at you once more, his smile still there but barely noticeable. He blinked and shared what seemed to trouble him.

“Nomad said that you should go eat with him at the mess hall. That’s why I didn’t bring food, because he wants you to go join him.”

Your smile turns into a firm straight line on your face. “Like alone?”

“He said if that’s how you want it, then alone, but there's people there now. Just people from his squadron, or well his inner circle, those he trusts most. So those we saw yesterday and a couple others. Oh and also Rey.”

You bite the inside of your cheek and shrug before looking away and responding quietly. “I don’t know...I like it alone. I’m not that good with people or well crowds of people I don’t know. I mean when it comes to fighting yes, but not when it comes to talking.”

“You don’t have to talk to anyone. And I’ll be there,” he paused and hesitated. “So will Nomad.”

You hum and feel your stomach grumble, the sound giving you your answer. “Fine, but only for a while and only because there's food.” Without waiting for a response you push yourself to the edge of the couch and step into your shoes before standing up, right away noticing that Finn was still sitting and seeming to have something else on his mind. A detail you didn't take long to question. “Everything okay?”

“Yesterday, when you stood up for those resistance fighters,” he began in almost a whisper, “why did you do it? You were willing to give your life for them, why?” He asked as he looked over to you with a troubled gaze.

You swallow thickly and answer almost instantly. “Because it was the right thing to do. They were going to kill them because of my mistakes, it wasn’t right, so I wanted to take the fall, it didn’t matter. But they….ended up dying so, I guess I didn’t try hard enough.”

Finn blinked, “when do you do the right thing? How do you know?”

“Uhh,” you pause and look towards the ground as you find it difficult to answer. “It’s just an instinct I guess. No one gets to tell you when. It’s something you have to decide on your own.” Your gaze drifts to his still rather troubled person. Making the curiosity inside you grow tenfold. “Why—”

“What about the force?” He cut you off, “what is that?”

“Well the force is as my father puts it; is not a power one has. It’s not all about lifting rocks. It’s an energy between all things. A tension, a balance, that binds the universe together.” Your eyes narrow on him and you tilt your head slightly. “Why? Why all these questions?”

Finn shakes his head and shrugs, his gaze still looking troubled. “Just...curious.”

You let out a soft hum and watch as he stands up abruptly, walking around the couch and walking towards the door, stopping before it as it slid open and the lights from the hall casted his shadow inside the room. Pointing his head to the hall to wave you over, “come on, let’s go.” You hesitate for a couple seconds before you walk up to follow him out of the room. Walking down the usually empty hall in silence as he seemed to be lost inside his head. The only sound that filtered inside were the sounds of your steps echoing in the hall and later the door sliding open as he turned to walk into what you saw was the mess hall that he mentioned.

Seeing right away the new faces of the people he talked about. The ones that Poe supposedly trusted the most. There weren’t a lot, but definitely more than four. And as you walked further inside, you saw to the side in one corner the four from yesterday gathered around a table, while the rest of the mess hall was filled with different sentients and humans alike. In the far end you noticed was Poe with a group of girls around him, all batting their eyelashes and smiling sweetly. While he seemed to talk and talk about the force knows what; sitting across him from was the brunette you instantly recognized as Rey. She didn’t turn at the sound of the door, not like you could hear it with all the talking and scraping of utensils against the plates.

In fact no one seemed to notice either Finn or you until Poe ruined that moment as his gaze found yours, basically pushing the group of girls around him to the side and offering you an immediate charming smile. Seeming to forget what either of you said to each other only hours before. And once Finn and you finally reached his table, he looked up to you and greeted you in a very smug way. “Princess, I’m glad you came.”

You let out a huff of air, “are you really?”

He smiles wider. “Yes.”

“Hi,” Rey greets, a smirk tugging on her lips as she speaks in a mocking tone, “Princess.”

You scoff and ignore her greeting as you sit in front of her and in between Poe and Finn. Seeing as Poe pushed a plate covered by foil towards you and one towards Finn, looking at you mainly as he continued. “I got you a plate, I didn’t know what you’d want so I got you a little bit of everything.” You manage a small and feigned thankful smile as you take the foil off your plate. Picking up the fork to pick at the food before shifting your eyes to him one more. “I would have made you food myself, but if I made you food I would have to make everyone else here food. And well I think that gesture should be reserved for a special occasion.”

You scoff and lift your eyebrow, feeling your lips tug into a genuine amused smile. “You cook?”

He smiled sweetly and leaned in closer, lifting his thumb and then his index finger up to his lips to suck the nectar of the fruit he had eaten off of them slowly and one by one. The action making your eyes unexpectedly slide down to his lips to watch him, swallowing thickly as you begin to squirm in your seat before finally tearing your eyes away a little too late to go unnoticed. Feeling flustered (even more so) as he followed by licking his lips and whispering in a tone that made you shiver, “only for special people.”

You clear your throat and look down at your food, picking at a piece of fruit and shoving it into your mouth. Avoiding his stare as you swallowed the fruit and talked to him as you continued looking down at your food, hiding and hoping this weird flustered feeling would go away. “Uh...next time then.”

He hummed in agreement, “next time.”

You continued to eat and avoid the stares for a while until slowly all sound began to tune out, feeling as your eyes fixated on the plate that was soon empty and clean from the colorful foods that had once decorated on top of it, not necessarily focusing on the plate itself. Simply using it as a form to keep your eyes on something as your attention flew hundreds of miles away and you began to think of how you missed your uncle Hans sarcastic jokes; the way only Chewie and you would laugh at them and on occasion your aunt Leia. Usually though she disapproved of them. While Ben pretended not to be interested even though you would see him crack a smile.

You missed the hundreds of war stories Ahsoka would tell to keep herself busy as you ate, or the lighthearted bickering between her and your grandfather; on occasion hearing, Master Kenobi join in one or two here and there. You missed seeing the beautiful colors painted on a real sky, the greenery that D’Qar was filled with. The feeling of knowing your father was okay and hiding out in the depths of the galaxy. You just missed the force in general. Missed the comfort of having your cousin Ben around even if most of the time he was silent. Missed being free….

“I’m surprised you’re not out there flirting with your crush, Skywalker.” Poe spoke by your ear, disrupting you from your thoughts to focus your attention on him.

You sigh, “I said he reminded me of someone, Poe, not that I liked him.”

“Damn sorry. I was just teasing.”

You sigh again and push your empty plate forward, crossing your arms on the table before you mumbled out your response. “I’m just tired of being here.” Poe stays silent but you could feel his eyes on you, the feeling making you groan and turn to him. “What?”

He doesn’t hesitate to answer this time, “I’m taking a couple of my troopers with me to a recon mission, do you want to come?”

You straighten out your shoulders and cock your head to the side, lifting one eyebrow to question his motives. “I’m not going to help you kill innocent people, nor fight resistance fighters.”

Poe shakes his head, “none of that. Supreme leader Snoke wants me to go down on this planet allied with us to check why they’ve gone silent. No fighting, just checking.”

Your gaze narrows on him to debate for a moment before your desperation to breathe fresh air and see a real sky beat you to answering. “Okay, fine. I’ll go.”

At your answer, Poe sat up straighter in his spot and offered you a smug smile.

——

As the ship slowly began to lower, your eyes drifted to look out the transparisteel, noticing the soft light green fields of grasslands surrounding the beautiful white capital city. Noticing the blue sky scattered with big greyish clouds that looked as if they were going to fully invade the serenity of the calm skies any moment now. The sight made you sigh and think how tragically beautiful it looked regardless of the storm that seemed to be brewing. Sighed in content as you knew you’d feel real fresh air circulate through your lungs. No more, for at least a while, of that artificial air that circulated in the piece of sky trash you were imprisoned on.

“Come on,” Finn spoke beside you in a more muffled voice due to the helmet on his head, one that hid his face just like how Nomads mask hid Poe’s face—only the thing that differed between the two was that your mind didn’t identify a masked Finn as someone else completely, not like how you viewed Poe with the helmet of Nomad on—Maybe it was due to the fact that every time you saw the masked face of Nomad, all you could see was that tragic day he killed Jacen. While without the helmet you only saw the familiar eyes of the man you knew before.

It was a dilemma. Truly.

Standing from your seat you follow Finn out of the cargo ship to question him. Mainly on your motives in being here. “Why exactly are you all here? I mean Poe said recon, but I don’t believe him.”

“Why not?” Poe answered for Finn as he passed by you, his helmet surprisingly off. “It’s true. I wouldn’t lie to you.” He continued saying over his shoulder as he made it past the ramp and stopped onto the field of long grass.

You narrow your gaze and lift one eyebrow to respond with a loud scoff. Still not believing a word he said whilst you continued to walk off the ship, feeling a small but happy smile tug on your lips as you felt the cold breeze hit your face, as you deeply inhaled some of that sweet and real air; As you brushed your fingers against the blades of the long grass. Only feeling your smile widen as you look up to see the sky, as you felt for a single moment the freedom that had been stolen from you. But only for a moment before Poe’s voice brought you back to the ground.

“You’ve ever been to Lothal before?”

“No.” You breathe, having no choice but to follow him and his small group towards multiple tall stone spires strangely arranged in a circle. “But, I know that Lothal isn’t only famous for their grasslands or Lothal cats, but the fighters they manufacture for you and your precious army.”

The corner of his lips tug into a smirk as he lets out a small huff of air through this nose before walking towards a large giant rock spiral in the center of the circle, “yes, we’re here because of what Lothal provides us. Or has been lacking in as of late.” He walks around the rock to use the force to throw aside a thin slab of rock that hid an entrance to the hallowed rock. “We’re here just to check though. See what we can spot from afar before we have to decide how to approach.” He continues guiding you inside where you see a small place with nothing to offer but grey stone walls and a cut out square on the wall that is meant to be a window. Noticing as well, spiral stairs carved out by the entrance that as you followed Poe up them saw that it led to yet another empty room, more carved out squares and circular holes on the walls.

“Finn, why don’t you look out of that one on the far right and I’ll look out of this one.” Poe instructed as he handed Finn a pair of binoculars, noticing Odette, the purple Mirlian walking up the stairs, her helmet off her head and under her arm—Poe smirked at the sight and lightly hit your arm and pointed to her with his head. Your eyes followed before he spoke up in an over nonchalant tone. “Odette, why don’t you stay by Finn and look out from this level. Princess and I will go to the third floor.” Said girl just offers him a pointed look and nothing else, while Finn remained clueless as to what was going on. Poe met your gaze and wiggled his eyebrows while a boyish smile tugged on his lips.

You eyed Finn and Odette before looking back at Poe before scoffing and walking up the last flight of spiral stairs, missing the way Poe shot Dario and Sibyl a thumbs up for his “job well done”, before his gaze shifted to you walking up the stairs, smirking before he took long strides up the stairs to quickly catch up to you. Quietly watching as you walked to a carved out hole and seemed to look out of it yourself—“see something?”

“I’ll tell you when I gain the ability to have super vision.” You remark in a more half hearted manner. Poe noticed and simply shook his head, putting on his helmet to look out the carved out square, moving his gloved finger to the side of his helmet to press on a button you presumed was to enhance and zoom in to the city. Leaving you with nothing to do but look out and admire the view of the white city from so far and so high up. “Have you seen something?” You question….Nomad as you turn to see him still looking out.

He shakes his head and looks down at his beeping comm on his wrist; tapping it once to sputter out the hologram of Rey. The girl not hesitating to speak as her eyes seemed to wander around as if looking out for someone or something. While her voice was quieter than usual. “BB8 and I spotted something, in the outskirts of the city hidden in what appears to be an abandoned garage. X-wing fighters.” Your eyes narrow and you fully pull your body away from the wall and watch Rey’s hologram. “Resistance x-wings. The marks on the ground are fresh, if they had been left here years ago, there would be no marks. They were just put here. Which means that Master Snoke’s and General Hux’s suspicions might be true.”

Nomad grunted and his other hand balled into a fist before he asked in a deeper voice. “What about actual resistance fighters? Anyone suspicious?”

“No, if they’re here, they’re not going to be out and about. Especially not if they’re here for secret meetings.” Rey spared one glance at Poe and spoke in a more teasing tone. “Ask Skywalker, she might know something.” With that the hologram cut off and Nomad slammed his fist into the stoned wall, ripping the helmet off his head and slamming it to the floor before he bellowed out

“Fuck! I fucking knew it.” He ran his hand down his gelled hair and breathed out deeply through his nose, snapping his head up to look at you with his red and angry twisted face. “What do you know? Huh?” He quickly followed by storming towards you and stopping inches before you, looking at you with an angry burning glare that made his dark eyebrows furrow. While also making his nose flare and his breathing heavy, as well as made his face red and for the veins on his neck to show, just like a small one on his forehead—and such a sight would’ve made anyone else nervous, intimidated or scared, but for you it did nothing of the sort. Instead it made you dangerously brave and snappy. An effect that only happened with him though because with anyone else you would be less so—there was also something you could feel upon noticing his anger but it was a feeling you couldn’t identify.

“What do you know, y/n!” Poe hissed as he stepped closer, “you better tell me before—”

“Nothing!” You interrupt sharply. “I don’t know anything.”

Poe scoffs and presses his tongue to the inside of his cheek as he shakes his head. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! You’re a commander and niece to the General. I know you’re not clueless, so. Tell. Me.”

“Like any of that means anything.” You scoff as you keep your eyes locked on each other. “I have the title because my aunt felt bad for me. I didn’t ask for it. And her being my aunt doesn’t mean shit either, I hardly spent time at base, so I’m out of the loop.” You point your finger at his chest and take a step closer to him to look at him with confident glare. “So why don’t you cool it on your anger issues and stop yelling at me.”

Poe huffs out and pushes past you, storming down both flights of stairs and commanding his squadron in the meanwhile. “Helmets on and weapons ready. We’re going after those rebel scum hiding in the city.”

Your eyes widen at his statement and your breath hitches. A fear for those comrades you knew were out there somewhere most likely doing a mission sent by their General. Or perhaps simply passing time in the city. Regardless of what they were doing you couldn’t let them die; so quickly you rush after Poe and push past his troopers that were quick to follow his command, following him out the hollowed out rock, grabbing his arm to pull him to face you—“don’t be an idiot.”

“Excuse me?” He sneered.

You swallow thickly and briefly look towards the ground. “What you’re planning to do isn’t smart. One, you don’t know where they are, you’ll just be going in blindly, and two,” you hesitate for only a second, blinking up to meet his unwavering gaze, “you attacking first is going to prove something. You say this planet has gone quiet and you think they might want to switch sides right?” He hums and drops his gaze on the hand you still had on his arm before looking at you again. “Well attacking first is only going to prove something and only make them shift closer to the resistance. Not only that, but you're only one ship, they have multiple. They’ll win and they will get all of you locked up. You need to be patient, search your feelings, Poe. I can’t search through mine, but I can tell you that they’re quiet for a reason.”

Poe places on hand on his hips and rolls his tongue on the inside of his cheek, nodding slowly as his gaze wanders to the rocks behind you for a moment before he meets your gaze. “What do you suggest I do then?”

You shrug, “if you really want to know something...know where they might be or what’s going on, then go to the outskirts of the city, the poorest parts always know more than the richer. They’re also the ones most likely working on your materials, you’ll learn something there. But you need to be patient, you’ll know nothing from being harsh.”

His gaze narrows on you for a moment as he stays quiet and thinks.

“Trust me.” You try and assure him.

“Okay,” he nods, “fine I’ll trust you. We won’t attack.”

The corner of your lips tug into a half smile and you drop your hand from his arm, letting your eyes slowly study his outfit, “but you can’t go in your armor or your helmets.” You point out as your eyes meet his once more. “Too much attention. Go in regular clothing to blend in.”

Poe smiles smugly, “fine.” He shoots you a cocky and yet charming grin, “only because I’m trusting you.”

——

“Are you sure it’s going to be safe?” Otto asks Poe in a voice he thought was quiet, but was anything but that. “What if this planet is really allied with the resistance? What if her family is looking for her? Her father is a famous jedi who won the war before, there's thousands of people that would do anything to save the daughter of a war hero.” He shoots you a side eye over his shoulder as he finishes “whispering” to Poe, making you roll your eyes but stay pacing behind them and acting as if you were looking at passing small homes and people of all kinds, faking to be entertained by the items and or food vendors sold and tried to make you buy. Ignoring the obvious looks they would give you as they talked about you or rather Poe’s safety.

“It’s fine, as long as we keep low we’ll be fine.” Poe “whispered” in return, “plus the only commotion has been that they saw Han Solo in Takodana, but that’s all. Nothing else. We’re fine….”

Han Solo in Takodana? Hmm…just him? His visit might not be unusual since Maz’s castle is a sanctuary for smugglers, but he hardly likes going there. Could he just be there just cause or is he there for information on you? Is Ben with him?

Your gaze dropped like your shoulders had at the thought of them. The thought of them looking for you excited you, but it also worried you since you knew it was a dangerous task that could result in nothing good. Missions with your uncle Han hardly ever went perfect and always seemed to result in someone shooting at all of you, especially him, or him shooting at someone. You could only imagine how this mission would turn out.

“Plus,” Poe continued in a louder voice, “she’s okay, she has a hood on.”

“Ah, yes the power of the hood.” Sibyl remarked sarcastically, “she’s practically invisible.”

Poe scoffed and slowed his pace so you could fall beside him, watching you silently for a moment as you continued “admiring” the white city you walked past. Only managing to talk after a moment of utter silence between the both of you. “I’m not hearing anything in regards to what I’m looking for.”

“Obviously,” you snap as you turn your head to meet his gaze, “you’re not going to hear anything on the busy streets, you have to talk to people, go inside taverns or talk to vendors. You need to be patient.”

“I don’t have time—”

“Which is exactly why you’re not as good of a fighter as you think you are, nor a good force user.” You counter before stopping by a stand of sweets, smiling down at the sweets you knew were imported from Naboo.

“Okay then teach me.” Poe commented as he stopped beside you. “You’re the best Jedi I know, you’ve always been good. Teach me.”

You chuckle and look at him to check if he was joking. “You’re….” You cut yourself off as he didn’t break into a laugh like you had, the serious expression on his face finally making your laugh die down and your smile to drop and a warm feeling to grow on your cheeks. “I dont—I can't use the force thanks to the injections your master makes me take. I can’t teach you. Plus even if I could. I-I you’re full dark side, that’s not my area of expertise.”

Poe gave a light chuckle and gave the vendor a couple credits before taking the bag of sweets off the table and picking your hand up off your side to carefully place the bag on your hand. Closing your fingers on the bag to secure your hold on it as you looked at him in slight bewilderment to what he asked. He offered you a smug smile before he continued, “I’m not asking you to turn me to a Jedi, I’m asking you to teach me some lessons on how to be a better force user and a better fighter. How to be patient. Snoke will only teach so much.”

Your cheeks burn hotter and you shake your head slightly, glancing down at his hand still on yours before you gently pull it away and sputter out your response. “I-I. You have Rey. She’s a good fighter and a great force user.” You move around him and continue walking down the street, maneuvering past the crowd of people and spotting Poe quickly catch up. “Ask her.”

“Anger isn’t the best teacher.” He commented, making your eyes snap to him, “she’s harsh, patient maybe, but not like you. Plus you’ve been taught by great force users. You know far more than her. Come on, just a lesson or two?”

You come to a full stop and turn to look at him, noticing how much more human he looked without his uniform on and in a white button up shirt; that was as you now noticed, slightly unbuttoned and exposing part of his sun kissed chest. His hair was a little bit more wild then his well styled and usual over gelled hairstyle in a manner, revealing the curls you knew he had. He looked almost kind and not as intimidating even with the scar on his face, he looked….and this is something you’ve noticed since you first met him, he looked—wait. Whoa. No. No. Ha. No. Ha.

Swallowing down the lump in your throat you blink a couple of times as you thought of the response you already knew. “Fine.” You breathe, “but just two lessons and you don’t get to be your usual uh, cocky self, or you know stubborn. You’re going to listen.”

Poe smiled smugly, “got it.” He met your gaze and smiled wider, making your cheeks grow warmer to the point you had to shove past him and pick up your pace to catch up with the rest of his group. Walking into a quieter part of the city, a side where it still looked as poor as the part you had just walked out of, but lonelier and not filled with vendors or as many people. There were people here and there, kids that looked like they had missed a meal or two, or a couple. People asking for money and some that looked like they were up to no good. Basically looking like a typical street worn out by the raging wars and the side they were trying to provide for. Usually sides like the First Order who were too busy with themselves to worry about what happened to the planets they promised peace and well being to.

It was usually planets like these that realized that they allied with the wrong side when it was getting too late. And it was the people with less who suffered most—you sigh and tear your eyes away from the people you passed to look ahead but speak to Poe who still insisted on walking beside you; “we’ll probably find a nice tavern or cantina close by that you can question shortly.”

“There.” Dario points out, “at the end of the street. A tavern.”

Your eyes follow to where he points and see the tavern he spoke of, spotting right away multiple people around the white tavern, some looking like the locals here and others just like passing people like you. Part of you...actually all of you dreaded walking and letting them question people. If their suspicions were true and the resistance was here to cut a deal with Lothal then nothing good was going to result in the fighters here, nor the ones at base, or the people here. But hopefully, they weren’t going to find anything and Poe would have to head back to the capital ship empty handed, with no harm caused to those resistance fighters.

“Remember ask, but let’s not make it too obvious. We want to know as much as we can.” Poe explained to his squadron, who nodded in agreement as you all neared the tavern. “If we’re too—” before he could finish his sentence, his words were abruptly cut off as a couple kids shoved past the both of you, all three kids looking back, but not at you, but at the people who followed and rushed past you with their guns out and shooting at them, laughing as the kids fell to the ground when three other people guns blocked their path ahead, leaving no room to escape or chance as the blasters were pointing at them.

“We’ll give you to three boys, return what you stole or you’ll pay for it with heavy consequences.” A large green sentient asked, grabbing a smaller boy off the ground and threatening him with the blaster on the side of his head, “one, two—”

Just before you could stop them, someone else you didn’t expect did so first, “hey! Leave the kid alone!” Your head snapped to the man standing beside you and watched his outburst with a widened gaze. “Leave them all alone.”

The green sentient dropped the kid and turned to face Poe with his gun instead, making those people beside him point their guns at Poe’s squadron who had their hands on the handle of their blasters, ready to protect and fight for their general. Before they could pull out their blasters, Poe put his hand out and signaled them to remain calm. While you continued watching and listening in shock.

“They stole from me!” The green sentient countered, “am I supposed to let filthy street rats like them get away? No. They get taught their lesson for stealing, so stay out of it scum.”

Poe narrowed his gaze and scoffed, eyeing the kids and things they had in their hands before glaring at the ugly sentient again. “You’ll kill them for a bag of bread? It seems to me like you could go without it. They’re just kids, leave them alone. I’ll pay for what they took and you’ll let them go without harm.”

The man chuckled, “you pay and I get my stuff back too.”

“Not how it works. I’ll pay only, you don’t take their food. Let them go.” Poe urged again, making the sentient laugh louder and for his people to do the same. And before they could shoot at Poe, said man pulled out your purple lightsaber and threatened them, making all of them halt and falter. Eyeing the purple blade pointed at their leader you supposed and Poe, all running off like cowards before the green one followed without anything he was offered. All while you watched in the same state as before.

Poe deactivated your lightsaber and hung it back on his side, approaching the kids with a soft and assuring look, crouching down to help the one that had been threatened before and offering his hand. The boy took it and offered Poe a thankful smile. While your shock dropped and you were left with a conflicted and almost soft look as you continued watching Poe’s surprising actions, hearing his words intently; “here, some money. Take it and use it wisely. No more stealing from people like them, okay?” He leaned in closer to the group of boys and whispered loudly with a smirk on his face, “or at least don’t get caught next time.”

The boys laughed and thanked Poe before running off, finally letting the crowd watching return to do their own thing again, causing you to fully realize what happened. What Poe did to save the kids he could’ve let get killed and ignored. But something he didn’t let happen. He didn’t question standing up to them. He-he acted like someone you didn’t know was there anymore. Like someone that left you speechless and view with a change and some sort of admiration. Think that there might be something there that he didn’t show in a long time, that you admired and liked before. That you liked now. A side of him that truly made you smile.

And before he could notice you staring at him in the soft, admiring way you did just now. You looked away and let him walk past you, following him into the Tavern without talking of what happened. Getting once again surprised that he was not gloating his heroic actions. Not like you wanted to ask either. You let it happen and let the topic go unspoken, instead focusing on the task they needed to do. Sitting down in silence in your own table and letting Poe’s squadron and him actually be discreet and smooth of their motives. Feeling ignored all by yourself, actually wishing Poe didn’t tell Finn to stay on the ship with Odette. At least then you’d have someone to talk to. All you had now was the sweets Poe had so nicely bought for you and a cute orange and black Loth-cat laying by the window you were near, taking in the last rays of sun before the grey clouds swallowed them and left only a grey and dark painted sky.

The loth-cat eyed you and you smiled, standing from your seat and walking near, taking out a piece of your snack and offering it. The cat tilted his head and sniffed the air, leaving the chance for you to raise your other hand and reach to pet its head. Only before you could touch its fur, the cat opened his jaw and bit your fingers, crawling back and growling at you.

“Ow! What the hell?!” You wince, pulling your hand back and lifting it to put it before you and see how red the tips of your fingers had gotten already. They weren’t bleeding, but it hurt a lot. “You little....Ow.”

“You disappoint me, Skywalker.” You hear Poe’s familiar voice say behind you, making you scoff and continue shaking your hand as if that were going to make the pain go away—Poe crouched down beside you and took your injured hand to examine it, offering you a teasing smile, “you’ll be fine.”

“Easy for you to say, it doesn’t hurt you.” You complain, glancing at your hand still in his before you once again pulled it away. “Did you get what you needed?”

“Yeah, it’s like you said. Took some patience, but it happened.”

You remarked smugly, “told you.”

Poe answered with silence and pulled his gaze away to look at the Loth-cat still close by, pulling out some food pellets from the pocket in his shirt and extending his hand, waiting and coming out successful as the cat came and ate from his hand. Leaving you once again surprised—“you approached it abruptly, it probably thought you wanted to hurt it and attacked first.” Poe explains. You gasp softly at the cat still eating calmly and letting Poe pet its fur, looking at you once it was done and hissing at you before it crawled back—“here.” Poe says as he takes your hand again and pulls out more pellets. When did he get those? Who knew—“let them come to you.” He puts the pellets on your palm and leaves his hand under yours.

You turn to face him and remark, “if it bites me and I die, I’ll haunt you.”

Poe snorts and meets your gaze with a soft smile. A smile that made your cheeks begin to feel a warm sensation again and make you feel some sort of way you couldn’t quite make out. Whilst also making you look away before he could notice. Hearing his voice by your ear and getting a shiver down your spine; “okay, but I got you, it’s not going to hurt you.”

You hide your smile and look at the now defiant cat. Growing rather impatient. “It’s not coming.”

“Be patient.” He teased.

You glance at him and shoot him a pointed look. “Hilarious—” before you could finish your remark, the cat approached slowly and ate the food off your hand making you grin and turn to show Poe such a gesture. Almost as if this was the greatest achievement ever. Before the loth-cat could go away, you slowly reached your hand and pet its fur, the action making your grin wider. Even if it was a short encounter it made you feel happy, a feeling that had lacked as of late. Unbeknownst to you, a gesture Poe noticed, just like he noticed the glances and hidden smile you just made. Noticing as well that you let his hand touch yours. More than once. He didn’t comment on it however and let it happen a while longer before he stood up and helped you to your feet.

“Let’s go back, Finn is waiting for us.”

Your smile drops at the realization that you had to go back to the piece of sky trash and once again get locked in the room you wanted to get out of. All the illusion of the events of today slowly fell and a heavy feeling weighed down on your entire body. Making your steps slow and lack behind the group as you walked out of the tavern to see that Finn was literally waiting on the ship a few feet from here, floating a few inches off the ground—way to keep it lowkey.

Right as you were going to drag your feet towards the ship the sound of your name, or rather fake name you grew accustomed to came from someone familiar who wasn’t Poe, making you stop and look behind you. Noticing behind the cloud of dirt the ship made, a dark haired, brown eyed girl you knew from base. Mara. “Jaina?!”

Your breathing hitched and your eyes widened, noticing that more of the squadron you once commanded appeared behind her too. Making your heart race inside your chest as fear spiked through you. Mara pulled out her blaster after noticing the people you were with and pointed to Poe as he walked up behind you. He noticed. Of course he did and grabbed your arm, looking between you and Mara. Letting you fear for a second as he stopped and did nothing but grab your arm that he was going to kill them. Because you knew that he knew who they were, that they were the resistance fighters making a deal with Lothal.

But as the eternal and dreadful minute passed with him just standing and looking, he did nothing. Causing you to shake your head as Mara tried to walk towards you with her blaster raised. She didn’t want to understand at first and wanted to try and shoot Poe, but you shook your head again and mouthed “no”, shooting her glare to make her finally understand that she needed to stop.

“Come on, sweetheart let’s go.” Poe said as he pulled you with him, having Finn in his trooper suit help you on as Poe climbed on himself. Letting you as you stood firmly by the ramp look back and watch Mara with a watery gaze. Only, not because she really meant something, but because of what she represented, the people she was going to see that you missed and could only see by memories.

She called your fake name again, “Jaina!” And you ignored it, looking down as the ramp slowly closed and blocked out the image of her, blocked out what she represented. Leaving you to see nothing but a dark and empty wall.

——

Luke’s P.O.V

Luke’s lips parted at the sight of the silver and black hilt inside the small box. He didn’t know what to do or what to say, he was left speechless and surprised. He never thought he’d see the lightsaber that he once used ever again, he thought it was forever lost. But alas it wasn’t and it was here in front of him, calling him.

He moved his hands to pick up the hilt, exhaling a deep shaky and pent up breath he didn’t know he was holding in, stopping mere inches away the lightsaber and examining it for a moment. And once he moved again to pick it up, the hilt instantly felt familiar and yet heavy. He’d forgotten how heavy they really were; it had been so long since he’s picked one up. He remembers the same feelings had passed through him as he got it for the first time. Familiar and heavy. And just like the first time there was some amusement and content. He felt happy picking up the lightsaber that once belonged to his father, to have it back with him.

With that, Luke turned the saber in his hands and held it with one hand, turning it upright to activate it and see the blue blade emit from within, seeing as the blue hue engulfed the whole room in its light. The action, the scenery of everything being casted in the blue light making him smile, but not one that lasted long as suddenly everything around him changed. Suddenly he seemed to be looking outside transparisteel, spotting squadrons of stormtroopers all perfectly lined up, throwing their fists out at something their higher up said. And right as he was going to question his dark surroundings he heard a voice he recognized.

“What could you offer me?”

Luke turned quickly and his eyes widened at the sight of his daughter. “Y/N.” He tried to move forward to grab her, but he then noticed the tall, pale and thin sentient in his gold robes behind her, offering a wicked smile as he pointed out and spoke in a cold voice. “Everything. Have you heard of the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?” Luke gasped and tried to move forward again, bellowing out “no.” But as soon as he did, he stumbled forward and seemed to be transported into another room.

One where the almost blood red lights seemed to illuminate the path in the room. A room that sent shivers down his spine as he noticed the cold feeling, as he noticed the red drapes as his gaze slowly lifted, spotting in the middle of the red room, a circular metallic throne and someone sitting on it. Not the ugly sentient with the gold robes, but someone else, someone smaller than the sentient was, a woman it seemed, her face hidden under the hood of the contents of her black hood. Luke tried to move towards to see if he could identify her, wanting to see more than an elegant black ring on her finger and a lightsaber hilt in one hand.

But as he took a few steps forward, the woman lifted her head. Her face was still hidden, the only thing that he could see were her yellow-red eyes. He gasped and froze, hoping that it wasn’t his daughter, that the dark side hadn’t presusaded her. He hoped that she would be stronger, he couldn’t accept that it was her. He tried again to move more forward, but before he could take another step forward, he heard the familiar sound of a lightsaber ignited behind him, the soft hum as it stayed activated and casted yet a blue hue. As Luke was going to turn and identify the new mysterious person, he was brought back into another room. A dark one that was only lit by the lights of the silver and white stars outside yet another transparisteel. In front of the transparisteel was a girl on a couch looking out at the void of space.

Just as he was going to approach her, a door behind him sounded and someone called her name. “Y/N.” She turned and immediately a smile spread on her face, one that made a relieved look spread on Luke’s face. The man that called to her passed through Luke, causing him to notice a stormtrooper in a black uniform. Someone his daughter called Finn—just before anything else could be seen, all of it suddenly disappeared and he was back in the storage room from before in Takodana, hearing a voice he recognized as Master Obi-Wans and one that belonged to Master Yoda’s.

“Help her as you once helped your sister, Luke.”

“Take his first steps you will help him do.”

“But.” He tried to argue the last sentence. “Him? Help who?” And as always before his questions could be answered the voices were gone, leaving only the room basked in the blue light of his lightsaber and the sound of its hum to fill the room. He sighed and deactivated it just as the door swooshed open, revealing four people.

“You’ve found it, Luke. Your father's lightsaber.” Maz Kanata spoke in an almost amazed tone as she stood in front of Leia and Han. “It called to you like it called to you before.

“Did it come with your hand too Luke?” Han joked, grinning at his own joke, looking around to see if his family would laugh and frowning and muttering as they didn’t. “Chewbacca and Y/N would’ve laughed.”

Turning back on the topic in hand, Luke looked away from Han and looked back to Maz as she continued speaking. “Go help your daughter, Luke. I’ll try and see what I can do from here.”

Luke smiled, “thank you, Maz.” He then moved towards the door, making everyone walk out to leave the hall.

“May the force be with you. With all of you.”

——

“Ilum is just a couple hours away.” Han announced over his shoulder as the ship blasted into hyperspace. “Do you think she’s going to be there?”

Leia’s eyes drifted to Han’s figure sitting on the chair and she shot him a glare from her seat, one Luke knew how to identify the reasoning behind. And yes it was okay to talk about her, he wasn’t going to get mad over something as simple as talking about her. Not only that, but he was somewhat assured of her well-being from the visions he had; he might not know if they were old or new, but he had to take them as a piece of assurance.

“Maybe.” Luke answered, pulling Ben’s attention from his seat. “I saw a vision when I grabbed the lightsaber—”

“Was she alive?” Ben interrupted as he completely turned his seat to face Luke with a concerned look.

“As far as I could tell,” Luke responded, noticing Ben’s sigh as he leaned back in his seat and averted his gaze once again, only hearing what Luke had to say. “But I don’t know if she was in Ilum. In the vision I saw her looking out transparisteel, so she might still be on Snokes capital ship. But going to Ilum is still our best bet to know where in space the ship is.”

“What else did you see in your vision, Luke?” Leia asked, her brown eyes expressing the same exact concern Ben had only moments ago.

Luke blinked and looked down at the lightsaber in his hand, “her mostly. All except for one. One where I saw someone hidden under a dark hood and only showed eyes of a sith.” Hanging the lightsaber back on his side, his eyes slid back to Leia and he continued, “it’s what Master Yoda told me that has got me confused. He said I have to help someone take their first steps...but I don’t know who it might be. He didn’t tell me...like always.”

Leia smiled, “we’ll know with time.”

Just as Han was going to open his mouth to add a quip, a beeping sound came from the co-pilot's seat, followed by a blue hologram that sputtered out now that Luke tilted his head to see it had been Ben’s comm. The whole room silenced as soon as the imagery of a pretty woman with a thin face and curly hair showed and spoke with a thick accent. “Ben today while I came to Lothal I found something that reminded me of you, I—”

The imagery quickly cut off as Ben’s hand covered the comm with his hand; Said boy suddenly standing from his seat, showing his winded and surprised eyes before leaving the room without saying a word, leaving behind a silence that caused shared confused glances to pass around. Something that was broken as Han, Leia and Luke broke into laughter that echoed throughout the whole room and down the hall, bringing a happy and sweet reminder of how their own past once was.

——

“You know I thought years of flying would cause less crashes,” Luke complained with an added groan as he felt the soreness in his body from the crash landing Han had done as they arrived on the snow covered planet. “Guess not.”

Hans eyebrows furrowed as he turned to look at Luke with a narrowed gaze, “well why didn’t you fly, hot shot?” Han’s ego was only wounded more as Chewbacca added to the complaints with a compliment towards Luke’s flying. “It doesn’t matter if he blew up the Death Star!” Han remarks before turning to his wife, “Leia are you going to back me up here?”

Leia simply shrugged, causing Han to scoff and for his eyes to widen as he threw his arms up in over exaggerated disbelief. Something that brought silence to the group as their shoes crunched through the white blanket of snow that decorated the ground in a beautiful manner. The white sparkling snow that the sun rays danced on bringing a peacefulness that contrasted that of the ugly buildings that the first order invaded this planet with. An ugliness that spread as more and more of the First Order was shown the closer they got to the building they snuck through to get inside and finally feel some warmth on their bodies.

“Now where to?” Han asked as he basically threw his jacket off his body once the elevator doors opened, revealing just grey walls lined with white lights. Leia poked her head out the doors and kept her blaster raised as she looked from side to side down the halls. Gesturing for the group to follow her—which they all did without a second thought. All sneaking down the silent halls until she bumped into a pair of stormtroopers.

The white armored stormtroopers froze at first before they were smart to get their blasters out and speak on the current scene. “Hey! You’re not supposed to be here—” before they could finish, they were both flung to the wall on Luke’s left side, whilst one dropped to the ground as the other began to struggle for air. Luke looked over his shoulder to see Ben walking past him and slam the stormtrooper to the wall as he walked close to speak in an unfamiliar voice.

“I need something.”

——

“I still can’t see anything in this thing.” Luke complained as he moved the white helmet on his head slightly as they all snuck into a small room filled with computers.

“Insert the passcode.” Ben ordered sharply as he pointed the end of his lightsabers blade to the trembling stormtrooper. One who didn’t hesitate to do as commanded, making all the screens light up and causing Ben to hand the captured stormtrooper to Chewbacca as he began to search. Making Luke’s gaze narrow on the screen that blinked red as his daughter's name did not appear on any prisoner log, Ben typed again and again and nothing showed. It made Luke wonder only for a brief second if what he saw was wrong, but it was a fleeting second because he assured himself that she was alive. She had to.

And by the feelings Luke could now feel from Ben. The anger. The desperation. He needed her to be alive too. Why wouldn’t he? After all y/n and Jacen both gave him a chance when Luke doubted. The anchor Ben had to the lightside was hanging by a thread. Ready to break in half and be where he once was. Confused and afraid, tempted by the dark.

“Here.” Ben pointed out loudly, pointing to a picture of a man named Nomad. A man Luke recognized. Poe Dameron. “I found the tag of the ship they’re on. She’ll be in the same one.”

“Is that Poe Dameron? Shara and Kes’s kid?” Luke questioned as he kept studying the picture that was attached to the file.

Ben answered with a stiff nod, before the computers went off, “yes. He once was.” He answered bitterly—Luke blinked and he felt his eyebrows knot, he wanted to ask more, know more. He recognized the name “Nomad”. It was the name of the person who killed Jacen, but why was it attached to Poe Dameron? Why did Ben reference him in a past tense? Could he? Could he be the man under the mask? It wouldn’t make sense, he was best friends with Jacen, brothers basically. His parents were also both part of the rebel alliance...why would he turn against everything they went for? Was it their misfortunate deaths that sparked such a turn? The boy was an orphan at a young age, with both parents dead after the war. Was it because of their deaths? It couldn’t. Why?

Just as Luke was going to ask, an alarm blared around the room and echoed out in the hall, causing all heads to turn to the stormtrooper who’s one hand was under the desk, visibly trembling and fear spiking to the highest levels—“rebel scu—” just as the stormtrooper was going to finish his insult, Ben’s lightsaber impaled through its chest, instantly causing it to go limp and fall to the floor as Ben deactivated his blue lightsaber. Looking at the group with a silent look, moving past everyone to walk out of the door and see the red lights flash and shouts to be heard down halls, causing the group to hurry out the room and run towards where they had come from. Skidding to a stop to turn to another hall as a squadron surprised them.

Shots fired from the opposing team, just like they did from Leia, Han and Chewbacca. Shouts of commands to stop sounded too, but those were ignored and tuned out as the same beeping from Ben’s comm went off, sputtering out the same woman from before seconds later. This time looking more stressed than before and this time making Ben freeze as her words hit his ears.

“Ben! I just saw Jaina! I saw your sister.” She shouted urgently, causing Ben to gasp and grow visibly stiff, radiating off a feeling of relief but also fear and anger at her announcement.

“Where?” Ben urged.

“Lothal.” She replied quickly, her eyes drifting from Ben and something beyond her. “With….with The First Order. They have her. She went with them, but I know somethings wrong, she seemed wrong. I’m going after her...”

Ben turned to Luke with a glazed gaze, “it’s y/n. They have her. She’s alive.”

.

.

.

.

A/N- Now I know I know Kes is alive in canon, but for this story he is going to be dead just like Shara, okay? Okay....Sorry Poe :(

Tagged- @thescarletknight2014 , @softly-sad , @golden-guide​ , @abysshaven , @a-dorky-book-keeper , @kit-jpg , @mybarnesmyhero , @zoeyangels

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