Burning Shadows
Chapter 19
As Shae Vizla chuckled softly while Vyrena was dragged away for training, She thought to herself how people seemed to gravitate toward Yumikaya. After the thought left her, Shae Vizla walked off to find Zanira. After walking through the camp, Shae Vizla found Zanira meditating.
" Getting your zen on Z? " Shae Vizla grinned playfully but gasped loudly as she was tripped and landed with a thud. " Never gets old does it? "
Zanira opened her eyes and turned slowly, A sly smile playing at the corner of her lips. " Never. What are you up to Shae? "
" Actually I was looking for you. Firstly, Is Satele okay? " Shae Vizla paused as Zanira nodded. " Good. Secondly, I wanted to ask if you feel like a bit of a field trip. Weather is good for a romp through the jungle. " Shae Vizla grinned playfully as Zanira giggled.
" Just can't fulfil that wanderlust huh? Sure, Let's go for a romp. " Zanira grinned playfully before standing and walking alongside Shae Vizla as she walked out of the camp and toward the edge of the jungle. As they got to the edge of the jungle, Zanira felt a rush of energy and sighed softly.
" There is so much life and energy here. This ought to be quite interesting. " Zanira smiled playfully before dashing into the jungle with Shae Vizla close behind. As they darted through the jungle, Weaving through trees and bushes, Shae Vizla spoke softly.
" Nothing like a good old fashioned romp through the wild. You remember the first time we did this? " Shae Vizla smiled as Zanira scoffed loudly.
" HA! Remember the first time you dropped us into a Gundark nest you mean? Oh I remember it very well. " Zanira smirked as Shae Vizla giggled softly as she spoke.
" You know you loved it. Admit it. It was fun. " Shae Vizla smiled as Zanira shot her a sideways glare.
" Alright fine. It was fun. Despite needing to replace my robes. That were brand new by the way. " Zanira shook her head as Shae Vizla stopped running and slowed to a halt.
" Yeah, Those Gundark's did a number on us. But still... " Shae Vizla sighed softly at the memories in her head as Zanira spoke.
" But still it was embarrassing beyond belief walking back to camp with barely a shred of material covering me. " Zanira smirked as a light blush caressed her cheeks.
" YOU were embarrassed? Ha! You should have seen Satele's face when she saw you! I thought she was gonna explode! I swear I saw her nose bleed a little she was so overjoyed. You would think she wanted to see you stark naked. " Shae Vizla poked Zanira's cheek playfully as Zanira pouted.
" Quit it! I'm not a toy! " Zanira glared at Shae Vizla irritably as Shae Vizla smirked.
" That's what you always said. Look how that went. " Shae Vizla grinned as Zanira blushed brightly.
" Shut up! " Zanira pouted and turned away as Shae Vizla laughed happily. As they motioned to move, They heard a loud growl from nearby and turned to see a pack of Shade Stalkers barrelling toward them.
" Looks like dinner comes to us today. Shall we? " Shae Vizla smiled as she drew her blasters.
" You planned this. I know you did. " Zanira ignited her lightsabre before charging forward as Shae Vizla opened fire.
An Hour Later
" I am telling you! I heard blaster fire from the jungle! " Yumitaya had an irritated look on her face as Yumikaya tousled her hair.
" I don't doubt that little sister but we can't go barrelling into the jungle right this second. I am reasonably sure that considering they aren't here, Mother and Shae are the ones causing that ruckus. We should wait. We don't want to interrupt their little getaway do we? " Yumikaya smiled sweetly as she ran her fingers through her sisters hair.
" I guess... But what if... " Yumitaya spoke cautiously but fell silent as Yumikaya hugged her lovingly.
" It's okay Taya. They are fine. See? " Yumikaya pointed to the edge of the jungle as Shae Vizla and Zanira stepped through the trees dragging what appeared to be six creatures behind them.
" I didn't realise how much I needed a good scrap. " Shae Vizla sighed as she dropped her ropes and stretched out before wiping the small drizzle of blood away from the small claw mark on her cheek.
" I have to admit, It was a good little romp. " Zanira smirked before using the Force to trip Shae Vizla as she laughed happily.
As Shae Vizla hit the ground, She laughed happily before noticing Yumitaya running over with Yumikaya and Atali close behind. " Relax kiddies. We are fine. Just stepped out to get a bit of food. " Shae Vizla grinned as Yumikaya giggled.
" Ofcourse you did. A feast then? Mando style? " Yumikaya grinned as Shae Vizla smirked.
" Atta girl. Let's get these beasties roasting. " Shae Vizla stood and picked up the ropes as Yumikaya walked forward to help her drag the creatures back to the main area of the camp.
" Are you okay mom? " Yumitaya spoke softly as Zanira dusted herself off and wiped a smear of mud off of her face with a giggle.
" I couldn't be better sweetheart. " Zanira smiled brightly as Yumitaya giggled happily.
After a few minutes, a huge fire was set up and the Shade Stalkers were roasting over open flame as members of the Mandalorian clans brought out musical instruments and large barrels.
As music and laughter filled the air, Yumikaya sat down and leant against Atali. " This is perfect. Everyone I love and care for all in one place having the time of their lives. We should have feasts like this as often as possible. "
" I agree. If this is how Mandalorians like to party, I am all for more of it. " Atali giggled happily before kissing Yumikaya's cheek gently as she smiled.
" Atali... I may have to go away for a while soon. I am almost ready for the Verd'goten and..." Yumikaya fell silent as Atali placed a finger on her lips.
" I know Kaya. And I know how important that is to you. I won't stop you. But I will be waiting for you to come home. " Atali smiled before kissing Yumikaya deeply as a soft sigh escaped her lips. As she broke the kiss, Yumikaya spoke softly.
" I love you Atali. " Yumikaya caressed Atali's cheek gently before Atali hummed softly.
" Mmm. I love you to Kaya. And I love hearing you say you love me. " Atali blushed lightly and nuzzled against Yumikaya's cheek as she spoke.
" Good. Because I am going to tell you every day. " Yumikaya smiled as Atali giggled happily and they laid back on the soft grass and watched the stars together.
The Next Day
" Kaya... Kaya... " A soft voice filled Yumikaya's ears as she slept. " Wake up kid! "
Yumikaya sat up and yawned softly as her eyes adjusted. After a moment, Yumikaya realised who was talking to her. " Sera! " Yumikaya tackled Seranya playfully and nuzzled against her chest as Seranya giggled happily.
" About time you woke up. How is my favourite troublemaker doing? " Seranya hugged Yumikaya tenderly as Yumikaya smiled happily.
" Good. Oh! I have someone for you to meet! " Yumikaya stood up as Atali yawned softly and sat up. " This is Atali... She is... She is my... " Yumikaya whimpered softly as she blushed brightly. " My lover... "
" You don't say... Look at you all grown up. She is a pretty one too. " Seranya placed a finger under Atali's chin playfully as Yumikaya pouted.
" Sera! Atali is mine! " Yumikaya glared as Seranya kissed Atali's forehead gently.
" I know. Now you take good care of Kaya won't you? " Seranya smiled as Atali nodded as she blushed softly. " Good. Now then kiddo, I got a few people to introduce you to. Let's take a walk. "
" Just a sec. " Yumikaya knelt down and cupped Atali's face in her hands before kissing her deeply. " Good morning Atali. "
" Good morning Kaya. " Atali smiled happily as Yumikaya stood up and ran off as Atali giggled happily.
" She seems quite lovely Kaya. I am glad you are happy. " Seranya smiled as Yumikaya blushed lightly.
" I have never been so happy Sera. " Yumikaya smiled brightly as Seranya tousled her hair playfully as they walked toward a group of people. As they approached, One of the people nudged the others and looked toward Yumikaya, Making the others turn to face her.
" You know Sera, When you said you found work for us I wasn't expecting a kid to be the head honcho. " A woman with green skin and what appeared to be triangle shaped tattoos spoke calmly.
" Don't let Kaya's age fool you. She is the toughest there is. You saw her ship in orbit. If that don't make you wanna see how this goes Hylo, I don't know what will. " Seranya spoke firmly as she placed her hands on her hips but smiled as Hylo giggled.
" Pft. Cool your jets queenie. I'm in. Nice to meet you kid. Hylo Visz. Smuggler extraordinaire, Outlaw hero and breaker of blockades. At your service. If you need it smuggled, Shipped or acquired, I'm your girl. " Hylo Visz smiled brightly as Seranya giggled.
" Best smuggler there is. You won't go wrong with Hylo. Next up, This is Bey'wan Aygo. Ex Fleet Admiral of the Republic Navy. Highly strategic, Disciplined and experienced. " Seranya smiled as Bey'wan Aygo stepped forward and bowed politely.
" Pleasure to meet you. Seranya says many good things about you. I look forward to working with you. " Bey'wan Aygo smiled before stepping back as another woman with blue skin and bright orange eyes stepped forward as Seranya spoke.
" This is... " Seranya paused as Yumikaya spoke.
" Sana-Rae. Mystic of the Voss people and expert on all things Force related. We have met. " Yumikaya smiled as she stepped forward and hugged Sana-Rae gently.
" It is good to see you my little flower. You have grown so much. " Sana-Rae smiled as she ran her fingers through Kaya's hair slowly.
" I had some help with that. " Yumikaya giggled softly as Sana-Rae smiled before stepping back.
" Sana-Rae and I met while I was a slave. One of the places I was taken for sale before Nar Shaddaa was Voss. The Voss were not all too impressed that slavers had come to visit but they let them stay in the neutral zones as long as they weren't a threat to the Voss people. Sana-Rae used to visit and talk to me while I was there. She tried to buy me from the slavers but they wouldn't accept Voss trinkets in lieu of credits. " Yumikaya smiled as Sana-Rae giggled.
" If only they had known the value of the trinkets I was trading them. Rare crystals and artefacts of the Force are so very valuable. " Sana-Rae smiled brightly as the fourth person stepped forward.
" This is Tora. Best engineer anywhere. If it flies, Shoots or explodes, Tora can build it and build it better than anyone else. " Seranya spoke with a tender tone of a voice and kissed Tora's cheek gently before stepping back. " She will be missed in my Consortium. "
" Just means you'll have to come visit. Or just stay. Either one is good. Hey kid. Pleasure to meet you. " Tora smiled as Yumikaya bowed politely.
" Pleasure to meet you as well Tora. " Yumikaya smiled as Seranya's holocommunicator beeped softly.
" Took your damn time didn't you? Get down here. " Seranya scoffed softly as a transport landed nearby and a woman with black hair and blue eyes walked over to the group as Seranya spoke. " You are late. "
" Ridiculous. I am never late. I arrive precisely when I decide to. " The woman crossed her arms and had a look of disdain on her face as Seranya spoke.
" Kaya this is Malora. She was an Apprentice at the Sith Academy on Korriban but left after her old master tortured her. She has been helping my scientists with some of their research. She is the best scientist I know. " Seranya smiled as Malora stepped toward Kaya.
" I certainly hope this arrangement is worth it. I expect the best equipment. " Malora had a disinterested look on her face.
" As long as you put everything into assisting me then I will make sure you have the best equipment possible. I only ask that you consider ruling out genocidal weapons of mass destruction. I am not trying to annihilate the galaxy, I am intending to bring a new age of prosperity and balance. " Yumikaya spoke softly before Malora chuckled softly.
" Oh my dear. I specialise in Scientific Advancement. I have no interest in weapons. I leave that to your precious engineers. I am more interested in the genetic technology you use to make those wonderful soldiers over there. Let me take a peek sometime? " Malora grinned as Yumikaya giggled.
" As long as you don't break or deconstruct it. That technology is one of a kind. " Yumikaya smiled as Malora laughed.
" For now my dear. For now. In the meantime I would like to continue the research I was developing on Korriban. I was developing genetic enhancement techniques that grant a normal human beast like strength and heightened senses. I promise not to make any pathogenic biohazard's or plagues. In exchange I expect scientific freedom in regards to the research I perform. " Malora had a look on her face that said she was not negotiating.
" As long as your research falls within the boundaries of my goals then I agree to your terms. If at any point your research is not in the interests of my goals I will let you know and we can discuss what to do in a civilised manner. " Yumikaya smiled sweetly before Malora giggled.
" At last. Someone in charge with a decent level of intelligence. I look forward to working with you my dear. " Malora stepped back with a smile as Seranya spoke.
" Every specialist you need to get your base up and running. Which reminds me... I know you will need help at some point and to save you the trouble of running around the galaxy, Hylo has all of my contact details. If there is anything you need just ask sweety. I may not be a part of your operation but I will always consider us allies. " Seranya smiled as Yumikaya hugged her tightly.
" Thank you Sera. I appreciate everything you have done for me. " Yumikaya spoke softly and smiled as Seranya tousled her hair gently.
" I know you do kiddo. Now I gotta go, Consortium isn't gonna run itself. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask. " Seranya gave Yumikaya one last hug before walking back to her transport.
As Seranya left, Hylo Visz spoke calmly. " Well it needs some work kid but we have a good start. Building the base into the mountain is a great idea. I'll start contacting my suppliers. See if I can't get some shipments of supplies like medicine and whatnot. "
" I'll get in touch with some old military friends. Maybe they can come and help teach these soldiers how to shoot straight. You lined anyone up to teach hand to hand combat? " Bey'wan Aygo spoke calmly before Yumikaya nodded.
" My partner Atali has arranged for her previous guardians to help with that. They are Echani. " Yumikaya smiled as Bey'wan Aygo nodded approvingly.
" Solid choice. I will go and oversee the construction of the hangar and military facilities until they arrive. " Bey'wan Aygo saluted in a formal manner before walking away as Malora spoke.
" My dear I need to discuss research facilities with you. How big will my laboratory be? " Malora looked at Yumikaya expectantly before Yumikaya giggled.
" An excellent question. If you seek out my aid, IK-TO I am sure he would be more than happy to meet all of your spacial and equipment needs. You can't miss IK-TO. Pearl white droid that almost looks human. Shout his name if you can't find him, He will find you. " Yumikaya smiled as Malora grinned happily.
" I just adore it when you give me what I want dear. I see us having a very productive partnership. " Malora bowed politely before motioning to walk away as Sana-Rae stopped her.
" I will come with you. I have some design input for our Force facilities. " Sana-Rae winked at Yumikaya, Who giggled softly as they both walked away. After they had left, Tora spoke gruffly.
" I see they have started the engineering workshop. Gonna be big enough to house all my toys? " Tora put her arms on her hips before Yumikaya responded.
" I have no idea. Perhaps it is best to personally make sure it meets your needs? " Yumikaya smiled coyly as Tora grinned.
" I like you kid. See ya around. " Tora walked toward the construction site with a hearty smile on her face as Yumikaya smiled and walked away to find Atali.
Yumikaya walked through camp and greeted the smiling, Happy faces that surrounded her. After a few minutes, Yumikaya found Atali sitting under a tree, Meditating and felt a wave of calm emotions wash over her.
" You are so calm and peaceful Atali. It is a wonderful feeling. " Yumikaya sighed happily as she sat down beside Atali.
" It is quite wonderful. This place... It is just overflowing with energy. It really is quite soothing. "Atali smiled warmly before kissing Yumikaya's cheek lovingly. " But this peaceful time won't last forever... " Atali sighed softly.
" I can feel how worried you are Atali. But as long as you and I are together, We will deal with whatever comes." Yumikaya smiled as Atali leant against her gently. " We are one Atali. Whatever happens, We will always be one and we will always be together. "
" I love you so much Kaya. I just don't want to lose you. " Atali smiled as Yumikaya caressed her cheek gently.
" You won't. " Yumikaya smiled sweetly as she held Atali lovingly. As she sat with Atali, Yumikaya noticed Vyrena training with the recruits and struggling. After kissing Atali softly, Yumikaya walked over and watched as Vyrena struggled to hold her own. As Vyrena took a kick to the stomach and fell to her knees, Yumikaya raised her hand and the recruits backed away slightly.
" Vyrena... " Yumikaya started to speak but Vyrena raised a hand.
" I don't need help. " Vyrena spoke sternly but watched in silence as Yumikaya stepped forward and motioned for the recruits to attack. One by one, The recruits charged, And were defeated. As Vyrena stood and dusted herself off, Yumikaya spoke to the recruits.
" Your technique is great but you rely too much on brute strength. Speed is important. And use your opponents strength and momentum against them. Brute strength is not always the way, Just one of many tools a fighter has in hand to hand combat. " Yumikaya smiled as the recruits took off their helmets and looked at each other thoughtfully as Yumikaya spoke again. " For example, A simple take down manuever can create an opening. Observe. " Yumikaya motioned for the nearest recruit to charge her. As he ran forward and through a punch, Yumikaya ducked under his arm, Seized it and flipped him over her shoulder. As he landed, Yumikaya pinned his arms with her knees and looked at the other recruits. " Without the ability to use his arms to block, My opponents head is completely vulnerable. "
The recruits all smiled and looked at each other before pairing up and practising defensive moves and take down manuevers. After helping up the recruit she had pinned, Yumikaya turned to Vyrena. " Everyone needs help Vyrena. Do you think the knights will follow you if you can't accept help? "
Vyrena motioned to speak but remained silent as she realised how true Yumikaya's words were. After a moment, Vyrena sighed and spoke softly. " I just... I want to be strong. I want to be a good leader for them and set a good example. I want to be able to have their backs. "
" Spar with me. " Yumikaya spoke softly and entered an Echani combat stance as Vyrena entered a Mandalorian stance and charged. As she punched, Yumikaya stepped sideways, Deflected her block and landed a strong punch to the side of Vyrena's stomach. As Vyrena recovered, Yumikaya spoke softly. " Being strong isn't all about having the most strength. It's about knowing how to use the strength you have. Offence is not always the way. Sometimes you need to defend, Sometimes flee, And sometimes talking is the best way. Knowing how to read your opponent and decide accordingly is the key. Take me for example. What do you see? "
" You are small and fast, You have a high strength despite low muscle density and your movements are fluid like water. " Vyrena gasped as she realised what she had said. " So instead of attacking I should force you to come at me and wear you out until you have no fight left in you. "
" Now you are getting it. Again. " Yumikaya darted forward and threw a punch but this time, Vyrena stepped up onto Yumikaya's knee, Seized her arm and used Yumikaya's momentum to flip her and pin her into a break position.
" Or I can use your speed as the momentum to put you where I want you. " Vyrena smiled as the nearby recruits clapped approvingly. As she stood, Vyrena helped Yumikaya up and hugged her gently. " Thank you. "
" You are welcome. We can train together more often if you like. I can also ask the Echani trainers to teach you as well. Plus training with your Knights will keep them sharp and let you all hone your skills. " Yumikaya smiled as Vyrena looked at the recruits, Who watched her silently. After a moment, Vyrena turned back to Yumikaya and bowed politely.
" I greatly appreciate all the help you can give me in becoming a good leader and a better fighter. " Vyrena spoke respectfully but giggled softly as Yumikaya nudged her side playfully.
" Asking for help isn't so bad huh? " Yumikaya smiled before walking away as Vyrena turned to the recruits, Who all bowed in respect. As Vyrena bowed back, She thought to herself how Yumikaya knew so much while being so young.
A Few Hours Later
Atali was practising with her lightsabre's as Satele Shan stood nearby giving pointers. " Good but remember not to overextend. One wrong move and your lightsabre's will become as much your bane as your enemies. "
" And remember not to drop your guard when you attack. Stay alert and always be mindful of your opponents movements. " Zanira spoke calmly as she walked over and stood next to Satele before putting an arm around her. " Also, Remember that your lightsabre's can turn off. Deactivating your weapon after a block or during a strike movement and then reactivating can unbalance your opponent and make any defence they have totally useless. "
As Zanira smiled, Atali deactivated her lightsabre's and turned to face Zanira. " I... I have been meaning to ask... "
" You want to know why I was so cautious and mistrusting of you when you first joined us. " Zanira sighed softly as Atali nodded. " And why I still don't fully trust you. "
" I have noticed you glance at me cautiously when I am around Kaya. " Atali spoke nervously as Zanira sighed again before Satele Shan nudged her.
" Very well... I have trust issues. A lot of trust issues. My trust isn't given. It is earned. You have yet to earn my trust. While you have earned Kaya's, I am still unsure about you. " Zanira spoke calmly but had a stern tone of voice as she continued. " I have trusted many people in my life and all but a few have betrayed me at the first opportunity. Why should I trust you? "
" Because Atali is more than just someone who showed up. Atali and I are one mother. One within the Force. Not trusting Atali means not trusting me either. " Yumikaya's voice made Zanira turn and look at Yumikaya. As she did, Zanira noticed something she had failed to previously.
" Wait... " Zanira looked back at Atali and noticed Kaya's tattoos adorning her skin with a look of surprise. " How have I not noticed that before now?! "
" You don't spend a lot of time around Atali. And when you look at her you are always distracted. Like you are trying to figure her out. " Yumikaya spoke calmly before Atali walked over and stood at her side.
" Kaya and I are one. Everything she feels, Thinks, Every injury she attains, Everything... Everything about her is shared with me and everything about me is shared with her. I can't hide anything from her nor would I want to. " Atali smiled as Yumikaya kissed her cheek gently.
" I understand that you are slow to trust mom. But you have to understand... " Yumikaya fell silent as Zanira stepped away from them and her eyes glowed a deep purple before six Force Ghosts appeared at her sides.
" I do. More than you know. " Zanira sighed as the six ghosts looked toward her with concern.
" Are you sure she is ready? " One of the ghosts, A Togruta woman, Spoke with a tone of voice that was filled with concern and worry.
" She has a right to know... And I have kept it from her long enough. Kaya I do understand. I truly do. Your father and I were once bonded as you and Atali are. I... I have not seen him in nearly seven years. I no longer feel our bond nor can I sense him through the Force. The last time I saw him, He said he was going to see an old friend who claimed to have information about where you were. He never returned. " Zanira sighed softly as Yumikaya looked toward her with shock on her face as Zanira took a breathe and continued. " A few months ago I received a message from a girl that helped me survive Korriban. She was one of the acolytes in my group and we kept each other alive. Nowadays she is a Dark Council member. She knows where your father has been and why my bond with him is gone. When he went to see his friend, Your father was lead into a trap and captured by the Empire. They took him to a facility in the Outer Rim that the Empire uses to contain Jedi. The... Facility is not a prison as I understand it... They... They cut Jedi off from the Force. With no connection to the Force, The people they take there spend the rest of their lives working in spice mines or gladiatorial arenas for crime lords. Your father is still in that facility. The Sith Lord that runs the facility has a deep hatred for him and personally oversees his torture. Even without his connection to the Force, That Sith Lord is relentless. She will torture your father until his dying breath. "
As Zanira finished speaking, Atali spoke softly. " Kaya... Take a breathe and try to calm down. I know this is a lot to take in but please stay calm... "
" I am way beyond calm Atali... This is too much. " Yumikaya turned and ran toward the jungle as Zanira sighed softly.
" I knew she would take it hard... But when she finds out who the Sith Lord is... " Zanira turned away slowly as the Force Ghosts around her faded away.
" What about her? Why would Kaya be upset about who the Sith is? " Atali had a look of confusion on her face as Zanira sighed and turned to face her.
" Because that Sith Lord... Is... Is my... " Zanira bit her lip as tears built up in her eyes. " Is my twin sister. Yumikaya's aunt. "
Atali's jaw dropped slowly as Zanira walked away slowly. After a moment, Atali turned and ran after Yumikaya. As she reached out through the bond they shared, Atali could feel Yumikaya's heartache and pain. After a few minutes, Atali found Yumikaya sitting at the edge of a small pond, Surrounded by an assortment of colourful, Glowing plants.
" Kaya... " Atali sat down beside Yumikaya and put an arm around her but sighed softly as Yumikaya failed to react. " Please don't shut me out Kaya... Talk to me... "
Atali kissed Yumikaya's cheek gently before Yumikaya turned to face her and sighed softly. " Atali... I just... "
" I know... Kaya I really do. But I am not here to hear why you ran. I am here because you need me here. I am here because I love you. Not because you ran away or because you found out why your father isn't here. Because I love you. " Atali smiled as she kissed Yumikaya lovingly. After a moment, Yumikaya broke the kiss and sighed heavily.
" Thank you Atali. I do need you... But I also need... I need to see my father at least once. " Yumikaya wiped the tears away as Atali hugged her gently.
" Then we better get to it. No time to waste. " Atali smiled before helping Yumikaya to her feet and walking back to camp.
The truth of her father revealed, What awaits now that Yumikaya knows what happened?
Read on to find out.
Read and Review