Two Sides of the Same Coin

Part VII

Kylo felt the very moment his uncle stepped foot on the base, and he stopped in his tracks. Cristin turned back to him as he stared at her. His eyes startled her. They were angry and hungry, but the rest of his face was calm. They were near the cantina as he had a question for the bounty hunter, but he quickly turned on his heels.

"Kylo?" Cristin called out before chasing after him. He ignored her as he practically ran towards the hangar. He only stopped when he stood in the doorway. She almost ran into him as she noticed that a crowd had gathered around the returned Falcon. "Oh, it seems that Chewie is back."

"Rey's back as well," Kylo remarked, thinking better of mentioning Luke.

"That would explain the crowd," Cristin answered before walking passed him.

Kylo watched as the Torgruta stood next to Poe. He watched on before his uncle made his way through the crowd. The famous Luke Skywalker had returned, and Kylo smirked. With Luke close, he was much closer to victory. However, his smile fell when Luke turned and noticed him. Kylo straightened, refusing to show weakness to his old master. There was a knowing look in his gaze and Kylo felt a panic grip his heart.

Luke excused himself as he turned their attention back to Rey, who was still talking with Finn. Leia watched as her brother went to Kylo, worried that there would be an altercation. Kylo steeled himself as his old master approached and stopped in front of him. Neither of them said anything for a few moments, merely sizing each other up. Luke sighed and shook his head.

"I hope you know what you're doing," the old man grumbled before taking a step forward. Kylo remained where he was and lifted his chin slightly. Luke stared for a moment. "Maybe now you'll understand where your destiny lies."

"I'm not sure what you're talking about, Uncle Luke," Kylo replied evenly, trying not to sneer at him. He hadn't called him uncle since before he was an apprentice. Luke's eyes softened slightly at the mention, and Kylo wondered what was going through his mind.

"I'm sure you don't," Luke chuckled before placing a hand on his nephew's shoulder. Kylo stiffened and Luke smiled. "Make your decisions wisely."

"Cryptic," Kylo commented with a frown. Luke shrugged, returning his hand to his side.

"If I could speak plainly here, I would," Luke explained, glancing in Leia's direction. Kylo clenched his jaw as Luke shook his head. "If you break her heart again, I think it will kill her."

"She's stronger than you think," Kylo countered before he could catch himself. Luke was surprised by his nephew, wondering if there was a chance for him after all.

"Of course," Luke agreed before guiding his nephew towards the crowd.

The moment Rey had left the ship, she found herself in her friend's arms. He had woken up and still seemed to be healing. It didn't stop him from giving her a proper welcome though. She smiled and laughed with him before he introduced the pilot. Poe Dameron was a name she had heard from BB8 and Finn, and it was nice to be able to meet the man himself. He was more handsome than she would have thought, and she couldn't help but notice the attention he was giving Finn. She just wondered if Finn had caught on yet. She was also introduced to the other pilots around her with a few familiar faces.

She had seen Skywalker find his sister before he left the crowd towards one of the exits. Leia had approached and greeted her as well, hoping that Luke hadn't been too boring. Rey laughed and assured her that Luke kept her engaged constantly. Poe dragged Finn back to the medical wing again as the pain killers had started to wear off, but she promised to visit as soon as she could. Soon, the crowd dissipated, and Rey found herself with Chewie and Leia walking toward where Luke had gone. He was chatting with a taller figure who looked up as they approached. Rey's blood ran cold as she saw Kylo Ren staring back at her, the gash in his face healing better than she expected. There was a certain coldness to his gaze, but she could also feel a certain longing from him that confused her.