A Rite Of Passage (TJO)

[Aubrey King]

She nodded to Locke's explanation in sympathy.

"Look, I understand that you're dealing with a lot trying to stand up this new Jedi Order thing, which is why I'm here." she reached across the aisle to nudge her friend on the shoulder. "We'll get the the Corps and Vingilot squared away, and I'll even look into the Kraken myself to help you take a load off."

The repair work on the Kraken was going to be started as soon as Allyson and she gathered their crystals. She definitely didn't want to wind up as a pancake on the flight back.

She turned her attention to the atmospheric sensors. "Mmm, reading a balmy -15 (Celsius) outside, with a -27 wind chill factor. Winter Moon indeed."

Jedah was quite a desolate place on the surface, though in the Force, she could feel something special about it. Maybe it was all the Kyber deposits scattered about, or the unusually high concentration of Force Sensitive residents and pilgrims present? Whatever the case, she was mostly glad she had tagged along.

"Welp, ready to go when you are. After I bundle up, of course."

[member="Allyson Locke"] [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] [member="Thiavi"] [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] [member="Darth Animus"]

 

[Ashelia]

Ashelia
Post 1
Location: Jedha - Surface
[member="Kahlil Zambrano"] [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] [member="Allyson Locke"] [member="Aubrey King"]

Ashelia had arrived on Jedha only a few hours before, via a transport shuttle from Kashyyyk. Once she had landed at the space port, she immediately began the long trek out to the desert where the designated rendezvous point for the expedition was located. The first step in constructing her own lightsaber would be to find a crystal. Opportunities to do so were few and far between, so when Ashelia had heard of the expedition to Jedha, she immediately purchased a ticket for a shuttle and prepared herself for the trip. That preparation had included a few long nights of research on kyber crystals and the process she would undergo to harvest her own. She had no intention of arriving at the expedition unprepared, like she was some ignorant youngling.

Although she had only been waiting at the designated rendezvous point for a few minutes, she was quite relieved to see The Bastion appear in the sky and descend towards the surface. The air was chilly and it was much easier to bear when she moving on her feet.

The small group of Jedi would find Ashelia standing on the surface as the ramp opened out to the freezing desert. The young Initiate was dressed for the weather. A mask concealed most of her tan-skinned features from view, save for her eyes. The thick coat that she wore protected her from the biting chill in the air, along with a hood over her head.

“Hi.” Ashelia spoke softly when she saw the towering figure of the white-haired Knight. “My name is Ashelia, ummm...I’m an Initiate and I’m here for the...crystal...expedition.” She finished hesitantly. “Is this the right place?”

The other Jedi that emerged from the ship caught Ashelia’s gaze as well, including a handsome brunette human male, a vibrantly-colored Sylphe, and a rugged-looking Mandalorian female.

 

[Allyson Locke]

The nudge caused a smile and Allyson nodded. The help of the other woman was much appreciated and more than welcomed. “I appreciate it, knowing you’re here too, makes me happy.” She received the message from Kahlili and pondered for a moment. She had assumed the man was at least a Knight like her, he carried himself in that way. “Interesting.” It was all she said about the message and responded letting him know that they were heading down. Looking back towards Aubrey, the Corellian shuddered at the comment about how cold it was.

“You know, I usually don’t complain, but feth, why are these places either really hot or really really cold.” Another shudder and she started to gather articles of clothing to help keep her warm as well. It seemed the worn jacket she wore wasn’t going to cut it this time. After a few moments of bundling up, Allyson shook her wrist with her comm to get the right coordinates of where they’re going to be heading.

“Doesn’t look too far, but I’m not walking in this weather. There’s a few speeders parked in the hanger – let’s take those.” A pause and she grabbed her blaster and tucked it away. “Should probably bring some protection as well. As much as I know it’s going to be just us – you never know…the Force draws some interesting figures especially when it’s all collected like it is on Jedah.”

Making her way towards the hanger, Allyson remained silent for the most part, with a few pauses to tinker with something that stuck out to her. The speeders were pretty easy to spot and it was obvious that they were more taken care of than the ship itself. A smirk and Allyson chuckled. “The speeders should be a bit safer than the ship don’t worry. Let’s go.” A few pats on the hanger wall, and the door dropped opening up the winter moon’s surface to the pair. “Just like in a fighter, I’m sure I’ll beat you in a race here.”

In that instant, the Corellian moved forward and finally took off out of the hanger door which would close behind them locking. The small droid who was left in the cockpit would be left in charge.

Spoiler

[member="Thiavi"] [member="Darth Animus"] [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] [member="Aubrey King"] [member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Amaryllis grumbled as her concentration was broken by none other than @Thiavi. Something warm? Why did she say it like that? She tilted her head as she peeked out the door, her amber eyes watching the woman walk away. She shook her head with a small huff as she quickly changed into a more warm outfit - specifically, one that would keep her tail warm too!

Amaryllis exited the ramp as she wrapped her arms around herself. Wow, they weren't kidding when they said it was going to be cold. She breathed - and what looked like smoke came out of her mouth. She had never experienced the cold before. Akiva was a hot, jungle world. There wasn't anything about it that was cold. Nuzzling her face against the fabric of the dress, she perked a brow at the short person that stood suddenly.

"Oh, hello," she said with a big grin. Another person! Would [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] end up making her his padawan too? He had so many already, but what would another be? "These ones and this one is going to get pretty crystals," she exclaimed with glee, clapping her hands together. She made extra sure she kept her tail curled up, careful to not let it escape the warm fabric.

[member="Allyson Locke"] [member="Aubrey King"] [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] [member="Darth Animus"]

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I made sure not to land too far away from the cavern entrance. It won't be long for us to get there. It's just over that hill." Kahlil pointed to a nearby hill of solid rock jutting out of the cold sands of Jedha as he glanced to [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] to answer his question. Once they got there was when the trial would begin. And both he and [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] would have their resolve tested. He let out a slight sigh at the thought, rubbing the back of his head.

Would they be okay with what's about to happen?

Oh, wait. A new person. Kahlil blinked down at [member="Ashelia"] . A padawan without a master coming here alone? Well, at least she made it safely. "This is the right place, yes. We'll wait for the others to catch up, then I'll explain the trial and we'll begin. We've got about another.." He paused, glancing up to the skyline. The sun was setting, nearing the end of the cycle. "Say twenty minutes or so. It'll make more sense once we get there." With that he began walking forward towards the cavern he had mentioned. No point in delaying it any longer.

[member="Allyson Locke"] [member="Aubrey King"]

 

[Thiavi]

20 minutes? well, she'd waited longer for worse. while she's waiting, she gives [member="Ashelia"] a quick look over, looking her up in down from the corner of her visor, as not to draw attention to herself through the blackened glasteel. she seemed friendly enough, she was a tad.. odd, but overall someone that didn't raise suspicions at the moment, which was somewhat rare for thiavi. she glances to kafh, deciding to sit down on a nearby rock while they wait for the others.

"Sure is, kafh. I haven't felt a world this cold since I left home. gods, it feels good! I don't have too big 'a problem with the heat, but this is a good change of pace"

She chuckles, looking to kafh. Oh. oh.. he's cold. he's not used tot he cold either. well chit, now you just sound insensitive thiavi.

"ihh.. Hey, kafh. Don't worry, Caves hold heat. I'm sure we'll be in there and warm in no time" no time being twenty fething minutes, which now that she thought about was actually kind of along time if you were freezing but whatever, can't jump in line now can you?
She looks to he pink haired girl. guess it's social time, gotta pass the time somehow.

"So, uhh, Ashelia was it? you with the order?" gods! of course she was in the order, why else would she be here? come on thiavi.

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"] [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] [member="Allyson Locke"] [member="Aubrey King"] [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"]

 

[Kafh-en-ma-nofre]

Kafh-en-ma-nofre nodded to Kahlil, just over the hill, Great. Gods Kafh was shivering. He turned his attention to Ashelia giving the other Padawan a quick glance and a nod. The young man then turn to [member="Thiavi"] she said it did in fact feel like home, she loved the cold. Kafh gave her a smile. The woman quickly recovered saying that it would be warmer in the caves. Kafh let out a breath of releif.

"Good to know. B-because I don't know exactly how much more I can d-deal with it." Kafh said with a slight smile. He bundled his jacket closer to him.

"At any rate, I'm g-glad that we're not too far." He said as he crouched down and blew hot air into his hands. He was pretty excited to get a kyber crystal. To be able to have a lightsaber. The tool of the Jedi. It was amazing. Never in his life did he think this would happen. He wondered what danger they would face.

Kafh looked to the hill. Time to wait for whoever else needed to show, he hoped they'd set off quickly, way too cold.
[member="Darth Animus"]
[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]
[member="Thiavi"]
[member="Amaryllis Tansea"]
[member="Aubrey King"]
[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Ashelia]

Ashelia
Post 2
Location: Jedha - Surface
[member="Kahlil Zambrano"] [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] [member="Allyson Locke"] [member="Aubrey King"]

A visible cloud of air escaped from Ashelia’s lips as she breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that she was in the correct location. Though she knew absolutely none of the people standing before her, the Elzeri was glad that everything was going according to plan, so far. Some of them might have balked at the thought of an Initiate traveling alone, but in spite of her youth, she was an adult and could handle herself. After all, she had survived alone within the lower levels of Coruscant for a few months after she emerged from her growth tube. A cold desert wouldn’t kill her.

“Okay, good.” She replied to the white-haired Knight as she lowered her hood to reveal a flowing mane of cotton candy hair and the heart-shaped features of her visage. Ashelia immediately turned to follow him, but when the cheerful looking Sylphe greeted her as well, she decided to give her a wave. “I hope so.” She added. Having a pretty lightsaber would be quite fun for her, but more importantly, Ashelia sought a crystal that would grant her blade unrivaled cutting power.

Ashelia then focused her colorful gaze on the short-haired brunette. “I’m an Initiate with the Silver Jedi.” The Elzeri clarified. “But, I study on the Vingilot, as well.” Unlike the other individuals that she had met, Ashelia didn’t sense the aura of the Force around the Mandalorian, but she could tell that the woman was quite physically strong. “Why do you ask?” Ashelia added, feeling that the question was a strange one coming from the lips of a woman who lacked the ability to use the Force. However, Ashelia thought back to before she was granted Force sensitivity by the strange entity within the Bubble of the Lost. She had been obsessed with the Force, the Jedi, and the Sith for her entire life, even when she had no ability to even sense the cosmic energies that permeated all things in the universe.

Perhaps this woman was the same way. Did the Mandalorian crave the Force as Ashelia had once before?

 

[Ladybug]

Mikilanna walked among the others, her young curiosity dancing uncontrollably with pondering questions and anticipations of wonders held deep inside the cave. The only substance as to why the group was trekking over the hill was a trial of sorts. This made her slightly nervous, but not much. She thrived on challenges, taking each task as an opportunity to prove herself; to her Master, to others, but more importantly, herself. Mikilanna, despite her younger age, feared little. This cave, whatever awaited inside, might give her the boost required to evaluate her own worth regarding the Force.

Her ability and inability to command the Force was a mixed setting of feelings coursing through her.

Pushing these thoughts aside, Mikilanna turned her gaze toward the landscape. Unlike home, it was desolate. Her judgment of Jedha might be unfair in the eyes that called this rock home, but Mikilanna was open-minded, giving Jedha one chance to rearrange her views.


[member="Kahlil Zambrano"] : [member="Thiavi"] : [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] : [member="Ashelia"]

 

[Layla Solari]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9gNFYNZ8yk​

​

Objective: Eat​

Location: In the Kyber Cavern​

Equipment: Armor, weapons,(In passive mode) Ever present backpack​

Outfit​

Tags: [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] | [member="Ashelia"] | [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] | [member="Thiavi"] | [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] | [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Aubrey King"] | [member="Darth Animus"] | [member="Raven Ashe"]​

​

For some time, Layla and Raven had been on the planet. Originally, the girl had hunted a handful of criminals, and moved from settlement to settlement in an attempt to stave off the hunger. She had been looking for something, whatever it was however, had been unclear for some time.

Finally, however, she found the place. She dragged Raven down into the cavern with her and twirled, the hem of her dress fluttering as she spun as she spotted the many Kyber Crystals still left here. “Lady Raven! We are here! It's the surprise!” Large hazel eyes went wide, and she giggled happily. However, the giggle echoed through the mind of her companion as well. The little one made no attempt to mask herself or what she was, her telepathic powers echoed around her as she moved.

Around her, the dark side echoed with eternal hunger. She reached out, and caressed an exposed crystal. As she did, the force that swirled around it, attuned to it, began to drain, and the luster began to fade. As she fed, the crystal began to powderize, and crumbled to the ground. With the rubble now on the cave floor, she leaned down, and let her wrist remain close to the rubble. The nanech bracelet moved, the material covered the rubble and devoured it before it returned to normal. “It's not as good as people. But it reminds me of eating chips. You know? Like, you can probably eat as many as you could possibly want and still be hungry after, but it's a rather pleasant experience.”

However, while she wanted to eat the cave...that wasn't why she brought the woman here. She shook her head and gave Raven the most beautiful of smiles. “It's time for you to have a lightsaber. I heard it's a rite of passage for the Sith. So, I figured, if we came here, we could find the perfect crystal for you. I don't want it to be unreliable.” A brief flash of pain came over her voice, and she reached out, and devoured the force and remains from another crystal. It would be enough for now. But it truly didn't last as long as a person. She should have thought this through more. Layla reached up and caressed the dark choker around her neck. “Just relax a bit. We will have plenty to eat soon enough, I promise.” Her voice was sweet and gentle, as if she had been talking to a beloved pet.

The little one giggled once more and began to sing to herself as she excitedly hopped from one Crystal to another. Any that were not of the quality she was looking for she devoured, over and over. Finally the girl looked back at Raven. “Find anything good?” Layla excitedly bounced up and down on her toes.

 

[Raven Ashe]

Objective: Accompany a Little Monster on an Adventure
Location: Kyber Crystal Cavern
Equipment: Raven's Mettle Armor, Electrosword, Bactapack, Ion Charge

Was it strange to walk around a planet with a child-like monster? It certainly had been after their first 'session' with Darth Animus when the monster came out. Overwhelming, in fact. Since then -- despite very reasonable caution -- the Pantoran woman had become more accustomed to Layla's presence. Even her unique feeding habits. But who was Raven to hold the little one's nutritious requirements against her? After all, they were two of kind in that regard. In different ways. For different reasons. Perhaps, in the end, it was this commonality that helped overcome the shock of being thrust into a world she'd only heard about second-hand.

In the settlements, Raven strode about with her helmet off more often than not. Just an explorer gathering supplies, information, or just resting before spelunking in some cave. Every now and then a smile crept to her lips with how much energy Layla put on display. It was so easy for people to take her for a child. They would be heartbroken to know the truth, and only for a split second before the terror overtook them. Unsurprising then she found more companionship with the Sith. Perhaps even some measure of fulfillment, if they were lucky.

Once they entered the outskirts of civilization, however, she donned the helmet. Now they were entering an explorer's turf. A landscape of unknown hazards and beasts that would happily fest on your innards given the chance. Strong as Layla was, and much as the stronger creature probably looked after Raven; it was the Pantoran that felt responsible for being responsible for Layla's safety. She was strong, but not experienced. There were creatures of sinister intelligence in the galaxy, and she wouldn't forgive herself if one of them got their hands on Layla.

Oh, a cave. I've never been in one of these before, she focused on thinking with 'humor' or 'levity'. Really, telepathy was another one of those 'that really exists?' moments Raven had some time ago. The Force really was a fathomless well of mystical possibility that seemed limited only by the imagination of the one channeling it. At least that was what she told herself to try and conceptualize it still being relatively new to the wider world.

Admittedly, however, the chamber that Layla had led them to with crystal formations all around was a sight. The HUD of her helmet locked on to one of the crystalline latices as Raven crouched down before a cluster. Nothing exceptional, scientifically speaking. Seemed capable of storing or focusing a certain amount of energy. Nothing that screamed 'The Force,' however, but that was what the Pantorian could feel. The Force was definitely here, and it moved around and through the crystals. Almost like some sort of natural capacitor. She had read up on the crystals in Animus' library, but still didn't understand the unique properties that made them work.

When Layla spoke again, Raven turned her head aside to look over at her companion. "Chips?" A moment's pause. "Really? They say certain kinds of Kyber can hold a great deal of power. They aren't better than a single creature?"

In the corner of her eyes, the Sith Apprentice caught sight of a fluctuation in the Force. Seemed the silent companion had begun to drain a nearby cluster, but not too fast as to destroy it in the process. It never quite glowed as brightly as it had before even with more energy flowing back into it from the surrounding environment. Probably took time for it to reach full saturation. Well, as long as it behaved itself.

A soft laugh quickly left Raven's lips, given a deeper tone synthesized by the helmet. "Is it now?" A lightsaber? Admittedly, Raven had been wondering when Animus would grant her such a weapon. He was a traditionalist of certain rites and constructing such a weapon was likely one of them. Only when and if he felt her ready. And here was the young girl that probably didn't know, or wouldn't care about proper protocol. Intelligent though. Knew what was needed to make a lightsaber. "That's a gift fit for a Queen."

Though her features were hidden, Raven's helmet remained on Layla as she devoured another crystal. The pain in her voice concerned the Pantoran. Yes, she was an Apprentice to a Sith Lord, and yes she wasn't rabidly awaiting Layla to lower her guard to slaughter her. Better Layla was happy and on their side than miserable and suffering. Obviously the less time they spent here, the happier the girl would be surrounded by juicier creatures.

Layla went back to playful exploration, which left Raven to stand and slowly survey the area.

A cheerful inquisitive prompt drew a thoughtful hum. "Not yet. The crystal should resonate with the one that will wield it. It will know, once attuned, what color to take reflecting that person. This could take some time." Not that she wanted the young one to deal with her condition longer than necessary. Perhaps Raven should call upon the silent companion -- it was being uncharacteristically cooperative at the moment.

Tags: [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] | [member="Ashelia"] | [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] | [member="Thiavi"] | [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] | [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Aubrey King"] | [member="Darth Animus"] | [member="Layla Solari"]

 

[Layla Solari]

Objective: Eat​

Location: In the Kyber Cavern​

Equipment: Armor, weapons,(In passive mode) Ever present backpack​

Outfit​

Tags: Mikilanna Mihaly | Ashelia | Kafh-en-ma-nofre | Thiavi | Kahlil Zambrano | Amaryllis Tansea | Allyson Locke | Aubrey King | Darth Animus | [member="Raven Ashe"]​

​

Layla was lost in thought at that comment from Raven. How best to explain this. “The force power is lovely. But in reality, it doesn't contain very much. See, it's more attuned with the force. It can contain a lot of energy, and have many used, but while the force flows through all things, the energy from living beings corresponds better with living beings. I absorb the force not so much because I am gaining nutrients from it. But it makes the pain stop for awhile. My body is wracked with endless amounts of pain and hunger. The pain is caused by the nanech directly being grafted into my nervous system, as well as the fact my body is hyper sensitive to changes. Things like sounds, lights, touch, pressure changes, I feel it all deeply and it causes pain as my nerves which carry far more information than normal burst to life and tell me what's going on. When I feed off a sentient being, there is a satisfaction in this .The energy melds better, and for whatever reason it does a better job at dulling the pain. As for the physical aspect of letting the nanech feed.”

She kneels once more and allows the material to devour another broken and shattered crystal. “This stuff is good for helping it rebuild new nanites. The nanites help the material move quickly, take on new shapes, and densities and give me a lot of the properties you see. However, its the biological that I worry about feeding. You see, its ravenous. It's metabolism is very fierce. And while I can feed it various things, the bodies of another sentient satisfy it for far longer. It takes longer for it to process and break down everything. And almost everything can be used. Otherwise, it wants to eat me. It's similar to what you have in a way. Except it's more like what happens if you were constantly starving...your body begins to eat itself. So! These things just don't do the trick I had hoped they would. It's not bad, and there is a shape intake of power, and I can feel the nanites reproducing as I eat it, they love the stuff. But the biological aspect is lacking....Though, there are solutions to this too.”

She turned and looked at Raven. “It's why I am the way I am. I don't have a choice but to keep eating if I want to keep living. I ate all my brothers and sisters when I was young, because no one knew how to control the nanech yet and they all died. I have to make due now.” The little one hummed a bit. “Oh! And is that so? They resonate with you? I am sure you will find a good one then.” Her head raised up to the ceiling for a bit and her eyes closed. “It's better here....it's not so cold in this cave.” Maybe she was nervous, or maybe just happy to be able to talk for awhile. To have someone to listen. Either way, she spoke quickly, and gave off a lot of words. However, when she was done, Layla went quite for awhile and stared at a particularly pretty crystal for a time.

 

[Raven Ashe]

Objective: Accompany a Little Monster on an Adventure
Location: Kyber Crystal Cavern
Equipment: Raven's Mettle Armor, Electrosword, Bactapack, Ion Charge

Layla's explanation of her condition was longer than the Pantoran had expected. Not that she minded. In fact, she'd turned to face Layla as she spoke interested in hearing what she had to say.

The Force was in all things and could flow easily through Kyber, but as an organic being Layla got more sustenance by absorbing it from other organic beings. Though sustenance might still be too strong of a word for the girl herself; more that the consumption of the organic placated the nano-technology. Its need for resources? It would consume whether Layla fed or not, but it would consume her if she sought the Path of Peace.

Layla's admission of eating her own brothers and sisters would have broken Raven's heart if she'd heard it not terribly long ago, and then thought to run away from a monster. Fortunately, Darth Animus was a good teacher. By good teacher, Raven of course meant a sadistic Sith Lord that made sure to expose his apprentice to all the 'little things' in the darkness -- pain, agony, horror, despair. All torn from countless bodies, minds, and souls for her training pleasure. Yet despite that, Raven still felt sympathy for Layla. Even if the girl wouldn't let it show, what happened had to still weigh on her from time to time.

"Was it cold outside?" Raven commented as if she hadn't noticed, her helmet angled back down to the crystals for a moment. Give Layla a little space after that confessional.

After a moment, a gloved hand slid along a somewhat large but not unweidly crystal. The Pantoran then moved in Layla's direction with it in hand. "Have you ever sought out the ones responsible for the nanites? I'm sure Darth Animus would love to meet them as well. Perhaps they could help slow the rate at which it needs to feed?" A grunt followed her question, however. "If they bothered to think that far ahead. Always making things without knowing what they're going to do with them afterward..." Raven's commentary drifted off for a moment as she stood there, eyes on the crystal in her hands. What was Raven going to do now that she was an Apprentice to a Sith Lord? This entire lifestyle had been nothing but a fairytale before. Something other people did that often left the galaxy in ruins. Gods playing among the stars, blotting out entire planets.

"Seems you and I have a good deal in common, Layla," she spoke up again with renewed vigor. "Our situations aren't the same, but they're more alike than almost anyone else in the galaxy." Normal people that didn't fear being consumed by some monstrous essence. "Perhaps we can work together. Control our 'condition' even a little more. Harness it for what we want rather than being slaves to what it wants." No matter how slight or unlikely it would seem, being a puppet was not what Raven had in mind. Layla could do with not needing to feed nearly every waking moment as well; she might even get to the point of having some semblance of a normal life -- at least one could hope.

Hope is for the weak, Spectre.

A number of crystals behind Raven flickered as though a shadow had passed over them. Ah, there it was. That familiar hiss. For a moment there'd been a sliver of relief at hearing its voice. A desire to take its power for herself. A fleeting sensation she couldn't put into words, and if she had it would have been disorienting, frightening, and then... exhilarating. The Force swirled about Raven as a funnel for just a moment before settling down to its usual, turbulent nature.

"You know what this cave is missing?" Raven shifted focus just slightly. "Giant bats. Or spiders." Like they knew better than to make nests here despite the Kyber present, which surely drew some beasts elsewhere. Well their absence was annoying because then Layla could feed and the two of them bond over crushing a few lower lifeforms. "Should we contact Animus and see if he has anything in a pen somewhere for us to play with?" Her question asked with a lighter, perhaps even playful tone. While awaiting a response, Raven pinged Animus over a secure link to see if he'd answer.

Tags: [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] | [member="Ashelia"] | [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] | [member="Thiavi"] | [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] | [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Aubrey King"] | [member="Darth Animus"] | [member="Layla Solari"]​

 

[Allyson Locke]

Location: Just outside the area for the Caverns
Objective: Find some crystals
Tags: [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] [member="Ashelia"] [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] [member="Thiavi"] [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] [member="Darth Animus"] [member="Layla Solari"] [member="Raven Ashe"]
With: [member="Aubrey King"]

A pair of speeders headed towards the location marked, Allyson led the way as they rode mostly in silence. It didn’t take long to finally arrive, but it seemed they were just a few moments earlier than Kahlil and co. Allyson stopped a few meters ahead and held her hand up to gesture to Aubrey to do the same. Something didn’t feel right, and Allyson didn’t want the pair of them to jump right into a mess.

Climbing off her speeder, Allyson looked around and waited. “I don’t see Kahlil just yet, but you know that whole bad gut feeling.” The Corellian paused, “I’m getting that, and I don’t think it was the bantha dog I had back in port.” A hand rested on her chin as she thought quietly, in most cases the woman would have barreled through and forced her way. Yet, right now seemed that wouldn’t be the best idea.

Pulling out a pair of binoculars, she glanced the area and noticed several heads bobbing in the distance. A smile crossed her face followed by a sigh of relief. “I see them, let me just message Kahlil.” She quickly contacted the man by comm and let him know of their arrival. “They should be here soon, she spoke after closing the device on her wrist.”

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Location: Now outside the crystal caverns
Objective: Start the trial
Tags: [member="Allyson Locke"] [member="Raven Ashe"] [member="Layla Solari"] [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] @Ashelia @Kafh-en-ma-nofre @Thiavi @Amaryllis Tansea [member="Aubrey King"] [member="Darth Animus"]

Kahlil watched curiously as the speeders went by in the distance. Oh. Well. Crap. They were going to meet at the caverns, not before. His bad. He cleared his throat, glancing to the small group that had come with him thus far. "We'll head to the caverns now." That's right. Play it off like you know what you're doing. It would only take about five minutes or so for them all to arrive.

Once there, he gave a nod to Allyson. They made it in one piece, which was good. "Alright. So." Kahlil turned to face all of the padawans, offering a smile. "Behind us, is a cavern the Jedi have used for centuries. Inside, many padawans have faced themselves to find their crystals. The task is simple." Once again the young KNight turned, stepping into the cave.

The morning light hit the frozen waterfall within, thawing it and revealing the entrance to the caverns. "Find your crystal. This entrance will refreeze in four hours."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Her eyes were wide as she stared at the frozen water, ice things... Right? Or were they stone? Unsure, she squinted for a moment. But upon noticing [member="Allyson Locke"], she gave the woman a big smile and a wave. It was going to be a party or something like that, right? Everyone was here, even [member="Thiavi"] - even if Thiavi probably didn't like her.

She focused her attention back to [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] although her mind still flickered to the light dazzling off the frozen features. She was excited, happy eve-- wait, it was going to refreeze? Her eyes widened, somewhat fearfully. "What? But this on-- I wanted to explore!" She pouted, staring down the cave with a somewhat fearful look.

Where they going by themselves? In groups? It wasn't very clear and in truth that was horrifying to the hybrid. Her tail curled up as she crossed her arms, much more worried than she was even a mere 5 minutes ago. "What happens if we're stuck?" She asked blatantly as she stared into the darker bits of the cave.

 

[Ladybug]

It wasn't the illumination of the cave, those majestic glows radiating off the crystals, nor the wonderous waterfall that stilled Mikilanna's mind; but the sense of calmness and serenity the crystals had over the span of lifetimes to construct such a beauty. What she was feeling and observing, breathtaking. She had once read, or possibly overheard in passing, that the Force flowed through all living beings; if this was true, she was standing in a garden tended by the Force itself. It wasn't just the feel of the Force and the cavern that stole her breath, but the countless colors of the crystals; snugged tightly packed in formations.

Focus!

If time had permitted, which it did not, she could spend countless hours surrounded by this flowing energy; but a task was at hand, thus needing completion. Her Master, Kahlil Zambrano, spoke two important edicts. The first, find your crystal. This seemed a daunting task, with so many to choose from. The second, the cave was due to refreeze in hours, trapping any who lingered to long. Time to get busy.

Unsure how to truly proceed, the young Jedi walked through the numerous formations; speaking to some crystals, touching others. No matter what she did, the result was the same; a failure to connect to a crystal. Partially defeated, she struggled on knowing, deep down, there was a crystal for her. Alas, she heard something, or did she? Craning her neck to the right, she saw a lone crystal in a formation nearly plucked clean. Causally, she strolled over.

Hovering a hand over the crystal, two things occurred. The first, she felt whispers echoing across her mind and body. Secondly, there was a tingling, vibrating sensation that moved in waves across her, as if they were chasing the whispering echoes. Crouching down, Mikilanna eyed the crystal swearing she could visibly see it pulse. But that was folly, right? Crystals don't vibrate no more than a rock rolls down a hill without assistance, right?

Slowly, Mikilanna reached out, placing both palms of her hands on either side of the crystal; gently removing it from the formation. It felt warm to the touch but more importantly, she too felt warm to the crystal.



[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

 

[Layla Solari]

Objective: Eat​

Location: In the Kyber Cavern​

Equipment: Armor, weapons,(In passive mode) Ever present backpack​

Outfit​

Tags: [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] | [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] | [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Raven Ashe"]​

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Deep in the cavern, far from the prying eyes of the watchers, Layla ran her fingers over the crystals, the dark side corrupting several as she did. She listened carefully as Raven spoke, However, when she finished, she pursed her lips. “ Yeah, it was a bit chilly outside. And um, I do know where most of them are. I was created to be the third generation prototype for a super soldier project.” The girl's hazel eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke. “They know nothing about the hunger. Or how to fix it, or contain it. It's why they tried to reproduce me.” Her arms wrapped around herself for a bit. “When the normal ways failed, they tried other ways. Not sure it worked or not, but they tried to dispose of me. It's why I'm here.” She shook her head. “The head scientist did escape. A Corellian. I suspect he went home, after I destroyed the labs.”

Her head lifted to the sky a bit, and her eyes half closed. She sniffed the air, and her eyes fully opened. “Hmm, Animus. Yes. Spiders and animals to cuddle with and play with would be fun. I'm working on creating my own, you know. They are almost done. Soon we will have lots of things to play with! And hmmm, I mean, your creature isn't very hard to get rid of, you know?” Layla yawned a bit. “Lightside Nexus, would wash it all away, so nothing remained. You come out and get to do what you want after. There are so many other ways too. With the strength I have right now, it would be a stale mate as we attempted to devour one another, and would probably eat each other and everything around us into oblivion. Maybe even the entire planet if we fought. Would be fun.”

She reached into a pocket of her backpack and pulled out a ghost wave encrypted comm unit. Layla sent out a message to their master. “Master, Lady Raven and I are here on the planet. In a cave. She wants to know if you have any spiders and stuff you can send over.” The little one hummed softly as she was on the comm unit. As she hummed, Layla twirled and spun, and her dress ruffled out a bit. “Lady Raven. There are plenty of things you can do to strengthen your mind and force powers, that will keep him at bay and under your control. And probably some rituals,” She stopped moving for a moment, with the sudden realization she was still on the comm with Animus. “Oh right. I was helping her get a crystal. So yeah. Bye.” She turned off the comm, not really waiting for any response from the man. “I'm hungry Raven. Has anything resonated with you yet?”

The little monster was vastly aware of the intruders into her domain. However, as for the moment they were only at the entrance, she paid them little mind. Her task was simple, get Raven a lightsaber crystal, and that task took every ounce of the little bit of focus she had left.

 

[Raven Ashe]

Objective: Accompany a Little Monster on an Adventure
Location: Kyber Crystal Cavern
Equipment: Raven's Mettle Armor, Electrosword, Bactapack, Ion Charge

"Corellian? Whatever you remember could be helpful, Layla," Raven prompted, curious what else the young one knew. Why? At this point, curiosity. Maybe paying Animus back something for all his trouble. His Apprentice should show some initiative, shouldn't she? Be more than a dumb tool he wielded to fetch things or kill people. Not that he'd had her assassinate anyone. Yet. Sometimes she found herself wondering what would happen if he did.

And how did Raven know Layla would want to 'cuddle' with spiders? It was almost as though the Pantoran were telepathic, or perhaps she had simply been paying attention to the young girl's dark psyche. Studying and observation were the primary tasks put upon her, and she'd taken to it quite well. So much so in fact Layla hadn't escaped notice. Difficult to forget someone that could turn into a ravenous, technological monster, but that was beside the point. She'd been prepared to inquire about those... pets Layla was going to create before the comment about the 'creature.'

Kill her.

That would do it. No. No, Raven sent inward. They weren't killing Layla. It wasn't killing Layla. Some days she felt giddy as if unlimited power was at her fingertips, and others frightened she was losing her mind to an ancient monster.

Layla continued, clarifying her comment about how a Lightside Nexus would suppress it. Extinguish it utterly? And according to her that wasn't even the only one.

Kill me? ME? I have existed longer than most of your planets.

How true was that, Raven couldn't even begin to guess. "I know it would be." Raven blinked inside her helmet. Did she just say it would be fun for the two of them to try devouring each other? "How couldn't it be, having enough power to consume a planet in the process?" True in a disturbing fashion, but also a great excuse why those first few words had somehow made it over her tongue and by her lips.

"Layla..." And before Raven could stop the little one she opened a channel and started chatting with the Sith Lord. It was hard to keep the Child and the Monster apart. Raven tried to treat her as more grownup than she truly was -- at least emotionally and socially. Sometimes that backfired, like it did just now. She could only hope the man was available and found Layla's interruption amusing, or that he was ignoring his link right now.

"I know there are, Layla. I was hoping we could work together... Do you still have the commlink on?" Which evidently she had. No matter. Two Apprentices managing not to kill each other immediately. Should be great news. Anyway, Raven wondered if treating Layla as an equal because of her raw power was itself backfiring. On the other hand, hearing her potential weaknesses unfiltered in private wasn't that bad. A little...

Insulting. Demeaning. Enraging.

Back to the topic, Raven held up a hand. "No more rituals, Layla, but thank you for offering." They'd already gotten her a monster and nearly kept her from exploring her potential as a Force User. She could do without any more rituals. Unless they were more ceremonial in nature. Who didn't love a good ceremony? Long as it was short.

Raven had been ready to explain how it couldn't be rushed when a familiar feeling of the Living Darkness stirring settled about Raven's shoulders. Her breath caught in the back of her throat at the sensation. Darkness... Everlasting... Consuming... Her eyes drifted closed behind the mask. Total...

The deep clink and crack of the large crystal echoed in the chamber as it fell from numb fingers. A tendril of darkness solidified and plucked a crystal out form behind a a rock on a small shelf overhead. The Kyber crystal was brought down and placed into Raven's still outstretched hand, where her fingers curled about it securely.

Her eyes slid open and fell to the slender crystal in her hands. "Yes, Layla. Yes, this will do."
Tags: [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] | [member="Ashelia"] | [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] | [member="Thiavi"] | [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] | [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Aubrey King"] | [member="Darth Animus"] | [member="Layla Solari"]

 

[Ashelia]

Ashelia
Post 3
Location: Jedha - Kyber Crystal Cavern
[member="Kahlil Zambrano"] [member="Kafh-en-ma-nofre"] [member="Amaryllis Tansea"] [member="Mikilanna Mihaly"] [member="Allyson Locke"] [member="Aubrey King"] [member="Raven Ashe"] [member="Layla Solari"]

It was a simple task, and yet, Ashelia feared what she would discover of herself when she entered the cavern. What character flaws would the Force uncover of her and deem necessary for her to fix, before granting her a crystal of her own? Or, alternatively, she could attempt to evade the challenge entirely and compel a crystal to yield to her desires through the will of Bogan.

However, that was not the Jedi way.

Up until now, Ashelia had never faced a situation which demanded that she choose between Ashla and Bogan. In spite of all of her research before embarking on this expedition, the Elzeri just now realized that she would have to make that choice very quickly. Her own strength of will had been enough to get her all the way to this point. She had overcome many great challenges to become a Jedi, including a lack of any natural ability to sense or manipulate the Force. Many had told her to abandon her dreams, including the doctor who had tested her midi-chlorian count when she first arrived at Silver Rest. After telling her that she could not be trained as a Jedi, the woman had been so kind as to offer her a position on the temple staff or with the Antarian Rangers. In her desperation, Ashelia had also attempted to awaken the Force within herself through meditation in the presence of Noriko and Sukai.

It was only through making a deal with a powerful cosmic entity did she receive the ability to manipulate the Force, though at great cost to her soul.

In spite of all the obstacles and difficulties that she faced in getting to this stage, Ashelia had succeeded in accomplishing her goals. The truth was that she had no reason to trust in the volatile will of the Force when it had already failed her before. However, her own will was consistent and resilient. It had never failed her.

Why would she trust the Force to lead her to a crystal when she could seize one herself and bend it to her will?

Unlike the others within the small party, who seemed to balk before the challenge, Ashelia embraced it. The Elzeri did not feel the need to ask any questions, since she had already done her own research on the trial. There were no monsters in this cave and she believed had little to fear from a mere crystal.

“Challenge accepted.” Ashelia muttered in an inaudible voice as she stepped under the frozen waterfall to enter the cavern. The crystal that she sought was extraordinarily rare on Jedha and she anticipated having to venture deep within the cave to find it.

And so, Ashelia walked.