Kylo did not fancy it.

Not in the slightest.

He didn't comprehend why Y/N had departed so prematurely, mainly because they had not completed their training. Nevertheless, he sensed the Force beckoning to him, indicating that their departure had displeased Snoke.

"You are foolish to believe she will return," spat Snoke as Kylo knelt before him, his helmet on, head tilted down. "She has already found her destiny on the path of the light side, a path that has always resonated strongly within her. You failed to perceive it."

Kylo glanced up, grateful that his helmet concealed his expression. "I do not believe she has fully embraced the light side yet," he stated firmly. Snoke snorted and leaned back in his chair. "You are blind to the light that stands so plainly before you. She was not born of darkness; she is different," the man smirked. "She does not thrive on the fear of others like you and I do. She is a force to be reckoned with, having taken life at a young age. I sensed a raw power within her, compelling her to depart her homeland," he mused, trailing a finger along the arm of his chair. "And, she willingly ventured into our grasp."

Kylo blinked in silence, grappling with the realization that he had been deceived by the one who had once trained him, and the one who had now vanished. He had allowed Y/N to slip through his fingers, his only true apprentice slipping away akin to his former mentor and uncle, Luke Skywalker.

"I will grant you a week to retrieve her. Failure to do so will brand you a traitor to the First Order, unwelcome regardless of your pleas or her actions," Snoke declared sternly, before adding, "Make this endeavor worth its while."

"I will grant you a week to retrieve her. Failure to do so will brand you a traitor to the First Order, unwelcome regardless of your pleas or her actions," Snoke declared sternly, before adding, "Make this endeavor worth its while."

Kylo bowed his head in acquiescence, lifting it with determination, his jaw set resolutely. He vowed to locate you, regardless of the obstacles you placed in his path.

Yet, if only he were aware of the true magnitude of the situation.

~❈~

In Jakku, you were guiding Finn towards the dilapidated town you had observed upon arrival, sensing the presence of someone with a sensitivity to the Force.

And you were determined to seek them out, even if it meant risking association with a sympathizer of the First Order, in order to ensure that your kind were not entirely lost and that those who honed the power of the Force could still be discovered in the vast, starlit expanse of the galaxy. You did not harbor hatred towards the First Order, nor its inhabitants, but rather towards its underlying intentions.

"How do you recognize this place?" Finn inquired. "We both originate from the First Order, yet we have not set foot here." He surveyed his surroundings with trepidation evident in his deep, brown eyes.

You chuckled, "I possess knowledge of the Force, my dear friend. I was once Kylo Ren's apprentice, remember?" You remarked before halting at a stall adorned with a water dispenser. "One skin of water, if you please," you requested, as the attendant acknowledged your request before filling up a skin of water for both you and Finn. "That will be 20 credits," he stated, prompting you to offer him the necessary payment before handing the water skin to Finn, who swiftly consumed its contents. You, on the other hand, partook with a semblance of dignity before seizing Finn's arm and guiding him away from the bustling marketplace. "We require a temporary abode for respite. At present, you are not in a suitable condition to embark on further travels," you declared, before abruptly pausing.

"What was it?" Finn inquired, observing your stiffened stance, a sure indicator that you had either discovered something of significance or someone was regarding you intently. You turned to behold a young maiden with lustrous brown locks, garbed in a dome-shaped attire, standing beside you. You blinked in surprise.

A sense of unease pricked at your consciousness in her presence, and if you interpreted her countenance correctly, it seemed to be directed towards you as well.

You began to advance towards her, but Finn intervened, halting your progress. "We should not be venturing into unknown territories with strangers we scarcely comprehend!" he barked, causing you to redirect your gaze towards him. The customary golden glint that often surfaced when you were provoked or threatened flashed in your eyes, prompting him to recoil and retreat. "You are one of them," he deduced, realization dawning upon him.

"Return to a place and uncover it," were your only words before you once again fixed your gaze upon the young woman. As she observed your approach, she acknowledged you with a nod before proceeding towards you, her staff poised and prepared. You halted in your tracks, tilting your head towards her and flaring your nostrils. There was neither a vile nor a virtuous scent emanating from her, but one that exuded strength through the force.

"You are a Jedi," she stated. You shook your head. "There is no designation as such; I merely exist in harmony with the force. As for you... Rey." The woman blinked in astonishment. "How did you..." You raised a hand to your temple, causing her to abruptly cease speaking. "Yes, indeed. And pray tell, who might you be?"

"Refer to me as Wolf," you declared, offering a smile. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, my comrade."