Burning Shadows
Chapter 16
Atali awoke slowly and yawned before realising she was alone and looking around the room slowly. After sighing softly and getting dressed, Atali walked to the training hall with a disappointed look on her face.
As Atali walked into the room expecting to see Yumikaya training, What she saw surprised her.
Yumikaya was sitting alone in the middle of the room meditating quietly. After a few moments, Yumikaya's tattoos glowed softly and she gasped painfully. After another few moments, Yumikaya sighed and fell backwards slowly as her tattoos glow faded. As Atali walked closer, Yumikaya lifted her shirt slightly. The dark bruises that covered the majority of her stomach and chest were much lighter and significantly smaller in size.
" Kaya... What did you do? " Atali knelt down and touched Yumikaya's stomach gently. Yumikaya sighed softly at Atali's touch before speaking softly.
" I was practising a healing meditation that Satele taught me while you were unconscious. I can't maintain it for very long but it works. Satele said that I needed to focus past the pain and see my injuries the way that Master Orgus taught me to see through the Force. I haven't tried this meditation until today but I am glad it works. A bit more effort and a few more meditation sessions and I should be fully healed. " Yumikaya smiled as Atali sighed happily.
" I am glad you will be alright Kaya, But don't you dare think that this gets you off the hook. I am still mad at you for neglecting your health. " Atali stood and walked towards the door as Yumikaya sighed softly and spoke.
" Atali... " Yumikaya looked up at Atali as she turned to face Yumikaya. " You aren't going to forgive me for that are you.. "
" Not until you prove to me that I don't need to keep a constant eye on you. I love you but I just don't feel like you wouldn't do it again. You said you wouldn't but I just.. " Atali sighed softly before Yumikaya spoke.
" Don't know if you can trust my word. I know... How can I prove it to you Atali? " Yumikaya looked toward Atali as she spoke.
" You can stop trying to get back to training and spend some time with me. I was unconscious for a week and still all you can think about doing is training? " Atali looked toward Yumikaya as her cheeks flushed a soft pink colour.
" That's not.. " Yumikaya stopped as Atali spoke.
" Not what Kaya? Not fair? Not what you meant? " Atali spoke with a tone of disappointment before Yumikaya sighed softly. " Kaya I love you but you need to think about your priorities. Is training for your rite of passage really all that is important to you? " Atali spoke calmly but trembled slightly as Yumikaya motioned to speak. Atali raised her hand in protest and Yumikaya fell silent.
" You want to know what I am feeling? Why I can't accept this or forgive you so easily? " Atali spoke bluntly before Yumikaya nodded silently. Atali sighed softly and reached out to Yumikaya through the bond they shared. Yumikaya gasped loudly as Atali's emotions flooded her mind. Pain, Sadness, Disappointment, Loneliness and Heartache rushed into Yumikaya's mind as she burst into tears and Atali ran out of the room crying.
Yumikaya cried heavily before standing up and running after Atali. After searching the mess hall, bridge and hangar, Yumikaya walked into her quarters and found Atali laying on her bed crying softly.
Yumikaya walked to the side of the bed before sitting next to Atali and running her fingers through Atali's hair gently. " Atali I am so sorry.. I am so sorry that I have been blind to your feelings. I am so sorry that I have neglected you. You are right.. I need to rethink my priorities. There is nothing.. Nothing in this galaxy more important to me than you and nothing will change that. I love an adore you with all my heart and I am so sorry that I have been breaking yours. " Yumikaya had tears running down her cheeks as Atali sat up slowly and looked at her with sadness in her eyes and tears running down her cheeks.
Atali spoke in a whisper as Yumikaya touched her cheek gently. " Kaya.. I.. I know I shouldn't expect you to give me all of your attention but... "
" Why not? I have barely given you any attention since we returned from Arkania. " Yumikaya moved closer and leant her head against Atali's gently as she spoke.
" But I can't have all of your attention all the time... " Atali sobbed softly before Yumikaya kissed her lovingly.
" Maybe not. But whenever I can give you my attention I should and I have not been doing that. I have neglected you without realising it and it is my fault that you feel like this. " Yumikaya sighed softly as Atali put her arms around Yumikaya slowly and held her gently.
" Kaya... While I was unconscious.. I could feel you through the Force. I could feel what you were feeling and... " Atali sighed softly before sitting back and lifting her shirt slowly. Yumikaya gasped as she saw bruises on Atali's stomach and chest that perfectly matched her own. " I didn't realise until I came here after seeing you in the training hall. I share your injuries Kaya.. Your pain... "
" Atali... But... " Yumikaya stopped speaking as Meetra Surik materialised in the middle of the room.
" This is a side effect of your bond. I was hoping it would not happen but... Much like myself Kaya, You have bonded with someone on a level that links the two of you together. You share each others pain. Like the bond I developed with my Master, Kreia. But unlike the bond that I shared with my Master, Your bond is much deeper and much more connected. Your bond is forcing you to share each others injuries. It is not a bond I have heard of before but I do not believe anything is impossible within the Force. " Meetra Surik spoke softly before Yumikaya span around and spoke in a tone of voice that was filled with anger and ferocity.
" How is this beneficial?! You said that this bond would not be dangerous! How is Atali suffering my injuries not dangerous! Everything I do will put her in danger! How can I ever trust myself with her safety when the biggest risk to her safety is me?! " Yumikaya burst into tears as the door of her quarters opened and Satele stepped into the room calmly.
" There is someone who may be able to answer that question. There is a terminal at the old Jedi Temple on Coruscant that holds representations of Jedi Masters from throughout history. They may know something about your bond. " Satele spoke slowly and calmly as Yumikaya held Atali protectively before speaking.
" Take us there Satele. I need answers. " Yumikaya spoke with force in her voice before Satele nodded and walked toward the bridge. As Yumikaya sat holding Atali, She heard several familiar voices behind her.
" You are unbalanced little one. "
" Your emotions are clouding your mind. "
" Blinding you. "
" Controlling you. "
" Your judgement is questionable. "
" And what would you have me do about it? How do I keep Atali safe while I am the biggest threat to her? " Yumikaya turned and faced the Priestesses that were floating in the centre of the room next to Meetra Surik.
" Come to the wellspring. Come to us. We will give you the answers you seek. "
" How will I know where to go? " Yumikaya spoke softly before the Priestesses chuckled softly.
" You already know where to go. Your connection to the Force is the only guide you need. "
Yumikaya nodded as the Priestesses and Meetra Surik disappeared. After a moment, Yumikaya activated her commlink. " IK-TO has Satele told you where we need to go? "
" Yes Kaya. I have set a course for Coruscant. " IK-TO spoke calmly before Yumikaya sighed softly.
" Good. Continue the course to Coruscant and ask Satele to retrieve the terminal and bring it aboard the Equilibrium. There is somewhere that I need to go. Alone. I need my Flash-Fire. Please make sure it is ready. " Yumikaya spoke softly before Atali sat back and shook her gently.
" Your not going without me. " Atali spoke softly and placed her fingers on Yumikaya's lips as she motioned to speak in protest. " Don't you dare tell me no. I am not being apart from you now. Please don't make me stay behind Kaya.. "
Yumikaya shook her head before activating her commlink again. " Apologies IK-TO but can you prepare a shuttle for two people please? I am taking Atali with me. "
" Of course Kaya. I will have a shuttle prepared immediately. Will you require any further assistance or protection on this mission? " IK-TO spoke expectantly but calmly before Yumikaya responded.
" No. This mission is for Atali and I. I take no one else with me. Thank you IK-TO. " Yumikaya deactivated her commlink before pulling Atali close and hugging her lovingly. " I love you Atali. "
" I love you to Kaya. I am sorry I have been acting this way. " Atali sat back slowly before Yumikaya shook her head and spoke softly.
" You have every right to feel this way Atali. I am sorry for being the cause of that. But I want to make it up to you. I want to earn your forgiveness. " Yumikaya smiled softly as Atali touched her cheek gently.
" Then don't you ever leave my side again. I want to stay at your side and you stay at mine. I don't want you doing anything reckless like neglecting yourself ever again. I want you to promise me Kaya. Promise me you will be more careful. " Atali looked into Yumikaya's eyes longingly as she spoke.
" Nothing is more important to me than you Atali, I am the biggest risk to your safety and health and I promise that I will be extremely careful. I don't want to ever hurt you or put you in danger. Especially if there is something that I can do about it. " Yumikaya smiled before kissing Atali lovingly and wiping her tears away slowly. " Now let's get ready. We need to leave as soon as possible. "
Atali smiled and nodded before leaving Yumikaya's quarters and walking toward the armoury. After getting changed into her armour and tying her vibrosword to her back, Atali walked back to Yumikaya's quarters to see if she was ready. As Atali entered the room, Yumikaya was fixing her hair. The left side was braided into rows that lined toward the back of her head and the right side was pulled back and formed a ponytail with the braids from the left side of her head. Yumikaya then tied her cloth extensions into her ponytail and stood up before noticing that Atali was watching her. After smiling happily, Atali and Yumikaya walked to the hangar to find IK-TO.
When they entered the hangar, Yumikaya and Atali saw IK-TO standing next to the ramp of a ship they had never seen before. The ship was large and had a circular rear, a small straight midsection and a diamond shaped front section. As Yumikaya and Atali got closer, IK-TO spoke calmly.
" Ah.. Kaya your transport is ready. It is a prototype troop transport created by the Equilibrium's manufacturing technology. It has the capacity of transporting up to fifty soldiers. It should fulfil the purpose of your mission. " IK-TO spoke proudly before Yumikaya smiled and nodded.
After boarding the transport and leaving the Equilibrium, Atali sat in the copilot seat and looked toward Yumikaya. " So... Exactly where are we going? "
" What it is called or where it is located? " Yumikaya turned to face Atali as she spoke.
" Located. " Atali spoke calmly.
" No idea. The Force will be our guide. " Yumikaya sighed softly before closing her eyes and concentrating.
" Well if nothing else at least this will be interesting. " Atali giggled softly before looking out of the viewport into the never ending expanse of space. After several minutes, Yumikaya opened her eyes and put a set of coordinates into the Navicomputer before activating the hyperdrive.
As they entered hyperspace, Atali turned to Yumikaya. " I don't suppose you have any idea how long it will take to get there? "
" Nope. What should we do to pass the time? " Yumikaya spun her chair to face Atali as she spoke.
" I seem to recall you saying you were going to give me more attention. " Atali giggled playfully before standing up and walking toward Yumikaya.
" Sounds like you have an idea for that Atali. " Yumikaya smiled happily as Atali sat on her lap and kissed her deeply.
" Maybe I just want to be here with you. In this moment. " Atali blushed lightly before kissing Yumikaya lovingly again.
" I like that plan. " Yumikaya held Atali lovingly as they looked out of the viewport quietly.
Three Days Later
" Three days in hyperspace. If I didn't have company I may have gone crazy. " Yumikaya yawned lightly as Atali giggled.
" See? Keeping me by your side is good for your health. " Atali giggled softly before kissing Yumikaya's head gently. After a moment, The transport dropped out of hyperspace. When they looked out of the viewport, The sight that Yumikaya and Atali saw was breathtaking.
A massive nebula of golden coloured gas stretched out before them as far as they could see.
" Should we go in? " Atali spoke nervously as she held Yumikaya's arm gently.
" This is where the Force is leading us. We might as well see what else is here. " Yumikaya sat up and steered the transport into the nebula.
For what felt like hours, Yumikaya and Atali flew through endless gas. Just when they thought they might be lost in the nebula, A planet with a barren, cracked looking surface appeared through the gas.
As they landed on the planet and left the ship, Yumikaya breathed in slowly. " The air is so clean... And I feel so calm and peaceful. "
" Almost like everything I am worried and concerned about is just an illusion.. " Atali sighed contently before a familiar voice echoed through the air.
" Come below the surface little ones. We have been waiting for you. "
" Who was that? " Atali turned to look at Yumikaya nervously.
Yumikaya giggled softly before speaking calmly. " That is Serenity. One of the five Force Priestesses that trained me on Ilum. Serenity, Anger, Confusion, Joy and Sadness. They can be very vexing at times but they are quite nice. "
" So they represent emotions? " Atali spoke with confusion before Yumikaya responded.
" Actually I am not entirely sure. Other than what they are called and what they are... I don't really know much about them. " Yumikaya looked around slowly before spotting a cave entrance nearby. " Let's go. I am not sure if it leads to where we need to go but... "
" But it is currently our best bet. Alright. " Atali smiled before walking toward the cave entrance with Yumikaya.
As they stood at the entrance to the cave, a rush of Force Energy flowed from deep within. Yumikaya sighed softly before speaking quietly. " That was.. "
" Exhilarating. " Atali smiled as Yumikaya looked at her in shock.
" You felt that?! But.. " Yumikaya looked astonished as Atali giggled playfully.
" You haven't noticed until now? Ever since you found me, I have felt like there is energy all around me. It kind of freaked me out at first because it was never like that before I met you. " Atali smiled as the astonishment disappeared from Yumikaya's face.
" We can talk about that later. For now let us go and get the answers we came here for. " Yumikaya smiled to Atali before walking into the cave calmly.
The cave seemed to stretch on forever. After roughly an hour of walking, Yumikaya and Atali entered a massive cavern. As they stood on the edge of the small landing they were on, Yumikaya and Atali looked around in wonder. It was like an entire world within a world. It was as if the surface of the planet was nothing more than a shield to hide the world beneath it. Endless space stretched out before them and there were floating islands and patches of earth floating throughout the cavern that were covered in lush plant life. Strange creatures that Atali and Yumikaya had never seen before roamed from island to island at will.
As Yumikaya and Atali sighed in wonder, A voice echoed from behind them.
" Welcome to the Wellspring Of Life. Here, We can teach you things that we could not teach you on Ilum. Here, We can give you the answers that your heart desires. Follow us. "
The Force Priestesses floated over the edge of the landing and toward a nearby island as Yumikaya and Atali watched them in confusion. After a moment, Yumikaya spoke softly.
" Well... Here goes nothing. " Yumikaya stepped back slowly as Atali spoke suddenly.
" Kaya..! " Atali spoke too late as Yumikaya ran forward and jumped off the edge of the landing. After jumping, Yumikaya seemed to float effortlessly before landing on the island the Force Priestesses were waiting at. After sighing softly, Atali followed Yumikaya and jumped off the ledge. Upon landing, Atali looked toward Yumikaya.
" I thought you were going to stop being reckless. " Atali shook her head slowly as Yumikaya looked down sheepishly.
" Sorry Atali. " Yumikaya smiled nervously before the Force Priestess, Serenity, Spoke calmly.
" Now then. Ask your questions. "
" My first question is why Atali suffers any injuries that I do. " Yumikaya sat down slowly as Serenity answered.
" Your Force Bond ties the two of you together. The Force flows freely and unrestricted between you. You are not attuned. Your bond is unrefined. While attuning yourselves to the other will not prevent you from sharing injuries, It will make it easier for the two of you to keep each other safe. "
" But why is it happening? " Yumikaya looked up at Serenity in confusion.
" Because you bonded to each other at a level that intertwined your very being. Within the Force everything is possible and nothing is out of reach. Think of yourselves as two different beings. When you bonded the way you did, Allowing the Force to flow between you so freely, Even for only a moment, The Force has connected the two of you in Heart, Body, and Mind. The Force has intertwined the two of you into a single being within itself. You are two people but one singular strand of energy within the Force. "
" So even though we are separate.. We are one? " Atali spoke softly as she leaned against Yumikaya gently.
" Correct. While your bond makes you one however, It is unrefined. Your bond, Much like a lightsabre crystal, Requires attention. Without that attention or care, Your bond will falter. "
" You can help us to do that? "Yumikaya spoke softly before Serenity chuckled softly.
" But ofcourse we can little one. Sit in front of each other with your foreheads touching and hold hands. When you are both ready, Close your eyes and allow the Force to flow through you. Focus entirely on each other. "
After doing as they were told, Yumikaya and Atali sighed softly before closing their eyes and focusing. Atali and Yumikaya gasped softly as the Force rushed through them like an unrestricted river. Water flowing unrestrained and unstoppable around all obstacles in it's path. After several moments, Atali and Yumikaya opened their eyes slowly.
Yumikaya sighed in wonder as she looked at Atali. Atali looked down at her hands and gasped in surprise. The tattoos that covered Yumikaya's body were now perfectly copied onto Atali's skin.
" But.. Kaya's tattoos... " Atali spoke softly before Serenity spoke calmly.
" Are now yours aswell. Your bond has been refined and connected the two of you in entirety. You will share each others emotions, feelings, thoughts, injuries and power. This is why you now have identical tattoos to Yumikaya. Now there is one more step for you to complete before we can continue. "
Serenity held out her hand slowly and as she opened it, Atali gasped. In Serenity's hand sat the two small crystals Atali found on Arkania.
" How? I left those on the Equilibrium. " Atali trembled as she looked at the crystals cautiously.
" These crystals called to you. When you touched them, What did you see? "
Atali bit her lip gently before speaking. " I.. I saw Kaya... She... " Atali turned to look at Yumikaya slowly before her lip trembled slightly. " She... "
" Destroyed worlds. She followed the path of the one who came before her and used her power only for her own gain. "
Atali nodded slowly at Serenity as Yumikaya's jaw dropped. " I wouldn't.. I only keep the balance.. "
" That was the reason you were destroying worlds Kaya. Every life you took was in the name of balance. Every world you burned, Every ship you destroyed, Everything you did was in the name of balance. " Atali's lip trembled as she looked at Yumikaya with sadness in her eyes." It broke my heart to see you causing so much pain and suffering for no logical reason. You were no better than the Arkanian's. "
" I would never Atali... I wouldn't.. " Yumikaya spoke shakily as tears formed in her eyes.
" The future is ever in motion. Saying you will not does not make it true little one. But now with Atali bonded to you, She will know what you intend to do long before you do it. "
" And don't think I won't try and stop you if I don't like your plans. "Atali spoke calmly but smiled slightly as Yumikaya hugged her lovingly.
" I hope you do. I promise I will do my best not to let you down. I promise I will do my best not to become what the crystals showed you Atali. " Yumikaya smiled as Atali nodded quietly.
" Good. Now Atali, Take your crystals. You must attune them to yourself if you are to use them. Place them on the ground in front of you and focus on them entirely. Allow the Force to flow through you and into your crystals. "
Atali placed the two small crystals on the ground tenderly before closing her eyes and focusing on them. After a moment, The crystals shook gently before floating up and hovering in front of Atali before glowing bright. As the glow faded, the silvery liquid flowing through them turned to a soft shade of pink.
As Atali opened her eyes, The two crystals floated down and gently fell back to the ground.
" Well done. Now let us begin your training. The both of you are going to learn things that will change you. Make you rethink what is important to you and what is not. Make you think about what comes next. Let us begin. "
Atali and Yumikaya both bowed politely before following the Force Priestesses.
Five Weeks Later
" How are you still so calm about this? They haven't contacted us in weeks. " Zanira spoke slowly as Satele Shan sat silently with her eyes closed.
" If they required our help they would ask for it. Until they do, Stressing about what may or may not have happened serves no purpose other than causing friction between us all. Not to mention that your constant worrying is upsetting Taya. " Satele Shan spoke softly but neither opened her eyes nor so much as turned her head as Aratarus entered the room.
" We have detected a beacon that matches the ID of the transport that Kaya took. It is coming from the Wild Space region. " Aratarus had look of deep concern on his face as he spoke.
" A beacon? " Zanira spoke softly as Aratarus nodded.
" A distress beacon. " Aratarus turned and left the room as Satele Shan's eyes shot open. " They have asked. Now we can do something about it. "
Satele Shan and Zanira ran to the bridge as Yumitaya, Aratarus, Larkan, Shae Vizla and Kalina stepped out of the mess hall. As they all walked onto the bridge, IK-TO stood at the navigation console and was typing in co-ordinates. After a moment the hyperdrive was activated and the Equilibrium entered hyperspace.
Once the Equilibrium entered hyperspace, IK-TO turned toward the door and spoke slowly. " I have pinpointed the planet that the distress beacon originated from. The planet is called Odessen. The Force is in perfect balance there. We will arrive in roughly three to four days. "
Zanira sighed impatiently and walked off the bridge as Yumitaya spoke to Satele Shan. " Satele.. Can I ask you something? "
" Ofcourse you can Taya. What would you like to know? " Satele Shan sat down and smiled before Yumitaya responded.
" It's about Kaya. I was wondering... I.. I haven't been able to connect with her through our bond lately and I'm worried that she might have... Closed herself off from me. " Yumitaya looked down sadly as Satele Shan spoke.
" I assume you have tried reaching out to her? " Satele Shan sighed softly as Yumitaya nodded. " How hard did you try? "
" Well.. " Yumitaya looked away sheepishly as Satele Shan giggled softly.
" I see. You tried once like you did on Ilum but did not reach her and decided to wait. Try again now. Focus on your bond with Kaya and call to her. If she is listening she will hear you. " Satele Shan smiled as Yumitaya sighed softly and closed her eyes before reaching out through the bond she shared with her sister.
" Kaya.. "
Meanwhile
" This place is wonderful Kaya. And everything is so peaceful and balanced. It is perfe... " Atali stopped speaking as the sound of Yumitaya's voice filled Yumikaya's mind and flowed into Atali's mind through their bond.
" It's Taya.. She is probably worried. " Yumikaya spoke calmly but looked down slowly.
" You haven't talked to her since we left Kaya. On top of that, The distress beacon probably has them all worried. Speak with her. " Atali smiled and sat down before looking up at the starry night sky on Odessen.
" How else was I going to get their attention? " Yumikaya smiled before sighing slowly and focusing on her bond with Yumitaya. " Can you hear me Taya? "
The Equilibrium
Yumitaya sighed softly as her sisters voice filled her mind. " I hear you big sister. I was so worried. Where have you been? "
" I have been with the Force Priestesses at the Wellspring of Life. They taught Atali and I so many things about the Force and different ways to use it. It was very enlightening. "
" The Wellspring?! You actually went there? You have to tell me all about it! "
" Ofcourse Taya. But not until you get here. Tell mother and the others not to worry about the distress beacon. We aren't in trouble, I just wanted to get everyone's attention. "
" You could have just spoken to me you know. "
" I know little sister but wheres the fun in that? Getting you all to rush here because of a distress beacon was more amusing. I'll see you soon little sister. I love you. "
" I love you to Kaya. I'll see you soon. "
Yumitaya opened her eyes and sighed contently before asking IK-TO to get everyone to meet her in the mess hall. After several minutes, Yumitaya entered the mess hall to find everyone sitting at the tables wondering what was going on.
" IK-TO said that you need to talk to us all Taya. What's the matter? " Zanira spoke calmly with a smile before Yumitaya giggled and replied.
" I spoke with Kaya through our bond. The distress beacon is just to get us there quicker. Both Kaya and Atali are safe. They went to the Wellspring of Life and trained with the Force Priestesses in person! " Yumitaya squealed excitedly as Satele Shan and Zanira gasped in surprise.
" The Wellspring of Life? What is that? " Mako spoke calmly before Zanira replied.
" The Wellspring of Life is the centre of all light Force energy in the galaxy. It is, As it's name suggests, Steeped in life energy. It was at one stage of Jedi history, A sacred place. My Master told me stories of it's beauty and mystery. " Satele Shan spoke calmly with a tone of awe and wonder in her voice before sighing softly.
" Your Master went to the Wellspring? " Zanira looked to Satele Shan with shock on her face before Satele Shan answered.
" Yes. It was during our last mission together Zanira. I never got the chance to explain why you were captured. " Satele turned away slowly before sighing and speaking softly. " I was injured during the mission. My Master healed most of my wounds but I was dying. He went to the Wellspring of Life for answers on how to save me. It wasn't until I awoke that he told me you had been captured by Darth Malgus. I begged him to help me rescue you but he scolded me for our attachment and told me that it was not possible. It was years before I found out where you were... Years before I realised you were Darth Nox. " Satele turned to face Zanira as he spoke.
" I wasn't just captured Satele. Malgus tortured me for two years before throwing me in the Imperial slave pens. I spent eight years as a slave before they sent me to the academy on Korriban. And please do not call me Nox. I left that name and life behind me. " Zanira stood and left the mess hall as tears built up in her eyes.
A journey to the Wellspring of Life and the history between Jedi Master and Sith Lord comes to light.
What other secrets will be uncovered?
Read on to find out!
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