Burning Shadows
Chapter 15
As Yumikaya, Atali and Shae Vizla ran through the street toward the science building, They were met with a battalion of heavily armoured soldiers.
" Surrender offworlder! We will show no mercy if you do not! " A soldier with intricately decorated armour stood in front of the other soldiers as he spoke.
" Surrender isn't my style. Sorry about that. " Yumikaya smiled before moving into her combat stance with her lightsabre ignited.
Atali giggled happily as she activated her stealth field generator. Shae Vizla followed suite by drawing her blasters and activating her stealth field generator.
Yumikaya stood for a moment before smiling and releasing the hilt of her lightsabre and activating her stealth field generator. Her lightsabre hovered in place for a moment before shaking slightly and floating toward the soldiers quickly.
The soldier leading the battalion drew a vibrosword as Yumikaya's lightsabre struck downwards at his torso. The soldiers behind the leader looked around wildly and began firing in random directions in an attempt to hit Yumikaya's group.
After several minutes, The lead soldier managed to grab hold of Yumikaya's lightsabre hilt and smirked when it deactivated. " What will you do without your weapon offwor... " The soldier stopped speaking as the lightsabre hilt ripped itself out of his grasp and flew ahead of him before stopping in mid air and reactivating as Yumikaya appeared and took hold of her lightsabre.
" Suppose I will take it back. I offer you one chance to surrender. " Yumikaya stood defiantly as Atali and Shae Vizla appeared at her side.
The soldier scoffed before taking a holocommunicator off his belt and pressing the button on it. " Deploy the Titan. "
Yumikaya looked around in shock as the ground shook beneath her feet. As she wondered what would cause the ground to shake, She looked up to see a droid standing behind the battalion of soldiers. The droid stood on three large and sturdy looking legs, Was heavily armoured and housed two heavy blaster cannons on it's shoulders. As it activated, The lead soldier spoke loudly. " Last chance offworlder. Lay down your arms and we will be merciful. "
" Do you really think I came here unprepared for something like a war droid? " Yumikaya smiled before activating her commlink. " Deploy the Behemoth. "
Yumikaya giggled as a thunderous bang echoed from overhead and a flaming ball fell toward the city. The ball of fire barrelled through a building before slamming into the ground behind the Arkanian soldiers and they're war droid as smoke and dust filled the air. As the smoke cleared, a droid slowly stood up. As it stood, The Arkanian guards scattered in fear. The droid stood almost three times taller than the Arkanian war droid and was clearly extremely well armoured. It stood on two legs and had a Heavy Repeating Cannon on each shoulder. As it stretched out it's arms it clenched it's hands into two massive fists.
" Destroy that droid and clear the way to the science building! " Yumikaya's voice rang through the street before the Behemoth droid let out a deafening roar and raised it's arms before bringing it's fists down onto the Arkanian war droid and crushing it completely. The Behemoth droid stood back up straight and turned before opening fire with the cannons on it's shoulders and walking forward slowly.
Yumikaya, Atali and Shae Vizla followed the Behemoth as it crashed it's way through buildings and crushed speeders and small structures beneath its massive feet. As they reached the science building, The Behemoth droid stood with it's back against the building and continued to fire as it's scanners began tracking soldiers fleeing the area.
Yumikaya, Atali and Shae Vizla ran into the science building and quickly located a map detailing the building layout. After looking at the map for a moment, Atali spoke. " The research and development labs are on the top floor. We can take the elevator to the floor below it and then take the stairs to the labs. "
" Excellent. Lead the way Atali. Shae I need you to stay here and cover the exit. Even with the Behemoth outside we should expect company. Contact us if you have any trouble. " Yumikaya spoke calmly before Shae Vizla nodded and moved to a defensible position.
Yumikaya turned and followed Atali as she ran down the hall to the elevator and stepped inside. As the elevator went up, Atali spoke shakily. " We should expect guards when we get to the top floor. The research and development data is too valuable to the Arkanian's. "
" I agree. The data will not be unguarded. Expect a fight to get it. " Yumikaya spoke calmly as Atali turned to face her.
" Kaya? " Atali spoke nervously as she removed her helmet.
Yumikaya replied as she turned to face Atali. " Yes? "
" I am glad I am with you. My life was worth nothing until you found me. Thank you for everything. " Atali smiled as she looked at Yumikaya.
After a moment, Yumikaya smiled and kissed Atali's lips gently before stepping back and speaking softly. " Your welcome Atali. I am glad you are with me. "
Atali blushed and smiled happily before putting her helmet back on as the elevator beeped and the doors opened. As Yumikaya and Atali stepped out of the elevator, The room filled with guards. " Surrender offworlders! "
" They just aren't going to learn are they..." Yumikaya sighed softly as Atali spoke.
" Hmm... Somehow I doubt it. Shall we? " Atali giggled softly as Yumikaya raised her lightsabre and lunged forward.
After several minutes, The guards lay dead around the room and Yumikaya was standing at a computer terminal. After pressing several buttons, Yumikaya pressed a button on her commlink to contact IK-TO.
" IK-TO the data is transmitting now. When you receive it all hack into the terminal I sent it from and wipe the data banks. " Yumikaya clicked her commlink off as she looked around to see Atali standing next to a pedestal.
As Yumikaya walked over and placed a hand on Atali's shoulder, Atali spoke softly. " It's like they are calling to me Kaya.. What should I do? "
Atali looked nervously at Yumikaya as she looked to see what was making Atali nervous. As she realised what it was, Yumikaya gasped and spoke. " I...I'm not sure Atali. I have never seen crystals like those. Maybe you should take them. Satele and my mother may know more about them. "
Atali reached out her hand cautiously as the two crystals floated towards her. The two crystals were jet black with what looked like liquid silver swirling within them. Atali seemed almost mesmerised by the crystals as she took her glove off her right hand and reach out slowly.
As the crystals touched her hands, Atali gasped loudly. The two crystals glowed brightly as Atali's skin went pale and she fell backwards as she passed out.
As Atali hit the ground, Yumikaya moved to her side as her commlink beeped.
" Kaya it's getting crowded down here. Are you done up there yet? " Shae Vizla's voice sounded through the commlink along with sounds of shouting and blaster fire.
" Well actually... The labs are clear but Atali collapsed after touching a pair of crystals. We may need a new way out. " Yumikaya spoke nervously as a disappointed groan echoed through the commlink.
" And here I was looking forward to blasting our way out. I'm on my way. " Shae Vizla spoke with a slight tone of boredom in her voice before the commlink deactivated.
As Yumikaya turned back to Atali the ground rumbled as an explosion echoed through the building. A few moments later, Shae Vizla entered the room.
" What was that explosion Shae? " Yumikaya looked up at Shae Vizla as she took off her helmet.
" Well we need another way out but leaving ourselves vulnerable from the rear is ill advised. So I sealed the entrance. " Shae Vizla smiled as Yumikaya giggled before pressing a button on her commlink.
" Retrieval team have you acquired the technology? " Yumikaya spoke calmly as a reply quickly echoed through the commlink.
" Yes Mando Cabur. The technology has been acquired and is completely intact. Minor damage to a few components but repairable. Team is returning to the shuttle. " The Retrieval droid spoke plainly as Yumikaya turned to Shae Vizla.
" Ok.. Shae can you carry Atali? I have an idea for a way out. " Yumikaya smiled as Shae Vizla nodded and picked up Atali effortlessly. After a moment, Yumikaya pressed a button on her commlink. " IK-TO can the Behemoth return to the ship? "
" Negative Kaya. Once deployed, The Behemoth war droid is programmed to self destruct once it's mission parameters are complete. The Behemoth will leave no trace of itself in the explosion to avoid our enemies getting the Equilibrium's technology. " IK-TO spoke calmly before Yumikaya smiled.
" Excellent. How big is the explosion? " Yumikaya awaited a response as Shae Vizla gave her a look of concern.
" The city will be little more than a smoking crater Kaya. The blast radius is quite substantial. " IK-TO spoke nervously before Yumikaya responded.
" Good. And how far is it to the ground from my current location IK-TO? " Yumikaya walked toward a window and looked out over the city as IK-TO responded.
" You are high enough for a fall to cause lethal damage to your body. I do not advise jumping. " IK-TO spoke sternly before Yumikaya giggled softly.
" I had thought of it actually. I cannot issue an order to the Behemoth from here IK-TO. Access it remotely and move it to the back of the science building. " Yumikaya pressed a button to deactivate her commlink before looking around and locating a piece of cloth. After wrapping the two crystals Atali had touched in the cloth carefully to avoid touching them herself and tying the bundle to her belt tightly, Yumikaya headed to a window at the back of the building as the Behemoth war droid stepped around the corner of the building.
" So what's the plan Kaya? " Shae Vizla looked toward the window nervously before turning to face Yumikaya.
" Well... " Yumikaya looked toward the window and then back to Shae Vizla.
" Pirusti Osi'kyr. " Shae Vizla spoke as Yumikaya smiled and ran toward the window before jumping through it. " She's crazy... Mandalorian kinda crazy... Why do I always get the crazy ones... " Shae Vizla smiled before moving backwards a few steps and running before jumping out of the window after Yumikaya.
As the two fell, The behemoth droid moved and positioned it's arm as a slide beneath them. After landing with a thud, Yumikaya and Shae Vizla slid down the arm of the droid to the ground and ran toward where the shuttle was waiting as Yumikaya pressed a button on her commlink. " IK-TO prepare the Behemoth to self destruct the moment we leave the city. I don't want anyone following the shuttle. "
" Confirmed Kaya. You will have approximately forty seconds to reach the minimum safe distance once the droid is set to self destruct. " IK-TO had concern in his voice before the commlink beeped off.
" Forty seconds huh... " Yumikaya smiled slightly as Shae Vizla spoke.
" All the time in the galaxy kiddo. I suggest we don't wait around though. " Shae Vizla chuckled playfully as Yumikaya smiled. " Your crazy Kaya. You know that right? "
" You say it like it's a bad thing. " Yumikaya giggled as Shae Vizla responded.
" Depends on the kind of crazy. Your gonna make one seriously bad ass Mandalorian. But if you go like... Sith Lord kind of crazy... I will shoot you. " Shae Vizla smiled as Yumikaya looked at her with a playful glint in her eye.
" I would expect nothing less. But to be a Mandalorian I am going to need a teacher Shae. " Yumikaya smiled as Shae Vizla laughed heartily.
" Lucky you don't keep me around for my ravishing good looks then isn't it? " Shae Vizla laughed once more as they ran into the main street that lead toward the shuttle.
" So your going to teach me to be a Mandalorian? " Yumikaya spoke softly as they continued running while blaster bolts began whirring past they're heads.
" I'll train you to be a Mandalorian. Whether or not you become one is your choice... Evaar'la Tal. " Shae Vizla smiled as Yumikaya giggled. " Just make sure your ready for it. The life of a Mandalorian warrior is a hard one. "
" I want to be ready Shae. But I don't know if I will be until I try. " Yumikaya smiled as the shuttle came into view. " The shuttle is exposed. We need some cover for take off. Get Atali onboard and get in the air. Ill keep the soldiers back. "
" I'll circle around and pick you up. Your gonna have to jump as I fly past. " Shae Vizla spoke nervously before Yumikaya stopped running and ignited her lightsabre.
" Then we better time it right. Go! " Yumikaya stood in the middle of the main street and deflected blaster bolts as Shae Vizla ran up the ramp of the shuttle and strapped Atali into a chair before starting the engines and taking off.
As the shuttle left the ground, Shae Vizla saw Yumikaya deflecting blaster bolts from what looked like about ten guards. As Shae Vizla circled the area in the shuttle, She saw a flash of bright pink light and a wave of energy blast the guards back.
After circling around a building and flying back over the main street, Shae Vizla lowered the loading ramp and flew as level as possible. After a moment, Shae Vizla heard a soft thud and tapping on metal before closing the loading ramp and flying upwards into orbit.
As the shuttle entered the lower atmosphere, A massive explosion sounded from below while smoke and fire erupted into an expanding dome that seemed like it was going to keep expanding but after a few moments began dispersing slowly.
A Week Later
Atali awoke slowly and felt every muscle in her body ache as she tenderly sat up. As Atali looked around, She saw Yumikaya sitting beside her bed smiling.
" Your awake! I was so worried. " Yumikaya hugged Atali gently as she spoke.
" Worried? What.. Where am I? "Atali looked around alarmingly before Yumikaya touched her cheek gently.
" It's ok Atali. We are on The Equilibrium. Your safe. You passed out when you touched the two crystals in the science lab on Arkania. You have been unconscious for the last week. " Yumikaya stood up and watched Atali get out of bed tenderly.
" I... I'm so sorry Kaya. I shouldn't have touched the crystals. I shouldn't have made it so hard for you to complete our mission. I was a burden to you. " Atali turned away slowly as tears filled her eyes.
" No you weren't. I wanted you with me. Sure I may have had to edit my plan slightly when you passed out but you were not a burden Atali. " Yumikaya smiled happily as Atali turned around and hugged her lovingly.
" So.. An entire week... What have I missed? " Atali smiled before stepping back as Yumikaya giggled happily.
" When you feel well enough come and see for yourself. In the meantime, I am running late. See you later Atali. " Yumikaya kissed Atali gently before leaving the room.
Atali sat back down slowly as a slow ache weaved it's way through her muscles. After several minutes, Atali got dressed and walked gingerly out of the Medbay and toward the mess hall for something to eat.
After eating slowly, IK-TO entered the mess hall and asked Atali to follow him. As they walked through the corridors of the Equilibrium, The air filled with the sound of people sparring. Upon turning down a corridor to the side of the main hallway, A large door opened and revealed a massive room. As Atali looked around in wonder, IK-TO spoke.
" This area was, Until now, A storage compartment. When the mission was successful and the technology was incorporated into the Equilibrium, We quickly realised that we needed an area large enough to train an army. Due to the technology available on the Equilibrium, Creating soldiers that have military techniques and strategic planning capabilities as part of the genetic psychological programming with enhanced strength, speed and intelligence was... An interesting experience. " IK-TO stopped speaking for a moment as he walked into the room and toward a nearby observation walkway that went up and over the training area.
" Our first few creations resulted... Messily. However I believe that after the last week of genetic editing we have created ten prototype soldiers using a combination of Human, Arkanian and Mandalorian DNA that are sufficient enough to offer a benchmark of our designs and armed force expectations. These ten soldiers have been training in the Mandalorian fighting styles and combat techniques. As has Kaya. " IK-TO's voice was calm as Atali looked toward the group of sparring soldiers.
As she watched, Atali saw Yumikaya and Shae Vizla sparring on the other side of the Atali walked along the observation walkway above Yumikaya, She gasped in astonishment as Yumikaya flipped Shae Vizla over her shoulder and pinned her to the ground.
After a moment, Yumikaya helped Shae Vizla to her feet and smiled happily as Shae Vizla spoke.
" Well done. You have come a long way in a week Evaar'la Tal. Your almost ready for your Verd'goten. A few more weeks of training and we will see if you are ready. " Shae Vizla smiled happily as Yumikaya looked at her in confusion.
" Verd'goten? What is that? " Yumikaya listened carefully as Shae Vizla explained.
" The Verd'goten is the rite of passage for young Mandalorians. It is normally taken at the age of thirteen. Upon completing the Verd'goten, A Mandalorian is considered an adult in Mandalorian society and earns the right of equal treatment as one of us. " Shae Vizla smiled as Yumikaya's face lit up.
" Shae... I turn thirteen in two weeks! " Yumikaya giggled happily as Shae Vizla tousled her hair gently.
" Then you better keep training. The Verd'goten is no simple task. It will test everything that makes you who you are and test your skills of survival. If you are not ready for this... It could very well kill you. Many Mandalorians have fallen during the Verd'goten because they were not ready or overconfident and many have failed for the same reasons but survived. Do not underestimate the Verd'goten. " Shae Vizla spoke sternly as Yumikaya listened carefully before nodding and speaking.
" What was your Verd'goten like Shae? " Yumikaya sat down as Shae Vizla sighed softly before sitting down herself.
" Mine was... difficult. I was sent to the moon of Dxun. I spent months in the unforgiving wilderness. Those jungles were treacherous beyond compare. The creatures were ferocious and persevering. There was one creature... a Gharzr... It hunted me relentlessly for weeks. When it finally found me.. I was injured and weak. It waited until I was strong before trying to kill me. I still don't understand why it waited... but it was a glorious fight. I returned to my clan with many trophies from many different beasts. But none were a greater trophy than that Gharzr. " Shae Vizla smiled happily as Yumikaya sighed in awe.
" Will my Verd'goten be like that? " Yumikaya smiled as Shae Vizla tousled her hair as she walked past.
" That is up to you Evaar'la Tal. Now get back to training. You still need to master your jet thrusters and air combat. I won't have you using those thrusters if you can't fight when you fly. " Shae Vizla spoke sternly but smiled as Yumikaya stood up and activated her thrusters. As Yumikaya hovered in place, Shae Vizla spoke.
" Good. Always keep stability in mind when you fly. One wrong move can send you spiralling. " Shae Vizla activated her jetpack and hovered slowly in front of Yumikaya. " Now let's see how you fair in unarmed air combat. It will be harder for you as you are limited to punches due to your thrusters being in your boots. A jetpack allows much more flexibility. For now we will focus on upper body combat. Defend yourself Evaar'la Tal. "
Shae Vizla smiled for a moment before propelling forward and throwing a punch aimed at Yumikaya's face. Yumikaya blocked and threw a punch that hit Shae Vizla squarely in the stomach. After several minutes trading blows in midair and flying around the room, Yumikaya deactivated her thrusters and sat down exhaustively.
After a moment, Shae Vizla landed next to her and deactivated her jetpack before sitting down. " Well done. Your not bad in the air. We still need to swap those boot thrusters for a proper jetpack though. Your air combat will improve greatly with the use of your legs. "
" It will make keeping balance easier. Trying not to use my legs in combat is hard. " Yumikaya spoke softly as Shae Vizla smiled happily.
" Go get some rest Evaar'la Tal. We will train again tomorrow. " Shae Vizla smiled before standing up and walking toward the group of soldiers that were continuing to spar.
Yumikaya sighed exhaustively before laying flat on the floor. After training every day for a week with Shae Vizla, Yumikaya's exhaustion was starting to show.
As Yumikaya stood up slowly and walked out of the training hall, Atali turned to IK-TO. " She hasn't slept since Arkania has she... "
" Indeed not. Kaya has completely refused to sleep until you recovered. She has also barely eaten. Perhaps now that you are awake she might consider otherwise. " IK-TO spoke calmly as Atali giggled.
" I will talk to her. I can't promise anything though. " Atali smiled before walking tenderly back along the observation walkway and leaving the training hall.
Meanwhile
Yumikaya walked into her quarters and took off her armour slowly. Each movement felt like her muscles were on fire. After several minutes of slowly removing pieces of her armour, The door opened as Yumikaya pulled her shirt over her head. As she dropped her shirt onto the floor, Yumikaya heard a gasp from behind her before Atali's soft voice reached her ears.
" Kaya.. What.. What happened... " Atali's eyes slowly filled with tears as she saw the large bruises that covered the majority of Yumikaya's back.
" I have been training. " Yumikaya turned and smiled at Atali who again gasped as she saw the much darker bruises on Yumikaya's chest and stomach.
" Training?! You have been worrying about me for a week while you are in this condition?! Why are you worrying about me? I should be worrying about you! Look at your bruises... " Atali walked forward and lightly touched a bruise on Yumikaya's stomach. The tiniest touch sent a lightning bolt of pain through Yumikaya's stomach. Yumikaya winced and sighed heavily before sitting on the edge of her bed as Atali spoke.
" I am calling for the Medical Droid. Stay right there. " Atali turned and walked to the intercom next to the door as Yumikaya spoke.
" Atali I..." Yumikaya stopped as Atali spun quickly and spoke in a voice that made Yumikaya tremble slightly.
" DON'T TELL ME YOU ARE FINE! Your not! Look at you! Your hurt and exhausted! " Atali turned back to the console as tears ran down her cheeks. After pressing the button on the intercom, IK-TO's voice came through in his usual calm tone.
" Is there something you need Kaya? " IK-TO sounded calm as Yumikaya tried to get a word in.
" No.. I.. " Yumikaya stopped as Atali shot her a look of disappointment and sadness before speaking shakily.
" IK-TO this is Atali. Yumikaya has suffered several severe bruises and requires assistance. Also if you could bring some food and water I would greatly appreciate it. " Atali's voice trembled as she managed to slow her tears while speaking.
" Certainly Atali. Is there anything else? " IK-TO spoke as if he was expecting what was said next.
" Yes. Please inform Shae Vizla that Yumikaya will not be training again until she has recovered. " Atali took her hand away from the intercom as Yumikaya tried to speak again.
" But Atali.. " Yumikaya once again stopped as Atali bursting into tears again and almost screamed at her.
" NO! YOU SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN I CAN'T CARE FOR YOU! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! " Atali turned and left the room in tears as IK-TO entered the room with food and water shortly before the Medical Droid entered.
Yumikaya sat silently with a look of shock on her face as the Medical Droid treated her bruises and IK-TO began scolding her for her neglect of self care before Shae Vizla entered the room. As she was about to speak, Yumikaya raised her hand and spoke first.
" Please Shae. No more lectures about this. Atali has already said everything that needs to be said. " Yumikaya hung her head as tears started to slowly fall down her cheeks.
" No lectures from me kiddo. You remind me of myself. Whatever Atali said is between the two of you. I just came to tell you that I agree with you not training. And had I known you were in this kind of condition AND not sleeping, I wouldn't have trained you at all. Look after yourself for a few days and then we can talk about training. " Shae Vila spoke softly before Yumikaya spoke.
" But Shae... My birthday is two weeks away! I don't have time to sit around and do nothing! The Verd'goten..." Yumikaya stopped as Shae Vizla raised her hand.
" The Verd'goten is not exclusive to thirteen years. That is an old tradition. Many Mandalorians have not taken it until they were older. You need to allow your body time to heal. Knowing when to rest is a part of survival aswell. " Shae Vizla smiled slightly before leaving the room.
After several minutes, The Medical Droid left the room followed by IK-TO as Yumikaya sat on her bed and thought about what Atali had said.
" Unacceptable... But I had other priorities... Maybe I should just explain why I have been training so hard to Atali... Or should I give her space... I don't know.. " Yumikaya laid back on her bed with a confused sigh as Meetra Surik materialised in the middle of the room.
" Atali is worried about you. Even her soft touch was enough to cause you pain. On top of that you have neglected your own needs in favour of worrying about her. Love is powerful Kaya but it isn't one sided. You need to care for yourself just as much as caring for the ones you love. " Meetra Surik spoke calmly before Yumikaya sat up with a pained groan.
" But Meetra... I don't know... Atali looked so disappointed... Will she understand why I was not concerned with my own health? " Yumikaya's voice trembled before she bit her lip gently as Meetra Surik spoke.
" Have you explained it to her? " Meetra Surik spoke plainly before Yumikaya shook her head slowly. " Then how do you expect her to understand? Atali is a loving and caring girl who holds you higher in importance than anything else in her life but she is not telepathic. If you do not talk to her, You cannot expect her to know what you are thinking or feeling. " Meetra Surik disappeared again as Yumikaya sighed softly and stood up before walking to the intercom.
After several minutes, The doors to Yumikaya's quarters opened and Atali walked in slowly before Yumikaya spoke.
" Atali.. I need you to understand why I neglected my own health. I didn't do it out of ignorance or determination or anything like that. I neglected my health because I was more concerned about you than I was about myself. I had higher priorities. You being the highest priority and you always will be. On top of that I have been training in preparation for my rite of passage. I am trying so hard not to let anyone down.. Especially you.. And in doing so I tend to make mistakes. But I need you to understand that my health is not impo... " Yumikaya stopped speaking as Atali placed a finger on her lips.
" Your health is important Kaya. You are the most important thing in the galaxy to me and to see you like this breaks my heart. I don't ever want to see you this neglected again. Ever. For any reason. I understand that you had higher priorities but that doesn't make this acceptable. I know how important your rite of passage is to you but you can't undergo your rite if you can't even walk. You can barely sit up and still you are prepared to keep training. I need you to stop.. " Atali spoke calmly but had tears flowing down her cheeks as Yumikaya spoke.
" Atali I love you with all my heart and seeing you so upset about this hurts. But this is who I am... Surviving is all I have ever done and all I have ever had to worry about. Seeing you unconscious and not knowing If you were going to wake up or not was terrifying. I was worried beyond words until you woke up but if I hadn't done something else I would have just sat at your bedside and not done anything. Yes I neglected my own care but there are worse things than a few bruises and lack of sleep. Losing you is the worst thing I could ever go through and thinking that I might was tormenting me beyond anything I could have imagined. But thinking about that... Worrying about what I was going to do was driving me insane. I chose to put you first. My health was not important in comparison. And yes I know you are disappointed with me but this was my choice and in my mind I chose the right course of action. Sitting around doing nothing and worrying about whether or not I was going to lose you would have resulted in nothing. I decided to make use of the time and do something constructive. " Yumikaya was trying her best not to cry as she spoke.
" Kaya please.. Please promise me you won't do this again. I love you with all my heart aswell but I just cannot accept this. Neglecting yourself because you were worried about me is not something I want. By all means worry about me but try to look after yourself aswell ok? " Atali smiled as Yumikaya nodded and yawned.
" I am so tired.. " Yumikaya yawned again heavily before moving backwards and laying her head on her pillow.
" You haven't slept all week. Of course you are tired. Get some rest. " Atali crawled along the bed before laying beside Yumikaya.
" You will stay with me won't you Atali? " Yumikaya put her arms around Atali lovingly as she spoke.
" Of course Kaya. You think I'm going to leave you to yourself after this? Not a chance. I am not letting you out of my sight until you are better. " Atali kissed Yumikaya's forehead gently before the two of them fell asleep.
With her birthday approaching, Will Yumikaya heal in time for her Verd'goten?
Read on to find out!
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