Chapter Text

The Run

Slumber would not come as your nerves would not allow it. You watched as the three suns kissed the sky awake. The horizon clung to it in want of attention, and was slowly filled with it's light. The dusty oranges, bright pinks, and fluttering purples intermingled and splattered across the sky. This still was not the most ideal sunrise as the rain made your riding gown cling harshly to your body. It's an old gown. You reminded yourself studying the unruly strings of the embroidered flowers prying themselves away from the once powder blue, now slowly greying, fabric. Your varactyl quietly stirred as you readjusted yourself in the seat. It's head nuzzled deeper into the wildflowers trying to hide it's eyes from the light, but there was nothing, as it came to accept, to stop the small droplets from pelting it's head and disturbing it's dreams. At least one of us can sleep. A purr curled in her chest as your hands brushed against her brightly colored plumage. Your eyes faltered staring into the droplets that hung ever so gently on the delicate fibers of her feathers before the gems rolled off and fell into the abyss of the flora.

We must wake from our dreams Sheindi....they cannot last forever. You whispered it into the breeze that crossed the field. The heads of the flowers wobbled shaking their heavy heads in judgement. You hoped it drifted off into the galaxy. You hoped someone out there felt the sadness you did today.

------

He did a sweeping bow before the glowing blue projection. The Supreme Leader allowed him to rise, leaving the General still on his knees.

You may rise, General. Snoke said in his usual raspy voice. He rested his disfigured head against his long slender fingers. I have obtained a bride, Master Kylo.

Thank you, Supreme Leader. The words hugged in a tone of resentment. His jaw clenched as he drove his mind to find stability and balance.

It was only a few months ago that Supreme Leader approached him about the matter and to Kylo's dismay he would be forced to marry. Supreme Leader believed that some of the submission of the galaxy would transpire more smoothly if there was a strong political bond. Master Kylo was not so sure of the plan though, but was not one to go against his Master's word.

She is from Onrei. Kylo's face twisted in disgust at seeing how excited it made Hux, who upon learning how much it perturbed the young apprentice, was first to volunteer in search of a bride. Snoke, however, took it upon himself to see the task to fruition as he did not trust the General with such a duty. It still did not deter him from being a complete-butt kisser.

Their planet is rich in minerals and resources which will provide well for us and the First Order.

I am forever grateful. Kylo said descending down to one knee again.

Your marriage will aid in solidifying the order in the galaxy. The Onrei are well liked, so do the best to your ability to not-destroy anything while you are there. General Hux and Captain Phasma will be attending as well to assure everything goes...satisfactorily. The wedding is in three days time. I suggest that you arrive promptly. Learn their customs. Understand their position among other planets.

Kylo read into the words. Blend in and learn their weaknesses and strengths-if there were any. He still had so many doubts that plagued his mind. The Supreme Leader droned on. The trials of forming a bond can be tedious my apprentice. Practice patience and do not disappoint me.

Yes, my liege.

_____

Three days later.

His cape billowed behind him as he made his way into the hangar. Kylo headed for his own TIE fighter when he heard a scoff behind him.

Absolutely not! General Hux's face scrunched up in anger. We are there for you to get married not to implode the city.

They must know we are strong.

I think the Star Killer does that bit justice. Now get in the cruiser. General Hux tucked his arms back behind his back and walked with dignity up the ramp.

I will not be taking my bride on that piece of -!

Language! Even I don't need mind reading abilities to know what was going to come out of that filthy mouth of yours. Fine, I don't care what you go in, but you aren't going in a war machine. He shouted out from the doorway.

The words of Snoke burned through the back of his mind. He needed to find an equilibrium in all of his anger, but Hux would do his best to prevent Kylo from getting any sort of footing. Although Hux always got like this before diplomatic missions he felt that Hux was more than insistent on pushing his buttons. Sure Kylo grew up with an education that even Hux could envy, but at times Kylo could not keep his attitude in check long enough to remember his manners. Kylo clenched his fists and breathed before getting onto the cruiser with the copper headed burden. Captain Phasma's boots thudded against the ramp as she got on. She buckled up across from Kylo. She snorted seeing his discomfort on not being allowed to fly.

She tried her best to lighten the mood in her own gruff way, Didn't bother to dress up? She looked Kylo up and down as she realized he was in his usual garb.

These are some of the finest fabrics in the galaxy....besides they don't know I typically wear this.

Suit yourself. She sighed clipping her seat belt together with her large hands. She didn't push the matter knowing that Hux would bother him enough if being forced into marriage wasn't irking him already which it obviously was.

General Hux walked up and down the cabin inspecting every inch of it. Would you sit down? Kylo roared hotly at him.

Cold feet? General Hux scowled at him.

No, now sit. Kylo raised his hand and tossed him into a seat and tied his seat belt around him.

Sure seems like it to me. You're lucky that she is lovely. He could have picked someone far worse. Like someone from the Teluxena.

Have you seen her? Kylo was thankful that vocoder covered the curiosity. It could sound just as fact rather than any emotion in it. Not that it mattered he didn't love her, but he didn't want Hux's beady little eyes on her first.

Did you not do your research as Snoke advised?

I did. He said bluntly. There wasn't much on her.

Ah well, I sent my spies. General Hux beamed, raising a nose into the air.

Kylo looked to Phasma not sure to actually believe the gull of this man. She shook her head and wiggled her fingers like whoop-dee-doo.

If you don't want her, then I would gladly take her off your hands. Kylo raised his hand into the air again, and Hux flinched before anything happened. And what of that hideous helmet? Will that be attending the wedding too?

The helmet stays. There is no bond yet. Kylo reaffirmed sternly. I'm sure you would love to see me assassinated.

It wouldn't totally ruin my day. Kylo tightened the straps around his colleague. Successfully making his face as red as his hair.

Enough. The both of you. We're almost there.

He had not seen a world so beautiful as Onrei. There were three suns, as he had read, but they were not as big as most suns. The combination of the three made up the energy of a fairly large one. He took notice that they each varied slightly in color. The cruiser zoomed over a field of wild flowers accidentally ripping some of the flowers apart.

Pull up, GH-6758. No need to piss them off so soon. Hux commanded the Storm Trooper. The cruiser passed over rivers, lakes, valleys, and waterfalls. There were great mountains in the distance, and if you went far enough west there was a desert gracing the land. Kylo understood how the First Order would be attracted to the Onrei. Especially when they made landing in the market place.

People scurried away as the three exited the ship. They were on their own, but only for a little while. Master Kylo relished walking through the market on his own even with the constant threat that all of this may still be a ploy. The fruits were rare and abundant. Flowers graced women's heads and arms. Children were happy and playing. Large animals were being roasted and turned on skewers. Overall the people were jovial, and how could they not be? General Hux pressed a napkin to his nose.

Can't handle real air General? Kylo mused.

I have a terrible pollen allergy. Unlike Phasma and you, I do not have a helmet to filter my air although I should have thought of it. Ah, King Marciles so glad to make your acquaintance. Hux approached with his hand out to a large, tanned man with a short, white beard. His robes were a floral pattern in bright red and purple with gold trim. He hugged Hux lifting him a bit off the ground.

Kylo almost let out a snort up until his future father-in- law tried to do the same to him. He wasn't able to lift him off the ground which made him release a hearty chortle. He hit him on the arm, You're a sturdy one! As thick as a tree...just about as tall as one too! Another laugh escaped from the deepest part of his belly. Kylo was bothered until he was released from his attention, and he moved onto Phasma. But even still his brooding settled in as he realized how much time he would have to waste here.

You have to excuse my husband. He is overjoyed by your arrival. A woman with striking blue eyes approached along with a man that followed her with an umbrella to protect her delicate pale skin. She wore a powder blue floral robe with golden trim. Her hair was fixed in curls with a few braids that framed her face. King Marciles brown eyes lit up upon seeing her.

And this is my Queen Mira. He held her arms gently planting a loving kiss onto her cheek. Now where is Y/N?

Last I saw she was in her room. Mira confirmed.

Ah well, let's take a quick tour first! Shall we? He said not really giving anyone a choice. He slipped his arm through his wife's and exchanged a few words between the two. She whispered something to the man holding the umbrella, and he left in a hurry.

Is everything alright? Hux asked catching up with the King and Queen. Kylo listened in on their minds to hear their previous conversation.

Are you sure she is in her room? You can't leave her alone.

Yes, we just fought. Everything is alright. Now don't displease our guests. You're being rude.

_____

Earlier that day.

You were called back to the palace by the horn of Jentu.

Come Sheindi time to meet fate. You smirked as Sheindi rose and stretched her legs out. She raced across the fields easily mastering every curve and crevice of the land. Your h/c curly locks whipped around your face from the speed at which she traveled. You dismounted when you arrived at the palace steps. Your grey knee high suede riding boots scuffling against the stone steps that led up to the terrace. You waved to your friend as you grabbed a piece of fruit off a tray from a passing servant and tossed it to her. She snapped it up hungrily and went on her way to go dig up something in the garden probably.

That is for the wedding. Your mother droned her disapproval at you feeding Sheindi while sitting at a table arranging flowers.

It shant be missed. Do you think those bucket heads really eat? You chuckled sitting in a seat across from her. You crisscrossed your legs in the chair and grabbed another piece of fruit taking it for yourself.

Don't speak of them so cruelly. Your tongue will become accustomed to it, and I can't protect you when you are out there.

Silence fell over you as you picked at the skin of the fruit.

I know this is not what you wanted for yourself, but this is for your people. A greater good.

I know, Mama. You groaned after hearing it for the billionth time. I know this is for Onrei, but I don't trust them. How do we know that they will keep their word? He is a force user and a dark one at that. You plopped the fruit back onto the plate.

They have given us their word, and we will honor it. I know your favorite past time is giving lip, but it will suit you well to practice....meditating on how you may serve him better.

Anyone know what's under that helmet anyway?

He is young. If that is what you are wondering?

How young?

Twenty-nine.

That wasn't so bad at least he wasn't sixty then again you might much prefer him to be older as he may die much quicker. You bit at your bottom lip. Your mother felt your worry and grasped your hand warmly into hers.

Onrei has been good to us. Too good. She reaffirmed. You have felt her love, warmth, and light. Everyone of us has been spoiled in it. It is time we pay her back by protecting her. You nodded as a few tears fell from your bright blue eyes. They were a lot like hers with the exception that you had splatters of brown in them. There was a particularly large splotch in your right eye. She would always say, And a dash of your father. As that seemed to be the only thing you received from your father.

I will fulfill my duty. You repeated back to her monotonously. The Onrei were a hardy people. They were as tough as they were happy, but you felt in this instance your parents were being naive. The Supreme Leader demanded you as a bride because of Onrei's relations with the rest of the galaxy. Your parents only agreed because of the belief that through you, and the customs of Onrei, could they bring a better balance to the First Order. Wishful thinking on their part, you believed.

You have been attending your lessons with Gadia? Your mother interrupted your thoughts.

Yes. You moaned in agitation, flipping your head into your lap.

Calm yourself child. Beauty will only take you so far. Education only so far, but pleasing him in bed....will keep you in your place. How else do you think the Onrei men never stray from Onrei women?

Mama!

If she has been giving you lessons, then how do you still shy away from the subject? She chuckled picking on you.

It's weird to talk about with you!

Where do you think you came from? You didn't just fly out of a geyser. You left her at the table for her to finish her breakfast. And go to the baths you smell like the fields! It's your wedding day in a day for Onrei's sake!

You ignored her plights looking for your father. He was in the dining hall helping organize the food and tables.

Any sagely advice for me, Papa? You smirked at him as he conducted everyone so happily.

Know when to walk away. It will always save you a headache a day. His thunderous laugh rung through the hall.

Hmm.

Have you been attending lessons with Jentu?

You rolled your eyes as your parents seemed to learn to sing the same song without attending practice together. Yes, Papa.

And what form have you settled in?

The only form my size is suited for of course. Stealth and quickness. I would love to combat in chaos, but you know one can't always have what they want.

You are chaos all on your own. You don't need a combat form for that. He grinned pinching one of your cheeks softly. A sadness slowly seized his face. His strong, worn hands graced your cheeks holding them there for a moment like he was trying to remember you.

I will visit. I have to. I think the motherland will scream for me. You joked at the end.

Please do. Your mother is trying to put on a strong face....but you know your weak hearted father. He said as a few tears pushed at his eyes. He shook his head expelling the terrible thoughts and slapped his hands on the armrests. Well there is work to be done. You took your leave, but not before he shouted back to you, And go to the baths you smell like the fields! It's your wedding day in a day for Onrei's sake!

You weren't ready for the baths yet though. You had other pressing plans to attend to first. You ascended the stairs and entered your room. Your mother and a few hand maidens were drawing a bath for you.Not yet, mama! You said knowing she would try to shove you in.

Get in this tub Y/N. I will not have them thinking we are giving them a rotting flower. They will be arriving soon-

Mama, I am doing the Run.

No, you aren't and that is final. Now get into the tub, Y/N.

You cannot take this from me. It is my wedding day tomorrow! It has to be done before sunset today for it to count! Tetsuk told me-

Y/N now! Her eyes were boring a hole into you. Your fingers begrudgingly fiddled with the ties of your robe and dress and dropped it to the ground. You took off the cloth that wrapped your hands and tossed them aside. And the boots.

You kicked them off and hopped into the tub splashing some of the warm water out. Happy?

Very. There is no need to fulfill such a relic of a tradition. Your groom isn't even Onrei, so there will be no bad luck.

Isn't that bad luck enough? You sighed settling your aching muscles in the water.

No, be thankful that you will get to see other things. Onrei is beautiful, but there are other things to see.

Mmm. All you ever wanted to do was explore. You should have wished more carefully. Your mother left as she felt you were calm enough to be left alone, but as soon as the last hand maiden left, you exited the tub and climbed out the window. You were going to continue the relic of a tradition.

-----

They had shown the three welcomed interlopers all about the palace and some of the villages. Hux was particularly fond of the garb of the local women as some exposed one or both breasts. Kylo was growing tiresome and impatient, but only Phasma and Hux could tell which was quite the improvement, considering his usual temperaments. He eased up a bit as they came about a large red clay building.

What is that? Phasma asked very curious as large rumbles were heard coming from within it.

This, my dear, is where we hold our combat games. Onrei is partial to wrestling. Would you like to see?

Hux and Phasma entered eagerly behind the two sovereigns while Kylo still kept his distance. Violence was easy to rile him, but Snoke demanded that he not be rude to his in-laws. He could be rude later, he sufficed, as he stepped through the large wooden door frame. They walked down a long, dirty corridor with many doors before a light was cast over them from a door ahead. Cheers and rumbling could be heard more clearly now.

Crowds made Kylo and Phasma anxious because of their pedigree. Kylo sneered beneath his helmet feeling no tension from the General as most of his training had been done under simulation rather than trial and error of physical battle. Perhaps, the main reason Kylo had such little respect for him.

The crowd froze upon seeing the King and Queen along with their foreboding guests.

Come now! Everyone please take a seat and continue. The King waved his hands for everyone to settle. The dark Commander couldn't help but feel a partial threatening energy in the room. He sat rigidly which was nothing out of the norm for his tendencies, but he could not remain stifled.

Where is the Princess?

Eager aren't we? The King shrugged off the tension. She will be 'round soon. Here, watch! This is her favorite event. He raised a hand as a man covered in orange chalk wearing a blood red loin cloth tossed a very large spear and hit a wooden dummy.

Kylo remained silent for now.

-----

After the games the triumvirate were brought to the palace.

Kylo could feel the worry dripping off them. Was this a trap? No, they seemed genuinely worried that their daughter had gone missing or much worse....decided to run off.

A roar thundered across the field from the stables and clattered banging could be heard as they all stood on the terrace.

What is that? Hux asked astonished.

King Marciles patted his back, Ah, one of the wedding guests thought it would be lovely to gift us a Reek, and as much as I appreciate the thought....they are much too violent for our fauna. It will be kept under control. I assure you. The roof of the stable looked as if it were about to explode from the ramming of the animal. A flicker of worry passed over the King's face. Jentu. He called to the servant that had been escorting the Queen earlier. Find Tetsuk.

At once my King. He left the palace and only but moments later he came back out to tell him that he was at the Gandean Falls.

The Run. The queen said worried while the King said it more in a sigh.

Here. The servant handed a dress robe and boots to the Queen. The Queen nodded knowing full well that an extra pair of clothes always came in handy when it came to her daughter.

Oh goodness, you are in for a treat. Probably the most beautiful fall in Onrei... He drawled on explaining it's history as they boarded an open topped cruiser. Kylo enjoyed watching Hux sneeze uncontrollably while he leaned over the rail watching as herds of animals flocked together running alongside the cruiser. They had the most interesting shapes and patterns. It almost put him at ease....almost.

When they arrived at the fall the King stepped out happily, swinging his Queen out along with him. Hux looked like he was going to be sick. Phasma kept up her usual appearance and stepped gracefully down from the cruiser. There was a man at the edge of the pool of aquamarine water with a peculiar boxy hat and a long scroll.

Tetsuk!

He looked from the scroll for only a moment as the King scurried over to him.

Good morning, sire.

Tetsuk, is she doing the Run?

Yes, she is sire. He mused licking the end of his pen and scribbling the rest of the document down. He looked to be as old as the King and his eyes had many wrinkles from constantly drowning them in words every night.

What is the Run? Hux managed to squeeze between his lips before letting out another sneeze.

A very old Onrei tradition. The Queen said rather proudly. The bride must complete a task that she fears before she marries. That way she can always face a new day knowing that-there are worse things.

So what is it then? She go in the cavern? The King asked a bit out of breath.

Tetsuk raised an eyebrow at the crowd that now circled him. No, sire. His mouth finally was able to form the words.

What is it then? Is she swimming or...

Sire, the Princess is afraid of heights. He pointed his pen to the top of the fall. They all saw the head of a creature peaking over the fall and then disappearing.

A varactyl? Hux asked curiously, but no one answered him.

What? No, get her down now-

Who am I to deny the princess a request? It will soon be her wedding day. I assure you sire the locals jump from there all the time. Just last week Hanuk jumped from there and well....that might not be the best example.

He broke his leg you fool! The queen began grabbing him by his robes when she was interrupted by a loud scream.

-----

Alright, Sheindi. Your hands were shaking as you held her reins. She cooed at you, a little perplexed. Because no one has done it naked before...not for a Run at least.

She cooed again.

No one's down there except Tetsuk. Now stop being a chicken and toss me-ahhhhhh! She began running down the cliff, and then simply bucked you out of the riders seat. You made sure your legs were pin straight remembering having asked how Hanuk broke his leg. It felt like an eternity before you hit that beautiful cold, cold, cold, cold water. It took even longer for you to finally emerge.

-----

And apparently she is afraid of her clothes as well? The King said something with anger in his voice in front of his guests for the first time. In Onrei it was not uncommon for anyone to be naked, but he knew the customs of his guests, and that this would appear-unruly.

Tetsuk raised his hands up in defense. Her choice not mine...but I will make note for the archives.

You most certainly will not- The King roared.

Splash! You finally hit the water. The water stilled itself, and everyone looked up as the varactyl squawked waiting for it's master.

Where is she? The queen cried. She could not still herself long enough to keep her from running into the water.

-----

Your lungs screamed for mercy on your way back up, and they finally found relief as you emerged. The water glided over your skin, and a smile could not escape your lips. You flipped around waving about to Sheindi. She squawked back to you happily. Her feet gripped onto the edge of the rock awkwardly, and she moved her rear up a bit. Oh no! Sheindi wait! You screamed as she suddenly leapt from the top of the fall and was ascending quickly down to the water. You did a survival swim to get out of the way. You moved enough, so that at least you would not be sucked down with her. Unfortunately, the wave did catch you and tossed you into wildflowers.

It knocked the breath right out of you and sent you into a little bit of shock. You gripped the flowers hyperventilating, trying desperately to regain rhythm in your breath.

Y/N! Y/N! Your mother came running over with your lavender dress robe. It was embroidered with the flowers that covered Onrei. She swung it over your shoulders and kissed your head so many times you lost count. She helped you up and tied it closed. You held onto her shoulders while you slipped on your boots. You excitedly explained what happened. I know! I was there. And I, explicitly, told you not to participate in the Run. We have been looking for you. Your future husband is here-

Papa, did you see me? I did it! You shrieked running over to him and embracing him.

That a girl in a true Onrei fashion! He growled happily picking you up. You moved away from him as you did take notice that Sheindi had not resurfaced. Bubbles erupted from the water, and she splashed out in all of her gorgeous blue green glory. Her beak lovingly nuzzled your cheek. You smoothed back her feathers making sure she looked ok. She bumped her beak under your torso sending you flying up into the air and catching you in your seat.

Woah. You tried to calm her, but something was distressing her. You looked down to the three. The red, the silver, and the black. You thought it might be them, but then there was a loud roar in the distance. A gray and red blur fell into your eye line. The Reek had escaped. Three men, each riding varactyls, chased after it. It didn't seem like it was going well.

Y/N! Your mother screamed after you as you immediately went full speed ahead.

They need help mama! You called back.

Everyone into the cruiser. The King called out making everyone safely climb aboard. They trailed after you although it was difficult to keep up.

Sheindi got to it's left, but it showed no signs of slowing down. You pulled back to it's rear and spoke with one of the men as you rode.

Do you have anything to stop it?

Just tranqs.

Tranqs? It's back is too thick.

We got a lot of them. He tossed you a gun, and you pulled off back to the left and took aim as you rode. You shot well enough, but only three really stuck into the tough hide. Not enough to knock it out. The other men got a couple more, but still it did not stop. You tossed the gun aside, and Sheindi ran ahead of the Reek using it's tail to insight it's anger to follow you.

I think he is following us. You looked back, and he picked up speed as your eyes widened. Oh yea, he is definitely following us!

Sheindi whipped and wound around the fields, but you felt her to feel a bit drained. You were nervous trying to push her on. You fell to the Reeks right, hoping it would forget about you and become tired. But it did not. Well, my friend, this is it. You said as you felt that you did not quite take a turn sharp enough, and the Reek was surely about to collide into you. Suddenly, you felt Sheindi fly upwards as if a force stopped her. She had fallen back with you still in the seat. You hit the ground hard again, but this time it was on your side. You got up to check on Sheindi, but froze as you saw the dark phantom raise his hand from the land cruiser. The Reek had come to a stop. It struggled to breath and then, slowly and weakly, it's stomach stopped heaving and it dropped to the ground.

A shiver cleared your spine while the hairs on the back of your neck raised. He was the one you were to marry. A man that simply raises his hand and crushes the life out of a living thing. The suns were kissing the horizon again, and all the bravery you had managed to muster through out life had fallen away at the scene.