master-skywalker-fn

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke returned the hug in equal measure.*

At this parting, I give you the same words that my mentor gave me the last time we met.

"You've taken your first steps into a new world. The Force will be with you. Always."

*He let her go and smiled.*

Go now. Trust in the force, and whatever you must do, do not falter. Goodbye, Evie. And may the Force be with you.

*He donned his cloak, nodded to Evie one final time, and walked down one direction.*

*Luke finished the final touches on his X-Wing, strapped his lightsaber to his belt, and began to enter the cockpit.*

Evie, are you prepared for the mission?

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Their path to the Death Star was clear, and they landed with no issue. It seemed the combat outside was distracting the guards.*

*Now, Luke needed to play his part... and distract the leadership.*

*He helped Evie down off of the X-Wing, then paused. He could feel Vaders presence here... but he could sense that Evie's path was, truly, leading away from his.*

... I sense that we part ways here, Evie.

*He turned to her and smiled.*

I have taught you all I can, if the path of a Jedi is not yours. But... I feel that, perhaps, we will not meet again.

*Luke finished the final touches on his X-Wing, strapped his lightsaber to his belt, and began to enter the cockpit.*

Evie, are you prepared for the mission?

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke finished the final touches on his X-Wing, strapped his lightsaber to his belt, and began to enter the cockpit.*

Evie, are you prepared for the mission?

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke smiled broadly, and his sheer delight was palpable through the force.*

Very well done! You do understand, truly, I can sense it. Congratulations on your achievement.

Rest well tonight. Up until now, I have taught you how to use the Force simply as an extension of your own inner being. Starting tomorrow...

*He tapped the hilt of his lightsaber with a wry grin.*

I teach you how to use it when you truly need to fight.

*Before them, the towering citadel of the First Order base loomed above the snowy mountain peaks. It seemed to have been pulled straight from Illum...*

*And that's exactly what @master-skywalker-fn was counting on.*

*He was cautiously making his way up the slope, Evie close by, and Don trailing behind him. Luke was grateful that the tiny shark's aquatic biology wasn't affected by the cold... then again, he did seem to radiate an odd amount of warmth.*

We're almost to the checkpoint. Remember your training, and this will proceed smoothly. Are you ready?

*It was freezing up here, but fortunately Evie's new robes were quite warm, so she wasn't too bothered. What she was distracted by was the unusually heady hum of Force energy here.

At least she was distracted until Luke's voice cut through the buzz.*

Huh? Oh!! I'm ready. Sorry, there's... a lot of energy up here, it's throwing me a little bit.

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke lightly laughed, then put a cookie down by Don. Carefully unfolding an old blanket, he lifted all of the mechanical pieces with the force, disassembled them, and laid them neatly on the blanket.*

Now, Evie, to construct your lightsaber. To a Jedi, this is an important moment.

*He took his own lightsaber off his belt and held it aloft.*

To make a lightsaber in the Jedi way is to infuse a part of yourself into it. The Sith do not create new lightsabers, not truly. They crudely craft the handles, and enforce their will upon their stolen Kyber crystals, bleeding them red. For a Jedi, and for you... it is not the same.

*Luke ignited his blade, bathing in the emerald hue and constant thrum.*

To a Jedi, this is our only earthly possession. It is our life, a piece of our soul made manifest. Your path may be different from ours, but recognize that this tool means something. It is a weapon, yes, but a defense as well. And it declares that you bear the Force-- that is chose you.

*Luke indicated for her to kneel in front of the blanket, and place the crystal in the center of the parts. He passed her a single page, clearly aged.*

These are the parts your lightsaber must have to function, but the rest of the casing, the form... that is between you, and your crystal. Tap into the force. Feel what your lightsaber wants to be. Do not rush, and do not dawdle. When the time is right, open your eyes, and you will see what you have made.

*Before them, the towering citadel of the First Order base loomed above the snowy mountain peaks. It seemed to have been pulled straight from Illum...*

*And that's exactly what @master-skywalker-fn was counting on.*

*He was cautiously making his way up the slope, Evie close by, and Don trailing behind him. Luke was grateful that the tiny shark's aquatic biology wasn't affected by the cold... then again, he did seem to radiate an odd amount of warmth.*

We're almost to the checkpoint. Remember your training, and this will proceed smoothly. Are you ready?

*It was freezing up here, but fortunately Evie's new robes were quite warm, so she wasn't too bothered. What she was distracted by was the unusually heady hum of Force energy here.

At least she was distracted until Luke's voice cut through the buzz.*

Huh? Oh!! I'm ready. Sorry, there's... a lot of energy up here, it's throwing me a little bit.

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke smiled, held up a finger, and knelt next to Don.*

Mighty one, I believe you have something for your friend?

*Before them, the towering citadel of the First Order base loomed above the snowy mountain peaks. It seemed to have been pulled straight from Illum...*

*And that's exactly what @master-skywalker-fn was counting on.*

*He was cautiously making his way up the slope, Evie close by, and Don trailing behind him. Luke was grateful that the tiny shark's aquatic biology wasn't affected by the cold... then again, he did seem to radiate an odd amount of warmth.*

We're almost to the checkpoint. Remember your training, and this will proceed smoothly. Are you ready?

*It was freezing up here, but fortunately Evie's new robes were quite warm, so she wasn't too bothered. What she was distracted by was the unusually heady hum of Force energy here.

At least she was distracted until Luke's voice cut through the buzz.*

Huh? Oh!! I'm ready. Sorry, there's... a lot of energy up here, it's throwing me a little bit.

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke gently shook his head.*

>You did not fail. You came back out, didnt you?<

*The crystal glittered quietly in his palm. It was a brilliant blue, and Luke smiled as he thought of his old lightsaber... his father's lightsaber.*

>However you passed the test, and whatever it took for you to come out, you succeeded. Failure is the greatest lesson, and if you stumbled and fell... surely you got back up again.<

*Luke darted his eyes around. He sensed chatter, a few halls down.*

We must leave, now. The next step shall begin once we return to camp and you recover. Can you walk?

*Before them, the towering citadel of the First Order base loomed above the snowy mountain peaks. It seemed to have been pulled straight from Illum...*

*And that's exactly what @master-skywalker-fn was counting on.*

*He was cautiously making his way up the slope, Evie close by, and Don trailing behind him. Luke was grateful that the tiny shark's aquatic biology wasn't affected by the cold... then again, he did seem to radiate an odd amount of warmth.*

We're almost to the checkpoint. Remember your training, and this will proceed smoothly. Are you ready?

*It was freezing up here, but fortunately Evie's new robes were quite warm, so she wasn't too bothered. What she was distracted by was the unusually heady hum of Force energy here.

At least she was distracted until Luke's voice cut through the buzz.*

Huh? Oh!! I'm ready. Sorry, there's... a lot of energy up here, it's throwing me a little bit.

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, and sent waves of the feeling through the force towards her.*

It's alright, you succeeded, and passed the test. In no more than two hours, in fact. We all see different things, when we explore the cave looking for our Crystal, but if your hold of the force is true, it will bring you back.

*He helped her up, minding the fact that she was still holding Don, and kept her steady.*

May I see your crystal, please?

*Before them, the towering citadel of the First Order base loomed above the snowy mountain peaks. It seemed to have been pulled straight from Illum...*

*And that's exactly what @master-skywalker-fn was counting on.*

*He was cautiously making his way up the slope, Evie close by, and Don trailing behind him. Luke was grateful that the tiny shark's aquatic biology wasn't affected by the cold... then again, he did seem to radiate an odd amount of warmth.*

We're almost to the checkpoint. Remember your training, and this will proceed smoothly. Are you ready?

*It was freezing up here, but fortunately Evie's new robes were quite warm, so she wasn't too bothered. What she was distracted by was the unusually heady hum of Force energy here.

At least she was distracted until Luke's voice cut through the buzz.*

Huh? Oh!! I'm ready. Sorry, there's... a lot of energy up here, it's throwing me a little bit.

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke smiled.*

Believe me, I'm giving you this information far more clearly than it came to me. Here.

*They came to a large door, and Luke carefully messed with the security panel until it opened into a wide cave. He saw Evie's reaction, and then nodded.*

From here, your friend and I cannot follow. The path to find your Kyber crystal is your own.

*He laid a hand on her shoulder.*

Trust in the Force, and remember your training. You will return before the sun sets from the sky. I believe in you. Don and I will keep watch from here.

*Before them, the towering citadel of the First Order base loomed above the snowy mountain peaks. It seemed to have been pulled straight from Illum...*

*And that's exactly what @master-skywalker-fn was counting on.*

*He was cautiously making his way up the slope, Evie close by, and Don trailing behind him. Luke was grateful that the tiny shark's aquatic biology wasn't affected by the cold... then again, he did seem to radiate an odd amount of warmth.*

We're almost to the checkpoint. Remember your training, and this will proceed smoothly. Are you ready?

*It was freezing up here, but fortunately Evie's new robes were quite warm, so she wasn't too bothered. What she was distracted by was the unusually heady hum of Force energy here.

At least she was distracted until Luke's voice cut through the buzz.*

Huh? Oh!! I'm ready. Sorry, there's... a lot of energy up here, it's throwing me a little bit.

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke nodded.*

Those will be what we're here for, actually. Kyber Crystals, brought here from the planet Illum. They are resonant in the force, and an essential component of the last tool you lack.

Clear your mind, Evie. Once we get close... there will be one that breaks through the noise. And that one, you must find... alone.

*Before them, the towering citadel of the First Order base loomed above the snowy mountain peaks. It seemed to have been pulled straight from Illum...*

*And that's exactly what @master-skywalker-fn was counting on.*

*He was cautiously making his way up the slope, Evie close by, and Don trailing behind him. Luke was grateful that the tiny shark's aquatic biology wasn't affected by the cold... then again, he did seem to radiate an odd amount of warmth.*

We're almost to the checkpoint. Remember your training, and this will proceed smoothly. Are you ready?

*It was freezing up here, but fortunately Evie's new robes were quite warm, so she wasn't too bothered. What she was distracted by was the unusually heady hum of Force energy here.

At least she was distracted until Luke's voice cut through the buzz.*

Huh? Oh!! I'm ready. Sorry, there's... a lot of energy up here, it's throwing me a little bit.

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke chuckled.*

Well, as you are well aware, I'm used to looking at "dangerous projects" and hoping beyond hope. I've always believed in you, Evie. Even when you didn't know what to make of me.

*He pulled her into a half hug.*

And I'm proud of how far you've come. Not to mention appreciative for your receptiveness to what I had to say.

Let's break for today, alright? I've got a lesson for you tomorrow that I think you'll really enjoy!

*The shadows were just beginning to stretch long in the woods where they were, as Luke trained @long-live-evie in the beginning lightsaber forms. Both of them held a well sized stick aloft, as he guided her through the movements. Nearby, Don was prancing about, ostensibly on guard, but actually chasing a flurry of tiny rift butterflies.*

*The peaceful moment was not to last, however.*

*Luke noticed it first, a dark presence, not overly close, but approaching. And very, very familiar. Next, Don noticed, and immediately the little Landshark was growling and on guard in anger... and fear.*

*Finally, the sensation hit Evie, who had been holding her senses close while training.*

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke let out a sigh of relief that he didn't realize he was holding. He could feel the Force loosening up around him too. So Ben and Yoda had been watching. Good thing he hadn't messed that up.*

No no, believe me, it's entirely your choice. I wasn't about to pin my hopes of rebuilding the Jedi Order on just you, that would be pretty foolish of me.

But yes, if that is your decision, I can give you all of the basics you need to remain protected and grow on your own. I'd heavily recommend sticking with the Jedi thought practices, but as long as you keep yourself safe from the Dark Side, your mind should remain clear.

But... I will warn you. The Dark Side is not at all to be tampered with. Even if you think that it might lead to a solution for a dangerous problem... it's not worth it. If you only take one teaching I have given you seriously, please, let it be that.

*The shadows were just beginning to stretch long in the woods where they were, as Luke trained @long-live-evie in the beginning lightsaber forms. Both of them held a well sized stick aloft, as he guided her through the movements. Nearby, Don was prancing about, ostensibly on guard, but actually chasing a flurry of tiny rift butterflies.*

*The peaceful moment was not to last, however.*

*Luke noticed it first, a dark presence, not overly close, but approaching. And very, very familiar. Next, Don noticed, and immediately the little Landshark was growling and on guard in anger... and fear.*

*Finally, the sensation hit Evie, who had been holding her senses close while training.*

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke nodded, gravely.*

I was going to give you the option later, but I feel I have to pose it to you now: I do not think you would be a good fit to be a Jedi.

*Sensing a potential response, he held up a hand.*

Believe me when I say that is not in any way an insult to you, and it doesn't mean I will skimp on training you properly. But your attachments to those close to you, and your history, well... theres a reason the Jedi Order mainly took in children to train them. Often at the parent's request-- not many are equipped to handle force-sensitive children.

I feel you would find our worldview stifling, and would naturally push against it. And your response to me just then confirms that. Please believe that my intention was not to judge you for your history, but to warn you in accordance with Jedi principles. I don't want those principles to be something that pushes you to fall to darkness.

*Like Anakin...*

If you would like to attempt to become a Jedi, I can teach you along those lines. Otherwise, I will help you learn the remainder of how to use your powers well, and give you a foundation to grow from there. You don't have to be a Jedi to use the Force for good. But you do have to have a certain outlook to be a Jedi.

*The shadows were just beginning to stretch long in the woods where they were, as Luke trained @long-live-evie in the beginning lightsaber forms. Both of them held a well sized stick aloft, as he guided her through the movements. Nearby, Don was prancing about, ostensibly on guard, but actually chasing a flurry of tiny rift butterflies.*

*The peaceful moment was not to last, however.*

*Luke noticed it first, a dark presence, not overly close, but approaching. And very, very familiar. Next, Don noticed, and immediately the little Landshark was growling and on guard in anger... and fear.*

*Finally, the sensation hit Evie, who had been holding her senses close while training.*

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke looked at her, carefully.*

Perhaps. But that's not an easy decision to make. As a Jedi, I believe that the taking of sentient life is only a last resort, and should never be done in anger or revenge. We are keepers of the peace, and would rather use words and diplomacy to resolve conflicts... though sometimes, violence is the only solution.

I sense that you feel much the same... But that also, the war into which you have put yourself, alongside your team, requires combat to win. But causing death can darken the force within you, if you're not careful. And that is something you cannot take pleasure in, or dispassionately ignore.

*Luke walked back and forth, thinking through his next thoughts.*

You must let yourself feel the emotions associated with it. You cannot become cold about taking the life of another, even here, where death is a momentary inconvenience. Be mindful of your feelings, and let them go, but take care that you do not lose them. Do you understand?

*The shadows were just beginning to stretch long in the woods where they were, as Luke trained @long-live-evie in the beginning lightsaber forms. Both of them held a well sized stick aloft, as he guided her through the movements. Nearby, Don was prancing about, ostensibly on guard, but actually chasing a flurry of tiny rift butterflies.*

*The peaceful moment was not to last, however.*

*Luke noticed it first, a dark presence, not overly close, but approaching. And very, very familiar. Next, Don noticed, and immediately the little Landshark was growling and on guard in anger... and fear.*

*Finally, the sensation hit Evie, who had been holding her senses close while training.*

[master-skywalker-fn]

Honestly?

*Luke leaned back against a tree, considering his thoughts.*

Partially, it's because, I know how his story ends. I know that his current state won't last forever, and he'll choose to do the right thing. But even back then...

I felt sympathy for him. I too had felt the pull of the dark side... and I lost my hand for my arrogance. He lost far more.

Plus... he's my father. For years, I had wanted to know who my father was, to understand what had happened to him. I thought he had died, until Vader revealed the truth to me.

*Luke chuckled.*

Up to that point, I'd been told that Vader killed him.

Still... despite his evil... I recognized enough of myself in him that I wanted to reach out to him. The fact that I was able to..

*Luke looked into Evie's eyes.*

It told me that there's always a way. As long as someone chooses to, they can come back from the dark.

*The shadows were just beginning to stretch long in the woods where they were, as Luke trained @long-live-evie in the beginning lightsaber forms. Both of them held a well sized stick aloft, as he guided her through the movements. Nearby, Don was prancing about, ostensibly on guard, but actually chasing a flurry of tiny rift butterflies.*

*The peaceful moment was not to last, however.*

*Luke noticed it first, a dark presence, not overly close, but approaching. And very, very familiar. Next, Don noticed, and immediately the little Landshark was growling and on guard in anger... and fear.*

*Finally, the sensation hit Evie, who had been holding her senses close while training.*

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke accepted the hug, letting the mutual understanding and relief flow back and forth, easing the pain in her heart.*

Yeah... we can stop for today.

And... I'm proud of you for facing this. You've done a really great job, you've more than earned some rest.

*Even though time was a limited resource for them... right here, right now, there was enough to allow her to recover.*

* @master-skywalker-fn slowly walked around Evie, observing her form. She was currently balanced on her hands, eyes closed. Concentrating.*

You've already shown a masterful grasp of your own body's balance and limits. Now, you have to carefully learn your new ones. The Force flows through you, and through everything around you. Every tree, every creature, every blade of grass.

Reach out. Find your place among them. See yourself as the Force sees, in your mind's eye...

*She had expected training to be a bit more physically rigorous than this, but some basic acrobatics were actually kind of relaxing. Evie took a deep breath, keeping her eyes closed, and reached into the energy flow she could feel around her.

Slowly, a picture formed in her mind. The rock below her, the trees around them, Don chasing a butterfly... Huh. She could see Luke. Sort of. He was really good at blending his energy with his surroundings, but she could just barely make out where he was as he circled her, though he was more noticable by the energy he disturbed than what he put out himself.*

Are you behind me? I think you just moved behind me.

[master-skywalker-fn]

*Luke nodded.*

That's correct. He is my father, Anakin Skywalker. When a Sith is initiated by their master, they take a new surname, and the title of "Darth." My father was seduced to the dark side, yes, but he also fell of his own volition. We fought, but I chose not to kill him, and remain a Jedi. For that, the Emperor decided to kill me. My father saved me and defeated the Emperor, renouncing the dark side... before his death.

*The shadows were just beginning to stretch long in the woods where they were, as Luke trained @long-live-evie in the beginning lightsaber forms. Both of them held a well sized stick aloft, as he guided her through the movements. Nearby, Don was prancing about, ostensibly on guard, but actually chasing a flurry of tiny rift butterflies.*

*The peaceful moment was not to last, however.*

*Luke noticed it first, a dark presence, not overly close, but approaching. And very, very familiar. Next, Don noticed, and immediately the little Landshark was growling and on guard in anger... and fear.*

*Finally, the sensation hit Evie, who had been holding her senses close while training.*