Crystal Caves
As the younglings went through another day of training Hiccup, Elsa, and Rapunzel were speaking with Toothiana. The Kinnaran queen was currently trying to help them resolve an important issue regarding the future of their initiates. An appropriate place to obtain lightsaber crystals.
The Kinnaran queen listened with interest as the Jedi debated the issue. They had limited options. One option was to use synthetics. But they didn't particularly like that option because synthetic crystals were what Sith often used. Hiccup mentioned the whereabout of a crystal cave on Dantooine that could possibly be useable. Elsa argued that the Empire likely knew about it, not to mention that it was likely infested with dangerous creatures known as Kinrath. The only other option they had was to just use the crystals they had in the practice sabers. But getting a crystal was supposed to challenge a Jedi. It wasn't supposed to be handed to you.
Elsa, Hiccup, and Rapunzel sighed as they saw no solution in sight.
"I see you dilema," Queen Tooth said from her throne. She hummed, closing her eyes and pursing her lips in thought. "There are crystals in the mountain ranges to the west. But that territory belongs to our enemies," Tooth said with a shrug. The Jedi grew more and more disheartened.
Toothiana thought on it some more. Then her eyes opened as she was suddenly struck with an idea. She snapped her fingers before beckoning one of her handmaiden to her. She whispered something to the Kinnaran. The servant nodded before flying off.
"Just a moment," Toothiana told the Jedi. They patiently waited in silence before the Kinnaran returned, and in her hand she carried a ancient looking sword. Toothiana took it from her before flying down to the Jedi and presenting it to them. Many years ago a Jedi came to us. Before he left he gave my ancestor this sword. And imbedded in the hilt was this crystal," Toothiana said. The Jedi inspected the sword, eyes being drawn to the turquoise crystal imbedded in the hilt.
"Would a crystal of this nature work?" Toothiana asked. The Jedi stared at the crystal, feeling it creating a small disturbance n the Force.
"Where was the crystal obtained?" Hiccup asked.
"Though our planet is mostly jungle we do have a small sea. Far out over the water is an island. Centuries ago a star fell from the sky and crashed into the ocean to create that island. Before presenting this sword to my ancestor the Jedi visited that island. It is a sacred place to us."
"Can you take us there Your Majesty?" Elsa asked respectfully.
Toothiana's face was serious. "We don't let outsiders go there," she said. The Jedi dropped their heads in disappointment. "But the Jedi are our friends. So I will allow it," she said. They looked up and smiled in thanks. Within 20 minutes they were flying across the ocean to this island. As they went Toothiana spoke more about the Jedi who had visited her people centuries ago.
"The Kinnarans weren't always warriors," she revealed. "We used to constantly live in fear of our enemies. They would capture us, keep us as pets. Slaves. Property," she continued. "We aren't exactly the most intimidating species," she said as she gestured to herself.
The Jedi gave a nod. The Kinnarans were a rather short and petite people. And intimidating wasn't one of the words that came to mind upon first glance.
"And then the Jedi showed up. The stories say he had hair and eyes as white as the moon. He taught us, showed us that we didn't have to live in fear. he showed us that we could fight back. Defend ourselves and each other. He taught us to be warriors. He taught us to be strong. And for that we will be forever grateful to the Jedi," she finished with a smile at the Jedi.
Soon enough the island came into view. It was large, with giant rock formations and cliffs near its center. The pilot flew them to a place where they could land. They touched down, prompting Toothiana to lead them to the entrance of the caves. The soon came a upon it. A gaping black hole from which no light shown.
"Shall we?" Toothiana asked as she motioned to the cave. The Jedi nodded as they followed her inside.
"Does anyone stay here?" Rapunzel asked.
"Only the keepers," Tooth said. Soon they came upon a large circular chambers. In it were several armed Kinnaran women carrying spears. They tensed up at first at the sight of them before relaxing in the presence of their queen. In the center of the room was a pedestal. And on it was a statue of a Jedi. They could tell as they saw the lightsaber in his hand. It was a man. And someone the Jedi knew and had seen from history lessons.
"Grand Master Lunas," Elsa breathed out.
"So you've heard of him then?" Tooth asked curiously.
"He was the previous Grand Master. He was an Arkanian Jedi who served the Order for decades before passing the title down to his successor, Oogway," Hiccup explained.
"He roamed the galaxy, independant of the Jedi Order. He became something of a legend. A myth really. He was said to have stopped countless wars before they even began with nothing but his words," Elsa said in admiration.
Toothiana looked at the statue in a new light, her respect for the ancient hero having grown.
Toothiana hovered up to the guard in front of a large pair of stone doors. She spoke with them. And with obedient nods they turned around and plunged their spears into two hole in the wall. With a click the doors slowly slid open, the ancient mechanisms loud as the doors scratched against the cave floor.
Toothiana led the way inside once again. But she didn't get far when she noticed the Jedi had stopped. She turned and looked at them only to see they were glancing all around at the cave walls and ceiling.
"Something the matter?" Tooth asked in concern.
"No...it's just..."
"We can feel them," Elsa said.
"Them?" Tooth asked.
"The crystals. Thousands of them," Rapunzel whispered, eyes seemingly looking through the wall.
"That crystal on your sword was an Adegan crystal Your Majesty. That particular type of crystal are high quality and have a natural attunement to the Force. They're perfect for lightsaber construction," Hiccup explained. "I was just skeptical, we're far outside the Adegan system. These shouldn't be here."
"The star that fell was likely an asteroid. We surmised that it came from outside our system," Tooth supplied. The Jedi remained silent and accepted her answer was as good as any. "So. Will these do?"
The Jedi looked to her with smiles.
"They'll do quite fine Your Majesty. Quite fine," Hiccup said with a nod.
"Good. Then I hereby grant the Jedi Order permission to use the crystals of this cave system," the Queen said formally. They profusely thanked her, hardly believing their luck. Suddenly their comms went off. They got a call from the alliance stating that there was a skirmish happening and that needed the Jedi were needed.
They hurried back to the ship before it flew them to Prime in orbit. They decided that this would have to wait. But as soon as they were free it would be time.
The time of The Gathering. Time for the initiates to build their own sabers.
Meanwhile on the planet's surface the children were surprised to hear that they were being given a week off from combat lessons. Apparently some kind of Kinnaran festival or holiday was do to take place soon and everyone would be too busy preparing.
The initiates were glad to hear they'd have a little break from their training and looked forward to the celebration. Meanwhile Havolian was looking over a map. His eyes flicked back and forth between the map and some scrolls before he smiled to himself. Taking a stick of charcoal he circled a mountain on the map.
"Got it," he said before standing up to go find Wrath. After months of research he'd pinpointed the exact location of the crystal caves. It was in the heart of enemy territory but hey, no risk no reward. And the celebration would give them a perfect opportunity to go search.
Besides, they were Jedi. They could handle themselves. And it'd be a little adventure.
What could possibly go wrong?
new chap
