Teriko shivered as he split off from the group, following the way Petro had gone. None of the other younglings seemed to like Petro, and they went down a different hallway. Teriko already knew to follow his instincts and his instincts told him to follow Petro. He didn't get very far when Petro came running back, a grin on his face.
"I found my crystal!" he announced smugly. Teriko rolled his eyes.
"That's nice, Petro", he said. "But it usually takes longer than that to find your crystal, so you likely just found a piece of ice that looked like a crystal."
"Well, I don't believe that", Petro spat, running back out of the cave. Teriko continued on his way, until he came to a split in the path. He took a deep breath, and closed his eyes, listening for something or feeling for something. He felt something calling to him from the left path, and he followed it, continuing to follow the feeling of something calling him, until he reached a dead end. Several pieces of ice stalactites were coming from the ceiling and he could sense his crystal calling him from one of them. He reached out his hand, focusing the force around the crystal, and he felt it coming toward him. He opened his eyes, and yelped when several of the stalactites fell toward him. He leapt out of the way, back into the safety of the tunnel, and watched as the stalactites tumbled to the ground, some shattering. A shining crystal rolled out from one of them, and he used the force to bring it to his hand. He inspected it, looking at it closely before closing his fingers around it.
He made his way through the tunnels, and out of the cave. When he passed under the ice, he saw Ahsoka, Ashara, Yoda, Byph, and Ganodi. He walked down to greet them, showing his crystal proudly.
His master smiled proudly at him, and he walked over to her.
"I knew you could do it", she said. Teriko smirked at her.
"Did you ever doubt?" he asked. His master shrugged.
"For a little bit at the beginning, yes", she admitted. "But I also knew that you were strong, and that you would find your crystal and get out in time. You've done it before."
Teriko laughed, and turned back to look at the entrance just as Zatt left the cave. The Nautolan held up his crystal for everyone to see, and Teriko sent him an excited smile. He knew that the younglings were all very excited to create their lightsabers. Not too long after, Gungi came out with his crystal.
"Well done, Gungi", Ahsoka said. "But two still remain."
The Wookie let out a worried cry, and Teriko was sure that Gungi had said something, but he didn't speak the language of the wookies, and therefore had no idea what the youngling said. As the ice got closer to the floor, Teriko could feel the four younglings there start to get worried. He was worried too, but he knew to trust in the two still in the cave. He knew that they would do their best, and get out of the cave no matter what.
He was relieved when Katooni managed to slide out under the ice, but Petro did not follow. The ice reached the floor, and the tholothian ran up to Yoda.
"I have my crystal, but Petro is still inside", she said, worry flowing through her words.
"Give up on your friend, do not", Yoda simply stated. Teriko closed his eyes and listened through the force. He caught a brief image of the young human moving toward the back of the entrance, before making a running start toward the ice. The young twi'lek opening his eyes just as Petro burst through the ice. Teriko smiled, knowing that Petro would become a powerful Jedi, if he continued to improve and become less selfish.
Petro's fellow younglings let out cheers of relief, but Ganodi asked a question that was confusing her.
"How did he break the ice?" she asked.
"Only water made solid was the door", Yoda explained. "Easy to break, if you have the will." He let out a small chuckle, and look up at Katooni and Petro.
"You- You said we would be trapped", Katooni exclaimed. Yoda smiled.
"Not by the cave, you were, but by your mind. Lessons, you have learned." Yoda looked at Byph, "Find courage, you did", Ganodi, "Hope", Gungi, "Patience", Zatt, "Trust", Katooni, "Confidence", and finally he looked at Petro, "and selflessness." Master Yoda paused to look at Teriko.
"Already learned these traits, Teriko has", Yoda continued. "Used them to find his crystal, he did. His example, follow you will."
Teriko grew embarrassed as the younglings watched him with awe, and he could feel his master's proud stare from behind him. He gave them a soft smile, trying to cover up how uncomfortable he felt being singled out like that.
"Take your crystals back to the temple, and keep them safe, young Jedi", Yoda said to the younglings."
Teriko was glad that this adventure was over.
If only he knew...
YOU ARE READING
The Rise of the Valkyrie *ON HIATUS*
Фанфик**ON HIATUS** Ashara Ki was your standard Jedi Knight. Well, as standard as she could from joining the order later than other younglings. But at least she had her best friend, Anakin Skywalker, with her. She faces many struggles, but Anakin was alwa...
