Burning Shadows

Chapter 21

" Did you do as I asked? " Darth Marr spoke calmly as he walked through the corridors of Imperial Intelligence on Dromund Kaas.

" Yes my lord. We tracked the energy signature of the ship from Maelstrom prison. It leads to Wild Space. " The man walking alongside Darth Marr spoke calmly but had an air of concern about him as Darth Marr spoke.

" Well done Keeper. Send Karasa. Tell her I want Graceblade and her sister alive. The rest are of no concern. Tell her that I will await her at my personal starbase. Do not keep me waiting Watcher. I do not take kindly to incompetence. " Darth Marr walked to the landing pad as his personal transport landed.

" So demanding... " Keeper spoke calmly but froze as someone pressed a blade to the side of his throat.

" If you are truly any decent kind of Watcher then I suggest you start watching your words. " The soft feminine voice had tones of ferocity before the woman giggled.

" Don't test my patience Karasa. Just because you are Darth Marr's favourite assassin does not give you special privileges. " Keeper stepped to the side as the agent sheathed her knife.

" Actually it does you imbecile. That's why you haven't had authority over me since boot camp. Keep up idiot. Now what does Darth Marr want me finding, Shooting or assassinating? And don't call me Karasa. Only Darth Marr is allowed to call me Karasa. My name is Elisa you pompous jackass. But you will call me Agent or I'll put a dagger in your throat. " Elisa spoke forcefully as Keeper shot her a look of impatience and disapproval. " Glare at me all you like moron it changes nothing. Now give me my assignment and piss off. "

" Retrieval. You are to fly to Wild Space and locate this starship. " Keeper pulled out a holoprojector that showed the Equilibrium. " Aboard are two Force Sensitives. They will be young. Twelve or thirteen for the first. Younger for the second. Graceblade is their family name. Take them to Darth Marr's personal starbase. Do not keep him waiting. "

" Why not? It isn't me that gets in trouble if I'm late. Marr adores me and you know it. Anything I do wrong is on your head idiot. So why don't you give me a reason to make this job quick? " Elisa grinned devilishly as Keeper sighed.

" The equipment you have been requesting will be granted. Good enough? " Keeper spoke in an irritated tone as Elisa giggled softly.

" And six weeks overtime pay with additional hazard benefits. I'm hunting Force Sensitive children after all. I imagine those two girls aren't just going to be sitting in the open. Oh and I will need a starship. " Elisa smiled with an air of satisfaction as Keeper rubbed his temples slowly.

" Fine. Now go Agent. " Keeper sighed exhaustively as Elisa walked away contently. After a moment, A woman dressed in Imperial Officer clothing walked up to Keeper and spoke softly.

" I remember a time when Elisa was the best Agent we had and treated all of us with respect. Then Darth Marr took her into his... Employ. " The woman spoke calmly before Keeper sighed.

" Indeed. Let us hope his oversight will be worth the change in her attitude and privileges. " Keeper sighed before continuing. " You have something for me Minder? "

" Yes sir. Reports from the operations on Alderaan and Nar Shaddaa. " The woman spoke calmly as she hand a datapad to Keeper as he turned and walked back into the Imperial Intelligence building.

Meanwhile

As she sat on a transport to the Dromund Kaas starport, Elisa read through her briefing file and examined the specifications for the starship awaiting her. " X-70B Phantom huh... Looks like a decent enough ship. Stealthy, Good mobility, Fair firepower... I can work with this. Might make a few modifications though. But later. As much as I like annoying Keeper, I'd rather not put my great relation with Darth Marr at risk. Gotta be quick with this one. "

After arriving at the spaceport, Elisa walked to the hangar that housed her new ship and boarded before taking off and flying into orbit. As she entered orbit, The holoterminal beeped. Upon answering the call, Elisa bowed as Darth Marr appeared.

" Keeper gave you your assignment then? " Darth Marr spoke calmly before Elisa nodded. " Good but there is another objective I want you to fulfill. Keeper is not to know about it. Graceblade's companion, The Arkanian. Bring her to me aswell. "

" I shouldn't be long. You will wait for me won't you? " Elisa smiled playfully as Darth Marr chuckled.

" I always do. Just make sure they are unharmed. " Darth Marr ended the call as Elisa smiled.

" If those pretty faces are wanted in one piece then in one piece they will be. " Elisa walked back to the cockpit before inputting the coordinates Darth Marr had sent through and entering hyperspace.

Two Days Later

" Despite what you did... It is so good to see you sister. " Zanira smiled softly before stepping forward. As Verida motioned to speak, Zanira slapped her hard. " That is for not coming with me! "

As Verida rubbed her cheek and motioned to speak again, Zanira slapped her a second time on the opposite cheek. " That is for taking my husband captive, Torturing him and causing his death! "

" Sister please... " Verida spoke softly but fell silent as Zanira slapped her a third time, this time hard enough to knock her to the ground.

" That is for thinking I betrayed you when I begged you to leave Korriban with me! And this... " Zanira raised her hand again but as Verida winced, Expecting a fourth slap, Zanira pulled her to her feet and held her lovingly. " Is for finally coming to your damn senses and coming home. I have missed you so much you blasted fool. " Zanira hugged Verida tightly as tears built up in her eyes.

" Sister... I... " Verida pushed Zanira away roughly as she turned away and bit her lip before speaking. " I can't accept this forgiveness... You are too ready to look past what I have done... "

" Look past? " Zanira held up her hand as the Force closed around Verida's throat and lifted her off her feet.

" Mother no! Let her go! " Yumikaya ran forward but was met by a blast of Force Energy that knocked her to the ground.

" Stay out of this Kaya. I will not tell you twice. " Zanira looked toward Yumikaya as her eyes glowed an intense, Burning orange. " Look past? Look past you despising me? Hating me? Trying to kill me every chance you got after I left the Sith? Look past you torturing and killing the only man I will ever love? Killing him before Kaya could meet him even once? Look past your hand in the torture Malgus dealt me? Look past everything you did to hunt down my family? HOW DARE YOU SAY I HAVE LOOKED PAST IT! " Zanira turned and swung her arm as Verida was thrown across the camp, Crashing through several tents and piles of crates before slamming into the ground as Zanira walked toward her, The Force ghosts splitting from her and walking at her side as her rage seethed out of her. " If it were not for Kaya telling me that you have changed I would have skinned you alive the moment your feet touched this planet's surface. If not for Kaya I would have tortured you a thousand fold for what you did! But... " After a moment of seething anger, Zanira took a deep breathe as her Force Ghosts disappeared and her grip through the Force lessened, Allowing Verida to breathe. " It is because of Kaya that despite my intense anger for everything you have done... That I still love you. That I can forgive you. It is not easy and I have not overlooked your actions. But I will not kill you or hate you for them. Being with Kaya, Following her, Is not about control or power or conflict. It is about finding a new way to live in the era of peace and balance that she will create. If you want to be a part of that then get off your ass and come with me. You and I need to meditate together for me to fully forgive you. If you can't handle that then get back on that transport and never show your face to any of us again. " Zanira turned away and walked toward her tent as Verida coughed lightly before speaking as tears flowed down her cheeks.

" You have no idea... " Verida paused as Zanira stopped walking and turned to face her. " You have no idea how much it hurt when Malgus forced me to torture you. He said I could do it myself or he could take you to the depths of the tombs and let the creatures of the darkness devour you piece by piece over what could have been months. I didn't want to watch you die... "

" Verida... " Zanira fell silent as Verida raised her hand and reopened the bond they had once shared, Pouring memories, Emotions, Thoughts and feelings into Zanira's mind. As Zanira stumbled back and held her head gently, Verida spoke again.

" Now you know how much pain I have endured for you. FOR YOU! When you left Korriban, Malgus's fury fell upon me. Then my own master did the same. When they were done with me, The Dark Council took their turns. Then I was locked in the detention area and tortured by new acolytes before I was told that Darth Nox had resurfaced on Ilum and had married a Jedi. They released me and told me to hunt you down or face a future of endless torture and torment. I hunted you for the sole purpose of keeping them away from the two most important people I have ever loved. My sister... And my first niece. " Verida paused as she sobbed slightly before taking a breathe and continuing. " I tortured and killed your husband... But not because I hated you or wanted to hurt you... I tortured him because I despised what he represented. "

" What do you mean? What he represented? " Zanira looked confused but gasped as she saw the flashes of memory fill her mind once more. After a few moments, Zanira fell to her knees. " You felt... "

" I felt betrayed. Abandoned. Neglected and alone. Unloved and unwanted. I felt like I didn't matter to you. And Tazokhan... He kept telling me how much you missed me and how much you loved me. He kept telling me how I should have gone with you both to Ilum and helped you raise Kaya. He kept telling me how much you wished I could meet her. Every time his mouth opened, It tore more of my scars open. I... I hated him for that. I wanted him to die so my pain could stop. But it didn't change anything. My pain will never end. Just like yours sister. We suffer endlessly because we were never able to protect each other. I should have left Korriban. I should have kept you away from Malgus when he captured you as a Jedi Padawan. I should have saved you and I didn't. I am so... So sorry I didn't save you... " Verida sobbed softly as Zanira crawled over and hugged her tightly.

" I love you so much Verida. You are more than my sister. You were always my best friend. We have both done so much wrong. But we cannot fix it here. Come with me... Please... " Zanira looked into Verida's eyes with longing and hope before Verida nodded and stood shakily before following Zanira to her tent.

As they entered, Zanira picked up two cushions and set them in front of each other before sitting down and speaking. " Kaya told me how she attuned to Atali. I want you to attune with me Verida. We both need this. "

" It is going to hurt more than anything we have felt so far isn't it... " Verida sighed softly as Zanira nodded. " We do need this sister. So we can overcome the things we have done. "

" Then sit with me sister. Sit with me and let us finally fix this rift between us. " Zanira smiled soothingly as Verida sat down.

A Few Hours Later

" I can't wait anymore! " Yumitaya ran toward the tent and pulled open the entrance before gasping and moving to Zanira's side as she lay unconscious. After a moment, Yumitaya called out before Satele Shan, Yumikaya and Shae Vizla ran into the tent.

" What the hell happened?! " Shae Vizla looked from Zanira to Verida and back again as Satele Shan put her hand on Zanira's head.

" They attuned to each other like Atali and Kaya. Reopening a bond that has been closed for a very long time. They have... Overloaded their minds. They will need some time before they will wake. Perhaps weeks. I cannot say for certain. I will watch over them until they recover. " Satele Shan looked at Zanira sadly before lifting her onto her bed.

A Few Weeks Later

" Now that's what I call a base. " Atali smiled as she looked toward the newly finished base of operations built into the mountain. It had every facility they could ever need and was defended by several heavy orbital cannons.

" Malora is hard at work finishing her research, Sana Rae is assisting IK-TO with producing soldiers and training any that show Force Sensitivity, Bey'wan is getting our military assets organised, Hylo is getting every kind of supply she can think of and the Echani clan arrived earlier and have started training the soldiers. Everything is proceeding nicely. " Yumikaya spoke calmly but froze as Shae Vizla and at least half the Mandalorians walked toward her with stern looks on their faces. As they approached, Shae Vizla spoke forcefully.

" Mando Cabur. It is time for you to undergo the ancient Mandalorian rite of passage, The Verd'goten. You will forfeit all of your weapons and armour and come with us to prepare for your trials. " Shae Vizla looked at Yumikaya sternly but a small smile played at the corner of her lips as Yumikaya nodded nervously. As Yumikaya walked toward Shae Vizla with Atali at her side, Vyrena stepped in front of Atali.

" This is for Mando Cabur only. No one else is to interfere or accompany her in her trial. Doing so will dishonour her and the clans that are present. " Vyrena looked at Atali with ferocity in her eyes before turning and following Yumikaya.

As they walked to the Mandalorian tents, Shae Vizla lead Yumikaya into a large one that was decorated with Mandalorian runes and symbols. After stepping inside with Shae Vizla and Vyrena, Yumikaya took off her armour and handed her lightsabre to Vyrena.

" I apologise for my forwardness... But that is not good enough. Your robes must stay here aswell. You may wear a basic set of clothing and nothing more. " Vyrena looked ashamed for a moment as Yumikaya took off her robes and donned a set of torn clothes before Shae Vizla spoke.

" I can't really say what actual tradition is but this is the way we have been taught for the last few generations. Demonstrate your skills for survival and hunt your prey like a true warrior. Find or make your own weapons and when you have had your fill of the hunt, Return and we will see what glory your trophies bring you. Now go Evaar'la Tal. And good luck. " Shae Vizla smiled but watched sadly as Yumikaya left the tent and walked into the jungles of Odessen.

As she walked deeper and deeper into the jungle, Yumikaya heard all manner of sounds from an assortment of creatures. After several minutes of walking, Yumikaya came to a small pond surrounded by glowing reeds. As she stopped to check if the water was drinkable, Yumikaya heard a soft growl behind her and turned to see what appeared to be a wolf like creature that had a long tail, A powerful looking bottom jaw, Sharp claws and teeth, Tall ears and a strip of long fur that ran down it's spine. As it stepped out of the shadows, Yumikaya noticed that it carried a pup in it's mouth and was heavily wounded. As it dropped the pup, the creature fell over.

" Wow... I have never seen a creature like you before... " Yumikaya reached out slowly but recoiled as the creature growled fiercely. Yumikaya looked around and found a large curled leaf before dipping it into the pond and sliding it to the creature carefully. After drinking, The creature groaned painfully as the pup got up and playfully bounded over to Yumikaya before licking her hands gently as the larger creature whimpered softly. " Your dying aren't you... You want your pup to be safe... "

The creature growled softly before laying it's head down as it's breathing faded and slowly stopped entirely. After a moment, Yumikaya looked down at the pup. " Guess you are with me now little o... " Yumikaya froze as a deep growl filled the small area she was sitting in. As she turned, A huge lizard slowly crawled toward her. As it raised it's head, It hissed violently as the small pup whimpered in fear.

As the lizard motioned to move, Yumikaya sent a blast of Force Energy at it but it seemed unphased as it lunged forward and bit down on her shoulder.

Camp

As everyone stood around the camp, A loud scream erupted from Yumikaya's tent. As Shae Vizla, Satele Shan and Vyrena ran into the tent, They found Atali with a large bite mark on her shoulder that was bleeding heavily. " Kaya... She is hurt... "

Meanwhile

" Get... Ah... GET OFF! " Yumikaya punched the lizard in the eye before it tossed her across the area and she landed with a thud before holding her injured shoulder. As she motioned to move, The lizard charged again but this time, Yumikaya felt annoyance and anger bubble inside her. " ENOUGH! " Yumikaya raised her hand as her marks glowed brightly and pink lightning erupted from her hand and slammed into the lizard. As it hissed in agony, The lizard scales and skin burned and melted before it fell to the ground and Yumikaya's glow faded before she fell to her side.

After a few minutes, Yumikaya forced herself to her feet before falling into the pond.

Camp

" The wound is healing... How... " Satele Shan spoke softly as she watched the flesh of the wound slowly reconnect itself fibre by fibre.

" One would think that the Grand Master of the Jedi would know of such things. "

" What..." Satele Shan turned to see five masked figures floating just outside the tent. As she motioned to speak, Atali spoke first.

" Priestesses... Kaya... She is hurt... " Atali spoke softly as Serenity giggled.

" Do not worry yourself about Kaya. She has found a place on this world that will awaken her in ways she didn't know existed. "

" What do you mean? " Satele Shan spoke calmly before Serenity spoke again.

" You are unaware of the true magnitude of the Force. On this planet, The Force flows uninterrupted and unrestricted. Kaya has found one of the crossroads of the Force. At such a place, Midichlorians are in abundance and form freely in many ways and many shapes. Kaya coming into direct contact with such a place will prove... " Serenity looked toward Atali as the last of her wounds closed. " Educational. We have not seen a Force Sensitive have direct contact with such a place before. This will be most enlightening. "

Before anyone could speak, Yumitaya stumbled into the tent holding her head. " Kaya... I can sense her again! "

" It's okay Taya. She was hurt but she healed. " Atali smiled as Yumitaya sat down.

" I know! I can feel her energy all around me... It's so... " Yumitaya sighed as another wave of energy washed over her.

" Energising... " Atali breathed out a soft sigh as Yumikaya's energy rushed through them both.

Meanwhile

" What... Where... " Yumikaya spoke softly, Her voice echoing slightly as a raspy voice echoed into her mind.

" Ah... A young Force user... But not a Jedi and not a Sith... You are unique... It is a pleasure to meet you. "

" Who are you? " Yumikaya spoke calmly before the voice echoed once more.

" I was once like you. I had marks like yours. Trained with the Priestesses as you did. But unlike you I saw the truth. With power like ours we should rule. We are gods among insects. No other can achieve our power. "

" Wait... You are the one who came before me. The one the Priestesses told me about... Who are you really? " Yumikaya spoke with concern as she opened her eyes and a face formed in the smoke swirling around her.

" I was once a Sith Lord. I devoured the energy of the force anywhere I found it. You may not have heard of the world of Katarr. The Miraluka were such an interesting people. The Jedi were foolish enough to gather in large number there and I was drawn to their energy. My ravenous hunger consumed them all. None could defeat me... Until your precious exile came along. That despicable fool and her foolish lust for peace. Yet she herself laid waste to the Mandalorian's at Revan's side. Still you would allow her to attach herself to you? You are blind to her inner workings. "

" And why do you think that? " Yumikaya spoke softly as Meetra Surik's voice echoed through her mind.

" Because I destroyed him. At first he was maintained within his armour on Korriban but over time, It stopped functioning and he became one with the Force as I am. But he is also a wound in it. An unfillable void that devours all. " Meetra Surik spoke calmly before Yumikaya spoke.

" Who is he Meetra? " Yumikaya had concern and worry in her voice but it was not Meetra Surik that responded.

" I once had a name but it never mattered to me. Until your exile interfered I was known as Nihilus. I devoured endless Force Energy. I destroyed countless lives. I was a god. "

" Were you? " Yumikaya spoke with curiosity in her voice as she continued. " And what exactly makes you a god? Immeasurable power? Fear and terror anywhere you go? What is it that makes you a god? "

" You are a strange one. You ask the right questions but do not understand the meaning of them. But despite that, You are not ignorant. Interesting. Most interesting. What is it that you crave little one? "

" I... I... " Yumikaya hesitated for a moment before speaking honestly. " I want to achieve balance in all things. I want to keep the ones I love safe. And I want to live with Atali in peace. "

" Such personal trifles. And yet you only have light in your heart. Is balance not both light and dark? Yet all you have is the exile and her light. You lack dark thus cannot have balance. But if you allow me to bind myself to you aswell, We will find that balance. Together. "

" And why should I trust you? " Yumikaya kept her calm even as Meetra Surik's worry and concern echoed through her.

" Why did you trust the Exile? Was she so truthful with you that there were no questions you had for her? "

" She answered the questions I asked her. " Yumikaya's response was honest but Meetra Surik's uncertainty flowed through her like water.

" But did you ask everything? Did you ask her about Malachor? "

Yumikaya gasped softly as she felt Meetra Surik's shame and regret fill her mind.

" Ah... A flicker of deception. Even if that deception was unintended. Now what of my offer? "

" And you won't try to bend me to the darkness or influence my free will? " Yumikaya spoke cautiously as Nihilus chuckled loudly.

" I have no concern what actions you take child. I am interested only in seeing how you grow. What you achieve with your power. I was an unchallenged threat for many years while your exile wandered aimlessly. "

" Meetra has taught me a lot in our time together. What exactly is it that you think you can teach me? " Yumikaya asked in earnest but part of her regretted asking as Meetra Surik spoke.

" No Kaya! He will tempt you with power! "

" Tempt her? I have no interest in that. I can gain nothing now that I am one with the Force. I will teach her everything I knew and everything I learned just as you do Surik. What say you... Kaya was it? "

" I can't deny that he makes a point Meetra. How can I truly achieve balance if all I am is light? " Yumikaya sighed as Meetra Surik sighed. " Alright. You can bind yourself to me Nihilus. But I will be mindful. "

" I expect nothing less. "

Meanwhile

" What was that... " Zanira awoke suddenly and sat up as an echo rippled through the Force.

" It felt like... " Verida spoke but fell silent as Atali groaned painfully and clutched her head.

" Kaya... What have you done... Hunger... Endless hunger... Kaya... No... " Atali groaned again as Zanira, Verida, Yumitaya and Satele Shan put their hands on her head in an effort to shield her.

" Hunger... What could that mean? " Satele Shan spoke with confusion but her jaw dropped as Verida spoke.

" Nihilus. Wound in the Force. " Verida paused as Zanira spoke.

" Lord of Hunger. Devourer of worlds. " Zanira had a look of deep concern on her face as Yumitaya spoke.

" Her energy... It's different again. Like when she found Meetra but now it's... It's like... " Yumitaya fell silent as Sana Rae entered the tent and spoke.

" As if she is now both light and dark. She was only light before. Now she is a balance between the two. Neither has more control over the other. Now we can truly begin her mission of bringing balance to the galaxy. Now we can truly start to help her. When she returns and your celebrations are over, Bring her to me. I will make sure she and Atali are properly re-attuned. With the help of the Priestesses of course. " Sana Rae bowed before leaving the tent as everyone looked at each other in astonishment.

The Jungle

" Okay... Wow... " Yumikaya took a deep breathe as she pulled herself out of the pond.

" You have no idea little one. The things I can teach you will open you to an entire world of abilities the Jedi can never achieve. Lightning for example. Seeing as you have a new opponent, Why not try it out? Despite having used it before. Having a Sith bonded to you will make your realise how underrated your lightning previously was. "

New oppon... Oh... " Yumikaya turned around as a large dark green lizard crawled toward her with a loud hiss. This lizard was larger than the first.

" A Hssiss... Curious. I wonder how it found it's way here... This is a creature of the Dark Side. You will find it to be a most educational opponent. Oh and do try not to let it bite you. You will not enjoy the effects. "

Yumikaya growled as she raised her hands. As her fingers stretched, A surge of pink energy rushed down her arms before pink lightning erupted from her hands and slammed into the Hssiss. As it hissed and screeched, Yumikaya noticed that the lightning had little to no effect.

" WHAT?! " Yumikaya stepped back cautiously as the Hssiss hissed violently.

" Did I not mention that Force powers have little effect on them? My mistake. "

" NIHILUS! " Yumikaya spoke ferociously as the Hssiss slowly crawled toward her.

" Oh very well. I will divulge all details in the future. Now focus. You can use Force Sight yes? Use it. Find the weak spot child. "

Yumikaya sighed before closing her eyes and focusing on her sight. As she tilted her head toward the Hssiss, Yumikaya spoke softly. " I can't see a weak sp... Wait... There! It has an open wound under it's front left leg. The problem is the mouth. "

" Then I suggest you avoid it. "

" REALLY?! I would never have thought of that! " Yumikaya lunged to the side as the Hssiss launched forward and attempted to bite her. As she landed, Yumikaya looked around rapidly for anything that could be used as a weapon. After dodging another attack, Yumikaya lifted a large boulder using the Force before dropping it onto the Hssiss head with a sickening crunch. After breathing a sigh of relief, Yumikaya lifted the boulder and took the large fangs from the bottom jaw of the Hssiss before walking to the other lizard and retrieving its claws. After a moment, Yumikaya heard a soft bark from nearby and turned to see the pup bounding toward her.

" Oh there you are! Where did you run off to huh? " Yumikaya giggled as the pup barked playfully before chasing it's own tail playfully.

" Hmm. An Anooba pup. Very useful creatures. Very loyal and dependable. Take it with you. "

" I intended to. We need to keep going. This is not enough for my Verd'goten. " Yumikaya sighed before picking up the Anooba pup and walking deeper into the forest.

A new Force ghost is bound to Yumikaya, Bringing balance to her energy as the Verd'goten begins.

Can Yumikaya pass her trial and earn her place among the Mandalorian people?

Read on to find out!

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