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Chapter 29:

Rey was glad that Asera the healer had decided to stay and become part of the group. She wasn't sure how she felt about the group naming themselves after her. Kylo told her it was only fair that she have her own Knights since he technically had the Knights of Ren. He thought it was cute that they wanted to call themselves the Knights of Rey. After all that's kind of what they were now.

A day after Leia gave them permission to go to Ilum Rey found herself in the hut she shared with Kylo, packing things into a bag. She didn't want to forget any thing not that either of them had many possessions to take. Leia had found them a bunch of fur cloaks, though unsurprisingly Kylo had his own.

"I have one for you too. I was already planning for us to go Ilum before Hux pulled his little coup," Kylo said. "Really," Rey asked and Kylo handed her a dark gray cloak with fur of different shades of grey on the underside. "It will do the trick as long as you're wearing the right clothes underneath. Or maybe you will be able to use the Force to keep yourself warm," Kylo said taking the bag from her and putting both cloaks inside. "You could always keep me warm," Rey said as heat lit her cheeks.

Kylo looked down at her for a moment before leaning forward to kiss her.

"We won't have time for that while we are there. Building our lightsabers and surviving the planet will be our main focus," Kylo said and Rey found herself pouting.

Kylo just smiled and kissed her again before heading out to meet with the others. Rey quickly followed after him.

The Starfall and Kylo's shuttle weren't far from the huts. Rey had questioned why they didn't want their ships in the hanger and Kylo explained that things were too unpredictable right now so it was better to have a few ships away from the base just in case something happened to the base. Cade and the others were waiting near the Starfall. Taliki waved when she saw Rey and Kylo.

"I never thought I'd be going back to that frozen hell hole," Eshreal grumbled as she leaned against the side of the Starfall. "Is it true you cleared an entrance to the crystal cave," Kylo asked. "Yup. I had 14 years with nothing to do and no one to talk to," Eshreal said and her little purple and white astro-mech beeped and whistled in response. "Okay so I had you to talk to but you aren't an organic," Eshreal argued with the thing. "That's impressive. Now I know how Hux kept losing men on the planet," Kylo said with a smirk.

Sometimes it was hard to believe that the mostly well-rounded individuals in front of Rey had childhoods comparative to her own. She was glad that the Force had brought them all together but she knew things would not be easy for any of them once the real fighting began. Rey had a bad feeling that it was going to be sooner rather than later too.

"Well you definitely won't be alone this time," Kylo said reassuringly. "Yeah I thought that when I left Quycury for the first and last time with two of our masters and three other padawan," Eshreal said with deep pain lacing her voice. "Are you absolutely sure no one escaped from your home world," Asera asked. Eshreal nodded and Cade said, "In all my travels I have never come across someone like Eshreal. She is one of a kind that's for sure."

They all nodded in agreement and Rey could feel that Eshreal felt better immediately.

"Alright guys we need to get going. Eshreal I want you to keep as close to me as possible once we get closer to the actual planet. The shielding from my shuttle should keep the Starfall from being detected by any First Order ships that might be orbiting around the planet," Kylo instructed. "I can do that. Cade, Zer-o, I need the two of you to be ready to hop in the gunner's seat if we run into any trouble. I would suggest you all meditate on the way there. The more focused you are the easier it will go," she said and the guys nodded in agreement.

Taliki, Asera, and Rey looked confused. Eshreal looked to Kylo, Cade and Zer-o who all shrugged.

"So in order to find a kyber crystal you have to be able to overcome your inner obstacles and own failings and my master taught us that mediating before getting there would help you approach the ritual with a clear head," Essie explained and Kylo nodded in agreement. "Well if that's everything let's move out," Kylo said.

He and Rey boarded his shuttle as the Knights of Rey boarded the Starfall. She was nervous and excited to be finally getting her own lightsaber. Ever since she and Kylo had destroyed Luke's old one, Rey felt like a part of her was missing. Sure having her staff made it easier but she would be complete once she had a lightsaber of her own. Then she could move on to her final trial so she and Kylo could really be equals, even though he had almost 20 years' experience on her.

"You ready for this," Kylo asked. "So ready. This was such short notice are you sure everything will be fine," she asked taking a seat next to him as he started the engine. "Whether Asera had come or not we were going to Ilum around this time anyway. They need lightsabers. It's a good thing that Eshreal, Zer-o, Cade and I have lightsabers already. We can help instruct the rest of you on the best way to go about things," Kylo said. "I know Cade said that he felt like something was missing from his lightsaber," Rey said.

Kylo thought about it for a moment.

"It's not uncommon for people to leave Ilum with their lightsaber being incomplete. Hopefully a second trip will be enough for him," Kylo said. "I guess we will see, huh," Rey asked. "That we will," Kylo said.

After a little more than 12 hour, Kylo's shuttle dropped out of hyperspace with the Starfall right behind them. Two TIE fighters patrolled right outside of Ilum's orbit. Other than that Kylo didn't see any other ships.

"Eshreal, do you see the TIE fighters," he asked. "Yup," Essie's voice came back. "If you guys take left one, Rey and I will take the other," Kylo said. "Will do, boss," Eshreal said. "On my count," Kylo said back as Rey got in position.

Rey lined the canons up at the same time as whoever was in the gunner's seat on the Starfall. The TIEs crossed paths and went on, one to the right and the other to the left.

"FIRE," Kylo called.

2 green lasers and 2 red ones fired at the ships. The TIE fighters exploded at the same time clearing the path to Ilum. Rey stayed in the gunner position as they got closer to the planet, sure to keep her eyes peeled for any other First Order ships

"Eshreal, I want you to take the lead. I've never actually been to Ilum," Kylo admitted. Rey looked to him and asked, "So where did you get the Kyber crystal in your blade?"

Kylo glanced back at her.

"Luke had it lying around his temple. I never went through the Gathering Ritual. It used to be blue but Snoke made me bleed it until it cracked and turned red," he explained as they followed the Starfall into Ilum's atmosphere. "I didn't know you could do that," Rey said astonished. "Bleeding is a technique that was developed by the Sith where an individual of the dark side would pour all of their hate, pain and rage into the crystal forcing it over to the dark side," Kylo explained. Rey was about to ask another question when Kylo stopped her, "We will discuss this further once we are inside the temple."

Rey nodded. Kylo set his shuttle down next to the Starfall as Rey changed out of her normal clothes and into much warmer ones. Kylo watched as she slipped into brown leggings lined in fur, a cloth undershirt, with a fur lined tunic over it, leather boots lined with rubber and fur and finally the cloak that Kylo had gotten for her. Kylo's outfit mirrored her own except it was completely black.

Once they were dressed they headed out into the frigid climate. Rey was shocked to see that everyone had changed into their warmer clothes except Eshreal who had only added the leather boots and a heavy cloak. Taliki and Asera were shivering already.

"I don't remember it being this cold," Cade said. "You were only here a couple of days. After being here for 14 years there's no way I could ever forget the chill of this place," Eshreal said. "Where is the temple, Essie," Rey asked. "I would have thought someone as strong with the Force as you are would be able to feel the vergences calling out like they do," Eshreal said and began walking north.

Along the way they ran into two Stormtroopers. Both dropped to their knees in front of Kylo, claiming that they never swore loyalty to Hux and would follow him anywhere. Rey shot him a look to which he shrugged.

"If you are truly loyal to me; find out what Hux is up to and report back to me at the old Jedi temple," Kylo commanded.

The two men nodded their heads and ran off toward their guard station. The group started moving again. Rey hung back near Kylo and let Eshreal lead the way.

"Do you trust them," she asked. "I do not know yet, but I have a feeling we will find out soon enough," he said as Eshreal came to a stop. "We're here," she cried.

Rey looked around but didn't see anything but ice and snow.

"Well where is the entrance," Rey asked. "You all have to clear it," Kylo said. "What," Rey asked shocked. "You, Gear, Taliki and Asera must clear the entrance to the temple," Kylo said simply. "And what will you four be doing," Taliki asked with an attitude. "Watching. We aren't here to participate in the gathering. You are," Eshreal said with a smile. "Well there's no point in waiting any longer. I would like to get to the temple before I freeze to death," Rey said.

She sat on the ground and fell into a meditative trance. The other's quickly followed suit. Once her mind was clear Rey began slowly removing the bigger chunks of ice and snow away from the temple entrance. Slowly but surely the others joined in. Mean while Eshreal ran around throwing snowballs at everyone except Kylo who stopped them the Force before they could ever touch him.

By the time the entrance to the temple was fully cleared the sun was just beginning to rise.

You all better get inside. You don't have much time before you will need your blades, Luke's distinct voice came before he actually appeared.

Zer and the others jumped when Luke's ghostly form appeared from thin air. Kylo just rolled his eyes but Rey was glad to see the man. She said as much.

"You're Luke Skywalker," Gear said in amazement. In the flesh...Well in the Force now I guess, Luke said and chuckled more to himself than those around him. "Did you just make a joke," Kylo scoffed. "Be nice Kylo. I am sure Luke is here to help us," Rey said.

Luke nodded and looked at the doors of the mostly destroyed temple.

This test will not be easy even though you are all much older than the Padawan usually are. I won't try to trick you into believing you will be trapped in the cave if you take too long but I do want you all to know that as long as you are here and not hidden away on Olara you are all in grave danger. So the faster you all construct your blades the better, Luke said gravely. "What are you saying Luke," Rey asked. "He's saying you need to hurry up construct your lightsabers so we can get the fuck off of this rock before Hux and Zroyais show up," Essie said all but pushing Asera and Taliki forward.

Gear and the girls looked to Luke who nodded.

I wouldn't have used those words but yes that is my main concern. You all are not ready to fight him yet, Luke said. "Well stop yapping and let's go inside," Kylo said in annoyance.

Luke rolled his eyes but followed his nephew inside. Rey looked around the ruins of the building noting the lightsaber components scattered about. The sun was shining from an opening in the ice through the biggest Kyber Crystal any of them had ever seen. They all watched in awe as the sun melted a whole big enough for Rey, Gear, Taliki and Asera to walk through side by side.

Usually your master would give you a history lesson on Kyber Crystals and what they mean for the Jedi but we don't have time. I trust my nephew will tell you all some other time. For now trust in yourselves and let the Force be your guide, Luke said.

Rey began walking toward the cave entrance and paused.

"Will you still be here when we get back," Rey asked. "There's so much we want to ask you," Taliki said. Everything that I could tell you is old and out dated. Rey and Ben are the keys to the future. I just wanted to see you all together in this sacred place. Before long all remnants of the ways of the Jedi will be forgotten, me included, Luke said cryptically. "But sir, you are the last Jedi. Some say the greatest," Zer started and Kylo scoffed again.

Luke glanced at his nephew before turning to Zer-o.

Open your eyes, my boy. There are no more Jedi. Just because I live on in the Force doesn't change the fact that I am no longer physically of this world. The Jedi were wrong about so many things. The only way to ensure that you all don't make the same mistakes is to force you on to a different path, Luke said as he began to fade. "Please don't go," Asera cried. May the Force be with you all, Luke said and was gone. "I could have told you all not to get too attached to that specter. He comes and go as he pleases whether he's useful or not," Kylo said in a bored tone.

He walked over to Rey and kissed her gently.

"I'll be waiting for you," he said. "I love you, Ben Solo," Rey said so softly that only Kylo heard her. "I love you too," he said kissing her on the forehead and giving her a light push. "Come on guys," Rey said and walked into the cave.

She was sure the others were with her when she first walked inside but after a few feet she noticed that she was alone. Eshreal had been right. She could feel the Force calling to her. As she walked the Force conjured old images to try to sway her from her path.

She saw Kylo attacking Finn on Starkiller as well as her mother leaving her behind on Jakku, and Kylo telling her that her parents were nothing. When that didn't seem to be doing the trick, Han and Kylo appeared in front of her, so close that she could practically reach them in time. Rey started to run toward them but she didn't make it in time. Kylo still speared Han through the heart with his red blade but instead of the pain and rage she had originally felt afterwards, now she felt peace and forgiveness. She knew Kylo was only doing what Snoke made him think was best.

Then Kylo was attacking her but not any place that she had been before. He was shouting horrible things at her but she just knocked his blade away with her staff, a least it felt like her staff. Then she stepped into him and wrapped her arms around him.

"It's alright. It's all going to be all right," she whispered lovely even though she knew none of this was real.

Once again Rey was standing in the cave but there was something warm in her hand. She opened her hand to find a crystal about half the size of the palm of her hand. The crystal itself glowed bright gold but the center of it was a deep purple color.

She looked around and found herself deep within the labyrinth of the cave but she could feel the Force guiding her back to the entrance which had frozen over again. It was nothing to use the Force to shatter it. When she stepped through the hole she had made Asera, Taliki and Gear were all in their meditative poses willing the components of their lightsabers together. Zer was helping Cade build something from a set of blueprints they'd found. Eshreal was going through drills with her own lightsaber but Kylo was nowhere to be found.

"Essie, where did Kylo go," Rey asked not wanting to disturb the others. "I dunno. I looked up and he was gone. I think the cave may have called to him," she said with a mysterious smile.

Rey felt panic well up inside her but before she could approach the entrance to the cave Kylo came walking out with a glowing purple and amber crystal in his hand. He looked sort of dazed.

"I don't even remember walking inside," he said with awe in his voice. "I guess the Force decided it was time for you to get a new blade," Rey said with a bright smile. "I guess so."

Do you trust the Stormtroopers that the group an into on Ilum? And what about Luke's appearance and cryptic message? Anyone else excited for Rey to get her own lightsaber and see Kylo's new lightsaber? And does it mean he's accepted his light that a kyber crystal called to him?

Find out next time.