Their kisses were chaste and hungry, not at all loving nor filled with care. Every touch existing with nothing short of a dire need for the thrill. Taking part in such a forbidden affair somehow sent bolts of pure adrenaline coursing through their already hardened veins. Not to mention, there was just something about the idea of defying Snoke in a way so immoral that made it all the more exciting. This was what the true meaning behind the Dark Side was to them both, taking what they wanted, when they wanted, and not showing a care in the world for its repercussions. The Dark Side was pleasure. The Dark Side was power.

However once the occurrence ended, everything was back to being uniform, from Hux sliding methodically out of bed, to him quickly screwing on his cap as if nothing had ever even happened. The caress of soft silk sheets gliding across their bare skin or even the sensation of Kylo's hot breath against his neck were reduced to transparent ghosts hidden deep inside Hux's already complex mind. Attachments were not to be made, both he and Kylo knew that. Sentiment was a sickness that could be easily manipulated and used to tear down even the greatest of rulers.

At the reminder, Hux tilted his head ever so slightly so that his chin nearly rested upon his shoulder. Behind him, Ren was hunched over the side of the bed, pulling on a pair of tar coloured boots. Somewhere deep within him, he ached to crawl back in that bed and curl up beside the knight, but Hux knew the idea was foolish. Kylo was meant to be a distraction and nothing more. He straightened, pulled on his great coat, then fled without a farewell, unaware of Kylo's devilish claws inching their way through his mind, flicking through each and every unwanted thought and feeling swimming inside the General's head.

Minutes after his depart, a knock came sounding from Kylo's door. Part of him expected it to be Hux, returning after a quick reconsideration. Kylo couldn't help but be unopposed to the idea, though he immediately came to regret the notion. He shook his head to free himself from the thought, then sprung up to answer whomever it was that was awaiting him outside.

"My Lord, the Supreme Leader has requested your attendance outside in the training quarters." Informed Phasma as soon as the large metal doors slid apart to reveal the chrome covered trooper. Kylo nodded in response, his mind too busy to properly address the captain. Not to mention, it was also preoccupied enough not to remember to throw on his robes or even run a hand through his heavily disheveled hair. Without it, the amplitude of bruises and bites were clearly outlined across his creamy skin, offering no hint at discretion. Yet, Kylo felt no shame in front of Phasma. What he did in his spare time was certainly not of her concern.

Phasma replied to his gesture with a respectful salute. Even if she had noticed the marks, which she more than likely did, she made no note of it. The Captain turned on her heels and marched off down the hall, boots clicking. Kylo then sighed and retreated back into his quarters to get dressed. The thought of training came with a nauseating pounding within his head as the exhaustion from his evening spent with Hux was still clinging tightly to his bones.

As soon as he stepped out into the sweltering heat, Kylo instantly came to despise his thick, black robes that were much better suited for the frigid extremes of Star Killer Base. "Look who arrived at the party. Try and keep up, will you?" sneered none other than Alema Rar from behind him. Kylo refused to acknowledge her as he continued moving forward to where Phasma stood atop an arching pedestal, high above the trainees. Her hidden, yet all seeing, eyes traveled across each and every recruit stationed below. Kylo positioned himself beside her, gazing down to observe the stormtroopers who were all deeply engaged in their own personal conditioning.

"Snoke wishes for you to get to know the surroundings. I know you know the protocol, Ren. He has granted you eight hours," Phasma stated hastily, coming as a shock to Kylo and within seconds, his vision was blinded, turning everything around him into a pit of pure blackness. Then through his mask, came the overwhelming stench of a chemical concoction that would soon lower him deep into unconsciousness. This was definitely not the training he expected to be taking part in that day, but he knew better than to fight off Snoke's orders, so he complied with ease.

Kylo awoke what seemed like seconds later, though he knew that to be untrue as the sky had already drastically changed from the swirling pools of rich magenta and burning crimson to its usual hazy olive. He was relieved to find that his helmet and robes had been removed, leaving him dressed in nothing but his underclothes, consisting of a thin pair of sweat pants and a black cotton tank. Yet, he still almost instantly broke out into a sweat, prompting him to reach behind his head and pull his raven locks up into a tight knot. After doing so, Kylo squinted up at the canopy hanging above his head, insects were buzzing about and the humidity was practically visible. Kylo couldn't grasp the fact that some creatures actually chose to live on this miserable planet.

He sighed, then began to trudge on through the brush, marking the start of his trek back to the base. Kylo hated these tests most of all, more so now that he was unfamiliar with the territory. Often times upon the Starkiller, Snoke would throw him blindfolded and gagged, into the unforgiving lands of the base, all of which were layered with a thick sheet of icy snow. Much like now, Ren would be close to nakedness, allowing himself to fall victim to all that the elements had to offer. Kylo easily recalled the purple fingers so numb they felt as if they could crack at any given moment. He remembered the icy drops of water leaking from his eyes in painful waves, burning his cheeks with a biting fury. But, now everything had changed. Rather than water spilling from his eyes, it perspired from within his skin and his finger tips glowed with a tinge of rosy red.

Kylo cracked his neck and wiped away a trailing bead of sweat from his forehead as he climbed high above the reaches of the fauna's branches. His muscles flexed with discomfort at the constant stress, but Ren ignored the feeling with annoyance. Once at the top, he peered out to examine his surroundings. It was fruitless. The base was no where in sight and having been here only a short matter of days, Kylo began to question just how far out of reach Snoke had placed him. Ren closed his eyes, digging deep within himself to find and let loose the power flowing through his body. Tapped into, Kylo sent the energy out into the planet, searching calmly for a familiar soul. Just as he was about to let go, something-someone was recognized. Kylo put all his strength into identifying the being, but to no avail. Dissatisfied with himself, he withdrew from his place among the branches and flung himself down, ready to set out and find the person himself.

Touching the ground, Kylo followed the trail unsteadily. When the Force within him began to nearly burst with anticipation, it was then that Kylo heard the shouts. Not daring to out himself to whatever danger was lurking beyond the thick wall of shrubbery, Kylo's head began frantically searching for something to use as a temporary weapon while still keeping his presence concealed from whatever was ahead. His eyes swiftly averted to a fallen tree laying not too far from his line of vision. It's limbs were thick and firm, perfect for the time being. Without a second thought, Kylo summoned the broadest of the branches and sent it flying towards his grip. Ready to catch the object, Kylo gasped when he realized the wood was no longer as it seemed. Instead, it shone silver in the dimming light. It couldn't be. No, not again. The weapon promptly fell back into the curve of the ground below. Kylo blinked in disbelief, only to find the same piece of timber, taken from the fallen tree, tucked softly into the grass. No lightsaber, just a stick, nothing extraordinary.

Rage exploded within himself. The petty reminder of his failure stung at his heart in ways he couldn't bear. Kylo gritted his teeth and collected the branch with great force, then erupted through the greenery. Not even the shock of the moment was enough to throw Kylo from his wrath. Looming above him was a massive insectile creature with thick, shaggy fur covering it from head to toe. From it's rear, the creature sprouted multiple prehensile tails. However, the biggest revelation came from the sight of Alema dangling limply from the monster's jaws, it's colossal fangs embedded deeply into her right arm, sending a steady stream of oozing scarlet cascading down onto the earth.

Kylo rushed the creature, immediately impaling it through the heart, but with the new found fury burning through him, Ren did not stop. Limbs were sent flying across the clearing along with large tufts of ashen coloured hair, blurring the Knight's surroundings until his vision was clouded by nothing but red. He went on slaying the beast in a berserk fashion, the power of the Force doing his every sinister bidding. When the carnage finally came to an end, Kylo knelt close to the ground, face painted in gore. Alema lay motionless beside him, although her heart was still clinging to life, beating ever so softly within her chest.

In a single languid movement, Kylo shifted to position the dying Knight in his embrace. Horrendous amounts of blood were spilling from the gashes along her body and Kylo knew she that she didn't have long. Kylo had to think fast, so off came a few ragged strips of fabric from his shirt and gently, he placed them atop the wounds. This was by no means a solution to their conflict, but Kylo held on to the belief that this pathetic attempt at saviour would at least somewhat raise their terrible odds. With a new sense of determination leading him on, Kylo hoisted her up with a cold, unwavering glare. As he walked, Alema  swayed like a bride in his arms, her features carrying an odd sense of peace and neutrality. Kylo felt a stab of nostalgia, but couldn't place where from. But that was because Kylo Ren did not feel such things. These thoughts belonged to boy long dead. A boy who's eyes were grew wide with wonder at the sight of a strange, blue girl who's love for dancing matched no other, save for the love she felt for her dear sister.

"Stop! Get out!" Kylo screamed, clenching his teeth in anger at the memories that so daringly attempted to resurface. They had to get out of here now or Alema wouldn't be the only one to loose herself today. Not slowing pace, Kylo began to immerse himself in meditation, calling upon the Force once again to help him seek out a passageway back. Bullseye. There was only one who's aura came off so strong as to reach Kylo at such a distance. The General. Although deeply perturbed by the fact, Kylo pushed it away momentarily and locked onto Hux's position. He began to sprint, his long, lanky legs taking them faster and faster through the green, but Kylo knew that the base was still too far for Alema. Even knowing he'd regret his decision in the long run, Kylo paid no mind and did something he would've formerly thought unthinkable, "Hux, it's Kylo. Alema was attacked just moments ago by some creature out here and she's is bleeding out. I'm on my way back to the base, but I don't believe that we'll make it in time. Please, Hux. She needs your help. I need your help."

Hux bit his lip, indignant that Ren would dare call upon him for help once again,especially during a trial of which the Knight was supposed to complete on his own. Still though, something within himself commanded him to assist. After all, Kylo was his superior, he was merely doing his job, no harm in that, right? The General took a deep breath, his insides twisting with unease as he barked the orders at the troopers surrounding him, commanding them to ready a ship. Kylo Ren needed his ass saved by Hux...again.