Burning Shadows
Chapter 17
As Zanira left the mess hall, Tears streamed down Satele Shan's face. After a moment, Satele Shan stood and ran out of the mess hall after Zanira. It took several minutes to locate her but Satele Shan found Zanira in the training hall, Sitting quietly.
" Zanira? I'm sorry i upset you.. I didn't mean to.. " Satele Shan walked into the room cautiously but froze as Zanira stood up.
" You didn't. Remembering my past is what upset me. I was tortured for two years Satele. Two years. Every moment of those two years was agony. Every moment that i thought it was over was just a brief respite before it worsened exponentially. Malgus was merciless in breaking me. " Zanira cried softly as she removed her robe to show the countless cut marks and lightning shaped scars that adorned her skin. " Not a single breathe left my body that didn't cause me pain.. That doesn't still cause me pain. My body burns every moment of every day. Malgus... He shattered my spirit and tore away everything that made me a Jedi. When he was finished with me, Even slavery was too good for me but it was the only option he had for throwing me away like trash. Eight years as a slave being beaten by guards and other slaves, having everything that made me who i was ripped away. I was... Tortured in many other ways during that time. "
Satele Shan burst into tears before walking forward and running her fingers along the lightning shaped scars tenderly as she spoke. " Zanira i... "
" You keep apologising for something you are not responsible for Satele. I admit that while Malgus was torturing me... I kept believing you would come for me. I kept believing you would save me and take away the pain. For a long time i felt betrayed and abandoned. But... When i last fought you... I.. I just couldn't hate you. I couldn't hold onto those feelings no matter how hard i tried or how much i wanted to. I just couldn't blame you for what i went through. " Zanira turned slowly and faced Satele Shan as she finished speaking. Satele Shan gasped loudly at what she saw. A large scar ran from Zanira's left shoulder down to the right side of her waist line and was surrounded by numerous burn marks and lightning shaped scars. " It is Malgus who is to blame for this. It is Malgus that shaped me into what I am and it is Malgus that will pay for it. Not you Satele. Never you. "
" But Zanira... " Satele motioned to speak but stopped as Zanira pulled her forward and kissed her passionately. After several moments, Zanira stepped back and pulled her robe back on.
" I never stopped loving you Ki Diti. I love you now as I loved you when we were Padawan's. I love you with all my heart and I will never stop loving you. " Zanira smiled as Satele Shan spoke shakily.
" But.. But how can you forgive me for not searching for you? How can you forgive me for not rescuing you? " Satele Shan cried heavily as Zanira caressed her cheek gently.
" I cannot forgive you for something that was not your fault. And even if it was I would forgive you because I love you. The past doesn't matter anymore. You are here now and you left the Jedi behind to be here. I couldn't blame you for the past even if I wanted to. " Zanira smiled happily before kissing Satele Shan deeply once again as the doors of the training hall opened and Shae Vizla stepped into the room.
" It's about time. It took you two hopeless lovebirds long enou... " Shae Vizla landed with a thud as her legs were swept out from under with the Force. " Oh it's like that huh? " Shae Vizla smiled as she stood up and walked toward Zanira and Satele Shan.
Zanira smiled as Satele Shan wiped away her tears and kissed Zanira's forehead gently before speaking. " I am so happy that you forgive me Ki Aki. I am so glad we are together again. I missed you more than words can say. "
" As I missed you Ki Diti. Now we will be together always. As we were inseparable as Padawan's we can be inseparable now. I will never leave you again. " Zanira smiled as Shae Vizla put her arms around the both of them and hugged them tightly.
" Finally the team is back together. Bal tome mhi malyasa'yr temya'r. " Shae Vizla smiled as Satele Shan and Zanira giggled happily. After leaving the training hall, Shae Vizla walked toward the hangar as she thought to herself in silence. " Finally they are back together. Now it is my turn to repair the past. " Shae Vizla entered the hangar and saw IK-TO at the manufacturing terminal. Shae Vizla walked over and stood next to IK-TO before speaking softly. " I need a favour IK-TO. "
" Name it. " IK-TO spoke softly before turning to face Shae Vizla.
" I need a starfighter. It needs to be fast, heavily armed and armoured, must have hyperdrive capability and stealth. Also I need the coordinates for the current Mand'alor. " Shae Vizla spoke sternly as IK-TO chuckled.
" I see. You are going ahead with your plans then? " IK-TO chuckled as Shae Vizla looked at him in shock.
" How did you.. " Shae Vizla was stunned that IK-TO knew about the plan that she herself had discussed with no-one.
" There is not a single piece of information that is entered into the Equilibrium without my knowing. I am aware of everything that is entered into journals, data entries and personnel logs. I assume you will need more powerful weapons than your Mandalorian blasters? " IK-TO spoke expectantly before Shae Vizla nodded. " Very well. I will need at least three hours to prepare the starfighter and weapons. Come back and see me then. " IK-TO turned back to the manufacturing terminal and began entering specifications into the terminal as Shae Vizla thanked him and left the hangar.
Three Hours Later
" How are things progressing IK-TO? " Shae Vizla spoke calmly as she walked into the hangar.
" Both the starfighter and weapons you requested are completed. Allow me to introduce the Nightshade Assault Fighter. Armed with Heavy Repeating Blaster Cannons, Thermite Torpedo Launchers, Advanced Stealth Field Generator, Mandalorian Iron Hull Plating, Verpine Deflector Shields, Hyperdrive capability with Advanced Navicomputer and scanner function and a backup power source to maintain life support in the incident of crashing or stranding. Now to your weapons. " IK-TO spoke proudly before walking toward a small desk that had a large case sitting on it. Upon opening the case, IK-TO spoke calmly. " These weapons are some of the weapons I have been creating to outfit Kaya's Armed Forces. The two pistols are Heavy Sonic Fusion Blasters. The rifle is a prototype portable Gauss Rifle capable of firing at targets from an extreme range. The scope on the rifle comes with night vision, thermal, x-ray and smart target tracking capability. Lastly, Your new melee weapon. This is a Mandalorian Iron Cortosis Weave Assault Axe. It is capable of holding back a lightsabre. " IK-TO beamed with pride before Shae Vizla picked up her weapons and looked them over with awe.
" Magnificent work IK-TO. I am deeply grateful. " Shae Vizla bowed respectfully as IK-TO spoke calmly.
" There is one last thing. I have found the location of the current Mand'alor. His ship is currently in orbit over Corellia. " IK-TO spoke calmly as he handed a holo-communicator to Shae Vizla. " I wish you the very best of luck Shae Vizla. Kapr gar althu'neha pu'ur at gar ha'yr. " IK-TO bowed deeply and respectfully before leaving the hangar in silence as Shae Vizla attached her new weapons to her armour and boarded her new starfighter. As she took off, Zanira and Satele Shan ran into the hangar. They watched in shock as Shae Vizla smiled and placed her hand against the viewport before flying out of the hangar and falling out of hyperspace.
" Now then, Let's see where I am. " Shae Vizla activated the Navicomputer before chuckling happily. " Lehon. Never heard of it. Now to chart a course for Corellia. "
After a few moments programming the course into the Navicomputer, Shae Vizla activated the Stealth Field Generator and entered Hyperspace.
Meanwhile
" Where is she going IK-TO? Why did she leave? " Zanira spoke impatiently as IK-TO chuckled.
" Shae Vizla has gone to Corellia. She intends to challenge the current Mand'alor to a duel for the right to lead the Mandalorian people. She has gone alone and has insisted that no one interfere. " IK-TO spoke calmly with a tone of pride in his voice before Satele Shan spoke softly.
" She intends to become Mand'alor. But why? " Satele Shan spoke with confusion before IK-TO responded.
" I believe she wants to acquire the right to rule so that Kaya does not have to. Her allegiance is to Kaya. For her to bring the clans into allegiance as well, She has decided that she must become Mand'alor. The greatest honour a Mandalorian can achieve. I do deeply hope that she is victorious and gains honour for herself and her clan. " IK-TO beamed proudly as he spoke before turning and walking to the bridge.
" The right to rule. As always the Mandalorian code dictates her actions. She always was one for honourable behaviour. " Satele Shan smiled as Zanira nodded.
" I am glad she is doing this. I was dreading the day that Kaya decided to challenge Mand'alor. I doubt she will feel any urge to challenge Shae if she is victorious. " Zanira spoke softly and sighed in relief at the thought that her daughter would not have to face Mandalore the Vindicated.
" Shall we go and spar Ki Aki? It has been a long time since we trained together. " Satele Shan smiled as Zanira put an arm around her waist and nodded happily.
Eight Hours Later
Shae Vizla dropped out of hyperspace in orbit of Corellia. After looking out of the viewport slowly, Shae Vizla activated the scanner and locked onto the flagship of Mandalore the Vindicated. Shae Vizla smiled before putting her helmet on and flying toward the flagship at full speed.
Flagship Bridge
" Sir! We are reading a weapons lock but cannot trace the source! " A soldier at a nearby terminal spoke in surprise and shock.
" What?! Who would dare attack my flagship? Find them! " Mandalore the Vindicated spoke heartily with a deep voice and clenched his fists in frustration.
" Incoming fire sir! We can't locate the attacking ship! " The soldier spoke again as the bridge of the flagship shook violently after the ship took a direct hit from a torpedo.
" Why can't we track them?! This is impossible! " Mandalore the Vindicated yelled in anger before a beeping sound echoed from a nearby console.
" We are receiving a transmission sir! " The technician sitting at the communications terminal turned to face Mandalore the Vindicated as he spoke.
" Put it through! I will speak with this fool myself! " Mandalore the Vindicated seethed with anger and frustration as a holo-image appeared in front of him.
" Mandalore the Vindicated. I am Shae Vizla of Clan Vizla. I hereby challenge you to honourable combat for the title of Mand'alor. Our duel will be to the death. Meet me on the surface at these coordinates or I will annihilate your flagship and everyone on it. You have one hour. " Shae Vizla spoke forcefully before the holo-call ended.
" Vizla. I will destroy her and annihilate her entire clan for this! Prepare a transport to take me to the surface immediately! " Mandalore the Vindicated shook his fist in rage before storming off the bridge of his flagship and heading to the hangar to board a transport. As he boarded the transport, His holo-communicator beeped as a set of coordinates were sent through from the bridge. Mandalore the Vindicated flew out of the hangar and directly toward the coordinates.
After a few minutes, Mandalore the Vindicated landed at the coordinates and left the transport. Before him stood Shae Vizla in her black, red and gold armour, Holding her Assault Axe.
" This may well be the most foolish thing you have ever done Vizla. I will have your head and your clan will burn for this. " Mandalore the Vindicated laughed loudly before Shae Vizla giggled.
" We will see. Don't make me wait all day. The time has come for Clan Vizla to rule. " Shae Vizla raised her axe before charging forward and swinging it with all her strength. Mandalore the Vindicated drew a large curved Techblade before blocking.
" You will have to do better than tha... " Mandalore the Vindicated stepped back suddenly after Shae Vizla spun and hit him in the stomach with the haft of her axe.
" Don't underestimate me. I have fought and killed beasts much larger and much scarier than you. " Shae Vizla lunged and swung her axe downwards as Mandalore the Vindicated moved to block. As the Axe collided with the Techblade, A loud grinding sound of metal clashing against metal filled the air.
After a moment, Mandalore the Vindicated seized Shae Vizla by the neck and threw her aside effortlessly. As Shae Vizla hit the ground with a loud thud, her Axe flew out of her hand and landed behind her. Shae Vizla groaned softly before turning and crawling slowly toward her axe.
" Pitiful. And you call yourself a Mandalorian. What shame you bring to our people and your clan. You disgust me Vizla. " Mandalore the Vindicated raised his Techblade and swung downwards towards Shae Vizla's face. Before the strike landed, Shae Vizla activated her jetpack and flew directly at her axe. After taking hold of the haft and tearing it out of the ground, Shae Vizla spun and flew back toward Mandalore the Vindicated as she swung the axe. As Shae Vizla deactivated her jetpack and landed softly on her feet, Mandalore the Vindicated fell to his knees as his head fell backwards and rolled along the ground before stopping next to Shae Vizla's feet. Shae Vizla took off her helmet and sighed softly before groaning in pain and looking down to see a large gash on her side from the Techblade. As she fell to the ground and passed out, Shae Vizla saw the blurred figures of Mandalorian warriors flying toward her.
Several Hours Later
Shae Vizla awoke slowly and groaned in pain as she sat up. After a moment, A young girl entered the room and bowed politely. " I am glad to see you are awake Mand'alor. "
Shae Vizla sighed softly as she motioned to stand but the young girl rushed forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. " You mustn't! You need rest. "
" What is your name young one? " Shae Vizla spoke calmly before the young girl replied.
" I am Vyrena of Clan Ordo. I have been asked to tend to your wounds and make sure you are cared for. It is my honour to serve you Mand'alor. " Vyrena bowed deeply before smiling happily.
" It is my honour to be tended by you Vyrena. Tell me.. How long have I slept? " Shae Vizla laid back slowly and relaxed as Vyrena spoke.
" You have been asleep for seven hours. After you killed Mandalore the Vindicated, The heads of the clans met to discuss what to do. All but one of the clans has pledged allegiance to you. " Vyrena smiled as Shae Vizla looked up at her calmly.
" Which clan? " Shae Vizla had a look of surprise on her face before Vyrena answered.
" Clan Varad. They have declared you a traitor and say you have no care for the traditions or our people. They have declared their clan to be independent. " Vyrena spoke with disappointment in her voice before Shae Vizla sighed.
" That is unfortunate but I was not expecting every clan to accept this. I was expecting at least half to question it. I am glad they were agreeable. " Shae Vizla smiled happily as Vyrena giggled.
" They are calling you Mandalore the Avenger. Already tales of how you killed the Imperial puppet, Mandalore the Vindicated in honourable combat are spreading throughout the clans. It truly is an honour to serve you my lady. If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to ask. " Vyrena bowed deeply before leaving the room as a Medical Droid entered the room to check Shae Vizla's wounds. After her wounds were cleaned and redressed, Shae Vizla closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Two Days Later
Once Shae Vizla was healed enough to walk, She got dressed into her armour and left the medbay on the Flagship and walked toward the bridge. As she entered the bridge, Everyone that was at a terminal or on the bridge stopped and bowed to her in respect. After a moment, Shae Vizla noticed Vyrena standing next to a terminal that had a holo-image of an Imperial officer.
As Shae Vizla approached the terminal, The Imperial officer spoke. " Ah. The new Mandalore. It is a pleasure to meet you. On behalf of the Empire I extend our hand in friendship and allegiance. You will ofcourse honour the deal we made with your predecessor yes? "
" No. I will not honour it. As you said it was a deal made with my predecessor who is, In case you didn't notice, Short one head. I have no interest in being an Imperial puppet nor would I allow my people to be. I am officially severing all ties to the Empire and declaring that the Mandalorian people will never again ally ourselves with you. The dishonour that your Empire and the Sith show on a minutely basis is shameful and insulting to our entire way of life and will no longer be tolerated. From this day forth, The Mandalorian peoples allegiance lies with the clans and people more honourable than you and your pitiful excuse for a tyrannical dictatorship. Do not contact my people again. " Shae Vizla spoke with force and ferocity in her voice before ending the holocall as the people on the bridge cheered in support.
" So who are we giving our allegiance to now? " Vyrena spoke calmly with curiosity in her voice.
" Someone who is not only honourable, But is also taking the time to earn her place as one of us through training and the ancient rite of the Verd'goten. I would lay down my life for her without a seconds hesitation. She will be one of us. She is currently holding the title of Mando Cabur and commands the ancient warship known as Naastar Be Tyatr. I would ask this of every clan in the galaxy. Stand with me and unite with Mando Cabur to bring glory and honour to our people once more. No longer are we puppets. We stand as equals to Mando Cabur and will show her that our way of life, That our peoples traditions are not to be forsaken or made mockery of. We will show the entire galaxy that the Mandalorian people are the only people strong enough to support Mando Cabur in her mission to bring balance to the galaxy. " Shae Vizla spoke confidentally before smiling as everyone on the bridge cheered before sending Shae Vizla's message to the rest of the clans.
" Where will we find her? " Vyrena spoke calmly as Shae Vizla sat on the large throne in the middle of the bridge.
" Odessen. It is located in Wild Space. Mando Cabur is emitting a distress signal so we can locate her. Scan Wild Space for distress beacons and send word to the clans to do the same and meet us there. We have work to do. " Shae Vizla smiled as Vyrena bowed to her politely before conveying her orders to the crew.
Meanwhile
" It is so lovely here. The planet is so beautiful and peaceful. " Atali spoke calmly as she sat at the edge of a small lake with Yumikaya.
" It is perfect just being here with you Atali. I am so glad you came with me for this. " Yumikaya smiled before kissing Atali lovingly and laying back on the soft grass before looking up at the sky and watching the clouds float overhead. After a few hours, Yumikaya gasped suddenly as the Equilibrium dropped out of hyperspace over the planet. Atali looked up and smiled happily as Yumikaya's holo-communicator beeped softly. After activating her holo-communicator, Yumikaya saw the holo-image of her mother, Zanira.
" Su cuy'gar ner ad. How are you? " Zanira smiled happily before Yumikaya responded.
" Su cuy'gar bare buir. I am doing very well thank you. I was just enjoying laying here with Atali and watching the clouds. This planet is so beautiful. I can't wait to show you all this place. Is Taya doing alright? " Yumikaya smiled brightly as Zanira stepped aside and the holo-image of Yumitaya appeared.
" Heya big sister! I'm so happy to see you! Hiya Atali! " Yumitaya giggled happily as Yumikaya and Atali both said hello and smiled happily. " I'll see you both really soon! "
Yumikaya smiled brightly as the holocall ended. After a moment, Yumikaya sighed contently. " I am glad they are here. I have really missed them all. "
" I have missed them too. I have only known you all a little while but you all already feel like my family. " Atali smiled and gasped suddenly as Yumikaya pulled her down and laid her head on Atali's chest gently
" We are your family Atali. And we all love you. But no one loves you more than I do. " Yumikaya tilted her head up and kissed Atali lovingly before looking up at the sky again.
Two Hours Later
Yumikaya watched as a transport identical to the one she took to the Wellspring of Life, Landed next to hers. After a moment, The loading ramp opened and Yumitaya, Satele Shan, Aratarus, Mako, Zanira and IK-TO walked down the ramp.
Yumitaya ran to Yumikaya happily and tackled her playfully before hugging her tightly. " I missed you so much big sister! "
" I missed you too Taya. I am so glad you are here! " Yumikaya giggled happily before hugging Yumitaya tightly and standing up slowly. As she smiled and looked around, Yumikaya noticed that Shae Vizla was not there. " Wait... Where is Shae? "
" She went to Corellia to challenge Mandalore the Vindicated. " Satele Shan spoke calmly as a look of shock etched onto Yumikaya's face.
" From the chatter I am picking up on Imperial channels, It seems that she was successful. The Imperials are in uproar because the Mandalorian people have severed ties with the Empire. " Mako spoke happily before hugging Yumikaya lovingly. " Good to see you kiddo. "
" Indeed. It is good to see you little cousin. " Aratarus laughed happily as he picked up Yumikaya and hugged her tenderly. Yumikaya giggled happily as Aratarus threw her into the air and caught her playfully.
" Stop Ara.. You'll make me feel sick. " Yumikaya laughed happily as Aratarus put her down with a smile.
Yumikaya ran to Zanira after being put down and hugged her tightly. " I am glad you are here mother. I missed you so much. "
" I missed you too sweetheart. I am glad you are alright. I was worried when we didn't hear from you for so long after you left. " Zanira held Yumikaya lovingly as Atali gasped.
Yumikaya turned to face Atali as she pointed toward the sky. As she looked up, Yumikaya gasped loudly. Mandalorian ships were dropping out of hyperspace over the planet. It seemed as if the ships were endless, But after a few minutes, Ships stopped appearing. There were roughly forty Mandalorian ships in orbit over Odessen. As Yumikaya looked up at the ships in wonder, her holo-communicator beeped softly. After activating it, The holo-image of Shae Vizla appeared. " Tateyus Mando Cabur. "
" Tateyus Pu'ur E'lyrea. " Yumikaya smiled happily before dispensing with formality and speaking to Shae Vizla as a friend. " It is so good to see you Shae. I missed you! "
Shae Vizla giggled happily before speaking. " I missed you to Evaar'la Tal. How have you been? "
" Very good thank you. Magnificent fleet of ships you have there. " Yumikaya sighed in admiration as Shae Vizla spoke.
" Yes indeed. My people have finally united. All but one clan has come to give allegiance to you Mando Cabur. As Mand'alor, I speak for all my people when I say that we are honoured to be here and look forward to seeing you become a warrior that earns her place as one of us. " Shae Vizla spoke calmly as Yumikaya smiled.
" I promise to do my absolute best to earn the respect of the Mandalorian people and will endeavour to not only earn my place among you but also bring glory and honour to all of us. I look forward to meeting you all on the surface. " Yumikaya smiled brightly and bowed respectfully before the holocall ended as Vyrena spoke to Shae Vizla calmly." You were right.. She is something special. "
" Indeed she is Vyrena. Send word to the fleet. We land at once. " Shae Vizla smiled as Vyrena bowed and relayed her orders to the rest of the fleet.
After several hours, Transports full of Mandalorian people were landing on the surface of Odessen. After a camp was set up, Satele Shan spoke to Yumikaya.
" Kaya can I ask you for a favour? " Satele Shan sat beside Yumikaya as she responded.
" Ofcourse you can Satele. What would you like to ask? " Yumikaya smiled happily as Satele Shan spoke.
" Will you tell me about the Wellspring of Life? And what you learned there? " Satele Shan spoke softly but gasped as Atali sat next to Yumikaya. Satele Shan immediately noticed that Atali now bore identical tattoos to Yumikaya. " Wait... Why does Atali have... "
" Atali and I attuned to each other while we were in the Wellspring. Atali now shares my emotions, feelings, thoughts, power and injuries. We are linked to each other through the Force. " Yumikaya smiled as Atali leant her head against Yumikaya's shoulder.
" Remarkable... I have never heard of a Force Bond this strong before.. Tell me more? Please? " Satele Shan smiled as Yumikaya nodded and began telling her of the wonders that the Wellspring of Life held.
" The surface of the planet looked like a barren wasteland. But inside the planet was endless space filled with floating islands that were covered in lush plant life and there were creatures everywhere. Strange creatures that I have never seen before but they were all so peaceful. And the Force Priestesses taught Atali and I so much about the Force. We learned how to properly harness the power within our tattoos and how to activate it at will instead of instinctively. Atali also attuned the crystals she found on Arkania to herself. It was a wonderful and truly enlightening experience. We learned so much. " Yumikaya with excitement and wonder in her voice as Satele Shan listened intently.
" What a truly marvellous opportunity. Will you tell me about what you learned? " Satele Shan spoke calmly but was clearly excited to hear about the Wellspring.
" We learned techniques and sabre forms that were lost to history. We learned how to preserve ourselves within the Force when we die like the Priestesses have. We learned how to absorb energy and release it in focused blasts or waves. We learned how to harness dark side techniques without being corrupted by them and we learned healing trances and meditations that can cure even mortal wounds. The Priestesses also taught us about the history of Force. How the Jedi and Sith began, How lightsabre's came to be the symbol of a Force Sensitive. They taught us about the Will of the Force and how to hear it. They even taught us how to manipulate the energy around us to use it as a source of sustenance. " Yumikaya spoke enchantingly as Satele Shan sighed in awe.
" Will... Will you teach me the things you learned? " Satele Shan smiled nervously and bit her lip as Yumikaya smiled and replied.
" Ofcourse I will! You are part of my journey just like everyone else here. I will teach the Will of the Force and it's secrets to anyone who wants to walk a different path to the Jedi and Sith. " Yumikaya smiled brightly as Satele Shan stood and bowed politely. After a few moments, Shae Vizla walked over and picked Yumikaya up playfully before hugging her tightly.
" So good to see you Kaya! You better have been practising while I was gone. " Shae Vizla smiled teasingly as Vyrena bowed respectfully.
" It is an honour to meet you Mando Cabur. My name is Vyrena. I hope we can get to know each other. " Vyrena smiled nervously before Yumikaya bowed respectfully.
" The honour is mine Vyrena. My name is Yumikaya. I hope we get to know each other and become friends. " Yumikaya smiled brightly as a glint of admiration flashed in Vyrena's eyes.
A new place to call home and new friends.
A new Mand'alor has arisen and allegiances changed.
What other twists and adventures await?
Read on to find out!
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