The small cruiser exited hyperspace in orbit of the planet Ilum. The male Tortuga Padawan at the controls did not seem thrilled at all to be escorting a group of younglings on their lightsaber creating rituals. Allania pushed her way past a human male before coming to a stop beside the viewport. She would never forget how beautiful and peaceful space was. It gave her the same feeling as the Jedi Temple did, a feeling of comfort and warmth. The ice planet below looked like a completely different story however. Ilum's atmosphere was a Type 1, breathable, but it was incredibly cold. She and her fellow initiates had worn heavy outer robes to supplement their own normal outfits. The cruiser shuttered for a brief second as it began to land, then slowly touched down outside the temple guarding the lightsaber caves of Ilum. The Padawan escorted the excited younglings down the boarding ramp into the freezing cold. As he stepped outside, the young padawan cursed to himself in Huttese, and then pulled his robes closer to himself before walking off towards the temple. The Initiates pushed their way past each other and followed him towards the looming structure where they would find out if they would truly become Jedi.
The heavy doors creaked open as the Padawan pushed them open. Meditating inside was Master Yoda, seemingly oblivious to the cold and snow raging outside. The Padawan removed his hood before bowing humbly. "Master Yoda, the group of initiates is here for The Gathering." The old alien's eyes flew open, and he grabbed his Gimer stick and got to his feet. "Yes, yes. You know what you are all here for, yes? Decide your fate as Jedi, today will. The door opens soon, and remain closed for 24 hours it will. Have one chance to get out, you will." He walked over to the massive door leading to the caves, slowly creaking open. He lifted his hand, as did the Padawan. The door's pace increased and then fully opened. Allania let out a gasp at the rush of cold air that escaped the caves. "Find your lightsaber crystal, you will. Use the force, and let it guide you. You will know when you find your crystal." With that, he stepped aside and pointed his Gimer stick forward. Allania slowly stepped into the caves, hearing every echo as the initiates moved. They soon came to an intersection, branching off into three different cave systems. The male human brushed his way past her and walked off into the center passageway. Feeling out through the force, she felt something calling for her, beckoning to her in the passage on the right. She opened her eyes and walked off, realizing that she was the last one to choose a passage.
She hugged her robes to herself, realizing how cold it was. There was a permanent chill in the caves. She saw many crystals in the walls and floor, but none of them cried for her attention. She came to a large open chamber, with the icy ceiling at least 50 feet off the ground. In front of her was an elevated column rising up to almost touch the roof, and at the top of that column was the passageway leading onward. Feeling her crystal calling out to her, she summoned her strength. Letting out a shout, she leaped through the cold air, grasping for the edge of the column, Her hand made contact, and she almost let out a shout of pain. Summoning the force again, she slowly pulled herself up from where she had been dangling above a fall that could have killed her. Reaching out through the force, she realized the crystal hadn't gotten that much closer, and she set off at a quick walk, partially to exert herself and partially to hopefully get out of the cold quicker. She passed through curving passages, at some points having to use the force to assist her. At last she came to a large cavern. There was a steaming liquid streaming between her and what seemed to be a stone outcropping at the other edge of the cave. She could feel the crystal, she could feel how close she was. It was only then that she took in her surroundings.
Above her was a giant face, twisted in a face of anguish. Around her in the walls were skeletons of the dead, bones piled randomly across the room. She could feel how many dead were here, feel their anguish and pain. She fell to her knees, her face twisted, and she screamed. Her echo came right back at her, seemingly amplified. She felt a familiar presence, one she hadn't felt in years. Her voice came out weak and scared "Papa?".
I love cliffhangers. Reviews are encouraged and welcome.
