Ordered

Chapter 26: In Which We Learn What Skywalker's Up To

Meanwhile, the man at the heart of the matter, the legendary, once-again-missing Skywalker pressed a brown scarf closer to his face. The snow gear that adorned his body was old but efficient. The planet, Ilum, was frigid, reminding the Jedi of Hoth. His mind recalled how he had nearly died there. Would have died there without the help of his loyal friend. Han, good ole Han. A smuggler and scoundrel one could depend upon in times of trouble.

Yet, no more.

"Your son will be a Jedi," Luke promised his friend on the other side. Luke had foreseen it. Although many would doubt, Ben would rise, and someday take his rightful place in the galaxy.

In the present, the Jedi would do what he could to help the future along. Deep inside Ilum's largest mountain range, the Crystal Caves awaited. Traditionally, young padawans were instructed to brave the twisted labyrinth to seek the cave's valuable crystals. One of the most critical components of a lightsaber.

Although he had initially hoped to bring Rey and Ben here, to have them navigate the winding tunnels for themselves, there wasn't much time. The future was spiraling quickly on its course. Rey and Ben were married, even though the event had occurred much later than the Jedi had originally predicted. He'd been certain when Rey found him on Ahch-To for the first time; she'd approach him as Ben's bride, causing Ben to give chase. However, time had been altered, delayed. The disappointment had shown in Luke's furrowed brow. The hourglass, the twilight of his life fell ahead. Now time was of the essence.

To ensure the days they had left were productive, Luke decided he would bring the crystals to them. He had destroyed the poor excuse for a blade Kylo Ren wielded. Rey, although content with the Skywalker lightsaber, and endowed with it by Ben, needed one to call her own. With this much, Luke could help them. He could oversee the creation of these weapons, even if one of them spelled his doom.

Luke held his breath. As for the other part of destiny, he couldn't help them there. Rey was conflicted, but she had to make a choice on her own. Despite the fact that Luke loved her like a daughter, he couldn't share his premonitions with her. He would allow her free will and a chance to live her life without burden.

By now, she had accepted Ben has her teacher, which was the right and good way of things. He could feel her growing stronger, and it gladdened his heart. Additionally, by now, Ben was desperately trying to invoke the same Solo charm that had won the love of Luke's sister. Only time would tell if he would leave Kylo Ren behind forever in his despair for Rey's good favor.

Luke knew he couldn't interfere. The events to come had to be the conscious decision of his creation and nephew. Well aware of the paths the future could take, Luke felt the choice was best decided without his presence on Ahch-To. He would give them some private time. See how destiny would go. If time would split again or remain on the given course.

Standing inside the start of the cave, Luke planned to go forth and select a crystal for each of them. Afterwards, he'd make his way to the cloning facility. If his luck held out, he'd destroy it and rendezvous with Leia and the Resistance. Their meeting was long overdue.

Surely, that would give Rey and Ben enough time to decide. The galaxy rested on their young shoulders. The torch was passed.

Yet, as Luke heard the nearby growl of a large, hungry creature, he realized it would be more than enough time. Dianogas. Wampas. Rancors. He'd seen it all.