Forbidden

Nightmare

Rey and Finn took turns taking watch to let me sleep. I needed the rest desperately. I woke up to Rey leaning on the window, sitting on her sleeping bag, legs pulled up to her chest. She watched the sun rise between the trees, birds chirping softly in the branches. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Crying yesterday had made them puffy.

I zipped up my bag and sat on top of it cross legged. BB-8 clicked on beside me and rolled to my side. He beeped a good morning to me, causing Rey to turn around.

"You wake up so early," She spoke softly, trying not to wake Finn, "It's only five thirty."

I shrugged, yawning. "I always get up at this time. Routine, I guess."

"Do you want some breakfast?" She offered, "Then we could go and explore after."

A small smile spread across my face. I always liked to explore. I crossed my legs and Dutch braided my hair in two's, tying them off with elastics. Rey handed me a bowl of porridge, digging into her own. Finn arose, grabbing a bowl before even acknowledging us.

"Good morning to you too." Rey scowled. She turned back to her food, shoving a spoonful into her mouth before Finn could expect an explanation to her snappy mood.

I pulled my satchel over my shoulder, standing with BB-8. We climbed off of the ship and took in our surroundings. Forest surrounded us. Thick, luscious, healthy trees blew softly in the air. Insects and birds I had never seen in my life flew around us, buzzing and chirping appropriately. The cool, smooth grass passed my boots, tickling my shins. I was in awe. I had grown up on Jakku. Nothing but sand. Sand to your left, sand to your right. Sand storms, quick sand, hot sand during the day that scalded you, cool sand in the evening that felt nice between your fingers. This was like nothing I had seen in my entire life.

"I suggest we head that way," Rey broke my train of thought, pointing north, "There's a dirt path we can follow back if we get lost."

We set off through the trees, walking in a line. Rey led the pack, followed by myself and BB-8 who followed beside my feet, and Finn was the caboose. My satchel bumped against my hip every time I took a step, making a metallic clanging noise. I hadn't looked in there yet, and had no idea what was in it.

"Wait a minute, Rey," I called to her, "There's something in my bag."

She turned around and came up to me. Finn scooted behind me, peering over my shoulder. I opened the flap, revealing a silver handle. I furrowed my brow, pulling it out. My hands fumbled with it for a moment until I found a button. Rey and Finn looked just as confused as I did. I held it up, pushing down on the button. A bright blue flash of light appeared, buzzing in my ear. My eyes sparkled in the light, face illuminated.

"No. Way." Finn breathed.

"Is that--" Rey stopped herself, as if she was scared to say the words, "A lightsaber?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Evening had come, and the humidity had vanished. We had collected some roots and berries, Rey mixing them into some sort of berry mush for our meal. They both yawned multiple times before dinner was over.

"I'll take first watch tonight," I offered, sitting at the window, "You two were up all night."

Finn took my offer happily, but Rey was hesitant.

"I'll wake you if anything happens," I reassured, "But I think I will be okay."

She smiled gratefully and laid her head down. I took my spot by the window,leaning on the wall. Hours passed. I spoke quietly with BB-8, examined the lightsaber and redid my braids multiple times to stay awake. I pressed my face once more to the window before waking Finn for the next watch shift.

I jolted back, smacking the wall, heart pounding. It couldn't be! I was tired; my mind needed to stop playing tricks on me. Horrified, I took a deep breath and scooted to the window. Nothing. Then it hit. A bright red light in the distance. TIE fighters in the sky. Storm troopers dismounting the ships. Kylo Ren coming towards me.

Me.

Panicked, I shook Rey violently as the door to the ship opened. I shoved the lightsaber handle onto the waist of my pants, tunic concealing it. She sat up, alarmed, just as he reached his hand out.

I was paralyzed.

"Violet!" She shrieked, waking both BB-8 and Finn up.

With another wave of a hand, Ren silenced her.

"You thought you could hide, couldn't you?" He hissed into my ear, sarcasm dripping from his words, "You and your little friends back at the resistance base."

My eyes widened in complete fear.

"You leave them alone," I snapped, "Don't touch them."

"Then tell me where Skywalker is."

"No."

He released me and waved his hand once more. I collapsed into a forced sleep as I felt him pick me up.

The last thing I heard was Rey screaming hysterically.