Burning Shadows
Chapter 20
" You WHAT?! " Zanira had a look of shock on her face as Yumikaya explained her plan.
" I want to rescue my father. " Yumikaya spoke calmly and sighed as Zanira looked between Yumikaya and Atali with a look of shock on her face.
" Was this your idea?! " Zanira looked toward Atali with a scornful look on her face but backed away slightly as Yumikaya stepped in front of Atali with a fierce look on her face.
" Don't put this on Atali! This is my idea and my choice. " Yumikaya spoke sternly as Zanira sighed softly.
" Going to that prison is a terrible idea. No one goes there willi... " Zanira froze and fell silent as Yumikaya's eyes and marks glowed a faint pink.
" I am not no one. I am going to find my father and you can either help me or get out of the way. " Yumikaya turned and walked away as she called to IK-TO who rushed to her side. " Please prepare my shuttle IK-TO and see if there are any records in the Equilibrium database for a place called Maelstrom Prison. "
" One moment. " IK-TO and Yumikaya stopped walking for a moment as IK-TO connected to the Equilibrium. " Searching... " After a few moments, IK-TO beeped suddenly and chuckled softly. " I have found an entry in the Equilibrium database. It does not mention the prison but does mention an Imperial Facility on the world of Taral V. This facility is apparently an archive of various star charts and Imperial secrets. I recommend we search that facility to locate the prison."
" Chart the course into the Equilibrium and prepare to depart. We will take a shuttle back to the ship and find my father. " Yumikaya sighed softly as Atali wrapped her arms around her waist gently as IK-TO walked to the nearby transport.
" You are feeling too much Kaya. Please take a breath. " Atali spoke soothingly and smiled as Yumikaya relaxed in her arms and sighed softly. " That's better. Remember that you are balance. Letting your emotions overwhelm you upsets your balance. "
" I know... I am trying so hard to keep it together but this is just... " Yumikaya sighed sadly before Atali kissed her cheek gently.
" It's a lot to deal with. But you are not alone. I am with you. Always. " Atali smiled as Yumikaya leant her head back against Atali's shoulder and smiled.
" Thank you Atali. I know I am a little unbalanced right now but finding my father means a lot to me. I appreciate that you are with me though. " Yumikaya kissed Atali lovingly before IK-TO walked back to Yumikaya and spoke calmly.
" The transport is ready to return to the Equilibrium. Once aboard, We can depart for Taral V on your command. " IK-TO walked back to the shuttle as Meetra Surik materialised in front of Yumikaya.
" Your father is not the only important prisoner in Maelstrom Prison Kaya... " Meetra Surik looked sad for a moment before noticing Yumikaya looking at her with a bewildered look. " That place also contains an exceptionally powerful Force Sensitive. I once followed him to war against the Mandalorians. He was... Is... An amazing man. He inspired loyalty, Courage and pushed all of his soldiers to be the best. He was the greatest leader the Republic Military ever had. He pushed the Mandalorians to the brink of annihilation. " Meetra Surik sighed softly as Yumikaya spoke.
" But that was three hundred years ago! How is he still alive? " Yumikaya spoke with amazement in her voice as Zanira spoke.
" While I was a Sith, I heard rumours of ancient technology that could extend a lifespan by centuries. I never got exact details but there were many people whispering that the Sith Emperor himself used it to make himself seemingly immortal. " Zanira spoke calmly but had a tone of concern in her voice as she continued to speak." This is a very dangerous plan Kaya. Are you absolutely sure this is the best idea? Your father would not want to be rescued at the cost of your life. And... " Zanira glanced toward Atali for a moment. " And the Sith Lord that oversees his torture will not let him go willingly. "
" How do you know? " Yumikaya spoke softly but sighed as Zanira turned away.
" I just know. " Zanira crossed her arms for a moment before turning as Yumikaya groaned in disbelief.
" Just knowing isn't good enough mother. How do you know? " Yumikaya spoke with slight force in her voice as Zanira sighed.
" You just have to trust me Kaya. " Zanira had a look of concern on her face but bit her lip as Yumikaya spoke.
" Stop avoiding my question! HOW DO YOU KNOW?! " Yumikaya shouted the end of her sentence but fell silent as Zanira met Yumikaya's ferocity with her own as she spoke.
" BECAUSE SHE IS MY SISTER! " Zanira had an angry look on her face as Yumikaya stepped backward suddenly. Before speaking, Zanira sighed and her expression softened. " The Sith that oversees your fathers torture is my twin sister. Your aunt. That is why this is a bad idea. She will kill your father and both of you before she ever sees him walk free. "
" But why? We are her family! Why would she do this? " Yumikaya spoke sadly as tears filled her eyes as Zanira replied.
" Because... Because I was not there for her... " Zanira sighed softly before continuing. " My sister has always been a Sith. When I left the Sith... I argued with her. I begged her to come with me... I begged her to follow me to Ilum... To help me raise my daughter... But she hated me for wanting to leave. She hated that I did not want to raise my daughter in the Empire. She hated that... That I took you way. Your aunt adored you more than anything else in her life. Taking you away broke her heart... "
" She may be angry with you mother but I will show her the way home. I won't let the Empire continue to use her against her own family. " Yumikaya smiled before turning and walking to the transport with Atali and IK-TO.
A Few Hours Later
" We are currently in orbit above Taral V. Opening communications. " IK-TO fell silent as the holocommunicator flickered to life, Showing an Imperial Officer.
" This is an Imperial controlled zone. Identify yourselves. "
" My name is Yumikaya Graceblade. This ship is The Equilibrium. I have come here seeking the location of an Imperial Prison known as Maelstrom Prison. " Yumikaya spoke calmly and waited as the Imperial officer thought for a moment.
" Am I to assume that you mean to go there in search of a particular prisoner? "
" That is correct. My father, The Jedi Master Tazokhan is being held there. The Sith Lord in charge of the prison is my Aunt. I would like to speak with her about the release of my father. " Yumikaya again waited as the Officer looked away for a moment.
" I am not authorised to give you that information. One moment. "
Yumikaya nodded and waited as the Officer left the holocall. After a few minutes, Several Sith appeared. As Yumikaya motioned to speak, One of the Sith spoke first.
" What is the meaning of this?! You are in direct violation of Imperial Edicts! Remove your ship from the vicinity of Taral V immediately! "
" So now we know you are the idiot in the group, Can I talk to someone with intelligence? " Yumikaya smiled sweetly as Atali giggled.
" How dare... "
" Be silent Zavakon. " A large Sith in a mask and spiked armour stood as the first Sith growled irritably. " I am Darth Marr. To whom am I speaking? "
" My name is Yumikaya Graceblade. I have come to Taral V for the location of Maelstrom prison. "
" Graceblade? You are the niece of Darth Vahla... We were told that you were taken by slavers. How is it that you come to be here now if that is so? " A slender woman sitting beside Darth Marr spoke calmly before Yumikaya responded.
" I was freed and returned to my mother. I then trained with the Force Priestesses and they taught me who I am and the true path of the Force. Balance. To achieve that, I require my aunt and father to be free. If you would be so generous of course. " Yumikaya smiled sweetly before Darth Marr chuckled.
" You sound just like your mother. How is Nox these days? " Darth Marr sat quietly as Yumikaya giggled.
" As fierce as ever. But as gentle as every mother should be. I will give her your regards. " Yumikaya smiled again as Darth Marr nodded and spoke.
" You will have what you came for. " Darth Marr spoke coolly before the woman next to him spoke in shock.
" Marr! How can you so easily assist her in breaking her father out of prison?! You know full well that even if it were possible, Vahla will never let her leave alive. "
" Still yourself Acina. Vahla may be the strongest of us but we all know that deep down, Her nieces and her sister are the most precious possessions she has. She may be enraged by Tazokhan escaping but she will do no harm to her niece. " Darth Marr spoke calmly as he pressed a button on the armrest of his chair. " Watcher, Transmit the location of Maelstrom Prison to me immediately. "
After a moment, The holocommunicator beeped and a star map with pre-charted coordinates were loaded into the navicomputer of Yumikaya's transport.
" Thank you. " Yumikaya spoke softly before Darth Marr raised his hand.
" We owe Nox this much at least. She is the reason that many of us still hold a seat on this council. And some of us... The very reason we still draw breath. I would wish you luck with your aunt, But you will need more than that to handle Vahla. " Darth Marr chuckled as Yumikaya bowed politely before the holocall ended.
" For a Sith, That Marr guy is pretty... Cooperative. " Atali spoke softly and giggled as Yumikaya smiled.
" For a Sith. " Yumikaya sighed softly as Atali wrapped her arms around Yumikaya.
" Breathe Kaya. " Atali kissed Yumikaya's neck gently as she sighed.
" It feels like I can't Atali... " Yumikaya leant against Atali gently as she spoke.
" I know. I can feel it too. But it will all be okay Kaya. We will do this together. Always. " Atali kissed Yumikaya's neck gently as Yumikaya sighed sadly while IK-TO put the coordinates into the navicomputer.
" Kaya, The location provided by Darth Marr is on the other side of the galaxy. It will take us several days to get there. I assume you wish to spend those days with Atali in private. As such I will remain on the bridge should you have need of me. " IK-TO chuckled softly as Yumikaya nodded and walked to her quarters with Atali in tow.
A Week Later
" FOOLS! ALL OF YOU! HOW DID A SHIP THAT SIZE MANAGE TO GET HERE WITHOUT ONE OF YOU IMBECILES DETECTING IT?! " Darth Vahla screamed as the officers and technicians rushed around her in a frenzy before the sound of choking filled the room. " USELESS WORMS! "
As the room fell silent, The door opened and a new team of technicians and officers rushed in as a group of troopers dragged the bodies of the previous team out quietly.
" GET ME A CONNECTION TO THAT SHIP! I WANT TO SPEAK TO IT'S CAPTAIN! NOW! " As Darth Vahla shouted the last word, The room around her trembled violently for a moment as the staff around her followed her orders silently. After a few moments, The holocommunicator lit up and showed IK-TO.
"Please hold for Mando Cabur. She will speak with you directly. "
" I WILL NOT BE KEPT WAITING DROID! " Darth Vahla growled irritably but fell silent as Yumikaya stepped into the holocall. After a moment of shock, Darth Vahla spoke slowly. " It can't be... Your mother took you away... "
" And then I was taken from her by slavers. Kalina found me on Nar Shaddaa and brought me home. " Yumikaya spoke calmly before Darth Vahla spoke again.
" So she finally understands my pain. It took long enough. It... It is good to see you sweetheart. It has been so long... You have grown so... Wait... " Darth Vahla focused for a moment before continuing. " You aren't alone. You have brought your lover with you and... A Force spirit? But... Oh... The Exile... Well we can't have that. A pity I have to kill you my sweet. I have dearly missed you. " Darth Vahla spoke softly with a hint of sadness before Yumikaya spoke.
" Wait! Please just hear me out. I will come to you unarmed... I just want to talk. " Yumikaya spoke softly but sent a message to Atali through their bond as Darth Vahla spoke.
" About what? Going home? Freeing your father? WHAT?! " Darth Vahla spoke forcefully but as Yumikaya reached out to her, Darth Vahla gasped softly. Emotions and memories filled her mind for a few moments before she regained her composure. " What did you do to me... "
" I showed you my pain. The pain that I spent twelve years suffering. You are not the only one that hurts. You are not the only one that has lost something. You are not the only one who has felt alone. " Yumikaya sighed as Atali wrapped her arms around her waist slowly and rested her head on Yumikaya's shoulder gently as Darth Vahla spoke.
" FIRE ON THAT SHIP! " Darth Vahla cut the transmission as the defence cannons opened fire.
" Is she serious? " Atali spoke with an amusing tone of voice as the cannon fire bombarded the Equilibrium shields. " Does she really think those cannons are going to do anything? "
" Considering this ship hasn't been seen before... Probably. " Yumikaya giggled as Atali smiled happily.
" I take it you and I are going down there? " Atali smiled again as Yumikaya nodded. " I better put on my new outfit then. " Atali kissed Yumikaya gently before walking to the armoury. When she arrived, One of the armoury closets opened as she neared it. Inside was a sleek, Black, Hooded leather outfit with an ankle length split skirt. Leather pants ran down to the ankle and were covered by thigh high combat boots. Around the chest and forearms was Mandalorian Iron armour plating and built into the right wrist was a personal shield generator and in the left was a grappling hook launcher. The stitching of the outfit was a deep red and on the inside of the hood and skirt were small hexagonal light panels covered by a clear, soft material. The panels were emitting a soft silver light as Atali set her lightsabre's down on a bench and quickly undressed.
After a few minutes, Atali was dressed in her new outfit. As she stepped onto the bridge, Atali noticed that Yumikaya wasn't there. " IK-TO, Where is Kaya? "
As he turned to face Atali, IK-TO spoke calmly. " She is awaiting you in the hangar bay. "
Atali nodded and left as IK-TO chuckled softly. After a few minutes, Atali walked into the hangar bay. As she entered, Atali saw Yumikaya in the cockpit of a shuttle. After smiling, Atali boarded the shuttle before the loading ramp slowly rose.
" Off we go then. " Atali smiled as she sat down but sighed as Yumikaya spoke.
" We need to stay alert. Vahla isn't going to let us just stroll in. " Yumikaya gasped as Atali's marks glowed softly.
" I have no intention of simply strolling. By all means let them try and stop us when we are moving faster than they can blink. " Atali smiled devilishly as Yumikaya giggled.
Meanwhile
" WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE CANNONS ARE NOT EFFECTIVE?! THOSE CANNONS ARE THE LATEST TECH FROM IMPERIAL RESEARCH! WHY AREN'T THEY EFFECTIVE?! " Darth Vahla screamed in outrage as one of the technicians spoke.
" Mistress... There is an incoming transport. It's ID signature is not in our database. " The technician spoke nervously but quickly turned away as Darth Vahla screamed again.
" OFCOURSE IT ISN'T YOU IMBECILE! IT CAME FROM THAT SHIP! FIRE ON IT IMMEDIATELY! " Darth Vahla smiled maliciously but looked around the room as silence was the only response. " I SAID FIRE YOU FOOLS! "
" We can't Mistress! The cannons are malfunctioning! Reports indicate a pair of Jedi heading toward the main complex! Soldiers are reporting that the pair are moving at incredible speeds and displaying unparalleled powers! " The technician spoke nervously as Darth Vahla screamed and left the room.
A Few Moments Later
" All things considered, This is going rather well! " Atali laughed happily as she landed a kick to the side of an imperial soldiers head.
" Don't jinx it! " Yumikaya giggled but stopped dead as she saw the door of the main complex open and Darth Vahla walked out slowly as her lightsabre ignited. " You jinxed it... "
" This is so not my fault... " Atali stepped back nervously as Yumikaya groaned.
" Go. I'll handle this. Find my father. " Yumikaya entered her combat stance as Atali motioned to speak. " Go Atali. NOW. " Yumikaya spoke forcefully as Atali hesitated for a moment before running past her and dodging Darth Vahla as she swung her lightsabre. As Darth Vahla motioned to follow Atali, She was thrown to the side by a blast of Force Energy as Yumikaya spoke. " Do not split your attention Auntie. Your fight is with me. "
" Have it your way. When I am done, You will beg to join me. " Darth Vahla smirked maliciously as she stood. " Your mother should never have taken you from me. "
" From you? She is my mother! She had every right to take me away! " Yumikaya spoke calmly but stepped backward as Darth Vahla growled irritably.
" Right?! RIGHT?! SHE HAD NO RIGHT! YOU WERE MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN MY LIFE AND SHE TOOK YOU AWAY! But that doesn't matter now. Here you are. And you will not be leaving. " Darth Vahla motioned to move but froze as Yumikaya spoke.
" Not without you. " Yumikaya smiled as Darth Vahla looked taken aback. " Oh come on, You really thought I only came here for my father? You aren't that stupid Auntie. I would never turn my back on family. "
" You... I... " Darth Vahla froze for a moment as her commlink beeped. As she answered, A holocall of Darth Marr appeared.
" Vahla. So good to see you again. " Darth Marr turned to look at Yumikaya as he continued. " I see you arrived on time. I value someone who does not waste time. "
" A pleasure to see you too Darth Marr. " Yumikaya smiled politely as Darth Marr chuckled.
" I also value good manners. I have news for you Vahla. " Darth Marr spoke calmly as he turned back to face Darth Vahla.
" What news? What have I done this time?! " Darth Vahla spoke with impatience.
" It is more what you haven't done. You do recall our agreement yes? " Darth Marr spoke calmly once more but had an air of impatience in his voice.
" What of it? I told you it will get done when I have the time! " Darth Vahla huffed obnoxiously but gasped nervously as a wave of malicious energy washed over her.
" My patience for your attitude and reluctance has run out Vahla. You are no longer a Sith. You are no longer a member of this council and you are no longer welcome in the Empire. Do not let me see your face again. " Darth Marr turned away from Darth Vahla as a look of shock appeared on her face. " You however, I do hope we meet again young Graceblade. Seeing your efficiency has been most... Enlightening. " Darth Marr chuckled as the holocall ended. After a moment, Darth Vahla spoke.
" No longer welcome... " Darth Vahla fell to her knees as tears built up in her eyes. " I have done everything for the Empire... Burned worlds... Annihilated fleets... Tortured people... And they cast me aside just like that... Like I am nothing... " Darth Vahla bit her lip as her lightsabre deactivated.
" Yes they did. That is not something I will ever allow to happen. " Yumikaya spoke softly as Darth Vahla looked at her in surprise. " You belong with us. Our family has been separated for too long. Come home with me. Please... " Yumikaya spoke soothingly and smiled as Darth Vahla sighed.
" Give it a minute. You won't want me around either. " Darth Vahla sighed again as the doors of the complex opened and Atali ran out followed by several blaster shots.
" It is definitely time to go! " Atali ran past Darth Vahla and seized Yumikaya's hand but almost fell over as Yumikaya failed to move.
" Wait a minute. Where's my father? " Yumikaya spoke calmly as Atali sighed.
" Later Kaya. We have to leave. " Atali pulled Yumikaya's arm gently but stopped as Yumikaya pulled away from her with a stern look on her face.
" Where is he Atali? " Yumikaya spoke forcefully as Atali bit her lip. As Atali motioned to speak, Darth Vahla spoke first.
" I have tortured him for years and his strength never wavered. Last week... I... " Darth Vahla spoke softly but sighed before Yumikaya spoke sternly.
" What did you do?! Where is he?! " Yumikaya's voice trembled before Darth Vahla spoke nervously.
" He is dead Kaya. Last week I... I... I severed his connection to the Force. This prison masks Force Signatures so that no one can track Jedi or Sith that are sent here. When I severed his connection to the Force... He... He started dying. He died barely two minutes before you arrived. " Darth Vahla froze as Yumikaya's marks flickered and Atali spoke.
" Kaya please take a breathe... Kaya? " Atali placed a hand on Yumikaya's shoulder but gasped loudly and stepped back as Yumikaya's emotions filled their bond. " No... Kaya... Stop... "
As Atali fell to her knees and held her head tenderly, Yumikaya's marks glowed brightly as a crashing sound came from the main compound. As Darth Vahla turned to see what the sound was, She saw the compound tear away from the ground and slowly crumple as the metal creaked loudly before the buildings folded in on themselves. After watching in shock, Darth Vahla turned to look at Yumikaya.
" Now... Now hold on... " Darth Vahla crawled away from Yumikaya as she walked forward. " Let's not to do anything rash Kaya... "
" You can stop. I'm not going to hurt you. " Yumikaya spoke calmly as her marks faded and Atali gasped exhaustively.
" You... Don't want revenge? You don't want to make me suffer like your father did? " Darth Vahla spoke with surprise in her voice before Yumikaya knelt beside her and sighed.
" Knowing my father is dead is... Beyond painful and... Distressing... But no I don't want revenge. " Yumikaya breathed deeply as Atali stood shakily.
" That was... Too much Kaya. You and I need to talk when we get back to the ship. " Atali had a scornful look on her face as Yumikaya bit her lip nervously and nodded as Darth Vahla spoke.
" Yes, Yes. Very moving. Please stop being mushy before I vomit. " Darth Vahla stood and dusted herself off as Yumikaya stood and shoved her playfully. As she giggled, Darth Vahla spoke. " Watch it brat! I could still toss you off a cliff. " Darth Vahla smiled as Yumikaya giggled.
" Toss me off a cliff? How can you be so mean Auntie Vahla? " Yumikaya smirked playfully but her face descended into a look of sorrow as Darth Vahla turned away.
" I cannot bare that name now. I am no longer Sith. I am no longer anything... " Darth Vahla turned away as she sighed.
" You are my Aunt. You are family. You are free to choose what to do next. " Yumikaya smiled as Darth Vahla spoke.
" I already know what I want to do. I just don't know if... " Darth Vahla turned as she spoke. " If... "
" If mother will look past the argument you had when she left? " Yumikaya giggled as Darth Vahla spoke.
" So glad you find that amusing brat. " Darth Vahla turned away with a huff as Yumikaya shoved her again.
" What I find amusing is how wrong you are. You'd be surprised how much she misses you. Now quit griping and let's go home. I don't like this place. " As Yumikaya motioned to walk away, Darth Vahla placed a hand on her shoulder.
" Now just a minute. You are forgetting something. " Darth Vahla smirked as she pressed a combination of buttons on her commlink. After a moment, A long black box floated over and beeped softly as it hovered in place. " I can't change what I did... But I can at least do this much. A proper Jedi burial... I... I owe you all that much. "
" And here I thought you were all tough and angry all the time. But you do have a soft side buried in there. " Yumikaya smiled as she turned away. As Yumikaya walked over and hugged Atali, Darth Vahla spoke in a whisper.
" Only for you sweetheart. Only for you. " Darth Vahla smiled as Yumikaya turned around.
" By the way... What am I supposed to call you if Vahla doesn't stick? " Yumikaya giggled playfully as Darth Vahla walked over and tousled her hair gently.
" Verida. My name is Verida you brat. I expect you to put the word Auntie or Aunt before my name when you say it. " Verida grinned before playfully tripping Yumikaya as she walked toward the transport as it landed.
" It's good to have you back... Auntie Verida. " Yumikaya smiled happily as Verida giggled softly before Atali and Yumikaya boarded the transport and took off. As they entered orbit, Verida sighed in awe as she the Equilibrium.
" Okay I admit... That looked so much smaller on the scanners... " Verida looked at the ship with awe and shock in her eyes as the transport landed in the hangar bay. As the disembarked from the transport, Verida looked around. In the hanger was Yumikaya's and Yumitaya's personal fighters, Shae Vizla personal fighter and an assortment of ships. Some were clearly fighters, Some were scout ships, Some were bombers and a few were a design that Verida hadn't seen before. They looked like fighters but were equipped with a large cannon. " What are those ships Kaya? "
" Hm? Oh those are prototype gunships. Long range ion cannons. The idea is that they will take down shields of frigates and light cruisers from a safe range before our bombers arrive. In theory anyway... " Yumikaya giggled softly before walking toward the bridge but stopped at the hangar bay door as her commlink beeped.
" IK-TO, You have something for me? " Yumikaya spoke softly before IK-TO's voice emanated from the commlink.
" Are you prepared to return to Odessen Kaya? Your mother has been sending transmissions so often that I am concerned that the holocommunicator might malfunction. " IK-TO chuckled softly as Yumikaya giggled.
" Yeah that sounds like mom. Take us home IK-TO. And please prepare a room. My Aunt is coming with us. " Yumikaya smiled as she turned to Verida. " I really am glad you decided to come home Auntie. "
" It will certainly take some getting used to... It has been a long time... " Verida spoke nervously as Yumikaya walked over and hugged her gently. " Longer since the last time someone hugged me... " Verida seemed unsure what to do as Atali giggled.
" Get used to it. Kaya loves hugs. " Atali giggled softly as Yumikaya squeezed Verida tightly.
" Something tells me I won't have a choice. " Verida smiled as she petted Yumikaya's head gently.
" Nope. No choice whatsoever. " Yumikaya giggled happily as Verida kissed her head tenderly.
" Somehow I think I can live with that. " Verida smiled before hugging Yumikaya lovingly. " You have no idea how much I have missed you sweety. "
" Up until Kalina found me on Nar Shaddaa I had no idea that I even had a family. In the short time since Kalina freed me... " Yumikaya walked over to Atali and put her arms around Atali's waist. " I not only found a family but found someone I just can't live without. Atali and I are one within the Force. We share everything. My life has been nothing but pain and then everything changed. And now everything is going to change for you to. Now you have a family. Just like me. " Yumikaya smiled happily as Verida sighed softly and left the hangar bay.
Yumikaya's father is dead but her aunt has joined the ever growing family on Odessen.
What awaits upon their return?
Read on to find out!
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