He had hardened his heart long ago--or so he thought. From hero to legend to untouchable was not a great leap, after all, and after Endor, people had begun to treat him differently, with a reverence he found difficult to understand or accept. And no one, it seemed, had wanted Luke Skywalker, the man. Even Leia, who knew him better than anyone, had been too busy to notice what was going on, and she had needed him. And Luke had always gone where he was needed, rather than where he needed to go.

"You don't need a legend," he said, voice laden with sorrow. "Legends disappoint, Rey. Legends never live up to their reputation. The legend of Skywalker has caused more death and destruction..."

He looked away for a moment, collecting himself. What was it about this girl that could undo him so? Or was it merely that his heart was not as hard as he had tried to make it, such that the smallest chink was a fatal weakness?

"I've been reluctant to teach you because I have failed. I created a monster. And I will not do it again And yet, if I refuse, you threaten what? To fly to him on your own?"