Chapter 3

A dark, suppressing presence crept its way into my mind as I shuffled into the large throne room. Following closely was Kylo, mask on and brooding aura nearly suffocating. I stopped abruptly as I looked at the throne and the corpse-like figure sitting in it.

Flashes of my dream came back to me, and my body's first instinct was to kneel. Mentally, I would have rather ran out into space and screamed, but at that point, it was too late to turn back. So, I kneeled, awaiting something to break the silence.

A moment passed and Kylo stood next to me, staring up at his master. A gravelly voice erupted from the throne, "Master of the Knights of Ren, you are not needed here."

"Supreme Leader-"

"Go, I will not ask twice."

Without another word, Kylo whirled around and stormed out of the room, his dark cloak billowing around him. I didn't look at him as he left, but I could sense the scowl etched on his face.

"Stand up, child," the Supreme Leader ordered. I did as I was told and made a point to look him directly in the eyes. He could probably smell my fear, but I ignored the churning in my stomach to seem somewhat confident.

"Lorelai Vidal, you have potential that you have yet to see. Tell me, have you ever felt the pull to the force? Have you felt passion turn into power?" He paused, letting everything sink in. "You could become something great, but you must be willing to train and pledge your undying loyalty to this cause. You could be a Sith Lord if you join me. I could give you anything you could ever want, you are not on that desolate planet anymore. No more foraging, no more scraps to live by. You belong here."

He reached his large hand down to me, and I could see then that he was just a projection. No less frightening either way.

I sorted through my thoughts, trying to grasp what was happening and make a decision. He told me I could be powerful. I could be a leader. All I needed to do was pledge myself to this Supreme Leader and train. No more lonely nights, no more being afraid of what comes next.

I knelt once more, bowing my head.

"Teach me, Supreme Leader."

~|~

I stepped out into the open patch of grass just beyond the ship's hatch, a half eaten piece of fruit in my hand.

I had only realized that the ship had never left the planet moments before, so I had made an effort to rush to get food so I would have time to see my old home. Probably for the last time.

In the distance I spotted a Noxii and her cub rolling around in the shade of the trees. I admired the creatures for their beauty in a relentlessly evil place like this. I'd definitely miss their gentle howls at night.

The door behind me slid open and I turned my head to see Kylo eyeing me, leaning slightly against the doorframe.

"I'm guessing you heard that you're in charge of my training," I muttered, taking another bite of my snack.

He pushed himself off of the door and made his way over to me. When he stopped next to me, I realized just how tall he was. He could probably be the same height as a Noxii on its hind legs.

"What's a Noxii?" He asked with a smirk.

"Will you stop that?" I frowned up at him and his face didn't falter. My hand shot towards the distant trees. "Do you see those things by the trees?"

After a moment of him squinting, he nodded. "Those are what I like to call Noxii. Very, very large creatures. And very dangerous if you aren't careful."

You can ride them, too, I thought, knowing he'd be listening.

His head whipped towards mine and I only smiled before walking forward with large strides.

~|~

"The trick is to be slow and gentle. Any fast movements and you'll likely be cub chow."

Kylo squinted down at me, sweat already forming on his brow. I guess I had acclimated to the heat pretty well because it felt nice to me.

He stopped and opened his mouth to say something but shut it quickly and looked at something over my shoulder. I noticed his hand hover over his lightsaber and I hurriedly grabbed his hand and pulled it away from his weapon.

Now is not the time, I thought.

Turning around, I noticed a Noxii not too far from us. It was heading into the den. I gestured for Kylo to follow me and we slowly came upon a clearing where a large crater was dug.

Large rocks scattered the area, bordering the edges of the dugout and speckled here and there in the Noxii nests. I knew that the placement was carefully thought out by the creatures. It took a tumble into this crater to figure that out.

You fell into this pit?

Kylo's voice rang loud in my head and I winced at the sudden noise. I still didn't love the idea of him being in my head all the time. In time I would be able to keep him out. Until then, I was stuck with him sticking his nose wherever he wanted.

I ignored his question and made my way down to the center of the crater, plopping down in the black dirt once Kylo had made it all the way without hitting the rocks.

"What now?" He mumbled as he sat next to me.

I looked over at him with a small smile. "Just sit here and wait, I'll be back in a minute."

I waltzed off before he could say anything. I pulled myself out of the pit in one push and it didn't take long for me to stumble upon Amelita. Her routine never changed.

I chuckled as she looked up from the cub she had been cleaning. She nudged the cub onto its feet before trotting over to me, sticking her head under my hand for me to pet her.

Amelita was a lovely creature. There were days where I would find myself staring into the infinite abyss of silver in her eyes or the blackness of her fur, awe struck by the beauty of it all. I would have ended up doing it again if it wasn't for a certain someone waiting for me.

I pulled my hand away and began to walk back to the crater, humming to myself when I heard Amelita and her cub behind me.

We made it to the dugout and I motioned for them to stop for me to get Kylo. I jumped down into the pit, immediately grabbing his attention.

"Close your eyes," I demanded breathlessly.

"No."

"Just do it, please?"

He grumbled something incoherent before shutting his eyes. I smiled and went back to the Noxii to bring them down. Amelita leapt down gracefully, leaving her cub to roll his way down towards me.

He was already much larger than he was the last time I saw him. He was nearly half my size now. Even then, he insisted that I pick him up and carry him to Kylo.

I grunted at the weight of him in my arms. He had gained a substantial amount of weight. Wobbling, I shuffled over to Kylo and sat down with a loud thud.

He opened his eyes to see the little Noxii cub inches away from his face. "I thought you said they were big."

I let out a hearty laugh. "Kylo, this is just a cub. The real thing is behind you."

Kylo stiffened, craning his neck to meet Amelita's gaze. She gave a loud huff before pressing her nose to his forehead. That, I had learned, was a sign of respect.

I beamed at them, the cub still squirming around in my hands. Kylo looked back at me in question.

"Now what?"

My smile didn't waver as I responded.

"Now, we ride."