Chapter Text
Ben watched as (Y/N) sat in the tall grass, whirling a stream of small leaves around her with a smile beaming like the sun that was illuminating around her. Her (Y/H/C) was highlighted with a halo like frame from the streams of light around her. Their afternoons almost always consisted of this, sitting in the fields by themselves finishing their lunches, showing off to each other with tricks of the force. Staring at her contagious smile, Ben sighed to himself. His brown eyes were focused on her, his expression dumbfounded. (Y/N) to say the least was a luminous being. Almost everything around her seemed to come to life when she strode through. Her smile could heal the sick, her laugh restore hearing to the deaf, sometimes it seemed as though her simple touch could revive life into things that were otherwise dead and dreary. Giggling (Y/N) turned to him with her same smile.
“Your turn!”
Suddenly shaken out of his admiring gaze Ben’s brows furrowed.
“What?”
“Now you show me a trick!”
Pausing he tried to think of something that would impress her. The longer he pondered however, the more his aura dropped. All of the tricks he could think of were only destructive, chaotic, things created out of anger. The older he got, the harder it seemed to be to simply be appeased with himself using only forces of the light. It wasn’t enough. He wanted more. The voice in the back of his mind kept encouraging him to seek out more.
“You do know a good trick don’t you?”
Staring at the fruit in his leather clad hand as he recalled the memory, Kylo rolled the round food around his large palm with the smooth motions of his thumb. The blood red exterior satisfied him greatly, especially with the stark contrast against his black leather gloves, as well as the all dark colorless surroundings he was engulfed with. A pair of Nexus deep in slumber lying at his feet, one at each side of his throne. Soon after he had completed his training, Kylo had carried out the ultimate task of defeating his original mentor and manipulator Supreme Leader Snoke. Though it freed him of his mental prison forced on by Snoke, it did not eleviate his destined path. He was in far too deep to be anything but solely committed to the Dark side. Now he sat on the ominos black marble throne, rigid and harsh in its design, as Emperor. He was finally the highest ranking soul of power on the Dark side, after years of dedication and torment, he had come out on top.
Relishing in the fear he scattered across the galaxy, Kylo took it upon himself to make even more alterations to the First Order and its presence. Taking his Emperial throne, Kylo decided that a palace visible to the public would not be smart for his widely scorned kingdoms preservation. Sending out patrol after patrol, he searched far and wide for a planet, similar to Starkiller, to settle his kingdom onto. Snubbing Hux’s efforts with the newly improved base, Kylo wanted something, something far more impressive for his Empire. Finally, after months of scouting around every system known to the galaxy they came upon an otherwise scarcely populated arctic planet to make their new abode. The rolling hills of snow covered rock were seemingly deserted, deathly silent aside from the howling winds, it was like a blank canvas. Though beneath the snowy white surface, within the rocky terrain of the planet laid expansive miles of caverns. Within these grey caverns, twisting and winding through the dark, Kylo built his Emperial abode. It not only kept him concealed and protected, it added to the eerie persona he had established for himself as well as his Empire.
Although the entirety of the galaxy was not confidently aware of where his kingdom truly resided, no one had to linger for long on the bed of stark white snow before they could feel the thick waves of energy emit from beneath the surface, making their hairs stand on end and a shiver run down their spine. Even with all of the power he possessed, his new eeriely grand kingdom and the infamous reputation he had across the galaxy, he was still not satisfied. There was still something lacking in his kingdom. Something he could still not grasp, even with all of his new found power and riches. Echoing up to the high ceilings of the cavern palace, the Knights of Ren made their way to stand in front of Kylo’s throne. Bowing in homage, they all lined up uniformly in front of his throne.
“Your highness.”
“What news do you bring me?”
“Your highness, we raided the village in which you thought we would find the princess, but it was to no avail. She was nowhere to be found.”
Pressing his lips into a thin line, Kylo tried controlling his frustration. Focusing on the fruit, he strained himself as best as he could to not crush the fruit in his palm. Flaring his nostrils he faintly shook his head. Time and time again, this woman had slipped from his grip. After years of being haunted by her intoxicating laughter in his dreams, he finally set out to find her. The only being that had showed him friendship, kindness and acceptance in the galaxy. Though she was a thoroughly innocent being, she continued to slip away from him like a sly fox. She was practically impossible to catch up with.
“She possess the ability of Force visions. She does not get them frequently, but they ofen warn her of when to make an escape.”
“What do you suggest we do then your highness?”
With a devious smirk, Kylo looked to the red fruit in his palm once again. Bringing his gaze slowly back to his knights, he ran a thumb over the fruit.
“Do not wait so long to find her again. Go to her kingdom at once…gift her one of the seeded fruits from my cavern garden…surely she’ll be…easier to bring to me after a few bites.”
In unison the Knights all bowed once again. “Yes your highness.” Still staring at the blood red fruit Kylo slowly rotated it in his palm once again.
“You will be mine.”
On Naboo, it was another sunny, beautiful day. The beams of sunshine glaring through the glass onto the light marble floors of the palace. Birds outside were chirping softly as they floated from one tree to the next. It was peaceful. At least for now. Naboo had gotten into hot water with the First Order when you had commanded your troops get involved in the attacks against them. Had you remained a spectator, they likely would have left your people untouched, now however they were slowly increasing their attempts to bring down your kingdom. As a force user of the light, also a former padawan of Luke Skywalker himself, you saw it as the least you could do to support the Resistance. Not to mention, with your new friend Rey staying on Naboo more often, you felt obligated to assure your kingdom was on her side. You wanted your palace to be as much of a safe space for her as it was for you. She stayed with you so often, she had grown to be more like a sister than a guest and friend. You both bonded over so many things, often practiced your use of the force together in the lush courtyard of the palace. Rey usually practiced her combat, whereas you simply refreshed yourself on your abilities in general. Despite the growing tensions with the First Order, you were not one to resort instantly to a fight.
This afternoon however you were left the palace to yourself and your servants entirely. With senate hearings happening in a higher frequency, your representatives were constantly absent. Though you insisted you join them, as the princess of this kingdom, they assured you would be safer, and less of a target if you stayed somewhere away from the flurry of politicians. So reluctantly, you stayed behind, assuring things in the palace ran smoothly. Sitting at your bedroom vanity, you hummed peacefully as you carefully brushed through your (Y/H/C) hair. Watching how the sun reflected around you as you brushed you smiled contently. Just as your eyes started to flutter shut with the next motion you heard your door creak open. Glancing in your mirror you smirked at your maiden.
“Your highness, you have visitors requesting your presence in the grand hall.”
With a smile and short nod you turned to the maiden.
“Tell them I’ll be just a moment.”
“Yes your highness.”
She quickly made her way out of the room as you turned back to brushing through your glowing (Y/H/C) locks. Humming softly, you relished in the feeling of the sun soaking into your (Y/S/C) skin, exposed in your gown. Despite the weather, as princess of the planet at a time of war, meant your time outside was cut down significantly. The little fleating exposure you got to the sun now made you all the more eager to take meetings on the balconies, or out in the courtyard. Finally satisfied with the condition of your hair, you gently picked up your dainty crown. Though you had requested a crown of woven flowers, your maidens instead brought you a rose gold metal crown that in its simple design, resembled a crown similar to what you requested. As you gently placed it atop your head, much like a halo, you sighed with content. Even in times of war, you were the beam of optimism the people looked to. You had yet to disappoint.
Daintly coming down the spiral staircase you took note of just how quiet the halls were. Of course during these times, when the status of everything in politics was unknown, you had staff constantly disappearing onto the front lines or requesting time away to heal loved ones. Today however, today was a different sort of quiet. An ominous silence, one that called for caution in its nature. Finally reaching the double doors of the grand hall you noticed two new guards. Their faces were not at all familiar, yet the energy you picked up from them was cool and calm. Especially for new recruits, they seemed quite level headed. With a short and proper nod they both bowed to you.
“Your highness, your visitors await.”
“Thank you kindly.”
Cautiously walking past them into the grand hall, you felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Though it was their job, it seemed as though these guards particularly were watching you with an extra attentiveness. Slowly opening the doors you peered in. At the dining table, one of your regular guards, and two visitors dressed in rather shrouded garments awaited for you. The visitors smiled eagerly, quickly bowing in respect.
“Your highness.”
“Good afternoon. What brings you to my palace if I may ask?”
Both of the visitors stood properly again, brining their eager gazes to meet yours. Something about their aura was hitting you in a strong volume, though by their behavior you were sure it was their bubbly excitement. You needed people like this in your day with the war raging like it was.
“Well your highness, we wanted to pay you a visit, first to see if the rumors of you were true and to also bestow upon you gifts we have brought for you.”
Curious, you crossed your arms delicately, arching a brow in almost a playful manner.
“Rumors? What rumors would these be?”
The other visitor spoke, “That you were the fairest maiden in this land since the late Padme Amidala herself. As well as you were a unique force wielder, powerful with the light in your craft.”
Smiling as you looked between them you uncrossed your arms.
“Well surely I must meet these subjects who speak so highly of me. I have yet to hear such incredibly flattering rumors.”
“Oh but they’re everywhere your highness.”
Waving a hand dismissively for a moment you scoffed lightly. Rumors surely spread throughout the palace, many of which were positive, but you had yet to hear anyone compare you to Padme Amidala. Surely she was one of your role models you looked to when you took the throne, but not many saw you in her. Gesturing politely to the basket the female visitor was holding you offered her a warm smile.
“May I see these gifts you have brought for me?”
She nodded eagerly. Pulling the basket up to her hip she hesitated, giving you a sheepish sort of look. Her energy felt more cautious, as if suddenly regretting bringing the offering.
“It-it may not be much for a princess of such stature as yourself…but we thought it would be only proper for us to offer you something of our own.”
Raising your brows in curiosity you watched as the woman’s hand reached into the basket. Opening her palm back to you, she revealed a deep, rich, round red fruit sitting perfectly in the middle.
“A rare fruit from our garden. We have heard many a things about how your highness enjoys the bounties of nature in our galaxy.”
Smiling at her hesitant and shy demeanor you nodded.
“Would you like to try it?”
Staring at the fruit sitting in her palm, you couldn’t help but be curious. Naboo was a planet thriving with many things, but the only fruits as of late that you had encountered were whatever your servants served to you. This fruit in particular was a shade so rich in pigment it almost seemed unnatural. The shape and texture of the fruit however was very much like any other produce you had encountered in your ventures. With a smile you nodded, holding open your own palm.
“I would be delighted to. Surely if you have grown this marvelous specimen with your own hands it will taste wonderfully refreshing.”
Smiling the woman carefully handed it over to you, waiting for your fingers to grasp it before she retracted her palm.
“Thank you so kindly your highness.”
Nodding with a smile you carefully took the fruit into your hand. As you brought it closer you admired the smooth skin, the rich red shade it possessed. Bringing it to your lips you carefully sunk your teeth into the surface, hearing the soft crunch of the skin breaking. The tart flavor hit your tongue suddenly, causing you to just barely wince. It was soon followed however by an overwhelming sweet taste, as if you had licked a bowl of sugar. Your eyes went wide as you smiled up at them.
“My! That’s quite a treat.”
Their smiles suddenly grew devious in appearance as you looked between them. Suddenly hearing the surface of their thoughts your heart stopped.
Got her.
Just as you were about to protest, or defend yourself you suddenly felt light headed. The stability of your footing suddenly disintegrating in seconds. Feeling your throat and mouth grow dry as the remnants of the red juice slipped out of your mouth, you held onto the side of a table trying to hold your stable.
“G-guar…”
Falling onto the ground, your vision was suddenly growing hazey and blurred. The sounds of footsteps approaching you seemed to echo deep into the back of your mind. Trying your hardest to keep your eyelids from falling you saw the blurred image of heavy black boots approaching you.
“What a fine prize for our Emperor.”
Unable to distinguish their last words you felt yourself slipping into a sleepy state. Your eyelids were finally to heavy to hold open. As their cynical laughter filled the room, bouncing through your psyche, you felt the dark covering of sleep engulf you.
Jolting out of the sleepy state, you awoke. With sweat forming at your brow and your breaths frantic, you felt yourself lying on a cold hard surface. Placing your hands beneath you, as to push yourself up, you slowly sat up properly. Cautiously your wide eyes took in the wide and lifeless surroundings around you. Wherever you were, it was bone chillingly cold, there were hardly any sounds aside from howling winds and the echo of dripping of water, the thick and uneven rocky surroundings of what appeared to be a giant cavern were eerie and unwelcoming to your eyes. Everything around you filled you with unease. The more your force abilities returned with your awakening, the more you felt uneasy.
“Even in your deep sleep you’re a marvelous sight to behold.”
The deep voice sent goosebumps down your flesh, as if a breeze had brushed over you. Suddenly you were aware of the unbelievably strong force presence sitting mere feet away from you. Your eyes slowly traveled up to the round, elevated mound of stone that led to a rigid, onyx black marble throne. With two Nexus grinning hungrily at you, their yellowing teeth flared for you as their multiple eyes watched you carefully, you brought your gaze higher. Sitting in this dark, ominous throne was a man. He was shrouded entirely in black robes, a thick black fur cape laying atop his broad shoulders, almost blending in with his lush raven locks. The amount of black surrounding him greatly contrasted his pale complexion, with a thin scar obviously healed from time across one side. His brown eyes were as intense as his aura. Filled with passion, dark, and locked with precision and purpose. His plump pink lips just barely parted as your eyes met his. From his aura, it was as if he was suddenly caught off guard by your appearance.
“Who-who are you?”
Shifting in his chair, his leather clad hands squeaked just slightly against the marble stone arm rests of his throne.
“Haven’t you heard…the First Order is no longer under the command of the Supreme Leader.”
Arching a brow, you turned more of yourself toward him.
“They bow to me now…the Emperor.”
Shivering a bit, with the ice cold breeze brushing over your bare skin, you stuttered.
“E-emperor?”
He leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms over his knees as his frame hunched over.
“You don’t remember me?”
His tone almost came across as though he were hurt. His aura still held a certain ego, but there was faint trace of something else. Shaking your head slowly you kept your eyes on him.
“No…I have never met the Emperor of the First Order.”
“Oh but you have.”
Arching a brow you simply stared at him, perplexed as to what he could possibly mean. You had never interacted with the First Order before, you had heard stories and warnings, but had never actually seen them in the flesh.
“N-”
“Don’t you remember (Y/N)…at the temple…think about it.”
Concentrating more of your now capable mental strength you focused on the man sitting in front of you, eyes eagerly watching you. Reading past his aura you delved deeper into his mind as he allowed you. He was obviously a force sensitive himself, a strong one for certain. Something about his features seemed similar, but there was nothing obviously screaming out to you. Looking into his eyes you focused more, straining the veins in your temples as you went deeper into his mind.
Then you saw it.
An image of you in your padawan robes giggling happily as you sat in a field just outside the Jedi Temple, your hair braided off to the side as you wielded a collection of petals around you in a gently swirling frenzy. More noticeably you saw a young boy in front of you, his dark hair just barely hanging in his pale face as his warm eyes watched you earnestly. He looked hopelessly infatuated with you, his pale cheeks just barely flushing with blush.
“Ben, Ben look at what I can do!”
Now the image of the same boy, in the middle of pouring rain, his eyes bloodshot from tears and his lip quivering found its way into your mind. He was a few years older, still in his padawan robes. In the dark of night, with his arms hanging limply by his sides he watched as a shuttle ramp illuminated in the flurry of rain. From his line of sight, you saw your silhouette go up the ramp, your parents quickly pulling you in as they looked around cautiously.
“Please don’t go…please.”
Hopelessly he watched as the ramp closed, breaking into deeper sobs.
Gasping as you finally released from his mind, you gently raised a hand to your aching forehead. It had been a while since you had used so much of your strength. Being a princess didn’t often require your mental force abilities, but certainly required your wit and intelligence. As you felt the dull pulsing ache subside in your head, you looked back to the man, your lips falling open.
“Ben?”
His jaw clenched, his energy suddenly growing rigid.
“That name is long gone…it’s been a while (Y/N).”
“Y…you’re the Emperor? …Of the First Order?”
He nodded slowly, waiting to gage your reaction. Looking him up and down, you almost felt tears well in your eyes. Being Ben’s only friend at the academy, not to mention in general, he had confided in you multiple times about his struggle with anger. With his growing rage and animosity. He had always known just how powerful he was. Your friendship with him, made it all the more difficult for him when your parents abruptly took you back to Naboo, before your training with Luke was even complete. It broke your heart to see living proof in front of you that Ben had lost, lost himself to his demons.
“I finally have the power I desire.”
“…Is it worth it..”
“Kylo. …My name…is Kylo Ren.”
Swallowing you nodded slowly, “Is it worth it Kylo?”
He shifted his jaw slightly, sitting upright once again as he looked down on you. Strumming his fingers against the arm rests of his throne he seemed to have a glisten in his eyes.
“…It’s not everything I desire…you could help me.”
Sitting up a little straighter you looked back up to him perplexed.
“How?”
As if about to cry he let out a wavering sigh as he ran a gloved hand over his face. Shaking his head he just continued staring back at you.
“I…I don’t know.”
Bringing yourself to your bare feet slowly, you shivered once again. Deciding to look past the ice cold chill that was brushing your feet with every step, you cautiously approached Kylo in his throne. Noticing your action, he dropped his hand from his face, his lips parting as he looked you over. As you stopped at the half way point, afraid of what his Nexus were trained to do if someone were to approach, you watched him carefully. Your eyes never broke contact with his, just intensely exchanging glances. Both of your minds were seemingly silent to one another, the only palpable thing being the physical energy passing between you. Gulping, Kylo stood from his throne slowly. Almost gasping at the sight, you craned your head to keep your eye contact intact. He was like a giant compared to the small boy you remember befriending. His broad shoulders were an indicator that he was no longer as scrawny as you had remembered him back then. Obviously, he had finally grown into his body properly. With a heavy thud from his boots against the stone, he took one step forward. After seeing you stand your ground, he continued stepping forward, taking slow cautious steps until his body was mere inches from you.
Suddenly feeling your nerves growing you looked from Kylo’s chest, to his intense brown gaze. Finally being this close, you saw him, you saw that little trace of the friend you once had. Though he had this ominous presence, he was still that vulnerable being, so alone and neglected, left to battle his demons alone.
“…You will help me?”
Nodding quietly you stared into his eyes, almost getting lost in a trance by how welcoming they were. He smirked just barely at you as you heard a shuffle of his robes.
“Good.”
Suddenly gripping onto your hand, you felt his grip constrict causing your brows to furrow.
“What are y-AHHH!”
Without warning you suddenly felt a surge of electricity course through your veins, feeling as though it was pulling you closer to him. Your blood was suddenly boiling, almost bubbling with every rapidly growing beat of your heart. Your skull felt as though Kylo had taken his large palms to your temples and forecfully pushed them in. The beating of your heart was so rapid you were sure it was going to pound straight through the flesh over your chest. Your mind was now a flurry of conflicting memories, thoughts, visions and emotions, all frantically dancing through as they all collided with each other. The sheer chaos could only be described as similar to a scurry of people after an explosion. Even that scenario had more order to it than what was invading your psyche. The energy pulsing through you was like a magnetic force, mentally and emotionally pulling you closer to Kylo, as you could feel Kylo being pulled into you mentally and emotionally. WIncing your eyes shut, you felt his large hand hold you sturdy with him. His only reaction from what you had seen moments ago was barely a wince, maybe a short flinch from the sudden impact of this mess. With a sudden, snap you felt all the pressure and chaos cease from yourself.
Sighing with relief, you took deep breaths, trying to focus your dizzying vision. Hearing a deep sigh in front of you, you assumed Kylo was experiencing the same sensation. Finally feeling as though the room had fallen still you slowly looked up to meet Kylo’s gaze. Just as before, his eyes were still boring into yours, intense and dark. Quietly a smirk crept its way across his plump lips as he watched you.
“What was that?”
Your tone was more rigid, you may have been an optimistic being, but you knew now there was something more to what had just happened to you. Gently he brought a hand to your cheek, softly grazing it with his fingertips. His aura was cooling down instantly as he stared at you. Though mysteriously, you felt the same way, as if you were suddenly coming into a state of calm. You surely were not at all in a state of mind to be calm over this. Finally his deep voice broke the silence between you.
“…I’ve bonded us.”
Feeling your breath hitch, your eyes went wide.
“W-what?”
He continued caressing your face gently, “You said you wanted to help…so I bonded us through the force.”
“How, how does that help?”
He smirked, now craddling your chin in his large and strong grip.
“Now we’re connected. Now you can be what this Empire needs. The Empress I desire.”
Feeling your heart start to ram against your chest you worriedly looked over his expression. Nothing about his facial features was faltering, his voice was not wavering, his eyes however seemed unsure. With your shared bond you could feel his conflicting emotions, something that was always a struggle for him. He wanted to lay down his iron fist and tell you exactly what to do, much like he did with his subjects and knights. He undeniably knew what he wanted, he knew how to get it and he wasn’t going to let you deny him. Yet, at the same time, he so greatly worried that he had done the worst possible thing to you, linked you to him eternally. Force bonds were not easily broken and powerfully impacted both parties involved. Deep within his conflict, you could see your friend from once before, pleading for you to stay like he once had before. No matter how deep into the dark he plunged, you knew his soul was still the same vulnerable one seeking acceptance and understanding.
“You will stay…won’t you?”
Staring deep into his eyes, you saw that same little boy from the vision in his mind. Sobbing in the night of pelting rain as he watched you leave, carelessly and graciously. Quietly you nodded in response.
“Yes.”
Unable to contain his emotions you felt his wave of joy brush over you, the same instant tears just barely welled in his eyes. Carefully he brought his large palms to either of your cheeks, gently bringing your head close to him as he rested his forehead against yours. His warm palms slowly thawed your increasingly frozen flesh. Closing your eyes, you relished in the feeling of finally feeling warmth again in this lifeless place.
“Thank you…thank you…Empress.”