Burning Shadows

Chapter 5

As Yumikaya approached the group waiting for her at the bottom of the hill, Aratarus spoke calmly.

" It is time for you to learn tier three kiddo. Normally this tier would be taken much later but you are ahead of most students I have seen. These others are warriors from the local covert of Mandalorians. To complete your training, Defeat us all. You can either fight us one by one or all at once. " Aratarus waited but smiled expectantly as Yumikaya moved into an Echani defensive stance and spoke.

" One at a time is no lesson. All at once will show me how to handle multiple opponents. " Yumikaya smiled as Aratarus and the other Mandalorians moved into fighting stances. As they rushed forward, Yumikaya darted forward and stepped off Aratarus's leg before slamming a hard kick into Mako's head, Knocking her to the ground as Yumikaya used her spinning momentum to wrap her legs around Aratarus's neck and launch him into one of the others.

As they tumbled to the ground, Yumikaya landed and rolled forward before blocking a kick and slamming her elbow into the side of one of the Mandalorians necks, Knocking him unconscious before she was hit in the side of her stomach and knocked to the ground. As she stood, Yumikaya noticed that the Mandalorian Aratarus had collided with was unconscious before Mako rushed forward and motioned to punch her.

As Yumikaya blocked, She raised her knee, Slamming it into Mako's stomach, Causing her to gasp loudly as she fell to the ground. As Mako groaned loudly, Aratarus seized Yumikaya by the arm and tossed her into the air before slamming a hard kick squarely in the centre of her chest, Sending her rocketing across the area, Slamming into two of the Mandalorian's faces as she went, Knocking them to the ground before Yumikaya landed and slid across the ground. As Yumikaya stood, She felt anger well up inside her before a soft voice echoed through her mind.

" No. Don't give in. Stay calm and focus. "

Yumikaya sighed softly before taking a slow breathe and rushing forward. As she moved, The two Mandalorian's charged before she lunged upwards and slammed her knee into the first ones head before pushing off his shoulder and flipping to bring her leg down on to the other ones head, Knocking them both unconscious. As she landed, Yumikaya breathed tiredly before Aratarus spoke and Mako stood slowly.

" Just us kiddo. Don't you dare hold back now. " Aratarus smirked before seizing Mako's arm and launching her toward Yumikaya as Mako moved to use a kick. As she was about to connect, Yumikaya span, Seized Mako's leg, Flipped her and slammed a kick to the back of her head, Ramming her face into the ground as she fell unconscious as a look of shock appeared on Aratarus's face for a moment before he rushed forward.

As Yumikaya looked toward him, Her vision narrowed and she darted forward before stepping up on to Aratarus's leg and wrapping her legs around his neck before squeezing her knees together as Aratarus struggled to remove her before she leant back and gripped his belt tightly. As Aratarus swung his body in an attempt to get her off, Yumikaya squeezed her legs together tightly, Despite Aratarus trying to pull them away for several moments before Aratarus fell to his knees and groaned softly before falling forward.

After standing and stepping backwards, Yumikaya sighed before falling backwards and landing with a dull thud, Unconscious.

The Next Day

Yumikaya awoke slowly and groaned as waves of aching pain rushed through her body before she stood and got dressed. As she left her room, She saw Kalina and Shae Vizla watching a recording of her fight with happy expressions as they spoke.

" Look at how she moves. Like a flowing river but with all the ferocity of a raging fire. It really is just enthralling to see her fight. " Shae sighed softly as Kalina nodded and spoke.

" And just look how she uses each movement like it has been calculated over and over. " Kalina giggled happily as Yumikaya teetered over and sat next to her before resting her head on Kalina's lap as she yawned sleepily. " Speaking of our little warrior, How do you feel sweety? "

" Everything hurts. My chest feels like someone landed a ship on it and my legs don't want to move properly. " Yumikaya sighed softly as Kalina ran her fingers through Yumikaya's hair slowly as she spoke.

" That is to be expected. Ara hits like a runaway speeder when he fights and rarely holds back. I am surprised Mako didn't get more hits on you though. She is normally more agile when I watch her spar with Ara. " Kalina looked disappointed before Shae giggled impishly and spoke.

" Certain... After hour activities will do that to you. " Shae giggled playfully as Kalina turned bright red and mumbled.

" Oh... I... I see... " Kalina cleared her throat before speaking clearly. " Anyway, I have a surprise for you Kaya. "

" Kaya? When did I get that nickname? " Yumikaya looked up at Kalina slowly as Kalina giggled.

" Do you not like it? " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya blushed lightly.

" I do... I just didn't know I had a nickname. " Yumikaya hummed softly as Kalina spoke.

" I thought that since I call your sister Taya that you might like a similar nickname. Now back to my surprise. You, Mako, Shae and I are going to a spa in the city to have a girls only relaxation day. Massages, Scented oils, Sonic showers, Fancy drinks and food, It is going to be wonderful. " Kalina giggled happily as Yumikaya sat up excitedly as her face lit up with happiness before Shae giggled softly.

" You are just too cute when you're excited Kaya. Now, Not a moment to lose. Mako is already there waiting for us. " Shae giggled playfully before they left the ship and walked to the spa where Mako was waiting for them. As they approached, Yumikaya spoke softly.

" Sorry if I hurt you Mako. I was just... " Yumikaya fell silent as Mako leant down and hugged her gently.

" Actually, I couldn't be more proud. Sure, My face hurts and my skull feels like someone danced on it but you proved that you are more than ready to complete your Echani training. Now let's go enjoy our girls day yeah? " Mako grinned happily as Yumikaya nodded enthusiastically before they all walked inside the spa.

Afternoon

" That was so good. We will have to do this often. " Yumikaya hummed happily as she stretched out slowly.

" I agree. I could get used to these girls days. " Shae giggled softly before Kalina sighed contently.

" And the girl that gave us massages was cute too. Win, Win if you ask me. " Kalina grinned playfully as Shae and Mako looked toward her with shock as Mako spoke.

" You didn't... " Mako looked surprised as Kalina giggled.

" What if I did? Girl can't have a little fun during a massage? " Kalina stretched out before sighing happily and walking off with Yumikaya in tow as Shae and Mako shared looks of disbelief.

As she walked alongside Kalina, Yumikaya spoke softly. " Has she woken up yet? "

" No. I don't think she will wake up for a fair while sweety. She is suffering from cryogenic poisoning. Her stasis cycle was... Flawed. " Kalina sighed softly before speaking as she saw the look of despair on Yumikaya's face. " Can you still feel her? "

" Yes. Why? " Yumikaya looked confused for a moment as Kalina giggled.

" If you can still feel her, What are you worried about? " Kalina smiled but quickly froze as Yumikaya spoke.

" That she won't wake up at all. " Yumikaya spoke with an unusually concerned tone in her voice as Kalina sighed.

" I see. Your mother explained connections like these to me. She said that through these connections, Stronger ones can form. You getting attached kiddo? " Kalina had a concerned look on her face as Yumikaya blushed and spoke.

" I... You... " Yumikaya groaned loudly before speaking irritably. " I don't know okay?! I feel so many things that I don't understand and I can feel everything about her. Her pain, Her heartache, Her sadness. I can feel her breathing and heartbeat. I have no idea what emotions are going through me or which ones are mine but I do know that I care about her. I don't know how or why but I care. "

" Your mother often told me how connections can vary. Some just let you feel emotions. Others let you communicate without speaking. In very rare cases, A connection can be so strong that you not only share feelings and thoughts but also pain, Emotions and even injuries. " Kalina spoke calmly before sighing and continuing. " I don't fully understand these connections nor do I understand what you are feeling. But if you are so worried about her not waking up, By all means, Give her a reason to. "

" How? " Yumikaya stopped walking and looked toward Kalina with despair and heartache as she spoke sternly. " How do I help her when I can't even help myself Kalina? I have no idea what I am feeling and far less what I am doing. I train only because I can't do anything else. I can't sleep, Eating makes me nauseous, The most I can force down is water and let's be honest, It isn't doing me any favours. What do you suggest I do?! "

" Continuing on the path I am walking, Toward the nearest medical facility would be an intelligible start. Something is not right within you and if it isn't the blasted connection with that girl then it is something else and I will not stand here and have you demand answers while making no damned effort to get better! " Kalina had an angry look on her face as Yumikaya wilted before Kalina spoke again. " I spent ten years trying to find you and I expected so much more than this. How dare you behave so childishly while ignoring your own health. "

Kalina turned and walked away as Yumikaya bit her lip and followed her without a word. After a few minutes, They arrived at a medical facility and walked in before walking over to the administration counter and waiting for a few moments before the nurse at the counter spoke calmly.

" Welcome to Aldera Primary Medical Centre. How can we assist you today? "

" My ward is feeling unwell. She is unable to sleep and eating anything makes her nauseous. Water is the only thing that she can stomach. Would it be possible for some tests? " Kalina smiled warmly as the nurse stood and nodded.

" Please come this way. A medical droid will see you shortly. " The nurse lead them to a small room before leaving as Yumikaya looked around quickly before Kalina spoke.

" Don't even think about it. You are getting checked out whether you like it or not. " Kalina turned to look at her as Yumikaya froze and sighed loudly before the medical droid entered the room.

" Good afternoon. Whom am examining? "

" Me... But... " Yumikaya spoke calmly before the medical droid motioned toward the nearby bed as Yumikaya groaned. After Yumikaya sat down, The droid immediately scanned her before speaking softly.

" Strange. I detect no physical abnormalities. Perhaps a blood test? "

" Ugh... " Yumikaya groaned impatiently before Kalina shot her a disapproving look, Causing Yumikaya to wilt slightly before she held out her arm and the medical droid took a blood sample using a sharp syringe. After a few hours, The medical droid returned.

" You appear to be suffering from the effects of cryogenic poisoning but you show no physical signs of the symptoms. Quite curious. " The medical droid spoke calmly before leaving as Kalina growled before speaking.

" It is that connection. " Kalina curled her hands into fists before speaking again. " Just who the hell is she?! Why is she so connected to you... "

" I don't know. " Yumikaya sighed softly before continuing. " But she is connected to me. In so many ways that I can't understand. Everything she feels, I feel. Everything she suffers, I suffer. I don't know why but I don't want to let it go. "

Kalina sighed softly before speaking. " Alright. But you at least have to rest. Your body won't deal with this if you don't let it. No more training. Not until... " Kalina paused as an unsettled look crept over her face. " Until you have both recovered. "

Yumikaya nodded silently before following Kalina as she left the medical centre.

Two Weeks Later.

Yumikaya stretched slowly as a heavy ache weaved through her body. After two weeks of rest, The symptoms of cryogenic poisoning had passed yet her body still felt heavy and very tender. As she got out of bed, Yumikaya held her head gently as a soft voice echoed through her mind.

" You heard me... I called to you so many times even though I didn't even know you and you came to save me even though you didn't know me. Why? "

" I don't know... It felt like I was dreaming... " Yumikaya spoke softly as the voice entered her mind again.

" I don't know anything about you yet it feels like you have always been with me. I would like to know more... If you will let me... "

" I think you should concentrate on waking up first. Not to sound mean or anything. " Yumikaya giggled nervously as a hot flush rushed through her cheeks.

" Then I will look forward to when we can speak properly. Though, I am very glad we can speak at all. I am sorry if my voice causes you pain. "

" I have felt everything since I first heard your voice. Everything... Even your heartbeat... " Yumikaya blushed brightly before the voice made a soft humming sound before speaking nervously.

" I... I see... That is... Well... A little embarrassing... But I am glad. I wouldn't be here without you. I will leave you be. Thank you for saving me. "

Yumikaya sighed softly as the voice left her mind. After a few moments of blushing uncontrollably, Yumikaya left her room and walked to the mess hall. After eating some food without feeling nauseous for the first time in weeks, Yumikaya found her mind wandering to the voice in her head and before she realised it, Had walked to the medical room and was sitting at the young girls bed side, Looking toward her with a look of longing. As she sat there, Yumikaya spoke softly before gently running her fingers along the girls cheek.

" Why do I feel like this? Why does it feel like there is a hole in my heart... " Yumikaya sighed softly as she ran her fingers through the girls soft, Silver hair. " Why does it feel like I am losing a part of myself while you sleep... " As she finished speaking, Yumikaya stood and walked toward the door. As the door opened, A soft voice filled the room.

" Please... " The young girl spoke softly as Yumikaya whirled around with a look of shock on her face. " Please don't leave... I don't want to be alone again... "

" Neither do I but I don't even know why I feel like this. " Yumikaya sighed loudly as she absentmindedly walked back over to the girls bedside and sat down before intertwining her fingers with the young girls as she spoke softly. " Why do I feel like this... "

" I don't know but I know it will break my heart to let it go. " The young girl spoke softly before gently rubbing her thumb over Yumikaya's hand as she continued. " My name is Atali. "

" My name is Yumikaya. But you can call me Kaya. Everyone does now. " Yumikaya blushed lightly as Atali giggled softly.

" Cute. Where are you from Kaya? " Atali blushed lightly as Yumikaya pouted before speaking.

" Kalina told me that I was born on Hoxim. Until a few weeks ago, I didn't even know I had a family. Kalina saved me on Zygerria and is taking me home. My cousin is here too. " Yumikaya smiled softly before looking toward Atali slowly. " Where are you from? "

" Arkania. I was created by the scientists there but they hated us... They... " Atali bit her lip but before speaking again, Yumikaya spoke softly.

" I know. I saw your memories when I slept. " Yumikaya had a stern look on her face as she continued. " They will pay for it. For everything. I promise. "

" Don't make me promises you can't keep. " Atali turned her head away but gasped softly as Yumikaya reached over and gently turned her head back while speaking as she ran her thumb over Atali's lip gently.

" I can keep it. I will do anything to make sure I can keep it. It might not be today or tomorrow but someday they will pay for what they did to you. " Yumikaya smiled softly before realising that she was caressing Atali's cheek and blushing brightly before quickly recoiling. " I'm sorry! I didn't mean... "

" It's alright. I like it. Your touch is so soft and soothing. But you can't sit here all day. You still have training to do. I need to rest anyway. You will visit me again won't you? " Atali reached toward Yumikaya, Who quickly moved forward and pressed her cheek against Atali's hand firmly.

" I don't think I can stay away anymore. I don't understand what I feel but I am drawn to you. Even when I am trying to think of something... Anything else... I end up thinking about you... It's scary... " Yumikaya shivered lightly and blushed as Atali ran her fingers over Yumikaya's lips slowly.

" I know. But we will find out what it all means together. Now go train. You have been distracted for long enough. " Atali smiled softly as Yumikaya nodded and stood before leaving. As the door closed, Yumikaya looked back toward Atali longingly. Before walking down the hall, Yumikaya was startled as Kalina spoke from behind her.

" You should be careful. We don't know anything about her and getting attached could be dangerous. " Kalina sighed softly as Yumikaya wilted slightly. " So it is too late for caution. At the very least, Restraint then? "

" Why? " Yumikaya spoke sternly before Kalina looked toward her with concern. " Why do I need to show restraint? I am already connected to her in ways I don't understand. Why shouldn't I embrace it? "

" We don't know her Kaya. We need more information. " Kalina sighed softly as Yumikaya looked irritated. " You can stop glaring daggers at me. I get it. You like her. Just don't rush anything alright? "

" Fine. I'll get to know her before I decide what to do. Can I go train now? " Yumikaya looked frustrated as she walked away after Kalina nodded.

" Sorry kiddo. But it's for your own good. " Kalina sighed softly before stepping into the medical room as Atali looked toward the door. As Kalina drew her blaster, A look of horror appeared on Atali's face.

" No... Please don't... " Atali spoke fearfully as Kalina sighed and pulled the trigger, Sending a ring of energy into Atali's chest.

" I hate to do this. But there is no other way. " Kalina walked over and draped Atali over her shoulder before leaving the room quietly.

The Next Day

" Are you awake Atali? I brought some break... " Yumikaya froze before dropping the tray of food she was carrying and darting out of the room. After searching everywhere she could think of, Yumikaya spotted Kalina walking out of the hangar with Aratarus and Mako at her side. As she ran over, Yumikaya heard Aratarus speak.

" This lacks honour. You of all people should know better Kalina. " Aratarus spoke sternly as Kalina stopped walking and spoke sternly.

" It doesn't matter. It is in her best intere... " Kalina froze as a wave of energy erupted out of Yumikaya before she spoke angrily.

" WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HER?! " Yumikaya growled softly as the air swirled around her.

" Kaya... Please calm down and listen... " Kalina spoke cautiously before stepping backwards slightly as Yumikaya spoke.

" WHERE IS ATALI?! " Yumikaya clenched her fists as nearby crates and pillars creaked loudly as if a massive weight was placed upon them while Kalina looked around wildly at the sounds before speaking softly.

" She is safe. I promise I didn't hurt her but there is somewhere I need to take you before we go home and Atali is part of it. Please just listen... " Kalina slowly started to panic as the nearby crates quickly crumpled and contorted as Yumikaya breathed heavily and spoke.

" Give her back to me. GIVE HER BACK! " Yumikaya screamed her words as a wave of energy erupted out of her, Throwing Kalina, Mako and Aratarus across the hangar, Slamming against the wall as Yumikaya gasped loudly before falling to the ground. As Kalina stood, She noticed a small dart protruding from Yumikaya's neck before the familiar voice of Arsaor filled the hangar.

" You brats have a lot of explaining to do. Start talking. " Arsaor had an impatient and irritated look on his face as Kalina stood and spoke while walking toward Yumikaya.

" I took someone important to her and hid her away. She is safe but is unable to communicate. Her absence is obviously upsetti... " Kalina paused as Arsaor spoke.

" You misunderstand. Explain why you would choose such a dishonourable course of action and explain why she can crush Durasteel crates without touching them. " Arsaor looked impatient as Kalina sighed softly.

" She can do that because she is Force Sensitive. She is not a Jedi or a Sith but she can do what they do. As for my course of action, Yes it is dishonourable but I could see no other way forward. I need to know the depth of her connection and this was the only way I could see. " Kalina spoke sternly but wilted as Arsaor glared at her.

" There are infinite ways to discover such a thing and you went this way. You could have asked for assistance. You could have simply spoken to her in detail about it. You could have even had a conversation with the one she values. Instead you choose to abduct her and stash her away? To what end? "Arsaor spoke sternly before taking his pipe out and lighting the tobacco as Kalina spoke.

" I am achieving two goals at once. I want to test her survival skills and giving her the motivation to go along is where Atali comes in. At the same time, I will see how connected they are. Yumikaya will use the connection they have to find Atali. It will tell me through her actions. " Kalina spoke softly but knew what Arsaor was going to say before it left his lips.

" You play a dangerous game. She is unstable and you toy with her emotions and feelings like a Nexu with it's prey. Do not be surprised when the prey bites back. " Arsaor walked away as Mako picked up Yumikaya and took her to Aratarus's ship as he and Kalina followed quietly.

Early The Next Morning

Yumikaya groaned softly and sat up before looking around and realising she didn't know where she was before sighing softly as she closed her eyes and breathed slowly.

" Focus Kaya. Stay calm and focus. " Yumikaya looked around again before rubbing her head gently. " Just in a forest on a weird planet all alone and am barely dressed. What is there to panic about... "

Yumikaya groaned cautiously before a familiar presence entered her mind.

" Help me Kaya... "

" Atali! " Yumikaya stood up quickly before taking a short breathe and walking into the jungle that surrounded her. As she walked, Yumikaya took in the surrounds. Plants, Insects and animals of various sizes, Colours and species filled the jungle as noises from larger creatures echoed through the air. After several minutes, Yumikaya's stomach growled. While looking around, Yumikaya spotted a small plant with a piece of fruit hanging from it.

After taking the fruit, Yumikaya climbed on to a branch in a nearby tree and took a bite. The fruit was sweet, Acidic and slightly sour but was satisfying nonetheless. After finishing the fruit, Yumikaya looked around slowly and sighed before feeling a sharp pain in her neck and running her hand along her neck until she felt feathers and bone. After yanking the object out and realising it was a dart, Yumikaya felt dizzy before falling off the branch and landing with a dull thud as her vision faded.

Several Hours Later

Yumikaya groaned as she slowly sat up before looking around and realising that she was surrounded by strange looking creatures. The creatures had what appeared to be coral protruding from their heads and had long arms with webbed fingers. After a few moments of silence, One of the creatures barked loudly before a young female Togruta walked forward and knelt beside Yumikaya as she spoke.

" He demands to know why you ate the ceremonial fruit. "

" I was hungry... I didn't know it was special... " Yumikaya watched silently as the young woman turned to the creature and made several barking noises. As the woman finished, The creature shook it's head angrily before stepping forward and swinging what appeared to be a club toward Yumikaya. Before the hit landed, Yumikaya lunged sideways before darting forward and pressing the pressure points she had used against Aratarus, Causing the creature to grunt loudly before falling to the ground. As the creature barked and grunted angrily, A louder, Older sounding bark echoed from deeper in the cave before several of the creatures rushed forward and pinned Yumikaya before tying her hands behind her back and binding her ankles together.

After being bound, Yumikaya was carried through a huge cavern filled with glowing plants and shrubs that surrounded small huts made from sticks and leaves. As they marched past the huts, Yumikaya spoke calmly.

" I have so many questions right now... " Yumikaya looked around at the various people and creatures in the cavern before being unceremoniously thrown into a large tent and landing with a dull thud before the young woman walked past her and sat down beside one of the coral head creatures. This one looked older and had a deeper bark than the others. After a few minutes of it barking loudly, The young woman nodded before speaking.

" The chief says that despite not knowing the fruit had meaning, You have disrespected an ancient custom that is sacred to the people here. To atone, You have two choices. You can either offer your time to the people and complete tasks they need done or you can undergo the warriors trials to become a tribal warrior. " The young woman waited patiently as Yumikaya sighed.

" Polite pass on the endless servitude. I'll take the trials. " Yumikaya spoke softly before the woman barked toward the creature and moved over to Yumikaya before untying her and speaking.

" Be forewarned. The warriors trials are not easy. Less than half the initiates that take these trials, Succeed. It is not for the feint of heart. " The woman spoke softly but smiled as Yumikaya looked toward her with ferocity.

" I survived being a slave for ten years as a child. I will not fail. " Yumikaya sighed softly before speaking again. " But that does not mean I will underestimate the difficulty of the trials. Where do we start? "

" First you must be marked. Every initiate is marked using ink made from the plants in our cavern. The marks are permanent but will signify that you are a warrior of the tribe. " The young woman paused for a moment as two other women sat beside Yumikaya with what appeared to be pointed bones and bowls of glowing liquids. " The marks will glow when in darkness but it will hurt. The toxins we use will take time for your body to adjust to. "

" Something I have an abundance of. I am eager to begin. " Yumikaya sat still before the chief barked loudly and stood before walking over to what looked like a large cauldron and dipping a bowl into it. After grunting contently, The chief walked back over to Yumikaya and held the bowl out to her as the young woman spoke.

" This is an elixir the chief makes for the marking ceremony. It will make you sleep while we mark you. It is less painful this way. For us both. " The young woman spoke calmly before Yumikaya took the bowl and drank the liquid slowly. After several moments, Yumikaya's eyelids felt heavy and her vision blurred before she fell sideways and closed her eyes slowly.

Chapter 5

End