Burning Shadows
Chapter 14
" I wonder... " Atali thought to herself as she sat in the medbay waiting for her wounds to heal. " She seemed nice.. "
As Atali thought about Yumikaya, IK-TO entered the room. " Are your wounds healing sufficiently? "
" I.. I think so. I.." Atali stopped suddenly as IK-TO spoke.
" I do not mean the wounds on your body. " IK-TO stood at the end of bed as Atali spoke.
" How... No. Those wounds may never heal. " Atali spoke shakily before IK-TO responded.
" You should speak with Yumikaya. Perhaps she can help with those wounds that may never heal. She does afterall have more than enough of her own. " IK-TO left without another word as Atali laid back against the pillow on the bed while thinking of IK-TO's words.
" Maybe she can help... " Atali drifted off to sleep slowly as her thoughts drifted to Yumikaya.
Meanwhile
" What do you mean what am i going to do now? I already told you that! " Yumikaya pouted irritatingly at Zanira after speaking.
" Waiting for Atali to heal is not a plan. " Zanira looked frustrated as Yumikaya responded.
" I told you! I am waiting for Atali to heal and then i will discuss my plan! " Yumikaya groaned in annoyance before leaving the room as Zanira sighed disappointedly.
" That girl... " Zanira spoke softly as a soft touch turned her face away from the door.
" Just like her mother. " Satele Shan spoke softly as Zanira blushed softly.
Later
As everyone sat in the dining hall, The doors opened and Atali walked in tenderly before sitting next to Yumikaya. " Kaya.. Can.. Can i ask you a question? "
" Sure Atali. What is it? " Yumikaya smiled as she turned to face Atali.
" I just... I wanted to ask if... If you would let me stay... Um.. With... " Atali blushed brightly before finishing her sentence. " With you... "
" I'm not going to send you away if that's what you mean. " Yumikaya turned back to her food as Atali again blushed brightly.
" That's... Not quite what i mean... I appreciate that but... " Atali blushed bright red before leaning over and kissing Yumikaya's cheek gently before standing up and leaving the room quietly.
Yumikaya froze for a moment as Zanira and Yumitaya watched Atali leave. After a few moments, Yumikaya stood without a word and left the dining hall.
As Yumikaya entered her quarters, She locked the door behind her before touching her cheek gently. " Why do i feel like i can't breathe.. "
" That is what love does Kaya. " Meetra Surik's soft voice echoed through the room as she materealised in front of Yumikaya.
" But i.. " Yumikaya stopped as Meetra Surik held up her hand.
" You don't understand. I know. But to explain it as best i can... You opened yourself completely to Atali through the force without any restraint or caution. In her weakened state, Atali latched onto you through the force when you opened yourself. It has left... An imprint of sorts on both of you. " Meetra Surik spoke softly as Yumikaya breathed heavily.
" I have only just met her... Why do i feel this way at the slightest kiss on my cheek?And now standing here I feel so empty... " Yumikaya sat down and pulled her knees up to her chest as Meetra Surik continued.
" It is her absence you feel. A bond this deep and this strong will likely cause you to feel empty and alone when she is not around. Think of you and Atali as two seperate strings. When you opened yourself to her, You became entwined with each other. A part of you imprinted on Atali and a part of her imprinted onto you. You will likely be drawn to each other no matter how hard you try to avoid it. " Meetra Surik sat down in front of Yumikaya before she responded.
" Is this bond dangerous to either of us? " Yumikaya looked up shakily as Meetra Surik spoke.
" Not at all. Much like your bond with Yumitaya, Your bond with Atali will be beneficial for both of you. Although it will be much stronger than your bond with Yumitaya. " Meetra Surik watched Yumikaya as she cried softly.
" I don't know if im ready for this Meetra... I have never loved before... " Yumikaya looked at Meetra Surik with teary eyes as she responded.
" I know Kaya. But you will never know if you are ready for love until you let it into your life. " Meetra Surik smiled softly before disappearing.
Two Hours Later
After two hours of thinking, Yumikaya pressed the button on her commlink to connect to IK-TO. " IK-TO can you bring Atali to my quarters please? I would like to speak with her. "
" Of course Kaya. " IK-TO spoke calmly before the commlink deactivated and Yumikaya laid back on her and stared at the cieling. No matter how hard she had tried, Yumikaya could not stop thinking about Atali. As Yumikaya put a pillow over her face, The door opened and Atali walked in nervously. " Um.. Kaya? IK-TO said you wanted to speak with me? "
Yumikaya tossed the pillow aside and sat up before motioning for Atali to sit next to her. After Atali sat down, Yumikaya spoke nervously. " Atali...I don't understand this but... That kiss made me feel like i could'nt breathe and when i got back here... I felt alone... more alone than i felt when i was a slave... I'm confused and I can't explain why i feel this way... "
Yumikaya stopped speaking as Meetra Surik materealised in the middle of the room. Atali gasped in shock as Yumikaya continued. " So i spoke with Meetra about it and she said that we have become bonded because i opened myself to you when i was looking for you. That we are a part of each other now. "
" Kaya... I... " Atali stopped as Yumikaya placed a finger on her lips gently. " Atali i am so confused and so lost.. I have never loved before... I have never let anyone in... I haven't even completely let my family in yet. But... I don't know.. With you it's like i can't help myself... I feel so vulnerable and i don't.. " Yumikaya stopped speaking as Atali's soft hand caressed her cheek.
" I am glad we are feeling the same things. I can't understand it either. When you opened yourself to me i saw you in the darkness. I felt you reach out to me. One of the things about me is that i feel emotions far more strongly than others. And i express them without caution... So when you reached out to me, It felt like you really did want to save me. Like you really... Well.. Wanted me. Your the first person to ever show any kind of care for me. I... And i know it sounds strange... But.. I.. I love you because of that. I was alone and dying and you came for me without even knowing who i was and then you came to see me when i woke up... You were the first person i saw and when i saw you i felt everything i had felt when i was dying all over again. I can't help it but i feel drawn to you.. " Atali turned away slightly as she blushed brightly.
" Atali... I don't know what to say or do or... I'm so lost.. " Yumikaya put her face in her hands slowly as tears slowly fell down her cheeks before she fell backwards and laid on the bed sobbing softly. " I.. I have never felt like this and it's so confusing.. "
" I know... And i am so sorry if i caused this.. I didn't want to upset you.. But i can't keep my feelings trapped inside. It just isn't the way i am... But if you don't want me arou... " Atali gasped suddenly as she was pulled backwards and held tightly.
" No! I don't want you to go away. I don't want to feel that loneliness again. It reminded me of everything i went through as a child and it opened so many scars that i thought were starting to heal. I can't handle that anymore. I can't take the pain anymore... I just want to be... wanted.. or needed.. and even though i don't understand and I'm confused... I.. I want to be loved.. I have been on my own for my entire life until my family found me.. I can't do that anymore.. It's too much.. " Yumikaya cried heavily as Atali's lip trembled.
" Kaya... " Atali put her arms around Yumikaya and held her gently as she spoke. " I want that too. You and I have so much in common. I have never been wanted by anyone. When you found me i was wounded because the pure blood Arkanians had started a culling. I am the only hybrid survivor. The pure blood Arkanians killed everyone else. No one had ever showed me pity or care or love.. Or wanted me around.. And then you came and found me. You saved me. I promise that i will never leave your side as long as you want me around. " Atali kissed Yumikaya's forehead soothingly.
As Yumikaya calmed down, Atali ran her fingers through Yumikaya's hair slowly and held her gently. Once Yumikaya had completely calmed down, The two girls sat up slowly before Yumikaya spoke. " Atali... About your homeworld.. "
" My homeworld? What about it? " Atali spoke calmly before Yumikaya responded.
" Well.. I had a thought earlier... And you said they killed all the hybrids... So i was thinking.. If they don't want hybrids around.. Why don't we go there and get the technology they used to make hybrids? I'll be honest i will need an army at some point and although the droids this ship makes are amazing and all.. " Yumikaya trailed off softly as Atali finished her sentence.
" You want people around as well. I think that's a good idea. You may also consider retrieving the research and development data they have. They will not give up the technology willingly though... It may come to taking it by force. " Atali brushed the hair out of Yumikaya's face as she spoke.
" If it does... You.. You won't hate me for anything that happens... Will you? " Yumikaya turned to face Atali slowly.
" No. They wanted me dead. Thought of me as garbage. You saved me. My life is yours now. As long as i am with you there is nothing that will make me hate you. Where you go, I go. " Atali smiled as Yumikaya blushed brightly and quickly kissed Atali's cheek.
" Thank you Atali.. That is everything i wanted to hear. " Yumikaya smiled happily as Atali placed a hand on her cheek.
" Good. But one more thing Yumikaya.. " Atali looked into Yumikaya's eyes longingly as she responded.
" What is it Atali? " Yumikaya spoke softly as her cheeks flushed red.
" You missed. " Atali smiled before kissing Yumikaya's lips gently as she blushed bright red.
Yumikaya sighed softly into the kiss and her head spun slightly before Atali stood and left the room. After a moment, Yumikaya fell back onto her bed as a soft whimper escaped her lips.
" Now you understand. Love is a very powerful thing. " Meetra Surik spoke softly before disappearing.
" Love... " Yumikaya spoke in a whisper before touching her lips gently as she lay on her bed lost in her feelings. After a few moments, Yumikaya walked over to the console that contained configuration controls for her guard droids and began typing into the console.
Meanwhile
" Yumikaya wants to go where? " Zanira spoke in shock after Atali had entered the bridge.
Atali walked directly to the throne and stood in front of the two guard droids as she spoke. " Yumikaya wants to go to my homeworld. She has devised a plan to take the biological technology from the Arkanians and use it to create an army of genetically enhanced soldiers. "
" Hold for identity confirmation. " The deep voice of the droids echoed throughout the bridge as they scanned Atali. " Confirmed. Atali Syona. Rank – Akaan Alorir. Authorisation confirmed. Operational control authority granted. " The droids stood at attention as Atali sat on the throne and began entering coordinates into the navigation system.
" Operational control? Why do you have that authority? " Zanira spoke curiously before IK-TO responded.
" Yumikaya has named Atali as War Leader. Akaan Alorir. As war leader, Atali has all the operational and tactical authority that Yumikaya has. Yumikaya however will have final say over anything concerning this ship and it's operations. Atali is however, Now second in command of The Equilibrium. " IK-TO spoke plainly before Atali spoke.
" IK-TO what weapons do we have available? " Atali looked to IK-TO as he responded.
" We have one thousand heavy quad laser cannons, one thousand heavy blaster cannons, one thousand light repeating blaster turrets, one thousand super-heavy dual plasma cannons, forty eight heavy long range ion cannons, eighty super-heavy concussion missile launchers, forty tractor beam projectors, twelve hundred dual advanced point-defense laser beam cannons and one capital class hypermatter gauss cannon. All weapon systems are fully operational. " IK-TO spoke calmly before Atali spoke.
" Hypermatter Guass Cannon? " Atali had a look of confusion on her face as IK-TO responded.
" Indeed. The Hypermatter Guass Cannon is powered by Hypermatter Reactors and fires a high velocity shot of pure energy that tears through most materials with little trouble. It does however take a long time to recharge. We will have one shot every six hours. " IK-TO spoke calmly.
" Sounds incredible. But that is a long recharge time... " Atali bit her thumb gently as IK-TO spoke.
" Think of it as a last resort. Our other weapons systems are more than capable of handling the majority of what we will face. " IK-TO beamed happily before Atali spoke.
" Very well. How are we for defenses? " Atali spoke calmly.
" Mandalorian Iron reinforced Durasteel hull plating protected by prototype Verpine Deflector Shields. This ship is specifically designed for taking massive amounts of firepower while dishing out equal or greater firepower in return. Our defenses are near impenetrable. " IK-TO beamed proudly as Atali spoke once more.
" Excellent. Coordinates have been entered into the navicomputer. Activate the hyperdrive. I leave the navigation to you IK-TO. I will be with Yumikaya if anyone needs me. " Atali stood and walked off the bridge as IK-TO bowed.
Yumikaya's Quarters
As Atali entered the room, She saw Yumikaya sleeping soundly on her bed. Atali smiled before walking over and slowly laying down beside Yumikaya. As Atali moved closer to Yumikaya, Yumikaya rolled over and put her arms around Atali as a soft whisper escaped her lips. " Atali.. "
" It's ok Kaya. I'm here. " Atali kissed Kaya's forehead gently before closing her eyes slowly.
Several Hours Later
Yumikaya awoke slowly and smiled as she saw Atali sleeping soundly next to her. After leaving the room, IK-TO's voice echoed from the commlink. " Kaya we have arrived at the coordinates Atali gave us. How should we proceed? "
" Make contact and wait for me on the bridge. " Yumikaya walked towards the bridge quickly. As she arrived, She heard IK-TO speaking.
" As i said. Our leader will make contact momentarily. " IK-TO spoke calmly but the other voice sounded impatient.
" And as i said, We have no business with.. " The elderly looking man was cut off as Yumikaya entered the bridge and spoke.
" But i have business with you. It has come to my attention that you recently killed a number of your population. Why? " Yumikaya spoke plainly as she sat on her throne.
" You have no business here. We do not discuss our people with outsiders. " The elderly man spoke bluntly as Atali entered the bridge.
" And yet you were more than happy to sell our produce to outsiders and take it from us when we refused. " Atali's eyes were filled with rage as she spoke.
" Be silent half breed. You hav... " The elderly man stopped speaking as a choking sound filled the air.
" Speak to her like that again and it will be the last thing you do. My ship will land momentarily. You will answer my questions and grant the request i have come here with. Expect us shortly. " Yumikaya released her grip through the Force as the holocall ended.
" IK-TO take us down. " Yumikaya spoke calmly before IK-TO responded.
" And if they do not allow us to land? " IK-TO spoke curiously.
Before answering, Yumikaya turned to face Atali. " How many did they kill? "
" There were five villages of hybrids. Roughly eight hundred per village. They didn't even spare the children. " Atali spoke shakily before Yumikaya turned back to IK-TO.
" Life for life. They killed roughly eight hundred per village so we kill roughly eight hundred per village. I'd wager that might upset them a little. " Yumikaya turned back to face Atali again.
" Then they might finally know my pain. They killed us in cold blood because we weren't pure. " Atali looked into Yumikaya's eyes before walking over and sitting beside the throne as she burst into tears. " They had no real reason to kill us... But they did it anyway... "
" And they will pay for every life they took. I promise Atali. They won't do this again. " Yumikaya spoke sympathetically as she ran her fingers through Atali's hair gently. " IK-TO how long until we arrive? "
" A few minutes Kaya. " IK-TO responded calmly before Yumikaya stood up.
" Let me know when we land and make sure my personal guard are prepared. Just in case. " Yumikaya spoke calmly as she pulled Atali to her feet and left the bridge.
" Those two have been inseperable since Atali kissed Kaya's cheek... " Zanira spoke nervously before Satele Shan spoke softly.
" They bonded on a level we cannot understand. Opening herself to Atali the way Kaya did connected them in ways we may not know. But we cannot stop it Zanira. " Satele Shan spoke calmly before Zanira turned.
" It makes me uneasy. She is too young for a bond like that. " Zanira turned away slowly.
" That is no longer your or anyone elses decision to make. Kaya walks her own path and Kaya alone dictates where it leads. " Satele Shan spoke calmly once again as Zanira pulled away in frustration.
" And what exactly do the Jedi think of this whole situation? Have they no concerns? " Zanira crossed her arms before sighing. " I'm sorry Satele. I should'nt take my frustration out on you. "
" It is alright. And i do not know what the Jedi think of this. You will have to go and ask them. " Satele Shan spoke softly before Zanira looked at her in shock.
" What.. " Zanira stopped as Satele Shan raised her hand.
" I am no longer of the Jedi. After thinking about it since i arrived on Ilum, I am positive that Kaya has a greater destiny than either the Jedi or Sith can imagine. I forfieted my position as Grand Master and now follow Kaya wherever her path may lead. Also... I want to get back the years that we were apart. " Satele Shan smiled as Zanira walked to her and hugged her gently.
" Then we follow her. Help her. Teach her. The two of us can teach her more than what she will learn alone. Also... Have you sensed it? " Zanira turned to face the door as Satele Shan spoke.
" Yes. Atali is Force Sensitive. It does not seem as if she is aware of it. And it is unclear if this was a result of her bond with Kaya or she was Force Sensitive before she met Kaya but... We should teach her. If she is going to be at Kaya's side then she should atleast know how to use her abilities. " Satele Shan spoke calmly before Zanira nodded.
" She will need a lightsabre eventually if we are going to teach her. " Zanira spoke softly before Satele Shan spoke.
" Well.. Fortunately Orgus never delivered the crystals and parts i gave him. They are still on the transport ship. When the time comes for Atali to make her lightsabre it shouldn't be a problem. " Satele Shan smiled as Zanira nodded.
A Few Hours Later
Yumikaya and Atali were sparring in Yumikaya's quarters.
" Good Kaya. Never let your guard down no matter who you fight. " Atali smirked as she swept Yumikaya's legs out from under her.
As Yumikaya hit the ground, She sighed softly. " Your too fast for me Atali.. "
" Incorrect. It is not that i am too fast. It is that i am seeing your moves before you make them. It is the core of Echani fighting. I was never wanted when i was litte. No one wanted me around so i left the village and went into the mountains. There was a group of Echani living there. They taught me to fight and survive. That is the only real difference. I had a teacher but you only study and practice. Why not ask Shae Vizla to teach you? " Atali smiled as she helped Yumikaya to her feet.
" I... Have problems asking for help... " Yumikaya looked down sheepishly as Atali spoke.
" I thought so. But asking for help is not a weakness. It is a strength to recognise ones own failings and act to improve them. " Atali smiled as Yumikaya hugged her gently before they walked toward the door.
As they left the room, IK-TO's voice sounded from the intercom beside Yumikaya's door. " We have arrived. Kaya do you still wish to land the Equilibrium or shall i prepare a transport? "
" Prepare a transport IK-TO. I need the Equilibrium in a firing position just incase. " Yumikaya spoke calmly before walking towards the bridge with Atali in tow. As she stepped onto the bridge, Her two guard droids stepped away from the throne and stood on either side of the door waiting to escort Yumikaya.
" Is the transport ready IK-TO? " Yumikaya spoke calmly before IK-TO turned to face her and responded.
" It is. I would suggest taking two people with you in addition to your guard droids. For security reasons of course. " IK-TO spoke casually as Yumikaya nodded and turning back toward the door.
" Atali and Shae Vizla will accompany me. IK-TO please ask Shae to equip Atali with appropriate equipment. " Yumikaya motioned to walk off the bridge but stopped as IK-TO spoke.
" Actually i have been working on an armor and weapon prototype that needs a field test. If Atali approves. " IK-TO turned to face Atali before she nodded. " Excellent. Please follow me. Oh before i forget Kaya, The droid you requested is complete. I am not sure why you need a droid of it's... well... caliber i suppose but it can be deployed at your command. Also the design for the retrieval droids has been completed and entered into the production protocol. We can produce them as needed. " IK-TO bowed as Yumikaya thanked him and left the bridge to get ready.
" Please make sure a squad of retrieval droids is available for deployment. I have a feeling that they won't be exactly... cooperative in giving us the technology we came here for. " Yumikaya left the bridge and walked to the hangar. As Yumikaya was waiting for Atali, Shae Vizla walked into the hangar but was wearing new armour. Her armour was jet black with gold decorative lines and symbols, deep blood red accents and a knee length skirt that had the Mandalorian skull logo in gold on the back.
" What do you think Kaya? " Shae Vizla smiled as Yumikaya looked over the new armour.
" It looks great! I love the colours. " Yumikaya smiled as the door opened again and Atali walked in.
" IK-TO I am really not sure about this.. You are certain this armour is... Well... Durable? " Atali had concern in her voice as Yumikaya walked over.
" I am sure. The armour will stand up against almost anything the Arkanian's can throw at you. " IK-TO beamed proudly as he noticed Yumikaya approaching. " Ah. Kaya may I present the prototype Night Blade armour. Shadowsilk bodysuit reinforced with hardened Ankarax leather pads to protect the spine, joints and torso. To offer additional protection, Mandalorian iron armour plating covers the majority of the body. This armour is also equipped with a personal stealth field generator. The weapon of choice is a Mandalorian iron cortosis weave vibrosword. I do hope this field test will provide sufficient data for future... Modifications. " IK-TO turned back to face Atali as she put on her helmet.
" I mean.. It is comfortable... I'm just no... " Atali gasped suddenly as a blaster bolt hit her square in the chest and knocked her backwards to the ground. " What was that for?! "
" Well now you know it's durable. Now come on we don't want to keep them waiting. " Shae Vizla smiled as she returned her blaster to it's holster and turned around before walking towards the transport.
" Interesting. No scorch marks or damage to the armour and yet the force of the shot was enough to knock you to the ground. I will consider the application of personal shields while you are gone and run some tests to determine a solution. " IK-TO spoke calmly before leaving the hangar.
" Come on Atali. Let's get this done so we can get back to sparring. " Yumikaya smiled as she helped Atali to her feet before following Shae Vizla to the transport.
After boarding the transport, Yumikaya, Atali and Shae Vizla left the hangar and flew towards the capital city on the planet Arkania. After a few minutes of flight, The transport landed on a landing pad where a small group of people were waiting. Upon leaving the transport, Yumikaya was met with the same voice from the earlier holocall.
" I told you that you have no business here outsider. You will leave. Now. " The old man spoke forcefully before a group of what clearly looked like guards, Surrounded Yumikaya, Shae Vizla and Atali. As Shae Vizla motioned to draw her blasters, Yumikaya raised her hand in protest.
" I will not leave. At least not yet. I have come here with a proposition for you. I asked why you killed the hybrids you created because I have a need for an army. If you do not want the hybrids in your city I would gladly take them with me. " Yumikaya spoke calmly before the old man responded.
" We do not share our technology or science outsider. Leave. " The old man motioned to walk away as Yumikaya spoke once more.
" I did not come here with violent intent but I will not leave without what I came for. " Yumikaya waited for a moment as the old man spoke.
" You came here in vain. You will get nothing from us. Guards. " The old man walked away slowly as the guards raised they're weapons.
" As you wish. You destroyed five villages and killed roughly four thousand people. And.. " Yumikaya stopped for a moment as her holocommunicator beeped. After taking it off her belt and pressing a button on it, The holocommunicator showed a number. " If this scan is correct there are currently the same number of people in this city. Life for life. " Yumikaya pressed the button on her commlink and spoke calmly. " Deploy the retrieval team and open fire. "
As Yumikaya deactivated her commlink, The guards around her looked up before running back toward the city as a rain of blaster fire fell from the sky. As the blaster fire tore buildings to shreds while explosions and screams echoed into the sky, A second transport landed next to Yumikaya's and eight lightly armoured droids walked down the ramp. After stopping next to Yumikaya, one of the droids spoke. " Advanced Retrieval Team reporting. Your orders? "
" Find the technology they use to produce hybrids and bring every last piece of it to me. Be quick. The bombardment may cause damage to it. " Yumikaya spoke calmly and smiled as the droids nodded and ran into the city. After a few minutes, Yumikaya turned to face Atali and Shae Vizla. " Keep your weapons ready. While the retrieval team gets the technology we will go to the science building and retrieve all the research and development data they have there. Stay alert. "
Yumikaya took her lightsabre off her belt and activated it as Shae Vizla drew her blasters and Atali drew her sword. Before leaving, Yumikaya activated her commlink and contacted IK-TO. " IK-TO where is the science research building located? "
" It is about three hundred metres ahead of you to your right. It is a very large building and stands out quite a bit. " IK-TO's voice was calm before the commlink deactivated.
" Alright. Let's go. " Yumikaya smiled before running in the direction of the science building with Atali and Shae Vizla in tow. " Keep your eyes open! We are bound to run into guards. "
As Yumikaya finished speaking, Atali huffed disinterestedly. " It doesn't matter Kaya. They can't stop us. They should have surrendered the technology peacefully. "
" I was hoping they would but at least we can achieve balance for the lives they took. " Yumikaya spoke softly as they continued running through the street.
An unfortunate turn to violence instead of peaceful resolution.
What will come of this course of action?
Read on to find out!
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