Over the next few days, I managed to convince Forge—Daniel Lone Eagle, the mutant with an extraordinary ability to invent and create almost anything—to assist me in building the necessary machines to produce the crystal for my lightsaber. I had approached him with caution, knowing that this project was unlike anything he had ever encountered before. But Forge was nothing if not curious, and the challenge intrigued him.
The Process of Creation
We began in Forge's workshop, a sprawling space filled with tools, blueprints, and half-assembled inventions. The air was thick with the smell of metal and oil, a testament to the countless hours Forge spent crafting in this place. I explained the basics of what I needed: a particle accelerator, a containment chamber, and a molecular forger. Each machine had to be finely tuned to specific energy frequencies that were not commonly found in our world.
Forge listened intently as I described the requirements, his mind already racing with ideas. His mutant ability allowed him to visualize and construct complex devices almost instinctively, and it wasn't long before he was sketching out preliminary designs. I could see the gears turning in his head, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he began to understand the magnitude of the task ahead.
"You're talking about generating and stabilizing a type of energy that doesn't naturally occur here," Forge said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "This isn't going to be easy, but I think I can do it. What exactly are you planning to use this crystal for?"
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. "It's for a weapon," I finally said. "A lightsaber, to be exact. The crystal is the heart of it, and it needs to resonate with specific energies from the Force. The machines we build will have to work in harmony to create something that doesn't exist in our world—at least, not yet."
Forge raised an eyebrow. "A lightsaber, huh? Now you're speaking my language. Let's get to work."
As Forge began constructing the machines, I assisted him with my Force abilities. While he worked with metal and wires, I used the Force to manipulate the components at a molecular level, ensuring that everything fit together with perfect precision. There were moments when the process required more than just technical skill—it needed the subtle guidance of the Force to stabilize the energy fields or to align the circuits in ways that defied conventional physics.
Forge noticed this and was visibly surprised. "You're not just moving things around," he observed, his voice tinged with awe. "You're...harmonizing them. It's like the machines are responding to your will, not just to the tools."
I nodded, focusing on the delicate work in front of me. "The Force is more than just a power—it's a connection to the universe. The more I train, the more in sync I become with everything around me. It's like the knowledge and abilities I need come to me as I grow stronger. In this case, it's helping me to create something new, something that blends science and the Force."
Forge was impressed, but he remained focused on the task at hand. Together, we worked tirelessly for hours, days even, until the machines were finally completed. The particle accelerator was sleek and compact, designed to generate a focused beam of energy that would start the crystallization process. The containment chamber was built to maintain the unstable energy, allowing it to solidify into a crystal form. Lastly, the molecular forger was a marvel of technology, capable of shaping the raw crystal into the precise lattice structure needed for a lightsaber.
Producing the Crystal
With the machines ready, I began the delicate process of creating the crystal. I started by channeling the Force into the particle accelerator, guiding the energy into the containment chamber where it began to coalesce. The room hummed with power as the energy swirled and condensed, forming the core of what would become my lightsaber crystal.
As the crystal began to take shape, I could feel its resonance in the Force. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced—an intricate blend of the Living Force, the Cosmic Force, and the Dimensional Force. I had to be careful, ensuring that the balance between these aspects was maintained. Too much of one, and the crystal could become unstable or attuned to the dark side.
The final stage was the most critical: using the molecular forger to solidify the crystal into its final form. I guided the energy carefully, shaping the crystal with the Force as Forge operated the machinery. The process was slow, requiring absolute concentration. As I worked, I could see the crystal's color emerging—an orange core with intricate patterns of gray and blue running through it, like veins of energy pulsing within the crystal.
When the process was complete, I held the crystal in my hand, marveling at its beauty. It was warm to the touch, humming softly with the power contained within it. The patterns of gray and blue shifted slightly as I moved it, reflecting the balance of forces that I had worked so hard to achieve.
Building the Lightsaber
With the crystal ready, I turned my attention to building the lightsaber itself. The design I chose was optimized for the second lightsaber form, Makashi, known for its elegance and precision in combat. The hilt was sleek and slender, made of a lightweight but durable alloy. It was designed to fit comfortably in my hand, with a curved grip that allowed for fluid movements and quick strikes.
The emitter was carefully crafted to channel the energy from the crystal, focusing it into a blade that was both powerful and stable. The activation switch was placed just below the emitter, allowing for quick access during combat. The blade length could be adjusted slightly, depending on the needs of the situation, but it was primarily designed for close-quarters combat.
When the lightsaber was finally assembled, I stood back and admired the finished product. It was a weapon of grace and precision, perfectly attuned to my abilities. As I ignited the blade for the first time, the room was bathed in an orange light, the blade humming with energy. The gray and blue patterns within the crystal pulsed in rhythm with the blade, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Demonstration for the X-Men
The next day, I decided to show the X-Men what I had accomplished. I gathered them in the training room, where seven of them stood in a semicircle, watching with curious expressions. Jean, Rogue, Cyclops, Storm, Beast, Wolverine, and Nightcrawler were all present, their eyes fixed on the hilt of the lightsaber in my hand.
I ignited the blade, and the room was instantly filled with the hum of energy. The orange light cast long shadows across the walls, and I could see the surprise and awe on their faces as they took in the sight of the blade.
"Impressive," Cyclops remarked, his tone neutral but clearly intrigued. "That's not something you see every day."
"Definitely not," added Wolverine, his sharp eyes locked onto the blade. "But can you actually use it, or is it just for show?"
I smiled, stepping into a ready stance. "Let me show you."
I began with Form II, Makashi, moving through the elegant and precise motions that the form was known for. The blade cut through the air with fluid grace, each movement deliberate and controlled. I could feel the connection between the saber and the Force, guiding my actions with an almost instinctual precision.
After demonstrating the basics of Makashi, I transitioned into Form V, Djem So, which emphasized power and strength. The movements were more aggressive, designed to overwhelm an opponent with brute force. The orange blade hummed as it sliced through the air, each strike powerful and decisive.
The X-Men watched in silence, their expressions a mix of admiration and curiosity. When I finished, I deactivated the blade and turned to face them, waiting for their reactions.
"Well, I'll be," Beast said, adjusting his glasses. "That is a remarkable display of skill and craftsmanship. You've managed to combine the elegance of Makashi with the raw power of Djem So. Quite impressive indeed."
Jean nodded in agreement. "I can sense the Force in your movements. It's not just about the lightsaber—it's how you're using it. You're in sync with the weapon, like it's an extension of yourself."
Storm smiled warmly. "You've come a long way. To create something like this… it's a testament to your dedication and connection to the Force."
Nightcrawler was wide-eyed, his tail flicking in excitement. "Zat is amazing! You are like ze Jedi from ze stories, no? Zis could be very useful for us."
Rogue, standing beside Jean, grinned. "Ah reckon you're right. Ain't no one gonna wanna mess with a Jedi like you."
Cyclops, ever the pragmatist, crossed his arms and looked at me thoughtfully. "It's a powerful tool, but it's also a responsibility. We'll need to make sure it's used wisely. But given what I've seen today, I trust you'll handle it well."
Wolverine, always one for a good-natured jab, smirked. "So, you're a real Jedi now, huh? What's next, the Death Star?"
I laughed, shaking my head. "No Death Star, I promise. Just trying to be prepared for whatever comes our way."
Jean stepped forward, her expression serious but kind. "You've done something incredible here. But remember, the power you have is just as much about wisdom and restraint as it is about strength. We're all in this together, and we'll need each other's support more than ever in the days to come."
I nodded, taking in her words. "I understand. The lightsaber is just a tool. What matters is how we use it—and how we stand together as a team."
The room was quiet for a moment, the weight of our collective responsibilities hanging in the air. But there was also a sense of camaraderie, of shared purpose. We were all in this together, and whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them as a united force.
As the conversation wound down, Rogue gave me a playful nudge. "Guess we've got our very own Jedi Knight now. Just don't go turnin' to the dark side on us, alright?"
I grinned, feeling a warmth in my chest at the lighthearted teasing. "Don't worry, Rogue. I've got too much light in me for that. And besides, with you all watching my back, I don't think I'd ever stand a chance."
The group chuckled, the tension in the room dissipating as we fell into easy conversation. The lightsaber was a symbol of the journey I had been on, but it was also a reminder of the bonds we had formed along the way. Together, we would face whatever challenges came our way—whether from this world or beyond.
As the day came to an end, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The crystal, the lightsaber, the training—it had all been a part of something greater. And now, with my friends by my side, I was ready for whatever the future held.