Burning Shadows

Chapter 1

" Filthy brat! Get back in your cage! " The slaver yelled irritably as he swung the stun baton in his hand. As the young slave ducked under it and attempted to flee, The slaver seized her hair and slammed her into the ground before speaking. " Fifth time this week brat. I am getting tired of your little antics. "

" I don't care! Let me go! " The young girl struggled as tears flowed freely down her cheeks before the slaver pressed his hand to her throat and squeezed.

" Not this time. It is time for the auction brat. But know this, If you are not sold today, I will end you. " The slaver pressed against the young slaves throat roughly, Causing her to choke before pulling her toward the auction stage by her hair. As he approached the stage, The slaver lifted her to her feet, Causing her to cry out in pain from her hair being pulled before she was shoved out onto the stage as a spot light turned toward her. The slave had crimson red hair, Bright amber eyes and her skin was moderately tanned. After looking around, The young slave turned to run but was immediately shocked by the collar around her neck as the auctioneer spoke.

" Next slave for sale. Young but strong and cunning. Her attempts at freedom number over thirty. As far as we can tell, She is a human. Twelve years of age. Crimson hair, Amber eyes and is five feet tall. Opening bid is five thousand credits. " As the auctioneer fell quiet, Many of the crowd started shouting.

" Too young! "

" Send her to the spice mines! "

" She isn't even old enough to serve drinks! Next slave! "

" Bastards! I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU! " The girl rushed toward the crowd before being shocked and falling to the ground as her muscles seized up before a feminine voice echoed through the hall.

" The buyout price? "

As murmurs filled the crowd, The auctioneer looked stunned for a moment before stammering.

" Twe... Twenty thousand credits. " The auctioneer watched as the woman stepped out from the shadows. The woman was tall and wore very definitive Beskar armour that was mainly black in colour but had some small crimson decorative lines and patterns with a small silver baton on her right hip and a clearly modified blaster pistol on her left hip before removing her helmet to reveal raven black hair, Pale skin and a set of separately coloured eyes. Her left eye was blood red while her right eye was a bright blue.

After examining the girl thoroughly, The woman nodded toward the auctioneer who tapped a small gavel against his podium as he spoke happily while the stranger put her helmet back on.

" Sold! Handler, Take the young one to her new master. Next up, We have a young, Female Togruta... " The auctioneer continued to speak as the young girl screamed as the slave handler seized her hair again and dragged her off the stage before walking her to the processing area as the woman in Beskar put her helmet back on and walked toward the processing area quickly.

" No funny business brat. Consider your fortune. A master has come for you. Seems today is not your day to die. But worry not. Death will come for you. " The slaver seized the girl's throat before lifting her off the ground as she kicked and gasped for breathe. " Though I am disap... "

A blaster shot echoed through the auction house as the woman in Beskar armour turned to the crowd and spoke fiercely. " Does anyone else want to interfere with my property? WELL?! "

As she pointed her blaster around the room, The crowd quickly turned away as the slavers backed away from her before she turned and made the second handler remove the restraints on the girl. After rubbing her neck and wrists gently, The girl looked up at the woman as she spoke.

" Tell me your name. "

" Leave me alone! " The girl shuffled away from the woman quickly but was shoved forwards by one of the slavers. As the woman raised her arm, A stream of scorching flames erupted from her gauntlet, Setting one of the handlers on fire before the others scattered in fear as the woman spoke again.

" I asked for your name little one. "

" Please... Don't hurt me... I'll do anything you want... Just don't hurt me... " The girl cried softly as her body trembled before the woman took off her helmet and spoke soothingly.

" I did not come all this way to hurt the girl I have paid for. Your name? "

" Yu... Yumikaya... Please... Just let me go... " Yumikaya spoke shakily and trembled as the woman reached toward her. As Yumikaya braced herself for pain, She gasped as the woman caressed her cheek tenderly.

" You have known only pain and heartache haven't you. I wish I had found you sooner. "

" Why... Who are you... What do want with me... " Yumikaya sobbed softly before the woman pulled her into a tight hug. After struggling for several moments, Yumikaya sighed softly as she relaxed in the woman's arms and gently nuzzled into the crook of her neck as she spoke.

" Your parents sent me. I have tracked you across the galaxy. It took me ten years to find you. I am sorry I kept you waiting. Do you remember me? "

" How could I remember someone I have never met? And what are you talking about? I have no parents. I was born a slave to a mother I will never know and I don't even know where here is. " Yumikaya glanced away sadly before the woman spoke.

" I expected as much. We are on the planet Zygerria. It is a planet of slavers, Black markets and criminal syndicates. As for your parents, You were never born a slave nor meant to be one. You were born to parents that loved and adored you more than life itself. What you have been told is a lie. You were born in the Unknown Regions on a planet called Hoxim. That is the last place I saw your parents. I have not heard from your father in some time but I spoke to your mother a few days ago. She awaits us on Ilum. Before we leave, My name is Kalina. Your mother has been my best friend since I was young. I helped her during your birth and I held you when you first opened your eyes. " Kalina smiled lovingly as she petted Yumikaya's head gently. " Come with me. I will show you that you have a loving family waiting for you. Your mother and sister will be overjoyed to see you. "

" Si... Sister... I have a sister... " Yumikaya bit her lip as tears built up in my eyes before the walls she had up crumbled and she let her heart speak. " I... I don't want to be a slave anymore... I don't want to be caged or beaten or be alone anymore... Please... "

" I will take you home. Let's go sweety. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya nodded before helping her stand and holding her hand as they left the auction house and walked toward the spaceport. As they approached the landing bay that housed what appeared to be a modified gunship, A guard called out as he ran toward them.

" You there! Hold a moment! " The guard looked furious as Kalina turned to face him. " I have reports and eye witnesses that say you killed Zygerrian slavers! You are under arrest! "

" You think you have any way to put a Mandalorian under arrest? Really? " Kalina laughed as the transport lowered it's ramp and several others wearing Beskar ran out and pointed blasters toward the guard. " I think not. Run back to your master worm. " Kalina turned away as the guard slowly backed away with his hands in a defensive posture before the others boarded the transport and the ship took off. After a few minutes, The ship left orbit and jumped into hyperspace.

After looking out of the view port, Yumikaya turned to Kalina and spoke shakily. " Who are they? Where are you taking me? "

" They are members of a Mandalorian clan that owed me a favour. They are no threat to you. They are taking us to Nar Shaddaa. There, I will contact your mother. For now, I will get you some clothes and some food. I imagine you haven't had a decent meal for a long time. Or... Ever... Wait here. " Kalina smiled before walking up a set of stairs. After a few minutes, Kalina came back with a set of clean clothes and a small bowl of hot food. " Here kiddo. "

" Wh... What is it... " Yumikaya looked at the small bowl as she examined the small, Meaty sticks that filled it.

" Kaadu ribs. You'll like them, I promise. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya carefully picked up one of the ribs and sniffed it curiously before taking a small bite. After a moment, Yumikaya sighed happily before devouring the meat of the ribs one piece at a time. As she finished, Kalina giggled softly. " Hungry little Nexu aren't you? "

" I have had nothing but Bantha milk and gruel since I was a baby. Can you really blame me for being hungry? " Yumikaya pouted as Kalina giggled before reaching across the table and wiping a smear of sauce off Yumikaya's lips before speaking.

" Not at all sweety. Go get changed and then we will get some rest. Sleeping without having to keep one eye open will be a new experience for you. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya looked at her clothes.

" Sleep will be a new experience for me. You don't understand what it was like to be a slave. Every moment of every day and night I was either beaten or tortured. I have never had a minute of proper sleep. More like small naps worth an hour. And I was lucky to get those more than two or threes times a day. " Yumikaya sighed softly before taking the clothes and walking through a nearby door as a look of horror appeared on Kalina's face. After a few minutes, Yumikaya walked back to Kalina and sat down as Kalina spoke.

" If I had known how they treated you, I would have burnt that whole planet to the ground. " Kalina gritted her teeth as the other Mandalorian's looked toward her before Yumikaya spoke.

" Wouldn't have made a difference. The city wasn't where the slavers were staying. It was just the marketplace. The slaves were kept in a facility. Some sort of prison built over a crater. When slaves refused or failed to work, They were locked in a room with panels on the floor that opened. The slavers dropped so many into the pit... " Yumikaya sighed softly as Kalina took a slow breathe before speaking.

" Get some rest kid. It's gonna take a couple of days to reach Nar Shaddaa. Until then it's just eat and sleep. " Kalina smirked as Yumikaya nodded and laid down on the padded lounge she was sitting on. As Kalina smiled and watched, Yumikaya tossed and turned before cautiously moving over to Kalina little bits at a time and resting her head on Kalina's lap before falling asleep as Kalina ran her fingers through Yumikaya's hair gently.

The Next Day

Yumikaya awoke slowly and stretched before yawning quietly as Kalina spoke.

" She lives. I thought you would sleep until Nar Shaddaa. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya sat up before standing and stretching as Yumikaya spoke.

" You sat here all night? Weren't you uncomfortable? " Yumikaya had a concerned look on her face before Kalina giggled and spoke.

" What discomfort could I possibly experience that would be worse than anything you have been through? Besides, You looked so peaceful. I didn't dare risk waking you. " Kalina giggled before kissing Yumikaya's head gently as she spoke.

" I wanted to ask yesterday but I was so tired. Will... Will you tell me about my family? Please? " Yumikaya had a hopeful glint in her eyes as Kalina smiled spoke calmly.

" Let's start with your parents. Your father was once a Jedi Master. He often attended council meetings and trained many Padawan's. His name is Tazokhan. He was a prominent member of the Jedi Order until he met your mother. Zanira. She was a Sith Lord named Darth Nox. She was a very important member of the Dark Council. They were both assigned to leading the war effort on Ilum when they first met. Their fight lasted all day and night before they were too tired to fight anymore. That was the moment. " Kalina smiled brightly before continuing. " Sorry. I remember your mother coming back to camp blushing like a little girl with a crush and saying she just met the strangest Jedi. I think they may have been in love from that moment on. "

" What happened after that? " Yumikaya spoke softly as Kalina smiled brightly.

" Well they kept fighting each other. Day after day. Week after week. It went on for almost a year before they realised they were in love. They secretly made a plan to leave the Jedi and Sith behind and start a new life with a family. That is when they left and went searching for a place to live. It took a few months but they found Hoxim. Nine months later you and your sister were born. " Kalina petted Yumikaya's head gently as Yumikaya spoke.

" Can you tell me about my sister? " Yumikaya spoke shakily as she looked toward Kalina.

" Yumitaya. We all call her Taya. We thought the two of you were twins. You were born at the same time. But Taya... She... She didn't breathe when she was born. We thought she was dead until you cried and she all of a sudden started screaming. She is your mirror image. Although, Her eyes are a different colour. A genetic mutation we were told. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya sighed softly.

" I would have hated myself if I had found out she died when we were born. I would have blamed myself to be honest... But knowing she is waiting for me... My heart is aching so much that if I don't see her now... If I don't get to meet my sister... I don't know if I would have the strength to live. But at the same time I... I am terrified... " Yumikaya shivered slightly before Kalina hugged her lovingly.

" That is understandable sweetheart. You have been alone for so long that it must be exhausting having so many emotions swirling around in your head. " Kalina petted Yumikaya's head gently as she spoke shakily.

" I feel so much and it's just so confusing... " Yumikaya sighed audibly before Kalina lifted her and carried her to bed to rest.

The Next Day

" Did we arrive? " Yumikaya looked out of the viewport as Nar Shaddaa came into view.

" That's right kiddo. Nar Shaddaa. From here, We will head home to your family. I just need to make a detour planet side. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya watched while the transport flew through the airspace and landed at the spaceport. As Kalina motioned to leave, Yumikaya seized her belt and pulled before Kalina turned to look at her with a grin. " Come on then. "

" Thanks. I don't want to be alone right now. Where are we headed? " Yumikaya spoke softly as she followed Kalina down the loading ramp of the transport.

" Well... When I came here, I met a group of Mandalorians. Yes, The ones from the transport. They have what they call a covert here. On some planets it is a place of secrecy. Here on Nar Shaddaa, At least at the moment, It is a place for Mandalorians to gather and relax in safety. It was in a covert that I learned their ways and forged the armour I wear. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya looked up at her. After a few minutes, They approached the door of what appeared to be a club from the outside but had a strange symbol over the door. As they approached the door, Yumikaya spoke softly.

" What does Mandalorian mean Kalina? " Yumikaya spoke curiously and gasped as the door opened and a large man in similar armour to Kalina's stepped out and spoke gruffly.

" Back already pint size? Found what you were looking for I see. "

" That's right. Wasn't an easy trip but it worked out. Is she here? " Kalina took off her helmet as he tilted his head and spoke.

" When isn't she? In the back as usual. " The gruff man stepped aside as Kalina spoke.

" Thanks. Catch up when I leave. " Kalina smirked as the man grunted gruffly before Yumikaya followed nervously. As she walked in and looked around, Yumikaya saw all sorts of creatures heads on the walls, Old blasters with names on small plaques mounted on gilded boards and people everywhere were wearing armour similar to Kalina's. After following Kalina through the main room and past a curtain, Yumikaya looked around at all the sparkling décor in the room. A lot of the décor was gilded, There was a large trophy above the table and below it was a long, Custom made rifle on a plaque.

As Kalina sat down, Yumikaya stood behind her nervously as the woman across from Kalina spoke.

" Well look at you. Walking in armour like you own the place. That's the spirit I was looking for when I trained you. I see you found a tag along. "

" This is Yumikaya. The one I was looking for. Yumikaya, This is Twitch. " Kalina smiled as the woman giggled softly.

" The mysterious Yumikaya. She is a cute one. A little warrior like you? " Twitch smirked as she glanced toward Yumikaya.

" Not yet. The scars from slave life are still fresh. " Kalina sighed softly before continuing. " But I am hoping her family can heal some of that hurt so we can see who she is deep down. "

" Indeed. I'll certainly be watching with a keen eye. So what can I do for you? " Twitch smiled devilishly as Kalina spoke.

" Actually, I came here to say thank you and give you a gift. " Kalina smiled before taking a small pouch off her belt and placing it in front of Twitch. " Consider it a hope for future cooperation. "

" We are Mandalorian. We will always cooperate with each other. Gift or no gift. Though I do appreciate this all the same. " Twitch smiled as she opened the small bag and giggled before closing it and tying it to her belt as Yumikaya spoke.

" What does that mean? " Yumikaya spoke shakily as Twitch glanced toward her.

" Mandalorian? " Twitch regarded Yumikaya with curiosity as she spoke.

" Yes. Is that what your people are called? " Yumikaya spoke softly before Twitch giggled softly while the room outside where they were sitting fell silent.

" Mandalorian is a creed kid. The Way Of The Mandalore is our religion. Our way of life. The first thing we are taught as children is that when following the Way Of The Mandalore, We are both hunter and prey. Our entire way of living revolves around honour, Strength and loyalty. Anyone can become Mandalorian but many that do, Struggle with our creed. " Twitch had a serious expression on her face as Yumikaya spoke.

" Oh... Is it dishonourable to not live by a creed? " Yumikaya had a curious look on her face but wilted slightly as Twitch spoke with a course tone.

" Would you like to know what the four tenets are of our creed? " Twitch smiled as Yumikaya nodded silently.

" Our tenets define who we are as warriors and guide our way of life. Strength is life, For only the strong have the right to rule. Honour is life, For without honour, One may as well be dead. Loyalty is life, For without ones clan, One has no purpose. Death is life, For one should die as they have lived. This is the Way. " Twitch smiled as a chorus of voices voiced the same line from the adjacent room.

" This is the Way. "

" When you say This is the Way, What does it mean? " Yumikaya spoke softly with a tone of caution as Twitch giggled.

" It is a recognition that we are adhering to our tenets and the Way Of The Mandalore. It reminds us of who we are and why we have tenets to guide us. " Twitch smiled while looking Yumikaya up and down before continuing. " You are malnourished, Under developed both physically and psychologically and far too timid... But if you ever want to be a warrior, Kalina will bring you to us. " Twitch winked playfully at Yumikaya before continuing again. " For now, I have a message for you Kalina. "

" From Zanira I bet. Letting me know where she is. " Kalina reached out as Twitch held up a small communication device that Yumikaya didn't recognise. After activating it, Kalina giggled before speaking happily. " Should've figured she would pick somewhere cold. Thanks Twitch. Be seeing you. "

After leaving the building and walking toward the space port, Yumikaya spoke as she walked beside Kalina. " She seemed nice. "

" Twitch? Yeah. She is blunter than a dull knife and twice as mean as a rancor but deep down she is a sweetheart. You just need to push past the tough exterior. " Kalina giggled as Yumikaya smiled.

" I like her. Anyway, Where are we headed? " Yumikaya spoke softly before Kalina tousled her hair and smiled.

" Bay twelve sweety. It's time to go home. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya shivered. " It's alright sweety. I'll be with you the whole way. "

" You promise? " Yumikaya had tears in her eyes as Kalina knelt down and hugged her tightly.

" Ofcourse I promise. I will be with you. Always. Now get a move on. " Kalina giggled before tousling Yumikaya's hair and walking through the space port to where Bay twelve was located. As they walked into the docking bay, Yumikaya saw a large ship and tugged on Kalina's arm gently before speaking.

" Is it a Republic ship? " Yumikaya looked curious as Kalina smiled.

" This one is a privateer ship. It is a Republic model. This is a Thranta Class Corvette. Looks heavily modified. The engines for example are not standard. Weapons have been upgraded too. At least it looks sturdy and isn't held together by bonding tape. " Kalina laughed playfully as Yumikaya looked horrified.

" B... Bonding tape? We aren't going to get on a ship like that are we... " Yumikaya spoke nervously before Kalina giggled happily.

" No sweety. This transport will take us all the way home. We will be fine. Now let's get on board and get comfy. Some food perhaps? " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya's stomach rumbled and she blushed brightly before nodding shyly. After boarding the transport, Kalina got Yumikaya some food and settled in as the transport left Nar Shaddaa and jumped into hyperspace. After eating, Kalina and Yumikaya went to bed.

The Next Day

As Kalina woke up, She glanced over to Yumikaya's bed to see it empty and both the blankets and the pillows gone. As she sat up and motioned to go looking, Kalina saw Yumikaya asleep on the floor at the foot of her bed and sighed sadly. After stretching out, Kalina picked up Yumikaya and tucked her into the bed she had been sleeping in before leaving the room. After about an hour, Yumikaya teetered out of the room and over to the bench where Kalina sitting before crawling along the bench and laying her head on Kalina's lap as she spoke.

" I couldn't sleep in the bed. It was uncomfortable. " Yumikaya yawned softly as Kalina petted her head gently.

" You seemed comfortable when I picked you up off the floor and put you into my bed. " Kalina giggled softly as Yumikaya blushed lightly.

" It was the pillow. The smell was soothing. The smell of your hair I mean... " Yumikaya sighed softly as Kalina pulled her up and held her lovingly.

" That's okay sweety. As long as you are comfortable, I don't mind if it means giving you my pillow. " Kalina giggled softly as Yumikaya nuzzled against her chest gently. " It has been far too long since you were last comfortable hasn't it? "

" I've never been comfortable. Not once. Everything was always hurting. The floor was always cold or the cage was always too small. " Yumikaya hummed happily as she sat on Kalina's lap and snuggled against her gently.

" That isn't your life anymore sweetheart. You can be comfortable from now on. You can enjoy a soft bed and pillows and blankets. Decent food. You are worth so much more than being a slave and being mistreated. Your mother and sister will show you that and so will I. Whatever it takes and whatever you need sweety. " Kalina kissed Yumikaya's head gently as Yumikaya hugged her tightly.

" It means a lot to me that you are all willing to put so much effort into fixing my life. Thank you so much. " Yumikaya cried softly as Kalina held her lovingly.

" You don't know how much my heart ached when your mother told me you were gone. I was the first person to see you open your eyes and I love you just as much as your mother does. To be told that you had disappeared... It tore my heart in half sweety. It really did. And after ten years of searching, To finally see you standing in front of me was just overwhelming. It filled my heart with so much love and happiness to see you again. Even if you looked a like you hadn't been fed for a year. " Kalina laughed happily as Yumikaya smiled.

" When you found me... That was... That was the eighty seventh time that slavers tried to sell me. Before you bought me... The slaver said that if I didn't sell that time he was going to kill me. " Yumikaya bit her lip as tears built up in her eyes. " I was so scared when the slaver pushed me onto the stage. I hated everyone that was in the room. All I wanted was to hurt someone and get out of there. When I thought that it was all going to end... " Yumikaya sobbed as she looked Kalina in the eye. " You saved me. You're doing everything to take away my pain and everything you do is to make me feel safe and comfortable. You don't know how much it means to me to know that someone... That anyone gives a damn about me. " Yumikaya cried heavily as Kalina held her tightly and tried her best not to cry as well.

" I love you so much sweetheart. You have no idea how much you mean to me and no idea how much you mean to your family. You will see. Your sister in particular is absolutely dying to meet you. " Kalina smiled but quickly began crying softly as she held Yumikaya. " I missed you so much sweety. It is so good to have you back. "

" I can't even find the words Kalina. I am just so overwhelmed... " Yumikaya sniffled softly as Kalina caressed her cheek gently.

" It's okay to be overwhelmed sweety. I would be amazed if you weren't. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya pressed her face into the crook of Kalina's neck gently and nuzzled against her lovingly.

Chapter 1

End