Burning Shadows
Chapter 22
" Your thoughts are troubling. " Nihilus spoke calmly as Yumikaya sighed and Meetra Surik spoke.
" Stop talking to her as if she is your student Nihilus! " Meetra Surik spoke forcefully before Nihilus chuckled.
" Stop treating her as if she is not. She has much to learn of both herself and the Force. You of all people should recognise the need for training Surik. " Nihilus spoke firmly but remained calm as Yumikaya spoke.
" Are you two going to argue all the time? Cause seriously it's giving me a headache. " Yumikaya sighed as both Meetra Surik and Nihilus chuckled.
" Arguing? Nihilus may have been my enemy when we were alive but as one with the Force, We have no enemies. No sides. " Meetra Surik spoke calmly before Nihilus spoke.
" If only more of us that are one with the Force could be so clear. But Surik is right. We are not enemies and we are not arguing little one. Just discussing our differing opinions. " Nihilus spoke calmly as Yumikaya sighed.
" I... I'm sorry. I just feel so weird now. I try so hard to stay calm and put on a brave face but... " Yumikaya sighed again as Nihilus materialised in front of her.
Nihilus was tall and wore black robes. His skin was pale and cracked but had distinctive lines covering it that were similar to Yumikaya's and glowed a deep blood red and his eyes glowed a fiery shade of orange as he spoke.
" But you grow tired of feeling like a facade. If it is so tiring, Stop doing it. Be who you are not what others want you to be. " Nihilus looked at Yumikaya with a smouldering intensity before chuckling softly and vanishing as Yumikaya's marks glowed brightly and she let out a scream as a shock wave of energy exploded out of her, Levelling the nearby trees as her Anooba pup cowered between her feet.
" Was that truly so bad? " Nihilus chuckled softly as Meetra spoke calmly.
" As much as I think feeding her anger is not the way... She did need that. " Meetra Surik sighed softly as Yumikaya fell to her knees before the Anooba pup nuzzled her hand gently.
Camp
" Make it stop... Anger... Hunger... Please make it stop... " Atali groaned painfully as Satele Shan, Zanira and Verida all focused the Force to try to shield her mind from Yumikaya's as tears flowed down Atali's cheeks. " I don't even recognise her... What is happening out there... "
" If Nihilus has attached himself to Kaya... " Zanira spoke softly as she looked at Verida.
" He could already be corrupting her from the inside out. " Verida sighed as Atali groaned again.
" I... Can't take it... Endless hunger... Rage... Please stop... " Atali cried softly as her bond with Kaya sent waves of pain , Hunger and anger into her mind.
Jungle
" This is no time for lessons. I need to complete my Verd'goten. Lessons about control and the Force can wait until then. " Yumikaya spoke sternly with an air of impatience as a familiar voice filled the area.
" You have found the other. The one we do not speak of. "
" The one who would not listen. "
" Devourer. "
" Destroyer. "
" Fool. "
" Says the ones who would have me be a puppet to the Force. " Nihilus materialised as he spoke calmly but firmly as Yumikaya spoke.
" ENOUGH! " Yumikaya sent a shock wave of energy through the Force as Nihilus and the Priestesses fell silent. " Can you all just stop? Stop arguing. Stop treating me like I am just a tool you can use. "
" She is right. "
" We should not make the same mistakes we did with Nihilus. "
" We should be careful. "
" To maintain balance we should not keep anything from her. "
" Tell her the truth? Is she ready for it? "
" Ready no longer matters. Tell her. Tell her why I turned away from you. Tell her why I became what you feared. " Nihilus spoke sternly before Serenity sighed and spoke.
" Because we... Betrayed him. We sensed the slightest darkness in his heart and cast him out. We did not teach him what we taught you. He never came to the wellspring. We never gave him the chance to change. "
" We never allowed him to speak to us. "
" Never showed him the Will Of The Force. "
" Never guided him. "
" Never tried to help him. We cast him out and watched him become darkness incarnate. "
" We will not make the same mistake with you little one. We cannot. We sense far more darkness in you now than we ever did with Nihilus but we want to see you achieve balance. We want to see you succeed where we failed. To bring balance. "
" Then help me... I can sense what my imbalance is doing to Atali. It's destroying her. Please... I can't lose her. She is my strength... My heart... My world. I can't do this without her. Please Priestesses... " Yumikaya spoke pleadingly as the Priestesses looked at each other before Serenity spoke.
" At the heart of this jungle you will find a place of pure Force Energy. A place of balance. Bathe in the waters there. Let the Force flow into you without restriction or control. Open yourself to it's entirety. "
" What will happen to me? " Yumikaya spoke nervously as she started walking.
" Either it will purify you and pull both Light and Dark into perfect balance within you... Or you will die. "
" That's comforting... And Atali? " Yumikaya spoke nervously as she looked around.
" If you survive, She will mirror you as she has since the Wellspring. If you survive, You will finally be on your way to bringing balance. You will finally be ready. Now come. "
" This isn't totally unsettling in any way... " Yumikaya sighed as she started following the Priestesses to the heart of the jungle. " This isn't going to be easy is it... "
" No. It will not be easy. As my power consumed me, So to will yours consume you. " Nihilus spoke calmly before Meetra Surik spoke.
" You are wrong Nihilus. She will not give in to her power. She will use it for balance. " Meetra Surik materialised and walked alongside Yumikaya before Nihilus did the same.
" Do not be so foolish Surik. Power corrupts. You know that better than anyone. You were at Malachor V. You know what happened at Katarr. You know better than anyone that power consumes those that use it. Look at her Surik. Tell me she does not remind you of the first time you and I met. " Nihilus spoke sternly but looked surprised as Meetra Surik spoke.
" No she does not remind me of that. She reminds of what it felt like when I first felt the Force. She reminds me what it felt like the first time I stood in the rain. She reminds me what it feels like not to be lost and alone in the Force. " Meetra Surik smiled as Yumikaya looked at her with admiration in her eyes before Nihilus spoke.
" I always hated that about you Surik. You are unbearably naive. " Nihilus spoke calmly before chuckling as Meetra Surik glared at him.
" Kaya will be different. Even you can see that much. " Meetra Surik spoke calmly as Nihilus groaned.
" You take all the fun out of it Surik. " Nihilus spoke calmly as Meetra Surik giggled.
Evening
" Always be aware when you set up a camp in the wild. All manner of beasts will be tracking, Hunting or watching you. Never let your guard down. "
Shae Vizla's training filled Yumikaya's mind as she began setting up a camp. As Yumikaya finished setting up her tent, Meetra Surik's voice filled her mind.
" Can you sense it? " Meetra Surik spoke calmly as Yumikaya nodded.
" It's been following me since the pond. I don't know exactly what it is but... It is large... And ferocious... I can feel it's presence... " Yumikaya breathed slowly as a deep growl echoed through the small clearing. After looking around, Yumikaya looked over to the long stick she had sharpened into a makeshift spear. " Something tells me I need a bigger stick... "
Yumikaya froze as a roar filled the clearing before the sound of branches breaking and trees shattering filled the clearing before a massive, Armoured looking beast barrelled through the camp, Sending Yumikaya's tent flying before slamming into Yumikaya, Sending her barrelling across the clearing in pain as the creature grinded to a halt as Yumikaya groaned and stood slowly.
" What the hell is that... " Yumikaya stretched slowly and gasped as her spine made a loud popping sound before Meetra Surik materialised and spoke calmly.
" That is a Zakkeg. I fought one when I went to the moon of Onderon. Dxun. It is native to that moon. Seeing it here is not surprising though. Although being a prime target for Mandalorians, Zakkeg were sought after by many a rich beast keeper at one point or another. The fact it is here is more than likely due to offworld trading. I would wager that it was brought here for a hand off and got loose. It now hunts anything it thinks is a threat. Be on your guard. Zakkeg are immune to Force Powers. " Meetra Surik spoke coolly but sighed as Yumikaya groaned in frustration.
" Great. Where's my stick... " Yumikaya looked around before picking up her make shift spear and watching as the Zakkeg turned to look at her. " This is really gonna suck... " Yumikaya sighed before running forward as the Zakkeg charged and slammed it's head into her, Shattering two of her ribs as Yumikaya screamed loudly before hitting the ground. As she groaned, Yumikaya heard several small yelps from her Anooba before it whined and ran toward a grouping of tree roots and hiding beneath them as the Zakkeg growled loudly and turned once again to face Yumikaya as she groaned softly and stood up tenderly.
" I am really gonna feel this in the morning... " Yumikaya groaned as she stretched, Making her ribs pop softly before running forward once again. This time, Yumikaya managed to lodge her spear under an armour plate on the Zakkeg's left shoulder before it slammed her against the ground and stomped on her chest, Forcing a spray of blood to leave her mouth as her ribs cracked and broke beneath the Zakkeg's foot. As it stepped off her, The Zakkeg's blunt claws dragged across her skin, Tearing deep gashes across her chest before it turned and bit down on her shoulder, Forcing her to scream again before it tossed her in the air and caught her in it's mouth again before throwing her across the area. As she stood, Yumikaya spoke softly.
" It's immune to Force Powers right? " Yumikaya breathed short sharp breathes as blood trickled down her chin and flowed from the wounds on her chest.
" Correct. Why? " Meetra Surik spoke softly as Yumikaya giggled.
" I can't use my power on the Zakkeg... But no one said anything about my spear... " Yumikaya smiled as her marks glowed brightly and she charged forward swiftly before placing a hand on the end of the spear and sending a blast of Force Energy through it, Sending it shearing through the Zakkeg's body. As her marks dimmed, The Zakkeg once more seized her in it's mouth, Crushing Yumikaya's upper arm with the strength of it's jaws before the last breathe left it and it fell to the ground, Sending Yumikaya crashing against a tree, Forcing a second, Larger spray of blood to leave her mouth as she collapsed to the ground while her spear hit a nearby tree with a dull thunk, Blood dripping from the Zakkeg heart that it tore from the beast.
Camp
Everyone froze throughout the camp as Atali's screams filled the evening air. As everyone stood silent, A look of sadness appeared on Shae Vizla's face.
" What is happening to her? " Vyrena's soft voice broke through the screams as she stood next to Shae Vizla.
" Everything Kaya feels... Everything Kaya experiences... Is shared with Atali. Her power, Her strength, Her injuries... If Atali is screaming like that... Kaya probably is too. We should see what we can do to help. Find the medics. " Shae Vizla walked toward Atali's tent as Vyrena nodded and ran off. Within minutes, Mandalorian medics were walking into Atali's tent and one by one, Looking at Atali with horror on their faces.
Adorning her body were deep gashes, Dark bruises, Bite marks that were weeping and yellow in colour and as they began to work, Several of her bones made a loud snapping noise, Forcing her to scream in agony. As Atali's screams descended into agonised cries and sobs, Shae Vizla spoke softly.
" Whatever Kaya is going through... Whatever monstrosity she is dealing with... I really, Really hope she overcomes it. I don't know how much more Atali can... " Shae Vizla fell silent as Atali reached over and seized her arm gently.
" I... I can endure it all... For Kaya... I can endure anything... She saved me... " Atali coughed softly before a snapping noise came from her chest, Forcing another agonised scream to escape her lips before the medic put a mask over her face and a light blue gas filled the mask. After a few moments, Atali was asleep.
" The gas will keep her sedated. She will not suffer while we work Mand'alor. " One of the medics spoke calmly but had an air of fear in his voice as Shae Vizla nodded and left the tent.
One Week Later
" Atali has been unconscious for a week now. No sign of Kaya either. " Shae Vizla spoke with a worried tone of voice before Zanira spoke.
" Whatever Kaya is going through... Whatever is happening to Kaya is killing Atali. She can't take much more... " Zanira spoke shakily with a tone of voice that made Shae Vizla's jaw drop.
" You haven't trusted her since the moment she arrived and now your speaking as if Atali's suffering means... " Shae Vizla paused as Zanira stood rapidly and turned to face her.
" Means I am losing another daughter. I didn't trust her when she first arrived but I trust and love her as if she is my child. She is bonded to Kaya in ways I cannot even comprehend. That in itself is good enough for me to treat her like a daughter. " Zanira turned back to face Atali as Atali groaned softly before Zanira sighed and knelt down before pressing a cold, damp piece of cloth to her head gently. " And it pains me greatly to see her suffering like this. "
" I have to be honest, I did not see that coming. " Shae Vizla smiled as Zanira giggled softly. " But I am glad you have had a change of heart. Atali is a wonderful girl and she loves Kaya with all of her heart. "
" It simply took me time to see past my mistrust. " Zanira smiled as she placed a cool, Damp cloth on Atali's forehead gently. " But I trust and love her like a daughter now. "
Jungle
" Enough Kaya! Stop and let your body heal! " Meetra Surik spoke sternly as Yumikaya fell to her knees before coughing heavily, Forcing a small pool of blood to spray from her mouth.
" Surik is right. This is important to you but now is the time to heal. Rest. " Nihilus spoke calmly as Yumikaya groaned.
" I have... I have to reach... Reach the heart... " Yumikaya spoke exhaustively before collapsing as blood trickled out of her mouth slowly before Nihilus and Meetra Surik both materialised and focused their Force Energy into Kaya as the Priestesses did the same.
Some Time Later
Yumikaya groaned softly as she woke up and stretched as a slow ache weaved through her muscles. As she stood and stretched, Yumikaya sighed before speaking. " How long was I out? "
" Roughly twenty eight hours. Your wounds are closed though. I suggest going easy. " Meetra Surik spoke calmly as Yumikaya looked around.
" I doubt that will be an option. Hmm... " Yumikaya looked toward the Zakkeg as an idea filled her mind. " Say... Do you know anything about making armour and weapons Meetra? " Yumikaya smiled as both Nihilus and Meetra Surik materialised and smiled.
" Clever girl. Using the Zakkeg's hide to make armour and it's claws to make weapons. If that doesn't keep you alive out here nothing will. " Nihilus chuckled as Meetra nodded.
" Your only tools are the ones you can find around you. Find everything you need then we can get started. " Meetra Surik smiled as Yumikaya gathered some stones, Branches, Moved a large, Flat rock into a clear place to use as a makeshift table and a smaller rock to use as a seat. Once everything was set up, Yumikaya began the gruelling task of removing scales and hide from the Zakkeg.
After a few hours, Yumikaya sighed exhaustively as she finished cleaning the last scale and hung the last stretch of hide over the last empty makeshift tanning rack before walking over to what was left of her tent from the Zakkeg attack and sighing as she looked at the snapped supports. After a moment, Yumikaya picked up the covering of the tent and used branches to replace the broken supports. Once the tent was set up, Yumikaya used a makeshift stone knife to cut a chunk of flesh of off the Zakkeg before setting up a campfire and roasting the strip of flesh using a stick. After eating, Yumikaya crawled into the tent and fell asleep.
Early Morning
Yumikaya yawned softly as she woke up before crawling out of her tent and stretching slowly. After a moment, Nihilus materialised next to the makeshift table.
" Surik can help you with armour but weapons are another story. In my travels before becoming a Sith, I learned many things. For example, On Yabati there was a village of hunters that used curved, Double bladed throwing daggers. Very dangerous if used correctly. I took note of the design and and balancing. The blades need to be the exact same length or the weapon becomes unbalanced and won't fly properly when you throw it. Given the size of this Zakkeg, I recommend using its fangs or claws, Whichever is longer. " Nihilus watched as Yumikaya examined the claws and fangs before turning and facing Nihilus.
" The fangs are too short. The claws should be long enough to achieve the weapon design you described. " Yumikaya spoke calmly as she picked the makeshift knife and began removing the claws. After a few minutes, Yumikaya had the claws removed and cleaned before Nihilus spoke.
" Excellent. Now you need to carve away the excess until the blade has the shape. Remember, Both blades must be exactly the same length and exactly the same curvature. " Nihilus watched as Yumikaya began carving the claws. " Good. That's right. A little more curvature. Yes... "
" How's that? " Yumikaya smiled as she looked toward Nihilus.
" Excellent. Continue, But don't forget to carve the handle. These daggers must be a solid weapon. Carve too much or too little and the weapon will not be strong enough to use. " Nihilus spoke calmly before watching as Yumikaya carefully carved the claws.
Nightfall
" Excellent work. Your daggers are strong and solid. Get some rest. Tomorrow we will sharpen the blades. " Nihilus smiled as Yumikaya yawned and walked to the tent.
Camp
" Her wounds are healing and her bones have been set but she is in a lot of pain. Whatever Yumikaya is going through must be a serious ordeal. " The medic spoke calmly before walking away as Shae Vizla walked in and knelt beside Atali's bed as Atali slept soundly.
" Tough kid. I am glad Kaya has someone like you by her side. " Shae Vizla smiled before standing and leaving.
" Will she survive? " Vyrena spoke softly as Shae Vizla walked past her.
" That depends on Kaya. Those injuries were... Concerning. No small beast can inflict that much damage so quickly. Kaya has faced something worthy of a Mandalorian. We will see what it was when she returns. Keep the Knight's ready. If Atali's condition worsens, We will scour every inch of this jungle until we find Kaya. " Shae Vizla looked toward Vyrena for a moment as she nodded before walking to her tent and going to bed.
Early Morning
" Good. Gently now... That's it. The blades must be as sharp as possible. They must cut the air when they fly. " Nihilus spoke calmly as Yumikaya slowly sharpened the blades of her new daggers.
" Did you use weapons like this before you became a Sith? " Yumikaya spoke softly as she paused sharpening her blades and looked up at Nihilus.
" No. The lightsabre was the first weapon I used. Keep working. You need to finish your blades before Surik nags me into oblivion. " Nihilus chuckled as Meetra Surik materialised and glared at him scornfully.
" Perhaps I need to nag you some more? You didn't seem to hear the first time. " Meetra Surik smiled playfully as Yumikaya giggled.
" You could but I would ignore you. " Nihilus turned back to watch as Yumikaya finished sharpening her blades. " Excellent. Now test them on a tree. If the are balanced, They will fly and hit the tree. If not, We have wasted two claws and will start over. "
Yumikaya stood before picking up one of her new daggers and throwing it towards a tree. As it flew through the air, The dagger span around like a disc before hitting the tree with a dull thunk as the blade embedded into the bark.
" Magnificent work. She is all yours Surik. " Nihilus chuckled as he disappeared and Meetra Surik shook her head slowly.
" Well then. Go get your spinning toothpicks and we can make your armour. " Meetra Surik giggled softly as Yumikaya sneered at her playfully before running over to the tree and pulling the dagger out of the trunk before returning to Meetra Surik. " So... Armour... "
" Indeed. Check the hide first. The rags you have been running around in barely cover anything more than your dignity sweety. Especially since the Zakkeg all but tore them off you. " Meetra Surik sighed as Yumikaya looked away bashfully. " It's alright. That's what the hide is for. New clothes that we can use as the base for your armour. " Meetra Surik watched as Yumikaya took the hides off the tanning racks and laid it out. The hides were supple but strong as Yumikaya looked around to find something to use as stitching. As she looked around, Yumikaya saw a tree covered in a shiny white net like substance.
" What is that? " Yumikaya spoke softly as Meetra Surik walked over to her.
" Ah... An excellent stitching option. Those little creatures are spine spiders. Their silk has a high tensile strength. It is often used for stitching clothing. A fortunate find. Collect as much as possible but try to avoid being bitten. The poison is quite... Painful. " Meetra smiled sweetly as Yumikaya began gathering the silks as carefully as she could. After collecting as much as she could, Yumikaya returned to the makeshift table and began crafting her new outfit.
Nightfall
" Done... Finally... Why do these things always take all day? " Yumikaya sighed tiredly before looking at her new outfit. The outfit had overlapping Zakkeg scales on the chest, Back, Forearms and upper arms. The under shirt, pants and thigh high boots were made from Zakkeg hide with overlapping scales on the shins of the boots. Yumikaya had also fashioned the remaining scales and hide into a belt with scales forming tassets down the side of the thigh on the pants and had small clips for her daggers on the back of the belt. " Can I please sleep now? "
Meetra Surik giggled softly before nodding. " Yes sweety. You can sleep now. "
Yumikaya yawned sleepily as she crawled into her tent and fell asleep.
Camp
" I have examined the wounds on Atali. I had some trouble finding information but I think... " Vyrena spoke nervously but paused as a hint of uncertainty filled her mind.
" Speak freely Vyrena. " Shae Vizla spoke calmly and smiled as Vyrena took a deep breathe.
" I think... I think Kaya has encountered a Zakkeg. " Vyrena spoke with confidence as several sighs of awe and wonder echoed from the nearby Mandalorians.
" A Zakkeg?! Magnificent... The fact that Atali is alive means that Kaya has defeated it... I cannot wait to see the trophies she returns with... " Shae Vizla stood up quickly as excitement overcame her. " I feel all energised by the mere thought of it... Let's have us a party and lighten the mood around here! " Shae Vizla smiled brightly as a raucous cheer filled the camp before everyone scattered to prepare food and drinks.
A Few Hours Later
Atali groaned heavily as she slowly sat up. After rubbing her eyes, Atali realised there was music and laughter coming from outside and tenderly walked to the entrance of her tent. As she stepped outside, The sounds of music, Dancing, Laughing and talking filled the air as the cool evening breeze filled her lungs, Causing her to sigh softly. As she looked around, Atali saw Vyrena walking toward her hurriedly with a concerned look on her face.
" Atali you need to rest! Let me help you back to your bed. " Vyrena smiled sweetly as Atali nodded silently and allowed Vyrena to take her back into her tent.
Early Morning
Yumikaya awoke slowly and stretched as an icy morning breeze caressed the exposed parts of her skin. After stretching, Yumikaya took off what was left of the clothes she had been wearing before putting on her new outfit and stretching again to test the flexibility. The outfit had a surprising amount of free movement given the strength and solidity of the Zakkeg scales. After stretching every way she could think of, Yumikaya clipped her daggers to her belt before collecting teeth, Claws and ears from the Zakkeg and tied them together with her other trophies using the leftover stitching from making her outfit. Once she had packed up camp, Yumikaya spoke softly.
" Everything hurts... Which way to the heart of the jungle? " Yumikaya groaned softly as a strong ache weaved through her muscles and the wounds from the Zakkeg stung and throbbed as Nihilus materialised in front of her before pointing in the direction the Zakkeg had come from.
" Despite having excellent armour, I suggest you remain alert. A Zakkeg may not be the most dangerous beast in this jungle. " Nihilus had a stern look on his face but smiled and disappeared as Yumikaya nodded.
Late Evening
" Another day of walking... Another day of trophies. " Yumikaya smiled as she looked at the several small trophies from various jungle creatures before continuing on her way. " It shouldn't be far now right? "
" Has your sight failed you so? Look for yourself little one. " Nihilus spoke calmly as Yumikaya closed her eyes and focused on her Force Sight. As Yumikaya looked around, She quickly lunged sideways a blaster bolt flew past her. After a moment, A soft voice filled er ears.
" My, My... Aren't you a quick one. " A slender woman in black amour with red highlights and various devices connected to the belt and wrists sat on the branch of a nearby tree as Yumikaya turned toward her.
" Who are you? " Yumikaya stood in a defensive stance as the woman spoke.
" Me? How sweet of you to ask. " The woman aimed her rifle at Yumikaya as she spoke calmly. " I am just a ghost. "
As she fired, The woman gasped as her blaster bolt hit Yumikaya's armour and bounced off harmlessly. " Interesting... That armour... "
" I wouldn't worry about my armour if I were you. I'd worry more about the person wearing it. " Yumikaya raised her arms slowly as a soft glow surrounded her hands. As the woman in the tree lunged aside, A surge of lightning slammed into the tree as Yumikaya stretched her fingers out.
" Well... That was dramatic. " The young woman giggled softly before throwing a small grey ball toward Yumikaya's feet. As Yumikaya looked at it, The ball exploded into a thick cloud of smoke that made her cough as she breathed in. As Yumikaya motioned to speak, She felt a searing pain as a stun baton was pressed against the side of her neck. Before passing out, Yumikaya heard the woman speak again. " Now for your little Arkanian friend. "
A Few Hours Later
Yumikaya awoke slowly before realising that her wrists were tightly bound together behind her back and her ankles were bound. As Yumikaya struggled against her restraints, She realised she was sitting inside a small cage. As she motioned to speak, She realised there was a strip of material covering her mouth preventing anything more than muffled groans. After a few moments of struggling, Yumikaya fell silent as the young woman reached into the cage and held Yumikaya by the throat as she spoke.
" You know, I honestly expected a bigger fight. Not that I am complaining. All these low tech restraints are necessary my dear. Can't go drawing attention to the location of my little camp. " The woman stepped back slightly as Yumikaya slammed her shoulder against the cage and whimpered softly. " I said low tech. That doesn't mean it's made from garbage. That cage can hold much stronger and much, Much more powerful things than you. Save your energy. You will need it. " The young woman smiled as she stood and walked away.
Yumikaya sighed softly and leant against the wall of her cage as Nihilus materialised outside the cage and sat down.
" Quite the predicament. " Nihilus chuckled as Yumikaya glared at him. " Nexu got your tongue? " Nihilus chuckled again as Yumikaya kicked the cage. " Oh alright. Would you like me to let you out? " Nihilus looked surprised as Yumikaya shook her head before he disappeared. After a moment, Yumikaya closed her eyes and focused on the bond she shared with Atali.
" Atali... "
Camp
" Atali... "
Atali gasped softly before closing her eyes as Zanira and Verida looked toward her. " Kaya? What's wrong? "
" I... I've been captured. There is a woman here. She is hunting us. Maybe Taya too. Please be safe... "
" Says the one who has been captured. Should I send the Knights to help you? " Atali spoke with concern but giggled as she felt Yumikaya's irritation.
" No. The Verd'goten is too important. I will get myself out of this... Somehow... But make sure everyone is ready. This woman is... Cunning. "
After speaking with Atali through their Force Bond, Yumikaya looked around slowly. Her surroundings appeared to be some type of starship. As she looked around, Yumikaya noticed a crate with an Imperial symbol on it. As she thought of what to do, Yumikaya's thoughts drifted to her loved ones and if they would be safe.
Captured by a stranger during the Verd'goten.
Will Yumikaya escape to continue her rite of passage?
Read on to find out!
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