Burning Shadows
Chapter 8
After sleeping peacefully for the night. Yumikaya awoke slowly to see Kalina and Deshla talking in the doorway. After a few minutes of them not noticing she was awake, Yumikaya spoke softly.
" You can talk in here you know. " Yumikaya smiled sweetly as Deshla's face lit up before rushing over and hugging Yumikaya tightly as she smiled.
" It is so good to have you back. That angry version of you was a pain. " Deshla giggled softly before pulling away from Yumikaya as she sighed softly. " Talk to me sister. "
" It's just... The girl I was before Malgus took me and the girl I was after he tortured me are strangers to me. I don't feel right inside and I am just... " Yumikaya sighed sadly before continuing. " That is just it. I don't know. "
" It is okay sister. The nurse said that you might have some side effects from the surgery. That implant wasn't easy to remove. Gonna have a nice scar. " Deshla smiled soothingly but her smile faltered as tears built up in Yumikaya's eyes.
" Deshla... I remember everything I did. Everything I have done. My entire past. But it doesn't feel like they are my memories. It doesn't feel like I am the person in any of them. It hurts so much... " Yumikaya cried softly for a moment before glancing toward Kalina. " You... You won't put me back in the collar will you? "
" Ofcourse not sweetheart. I'm sorry, I was angry and frustrated and I took it out on you. I would never put that collar back on you. Never. " Kalina walked over and hugged Yumikaya lovingly as she ran her fingers through Yumikaya's hair slowly. " I love you so much Kaya. I don't know how to help with your memories but I am here for you. We all are. All you need to do is ask and any one of us will help you in any way we can. "
" I don't know what I need Kalina... I don't know who I am or... " Yumikaya paused as a soft ached weaved through her body as her marks flickered meekly. " I don't even know what I am doing. It's like everything I know is someone else's knowledge and I am just running to catch up and learn it all. I feel like a child... "
" Then why not learn like one? " Deshla spoke calmly as Yumikaya looked toward her in shock. " No, No, I am not saying you are a child sister. I am simply saying that if you want to rediscover who you are, You should start by relearning everything you remember. Little steps until you learn who you are. "
" Yeah... Yeah I can do that. " Yumikaya sighed softly as Deshla caressed her cheek softly.
" And we will all help you sister. When you have healed, We can all train together. You, Me, Atali, Shae, Everyone. Just take some time and relax alright? Let your mind heal properly and then we can pick up the pieces and put you back together. " Deshla smiled as Yumikaya giggled softly before leaning over and kissing Yumikaya's forehead gently. " I love you sister. "
" I love you to Deshla. That much I know for certain. There is something I need before I go to sleep. Can... " Yumikaya blushed brightly before whimpering softly and speaking quietly. " Can you send Atali in please... "
" Ofcourse sister. " Deshla smiled before she left the room with Kalina. After a few moments, Atali peeked through the door before walking in slowly as she spoke.
" K... Kaya... " Atali blushed lightly as Yumikaya looked over to her with longing in her eyes before holding her hand out to Atali as she walked over quickly and sat beside Yumikaya's bed as she spoke.
" I need you to do something for me Atali. It is going to hurt... A lot... But I need you to do it anyway... Please? " Yumikaya had a hopeful look in her eyes before sighing as Atali touched her cheek gently.
" Ofcourse... Anything... " Atali blushed lightly as she ran her thumb over Yumikaya's lips softly as Yumikaya sighed softly before speaking in almost a whisper.
" Kiss me... " Yumikaya whimpered nervously as Atali blushed brightly. " Please... Just one... "
" Are you sure... " Atali leaned forward slowly as Yumikaya nodded before gently pressing their lips together. After a few moments, Atali pulled away from Yumikaya and it seemed as if she was fine before a surge of pain erupted through her body and her marks flashed brightly, As if mimicking her heartbeat as she screamed loudly.
Yumikaya's Mind
" Look at you. Pathetic. "
" Leave her be. She is lost in the ocean of our memories. She doesn't need you to scold her. "
" She doesn't know what she needs. None of us do. You think coddling her will be any better? "
" I do not. And I am not coddling her. Just stop being a pain and let her tell us what she needs. "
" You are no fun at all. Such a wet blanket. "
" Who... " Yumikaya opened her eyes slowly to see two versions of herself standing before her. One, Bathed in a soft white light with bright white eyes and the second, Wreathed in black and red flames with blood red eyes glowing with a malicious orange tint. As she stood, The two copies looked toward her expectantly before she spoke. " What is this... Who are you... Where am I... "
" In your own head. We are you. Or at least we are two versions of you. " The copy wreathed in flames spoke calmly but had a savage edge to her tone of voice before motioning toward the other copy. " Who you were... " The copy paused before pressing her hands against her chest gently. " And who Malgus made you. We are two parts of who you are now. Malgus tore you to shreds. Took everything that made you soft and gentle and created me. "
" But he did not know what he would unleash. Your darkness is a tidal wave of blood and anger. There has to be balance and if you cannot find it within yourself then you must seek out those who can help you. " The copy bathed in light spoke softly with a soothing tone of voice before sighing and speaking again. " If you continue fighting our memories, Your own power will tear your body apart. "
" How do I stop it... How I do make the pain stop... How do I become myself again... " Yumikaya sobbed softly as tears streamed down her face as the two copies each placed a hand on her shoulder before rushing into her, Causing her to scream in agony before her marks glowed brightly.
Reality
Kalina and Deshla were sitting at a table outside a small food vendor as Atali ran over with a panicked look on her face and spoke anxiously.
" Kaya... I... I kissed her and she screamed and her marks were glowing then she disappeared! " Atali looked distraught as Deshla spoke.
" Disappeared? What do you mean? " Deshla spoke with confusion before Atali spoke.
" I mean she was in her bed before her marks glowed and when the light faded she wasn't there anymore. " Atali burst into tears as Deshla and Kalina looked toward each other before Kalina's Holo-communicator began beeping loudly.
Meanwhile
Yumikaya groaned as she was buffeted by wind and dust while looking around to try and figure out where she was. As she looked around, The sound of footsteps caused her to turn rapidly before being hit by something and falling to the ground, Unconscious. After an hour or so of sleeping soundly, Yumikaya awoke to see young women in red cloth surrounding her, Looking at her with confusion and whispering among themselves in a language Yumikaya didn't understand.
As Yumikaya sat up slowly, The people surrounding her quickly aimed what appeared to be bows and blades toward her before an older woman motioned for them to wait, Causing them to relax as she spoke.
" Who are you little one? How did you come to us? " The older woman sat down before holding a small bowl out to Yumikaya, Who took it and sniffed the liquid cautiously. " It will replenish your energy. Please answer my question. "
" My name is Yumikaya. I don't know how I got here. I was in a medical facility. I was talking to my lover and when she kissed me, Pain went through my entire body and then I was here. " Yumikaya sipped the liquid slowly before sighing at the sweet taste as the older woman spoke.
" No-one has ever come to our home before. Nor have they simply appeared in the middle of our village. Come with me. I must know of you. " The older woman stood before walking toward what appeared to be a large bundle of cloth with a hole in it. After walking in, Yumikaya realised that it was a makeshift tent before sitting on a small cushion the older woman motioned to. " Hold still. "
The older woman pressed her hands to the sides of Yumikaya's head gently before energy surged through her, Causing her marks to glow dimly as her eyes rolled into the back of her head.
Several Hours Later
Yumikaya awoke slowly before realising she was on a large, Stone table. As she sat up, The older woman spoke softly.
" My name is Tunzi. I am Mother of the Valley Clan. I have used our magicks to heal your body and grant you vigour. Your mind however... " Tunzi sighed softly before continuing. " Your mind is broken. You are not yourself. "
" I know. It is... Painful. " Yumikaya looked around and realised they were in a large cave before Tunzi spoke again.
" I can only imagine. However, We can help you. Our magicks can do a great many things. While our clan is still young, We can do things your medical facility will not. It will take time. " Tunzi smiled as Yumikaya giggled softly.
" I find myself with an abundance of time. Please help me. " Yumikaya looked down at her hands before speaking softly. " I need to be whole again. But I cannot do it alone. "
" Nor will you. " Tunzi smiled before stepping aside to reveal a girl that looked the same age as Yumikaya with light grey skin, Black tattoos on her face, Soft, Teal coloured eyes and jet black hair that was braided toward the back of her head as Tunzi spoke. " This is my daughter. She has recently completed her shaman trials and is very skilled in healing. She will tend to you until you are whole. Her name is Savii. "
" It is pleasant to meet you. " Savii smiled warmly as Yumikaya slid off the table and spoke softly.
" It is a pleasure to meet you to. You can call me Kaya if you like. All my friends do. " Yumikaya smiled as Savii nodded and took her hand before pulling her towards a small alcove in the cave wall that had a cloth hanging in the carved out doorway. After entering, Savii spoke calmly.
" This is my home. You will stay with me here until you are whole. It is not safe for you outside of our village. The other clans do not tolerate outsiders. " Savii quickly went to work mixing liquids and powders before Yumikaya spoke.
" How will you heal my mind Savii? " Yumikaya sat down as Savii turned and spoke.
" There are rituals in our clan that we use to clear the mind. We normally use them on our people who are nearing death. It gives them peace and allows them to die without guilt or regret. I do not know if it will work on you, But it is the best idea I have right now. If it fails, I will think on what to do. " Savii turned back to her work as Yumikaya laid back and stared at the ceiling.
Meanwhile
" You have an odd knack for building monstrosities. What is it this time? " Larkhan spoke calmly as Kalina polished the hull of the starfighter she had built.
" A death stick. What does it look like? " Kalina smirked as Larkhan shot her a disapproving look. " Oh alright. It's a starfighter. I took parts from almost every broken ship in your hangar. Including a rather nice SLAM. "
" Sublight Acceleration Motor? Why would her starfighter need that? " Larkhan looked confused before Kalina scoffed and spoke.
" Sudden burst of speed to quickly escape pursuers? " Kalina smirked as Larkhan sighed exhaustively. " Anyway, To continue. I built this little bird using the main hull from a Comet Breaker gunship, The engines from a Spearpoint scout fighter, Made a custom built set of wings using an FT Six Pike, Flashfire scout and a Rampart Mark Four bomber, Custom made, Ionically charged, Heavy reinforced armour plating, Custom navicomputer, Emergency power supply for the cockpit to allow life support in emergencies, Refurbished frequency capacitors, Enhanced sensors, A custom built turbo reactor with engine power boosters, A distress beacon emitter linked to a sensor array booster to allow long range communications and beacons. I also rigged an old mine dispersion system and mounted it to the under body. Filled it with some nasty cluster mines. I rigged various weapons aswell. It has a long range railgun on the upper hull, A pair of quad laser cannons, A cluster missile launcher on the upper side of the wing with a thermite torpedo launcher on the underside and to top it all off, I rigged a custom shield array using the numerous shield emitters laying around. "
" So to sum it up, It is a one person fortress. " Larkhan sighed as Kalina beamed proudly.
" Sure is. Just look at my handiwork. This thing could break a blockade of frigates if it tried. The speed alone will give most pilots and gunners a massive headache. " Kalina smiled as Larkhan nudged her playfully.
" You are just a mad scientist at heart aren't you? " Larkhan smirked before leaving the hangar as Kalina poked her tongue out at him playfully.
Several Weeks Later
" I cannot guarantee that your mind is fully healed but I have done all I can. " Savii spoke softly as Yumikaya stood and stretched before getting dressed.
" I appreciate everything you have done Savii. I know I haven't been the easiest person to deal with. " Yumikaya smiled apologetically before Savii laughed softly.
" Easier to deal with than my mother and her expectations of me. " Savii smiled sweetly before Yumikaya hugged her tightly.
" I hope we meet again Savii. " Yumikaya held Savii tightly for a few moments before pulling away as Savii spoke.
" As do I. Until we do, You have more important places to be. Now, Reach out Kaya. Reach out to your love and let your magicks carry you there. " Savii smiled before stepping back and watching as Yumikaya focused on Atali and let the Force flow through her freely.
Alderaan
Atali was sitting on the hilltop with a sad look on her face before the air around her started swirling and Yumikaya appeared out of nowhere as if someone had thrown her before gasping loudly as she flew through the air and landed with a dull thud at the bottom of the hill. As she stood, Atali heard Yumikaya speak softly.
" That felt unnecessary... " Yumikaya stood and stretched before sighing softly. " What a rush though... "
" Kaya... " Atali spoke just loud enough for Yumikaya to hear and turn to look at her before Atali burst into tears and rushed down the hillside before tackling Yumikaya. " Kaya! "
" Hello to you to Atali. " Yumikaya giggled happily before Atali sat up and caressed her cheek gently.
" Where have you been? I was so worried... " Atali bit her lip as Yumikaya touched her cheek gently.
" I have something far more important in mind. " Yumikaya grinned impishly before pulling Atali forward and kissing her passionately, Causing a look of shock to appear on Atali's face for a moment before she melted into the kiss and whimpered softly. After a few moments, Yumikaya pulled away, Causing Atali to sigh softly before speaking.
" You little Nexu... Surprising me like that... " Atali whimpered before licking her lips slowly, Causing Yumikaya to blush brightly before speaking.
" You loved it. I've missed you Atali. " Yumikaya smiled brightly asAtali looked into her eyes.
" You are still not entirely whole but I can see more of you now than before my love. I have missed you so much. " Atali wrapped her arms around Yumikaya and held her tightly as Yumikaya nuzzled into the crook of her neck. After several minutes, Atali stood before helping Yumikaya to her feet. " Kalina will be overjoyed to see you. She has been worried sick. "
" Let's go see her then. " Yumikaya smiled happily as Atali kissed her cheek before pulling her toward the city. After a few minutes, They walked into the local Mandalorian covert and walked through the main room before Atali opened a door to see Kalina and Shae looking at a holoprojection of a map. As they noticed Atali, She spoke with a smile.
" Guess who just dropped out of the sky. " Atali grinned as Shae and Kalina looked toward her with confusion before Atali stepped aside and Yumikaya walked in, Causing Kalina to rush over and hug her tightly.
" I have been so worried sweety. It is so good to see you. " Kalina hugged Yumikaya gently as Yumikaya nuzzled against her chest before speaking.
" It is good to be back. Have I missed anything? " Yumikaya smiled as Kalina kissed her forehead gently.
" A lot of training but we can catch up. Arsaor made some tweaks to your armour. For now, Let's have some food and relax for a while okay? " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya nodded happily before pulling Atali out of the room as Shae Vizla spoke.
" She seems better. More herself. " Shae spoke calmly and smiled as Kalina nodded.
" She does. But I am still worried. " Kalina spoke calmly before leaving the room with Shae in tow.
A Few Hours Later
After eating and catching up with everyone, Yumikaya went to the hillside to find Master Orgus waiting for her. As she approached, Orgus ignited his lightsabre before tossing a second lightsabre to Yumikaya, Who caught and ignited it before speaking.
" We forgot one of the lightsabre forms didn't we? " Yumikaya smiled playfully as Orgus chuckled softly.
" Not so much forgot as didn't have the chance. But yes, Form seven. Juyo. Follow my movements. " Orgus smiled before entering Juyo's ready stance as Yumikaya followed suite.
An Hour Later
" Very good. Now the remotes. " Orgus powered up the remotes as Yumikaya moved into ready stance.
As Orgus motioned to activated the training protocol, His Holo-communicator beeped. After activating it, Orgus waited as Satele Shan appeared and spoke calmly.
" Master Orgus. Any news of your pupil? " Satele finished speaking before Orgus smiled as Yumikaya spoke.
" Are you asking if I am alive or are you asking if I am whole? " Yumikaya spoke softly before Satele giggled and spoke.
" I need no answer to know you are not yet whole. It is good to see you. I feared Malgus would damage you beyond any recovery. " Satele smiled sweetly before the devastation in Yumikaya's eyes became clear.
" He did. Hence not being whole. " Yumikaya spoke sadly before sighing audibly and continuing. " I did my best to resist... But the things he did would break even you. "
" I can only imagine. That being said, Do you think it possible to fully recover? I can sense that you have been healed to a certain degree, Though I do not know the source. " Satele spoke calmly before Yumikaya sighed.
" Nor I exactly. I am unsure if I can be fully healed but I intend to find out. Until then, I would very much like to complete my training. " Yumikaya smiled sweetly before Satele nodded toward Orgus, Who activated the training protocol as Yumikaya quickly moved to defend herself.
An Hour Later
" Excellent form. Before you complete your training, I would ask you to wait until I arrive. I am in a nearby system and would enjoy the opportunity to witness your training in person. " Satele smiled reassuringly before Yumikaya nodded. " Excellent. I look forward to meeting you in person young one. Orgus? "
" Master? " Orgus waited as Satele thought for a moment before speaking.
" You are to keep her safe until I arrive. Under no circumstances is her safety to be in question again. Protect her with your life. " Satele spoke with a serious tone before Orgus nodded and the holocall ended. After handing the training lightsabre back to Orgus, Yumikaya went back to the city.
After walking the streets for a while, She wandered to the local covert. As she entered, The covert went silent before a taller Mandalorian stepped out from behind a curtain and spoke loudly.
" Strange for a child to wander in here so readily. What do you want? " The Mandalorian waited before a second Mandalorian spoke.
" She is the Grand Champion's foundling. "
" Ah. Yumikaya. I watched your sparring session with my hunters. You fight well. Come. We can talk freely here. " The Mandalorian walked back through the curtain before Yumikaya looked around slowly and followed. Once beyond the curtain, Yumikaya sat down as the Mandalorian spoke.
" So, What brings you here? Your cousin not training you well enough? " The Mandalorian chuckled before Yumikaya glared at him. " Oh... So there is a fire in you. Good. Now speak. "
" My cousin is more than capable of training me to be a Mandalorian. But I still feel untested. During my survival training, I hunted a worthy target but I have not been myself. I need to remember. " Yumikaya narrowed her vision as she continued. " I need to be remade. "
" Now that is a request. " The Mandalorian thought for several moments before speaking. " Very well. On the eastern ridge is a Bolraida. If you live, I will do all I can to help remake you. Bring me the tusks. " The Mandalorian picked up his cup and took a swig as Yumikaya left the room. As she walked past the curtain, She saw Aratarus, Kalina and Shae waiting for her. After leaving the covert, Yumikaya spoke calmly.
" I am going hunting. " Yumikaya looked toward the east as Shae spoke calmly.
" If you wanted to hunt, Train or needed help, You only had to ask. " Shae was clearly disappointed but smiled as Yumikaya shook her head.
" What I seek cannot be taught. I must find it alone. Or die trying. " Yumikaya walked out of the city and toward the eastern ridge.
After roughly forty minutes of walking, Yumikaya heard a loud growl before quickly climbing a tree as the Bolraida barrelled down the hillside before stopping below the tree and sniffing the ground before snarling and trudging back up the hill as Yumikaya breathed out slowly before climbing along the branches from tree to tree. As she climbed higher, She noticed that the Bolraida had a nest on the overlook, Surrounded by trees. After looking around the nest and noticing the Bolraida asleep, Yumikaya climbed back to the base of the hill before dropping out of the trees quietly and going through her plan.
" No room to fight in the nest. I need to make it come where I want it... That will take live bait. But I can't outrun it... " Yumikaya sighed irritably before looking around and seeing what looked like sap leaking from a hole in a nearby tree. After climbing up, She realised that the sap had a sickly sweet, Heavy scent that clung to the air. After climbing back down, Yumikaya continued. " Make a scent trap... Maybe a pit... But that would take days to dig... A net? No that would take just as long to make. How... "
Yumikaya sat down before sighing and closing her eyes. As she breathed, She remember sparring with Deshla after hunting the rancor. As a memory filled her head, She heard Deshla's voice fill her mind.
" There are easier ways to hunt bigger prey. A deadfall for example. Five times the weight of the target and you will have little trouble killing it. A tree trunk is the best bet. Easier to move than stone. "
" That's it... A deadfall... I just need... " Yumikaya stood and walked through the trees to find what she needed.
Two Hours Later
" Well... This will either work... Or I might have to get used to this tree... Here we go... " Yumikaya took a slow breathe before pulling a vine that released a puddle of sap. As the sap splashed down the hillside, Yumikaya heard a loud growl before the Bolraida once again barrelled down the hillside before stopping at the base of the hill and licking at a boulder coated in sap. As the Bolraida stood still, Yumikaya pulled a second vine, Releasing a massive log that swung rapidly toward the Bolraida, Slamming into it with a sickening crunch and thud before the Bolraida was thrown across the area before slamming into the ground. Before jumping down, Yumikaya waited and watched as the Bolraida growled for a few minutes before falling still. After waiting an extra few minutes to be certain, Yumikaya jumped from the tree before tying vines to the Bolraida and slowly dragging it back to the city.
Four Hours Later
" That kid is back. Brought something for us. "
" Let's see then. " The Mandalorian stood before stepping into the main room to see Yumikaya dragging the Bolraida through the front door slowly before looking over to a nearby Mandalorian and speaking.
" Mind if I borrow a blade? " Yumikaya smiled as the Mandalorian she spoke to handed her a knife before she removed the tusks. As she forced the second tusk out, The Mandalorian from the back room walked over and spoke as Yumikaya handed the blade back.
" I asked for tusks. Not a corpse. " The Mandalorian crossed his arms before Yumikaya stood and held out the tusks.
" Mandalorians cannot eat tusks. " Yumikaya motioned toward the Bolraida before continuing. " Consider it a gift. " Yumikaya smiled before turning to leave as the Mandalorian spoke again.
" Did you find your answers? " The Mandalorian waited for a moment as Yumikaya glanced over her shoulder and shook her head slowly before he continued. " Pity. Come and see me again little one. I will remake you best I can. "
The Mandalorian turned away as Yumikaya smiled gratefully before continuing out of the door before the Mandalorian spoke. " You were right. That kid is gonna be something special. "
" Yeah. I just need to get her to see it too. " Kalina spoke calmly as she stood from behind the bar where she had been sitting.
" I think we can help with that. When she is ready. " The Mandalorian walked back to the room in the back of the covert before the other Mandalorians lifted the Bolraida onto a table and started harvesting the meat as Kalina left the covert.
Late Night
Yumikaya sighed softly as she sat on the hilltop and looked up at the sky before closing her eyes and breathing slowly. As she breathed, She felt emotions swirling within her. A mixture of so many emotions she could not tell where one emotion ended and another began. As she sat quietly, Yumikaya heard a soft voice as footsteps approached.
" You are like a beacon of chaos. Even in your Sith armour, You were not this emotional. "
Yumikaya breathed out slowly before turning to see the woman who helped remove the implant smiling down at her before speaking. " I have started to get better but I still don't feel right. "
" I imagine not. " The woman sat down beside Yumikaya before speaking again. " I didn't have a chance to introduce myself last time. I am Acina. "
" Acina? No Darth first? " Yumikaya smiled as Acina giggled for a moment and spoke.
" Well, Yes there is but just Acina is good enough. " Acina smiled before taking a small, Glowing, Orange triangle out of her cloak and placing it in front of Yumikaya. " This is a holocron. It may shed some light on your condition. "
" How? " Yumikaya looked at the holocron as Acina spoke calmly.
" This holocron is from the Tomb Of Marka Ragnos. Every acolyte that went near it has gone mad. It seems to trap the acolytes in their own minds, Reliving their worst fears over and over until they lose their minds. I am hoping that it will, At the very least, Restore some of your old self. Given that you are not in your right mind anyway. " Acina smiled as Yumikaya gazed at the holocron.
" It's like a little voice... Whispering in my ear... But I don't know if I want to hear it or not... " Yumikaya continued gazing toward the holocron as Acina spoke calmly.
" The only way to find out is to touch it. " Acina smiled reassuringly as Yumikaya reached out and gently pressed her fingers against the holocron before a blinding pain shot through her head and her vision faded.
Chapter 8
End