Post by Vroxen on Dec 8, 2012 9:49:29 GMT -5
Name: Nagshortatha Translated = Legendary Shadow.
Nickname: Shadow.
Race: Wookie.
Age: 120
Height: 9ft
Weight: 380lb
Nickname: Shadow.
Race: Wookie.
Age: 120
Height: 9ft
Weight: 380lb
Holo record of Claw practicing manovers on the feild.
Appearance:
Claw is a mountain of a wookie. Towering others of his kind he is incredibly large for his race, being almost 2 feet taller than the average wookie. His eyes are dark like an abyss and the dark black fur around his eyes make his glares and stares like that of a demon piercing the soul. If that is not scary enough within Claws mouth hide an array of fangs, with some of them reaching 2.5 inches in size not only are they a large, his bite can produce 1500 lbs. per square inch of bite force, this is more than enough to crunch through bone, if needed. Claws fur is borderline black in color, with his fur being long and well kept, in places the fur is braided, normally around the chin area; this is customary for the Wookies and is one of the few things that Claw keeps of his wookie heritage. Claws hands are in proportion to his size, they stretch almost 5 inches across the palm, his fingers stretch to just over 5.5 inches when his retractable claws are out which are themselves a scary addition to this wookie, with them being dark grey in color they are the reasons for his name. His feet also have claws, they are the same color, but are used to grip the floor allowing Claw to have incredible balance and running speeds over cross country style terrain.
If you are not put off by any of the previous, then maybe the physique of Claw will worry you. His jedi training and his own personal regimes have left him being built like a small tank. With arms bigger than some of the members of the jedi order, they are the reason for Claws’ abilities in Jar’kai as well as his renowned and feared physical strength. All of the added weight from his muscles makes him rather heavy giving a lot of his lightsaber stances a very sturdy base/core.
Claw tends to not adorn traditional jedi robes unless the situation calls for it. When he does on the odd occasion he wears a long grey over robe, he draws the line however at wearing under robes believing they are restrictive too him and look silly. When normally dressed Claw tends to wear simplistic cloths, modified to suit his jedi duty however are generally of traditional wookie clothing styles. This includes arm bands, chest straps and shoulder guards made from a mix of durasteel and wood.
Because of his inability to speak basic he will sometimes be found with a M-TD miniaturized translator droid when around people who cannot understand shyriiwook. He however does not own the droid, it is given to him by the Jedi for the above purposes.
Personality:
Claw’s characteristics like his appearance are very strong and have defined who he is as a person maybe more so than others, mainly because he does not just follow the jedi code but a code of honour laid out thousands of years before his birth and followed by many of his kind. One of the defining qualities that Claw has, are these traits associated with wookies. That living as a warrior, having pride, being honourable and gaining respect of those close to them through heroism is their way.
This does not mean Claw is careless with his life merely that he does not fear death as others do, however he understands its importance and how precious it is. Claw has an instinctive knowledge of the force and its workings; this precognition is both useful in battle and makes Claw incredibly insightful to events that are happening or about to happen. These insights have often led to Claw speaking out of turn. He will happily air his opinion on matters without any physical evidence but will often have his insight to help his claims. Never afraid to speak his mind Claw is not the most diplomatic of fellows. Although his raw size alone could likely sway a decision in his favour.
Claw does not carry any excess humility believing that such a thing is just as disruptive as excess pride. He is not heartless by any standard, he is a protective person who would happily stand in between the jedi and those who would wish to harm them. Claw does not like showing emotion in any situation believing that people can expose it as weakness, this lack of emotion goes far beyond the jedi code, but to self-beliefs that tell him that showing pain is not a warrior like trait, while he is sometimes cold towards others, he is still one of the most respected and revered members of the jedi being someone who can be relied on in any situation.
Anger is the path to the dark side and for most wookies anger is something that can consume them, luckily for those around him Claw has developed the fortitude to keep him calm in situations that would otherwise send him into frenzy. While his control is strong, there have been numerous occasions when he as lost it although often it is for a only split second.
Claw will refuse to back down, surrender or give ground to any opponent. His selfless attitude always sees him at the front of those under his command, leading by example as well as experience. Claw is trusted and revered leader who’s relentless on the battlefeild, seeking success at all costs.
Birth place: Kashyyyk - Rwookrrorro Settlement.
Faction: The Jedi Order
Rank: Jedi Master / Sentinel
Affiliation: Blades
Lightsaber: 2 x Single phase hilts, crafted from hardened wroshyr tree wood from Kashyyyk shadowlands.
Color: Yellow/Saffron.
Practiced Lightsaber forms:
Shii-Cho: 5
Shien / Djem So: 5
Jar-kai, or Dual Wield: 5
Makashi: 1
Soresu: 1
Ataru: 1
Backhanded: 1
Niman: 1
Juyo: 1
Double Bladed Combat: 1
(The 1's are to reflect his knowlage of how the forms work and there uses within battle however Claw would never use them.)
Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices:
Telekinetic: 4
Telepathic: 4
Body: 8
Sense: 8
Protection: 4
Healing: 3
Destruction: 0
Specialized Skills:
- Force Valor
- Used for increasing his mobility while in combat, being giant has it's disadvantages, and this levels the playing feild with those who have more dexterity than him.
- The accuracy gained by this skill, adds alot to his use or Jar'kai.
Attributes:
Physical Strength: 9
Intelligence: 5
Speed: 7
Leadership: 5
Unarmed: 6
Melee Weapons: 5
Ranged Weapons: 8
Bio:
I
Kashyyyk, Rwookrrorro settlement. This was the birth place of the Jedi known as Shadow and where his story began over 120 years ago. 3721 BBY, the woods in Kashyyyk were dark now that the sun had faded from sight, its watchful gaze and warmth now depleted from the Rwookrrorro settlement. Torches baring flickering flames lined the primitive village’s wooden fencing, lighting a path for those who would require it. Although much of the village was quiet, from within one of the shacks that the wookies called home, roars and cries of pain could be heard. Residing within the house, the tribe’s healer stood alongside a pair of wookies, one male and one female. The male stood holding the females hand to offer comfort. She returned the gesture by clenching it, trying everything she could to divert her focus from the pain she was going through. She was well into labour at this point, the healer attempting to both calm and instruct in the same sentences in a desperate attempt to deliver the cub as fast as possible. Many hours had passed, the cries began to increase as a final push saw the child delivered safe and sound into it parents loving arms. Clutching their child tight, the parents were told that he was male, after the couple exchanged a quick glance at one another the cub was named; Nagshortatha or Legendary Shadow in basic this wording described the dark fur that consumed the wookie cubs body. Destined to join a long line of fearless and proud warrior, nag had been born to a civilization that had stood for millennia, into a tribe with the base foundation being honour and respect. His height at birth stood him in good stead to become both a fierce and noteworthy warrior among his people.
As all wookies did, Shadow grew exceptionally fast compared to other species of the galaxy. The fur immaculately groomed and shiny surrounded Shadow, a fitting name for him. While his father was out hunting, Shadow and many of the other young cubs would listen to stories of from the elders. These were respected and revered members of the wookie tribes and would seek to prepare the cubs in the correct mind-set. Taught about the life of a warrior, and codes of honour that the wookies lived by most of which did not exist in many other parts of the galaxy anymore. Instinct took over, and teachings were drilled into the young of Rwookrrorro these cubs would one day be expected to pass their knowledge down to others, and serve as defenders of the wookie way of life. Shadow would often find himself in brawls, these were not uncommon in the wookie civilisation they were tests of power, fearlessness and bravery something that Shadow did not lack by any standard, it was forbidden for a wookie to use his claws in battle as to do so would render them no more than an animal. Any wookie who used his claws would be exiled and given the name “Madclaw.” For now, fighting would have to surface for training, he would be taught how to hunt eventually and how to properly fight, with not just fists but weaponry. One weapon in particular was renowned on every civilized planet, the bowcaster, something Shadow was eager to get his hands on. In time, as Shadow became older and of decent sizing, older members of the tribe would break out the practice bowcasters, these were not very powerful and could cause no harm to anyone. Teaching the cubs the basic principles of weapon handling and shooting Shadow was living a fulfilling and joyful life in the comfort of his people.
Shadow would often spend his time alone, looking down into the depths of Kashyyyk’s forest floor he longed to join his people on hunts and prove his worth. The dark and mysterious wilderness beneath him would have to wait as Shadow tried to increase his combat prospects by shadow boxing with members of his tribe. Mimicking movements while unrefined his efforts did not go un-noticed by the members, who would kindly offer the cub aid in areas where he was lacking, before returning to their training with a chuckle.
Shadow was used to seeing wookies come and go from Rwookrrorro, no stranger to goodbyes as some wookies attempting their test of ascension did not come back. When the gates opened just after Shadows fifth birthday, the male that entered was not a wookie, he wasn’t even close. The man walked like someone of purpose and had strange clothing that cloaked his entire figure. Watching intently the man scanned the area as one of the elders led him to the large hut in the centre of Rwookrrorro. This was home of the chieftain, whoever was going in there to speak with him must have been important, intrigued by the man he ran outside the hut and waited for the man to leave, he dared not ease drop on the chieftains meeting, curiosity did not out way the worry of punishment for doing so. It was an hour or so before the man left, Shadow was sat outside bored. Next to him were some sharpened pieces of wood that he had fashioned with the help of his claws, the door creaked open and out came the man just as purposefully as he had entered. As he began to walk something dropped from his belt, Shadow caught it before it was even close to hitting the ground, he reflexes were much better than most but he just assumed it was a gift. In his clutches he held the jedi lightsaber, it was a cold metal and Shadow handed it back to the man.
“You catch well, cub, what is your name?”
Realising that he was being spoken to Shadow stood up and spoke clearly as a wookie could. The man looked at him as he said;
“Nagshortatha, but others just call me Shadow.”
The jedi had noticed something, not many could have reacted that quickly to weapon dropping, nor could they have caught it unless there was something else going on. The jedi turned to the elder who was leading him out, and asked permission to stay a little while longer, it was not often that outsiders were allowed inside the wookie village however the wookies and the jedi had a long friendship and he was permitted to stay a while longer.
Much to Shadows’ surprise the jedi spent a lot of his time observing him, it was weird and un-nerving for the young wookie, what had he done wrong? The jedi after a long time of observation he approached Shadow to ask if it would be possible to speak with his parents. Confused the wookie led the jedi to his home, where his mother and father resided. They too were puzzled by the man’s arrival at their home, but granted him entrance. After a while of talking the man took a blood sample from Shadow to test him midi-chlorian count. It was several moments before the device gave back a positive reading, but it was positive none the less. Shadow was asked to leave by his parents so they could discuss with the man the meaning of this revelation. By the time they had finished talking it was dark out, the torches burned and flickered as they always did around the village and Shadow sat down where he always did, looking down into the abyss of Kashyyyk. A voice behind him growled and broke the silence around him. It was his father; Shadow could sense a hint of sadness in his voice, but also a hint of pride.
“What is wrong? What did the man say?” Shadow asked impatiently.
The answer that his father gave was un-expected. The man wished to take Shadow to the jedi temple to train in their ways; he would take Shadow with him tonight on his return. Shadow was confused, jedi? Who were the jedi? Why did they want him? He had little time to ask these questions, saying goodbye to his parents as they forced him on his way he followed the man back to the space port, and left Kashyyyk for Coruscant.
II
Shadow arrived on Coruscant, the terrain was not that of forests, but a city scape full of billions of people, maybe even trillions speeders shot through past buildings and flashing billboards. Shadow had never seen anything like this place, he had many questioned but remained silent trying to take in what he saw as there ship flew towards the landing platform. As the wookie stepped of the ship, he noticed the air it was thick and unclean, not like that of Kashyyyk, the air was polluted and thick like nothing he had ever felt before, not only that the smells of different things surrounded Shadow he sniffed to try and gage what it was he was smelling, but could not pin it. A voice behind him started speaking.
“Come on young one, there will be plenty of times to site see when you are older and able to do so safely.” Shadow turned around to see the Jedi who brought him here; Shadow looked at him puzzled before letting out a giggle. The jedi waved him with him and Shadow eagerly followed.
“The temples not too far from here, we will be able to see it soon.” Said the jedi calming any nerve Shadow may have had.
“What does it look like?” Shadow pondered still looking all over the place trying to see everything he could before he got to his new home. Before the jedi accompanying Shadow replied they turned the corner, there stood the jedi temple its pillars of stone stood firm and proud. The steps of jedi temple looked steep from where they were and Shadow took a moment to admire the view.
“Wow…” He growled in both a nervous and excited manor. The large structure was larger than any home he had ever known to this point, it was a monument to all the jedi had achieved and Shadow instantly realised it and the Jedi’s importance in things.
It wasn’t long before the steps that Shadow had viewed from a distance, were in front of him, the first steps to his new future were these ones. Upon reaching the summit, the great archway entrance to the temple stood before him, and within he could make out the shape of people moving around. Looking up to the jedi next to him, he nervously began walking towards the arch before turning to face it and holding head high.
Shadow was a wookie; he did not have the ability to speak basic like other species. When he was assigned a clan this made it difficult for him to make friends, he was brought up in a way where every child enjoyed a bit of rough and tumbles however being so much larger than the other younglings, it may have been dangerous for him to do so. However he did make some friends, one in particular was a Twi’lek who liked to be called Trina. They would often sit together, neither of them really spoke much but they enjoyed each other company. Trina was shy and often got picked on until she started hanging out with Shadow, no one would mess with him and his stature alone was frightening. Over time, those of the clan began to understand phrases and words that Shadow growled, which led to them starting to warm to him. Wookies were rather rare site to see in the jedi temple, even jedi masters would stop to take a gander at Shadow. Most of the wookies that came before him had become jedi guardians, there combat ability and traits that came with being a wookie meant they were a formidable opponent and a welcomed ally.
It wasn’t always easy for Shadow, the jedi instructors always expected him to excel in saber combat, while he was by far the best in his class they always felt he was holding back. Shadow wanted to impress those who were teaching him, but he had an interest in the force as well, what was this mysterious and amazing thing that surrounded everything and everyone? The other younglings of his clan would often spar against Shadow, his sturdy core in his combat and strength made for a hard opponent, perfect for practicing.
Trina was by far the most eager to abuse her friendship with Shadow as a way to spar with him more often. She was highly attuned to the force and she could help him with what he was struggling. Like opposites complimenting each other they trained side by side every evening. With each other’s help they not only became better in both aspects, but they top of the class in each of their better fields while the other came second, this made not only Trina happy, but Shadow happy he felt like he had proved his worth now.
One of Shadow’s most fond memories came from over hearing convocation between one of his instructors and a jedi master by the name of Master Khan. The instructor had always thought highly of Shadow, even when the others badgered him about his combat prowess.
“His technique in swordplay is far from graceful master but the power his swings exert is, extraordinary. It is something to be admired. Not only that he seems to be developing precognition, he has an almost instinctive knowledge and control over his force powers.”
These kind words made the young wookie almost smile, something not easily done. He did however wonder why it was that this Master Khan was asking about him. Puzzled he racked his brains to try and think until the smell of food caught his attention.
Food, eating and eating food. If there was one thing that came close to occupying Shadows time and thoughts it would be eating, consuming insane amounts of food to help his growth he would take any chance he could to scoff his face with whatever he could get his hands on. Other members of his clan would often watch has they saw the wookie devour almost three times as much as them in a sitting and still remaining hungry. The endless hunger was often used as a way to bargain with the strong willed wookie. If you needed help and he was busy, a slab of meat would suffice to bring him around to your side.
As well as others using it to their advantage Shadow would often use it to his, he would often set it up as a prize or something to look forward to after a long training session. This became even more important as he was required to train more and more alone he needed any incentive he could get, training became life to Shadow he was forever practicing the only saber form he currently knew at this point Shii-cho as well as honing his skills and control over the force with the help of Trina.
Claw never forgot his roots, he was a wookie of Rwookrrorro first and member of the Jedi Order second. He knew it would be unlikely that he would ever return home to complete his Test of Ascension, however he used any spare moment he could to prepare for it. This did not mean he wasn't dedicated to his Jedi training, because he was, he just longed to prove himself to his people.
Shadow was the most dedicated trainer that had passed through the jedi temples doors. Praised for his commitment and effort in his spare time. While not in class he was most likely observing higher ranked jedi, in the archives learning or honing his skills in a peaceful and secluded location. Shadows’ tendency to train a lot often left him tired from over exertion, he had not yet built up the stamina required to keep up what he was doing and was even admitted into the medical bay on several occasions, but even that did not stop him from reading over notes and learning about what he had covered in lesson time.
One thing that Shadow would often get picked up on was him relying too much on his strengths and not trying to improve upon his weaknesses. It was something claw didn’t understand, he was beating everyone just through using brute strength why worry about the weaknesses if no one has the chance to exploit them. The turning point came when he was shown first hand why it was so important. With the help of a padawan about to take his trials and a full-fledged jedi knight Shadow was able to see that while someone on his own skill level may not exploit a weakness, not everyone will be the same skill level and therefore he must learn to improve upon them. Never the less Shadows instructors were please and somewhat proud of the way he adapted to a new learning regime to counter his problem. His training was coming on in leaps and bounds.
Training a wookie is never an easy task; there large size coupled with their inability to control their outbursts of anger often caused trouble. His size permitted those responsible for his care the ability to restrain him forcefully if needed, Shadow could easily kill the other members of his clan if he got angry enough and lashed out. Any harm he had caused or damage he had done would often result in punishment, but the severity of it was often more lenient than other members may have had because the jedi knew it wasn’t his entire fault.
Shadow would often spend time wondering what it would be like back home, realising it would be highly unlikely he would ever return there outside of being sent on a mission he started to do his own research on the wookie culture. Unlike his training which he liked to share with others, he wanted to keep this a secret from people, he didn’t what anyone to get the wrong idea and think he was still attached to his culture, while he was proud of his heritage and what being a wookie means, he did not feel the same connection to his tribe that he felt to the jedi order. He was a jedi first and foremost, but he refused to forget where he came from for without it, he would never have been where he was now.
Something Shadow began to notice while he trained was that the man he had overheard talking with one of his instructors named Master Khan would often come and observe his training. Shadow didn’t really mind, it made him focus even more because there had to be a reason behind it but it did make it all the worse when he messed up. One day Master Khan approached shadow and began speaking with him.
“I’m sure you are aware that there are various drills that you can do to practice alone young one? A jedi won’t always have his friends around to help him but that doesn’t give you an excuse to slack.” Master Khan said calmly.
Shadow wasn’t sure what to make of what he said, he trained what he been taught what did he mean by drills? If he hadn’t learnt about it was it relevant to his training? However Shadow did not ask these things, he just accepted that Master Khan had something to offer in the way of advice, and maybe he could use what he would learn.
“Drills? What do you mean by drills Master Khan?” Shadow curiously answered turning to look at the jedi master out of respect and to give his full attention.
It was clear that Master Khan was better at demonstrating what he meant than he could have explained it, as the jedi master drew his lightsaber from his side and ignited it the green blade glowing brightly. It took a long while before Shadow got the hang of the demonstrations but he got them down eventually. Master Khan explained that there were others, but he would need to practice these before going onto more advanced techniques, practice was what Shadow did best and boy did he practice.
Time passed and Shadow's youngling training was coming to an end. Luckily enough for him, Master Khan who fortunately understood the basics of Shyriiwook had agreed to take Shadow as his padawan learner. This was a great honour, the Kel dor had vast experience and was also good friends with a lot of people inside the order that could really help him out.
III
During this time wookies of Shadows age would begin there hrrtayyk ceremony. This was a test in which a wookie would become recognised as an adult within their culture. Shadow could only dream of participating in such an event, jedi did not seek attachment and there full devotion must be to the jedi order. Shadow knew that with Master Khan being such a respectable and revered jedi that asking him to bend the rules and take a blind eye were no longer in his nature, it would not only be risky for him but more importantly Shadow could get injured or hurt which would affect his training and therefore his priorities must be correctly placed. Shadow was however determined to go back one day, and complete his hrrtayyk ceremony in his own time. There were obvious side effects to him not doing the ceremony, Master Khan had picked up that he felt a little down and decided to talk to him about his problems in the hope a resolution could be found.
“Padawan, you haven’t been yourself the last few days.. I’m beginning to wonder if you’re alright. It’s not like you to get upset, or even show any kind of emotion.” Master Khan said in a calm, sympathetic and soothing voice.
Shadow stood silent for a second before looking up at Master Khan.
“It isn’t sadness that is affecting me, I feel as though without my trial at my village being complete, I will let my family down.” The growls were hollow and helpless; his voice represented the void he felt he did not fill.
Master Khan just laughed and replied, his wisdom showing as it always did. “It is rare that one of your kin does not complete that trial, however it is rarer that one of your kin becomes a jedi. Do not worry about what they think of you, the wookies of Rwookrrorro would be proud of what you have accomplished here.”
Again there was a short pause while Shadow tried to think of what to say. After briefly thinking it over, he realised that the lifestyle he had been adopted into, was a far greater test than anything he would face in his hrrtayyk ceremony.
“Thank you Master. Let’s get back to training” Shadow said with a new found resolve. “I need to become the best I can be.” He stated as he began to pick up his walking pace.
Training was going well, but there was only so much that could be learned from wielding a practice lightsaber. Shadow spent most days wondering when it would be he could go and get the parts for his lightsaber, Trina had already got hers, but when he asked her what it was he needed to do for it she could only reply with a speech about how it was the master’s honour to give and that they would decide. Trina had become a book worm and spent most of her time in the archives, the only time they would have to catch up was when they were eating or when they were studying in the archives at the same time. Shadow did not mind, her attitude had changed and while she was still a good friend they did not have the same connection as they did before.
Not long after his convocation with Trina he was told that both he and Master Khan would be taking a trip to the ice covered planet of Illum. The idea of a freezing planet made of ice parsec’s away from where he called home was not his idea of a fun mission, Master Khan had however stated that this would be a mission to remember, and that he would be accompanied by a group of other padawans. Only a few days later both him and Master Khan boarded a vesicle that would take them to Illum with them 4 other padawans and their masters. Shadow did not recognise them, which meant they were either older than him, or they were in a different clan from his as a youngling. The rest of the padawans knew each other however and rather than causing a fuss about getting to know people, Shadow was content to enter the cockpit and talk to him about flying the craft they were in. He was a fast learner and even helped the pilot press some of the cool flashing buttons during their journey.
The Gathering
The ship touched down on Illum, the winds had rocked the ship side to side in a rough motion as they came down through the atmosphere, as much as Shadow was interested in flying the ship, he was glad he wasn’t.
The air inside the vessel dropped suddenly as the ramp leading off of it came down. As the padawans and masters rushed to get on their warm gear Shadow was already walking down the ramp to get a view of where they had landed. As he placed his foot down on the soft snow he heard it quietly crunch under his feet, had the wind not been blowing so loudly he may of heard the crunch louder but the wind whistled like a banshee blowing snow left right and centre.
Moments later he was joined by Master Khan who was leading the mission. They set off staying as a tight nit pack, it wasn’t only the harsh environment that was against them. Illum had some rather vicious inhabitants that could cross paths with them, for everyone’s safety they would need to stay together. Some of the padawans looked side to side nervously but not Shadow, he strode forward only taking his eyes off the front when they stopped moving, his eyes trying to pierce through the thick blanket of snow that restricted vision. They had been walking for almost half an hour before they reached what they were told was there location; all Shadow saw was a giant ice wall. Looking up to his master in confusion he went to speak, but before any growls left his mouth Master Khan took up his position in front of everyone.
“This is both a sacred and a secret place. Within there is a cave used by our ancestors with one purpose. To test whom among you padawans is ready to get his lightsaber. Within you will find many tests awaiting you, but your first test is to see if you are granted entry. Work out what you must do to enter, these are your first tests. Begin.” His voice was serious and commanding.
Shadow and the others stood there for a moment, they looked at each other puzzled. One padawan walked up to the wall and tried to touch it, nothing happened but as Shadow saw his hand touch the ice he had an idea. Stepping forward his placed out his hand and closed his eyes. He channelled the force towards his palm and sent it outwards, he felt the ice but he alone was not strong enough. As he opened his eyes he noticed that all the others stood next to him and waited. This time he raised his hand, followed by the others, he spoke to them as he repeated his previous attempt. Suddenly the ice began to crack as the ancient mechanism they had activated pulled open large doors, all the padawans could do was watch as this happened.
“Whoa...” they said in unison, before Shadow began a light jog into the opening they had created.
As he entered Shadow looked up into the air, and there he saw a ancient device, also in the room was a central platform and in various locations around the walls there were similar coloured objects. To his left was a wall, at first glance it seemed to be a thick wall of sheet ice, solid and sturdy.
Moments later Master Khan resumed his position at the front of the group, when everyone had arrived he began speaking again. Shadow was excited his heart jumping around inside his chest but he stood stock still while his master spoke.
“You have passed the first test and for that I congratulate you. Now you will enter the crystal caves, there are many crystals within, but only one is yours.”
Master Khan paused for a moment, while a padawan asked a very valid question.
“How will we know which is ours Master Khan?” The padawan asked in a confused manor. Shadow sensed that the padawan was nervous and was worrying about the task at hand.
Master Khan had little information on how anyone would know. It was the briefest of explanations but Shadow knew this wasn’t just a test of seeking something within the cave.
“Where is the entrance to this cave then master? I’ve scanned the area two or three times now, all I can see is the giant ice wall.” Shadow growled, eager to get started.
As the sound left Shadows mouth Master Khan raised his hand to the roof, as he did so light came pouring through the mechanism on it and bounced multiple times before hitting the large ice wall. Shadow and the others watched in amazement as the wall began to melt and crumble. Walking slowly towards the wall the melting ice revealed an archway that they were directed towards. As they began walking into the cave Master Khan called back to them.
“You have until the sun fades to find your crystal. When the sun fades the ice will reform and you will be trapped within until the sun next rises.”
Shadow’s eyes widened. What did he mean trapped; he couldn’t be serious, Could he? There was little time to dwell on what may or may not happen as the padawans broke off in various directions to find there crystals.
The cave was a maze, Shadow could see crystals everywhere, but not one of them was jumping out to him. He continued walking down various passages. Using his claws he would mark arrows into the ground to indicate where he has been this would stop him repeating a journey as well as giving him a way back when he finally found his crystal.
As he walked out into an opening he saw something in the distance. It was only faint but it looked like it was glowing, Shadow immediately realised that this was his crystal, running towards it he saw that the other padawans were coming out of various entrances and moving at pace to the same point. When all the padawans finally got to the point, they looked up, the crystals were on a ledge at least 10ft up. There was no visible way up. Shadow was only 5ft but he realised that he was the tallest by a large margin. Shadow knew that the padawans would still have a struggle to understand him, but he used a range of hand movements and gestures to get over what he was trying to suggest. One padawan understood perfectly and began explaining what it was that Shadow was saying.
“Okay, so what the wookie proposes we do is make a tower, he will then climb on our backs and pull himself up onto the ledge. When he is up there he can pull us up one by one to get our crystal, all we need to do is move the tower around accordingly.”
The other padawans agreed to the proposed method and they talked among them about who would be in which position to best support Shadows size and weight. After a few minutes of deliberation the padawans all grouped together and as planned Shadow managed to climb onto the ledge. The light was fading from the cave at a increasing rate, Shadow knew that they would have to hurry.
The padawans were light for Shadow, he was able to pull them up using only one hand, and after they collected there crystal and he used the same hand to lower them down safely. As the last padawan got his crystal, Shadow lowered him down and turned to get his crystal. As he did so the Wookie ran and took a leap off the ledge and landed into a roll onto the icy floor. The padawans looked stunned by what they had just seen but hurried to follow behind shadow. As they reached followed the passages he realised that one of the others had fallen back slightly. He motioned the others to press on while he went back to find the missing member of the group. When he finally bumped into the padawan, she was huddled in a ball clutching her ankle.
“I think its sprained Shadow; I can’t seem to move on it.” She said in a worried voice.
Shadow immediately picked the girl up into a fireman’s carry. He ran as fast as he could while not causing the young girl too much pain, as the two of them reached the entrance the wall had almost sealed itself. Picking up speed he reached the wall just before it was closed, slipping the girl underneath in the nick of time but it was not too late for Shadow. He was trapped.
Outside the other padawans rushed to help their injured comrade, and ask where Shadow was. She explained to them that he had got her under the wall but he himself had got trapped. Master Khan smiled at the selflessness his padawan had shown, the self-sacrifice and courage he had shown were traits that all jedi aspire to possess.
Frustrated with getting trapped Shadow stomped down his foot. The shudder cracked the floor he was standing on. Pausing for a moment to look at what he had done.
“It’s just ice.” he muttered to himself. “ITS JUST ICE, WEAK, THIN. ICE!!!” He roared to himself making the whole cave echo.
The sound travelled out of the cave and to those outside it sounded like a lion roaring, it was followed by a loud cracking sound and then the sound of something shattering as Shadow kicked and punched his way clean through the ice. The padawans cheered and the masters looked at one and other with pleased smiles.
Shadow picked up the girl he had carried before and explained to his master that he was ready to move back to the ship now. The warmth that Shadow was giving off gave the young padawan comfort and she fell asleep in his arms. When they reached the ship the masters and padawans went to their dorms and spoke with one and other about their experiences. Master Khan spoke to Shadow almost instantly and voiced his feelings on what had happened.
“Well done my young apprentice, not only did you show courage and selflessness you also learned the values of team work and not giving up. These are traits that you should be mindful of, they are all ones in which a jedi aspires to possess and I am very proud of you. Show me your crystal.”
Shadow stretched out his arm and slipped the crystal into his master’s hand.
“Perfect, when we return we shall construct your lightsaber.” Master Khan said, before sliding the crystal into a container and leaving the room.
Before he left he advised Shadow to practice the drills that he had been taught, he would be assessed on them at some point and without a second thought Shadow took to his feet and began training.
When they arrived back at the temple, there was another ship waiting for Shadow. He looked to his master in a confused manor wondering why they were going off world a second time.
“At ease my young padawan, this is a surprise I have prepared for you. You deserve it after your efforts recently.” Master Khan told him.
Shadow excited pestered poor Master Khan about their destination but he would not budge. Shadow sat in the cockpit looking out of the window, and as the ship left hyperspace he gazed upon something he had not seen for many years. Kashyyyk.
“Thank you master, this is a great surprise, I can’t wait to see..” Master Khan stopped him.
“While I understand that it would be nice that you could show your family and your village what you have become, I am afraid I can’t allow that. However, I do believe you should not forget your home. We are here to collect wood from the Wroshyr tree. This would will be the outer casing for your lightsaber.” Master Khan explained.
Shadow understood fully, and was still thankful to his master that he could see his home planet at all. He was also excited about the thought of his lightsaber. The others who went to the crystal cave may have already had theirs made, but Shadows would be unique in different ways.
Shadow and his master spent two nights gathering bits and bobs from Kashyyyk. Wroshyr wood, bark and a few bags of fibres from the Syren plant. Shadow explained how the fibres could be woven into extremely strong and durable clothing something that could come in handy in years to come.
Upon return to the Jedi Temple Master Khan helped Shadow to create his lightsaber. Unlike other Lightsabers the wood they had collected had to be shaven, sanded and cut into the shapes wanted, rather than moulded. After many hours they had finished. The wood and metal in combination looked beautiful, Shadow took the weapon in his hand and ignited it. This was the proudest moment in his life so far, deactivating the blade, he spun the hilt down into a clip on his utility belt.
“Thank you Master.” Shadow bellowed contently.
“You won’t be thanking me tomorrow; we have to catch up on training.” Master Khan chuckled to himself.
UPDATED TO HERE!
Couldn't help it 