Location: Devaron

Date: 5 ABY

Luke's X-Wing exited hyperspace first, followed closely by Vader's TIE Advanced and Baylan Skoll's T6 Jedi Shuttle. The three ships maneuvered through the soft, golden atmosphere of Devaron, heading towards Luke's house in the small village nestled near the Temple of Eedit. It had been months since Luke had set foot on Devaron, and his house.

As his ship touched down gently, he couldn't help but feel a strange mix of nostalgia and anxiety wash over him. This place had been his sanctuary once—quiet, modern, and stable, a simple house where he could rest between missions. Now, it just felt... neglected.

Vader and Skoll landed shortly after, and together, they walked towards the modest structure. The house stood among a cluster of small, modernized homes that dotted the village outskirts. Luke keyed open the door, and immediately noticed the layer of dust that had settled over everything.

"Looks like no one's been here for a while," Vader commented, running a finger across a dusty windowsill.

Luke smirked, activating his holo-watch. "Huyang?"

"Yes, Master Skywalker?" Huyang's voice crackled to life, ever the dutiful droid, though with his typical touch of sarcasm.

"Can you do me a solid and dust up the inside of the house, please? While Master Skoll, my father, and I visit the Temple of Eedit?"

A pause, then, "Why yes, Skywalker, I shall. In the meantime, I'll think of how you can pay me back for this... favor." Huyang's voice carried that perfect balance of reluctance and enthusiasm.

Luke chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I'm sure you will."

After taking a few minutes to settle in, Luke brewed some caf for the group. They sat together on the small patio outside his home, sipping their drinks. The village was quiet, the early morning sun casting long shadows as the cool breeze carried the scents of the surrounding forest. It was peaceful, but there was something on Luke's mind that made the quiet feel heavy.

Vader, now sitting with his newly repaired body visible, leaned back slightly. Even with his remodeled suit, he had a commanding presence. "We should get going soon, my son," Vader said after a long moment, his voice still deep and steady, though without the mechanical rasp it once held.

Luke nodded, taking a final sip of caf before rising to his feet. "Yeah. Let's head to the temple."

They set off on foot, walking through the village towards the Temple of Eedit. The path was well-worn, surrounded by trees and overgrowth, but it was familiar. It was the same path Luke had walked many times in the past. His chest tightened as they passed by one particular house—a simple stone and wooden structure, surrounded by a small garden.

Farnay's house.

Luke stopped in his tracks, staring at it for a moment longer than he should have. His heart raced, but it wasn't from the exertion of walking. No, this was different. It was a burn that had nothing to do with physical strain or spicy food—it was Farnay. He hadn't seen her in what felt like forever.

Vader and Skoll noticed Luke had stopped. Vader turned to face him. "What is it, my son?"

Luke hesitated, glancing between the house and the path ahead. "I want to check in with a... friend," he said carefully. "You and Master Skoll can keep going straight, and you'll see the tower of the temple just ahead."

Vader's eyes lingered on him, studying his son with that familiar intensity, but then he nodded. "Very well. Come soon, we'll need your help navigating the area."

Luke bowed respectfully before watching them continue down the path. He waited until they disappeared around the bend before turning back to Farnay's house. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, walking up the small stone steps to the front door.

For a moment, he hesitated. How long had it been since they'd last spoken? A year? More? And the last time they saw each other... well, it hadn't exactly ended well. He raised his hand to knock but paused again. What would he even say?

The door opened before he had a chance to knock.

Farnay stood there, her sharp Devaronian features softened by surprise. Her crimson skin caught the light, the twin horns on her head gleaming under the morning sun. She looked at Luke for a long moment, her expression unreadable, before finally speaking.

"Luke," she said, her voice cool but not unkind. "I wondered when you'd come back."

"Hi, Farnay." He gave her a small, almost apologetic smile. "It's been a while."

She nodded, stepping aside to let him in. The smell of something cooking hit him immediately. Farnay was always cooking. He took a quick glance around—nothing had changed in her house, either. The same warmth, the same homey feeling. But somehow, the air between them felt different now. He could sense the distance. It had been growing for some time, and they both knew it.

"So," she said, leaning against the kitchen counter, wiping her hands on a cloth. "What brings you back this time? Is it business? Or... personal?"

Luke swallowed, trying to choose his words carefully. "A bit of both, I guess." He paused. "Farnay, I—"

"Don't." She interrupted, her voice firmer now. "I know where this is going, Luke."

He blinked, caught off guard by how direct she was being. She had always been able to read him better than anyone else.

"I've seen how you look at her," Farnay continued, her tone softer now but still sharp enough to cut. "Kata. You don't have to say it, I already know."

Luke opened his mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come out. She wasn't wrong. He had been avoiding this conversation for so long, thinking that maybe things would just fade on their own. But Farnay wasn't the kind of woman to let things fester.

"It's not fair to either of us, is it?" she added quietly, turning her back to stir whatever was simmering on the stove. The scent of spices filled the room, but to Luke, it felt heavy with tension.

"No, it's not," Luke finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean for things to get this way."

Farnay let out a small, bitter laugh. "Things rarely go the way we mean them to, Luke. But that doesn't make it hurt any less."

They stood in silence for a moment, the only sound coming from the gentle bubbling of the pot on the stove. Luke's chest tightened. He hated how this was ending, how there were no easy words to make it better. He had always wanted to protect the people he cared about, but sometimes, even a Jedi couldn't protect everyone from the inevitable pain that came with choices.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, meeting her gaze when she turned back to face him. "For everything."

Farnay gave him a sad smile, her eyes showing a glimmer of the affection they once shared. "I know you are. And I get it, Luke. You have your path to follow, and I have mine."

She walked over to him, placing a hand gently on his arm. "Just... promise me something?"

"Anything."

"Don't forget where you came from." She squeezed his arm, her voice steady. "This place... it meant something to both of us. Don't let it fade away."

Luke nodded, his heart heavy but grateful for her understanding. "I won't. I promise."

They stood there for another long moment before Luke finally stepped back toward the door. He glanced over his shoulder one last time. "Take care, Farnay."

"You too, Luke," she replied, her voice softer now, but still filled with the quiet strength that had always been her hallmark.

As the door closed behind him, Luke felt a strange mixture of relief and sadness wash over him. He knew he had made the right choice, but it didn't make it any easier.

He took a deep breath, feeling the weight lift slightly as he looked toward the path leading to the Temple of Eedit. His father and Master Skoll were waiting for him, and there was still work to be done. The past could wait a little longer. Luke straightened up, dusted off his jacket, and made his way toward the temple.

XX

The early afternoon sun cast long shadows over the village as Luke, Vader, and Baylan Skoll made their way toward the Temple of Eedit. Devaron's natural beauty was evident in the lush forests surrounding the village, with tall trees swaying gently in the wind. The air felt clean, crisp—a welcome change from the industrialized atmosphere of the Core Worlds.

Life in the galaxy kept him moving, whether it was missions with the New Jedi Order or helping in the rebuilding efforts across various systems. But Devaron held a special place in his heart. The people here had been kind to him, especially during the initial reconstruction of the temple. They weren't Jedi, but they respected his path and his efforts.

The walk was calm, the only sounds being the soft crunch of their boots against the dirt path and the occasional wildlife rustling in the trees. Luke glanced over at his father. It was still strange, seeing him like this—free from the constraints of his old life-support system.

The tension between them had eased over the years, but there were still moments where Luke wondered what it would be like if things had been different. If his father had never fallen to the dark side, would they still be walking together like this? Or would their paths have diverged even more?

Baylan Skoll, on the other hand, was a calm and collected figure. His presence was powerful, but there was something reserved about him, a sense of control that Luke found impressive. Skoll had been a valuable ally ever since he began mentoring alongside Vader, blending his own experiences with their unorthodox training methods. As the trio made their way toward the temple, Skoll remained mostly quiet, his eyes scanning the horizon as though sensing something Luke couldn't yet see.

"Devaron still feels different from anywhere else," Luke said, breaking the silence. "It's peaceful."

Vader, his voice still deep and commanding, nodded slightly. "This planet is strong in the Force. The temple here holds a history that goes beyond what you've uncovered."

Luke glanced at him. "You think there's something we haven't found yet?"

Vader's gaze remained forward, unwavering. "There are always deeper layers, my son. This temple is no exception."

Luke looked ahead, thinking back to the early days of his time here. The temple had been in ruins when he first arrived. With the help of the Devaronians, he had worked tirelessly to restore it. The people here, especially Farnay and her kin, had been essential in rebuilding the structure. They weren't Jedi, but their reverence for the temple and its history mirrored Luke's own dedication.

"We've rebuilt the physical temple," Luke said, "but spiritually, it's still missing something."

Baylan finally spoke, his voice calm and steady. "A place like this requires more than stone and mortar to reach its full potential. It needs people, energy... purpose."

"That's why I wanted to come back," Luke admitted. "I've spent time at other temples, but Eedit... it's different. I feel like there's something important here, something we haven't uncovered yet."

Vader stopped walking for a moment, turning to face his son. "That is why you asked us to return, Luke. There are echoes of the past here. Something is calling us."

Luke's brow furrowed. "You've felt it too?"

His father's gaze was intense. "Yes. During my meditations, I've sensed an ancient space. Something tied to the Jedi itself."

Baylan nodded in agreement. "I've felt it as well. A force older than any of us."

Luke took in their words, feeling a ripple of excitement and anxiety. He had known there was more to Eedit than its ruins, but this confirmation made him even more eager to explore. It felt like they were on the verge of discovering something powerful, something that could help shape the future of the Jedi.

As they neared the temple's outer walls, Luke could see the scars of time still etched into the stonework. Despite the reconstruction efforts, there were parts of the temple that remained untouched—ancient and weathered, but still full of energy. He could feel it, like a pulse in the Force, a rhythm that beat just beneath the surface.

"Father, what do you think this presence is?" Luke asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Vader looked at him, his voice low and thoughtful. "It could be many things. The Force has a way of preserving certain... materials. Echoes of the past. They linger in places like this."

Luke nodded, thinking about the ancient Jedi texts he'd studied. There were stories of temples that held powerful artifacts, or even living Force presences, remnants of those who had come before. The idea excited him, but he knew to tread carefully. The Force could be unpredictable, and whatever they were dealing with could be dangerous if they weren't prepared.

As they entered the temple courtyard, Luke felt the familiar tug of the Force. It was stronger here, concentrated in this place. The temple itself seemed to hum with energy, the stones vibrating with a life of their own. He glanced at his father, who stood still, eyes closed, clearly feeling the same sensation.

Luke took a step closer to his father, feeling the weight of the moment. This wasn't just another mission or a routine exploration of an old temple. This was something more. Something deeper.

He reached out with the Force, letting it guide him. The energy in the air was palpable, thick with history and power. Luke could feel the presence of those who had come before him, Jedi who had walked these same halls, their spirits still lingering in the walls of the temple.

Baylan joined them in the center of the courtyard, his face calm but his eyes alert. "We should proceed with caution."

Luke nodded, his heart racing with anticipation. He wasn't sure what they were about to uncover, but he knew it was important. Something was waiting for them in the heart of the Temple of Eedit, something that could change everything.

As they moved deeper into the temple, the energy around them intensified. The walls seemed to hum with life, the Force swirling around them like a living entity. Luke could feel it pulling him forward, guiding him toward something just beyond his reach.

They reached a large stone door, the entrance to the inner sanctum of the temple. It was covered in ancient markings, symbols that Luke didn't recognize but could feel resonating with the Force.

Vader stepped forward, placing his hand on the door. "This is it. The source of the presence we've been feeling."

Luke watched as his father closed his eyes, reaching out with the Force. The door began to tremble, the markings glowing faintly as the energy within the temple responded to Vader's touch.

With a deep groan, the door slowly creaked open, revealing a dark, cavernous chamber beyond. The air inside was thick with the scent of age and dust, but there was something else too—something powerful.

Luke took a step forward, his heart pounding in his chest. Whatever was inside this chamber, it was ancient. And it was waiting for them.

The trio entered the newly refurbished Temple of Eedit, its gleaming surfaces and modern architecture a stark contrast to the ancient stone and weathered walls that lay beneath. Luke led the way, his steps familiar with the temple's layout, yet he could feel the unease creeping in. Beside him, both Vader and Baylan Skoll moved silently, their eyes darting around the room, as if sensing something Luke couldn't.

The refurbished sections were impressive—clean, orderly, and symbolic of the new purpose the temple now served. Luke remembered the effort it had taken to rebuild this place, with Farnay gathering the locals to assist. But something about the way Vader and Skoll were behaving told him that there was more to this temple than he'd ever realized.

They reached the lower levels, a spacious room meant to be filled with artifacts and records, yet still bare. The emptiness gave it an eerie feel, as though something was missing—not just physically, but spiritually. Luke's confusion grew. He could sense the temple's energy, but it felt calm, quiet, not at all like what his father and Skoll seemed to be reacting to.

"There's nothing here," Luke said, his voice filled with doubt as he glanced around the barren attic. "This is as low as it goes."

Vader's presence was imposing, and as he walked to the center of the room, his mechanical boots echoing off the stone floor, he spoke with a calm certainty. "Son, this is not the lowest level. There is more to this temple than you know..."

Luke frowned, his pulse quickening. "Can you sense where to look?"

Vader and Baylan exchanged a brief glance, then both closed their eyes, entering a meditative state. A strange hush fell over the room as the air seemed to thicken, filled with a growing tension. The entities that possessed them—Vader's pulsing with purple energy, Baylan's surrounded by a swirling blue mist—seemed to come alive in the stillness. Luke watched them, confused, unsure what they were sensing that he could not.

The tension in the air grew until it felt like the room itself was holding its breath.

Then, without warning, they acted.

A surge of combined energy burst from both of them, their eyes snapping open as their hands extended toward one of the far corners of the room. A loud, intense boom of plasma energy roared through the air, the sound vibrating through the stone walls. For what felt like an eternity, the force of their power collided with the corner of the attic, shaking the entire temple for ten long, deafening seconds. Luke staggered back, his heart racing as the room was flooded with adrenaline and confusion.

And then... silence.

As the dust settled, a hole revealed itself in the corner where Vader and Baylan's power had struck. A dark, narrow tunnel stretched into the depths below the temple, hidden beneath layers of stone and history.

"Father? Master Skoll? What... what is this?" Luke asked, his voice laced with confusion and uncertainty. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

Baylan's gaze remained fixed on the newly revealed tunnel, his eyes glowing faintly from the power of the entity within him. "Follow us, Master Skywalker," he said with a calm but eerie tone. "The secrets await us here."

Luke hesitated, his mind a whirl of doubt and questions. But he couldn't deny the pull—the feeling that something important, something ancient, was calling them deeper into the temple's unknown. He glanced at his father, who was already moving toward the tunnel's entrance with a grim determination, and then back at Baylan, whose face was a mask of calm certainty.

There was no turning back now.

The trio descended into the tunnel, the air growing colder and thicker as they moved further down. The walls were no longer the smooth, modernized stone of the temple above, but rough, ancient rock, as though they were traveling back in time. Luke's breathing quickened, his senses alert, but still, he couldn't sense the strange energy that his father and Skoll seemed to feel so strongly.

After what felt like an eternity of walking, they entered a vast chamber. The air was thick with dust, like they'd stepped into a forgotten part of history itself. The walls were stone, covered in worn carvings, half-erased by time. Luke squinted, trying to make sense of them, but it was as if the centuries had buried the meaning. It was a place left behind, hidden beneath the temple's lower levels, untouched for who knew how long.

Vader's breathing echoed in the chamber, steady, mechanical. His eyes moved over the room, taking in every detail. Luke couldn't read his expression through the mask, but he could feel the intense focus radiating from him. Next to him, Baylan Skoll stepped forward, his gaze drawn to a stone altar at the far end, layered thick with dust.

"This is it," Vader said, his voice low but filled with certainty. "This is what we came for."

Luke blinked, still trying to make sense of it all. "What is this place? Why is it so important?"

Vader didn't answer right away. Instead, he moved toward the altar, his eyes narrowing as he studied it. The purple energy around him flickered, glowing brighter, casting eerie shadows along the walls.

Baylan joined him, his hand hovering over the stone carvings. "The ancients who built this temple left something behind. The Force flows differently here, buried deep beneath the surface. That's why you can't sense it. It's been dormant, waiting to be awakened."

Luke glanced around the room. It was dark, the only light coming from Vader's red lightsaber and Baylan's orange one. The soft glow revealed shelves of old, crumbling books and scrolls—a forgotten library, ancient texts scattered about. It reminded Luke of his time on Ahch-To, the old Jedi texts he had found there.

"Look at all these books," Luke mused. "We could probably get droids like Huyang or R2 to gather the information digitally. It'd save us a lot of time."

Baylan nodded in agreement. "Good thinking, Skywalker."

XX

Hours later…

With the help of Devaronian villagers, the ancient texts were being transported to the T-6 Jedi shuttle, where Huyang stood at the foot of the ramp, watching the process.

Baylan and Vader stood nearby, arms crossed, observing silently as the villagers carried crates of dusty books toward the shuttle.

"Ah, Master Jedi!" Huyang's voice called out as he descended the ramp, his mechanical legs clicking softly against the stone. "It seems you've uncovered quite the trove of knowledge."

"Well, Huyang, let's just say we're a bit too lazy to sort through these ancient texts ourselves," Luke said with a light grin. "Anything you find that might help us in the coming conflict would be greatly appreciated."

Huyang's eyes blinked as he surveyed the collection. "It will take several rotations to process all this data. There's a lot to go through."

"That's fine. Take your time," Vader replied, his voice cool and controlled.

Luke rubbed his head as he turned to R2. "Hey, R2, you think you can give him a hand?"

R2 beeped in response, a reluctant sound, but after a moment, the little droid rolled forward, ready to help.

As the evening stretched on, the air cooled. The villagers worked quietly under the fading light, their movements slow and careful as they transported the fragile books. Nearby, Farnay, who had been helping coordinate the effort, glanced toward Luke with a look that caught his attention.

She approached him, her steps quiet but purposeful. "Hey, Luke. I'm making dinner tonight. You want to come by?"

Luke's heart skipped a beat. His mind flickered with memories—intimate memories of times spent with Farnay. He hadn't fully committed to anything with Kata yet, not on that level. But with Farnay… things had always been different. He felt a tug, not just hunger, but something deeper. The itch was there, a pull he tried to ignore, but it lingered.

"Yeah," he said after a moment, nodding slowly. "I'd like that."

He approached his father and Baylan, his thoughts still clouded by Farnay. "Masters, I'm going to spend some time with my friend. We can meet tomorrow to continue our training with these entities you're connected to."

Vader tilted his head slightly. "Very well, my son. Rest well."

Luke and Farnay walked away, leaving the dark chamber behind.

As they disappeared from view, Baylan glanced at Vader. "I sense an attachment to that woman."

Vader didn't move at first, but after a moment, he nodded. "I do as well. They have… a past."

Baylan crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "But isn't your son involved with Jedi Kata Akuna?"

Vader's breathing deepened. "Yes… but perhaps he hasn't taken that next step with her. This other woman… she lets him go further."

Baylan's expression darkened slightly. "And that's why attachments can be dangerous. A woman can use those actions to control a man, make him… docile."

Vader turned his head toward Baylan, a subtle irritation in his stance. But he didn't lash out. Instead, he simply said, "Perhaps. Perhaps his desire to help these people isn't entirely out of goodwill. Maybe the comfort she provides him is part of the equation. But we will stay silent about his personal matters."

Baylan gave a firm nod. "Agreed."

The two stood in the fading light, watching as the villagers loaded the last of the ancient texts into the shuttle. The weight of the past hung in the air around them, heavy with the secrets they had unearthed—and the battles yet to come.