I do not own any of the Star Wars and DC characters and ideas represented in this work.
It's been a month since Luke and Artoo entered this reality. It's been a month since he helped the Justice League stop the Thanagarians from destroying Earth. It's been a month since the last time he saw Shayera Hol. It's been a month since Superman showed him this island to live in the meantime till he finds his way back home. It's been a month since Dr. Fate hasn't been able to meet Luke, something that worries him day by day.
Luke didn't lose hope, he didn't lose faith in finding his way back home despite the great wait being required. He stayed patient since then, knowing that the League and Dr. Fate had other responsibilities first, Luke understood that fully due to his life as a Jedi.
In the meantime, Luke enjoyed his small secluded island in Mirconseasa the best he could. He explored the island the first few days he came there. The flora of the island had various plant species that ranged from coconut trees to bamboo. While there weren't any large animals on the island, it did have a wide diversity of small reptiles, songbirds, insects, arachnids, and small mammals. Fish was very abundant around the island too, varying from the smallest crustaceans, colorful fish, to the gentle beasts the locals call 'Whale Sharks'.
While the very first days in the hut that was included on the island were fine for Luke. Superman insisted that he, Flash, and J'onn help him build a new home. Luke was reluctant at first, knowing that he would make do but they heavily insisted and Luke couldn't deny their generosity. They built the house deeper into the island next to an area with large rocks and a creek going downhill. The building materials were the same as the hut but with Flash's speed, Luke using his telekinetic powers, and J'onn's and Superman's strength, they finished the foundation and all of the house in a day or so.
Batman eventually came along and decided to donate some money, though it was more equipment than anything else. Batman gave Luke books of Earth's history, high literature, and Earth's various religious texts and books. This was all asked by Luke days earlier to help him understand the Planet he is on. Bruce also gave Luke a teleporter to Help Luke jump to the League easier than using his X-Wing. Clark mentioned earlier that Luke over-using his X-Wing would make the various nations on Earth fearful of an unidentified craft moving about their airspace. Luke understanding this view promised Clark that he wouldn't use the X-Wing unless he had to.
What amazed Luke was the teleporter Bruce gave him on his island. Despite this planet being considered "backwater" by some from his Galaxy, they managed to have something that even his Galaxy struggled to make. Though Bruce stated that the League and maybe some scientific groups have this technology and not the wider planet, it was still an impressive piece of tech.
Luke after Bruce gave him his own teleporter felt somewhat guilty about how Luke was given all of these possessions and not returning the favor. Yes, they all insisted on helping but Luke felt that he was using them. Luke thinks that while some areas of the planet are advanced, the majority at least can be considered primitive by his Galaxy. That's when Luke decided to give the League his return of the favor by giving them a portion of his Bacta reserves in his X-Wings survival kit.
The X-Wing's survival kit came with a bacta reserve container that included a half gallon of bacta juice, which can be applied by either spray or patches. He gave half of his share of bacta to the League since they already can give him medical services on the planet. He gave it to Bruce since he could use it better than anyone else since he said earlier that he owned one of the largest companies on Earth.
Though Luke was more of a mechanic than a doctor or a chemist, Luke explained to Bruce about bacta to his best knowledge. He explained that bacta was created by two compounds, a bacterium called alazhi and a chemical solution called kavam. While kavam was a chemical that they could reverse engineer, alazhi was a form of bacteria from a specific fungus from his Galaxy. That bacteria is crucial to the bacta solution but Luke stated if they were able to make teleportation possible, then they could maybe make a substitute or even replicate the bacterium.
Luke said that bacta can regenerate tissue at a rapid rate. It could heal from minor scrapes to broken bones within hours or a few days. He also said it can be applied by submerging the patient into the fluid, using it in patches, spraying it on the wound, using it in fluid body suits, or just simply applying it. Bruce was obviously skeptical of the miracle medicine but said he'd "Take a look at it". The next day Bruce came back saying he'd be willing to pay Luke for all of his bacta.
Apparently, one of Bruce's researchers and lead businessman of Bruce's company, Lucis Fox, had a team of medical researchers apply a drop a bacta on a set of damaged pig skin in a petri dish and stated it healed within minutes. Fox did say that while they might be able to reverse engineer and apply it within years, he did state that it would revolutionize medicine.
Bruce said that the bacta could be something that would help millions or even billions in the future and that he'd be willing to pay a large sum for the bacta he already has and for some more for research. Luke of course didn't need the money since Jedi don't need it and he doesn't even know how long he'll use it. Luke politely declined, Bruce insisted multiple times and Luke over-politely declined his gift. This happened back and forth that day till Bruce accepted Luke's decline.
Two days later, Bruce with a large ship that had a construction crew, supplies, and equipment came to the island and decided to build a new house over Luke's hut to make his "holiday home". Luke didn't even bother to stop them and let the construction crew build over his somewhat decently hut to a well-built livable house. The house was roughly finished in a week with Bruce stating that he won't be able to use it anytime soon but he'll be fine with Luke living it in for the time being. Luke already knew what Bruce meant and agreed to the little bribe.
It was morning now, the sun was just now up as the orange hit made contact with the blue aura. Luke was on the jagged rocks on the edge of the beach and where the ocean started. He wore nothing but swimming trunks and sandals as he patrolled the rocks for a target. He was looking for his meal, a fish he was able to catch. He spots one of the aquatic fauna swimming not too far from where he's at. Luke slowly approaches the fish so as to not scare it off. Luke notes its blood tint scales shimmered as it guided itself through the water.
He stares at it for a few moments to judge the distance between him and the fish. Thinking he knows the distance, raises his free hand to point at his target to help guide his spear then cocked his weapon away to his back to help build up momentum. He breathes as he lets the Force power the spear to the fish as quickly as possible. The waves crashing and the birds singing their morning songs were the only things heard before Luke threw the spear with a speed equivalent of a bullet. The spear splashes into the water and punches through the fish's head, killing it instantly.
Luke grabbed the spear and picked it up to look at his catch. He notices his catch was a blue spotted goatfish with its blood-tinted belly, whiskers at the edge of its mouth, a yellow body, and blue spots that dotted the fish. Luke was thankful that Bruce happened to drop some hunting and fishing equipment at his house while he was not there. He's also thankful to Bruce a large library that happened to also have multiple books on the fish to catch. Otherwise, Luke would have probably eaten something that wouldn't agree with him days ago.
Luke thinking it's good enough, puts the fish in a container as he makes his way to his house. As he made his way the songbirds continued their morning ritual songs as the sun started to shine. He followed the rock trail that eventually led to the front of his new home.
The home was large compared to his original dwelling. The house had an eggshell color scheme with wooden frames and a great slanted roof. Actual windows were few but the house had multiple screen doors and windows called shoji, which made it easier to vent out air throughout the house. The interior shared the same colors on the outside, white walls with wooden frames and floors. Bruce called the whole architecture style a "Japanese style Zen."
He went through the main room and entered the kitchen. The kitchen itself was made with a large two-door refrigerator, smooth counters and pantries, a large stove, and an oven to compliment the set. Luke fired up the stove as he prepared his breakfast. He got out his necessary ingredients like spices for the fish and eggs for a well-balanced meal.
Bruce also made new accessories on the island that included building a small dock with a small boat that Luke could use. While Luke has been sustaining whatever is on the island, he still needs certain supplies for himself and Artoo so he's been using the boat to make supply trips to the populated island of Pohnpei. Bruce being stubborn also leaves a great sum of money in case of "emergencies" for Luke.
While his breakfast was starting to cook, he made his way through the hallway and entered his room to change into proper clothing. The room was simple like the rest of the house, one large bed, shoji screens, a large closet, and a meditation blanket on the floor. He also had a TV inside of the wall which was connected to the internet provided by Bruce, though Luke ever rarely used it. Flash came around days ago and said "It would be great to watch the Superbowl on it." Luke of course had to research what he meant and it was an annual contest in the American Sport Football.
Luke was never really a sports fan or at least team sports back on Tatooine. He was more interested in Speeder races, especially when he had his T-16. Earth did have vehicle sports like dirt racing but Luke thought it was tame compared to the excitement of going around Beggar's canyon. Seeing some wheeled cars going through the mud or going around a circle doesn't really match up to that.
Luke changes out of his trunks and into his standard black Jedi robe. It was his all black suit but instead of his long-sleeved tunic, he wore his black Jedi top robes. After he had done dressing, Luke went to Artoo's room to check up on him. Artoo's room was filled with storage supplies, various parts both he and Artoo use, and a computer connected to Earth's internet. Artoo was currently charging at his station.
"You good, buddy?" Luke asked.
Artoo awoke from his charging ritual, moved away from his station, and let a group of jovial beeps saying that he had a droid equivalent of a good nap.
Luke smirked, "Alright," he replied, "Just remember we have that meeting with Dr. Fate, we'll leave when Superman shows up."
Artoo acknowledged Luke and then went to his workbench which had various schematics of designs. Artoo pulled out his scomp-link arm and inserted it into a scomp-link converter that was hooked up to the computer.
After the Watchtower's destruction, Bruce had his company secretly construct a new one, planning it to be better and bigger. Artoo offered his help since he had experience interacting with space stations and could help with the designs. While Artoo was a mechanic droid, he still had saved various designs, schematics of different ships, and stations the watchtower could implement in its final designs. Artoo also with his extensive experience of starships, has helped Bruce's engineers with improving the designs on the League's Javelin ships. Luke also has been giving his technical know-how since he and Artoo would be the only ones who would know spacecraft better than anyone else in the League.
They used the previous Javelin design as a base and worked from there. They didn't change too many features of the new design seeing how the prerequisites of the ships need to be space and atmospheric capable. They kept the blade-like shape of the new design while integrating the wings and making the design more compact. Though it won't be fast enough to even rival a X-Wing in space, it'll be faster than Luke's ship in atmospheric operations.
After making sure Artoo was good, Luke made it back to the kitchen and he finished the final preparations of his meal. He started to eat his meal which consisted of fish, eggs, rice, and fruit as he started to think about Earth. Bruce lent him a lot of books to help Luke learn more about the humans on this planet.
The thing that confused Luke was that it was humans on this planet in the first place. Humans from his universe originated from Coruscant, his Galaxy also calling them humans. What further made him think something didn't make sense was they spoke Galactic Basic. Yes, Earth has hundreds of different languages and their version of Galactic Basic is named English, which originated from the British Isles. Out of all of the universes he could have been sent to, he was sent to a planet populated with humans that had a version of basic. It was something that made Luke feel off.
Other than the weird coincidences of the situation, he learned most of Earth's history. Luke with the help of J'onn mostly learned the written form of English after Luke settled down in the house. For the most part, Luke is mostly fluent in terms of writing, though he has some troubles here and there.
Earth for the most part had a standard history. Humans started to form tribes, tribes turned into cities, and cities then turned into civilizations. Religions formed and destroyed, and continent-wide Empires were created, conquered, and collapsed over years or centuries. Now, the world was mostly stable after the devastating global conflict they called World War 2 and the Cold War afterward between the planet's superpowers.
After learning Earth's history, Luke studies most of the planet's religions. He had at least most of the religious texts associated with their institutions, the Bible, Quran, Tora, etc. The two religions that interested Luke are Buddhism and Animism. Buddhism heavily reminded Luke of the Jedi's belief. Buddhists believe in the cycle of Life and death known as Samsara, they pursue inner peace within themselves, believe in pacifism, and believe in enlightenment rather than material needs and wants.
This interested Luke since Buddhism was very much like what the Jedi believed in. Of course, he didn't think Buddhism believed in the Force, not every religion that resembled the Jedi is actually tied to the Force. Still, Luke has been mostly studying Buddha's teachings for a little bit.
Then there was Animism, of course, Animism was a collection of beliefs from various ingenious groups than a broader established religion. Still, the belief is that everything in the world has some sort of soul or essence in it. Animals, plants, land, water, etc. That all of these things are connected by this essence. To Luke, it very reminds him of the various groups in his Galaxy that worshipped the Force rather than an actual advanced belief system.
Luke remembers the time when he felt that darkness in Gotham City and how he deduced it had to be the dark side. J'onn told him some time ago that magic does exist in this universe despite Luke thinking it was the Force originally. It was the dark side, he was for sure, and it was emitting within Gotham. He also felt it was created rather than being made "naturally". Even though this planet has never heard of the Force, at some point, someone must have some knowledge of it. If they didn't then that dark side nexus in Gotham wouldn't exist.
Luke didn't tell Bruce of it seeing how apparently Bruce "claimed" Gotham to be his city, looking down on "Metahumans" to help. The term Metahumans was just a broad term for humans with gifted abilities. By Earth's supposed definition, he was a Metahuman with his powers through the Force. Though Luke considered himself Force-sensitive. J'onn did say Magic users were somewhat different from Metahumans, however, it can still come back around to them being classified as Metahumans.
Bruce also brought various files of the Justice League's exploits and rogues galleries. They fought from the smallest thieves, organized crime, and assassins, to world-invading dictators. One of them was called Darkseid, a fitting name given his reputation. A would-be conqueror of the Universe, Darkseid ruled his empire that would rival Sidiuos's Dark Empire. Fortunately, he was destroyed in an asteroid base, owned by Superman's villain, Brainiac.
While he did study the villain files, what caught Luke's attention was the villain known as Volcana. Her real name was Claire Selton she was born with the power to control fire. Claire was sent to a metahuman research facility at a young age to control her powers but was taken in by the United States Government. She would then go through several experiments and tests throughout her life, they planned to make her into a living weapon. Claire thankfully manages to escape, though without a warped idea of good and evil.
She would go through a crime spree throughout Metropolis until being stopped by Superman. Clark knew she was not in a clear mind and offered her to stay on this island. But relapsed and escaped. Luke couldn't feel anything but pity for Claire. She was probably a scared teenager when the Government took her in and wouldn't be able to have a normal life. Well, at least what she might think.
Luke doesn't blame Clark for the idea, it was either putting her on this island or in prison. But what he could tell from Clark's previous encounters with her, she's in a state where she is thinking that her life of crime is her only chance for a life, that it's the only path for her. She might have had hope in her past that she would want a normal life, a life with friends, loving someone, and starting a family. He doubted she would plan and dreamed of running from the law, being sent to prison, escaping, and repeating this cycle.
Luke thought when he got a chance to encounter her, he might be able to talk with her. He wants to at least talk to her from a different approach, that it's never too late to change, no matter how desperate it seems. That she could still have the life she wanted if she let him help her. No one is far from help, a lesson that his relationship with his father taught him.
After Luke was done with his meal, he put away the plates and proceeded to his meditation area outside. The porch that was on was wooden and had several outside furniture. Luke went to his designated area where he usually does his meditation. Next to it was a flat box space filled with sand. When Luke asked Bruce what was, Bruce replied that it was a Japanese Zen Garden, saying that Luke might like it. Its purpose is to use a rake on the sand and make waves around rocks. Of course, there's more to it than that, it's supposed to help the person meditate and relax.
Luke never really needed such things to help him mediate or to calm himself but found it amusing to say at least. Luke sat on his meditation seat and let the Force flow within. For Luke, this was his life for almost the past month, he would wake up, meditate, exercise, meditate, make or find his food, eat breakfast, and meditate. After his first meal, he would study through the Force or look through his books provided by Bruce. He would find or make his food, eat it, and meditate afterward. In the afternoon, Luke would interchange between practicing the Force or training with his Lightsaber. When Evening came, he would do the same with his previous meals and finish the rest of the day with a meditation session.
This was his life, it was somewhat similar to his life back in his Universe. 20 minutes into his meditation Luke felt his commlink buzz to life.
"Skywalker here," Luke announced
"Hey Luke, it's Superman," Clark replied through the commlink, "Fate is free at noon like he said, I'll come so you can follow me to where he's at."
Luke smiled, "Sounds like a plan, I'll be ready."
"Gotcha, Superman out," the commlink went off.
Luke has been waiting for this day since he got here. Clark told him that might be able to help. Luke knows there's a possibility that he can't but Luke knows that his Galaxy needs him, his Galaxy needs the Jedi. Luke got up from his meditation stance and called Artoo
"Artoo!" Luke called out to the Astromech droid. Artoo beeped in response. Luke said to his friend in the house, "Fire up the ship!"
Shayera woke up from her bed, feeling that she had a somewhat good night's sleep despite the very comfortable bed she was provided. She got out of her sheets and made her way towards the bathroom to clean herself up. Shayera started the water in the faucet and splashed her face with it to wake herself up. She then had her hands on the edges of the sink as she leaned down towards it. The only sound that could be heard was the water rushing down the faucet and into the sink's hole. Shayera turned the faucet handle off and looked at herself in the mirror. She holds that position for several minutes.
It's been a month since the invasion, it's been a month since she betrayed her friends, and it's been a month since she betrayed her own people due to her guilt. It's been a month since she had that fight with Hro, a fight that broke her heart. It's been a month since the last time she saw the League. It's been a month since she left John Stewart, one of the two men she betrayed but dearly loved. It's been a month since she met the man Luke Skywalker, a stranger who believed in her despite all that she's done. Shayera hoped Luke and his friend fixed their ship already and went along their merry way.
After Shayera left the League, she had nowhere else to go. She more or less lived in the watchtower and that was gone too. Since the League was her first friend on Earth, she wouldn't be able to live with them. The only person she really knew who would let her in was Dr. Fate. He was more than welcome to let Shayera stay till whenever she was ready to leave. Dr. Fate and his wife Inza have been more than supportive since her stay.
Shayera still kept looking at herself all this time, trying to see if today would be any different if she would be any different. She looked into her eyes in the mirror if she could crack the code of what she wanted to be. She can't be a soldier nor she can be a hero anymore. She wanted this to be easy, she wanted to get it over and done with. That guilt inside of her has been there ever since the invasion. It might go away little by little each day. She thought it was like a scar, no medicine or treatment can really get rid of it. It will always remind her of all of the damage she's done.
She tried to keep Luke's advice to her, that she needed to stop doubting herself and that she needed to believe in herself. She did her best since then, but it's hard when looking at the news that's been talking nonstop since the invasion. They'll talk about how she caused the invasion and all of the damage that happened from it. Another reminder of her failures. She really wants to believe in herself like Luke did but all of the weight of her guilt keeps pushing her down.
Shayera's thoughts were interrupted when Inza knocked at her door.
"Shayera? Are you awake?"
Shayera looked around and turned her head to her room's door, "Yeah, I'm awake."
"Good," Inza replied, "When you get dressed, can you please meet me in the kitchen?"
"Yeah, Sure," said Shayera as she heard Inza leave at the other end of the door.
Shayera looked back at herself and stared into her own emerald eyes. "We can do this another time, Shayera," Shayera said to her counterpart in the mirror.
Shayera then entered the shower and bathed herself, letting the warm water flow around her body. Minutes after that, she got out, dried her body, readied herself, and put on her one and only clothing. Since Bruce got her these clothes, she never really bothered to get any new ones. Seeing how she'd been in Dr. Fate's tower for a month, there was no rush. Of course, she was thankful that Inza would use her magic to clean her clothes.
Shayera went over to her door and stood there for a couple of seconds, staring at the door nob. When Shayera felt she had the courage to go outside, she opened the door and entered the hallway. Then she made her way to the tower's kitchen. Dr. Fate's tower was very lavish, decorated with various magical artifacts and memorabilia. Some objects she felt like she wanted to touch but she also knew they were in the tower for a reason. Best not to disturb magical artifacts that god only knows how long they've been sitting there.
When she entered the kitchen, she saw Inza was preparing breakfast. Shayera sat down on one of the wooden chairs and pulled it up to the table. She grabbed a cup of coffee Inza already made for her.
Inza, with her black long hair tied in a ponytail and a yellow blouse, went over to Shayera with a plate of breakfast for her and Shayera. Shayera thanked Inza and started to dig into her meal. Inza pulled a chair and started to drink her tea. Moments passed before Inza asked Shayera a question.
"Did you have a good sleep, Shayera?" The calm-mannered woman said to Shayera.
Shayera stopped her eating and gulped her last bite before replying, "Yeah, for the most part."
Inza nodded, she took a sip of her tea before commenting to Shayera. "By the way, we'll be having visitors any time now."
Shayera looked up to Inza, "Aquaman?" During her stay, the King of Atlantis, Aquaman, visited Dr. Fate on multiple occasions. Though he had an entire underwater kingdom to run, he sometimes would visit Fate for magical reasons. Shayera didn't mind Aquaman, though he can be brash too many times, more so than she would.
Inza shook her head, "No, two people requested my husband's assistance, they should be here any minute."
Shayera nodded as she finished the rest of her breakfast, when she was done Dr. Fate came into the kitchen to his wife. Dr. Fate wore his golden helmet with his magical cape.
"Inza," Dr. Fate's voice echoed, "They're here, I'll them in, can you please offer our guests some refreshments?"
"Of course," Inza spoke to him as she went to the pantry to collect food on a tray. Shayera went to the sink to clean her mess. Dr. Fate made his way to the front door to let the new guests in with his magic.
Inza done with collecting various pastries, coffee, and teas, held a tray to offer the guests. "Shayera," Inza asked, "Do you want to meet the guests?"
Shayera looked at Inza to think of an answer, other than Inza, Dr. Fate, and Aquaman she's never seen anyone in the outside world for a month. She could just return to her room and read the many books Fate has. But figured it wouldn't hurt to meet some people.
"I won't mess with anything will I?" Shayera asked.
Inza smiled, "Nonesene," Inza made her way out of the kitchen with Shayera behind.
Shayera wanting to know more about the two guests asked Inza, "So, who are we pulling the red carpet for?"
"Like I said, Two people who needed help with my husband, they told him they were lost and needed his magic to get back home," Inza said as they walked across the hallway. "Interestingly we were inspecting them."
Shayera raised an eyebrow, "Really? Did a magical vision say they needed cookies and coffee at the front door?" Shayera cheekily said.
Inza smirked at the comment, "No, at least not in that way. Last month we both felt something appeared in our reality. We realized that it was one of them. It was really nothing we felt before."
Shayera curious wanted to know more as they continued through the hallway, "Really, how so?"
The magician's wife continued, "While it was brief, we felt one of them was incredibly strong and gifted with a special type of Magic that no one else had been able to study."
Shayera with intrigue looked forward as they were making their way to the main room where the front entrance to the tower would be. "Seems like it's your lucky day."
Inza smiled, "You have no idea how excited we are to meet this man."
As they entered the main room, Shayera saw Dr. Fate talking to a blonde man in all-black clothing with a black cloak. She thought it was funny enough that another person would dress darker than Batman. But one thing that did grab her attention was the white and blue machine that had a domed head next to the blonde. She immediately recognized it as Luke Skywalker's friend, R2-D2. Both of them had their backs on her and Inza as they were talking to Dr. Fate.
As Shayera and Inza made closer to the three, the blonde man turned around to show his face to Shayera, It was Luke Skywalker. Though he wasn't really shocked, he was just surprised to see Shayera here. Though Shayera was completely confused about why Luke Skywalker out of all people was here.
"Luke?" Shayera said to the robed Jedi.
"Shayera?" Luke asked the woman he had last seen the previous month. Luke knew he felt something familiar when he entered the tower and he knew it wasn't the weird energies he felt flowing through here. Dr. Fate looked in between him and Shayera as a raven-haired woman was with Shyaera.
"Luke," Fate spoke up, "You know Shayera?"
Luke looked into Shayera as he could sense she was thinking a million things. He looked at Fate to give his answer, "I met Shayera back when her people invaded the planet. I helped her and the Justice League to stop them from destroying the planet."
Fate looked to Shayera then back to Luke with understanding, "I see, Well I hope both of you are glad to meet each other."
Luke smiled at Shayera, "I am," he was happy to see her again though he could sense she wasn't. Not in the thing of not wanting to see him again, but her self-doubt returning to her.
Shayera timidly said, "Yeah, it's good to see you too, Luke."
Luke nodded and Dr. Fate stepped in, "After Shayera left the League, she had nowhere else to go, she came here to seek comfort and find herself since no one else would allow her."
Luke looked back at Fate, "You're a good man for doing that Mr. Nelson."
"Please, It's what I do Mr. Skywalker," Fate replied.
Fate made his way to the raven-haired woman in a yellow blouse. "Luke Skywalker, please meet my wife, Inza, she and I have been with each other for many years."
Inza calmly placed one hand to stabilize the tray of food while she had her right hand to greet Luke, "Inza, nice to meet you Mr. Skywalker."
Luke greeted back the nice woman, "It's a pleasure Ms. Inza."
Inza returned her hand to the tray and offered the food to Luke, "Hungry or thirsty, Luke?"
Luke saw the many pieces of sweets and cups of liquid on the tray the woman showed him. He looked at and and grabbed a cup of tea, "Thank you." Luke sipped the cup.
Fate went beside Luke and looked in between his wife and Shayera, "If you excuse us, we have much to discuss."
"Of course," Inza replied. Luke followed Fate out of the room, with Artoo wheeling behind him.
Luke observed Fate's house as he was led through it. It was a lavish estate that reminded Luke of a castle. He saw that multiple rooms and the main one he was just in had various artifacts, trinkets, and paintings on display. He noticed that Fate had many bookshelves filled with the brim of books and texts Luke couldn't count. While Luke will never see the full beauty of the famous library that was the Jedi archives, he thought that this would be the closest thing to it.
Luke also took note of the energy that flowed around and inside the tower. The tower was drenched in, pouring all around Luke. It amazed him that this energy was felt yet there was no hint of the Force being used.
Fate led Luke and Artoo to a large warm study filled with bookshelves and a large window with a desk in front of it. Fate went towards the desk as he used his hand to guide two chairs to them. His hand glowed in a purple aura that Luke felt as the chair obeyed his commands and landed next to them.
Fate gestured for Luke to take a seat, "Here, please take a seat."
Luke agreed to Fate's hospitality and took a seat as Artoo rolled next to him. Luke still had a cup of tea and put it on his lap to talk with Fate.
"I wanna thank you for giving us the time, Doctor."
Fate responded, "Like I said before, it's what I do Mr. Skywalker. I believe we both have many questions for each other, so please say what you need to say so I can help you."
Luke nodded and started to think back the day he entered this universe til now. "I believe myself and my friend Artoo traveled to this Universe by accident," Luke explained as Fate piqued up.
"We entered a hyperspace jump before coming to this reality last month. After we came I tried using my ship's computer to locate where we're at but it wouldn't work. Me and the League compared maps and knowledge of the Galaxy and ended up with contradictions." Luke took a breath before continuing, "I used my powers, the Force, to see if I can locate myself, and even then I figured that the energy I get my powers from is different."
Fate nodded "I see, tell me Luke, can you further explain your powers."
Luke agreed, "My powers gain strength from what my mentors called the Force. It is an all-encompassing energy field that flows through, binds, and holds every living creature together in the Universe."
"Interesting," Fate responded, "Your knowledge of this energy field is more than what we can study in our lifetimes."
Luke looked confused and cocked his head, "Excuse me?"
Fate responded, "Forgive me, let me ask you another question to further explain myself, you came into this world last month, correct?"
Luke nodded, "As I thought," Fate said, "Just what myself and Inza concluded, the moment you entered into this reality, we both felt your presence the moment you came. The best example to say was it felt like a ripple through a calm pool of water."
Luke rubbed his chin to think before Fate continued, "Many magic practitioners today and before my time had theories and conjectures of this Force you call it, although they named it chi. Despite our best attempts to study this chi, we only came up with vague theories compared to your greater knowledge. The current best theory was that it's an energy field heavily involved with life itself that has control over destiny throughout the Universe."
Luke pondered over Fate's description of the Force. It wasn't a bad explanation of the Force for a non-Jedi. But another question came to Luke's mind. "They do have some knowledge of the Force, but why do they know so little?"
"Tell me, Doctor," Luke asked, "How long have you all known about the Force?"
Fate gave Luke's question a thought before answering, "We've had some idea of the Force as long as magic was used, though magic within itself is still being studied, studying the Force was and still is…difficult more or less. Though I don't doubt that there were some users of this Force at some point, just like magic, knowledge can be destroyed and lost forever."
Luke nodded as he continued to say the next question that had confused him since he entered this Universe, "Doctor, do you mind explaining Magic, In my universe, many perceived the Force as magic but it was still just part of the Force, just used differently by other groups. When I came across this Universe and here even, I can feel energies flow through here but I can tell it's not Force related."
Fate answered, "Magic is the raw energy that is tied to the creation of the universe, although today I'm still studying magic despite my vast years of using it. It is an ambient energy that can alter reality itself."
Luke took some time to think about Fate's explanation before asking another question, "Do you think we can feel each other's energy because of some overlap, like crossing the streams almost?"
Fate rubbed the part where he would his chin would be on his golden helmet and replied, "It's very possible, but we might not know the full answer though."
Luke smirked, thinking about his knowledge of his Force. "It feels like that, out of all of the 25,000 years of knowledge of the Force in my Galaxy, we only know the tip of the iceberg. We might never get the full picture."
Fate nodded, "Agreed."
Luke took a sip of his tea and returned it to his lap. "When you said your theory on the Force dictating destinies, you were pretty close. In the Force for at least we know of, there are two aspects of it, there's the Living Force and the Cosmic Force. The Living Force is composed of the energy that life creates. When living beings die, their energies are then fed through the Cosmic Force."
Luke continued as Fate listened, "The Cosmic Force is all of that energy stored up and in turn is sent to the Living Force to create new life, renewing each other in a cycle. The Living Force is the aspect that is present and gives Force-sensitives their powers. The Cosmic Force aspect is what many would call sentient, that it sends visions of the future and can act as a guide to Force-sensitives."
Fate commented, "While magic is not that simple and doesn't have that aspect of it, the only similarities I see are the Lords of Order and the Lords of Chaos." Fate continued, "For almost the start of the Universe, Lords of Order and Chaos have been engaged in an almost never-ending battle to control raw magic throughout the Universe."
Fate continued, "Their names of course are heavily implied by their stances. Order being order and chaos being chaos. There have been some perceptions that both require balance throughout the Universe, order brings stagnation while chaos brings chance."
That part heavily reminded Luke of the light and dark sides of the Force. Luke spoke up, "Technically, the Force doesn't have a good or evil side, the Force is just the Force, it's doesn't have a sense of morality like we do. The Force's only intention is the keep the peace in the living force."
Luke continued, "But the powers Force-sensitives use from the Force are tied to our emotions. And it's not as simple as good and evil, but there is the light side of the Force and the dark side of the Force. The difference between the sides is the light you act in the will of the Force while in the dark side, you use the Force for your own will."
This went back in forth for an hour, both discussing their knowledge of the mystical energies they use. Luke knows he might not be able to fully understand this Universe's magic, but he does feel refreshed when he can talk to someone like Fate with this knowledge without dumbing it down.
Artoo beeped into the conversation, stating the reason why they were there.
Luke looked back at Artoo in his chair, realizing the time that had gone by, "Oh, Sorry Artoo."
He turned to Fate, "My friend says we should go back on topic on discussing the ways we could go back home, Doctor."
"Very well," Fate replied, he looked at Artoo, "Forgive me." Artoo beeped accepting his apology.
"Right," Fate stood up from his chair and moved to Luke, "I can maybe find your own Universe, while I don't know what reality you came from, I can maybe find it if you happen to have an object on yourself I can use as a base for the search. Think of it as a breadcrumb trail, I could use it to find the path back to your own world."
Luke searches himself for anything he can give to Fate, and he realizes that he might have to give his Lightsaber to Dr. Fate to help him find his Universe. Luke knows he should keep his lightsaber on himself at all times, he also senses Fate has no bad inventions and has a heart of good.
Luke went to his left and detached the lightsaber from his belt, he then extended his arm to give it to Fate, "Be careful," Luke warned, "It's a weapon and it's very cherished by the Jedi."
Fate nodded, "I will not bring harm or damage to it, Mr. Skywalker." Fate gently took the lightsaber and inspected it. "This is a powerful weapon, indeed," he said to Luke. The Jedi nodded, Fate asked a final question before he went to his search, "You said that these lightsabers are powered by a kyber crystal, yes?"
Luke nodded, remembering the part of the past hour that he explained lightsabers. Fate continued, "And these crystals are very attuned to the Force, correct?" Luke nodded, Fate was done with his questions, "Very well, I will return to my meditation chambers to see if I'm able to locate your Universe. In the meantime, please look around my home, and make yourself comfortable. If you require any assistance, my wife Inza will be happy to help."
Luke put down the now empty tea cup on the ground and went to Fate to deliver a handshake, "I wanna thank you again for everything you're doing Doctor."
Fate embraced the handshake, "Please, Master Jedi, It's my purpose." he started to walk to the room's exit, "If you excuse me, I must start the search."
"No problem," Luke responded as he saw Fate leave the room towards his destination.
Luke knowing some time would pass before Fate was done, walked around the tower with Artoo behind him. He observed Fate's artifact collections as he and Artoo made their way to a larger recreation room. There he saw Shayera reading a book. Luke wanting to catch up on Shayera went over to her, while she was still engaged in the book.
"Shayera," Luke asked, Shayera pulled up her head towards Luke. He continued, "Do you mind if I sit here?"
"Not at all." Shayera looked back down at her book.
Luke seated himself as Artoo pulled up next to him. "How have you been, Shayera?"
"Good, for the most part," Shayera kept her eyes peeled on the book. Luke sensed she lied, at least somewhat. She still had that self-doubt she's been struggling with since the last time they saw each other. Luke knows these things don't go immediately, people who have done things that they aren't proud of will cast shadows so they can brood in. His father being trapped in that suit is a reminder, making him think that nothing can change, a toxic cycle of emotions.
"Shayera," she looked up to Luke, "How have you really been feeling?"
"Luke." Shayera sternly stated and returned to her book, "I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me."
Luke saw and sensed that Shayera didn't want to be bothered, "I see," he stood up from his seat as Shayera looked at him, "If you need me I'll-."
Shayera stops Luke from leaving, "Wait," she puts down the book on a coffee table, "I'm sorry it's just…It's been a while since I've actually seen anybody other than them. You can stay if you like."
Luke sat back down and leaned towards Shayera, "Shayera, I'm sorry if I've seemed to pester you, I just want to know if you're ok."
Shayera smirked, "Seems like you haven't really changed at all last time we saw each other." She played with her hands as she looked down on them. "I'm sorry about earlier, I just never expected you to show up here out of all places."
Luke replied thinking about his situation, "Trust me Shayera, I wish we could have seen each other again in better circumstances."
Shayera cocked her head, Luke can tell she doesn't really know the full weight of his situation. "What do you mean? I-I thought you just needed your ship repaired."
Luke thought if only it was that simple. "I'm afraid it's not that simple, Shayera," She took notice of Luke's change of tone as he explained his dilemma. "Originally I thought our ship just needed repair after our hyperspace accident, but we realized that it transported us from our Universe to this one."
Shayera's eyes widen as to Luke's predicament. He sensed that Shayera felt sorrow for Luke. "I'm…I'm sorry I didn't know I."
Luke reaffirmed to Shayera, "It's ok Shayera, it was no one's fault." he sighed, "I just hope Dr. Fate can take me and Artoo there back, I'm kinda somewhat needed."
Artoo beeped, agreeing that he wanted to see his Galaxy again.
Shayera asked Luke about his role, "The Jedi right? You're part of the Jedi like you said back in the mansion."
Luke nodded, "When I left my Galaxy, I was the only Jedi left," Shayera started to listen more intently, "Both of my mentors died and I haven't been able to train a single apprentice since then."
That last fact made Luke regret not picking up any students before his accidents, even if he attempted to find them, he thought to himself that he could've done better.
Shayera asked a question, "And what do exactly the Jedi do?"
Luke got out of his self-doubts and applied his knowledge of his life to Shayera, "The Jedi is an order of peacekeepers and philosophers who study the Force and keep it in balance for the greater good."
Luke also figured that he'd have to explain the Force once more, "The Force is an energy field that ties all life in the Universe together and gives the Jedi their powers so we can fulfill its will."
Shayera raised an eyebrow, Luke could sense she was skeptical about faith and beliefs themselves, "And what is the Force's will, may I ask?"
Luke continued, "That we keep the balance of the Force, Life itself grows the Force, make it strong, when we pass onto death we become one of with it. All of that energy from the Force then creates new life, a symbiotic relationship, a cycle of life and death. When we live our lives, we should live in a balance of selflessness towards the universe, that we should view ourselves in a delegate ecosystem, that our job as part of that ecosystem is to live in harmony with one another."
Shayera kept quiet as Luke went further into his explanation. "The Force has two aspects, light and dark, life and death. The goal of the Jedi is to use the Light to keep the dark in check but not to destroy it. Destroying the dark itself will just cause further imbalance and destroy that harmony the ecosystem needs that we call the Universe."
"The goal of the Jedi is to protect that balance, to keep the dark in bay, the Force benefits from a Universe where there is peace and everything in it lives into total harmony. That is its will, that is the will of the Universe if you could say that, and that's what the Jedi do, we keep the peace." Luke finished, hoping Shayera would understand what he was saying.
Shayera was staring into Luke trying to make sense of it, "So..You're peacekeeping religious monks with magic?"
Luke smiled at the definition, though it was too far off, "If that helps you understand then yes, but it's more complicated than that. We change our lives for the betterment of the Force and therefore life, we don't impose our wills onto others, we just protect life itself."
Shayera continued her questions, "So how do you know what it's will and what isn't? Seems more like a god to me?"
Luke replied, "Some might think the Force is a god or their pantheons are associated with the Force. But the Force is so complex that it's beyond what we can comprehend of what we think are gods. If anything it's similar to the forces of nature, but we might never fully understand the Force, it will always be an infinite mystery."
"But, the part of the Force that thinks, the Cosmic Force, can influence us through visions of the future and can guide us when we have a calm mind. The Force does not want or cannot ask for any sacrifice and tribute, it is infinitely beyond that. Its only want is the perpetual tranquility and peace of every living thing in the Universe." Luke fully answered Shayera's question.
Shayera followed her questions, "So it can talk to you?"
Luke nodded, but knowing it was much more than that, "Sort of, it can grant us visions whatever, time, place, or people. We can follow it when we can listen to our instincts and stretch our feelings."
Shayera, thinking she somewhat understood the Force went further back to the chair, "Sorry if I'm asking too many questions, Luke, Thanagarians don't really believe in any gods anymore."
Luke nodded, "You're just curious, Shayera, there's no shame in that."
Shayera smiled and connected her hands as she looked at them. Luke sat quietly, knowing Shayera wanted to say something but didn't know how to say it.
"Luke," Shayera asked, "Do you really believe in the Force."
Luke leaned it to Shayera, "I believe in a higher power that is beyond what we can comprehend, that we will never understand Shayera, but." He continued, "I believe it is a power that only wants us to live our lives in perfect balance with one another. Its only want is for us to strive to be the best of ourselves. It doesn't crave harm, fear, anger, hatred, and suffering. It gains nothing from all of those horrible actions. It only wants the best of all things, including us Shayera."
Luke got out of his seat and kneeled down towards Shayera, he placed his prosthetic hand on her as she looked into his eyes. Luke knew Shayera still carried guilt in her. Even a month later, she is still reeling from her mistake, a mistake that she even didn't mean to make. "You don't have to believe in anything, Shayera, but not believing in yourself also isn't the answer."
Before Shayera could say anything, Luke sensed that Dr. Fate was about to teleport into the room. He politely got up from Shayera and faced forward where Fate would be. A golden symbol, that Luke recognized as an ankh appeared in the air. The purple hue glimmered like sunrays around the white ankh as Fate materialized in it. The ankh faded and Fate finally appeared, floating not too far from the ground.
Luke sensed that Fate was disappointed, to say the least. Although Fate was wearing a golden helmet, he could tell the magician had a look on his face, and it was full of pity. It was something that worried Luke. Fate went to Luke and handed back his lightsaber, he attached it back to his belt. Luke knows Fate is going to say something that Fate doesn't even want to say.
"I'm sorry Luke," calmly Fate said, "I was unable to locate your world."
Luke looked into Fate not understanding what it all meant. Shayera's eyes widened and looked toward Luke. Luke responded, unsure what Fate's search came up. "I-I don't understand, Doctor."
"I'm afraid I'm in the same position Master Jedi." Fate said, "When I used your lightsaber to try and find your realm with its essence, I came up with nothing. I originally thought it might be a weak connection between it and your universe. But I realized that your world is far from the reach of my powers."
Fate continued, "Throughout the multiverse, parallel Earths are tied to a web of sorts. I may be able to find your Earth or your Universe if you want to call it, but it seems more or less to be out of this web. I'm sorry."
Luke looked down to the floor, thinking about the severity of his and Artoo's situation. Artoo whimpered, Luke placed his hand to comfort his longest friend. Artoo might be the only thing really connecting him back to his Galaxy.
"Though I wouldn't say it is the end," Fate continued, "I will continue to find your Universe, despite it will be like finding a needle in a haystack. But for the future, I'm afraid you are here for the longest time."
Luke looked away from Artoo and into Fate, "I understand," Luke went forward to Fate to offer his hand, "I wanna thank you for doing this."
Fate took in Luke's hand, "It's the least I can do, Luke." He retracted his hand, "Please make yourself at home, I will be in my meditation chambers to continue my studies."
Fate then lifted into the air and the same Ankh filled with magical energies. Fate disappeared as the Ankh followed suit.
Luke stood there with Artoo, they didn't do anything but stand there like statues for several moments. Luke finally returned to his seat, defeated, Artoo slowly rolled next time, both in their thoughts.
Luke didn't know what to do, everything he had done for his Galaxy, for the Force, for his teachers, for his friends, was all for nothing. That the Jedi are actually extinct because he's not there. He might never return to home again. Luke did his best to keep his chin up, and the hope of returning will keep him going through for at least a month. But now what? Dr. Fate doesn't even know how long he'll be here or even if he's able to find Luke's universe.
Luke's thoughts of hopelessness faded when Shayera went beside him. She comforted Luke with her hands as she kneeled at his seated level. Luke reminisced the moment when he saw Ben's death back on the Death Star, how he was at the table on the Falcon and Leia comforted him. It felt that somehow, he couldn't believe that he was gone, that they were gone, maybe forever.
Luke turned his head to Shayera who was worried for Luke. "Luke," Shayera concernly asked, "Are you ok?"
He thought of how the tables turned now, how just last month he was comforting Shayera on how her world crumbled. Comforting her that she might not be able to have the life she had before. Now she was doing the same to him.
Luke wasn't sure about himself with Shayera's question of concern though, he wanted to think things through, he wanted clarity in this moment of loss, and he wanted to meditate. "I'm fine, I just need to meditate. Do you know anywhere I can?"
Shayera spoke up, "You could meditate in my room," Luke was about to say that she didn't but Shayera cut him with her hand onto his shoulder, "I insist, I don't even use it that often during the day."
Luke sighed, giving it to Shayera's offer. "Fine, thank you."
Shayera smiled and guided Luke to her room. Shayera opened the door and let Luke in, "If you need anything," Shayera told Luke, "Let me and Inza know please."
"I will," Luke said. Before Luke entered her room, he turned around, "Please, look over Artoo when I'm gone."
Shayera nodded to Luke's plea, "Don't worry, I'm sure we can be acquitted with each other." She said with a smirk.
Luke let a relieved sigh, "Thank you, Shayera."
She gave back a kind warm smile, "Don't mention it."
Shayera went to the hallway and back to the main room. Luke went to Shayera's room and closed the door. He walked into the middle of the room and crisscrossed his legs to begin his meditation stance.
He did his best to clear his mind, to clear his emotions, and let the Force flow through him. But it didn't, Luke was alone, with no one to understand his struggles except for Artoo. He had no one, nothing but the Force. Everything was placed onto Luke's shoulders to recover the Jedi and now he failed. Luke let the stream of tears go from his eyes. Not sure if he's able to meditate for another hour or two.
"Ok, I think this time you cheated," Shayera accused Artoo as she lost another game of chess to the droid.
Artoo let a victory beep as Shayera reconfigured the board back to their starting points. The two have been playing ever since Shayera was asked by Luke to watch over Artoo while he cleared his mind. When Fate told Luke that it was a large possibility that he wouldn't be able to return to his Universe, Shayera couldn't help but think that what Luke was feeling was the same as she felt last month. Not being able to return home and not seeing your friends again. Luke told her that it wasn't absolute like that and they'd eventually come to forgive. A pit in her mind said otherwise.
It's been hours since Luke was left in her room. It was the best she could do since he helped her with her time at her weakest. However, she worried that he would stay there for hours and not just a short time. She would knock on the door in between rounds with Artoo, but he wouldn't answer. She knows he's going through a tough time since she did and still is going through the same time.
When she was done forming the board she started the first move since she was playing white. Artoo beeped and used his small mechanic hand to move his black piece. He let out a series of beeps that seemed like he was explaining something to her, but obviously, she couldn't understand.
"Look Artoo," she sighed, "Unless you have a little hand in those compartments of yours that can write whatever you're saying. You're literally speaking in a different language." Shayera argued.
Artoo let out offended beeps and made his move.
Shayera was about to move her pawn before she heard footsteps enter the room. She looked around and it was Luke. Artoo let a bunch of beeps that Shayera didn't understand but somewhat knew that Artoo was happy to see Luke get better.
"I'm fine, Artoo," Luke answered to his friend, Luke then turned to Shayera, "I'm sorry if I scared you like that."
Luke apologized to Shayera, he thought that she would have been worried for him since he was meditating for probably hours. He didn't mean to scare them like that, he didn't want his emotions to get the best of him.
Shayera looked to Luke, "Sorry for what?"
Luke explained, "I apologize for scaring you like that when I was in your room for hours. I hope you understand I just needed time for myself to think."
Shayera shrugged, "Luke, I've been doing that since I've got here, you're fine. Besides we're even since you helped me when I was down."
Luke smiled and went over to them, seeing that they were playing a game of chess, "So, is Artoo winning?"
Shayera was stunned, "What?! How could you think he's winning?"
Luke smirks at Artoo, "Artoo would walk rings around my friends at playing holo-chess." Luke remembered his time seeing Chewie and Artoo playing holo-chess back on the Falcon. Luke's time of remembrance of those times faded as it reminded him of his predicament. He pulled a chair next to them as they continued to play.
He could tell Shayera was about to make a snarky remark to Artoo but noticed Luke's mood change. "Are you sure you're alright?"
Luke looked at Shayera, "I'm fine, thank you, I'm just still catching up."
Shayera nodded, knowing what Luke was thinking. Minutes passed with silence with Artoo and her playing chess before Shayera concernly spoke up to Luke, "So, what are you going to do now?"
Luke paused to think of the question. With him being stuck, for the time being, possibility forever, he will continue with his studies in the Force. Despite this Universe's lack of knowledge in his point of view, the Force was as integral to life in this Universe as it was to his own.
During his meditation, Luke sensed that maybe this was his purpose. The Force may have needed help with balance since it was in a state of sleep before he came. No one had extensive knowledge before he came, no one helped keep the balance. Maybe the Force in his Universe sent him here to fulfill that. Maybe even the Force actually has a greater stretch and influence on all Universes and timelines, trying to balance itself through the living beings in them. He will never know, or anyone for that matter. But he knows that Force wouldn't do this to him without some purpose. He didn't lose faith in the Force, not now, now before, and not anytime soon.
"What I always do Shayera," Luke answered Shayera, "Is to follow the will of the Force," Luke stated, finding his rekindled Jedi resolve.
"And how are you gonna do that?" Shayera asked.
"What I've been doing for the longest time, is to keep the balance in check, uphold the peace, and protect the innocent. What I've always been meant to do," Luke looked into Shayera's emerald eyes and stated his destiny ever since he was born, "My Universe or not, I'm a Jedi, like my father before me."
Shayera took note of Luke's comments to help anyone even though he might never see home again. She thought that he might join the League since his goals are practically the same as theirs, "So…is that gonna mean you'll join the Justice League."
Luke replied, "Already did, last month actually. Right Artoo?" Luke turned to his Astromech droid. Artoo let out beeps saying how he liked their company on the island. Luke smiled and turned back to Shayera, noticing that she had her eyes down.
"They replaced me already, huh?" Shayer slowly said. Luke could sense that she thinks that she's already forgotten about and will always be replaceable.
Luke went to her, "Hey," he went beside her, "That's not true Shayera, They've been planning on expanding the League and making a new watchtower, they already are planning to send the invitations soon, you should come back."
Shayera looked unsure, unsure of seeing them again, unsure of herself, "I don't know Luke, they probably don't want to see me again for a while."
Luke comforted Shyera, "Trust me they've been thinking about you, they just need time to calm down and think it over. If you show them that you want to do better, they'll believe in time."
Shayera looked back, "And it's taking more than a month for that?"
"It's taking more than a month for you to forgive yourself too, Shayera," Luke replied. He thought that Shayera wouldn't earn their forgiveness in a state of self-loathing. She wouldn't do anything good in it and she'll be stuck in it if Luke didn't do anything.
Shayera was silent after the comment. Thinking over what he said. Luke remembered how he overcame his fear and sadness over never seeing his friends again from his long meditation.
"Shayera," Luke called to the redhead, Shayera looked at Luke, "Do you believe in destiny?"
Shayera paused, trying to find the appropriate words for Luke then spoke them out to him, "Not really, like I said we Thanagarians never really believed in g-" Shayera was cut off by Luke.
"I didn't say anything about believing in gods, I said do you believe in choosing your destiny."
Shayera looked into Luke, really unsure of it, "Not really," she spoke honestly.
"Remember what I said last month, that we choose our fates and no one else?" Shayera nodded, Luke continued his argument, "Well Shayera, I think you were destined to save Earth from your people."
Shayera was taking back on his argument, "Excuse me?"
Luke didn't stop, "Shayera, think about it, What would happen if I didn't save the League from the Thanagarians? What would happen if you weren't sent on this mission originally, but another person did? They might've not appreciated this planet and its people. They wouldn't be friends with the League. They would've gone through it and destroyed the planet."
Shayera looked down in horror as she realized the possibility that the planet could have been gone without her telling the League about the bypass. "And worse Shayera," Shayera looked back to Luke, "It would have helped them win the war and would make a horrible precedent for your people. That they could destroy a planet filled with life and people, and wipe it off the map in a blink of an eye because it was easier for them to win a war."
Luke continued, "They might continue to do so, that they would destroy worlds out whim. Millions or even billions would be wiped out, not a single trace because it would just be easier not to conquer or control it, you stopped them from doing that. You gave them a lesson that it doesn't need to be like that, you stopped your people from going down a dark path, Shayera."
Luke saw that Shayera was blinking slowly, trying to process what he was saying. He already told her that she decides her fate, he just needs to remind her that they all have some sort of destiny waiting for them, they just need to choose what way they want.
"They may have been losing the war," Luke retorted himself, "But the way they were doing it isn't right either. I think you chose your fate when you couldn't stand the sight of innocents being murdered, and I think you should be proud of that achievement."
He could tell Shayera was confused about something, "I thought you said we decide our fates? I didn't do anything if I was destined to do it."
Luke gave thought to Shayera's point of view. The Force will always be a mystery on what it truly does. Why if it's so powerful, then why couldn't it do and make all of these events for itself instead of relying on the living to do so? Luke also knows the Force is benevolent however, it wouldn't change one sentient's will for its own because sentience and free will were a gift. One way or the other, the Force will have its way of wanting peace in the Universe, it just depends on the people if they decide to be with it or not. Luke remembered his father, and how the old Jedi viewed him.
"Remember how I said my father was a Jedi before he fell to a darker path?" Luke asked Shayera, she remembers and nods. He continues, "Well, the Jedi thought he was the chosen one, it was prophesied that someone was destined to destroy the Sith and bring balance to the Force. But I doubt that he wanted it to begin with."
Luke breathed in and out to help him think about his father, "When he turned to the dark side, everyone thought including himself was lost. That he wasn't the chosen one, but when I redeemed him, showed him that it wasn't too late. He saved me and sacrificed himself to destroy the Sith. He fulfilled the prophecy, but he still had the choice in doing so. Do you know what I mean?"
Shayera slightly tilted her head, "I…I think so."
Luke could tell she wasn't fully grasping it, "What I'm saying is, maybe in another timeline, someone else would save the planet, maybe I didn't show up, and you and the League stopped your people. But I think in the end, the planet is going to be saved, it's just up to us if we choose to do so or not. That's what makes us who we are. We decide to give or we decide to take. You chose that fate Shayera for yourself, you chose a fate of protecting the innocent and being kind, you just need to see it."
Luke then remembered what Clark said to him about why Shayera left, "When you left the League, you said that you didn't want their sense of duty and their feelings to come into conflict just like how it did to you?"
Shayera silently nodded, remembering that morning all well, especially when she spoke to John the last time at that cliff by the manor.
"Well, Shayera, I think you did your duty and never had your feelings go into conflict," Luke explained, "Your duty was to serve your people but you thought it was still wrong to make the bypass. Stopping them from using it would give them a horrible precedent to have in the future. You saved them from that path, Shayera, you did your duty all the way through."
He finally finished, "I think that it should bring you joy, that you saved this planet because he thought it was the right thing to do. It might have given you pleasure to see your people win the war, but it would be short-lived. It wouldn't give you happiness to see these people die for something that doesn't need to happen. It might not be as satisfying as pleasure, but genuine joy will always be with you."
Shayera looked into Luke, now understanding what he was saying. She was now in a better mood, his words inspiring her that she did the right thing in the end, that was the most important part. Her self-confidence somewhat healed from Luke's compassionate words. Shayera smirked at Luke, "You always have a way of words do you?" She looked at Artoo and Luke, "So, you're going to help League?"
Luke nodded, "Like I said, It's my duty. I will help the League, but I also have to continue with my studies." Luke then noticed a grandfather cloak clicking the time, it was late in the evening. He's going to have to tell the League about his extended stay in the meantime.
"Alright Artoo, we're going to have to go," Luke said to the Astromech droid, Artoo started to wheel over to the closed entrance. Inza walked over to Luke from one of the hallways.
"Leaving so soon, Mr. Skywalker?" Inza calmly asked.
"I'm afraid so," Luke replied, "I have studies of my own and business with League I'm going to have to get back with."
Inza bowed her head slightly in understanding, "I see, well, me and my husband will be here and you are more than welcome to visit us whenever."
Luke looked back at Shayera, she said earlier that other than Inza and Fate, she was the only person here. He knows that she needs time for herself, but isolating herself from others isn't what she should be doing. He could feel that she was more split before the invasion. She was a strong free-thinking woman who made a mistake she couldn't live with, at least for now. It was someone who heavily reminded him of Leia, someone who had a pure heart but a fiery personality. Luke thought he could visit here for Shayera, she would need the company of him and Artoo anyway.
Luke turned towards Inza, "I think I'll take that offer, Mrs. Nelson."
Notes
Don't really think this is a good chapter to be honest, if you find any spelling errors let me know. A lot of people messaged me about making Luke and Shayera a thing. Think most of us know that in Legends, Luke married Mara Jade though in canon that didn't happen. Luke at least in the ROTJ was like a "lone samurai walking towards the sunset" type of vibe. Not really getting the girl at the end of the story, which is an aspect of the Jedi within itself, kinda sacrificing their own personal lives for the job they do and that's to keep the peace. Of course, this is a fan fic so let me know if I should make Shayera and Luke a thing since people said that they had good chemistry last chapter. Anyway, the next chapter will be up soon, it's gonna be short though.
Another thing. So I was re-watching an episode of Superman TAS and kinda fucked myself over. A brief summary, Superman is trying to find more information about Volcana which leads him to the "Metropolis Paranormal Studies" which was basically a school for kids with powers. The whole point is that the center teaches the kids how to learn their powers.
The part that fucked me up was when Superman is given a tour through the center by the director, there's instances of three kids being telepaths and using telekinetic powers, including the director at some point.
Now I already stated in the story that the Force itself was in a dormant state and no one barely knows what it is. But I had an idea where Luke discovers these three kids as being latent Force-sensitives (the episode aired in 1998, judging by their ages they looked like young teenagers, since this point of JLU is in 2004, they'll be mostly 17 or 18 by that point.) and maybe makes padawans out of them. This kinda gives Luke more things to do and more characters to write. Plus kinda changes the timeline.
All I an say it's that they were latent force users. They were only really shown to be able to lift a glass of water with a lot of effort and predict things to happen in a short span of time. This is obviously because despite being trained by scientists, they don't actually believe in the force or know it, so their abilities are basically "parlor tricks" compared to what a fully trained Force-sensitive can do.
What do you guys think? Should I keep the plot simple or should I include these characters and flesh them out (technically four since I'm planning to bring another character but that's different)
The episode was "Where There's Smoke" if you wanted to look it up. And here's the wiki page on it wiki/Where_There_Smoke