Faction Fishing in the Dark (SJO)

[Silver Tail]

When the time came to bring Padawans to gather their first and hopefully only lightsaber crystal it was thought to be a solemn occasion. They wouldn't be going to Ilum though since that was not currently open to them. Luckily they had other planets to work with. One of them was even quite similar to that ancient and holy area for them. The group was not actually going to need to travel very far.

Gathering the younglings and Padawans around, the leaders of the expedition that were present started telling them about what they were going to be doing. Excitement filled the air and the young eyes were full of wonder and amazement. Throughout the whole conversation, there was a sense of reverence and calm anticipation.

"This is going to be one the hardest trials any of you have faced yet. It is a great honor that you have made it this far, younglings. After this, your training will truly begin. Inside, you will only be able to succeed by trusting in the Force and yourselves. By working together, you will be able to accomplish this."

Another Master stepped forward to address the gathering of Younglings and Padawans. Taking out her lightsaber, she ignited its blade and held it out.

"The Heart of the lightsaber is the crystal. It helps to focus you and the Force. Through the day, you will need to rely on each other to get through this. Your lightsaber is your life. May the Force be you, Younglings. We will see you when you return."

 

[Ahelos Carn]

"So, where will we go to?"

(OOC: lets say we wait for atleast two more characters)

 

[Okkeus Dainlei]

My lightsaber clung to my side. I was already a Knight, so why was I here? A dream came to my, telling me to come to this planet. Another Kyber Crystal would await me there. Well, dreams don’t lie.

I watched as the group of Padawans listened to the Master. I stood near the back of the group. They could journey ahead, while I’ll stay behind. Besides, their nerves and excitement were barely holding them back. Smiling, I listened as the Master continued.

Silver Tail
Aphalos Carn

 

[Reggie Faayare]

A Jedi's lighsaber was more than just a weapon, it was an indication of the trials they have undergone to achieve the saber and a symbol of their dedication to defend others. Reggie remembered the first time he obtained his own lightsaber and how he went passed the obstacle that stood in his way, and how the second time tested him further. While difficult, he would never forget the excitement he had when finding a kyber crystal that seemed to call out through the force.

Despite all this, Reggie isn't here to craft another lightsaber. He already had two that were used for different circumstances efficiently enough. No, he was here because to Reggie, being able to support and encourage those that would become future Jedi was more of an honor than becoming one yourself.

Reggie watched and listened as the Master's talked. Despite how exciting this may be for them, this wouldn't be a cakewalk for the Younglings and Padawans. They would be tested, and they'll have to find ways to get around the obstacles they would face. He knew they would be fine though. Along with their excitement was their determination, and they would have the force and one another to help them through.

 

[Ahelos Carn]

Aphalos regarded his fellow padawan and youngling company. He was nearly an adult him self (actualy, "being adult" was just a phrase used by those speaking to younger people) but the force does not care for someones age.
When the call for a crystall comes to you, you could be very much in any state. And if the force tells you to search for a crystall, you don't care for your age nor for your feelings.

While wondering if sith feel the same despite synthecising their crystalls or if order less, people without any force order affiliation, do, he also thought about the use of a kybercrystall.

Why do people only use them for lightsabers? Lightswords are invented, a product of the mind. But wasn't there the tale of kybers used for a planet destroyer? Why did some collect crystalls as if they were some type of rare stone?

They are more. The forces physical manifestation of myracels.
The only thing that finaly said:
"Yes, me the force exists and you are a part of mine and mine of yours."

These are kybercrystalls.

 

[Beltran Rarr]

Beltran stood with the group.

He wasn't a traditional Jedi Padawan, since much of his early learning had been mostly self-directed. He'd taken the odd class here and there, but mostly he had holed up with his late father's Holocron. The ghost of the long deceased Jedi Knight Solan Rarr had guided Beltran through the very basics of the using the Force and classes, like those taught by Jedi Siegfried, and Jedi Okkeus Dainlei , had helped him to begin refining and branching out his skills. He was learning to center himself and had even found he had a knack for certain Force powers, particularly Force Lightning and Force Speed.

His extensive combat experience, first as a ganger and then hitman on his homeworld of Lorrd, then as a mercenary and later as a soldier with the Antarian Rangers, had lent itself well to his studies of the basic forms of lightsaber combat. He'd participated in several beginners classes on Form I: Shii-Cho and found it useful in transitioning from the use of metal swords and blades to the lightsaber. He wasn't an expert, by far, but he was quickly approaching a level where he could be considered competent enough to start dabbling in other forms.

He wasn't particularly interested in taking instruction from a single master, as many Jedi Padawans did. He read, studied and spoke to those he came into contact with-trying to acquire the widest possible perspective from which to view and manipulate the Force. It wasn't the prescribed path, but then when had Beltran ever followed the prescribed path?

He glanced down at the hilt of is father's lightsaber, which hung from his belt. He hadn't intended on joining this group on their journey, long ago deeming his father's heirloom more than sufficient. But from the moment he'd heard about this outing, he'd felt a strong compulsion to come along. At first he'd tried to push it away and focus on his studies. Then, when the compulsion only continued to grow in intensity, he decided that it had to be the Force telling him something.

And so he'd come along.

He knew a few of the Jedi here. Okkeus Dainlei had instructed him in his early learnings about Force Lightning and Speed. Jedi Reggie Faayare had participated in a couple of operations that he'd been a part of and had proven himself to Beltran to be a competent operator. To the others he didn't know, namely Aphalos Carn, he offered a nod of greeting and listened quietly while the Masters in charge of this outing spoke. Once they were finished, he offered an answer to Jedi Carn's question.

"I think you should choose where we head first," He said calmly to Aphalos Carn. He didn't know why that seemed the best option to him, but he knew that it definitely felt right.

 

[Ahelos Carn]

Aphalos thought some seconds:
"The only thing coming to my mind is Mygeedo. But it is the choice of the expeditions head masters."

He turned to the masters and waited for a respond. Do they not want to talk? He thought about the other padawans.
Okkeus Dainlei Reggie Faayare Beltran Rarr Silver Tail

 

[Reggie Faayare]

One thing that surprised Reggie was seeing Beltran here as an apprentice. He has always known the man as a soldier, one who helped him in many different situations when they worked together. It was good to see him here getting his own lightsaber, though it seemed like he already had one hanging from his belt. There were a variety of reasons to obtain another one though, so he didn't question the man. Reggie was just glad to see him again and to see him taking the initiative in his growth as an apprentice.

With the group not moving yet, Reggie decided to guide them to where the cave was. This was the first time Reggie had been on this Crispor planet they were on, but he made sure to note where the crystal cave was before he arrived. "The cave isn't that far from here. I can show you where the caves are on this planet if you'd like. I'll be sitting back as you guys enter though." Reggie began to move ahead of the current group to show them where the cave was. Like he said, it wasn't that far. It only took about a minute to show them where the cave was. "Alright, here it is guys. Some advice from me, allow the force to guide you to where your kyber crystal is if it calls out to you. And don't be afraid to rely on one another." He smiled at them in encouragement. He hoped that Aphalos and Beltran would take his advice to sticking together. He knew that they could handle themselves, but you can learn much from working with a peer.

Aphalos Carn | Beltran Rarr | Okkeus Dainlei

 

[Ahelos Carn]

Standing there, freezing, he gazed into the hole in the ice. As he growed up on a semi arid world, he has hoped for Reggie Faayare to let them fly elsewhere to a warmer planet.
The cold might become a bigger problem. He never ever passed out.
But this blizzardis co old.!

 

[Silver Tail]

It was a custom to allow an older and experienced Padawan to help with this mission and Reggie was just the one to do this. While the Knights and Masters present were there to help get the Younglings and other Padawans started, quite often it was the elder Padawan they listened to more.

As these people learned and grew, this was a momentous occasion for them. Each of them had been through some sort of trial and probably many tribulations to get here. For most of them, after this, they would start training harder and longer. They would start to learn, if they hadn't already, just what type of Jedi they were going to be.

The Knight listened silently to the question asked and the conversation going on around him. Before he could answer, it was Reggie that did. Giving him an encouraging smile, he did not stop the young man from answering for them. Though Reggie would not be going into the caves with them, he did his part well.

Just before the Younglings and Padawans left the craft they came in on, they were provided with the gear to help keep them warm and alive.

"You have one standard day to accomplish your task. As you traverse the labyrinth of the caves, be patient. The crystal that is yours will call to you. Through the day, you will have to work together and by the end of it, you will return. Very likely, you will be changed by this and come out different than what you go in as. May the Force be with you all and we will see you when you return."

In the same manner, like the Master, the Knight gave them the same well wishes and returned to his spot on the ship.

Aphalos Carn Reggie Faayare Beltran Rarr Okkeus Dainlei

 

[Kiran Arlos]

Kiran couldn't help but to be nervous just a little bit as he readied himself for this portion of his Jedi Training. The crystal, blade and the Jedi. They are one, it was a code that Kiran had recited over and over as well as the Jedi code itself. Kiran had been using a training saber for most of his time back with the Silvers and he knew he was ready for this next test. They were prepared as well as he could be. Gear and clothing that was necessary to keep him warm as was everyone else equipped with such things.

The Jedi padawan took a deep breath as he left the ship and joined the other Jedi that were on this venture. It was a bit colder than he had realized. While he had been on such an ice like planet when he fought with the Iron Empire. Kiran listened to what Reggie Faayare had to say and he took in every word with careful thought. He also listened to the the Jedi Knight as he spoke and mentioned they would be changed by this. And Kiran couldn't' help but wonder how, but as he thought back to what he had been taught, he kept his mind on what was going on here and now.

"May the force be with you." Kiran nodded as he bowed respectfully to the Knight and he glanced to the other Padawans. Most of them he didn't know. "I'm Kiran, sorry for the short introduction. I'm sure we will have time for that later."

Aphalos Carn Beltran Rarr Okkeus Dainlei

 

[Okkeus Dainlei]

I watched as the Padawans left the ship. Some stuck in groups while other went alone. Walking down the ramp of the ship, I already heard some nervous chatter.

"What if we get stuck in here? Relax, you will find your crystal WAY before I do. I sure hope I find one, I don't want Master to be upset."

Walking up to them, I tried to calm them down.

"Hey, guys, there is no need to worry. Just let the force guide you and you will find your crystal."

After saying their thanks, they scurried off. I walked into the cave. Even though there was no wind inside, it was still very cold. Breathing out, I watched as the steam disappeared into the air. I continued onward toward my crystal.

 

[DornImAuge]

.

 

[Ahelos Carn]

As coming closer to the cave he felt the entrance like a hole in a wall. A piece of ice droped from the inner roof.
Suddenly, he felt nothing. Not exactly nothing, but not the wall, the cave nor the emptyness of the sky above.
The cave took the padawans most valuable sense. Echolot.
Never has he thought of it as something special but now.
Was this used to them? Not feeling what you don't touch? This missing bit of
...
luxury, he concluded.

The force is strong, mighty. And it wanted to make the expedtionists to relay on it only.

@ Okkeus Dainlei @ Reggie Faayare @ Beltran Rarr @ Silver Tail

 

[Beltran Rarr]

The frigid Crispor wind whipped through the area as the Jedi Master and Knight spoke to the group. While his armor insulated him somewhat, it still stung and Beltran pulled his head-wrap tighter over his face. In front of him, a pair of smaller Padawans murmured among themselves and Beltran gave them a gentle nudge.

"Pay attention," He told the younglings, his tone firm but not unkind. "This information could save your life."

In his mind, he could hear the collective groan of every soldier who'd ever attended any kind of instructional briefing since the beginning of time. The words he'd used had been echoed by basically every CO in one way or another since history began. The children, for their part nodded, somewhat begrudgingly and turned to focus on the Master.

When everyone was finished talking, one by one the group began to move into the cave. Beltran nodded to Reggie Faayare as he passed the Jedi Padawan by and entered the cave a few steps behind Okkeus Dainlei and a little ahead of Aphalos Carn. There were others, such as the younglings and a Jedi who'd introduced himself as Kiran Arlos, but Beltran mainly kept to himself. He focused on his own sense of awareness, what he saw, heard, touched and felt.

He worked to center himself in the Force, something that was slowly becoming easier for him to do the more often he did it. He made sure to keep an eye on the younger Jedi as best he could as he moved deeper into the cave, but slowly he began to feel a tug of something, beckoning him to move away from the others.

He would split off into a narrow crevasse of a passage, one so tight that he would have to move sideways to fit. Soon, Beltran would find himself alone and deep within the cave network.

 

[Ahelos Carn]

Moving steady into the cave network, reaching one corner after the next, he eventually came to a big chamber. Here, an underground lake filled the most space shining in inpenetrable blue like the sky it self. There were no waves, no stream.

Another exit was carved on the opposite site and as if by purpose the only way to reach it was to traverse the water.

The strong urge to do just this telled him again that his crystall lied beyond it in the dark ahead.

An unnatural darkness as if the night would be day and the blackness the night of the night.

And it pulled.

 

[Okkeus Dainlei]

Venturing pretty fair into the cave, I thought I was lost. Left, right, upside down, sideways, and every which way in between. But I kept my trust in the force. Walking deeper into the cave I found a small lake. In front of it was a huge waterfall. It shimmered as the water fell, the crystals giving off lots of light behind them. I sure hope I don't have to go back there. Swimming was not my strong suit. Placing my hand on the ground, I reached out to the force.

"Go"

Letting out a breathe, I listened. Taking off my heavy coat and my pants, I was down to just my basic undergarment robes. Slowly walking into the water, I could feel the ice chilling my feet. The water was up to my neck. Taking a deap breathe, I went under. Looking underwater, there was a opening infront of me. I swam directly underneath the waterfall to the other side. Popping my head out, it was sitting right in front of me. My next Kyber Crystal.

 

[Kiran Arlos]

One would think his time with in frozen front with the Iron Empire he would be used to this, but his body had acclimated to Kashyyyk. So Kiran was surprised by even through the thick of his coat and such, that he was still cold. The Padawan glanced to the others as they all seemed to take their own path and Kiran opted to take the path right in front of him. He slowly walked through the cavern and he branched off to the right. A strange sensation began to overtake him as he took a deep breath. He breathed in the cold air and exhaled slowly when he heard the faintest of voices call out his name.

It sounded so familiar, and it wasn't until he heard it again that he realized it was his sister calling out to him.

"It can't be....." Kiran said just above a whisper. Unable to bring himself to move he stay still for a few moments before he took another step forward and then he heard a boys voice pierce his mind. While he was shocked to hear her's, he was even more so when he heard his brothers voice. But it was strange, it didn't seem cold or pain. He felt a strange sense of comfort and......

Direction.

Kiran took another deep breath as he followed the voices through and it came to a small dwelling that looked like he needed to crawl through to get to the other side.

"Here I go."

 

[Ahelos Carn]

As the blackness on the other site teared on the Jedis mental strength, he felt that it was not the dark side it self. It was, but there was more behind it. Something was in it, behind this dark.

But how to cross this lake? And what lured inside?
He desided to perform a leap, bigger than he ever did.
Collecting enough strenght for a force jump wasn't difficult. But he would needed more energy than he has ever used.
Aphalos drawed on his will power, accumulating force energy and loading his body.
The padawan felt the tension between his legs and the icy ground. The connection to the ground vanished and air blowed on his skin. Like a bolt he flew to the other site.
Giant eyes filled the deeps under him and were gone as sudden as they appeared.
It was watching. But was it hunting or observing?
The other site came close. A life on a 1.7 G world made his bones strong and increased his endurance. But the impact was to be immense.

He hit the ground and rolled meters before the stop right next to the blackness made him forget the pain.
But his body was alright, the pain was emotional. The darkness emitted rays of fear and magnicity, of souls ripped apart and monsters filled with more darkness than the worst of all sith lords.

The darksite cried for help!

 

[Ahelos Carn]

He brought him self back on his foot.

By regarding the entrance in front of him he noted that it is in fact a straight tunnel with no end in sight.
The padawan moved forward, slowly first, than steady and faster. During the whole time he walked on this seemingly endless path, what might have been hours, he felt this need to do one step after another. Attracted by the dark beyond his range of view, only the shimmering of waterlike light hidden behind the walls gave him enough sense of direction to avoid hitting the ice on both sites.

Than, a shadow interrupted the peace, than another, than another, than suddenly his vision faded completly.
Fear was going to takeover and tensioness alone made him not stop his curs. What good would it do to turn around? The force probably just took his sense of sight just as it took his echolot.

A tremorous disruption of immense force crushed agains the walls leaving water spilling cracks and the threatened bursting of the cave. Massivly like no living being he ever heard of before was it lying there over his head, pressing it's whole weight down.

The advanturer not saw but felt the tremendous burden wanting to finaly crush everything underneath.
The heart beat pushed to unknown heights and his legs accelerated to new records.
A sprint was his only hope.

@ Okkeus Dainlei @ Reggie Faayare @ Beltran Rarr @ Silver Tail