"I know everything I need to know about you!" She yelled, her heart pounding in her chest, blaster still raised.

"You do?" His voice echoed strangely, and his dark eyes studied her. His mouth tilted in a smirk. "Ah, you do."

She curled her finger around the trigger, clenched fist trembling at her side. She glared at him.

"You have that look in your eyes," he murmured, "from the forest. When you called me a monster."

"You are a monster," she hissed, pulling the trigger.

***

Kylo Ren was one of the most feared people in the galaxy.

He'd been trained by both Luke Skywalker and Supreme Leader Snoke. He was the leader of the Knights of Ren and a terrifying force in the First Order.

Yet some scavenger girl from Jakku had looked him fearlessly in the eye and opened fire on him, knowing what he could do to her in return.

And now Supreme Leader Snoke had taken an interest in her.

Of course, Kylo could also sense the raw power stirring inside her. This alone made the girl—Rey—interesting.

Then he blinked and she was sitting in his quarters. He looked up, and was surprised.

She was burying her face in her hands, shoulders hunched. There was no doubt she was aware of him, but—Kylo swallowed. She didn't seem like one to show such weak emotion. He instinctively reached out to her, then pulled back, furious at himself.

"Ben," she whispered.

He flinched. Who gave her the right to call him that? That accursed name he worked so hard to get rid of.

"There's a place, Ben," she whispered, "on this island."

She's on an island? "Yes?"

"Luke said it represented the dark...but it said things...it said it could tell me who my parents were."

Kylo clenched his fists to stop them from trembling. If she turns, all hope is lost for me. Then he swatted the thought away.

"I went, Ben...and there was nothing. It showed me nothing except my reflection, staring back at me."

She was shaking. Kylo felt helpless and flustered. Why is she telling me this? What does she expect me to say? And why does her agony cause me so much pain?

"I..." Kylo swallowed. "The Supreme Leader would know who they are."

Rey lifted her head and sent him a sharp glare. Kylo nearly laughed.

"I just thought you'd understand," she said snappishly, standing up.

"I do," he said quickly, standing with her, "I do. You're conflicted. I was, too. I got over it. You will, too."

She stared at him. "You're not alone," she whispered. And she held out her hand.

Her melting chocolate eyes tugged at his heart. "Neither are you."

Carefully, cautiously, he inched his fingers towards hers. As he did so, he realised he could make out a vague impression of her surroundings, which was becoming clearer as they drew closer to contact. A small stone hut, crackling fire, thatched roof. Where is she?

Then their skin flickered together for a second and Kylo's breath hitched. He could feel her gaze, but he didn't, he couldn't meet it, because he knew if he caught even a glimpse of that warm brown, he'd break, he'd shatter like glass, and who knew what would happen after that.

Then the wall folded like paper, bricks flying past them, and they flinched apart. Kylo only got a glimpse of the man he hated and the resounding cry of "STOP!" echoed in his ears as the hut vanished and he was back in his chambers.

***

The wind howled in anguish as Rey chased Luke Skywalker up the cobbled path.

"I can't teach you anymore," was all he'd said.

"You were wrong about him! Wrong!" She screamed over the raging storm.

Maybe he didn't hear, but he didn't turn back once. Rey stopped, panting. She didn't care. Luke hadn't been able to give her any answers. The dark couldn't either. She slumped onto the path, soaking hair plastered to her face. So maybe she'd never get an answer.

But Ben Solo...he could.

There's still conflict in him. I sensed it. I saw it. She stood up, clenching her fists. I'll go to him.

And if he doesn't want to turn, I'll make him.

***

The girl is heading this way, rasped the Supreme Leader.

Kylo kept his head bowed, wondering why she'd do such a stupid thing.

If we could turn her, Snoke said in his distorted voice, she would be the greatest asset we have.

"I can do it," Kylo said quickly.

You say so, but I worry. A grotesque face stared at him. I am not oblivious to your emotions, child. You are weak and conflicted. Like your parents. Like your father—

"I killed Han Solo," Kylo interrupted, clenching his fists, "when the moment came, I didn't hesitate."

Yes, the Supreme Leader croaked, and you did well. But in doing so you reawakened the conflict inside you. The girl is strong. And you are not.

"I can do it," Kylo said loudly, standing up, "I will turn the girl."

A quivering sound resembling a laugh. I know you will.

***

Rey held her breath as the small pod crashed into the First Order's command ship. She watched, heart pounding, as the door swung open with a hiss, smoke clouding her vision. She exhaled sharply as her vision cleared, revealing Ben Solo's expressionless face. Was he expecting me?

And then he turned and walked away, revealing two stormtroopers standing behind him. Rey's breath hitched. No.

All she could do was stare after him as they cuffed and dragged her away.

A/N
Yes, this chapter is a little short. I'll be lengthening them, though. The quality of writing will also improve throughout the story, so don't worry if it sounds a bit off now.