The things a friend can change

The gathering part 3

"Pad! Pad are you there?" I roared, desperate to find my good friend. There was only 10 minutes left before we'd be trapped here for a whole rotation.

"Caleb? Caleb!"

I followed his voice. To where I had no idea. All I could do was hope for the best.

At first sight, I dashed towards Pad to reveal that he was stuck. An ice wall was to be overcome before he could make it out.

"Caleb! Thank the force."

"Come on Pad, we've got 8 minutes."

"8 minutes? No Caleb, you need to go. The wall's too thick you have to go now! Just leave me I'll see you tomorrow."

"There's not a chance I'm leaving you here!" I insisted, "Come on, put your hand on the wall. We can do it."

So he did as I said, placing his green hand on the cold metallic ice. We closed our eyes and concentrated. A large part of me was screaming to get out of here, but I forced myself to ignore it and focused on the blockade.

5 minutes had passed and the ice had begun to crack. We concentrated on that same point, hitting it again and again until there was much corruption.

Another 2 minutes had passed which was when the shards of ice exploded. I looked to Pad and pulled him out. Together, we made our way to the exit with 20 seconds to go.

We were 20 metres away from the closing gate, Pad and I ran with all our might, as Ashla and even Stahl was yearning for us to move! But just as I was 7 steps away, I felt a large shock of pain in my leg.

I looked down to see my thigh bleeding, but the source was unknown. Then I remembered, a shard of ice must have punctured my skin when the ice barrier collapsed. I unwillingly dropped to the ground, unable to keep my balance.

Pad was but 10 inches away from the gap, but slowed down to turn his head towards me. I shook my head, hoping that he would get the message. No unveil, he started to make his way back when I forced him out of the cave with much effort, just before the door had fully closed.

(Stahl's POV)

Don't know, don't care. Being born around a group of mercenaries has taught me much. We leave people behind and fend for ourselves. We're selfish.

However, that was what I used to believe in until I stowed away on a ship and got to Coruscant. It was only then that I found the Jedi, only then that they informed me of my potential, only then did I start to have care for others. But even after that, I've adapted too much to my bounty ways, so there was still much room for improvement.

Only an hour ago had I found my crystal and got the hell out of here. Truthfully, I was thankful that Caleb had helped me. He's always been the friendly kind, but I'm just not so open to people.

When I saw his selflessness, going back for Pad, I couldn't believe it. I probably still don't, but because of that I actually feel empathy for he who calls me a friend despite all my harsh critics.

I'll probably never admit it though, much less tell anyone about it.

Pad was laying on the floor motionless, catching his breath. He banged on the hard stones of the ice with much effort, hoping to help his good friend.

"Come on Padawan Undi." Ahsoka confronted, placing a hand on Pad.

They slowly made their way down to the bottom of the stairs.

"He...He sacrificed himself for me. He even has an injury in his leg, he won't be able to last one rotation in there." Pad stated concerned. I've never seen Pad in such a state, normally he had a great sense of humour and would always carry a smirk with him everywhere.

"Give up on your friend, do not."

As if by magic, Caleb suddenly bursted through the stone wall, breaking the shards of ice. Now yes, of course I was glad, but knowing me I would probably never admit such a thing. So I just took the frown out of my face.

"Wonderful it is that helped a friend you did, but listen to me you did not."

"Master I..." Caleb started.

"Master Yoda, you said that we were not to enter the cave after we've left it. But the thing is, Caleb hadn't left the cave so technically, he didn't disobey you." I spoke up confidently, as a sign of great gratitude.

To my surprise, Yoda didn't argue back, instead he simply nodded his head.

Was I ashamed? No, of course not. There was a time when I even stood up against Master Windu and he barely won the argument.

"Yes, correct that is. Wise, it was for you to go back for your friend, Padawan."

"Oh, so now he changes his mind." I said loudly.

"Padawan Shan!" Ahsoka announced with a strict tone. I had nothing against Ahsoka, she had always been nice. All I was trying to do was show my gratitude to Caleb. He has my respect. Honestly, I only ever end up with a debate against a teacher if I really hate him.

So I simply rolled my eyes and made a b-line to the final exit. The frown coming back to my face once again.

(Caleb's POV)

"You did great Caleb, selflessness is a good sign for a Jedi." Ahsoka smiled at me, brightening my face.

I proceeded to start walking out of here when I remembered there was still an injury on my leg. Pad helped me to the ship where Ahsoka patched me up. There was an unnecessary grin on her face whenever she asked a question, one that would make me blush.

What was even stranger though was how Stahl just reacted. He had never actually done anything for me, much less defend my actions against the most powerful Jedi in history. I'm grateful that he did because if not I could've gotten in some sort of trouble. He may not ever admit it but he was trying to help me.

Stahl's a mysterious character. In all the years I've known him, he had never told me much about his past. Whenever Pad, Stahl and I were talking about our formative years, he wouldn't once show us any sign of emotion. In fact, he'd even look angrier when we'd talk about the days. He can be really stubborn sometimes, and I just had the slightest feeling the reason behind that was because of what he went through as a child.

"There. You feeling good Caleb?" She beamed.

"Uhh umm yeah. Th...thanks."

"Hey thanks back there." I said to Stahl, who nodded in response.

All of a sudden, the shuttle stopped and the ship made a large clang!

"Be careful younglings, something may be wrong." Ahsoka affirmed.

Well it looks like I've created a new character y'all. This is gonna be one of those guys you either love or you either hate. 

As for why I created 3 new characters, I recently realised how young Katooni and the rest were in comparison with Caleb. Since wookiepedia didn't supply me with the info, I'mma guess they're maybe 2-3 years apart, ergo, they probably wouldn't go to the gathering at the same year.