Burning Shadows
Chapter 6
As Yumikaya awoke, She groaned softly at the burning sensation coursing through her body. As she sat up, The young woman spoke.
" Easy. Your marking was a difficult one and your body has not accepted the toxins yet. You need to rest. " The young woman placed a cool cloth on Yumikaya's forehead as she laid back down and fell asleep again.
A Few Days Later
Yumikaya sat up and stretched slowly, Sighing softly at the sensation of her muscles loosening before standing and walking out of the tent she was in. As she stepped out into the open cavern, The chief and the young woman walked over as the chief barked loudly before the young woman spoke.
" You look better today. We were worried the toxins would overcome you. Are you ready to start the trials? " The young woman paused as Yumikaya nodded before smiling and continuing. " The first trial awaits you. This trial requires that you defeat a recognised warrior in ritual combat. The chieftains adopted daughter has volunteered to face you. Her name is Deshla. Follow me. "
Yumikaya nodded and followed silently as the young woman and the chieftain led her to a small area that was cleared and fenced off in a moderately sized square. As she walked into the fenced area, Yumikaya noticed that many of the people in the village were watching before seeing her opponent ahead of her. Deshla was a Zabrak with pale skin and was slightly taller than Yumikaya but had a clearly well toned body and was dressed in what looked like leather armour.
As she lifted her spear and moved into a combat stance, A nearby villager tossed a spear to Yumikaya, Who caught it and mimicked the combat stance of her opponent before darting forward and making a quick stab with the spear. As Deshla dodged, She struck Yumikaya across her back with the handle of the spear, Knocking Yumikaya forwards.
As she stood, Yumikaya turned and swung the spear in a wide motion, Landing a hit to the Deshla's side, Causing her to step back as Yumikaya made a second stab attack which was met by a block and a hard but swift kick to the side of her head, Sending her barrelling to the side of the arena. As Yumikaya stood, She felt anger well up inside her and as she darted forward, Her marks flashed brightly for a moment before she exploded forward. Before landing a hit, Yumikaya fell unconscious and crashed through the fence that edged the arena and slid along the ground as the onlookers watched in shock.
A Few Hours Later
Yumikaya groaned painfully as she sat up before Deshla walked into the tent and spoke calmly.
" How did you do that? " Deshla spoke softly as Yumikaya stretched out.
" Do what? And I didn't think anyone spoke basic around here other than the chiefs translator. " Yumikaya spoke softly before Deshla made a huffing sound and spoke sternly.
" We are not half as primitive as most outsiders think. Most of our village chooses to speak in the native language but we can all speak basic. And how did you move so fast? It was a blur. I didn't even see you twitch after your marks flashed. How did you do that? " Deshla had an irritated look on her face as Yumikaya shook her head.
" No idea. It just happened. " Yumikaya sighed softly as she stood before Deshla sighed and spoke calmly.
" Well whatever you did impressed my father. He is letting you advance to the second trial. I was told to escort you. Hurry up and get dressed. " Deshla sighed as Yumikaya looked confused before Deshla pointed downward, Causing Yumikaya to look down and blush brightly before covering herself with the blanket on the bed she had slept in.
" WHY AM I NAKED?! " Yumikaya blushed brightly before looking around wildly for her clothes.
" You had injuries that needed attention. What, You think you can go crashing through a fence and not get hurt? Now stop fussing and get dressed. We are already late for the trial. " Deshla made an impatient noise before stepping outside as Yumikaya threw the blanket back on the bed and got dressed after spotting her clothes draped over a nearby chair.
After stepping outside, Yumikaya took a slow breathe before Deshla spoke calmly.
" You should prepare yourself. The second trial is the Hunters Passage. You must hunt a creature selected at random by my father. Name in a box sort of deal. You will be given a spear and the creatures location but must hunt alone. As I faced you in the first trial, I will witness you in the second. " Deshla paused as Yumikaya nodded and walked past her before speaking again. " A true hunter is both predator and prey. I recommend you remember that. "
" Noted. Shall we go? " Yumikaya smiled sweetly but was clearly nervous as Deshla smiled and shook her head slowly.
" Sure kid. Let's go. " Deshla walked ahead of Yumikaya before heading toward the entrance to the village. As they approached the cave leading out of the village, They were met by the chieftain and his translator. After the chief barked for a few moments, He turned to his translator and nodded before she spoke softly.
" The chief says that he wishes you luck on your hunt. For unlike other initiates, You have drawn a difficult creature. Your trial is to hunt a jungle rancor. Normally, They move in groups but there is one that is uncharacteristically territorial. It lives alone and as far as we can tell, Refuses to travel with others of it's kind. That, Is your target. "
" A rancor? Sure... No pressure or anything... " Yumikaya groaned softly before being handed a map painted onto bark and following Deshla out of the village.
An Hour Later
" What the hell is that?! They said jungle rancor! " Yumikaya spoke irritably before looking toward the small shaded clearing where there was a large cave surrounded by swampy mud and various ferns as what looked like a rancor covered in spiky bones and thick looking bone plates down its spine stepped out of the cave and roared loudly as Yumikaya spoke again. " THAT is not a jungle rancor! "
" Nope. " Deshla groaned irritably. " It is much worse. It's a rage rancor. Rare subspecies. Extremely aggressive and extremely territorial. I do not recommend we mess with it. We should go back to my fa... Wait! " Deshla looked shocked as Yumikaya jumped into the clearing before moving into a combat stance with her spear as the rancor looked toward her angrily.
" That's right big boy. I'm walking on your ground. " Yumikaya growled softly as the rancor snarled and charged toward her with the spiky tusks on it's jaw pointing forward. As it was about to collide with her, Yumikaya launched herself sideways, barely dodging in time as the rancor's head slammed into the trunk of a massive tree.
After a moment of groaning loudly, The rancor stood up and turned. As it looked around, The rancor growled irritably before roaring painfully as Yumikaya landed on it's head and thrust her spear into it's eye, Causing it to thrash violently, Sending Yumikaya flying through the air before slamming against a tree branch and spiralling to the ground. As Yumikaya gasped and groaned painfully, The rancor stomped toward her and picked her up before squeezing her tightly in it's hand.
As the rancor's grip tightened, Yumikaya gritted her teeth and groaned before four of her ribs snapped, Causing her eyes to shoot open as she screamed in pain. As she screamed, Yumikaya's marks glowed brightly as the sound of her scream immediately intensified to a level that made the nearby trees shake violently before the rancor roared painfully and stumbled backwards as it dropped Yumikaya before falling to the ground.
Some Time Later
Yumikaya awoke and groaned painfully as her ribs made small popping noises before she stood and teetered out of the tent she was in. As she stepped outside, Yumikaya's legs gave out and she fell forward, Straight into Dehsla's arms as she spoke softly.
" I am amazed you are still alive kid. That was really something. " Deshla smiled sweetly before picking Yumikaya up gently and carrying her through the village to the chiefs hut. As they entered, The chief barked happily before the translator spoke.
" The chief is very happy to see that you live. Deshla's story of your victory is... Astounding. To kill a rancor with your scream... "
" Wait, I killed it? " Yumikaya looked shocked as Deshla looked toward her with confusion and spoke.
" You don't remember? " Deshla spoke softly before Yumikaya shook her head and spoke.
" I remember my ribs snapping and then it's... Fuzzy. " Yumikaya rubbed her head gently as Deshla spoke.
" You screamed. Screamed so loudly the trees shook. The rancor... It was like the inside of it's body was bursting. You killed it with sound. I've never seen anything like it. " Deshla sighed softly before pointing toward Yumikaya's visible marks. " You were glowing when you screamed. I have never seen that either. You are a very interesting kid. "
" I am like two years younger than you. " Yumikaya spoke softly as Deshla looked at her with surprise.
" How old are you? " Deshla smiled as Yumikaya giggled and spoke.
" Twelve. " Yumikaya smiled as Deshla laughed happily before speaking.
" Four years younger. But from what I have seen, Those four years difference aren't all that critical. " Deshla smiled as Yumikaya giggled softly before the chief barked loudly and Deshla spoke as the translator left the tent. " My father says that you are much stronger than you look and that he underestimated your strength. He sees no reason to make you run a third trial after you took on a rage rancor. He welcomes you to the tribe as a warrior. " Deshla paused as the chief barked loudly before Deshla spoke again.
" He admits that he knows why you came to this world. He knows where the girl you are looking for is but says you will not reach her. There are... Obstacles in the way. Traps and the like. " Deshla paused again as the chief barked once more. " He is willing to take you there. "
" I appreciate the offer but that task is mine alone. Thank you for welcoming me to the tribe but I need to find her. " Yumikaya motioned to move but gasped painfully as her ribs made popping noises. " That was unpleasant... Think I might need a few days. "
" You don't have to rush. Father said that the girl is safe. There are armoured warriors watching over her. Our scouts have been watching them. They see to her needs and treat her kindly. " Deshla smiled before standing and picking Yumikaya up gently. After carrying her back to the tent she was in, Deshla left for a few minutes before returning with a plate of food and what appeared to be a piece of bone with holes in it.
After sitting down, Deshla spoke softly. " I... I went back to the rancor den. I harvested a tusk to make you this. It's a flute. I thought... I thought you might... Like the sound it makes... " Deshla held the flute out toward Yumikaya on the palm of her hands as Yumikaya smiled and took it before speaking.
" It's beautiful Deshla. Thank you so much. " Yumikaya smiled warmly before blowing into the flute, Causing it to make a soft, Musical sound as Deshla smiled as Yumikaya put the flute down and spoke.
" I love the sound. It's soothing. " Yumikaya smiled as Deshla giggled and tousled her hair before speaking.
" You remind me of my sister. She had fire in her veins just like you do. " Deshla smiled sadly before Yumikaya spoke.
" Your sister? I haven't met her have I? " Yumikaya spoke with curiosity but felt taken aback as Deshla spoke with a devastated tone of voice.
" That would be a trick. Her trials killed her a year ago. " Deshla bit her lip as Yumikaya hugged her tenderly.
" I am sorry. " Yumikaya spoke softly as Deshla wrapped her arms around her and spoke.
" She loved the flute. She played it every day and was often playing while the rest of us made dinner or did our chores. It made our lives so enjoyable. The entire village mourned her loss. But no-one mourned her more than I did. I loved her more than anything else in my life and when I found out what killed her I hunted it. But I failed. I couldn't even get close enough to scratch it. And then you came along and I got to watch you kill it. " Deshla pulled away from Yumikaya and smiled as Yumikaya spoke.
" The rancor. That's how you knew so much about it. " Yumikaya spoke calmly before Deshla nodded.
" I was going to bring you back here and demand father give you a different task. But you were already going ahead. I wanted to jump in after you and drag you out but... " Deshla paused as Yumikaya touched her cheek gently.
" Deshla, Honestly, I would have kicked your ass for trying. But I appreciate the sentiment. You know I cannot replace your sister though. " Yumikaya smiled sadly as Deshla nodded.
" I know. But deep down, I don't want you to. No matter how much you remind me of her. " Deshla smile and sniffled lightly before standing and speaking. " I'll let you rest. When you are healed, Come and say goodbye? "
" Ofcourse. Just because I cannot replace your sister doesn't mean we are not friends Deshla. " Yumikaya smiled sweetly as Deshla giggled and smiled brightly before nodding and leaving the tent as Yumikaya laid back and fell asleep.
Three Days Later
After sleeping for the majority of the three days, Yumikaya woke up and stretched carefully before getting dressed into leather armour gifted to her by the chieftain and tying her flute to her belt before leaving the tent. As she looked around the village, Yumikaya saw the chieftain and Deshla walking toward her before smiling and walking to meet them. As she stopped walking, Deshla spoke sadly.
" Time for you to go isn't it? " Deshla smiled but was clearly saddened as Yumikaya nodded.
" Yeah. I need to go and find Atali. I have been apart from her too long already. " Yumikaya sighed sadly before continuing. " I will miss you Deshla. "
" I'll miss you to. Spending this time with you has made me feel happy again. I haven't felt so good since my sister died. " Deshla smiled sadly as Yumikaya hugged her tenderly.
" I will visit whenever I can. Promise. " Yumikaya smiled as she pulled away from Deshla before walking toward the cave at the entrance to the village. As Yumikaya walked far enough away that she couldn't hear them, The chief spoke calmly.
" You should go with her Deshla. " The chief looked toward Deshla as she turned and looked toward him with shock.
" But my place is here! I have to help with the harvests and you are here. I couldn't... " Deshla turned away sadly as the chief chuckled softly.
" You are my daughter and I love you with all that I am. But you are wrong. Your place is with her. Where you can be happy and flourish. You heart has been cold since Tahali's death. That girl brought some warmth to it. You will only grow cold again with her absence. Go with her. " The chief watched as Deshla broke down into tears before turning and hugging him tightly.
" I'll miss you so much father. " Deshla sobbed softly as the chief hugged her.
" Then I recommend you visit often. " The chief chuckled softly as Deshla pulled away and smiled brightly before running after Yumikaya. As she got closer, Deshla called to her, Causing Yumikaya to stop walking and turn as she spoke.
" Deshla? What's wrong? " Yumikaya looked confused as Deshla spoke nervously.
" I know you can't replace Tahali, But that doesn't mean I can't love you like a sister. I haven't been happy in the village since Tahali died and everyone knows it. Being with you makes me happy. I want to come with you. Please... " Deshla looked nervous as Yumikaya smiled and hugged her lovingly.
" I know I said goodbye but part of me wanted to ask you to come along. It confuses me to feel so strongly for you after a short time but it does feel like you are my sister Deshla. I want you to come with me wherever I go. We can come back and visit as often as you like though. " Yumikaya smiled happily as Deshla held her tightly.
" Yeah. We can. I am glad you want me to come along. Now... " Deshla pulled away from Yumikaya before wiping her eyes and taking a quick breathe. " Let's go and find your girlfriend sis. "
" Deshla! " Yumikaya went bright red as Deshla laughed softly before they left the village and walked into the forest. After a few minutes of walking, Deshla spoke calmly.
" So if you don't want me to show you the way, How will we find her? " Deshla stopped walking as Yumikaya sighed and spoke.
" Atali and I are connected through the Force. I can feel her presence but... " Yumikaya whimpered softly before continuing. " But it normally knocks me out when I open up to the Force. It feels like my head is splitting open. "
" Maybe you are trying to open up too much? Maybe just focus on Atali? " Deshla spoke with confusion before giggling and speaking calmly. " Sorry, I don't know a whole lot about the Force. Father never taught me anything about it. Even when I asked. "
" He probably had good reasons. But you aren't wrong. Focusing only on Atali might actually work. I'll try. " Yumikaya sat down and closed her eyes before breathing slowly as she focused on Atali completely and slowly opened her mind to the Force.
Yumikaya groaned softly at the throbbing ache weaving through her head for a few moments before her vision rushed through the forest in a clear path before stopping in front of what looked like an outpost built at the base of a large mountain. As Yumikaya's vision snapped back to where she was, She took a sharp breathe and breathed heavily as she fell backwards and laid on the ground as Deshla spoke.
" You comfy down there sis? " Deshla giggled playfully as Yumikaya giggled and spoke.
" Yeah. The ground isn't as soft as a bed but it's okay. " Yumikaya smiled as Deshla helped her to her feet and spoke calmly.
" Did you find her? " Deshla smiled as Yumikaya nodded.
" Yeah but it isn't going to be pretty. Traps and the like. " Yumikaya smirked playfully as Deshla giggled.
" That won't stop you. A rancor couldn't. Let's go get your girlfriend back. " Deshla smiled as Yumikaya pouted as she blushed.
" You are such a bad influence. " Yumikaya giggled playfully as Deshla grinned.
" In all the best ways. Now get a move on. " Deshla smiled happily as Yumikaya led the way.
The Next Day
Yumikaya and Deshla were hiding behind some large ferns as they watched the Mandalorians patrolling around the area Atali was in. There were several small tents and one large tent in the centre of the camp. After watching for a few moments, Yumikaya spoke quietly.
" There look to be six guards. I will assume that they have orders to capture me if they can. The traps that I can see are snares and pitfalls. Other than that, We have to wing it. " Yumikaya sighed softly as Deshla placed a hand on her shoulder.
" Then let's avoid the traps. We can use the trees. Follow me. " Deshla smirked before moving away from the camp slowly. Once far enough away, Deshla started climbing a large nearby tree. After carefully walking along a branch that reached over the traps and fence around the camp, Deshla and Yumikaya dropped into the camp behind one of the smaller tents. After avoiding the patrols, Yumikaya and Deshla ducked into the camp as Deshla stayed close to the opening to keep watch. As she looked around, Yumikaya saw Atali curled up in the corner before moving over as Atali spoke softly.
" I'm not hungry. Just leave me be. " Atali turned away but whirled back around as Yumikaya spoke calmly.
" Well if you really want me to leave. " Yumikaya smiled sweetly as she knelt down before Atali hugged her tightly.
" You came for me... " Atali bit her lip but sighed softly as Yumikaya caressed her cheek gently.
" I will always come for you Atali. No matter where you are. I will always find you. Now let's get out of here. " Yumikaya leant her head against Atali's for a moment before Kalina's voice filled the tent.
" That won't be necessary. You have completed my test already. " Kalina smiled but her smile faltered as a look of rage crept over Yumikaya's face before Kalina was blasted by a wave of energy, Throwing her out of the tent before sliding across the ground as Yumikaya stepped out of the tent and spoke fiercely.
" You took her from me. You took her away and then dropped me in the middle of the jungle with nothing but rags. " Yumikaya looked outraged but as she motioned to speak again, Atali and Deshla seized her arms before Kalina spoke softly.
" I know you are angry with me sweety but this is the only path I could see. I had to know how connected you are to her. " Kalina fell silent for a moment as Yumikaya growled irritably.
" I explained that to you! I told you how connected we are! Weren't you listening?! I told you that I could feel everything about her and that it would break my heart to let it go. How did that not explain it?! " Yumikaya spoke sternly as she shook Deshla and Atali off her arms, Causing Atali to fall to the ground but looked taken aback as Kalina looked toward her sadly.
" I am not a Jedi, Kaya. I don't understand things like they do. I had to know in my own way and even though it hurt you and upset you, I could see no other way. " Kalina groaned softly as she sat up and continued. " I still don't fully understand but I know enough now to realise how much she means to you. I promise I won't do anything like this again. "
" I trusted you. I trusted you Kalina. And you took away the one person I felt like I couldn't live without. Do you have any idea how empty and hollow that made me feel when I saw that she was gone? " Yumikaya spoke sadly but sighed softly before helping Atali to her feet. " It will take time for me to forgive you. Until then, Don't endanger Atali again. "
" I won't. I promise. " Kalina smiled sweetly before Yumikaya walked over and hugged her gently.
" Sorry if I hurt you Kalina. " Yumikaya sighed softly as Kalina held her lovingly before petting her head gently.
" You shouldn't apologise for something I deserved. I am so sorry I caused you pain Kaya. " Kalina spoke softly before running her fingers through Yumikaya's hair slowly.
" You have no idea how much it hurt. But right now it doesn't matter. I just want to be alone with Atali for a while. " Yumikaya sighed softly as Deshla placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke softly.
" No one will disturb you sister. I will make sure of it. " Deshla smiled as Yumikaya intertwined her fingers with Deshla's gently before Kalina spoke.
" Sister? Kaya only has one sister. " Kalina spoke sternly but looked taken aback as Deshla glared toward her with ferocity as she spoke.
" We are sisters. Bonded through combat and a shared desire for retribution. I received mine when she killed a rage rancor with her scream. She received hers the moment she stepped into that tent. But we will always be bonded. " Deshla smiled as Yumikaya stood and hugged her tightly before seizing Atali's hand and pulling her away from the camp gently.
Two Days Later
Yumikaya was sitting on the hill where she trained with Orgus, Looking at the sky while speaking to Atali as Deshla stood at the bottom of the hill to keep others away.
" I am sorry I did not come for you sooner Atali. " Yumikaya sighed contently as Atali caressed her cheek gently.
" You have nothing to apologise for. That you came for me at all is enough to fill my heart with joy. " Atali blushed brightly as Yumikaya turned her head and pressed her lips against the palm of Atali's hand tenderly.
" I craved your touch while you were away from me. I still don't understand why you mean so much to me... " Yumikaya lifted her head before looking toward Atali with a look that seemed like she was in a daze but clearly filled with desire as Atali blushed brightly.
" Kaya... I... " Atali bit her lip before moving closer to Yumikaya and breathing slowly before speaking in a whisper. " I need more... I want more... I can barely stand it... "
" I know. I can feel how nervous you are. I can hear your heart racing Atali... " Yumikaya leant closer before speaking softly. " I need this too... " Yumikaya leant forward quickly, Pressing her lips against Atali's softly as Atali whimpered and melted into the kiss.
As Yumikaya pulled away, She intertwined her fingers with Atali's before a soft sigh escaped Atali's lips as she spoke softly.
" Wow... That was electrifying... " Atali hummed softly as she leant her head against Yumikaya's.
" It was so much more than that Atali. " Yumikaya blushed brightly before nuzzling against Atali's neck gently as she sighed. " I never knew it was possible to feel so strongly for someone. It feels like my heart is beating to the same rhythm as yours... "
" I can feel it too. It feels like we are each half of the same person. " Atali hummed softly as Yumikaya ran her fingers through Atali's hair slowly.
Yumikaya smiled and motioned to speak before a series of Imperial fighters flew overhead as blaster fire slammed into the ground around the area. As Yumikaya looked up, She saw a cannon shot heading toward the hilltop before pushing Atali down the hillside roughly. As Atali slid down the hill and stopped beside Deshla's legs, They both looked up to see the cannon shot slam into the hilltop with a resounding explosion before seeing Yumikaya's scorched, Unconscious body fly away from the hill before landing with a dull thud, Sliding across the grass of an open area as a Fury Class Interceptor landed nearby.
As the loading ramp lowered, A squad of men wearing long black robes and intricately decorated masks ran out and formed a loose perimeter around Yumikaya before igniting red lightsaber's as a larger man wearing black armour with a long cape and re-breather walked off the loading ramp with what appeared to be a medical team behind him before motioning toward Yumikaya.
As the medical team rushed over, Atali stood and motioned to run forward but stopped as Aratarus, Kalina, Shae Vizla and a squad of Mandalorians flew over their heads before landing and opening fire at the men wielding lightsaber's as they charged forward. As the Mandalorians kept the robed men busy, Shae Vizla, Aratarus and Kalina rose into the air and flew toward the Interceptor as the armoured man and medical team boarded the ship and it quickly took off before anyone could stop them.
Several Minutes Later
" These aren't your everyday Sith are they? " Kalina spoke calmly before Aratarus sighed and tossed one of the decorated masks onto a table as he spoke.
" No. They are part of a Sith Cult. The leader, Darth Malgus is the one who took Kaya. The big ugly one. " Aratarus slammed his fist into the table, Leaving a dent in the tabletop as Kalina spoke.
" I have heard rumours about him. I thought he disappeared after the Treaty Of Coruscant was signed. " Kalina had a confused look on her face before Shae Vizla spoke.
" I was at the Sacking of Coruscant. I was with Malgus when he raided the Jedi Temple. The battles everywhere else were more of a distraction than an actual fight. The temple was always the target for Malgus. There was something he wanted there. Something that would start him on the path of reforging the Empire and the Sith. He never told anyone but his closest companion what it was. He killed her himself after she was captured by a Jedi. What concerns me is how he knew exactly who he was here for and what he intends to do with her. " Shae Vizla had a deeply concern look on her face as she glanced over to where Deshla was trying to comfort Atali, Who was in the midst of an emotional breakdown.
Three Days Later
" You have such fortitude little one. But you will break. You will become my weapon and bring a new age to the galaxy. " Malgus spoke calmly as he leant forward, Lowering his face to Yumikaya's level as she struggled against the restraints she was placed in before Malgus spoke again. " I see so much darkness within you. So much rage and hatred. The life of a slave has given you such strength. I will teach you to use it. "
" You really think I will become some obedient little killer you can use for your own gains? Si'hklesi lihsily! " Yumikaya grinned before gasping loudly as Malgus gripped her throat tightly.
" That was rude. Surprising that you can speak Ryl. No matter. I don't need you to have manners to carry out my will. You will break. Even if you don't want to. " Malgus narrowed his glare as lightning erupted from the hand around Yumikaya's neck, Causing her to scream in agony as her marks flickered meekly before the lightning faded as Malgus spoke again. " Your power will not help you. These restraints restrict the Force girl. Accept your fate. "
" If I ever escape these restraints, I will cut off your ugly fat head. " Yumikaya growled softly before screaming as another surge of lightning erupted from Malgus's hand as he glared toward her.
Chapter 6
End