Burning Shadows
Chapter 9
Yumikaya's Mind
" Back again. Even with help from them, She still isn't whole. What is there to do? "
" We could combine ourselves with her current mind. It will cause her immeasurable pain but it might work. "
" Chances? "
" Fifty fifty. It could also drive her mad. "
" I've heard worse chances. Let her come to first. She should have a say in it. "
" Agreed. "
" You two again... " Yumikaya sat up before looking toward the two versions of herself before the one wreathed in flames spoke.
" We may have a solution. "
" And that is? " Yumikaya spoke softly before the one cloaked in soft light spoke.
" If we combine ourselves with your mind, It might restore you to who you were before Malgus. What he did will remain as will the darkness but your mind and personality should be restored. There is one thing that might disrupt or change what we intend. "
" What is it? " Yumikaya looked confused before the one wreathed in flames spoke.
" The holocron. It is ancient and breathes malice and death. It may push the scales to favour the darkness. It could also possibly overcome our efforts and return you to darkness entirely. "
" While it is possible that it will not interfere, We are cautious nonetheless. "
" And if we don't try this? " Yumikaya spoke calmly as the one wreathed in flames looked toward the one cloaked in soft light spoke.
" There is a significant chance that your power will kill you within two or three weeks. "
" I die if I don't and possibly die if I do. Might as well try then. " Yumikaya sighed as the two version raised their arms toward her before she raised her arms as well. As her marks glowed, Mimicking her heartbeat once again, The two versions of her slowly dissolved away.
Reality, Two Hours Later
Yumikaya gasped loudly as she sat up to see Savii standing over her, Facing toward Acina with a pair of blades drawn.
" You will not touch her again dark one. " Savii spoke fiercely before Acina took her lightsabre off her belt and ignited it.
" I am trying to help her. " Acina spoke calmly as she moved into a combat stance before Savii spoke again.
" Help? By trying to corrupt her with this relic of evil? I think not. Back away. " Savii raised her blades but froze as Yumikaya spoke.
" Stop. Fighting over me helps no-one. " Yumikaya stood before looking toward Savii. " I am glad to see you but how did you get here? "
" The same way you did. My mother used her magicks to send me. She said that I should stay with you. To create a bond between our clans. " Savii held her blades in a ready stance as Acina deactivated her lightsabre and placed it back onto her belt as she spoke.
" Having allies that can travel through space in an instant is most intriguing. I would very much like to know how you do it. " Acina smiled maliciously before Savii shook her head.
" Only outsiders who are worthy learn our secrets. You are not. Back away. " Savii raised her blades again as Acina took several steps backwards with her hands in a defensive posture before Yumikaya spoke.
" We are wasting time Savii. I am myself again now. I would like you to stay however. " Yumikaya smiled sweetly as Savii stepped backwards, Pressing herself against Yumikaya gently as she spoke.
" I am with you. It has already been decided. I will teach you all that I know and protect you however I can. Our clans will be bonded through this. " Savii smiled slightly as Yumikaya put her arms around her and hugged her gently before letting go and seizing her arm while pulling her toward the city as Acina picked up the holocron and noticed that it was cracked and devoid of all energy.
" Well now... Fascinating... " Acina smiled before walking away quietly.
As Yumikaya dragged Savii into the city, She saw Atali and Deshla sparring before pulling Savii toward them. As they approached, Atali and Deshla stopped sparring and walked over as Yumikaya spoke.
" Savii, This is my sister Deshla and my lover, Atali. " Yumikaya blushed lightly as Savii looked toward them before stepping forward and speaking calmly.
" I am Savii. Shaman of the Valley Clan. I am Kaya's protector and teacher. " Savii bowed slightly as Atali and Deshla looked toward Yumikaya with confusion.
" She helped heal my mind when I disappeared from the medical facility. Which I still do not understand... " Yumikaya sighed softly before Savii placed a hand on her cheek gently, Causing Atali to blush jealously before Savii spoke.
" You will. In time. Small steps. A child must learn to walk before they can run. " Savii smiled sweetly as Yumikaya nodded before the four of them walked to a nearby food stall and ate lunch happily.
Nightfall
Yumikaya was sitting on the hill, Meditating quietly as Orgus walked up behind her and spoke calmly.
" You are surprisingly balanced little one. I take it you are yourself? " Orgus smiled as Yumikaya glanced over her shoulder and nodded happily. " Good. There is someone I would like you to meet. " Orgus paused as he stepped aside to reveal a tall woman wearing intricately decorated robes smiling toward Yumikaya.
" It is good to finally meet you in person. I am Satele Shan. " Satele smiled warmly as Yumikaya stood and bowed politely before speaking.
" It is nice to meet you. I am Yumikaya. " Yumikaya smiled sweetly before Satele giggled softly.
" I see much of your mother in your eyes. We can speak of her later if you like. For now, I would very much like to see how your training has progressed. " Satele smiled as Yumikaya nodded before Orgus activated the remotes and walked to the side with Satele before tossing a training lightsabre to Yumikaya as he spoke.
" Form one. " Orgus activated the training program as Yumikaya started deflecting bolts.
Midnight
Yumikaya fell to her knees and breathed heavily while the last of the remotes whirred softly before falling to the ground as Satele Shan spoke.
" As far as technique goes, You have excellent form. However, Your stamina, Stances, Deflection, Focus and endurance all need serious attention. Go and rest. I will start your training personally tomorrow morning. In the meantime, Orgus, I want you to coordinate with her family members and arrange some specialised training with them. If anyone has questions or problems, I will happily assist them. " Satele smiled as Orgus nodded and walked away before Satele spoke again. " I will forewarn you, My training regime is not for the faint hearted or soft minded. It is rigorous, Exhausting and will push you to your limits in every way. If you feel you are not ready for such a regimen, Tell me now. "
" I couldn't tell you even if I wanted to. I don't know what my limits are yet. " Yumikaya sighed softly before dropping the training lightsabre at Satele's feet. " I am still recovering from everything Malgus put me through and I only just got my mind right again. "
" I know. But this training cannot wait. As much as I would like to spend all possible time training you, I am only here for a fortnight. You are welcome to say no if you don't wish to be trained. " Satele sat down as Yumikaya turned away and sighed loudly.
" I don't know what I want. Even with my mind right... I still... It's like there are voices in my head. Urging me to return to Malgus. Urging me to give in to the darkness in my heart. Urging me to drown myself in rage and hatred. I just... " Yumikaya sighed loudly before Satele placed a hand on her shoulder.
" You aren't sure where to turn or whom to turn to. " Satele smiled as Yumikaya nodded silently before thinking for a moment and speaking softly. " We can work that out as we go. Let's focus on your training and see where it leads. "
" Alright... " Yumikaya sighed softly before Satele picked up and handed her the training lightsabre.
" Firstly, Your lightsabre technique. Follow my movements. " Satele took her lightsabre off her belt and ignited one side of it's dual blades before making slow movements for Yumikaya to follow.
Six Days Later
" Again. " Satele spoke sternly as Yumikaya breathed heavily and spoke.
" I have done it a dozen different ways... How is it still wrong? " Yumikaya took a deep breathe before igniting the training lightsabre again and making the motions that Satele taught her while she spoke.
" You are overthinking the movements. You are trying to compensate with more muscle tension but it is undermining your natural ability. Stop micromanaging everything about your technique and just let it flow. Like this. " Satele ignited her lightsabre and fluidly made the same motions with not even a moment of thought as Yumikaya watched. As Satele finished her movements, She spoke again. " Your mind and body know what to do Kaya. Let them do it. "
Yumikaya looked confused for a moment before sighing and taking a slow breathe. As she breathed out, Yumikaya closed her eyes as she moved, Seamlessly copying Satele's movements. After a few moments, Yumikaya deactivated the training lightsabre and sighed softly before Satele spoke.
" I see. It is not that you are overthinking. You have so many emotions you are trying to hide and trying to deny but cannot. " Satele deactivated her lightsabre as tears quickly built up in Yumikaya's eyes before Satele knelt down and placed a hand on her shoulder. " Training as a Jedi, I too struggled with my emotions. Seeing people suffering and in pain while knowing that I could help but was forbidden to because we are taught that emotions lead to the dark side, Was very difficult. But, You are not a Jedi. Do not lock away your feelings and emotions. Keeping such things bottled away is like a poison. Let them out Kaya. " Satele smiled sweetly as Yumikaya burst into tears and cried heavily.
Thirty Minutes Later
" Feel better? " Satele petted Yumikaya's head gently for a moment before Yumikaya stepped back and shook her head slowly before speaking.
" No. I feel like I can't breathe. " Yumikaya sighed audibly before walking away slowly as Satele sighed softly.
" Maybe training her will have to wait... " Satele sat down and meditated quietly as she listened to the sounds of nature around her.
After a few minutes of meditating, Satele opened her eyes and spoke softly. " You know, You can interrupt me. "
" I know. But you were thinking about Yumikaya. You have discovered that her emotions are overwhelming her. " Orgus spoke calmly as he sat next to Satele while she spoke.
" You could have told me. " Satele smiled as Orgus chuckled softly.
" But when one is given the answers, How do we learn? " Orgus smiled knowingly as Satele shot him an exasperated look.
" Using my own words against me. How you have fallen Orgus. " Satele smiled cheekily as Orgus imitated a look of offence before chuckling and speaking.
" Did your meditation provide any clarity? " Orgus looked up at the sky slowly as Satele spoke.
" It did. I have an idea. But you aren't going to like it. " Satele smiled as Orgus grinned.
" Sounds familiar. How much will I dislike this? " Orgus spoke calmly but looked shocked as Satele spoke.
" Greatly. I will take her to the caves. " Satele had a sad look on her face before sighing and speaking again as Orgus looked toward her with disbelief. " I know how dangerous it is. But it is the only idea I have. "
" It is insanity... But I can offer no alternatives. " Orgus sighed before standing. " I will go and find her. " Orgus walked away quietly as Satele returned to her meditation.
An Hour Later
" Are you sure this is a good plan? " Yumikaya spoke nervously as she looked into the pitch black cave while Satele spoke.
" No. I am not. But it is the only idea that I have. I don't know what you will find down there nor do I know if it will help. But it is all that I can offer right now. " Satele placed a hand on Yumikaya's shoulder before Yumikaya sighed and walked into the cave. As she disappeared into the darkness, Satele sat down and meditated quietly.
As Yumikaya walked through the dark tunnel, She could hear growling and snarling noises that seemed to echo around her. After what felt like hours of walking through darkness, Yumikaya gasped as she stumbled down an incline and slid across the floor of an open cavern. As she groaned, Yumikaya froze as a wave of dread and fear washed over her while a bone rattling voice filled the air.
" What... What is this... It looks like prey but smells... Strange... "
" Who are you? " Yumikaya stood slowly before her eyes slowly began adjusting to the darkness. After several minutes, Yumikaya gasped loudly as a look of terror appeared on her face. As she looked around nervously, She noticed that she was surrounded by creatures that were almost human in their body shape but were very muscular, Had claws and their faces had a definitively monstrous appearance that lacked every facial feature save for mouths full of razor sharp teeth. As Yumikaya motioned to move, The voice spoke again.
" You cannot leave unless we permit it. The little ones will devour you. "
" What do you want from me? " Yumikaya trembled as loud footsteps approached her while the creatures around her quickly dispersed to make space while Yumikaya turned to see what they were doing. As she turned around, Yumikaya had a look of absolute horror before falling backwards at the sight. Standing before her was a massive version of the much smaller, Slimmer creatures. The larger one had no visible eyes, Large tentacle like appendages on its head, Arms and back that glowed softly and a hard looking shell covering the majority of its back. As it leant forward, It placed its huge claws on either side of Yumikaya and leant down, Placing it's face within a metre of hers as it's voice filled the cavern again.
" Want? What do all creatures want? To live. But talking will suffice for now. Why are you here? "
" I... I don't know... I was told to come here... I was told that coming here might help me... " Yumikaya trembled visibly as the creatures took a deep breathe and spoke.
" You are right to be afraid of us. We live only to feed and multiply. We are ravenous and often do not distinguish one prey from another. But you are different. We could eat you, But we would gain nothing from it. Come. "
As Yumikaya breathed slowly, The creature raised itself back up and turned before stomping back across the cavern and down a passageway that seemed to lead much deeper as Yumikaya stood and hurried after it while the creatures around her watched her intently.
After a few minutes of following the creature, Yumikaya realised they were in another open cavern before speaking calmly.
" What is this place? " Yumikaya spoke calmly was clearly unnerved by what she was experiencing as the creature spoke again.
" Nest. Here we multiply. Here we survive. Rakghoul, Nekghoul, Eyeless and others. But we are oldest. We have survived here for almost four hundred years. For a long time, We were alone. But humans came. We feasted on them but a few survived. They returned as little ones and multiplied. Now we are many. "
" That is great and all but why bring me here? " Yumikaya looked around slowly as they stepped into the nest before the creatures spoke again.
" You have many questions but more important are your feelings. You unsettle the little ones because you do not know. You are like little ones. Soft and edible. Here, Nest makes little ones strong and hardy. Here, We remake little ones and also you. "
" Will it hurt? " Yumikaya bit her lip nervously as the creature chuckled loudly before speaking.
" For us, Change is survival. Always hurts. But always worth it. To become strong, Must change. Evolve. Better hunter. Better Rakghoul. Survive. "
" How do I do that? " Yumikaya looked up the creature before gasping and screaming in pain as one of it's claws pierced her back and erupted through the front of her stomach before the creature yanked it's claw free, Causing her to drop to the floor and writhe in agony as blood pooled around her and her body burned while the creature turned and left the nest slowly.
Some Time Later
Yumikaya awoke slowly and groaned as her body ached. As she blinked, Yumikaya noticed that the cavern looked like she was standing in daylight before taking a breathe and realising that her sense of smell was much sharper than before. As she stood and brushed off, She looked toward her hands to see that her fingernails were now a keen set of claws that seemed to retract and extend when she wanted them to. After a moment, Yumikaya noticed a small part of the wall resembled crystal before walking over and looking at her reflection. As she examined herself, Yumikaya sighed softly at what she saw, The canine teeth in her mouth were now slightly elongated and felt particularly sharp and the rest of her teeth had a keen edge despite appearing flat, Her eyes had small flecks of sickly green throughout the normal bright amber and her pupils had changed into small slits. Her skin was a much paler shade and had an almost grey tinge to it and her hair now had jet black roots but maintained her natural crimson through the middle and to the tips. After examining herself, Yumikaya stepped back and stretched out, Sighing at the feeling of her now much more developed muscles stretching and tensing before the creature entered the nest and sniffed her before speaking.
" Better. Not Rakghoul or Nekghoul but not prey either. Stronger. Evolved. Good. "
" I feel strange. I can feel my emotions but it is like they are little voices... " Yumikaya rubbed her head in confusion as the creature chuckled and spoke.
" Not feelings. Not emotions. Instinct. Primal. Will guide you. Listen. Instinct cannot lie. "
" My body feels different too... And I ache for things that I didn't before... " Yumikaya blushed lightly at the thoughts in her head as the creature spoke again.
" Rakghoul first instinct to feed. Second to procreate. Breed. Multiply. You are not Rakghoul but not human now either. Both but neither and more. But instinct always prevail. Feed. Multiply. Survive. Always prevail. Come. "
The creature turned and left the nest as Yumikaya followed, Taking in her surroundings with her new senses. As she walked through the cavern, The smaller creatures, She assumed were the ones called Rakghouls, Moved out of her way before sniffing and snarling playfully.
" Little ones recognise you as Rakghoul. Will not harm now. Will not feed. Might want to multiply with. Little ones are... Picky. "
The creature chuckled as Yumikaya shuffled closer to it slowly, Causing the smaller ones to growl in an almost disappointed tone before turning their attention back to each other as the creature stopped walking and spoke.
" Follow tunnel. Take you back. Always welcome here now. Should be cautious. Humans unpredictable. Might call monster. "
" Maybe. But I will worry about that. Thank you for helping me. I feel much better now. " Yumikaya smiled as the creature chuckled.
" Is Rakghoul way. Evolve. Go now. "
As the creature turned and stomped back into the cavern, Yumikaya felt a small yearning that urged her to stay before it faded and she turned and climbed out of the cavern and left the tunnel. As she stepped into sunlight, Yumikaya hissed softly as her eyes adjusted and she looked around. After looking around and breathing for a few minutes, Yumikaya noticed Satele, Kalina and Orgus rushing toward her. As they got closer, Satele spoke first.
" Are you alright? You have been gone for four days. " Satele examined Yumikaya before noticing her differences and looking concerned as Kalina spoke.
" What the hell happened to you? You look so different. " Kalina looked concerned as Yumikaya nodded.
" I am different. Very different. I fell into a cavern full of strange creatures. There was a much bigger one that could talk. It took me to it's nest and stabbed me with it's claw. It made me change. My body felt like it was on fire and I slept for what felt like ages. When I woke up, My senses were sharper, The darkness in the cavern was like standing in daylight, My fingernails are claws, My teeth are sharper, My skin and hair changed... And... My... My... Em... " Yumikaya seemed dazed and smelled the air for a moment before turning toward a nearby bush and snarling as her claws extended and she darted forward before lunging into the bush as a pained growl echoed through the air before Yumikaya reemerged from the bush with what looked like a small vorn tiger, Dangling lifelessly from her mouth before she dropped it and motioned to take a bite as Kalina rushed forward and spoke.
" Kaya! You can't eat it like that! " Kalina looked disgusted as Yumikaya growled softly before picking the animal up and darting back into the bush. After a moment, Small crunching noises came from the bush as Kalina tried to resist vomiting as Satele looked toward Orgus as he spoke.
" What manner of creatures were in there? " Orgus looked concerned as Satele shook her head and spoke.
" I was unaware that there were creatures in there at all. I sent her in there hoping she would walk to the crystal caves and learn something of herself through the Force there. But creatures? And now this? This is not what I had planned! " Satele looked deeply unsettled as Yumikaya stepped out of the bush and licked her lips before she looked toward them and spoke softly.
" Is something wrong? " Yumikaya looked confused as Kalina stood and spoke with a tone of shock and disgust.
" Kaya, You just ate an animal like a savage beast. I don't want to sound mean or rude but that was disgusting. You aren't an animal. " Kalina looked unsettled as Yumikaya tilted her head slightly as she spoke.
" This is who I am now. I might not be completely beast but I am not human either. It might disgust you, But I expected as much. Not that it matters, I like who I am now. " Yumikaya smiled, Showing her pointed fangs as Kalina gasped softly before Yumikaya darted over to a nearby tree and effortlessly climbed it with her claws before curling up on a branch and falling asleep as Satele spoke.
" Kalina, I am so sorry... I didn't mean for this... But... I think I know what she encountered in there. " Satele looked unsettled before Kalina turned and spoke.
" Tell me. What was it and can it be cured? " Kalina looked offended with herself before shaking her head and speaking again. " Forget I said that. What was it? "
" From her description... I know only one creature that can change others with a scratch or bite. Rakghoul's. " Satele sighed softly as a terrified look appeared on Kalina's face as she continued. " If I am correct, Yumikaya was infected by a very unique breed of Rakghoul. "
" Rakghoul's... Of all things... Why did it have to be Rakghoul's... " Kalina paused as Yumikaya stirred before sitting up and smelling the air for a moment. As she took a deep breathe, Yumikaya dropped from the tree and quickly walked toward the city as if she was searching for something while Kalina, Orgus and Satele followed her. After several minutes, Yumikaya walked into the hangar where Aratarus's ship was and where Deshla, Atali and Savii were sparring. As they noticed Yumikaya walk in, Atali turned to look at her and looked confused as Yumikaya smelled the air before quickly rushing over to her and burying her face in Atali's chest as Atali blushed brightly before Yumikaya ran her tongue up Atali's neck and cheek before Kalina ran over while Atali spoke.
" Kaya... What are you... " Atali gasped softly as Yumikaya gently nibbled her neck before speaking.
" I found you... " Yumikaya ran her hands up Atali's back slowly as Atali gasped while Yumikaya bit her neck slightly harder but avoided piercing the skin as Atali squirmed slightly
" Kaya... Please not here... " Atali whimpered softly as Kalina cleared her throat and spoke.
" Not an animal remember. " Kalina looked surprised as Yumikaya stopped and looked toward her before speaking.
" It isn't like I am different person. I am still me. Just more me than I was before. " Yumikaya smiled before turning back to Atali and pressing a fiery, Passionate kiss to her lips for a few moments as Atali blushed brightly. As she broke the kiss, Yumikaya spoke as Atali whimpered softly. " I like the new me much more than I liked the old one. Everything is so new and raw and I want to indulge everything I am feeling. Especially this... " Yumikaya paused as she bit down on Atali's neck gently, Forcing a pleasured gasp to escape her lips before Yumikaya continued. " This primal lust... It is so overwhelming... I want to give in... I want to have you... "
" Kaya... I want you to but please not here. That is so private and so intimate and we really should do this somewhere appropriate but... I... " Atali blushed and whimpered softly before speaking nervously. " Kaya I love you so much but I am not ready for that... You can kiss and touch me and even bite my neck but... Can we hold off on everything else... Please? "
" It is so hard... Your smell is intoxicating... It is the only thing I can smell... " Yumikaya pressed her face into the crook of Atali's neck and took a deep breathe as she spoke in an exasperated tone. " I can't stand it... I want you so much... I must have you... "
" I really, Really want you to but please... " Atali whimpered softly as Yumikaya held her tightly before growling softly and struggling to pull herself away as she spoke.
" I... I... Will try... But it's so hard Atali... So much harder than it was before... " Yumikaya bit her lip as she groaned disappointingly before Atali ran her fingers over Yumikaya's cheek gently.
" I promise it will be worth it. Just give me some time okay? " Atali smiled sweetly as Yumikaya groaned and nodded quietly before stepping forward and resting her head on Atali's shoulder gently as Savii spoke.
" I like this new you. So much better than before. There is no fear or hesitation in you now. You are perfect this way. " Savii smiled happily as Deshla nodded.
" I agree. You are so much more yourself now than I have ever seen you. All of this was in there and we could all see it but now it is all of you. I love it sister. " Deshla grinned before pulling Yumikaya forward and pinning her in a headlock and tousling her hair roughly. " A primal little kitten that can't resist playing with her girlfriend. What mischief will ensue I wonder. "
" Deshla! " Yumikaya blushed furiously as she pouted before Deshla giggled happily and hugged her lovingly.
" I am just teasing. But it really is wonderful to see you whole. You are so different but you are still the sister I love. You are still you in every way. " Deshla kissed Yumikaya's cheek gently before Savii stepped forward and hugged Yumikaya gently. As she stepped back, Yumikaya blushed brightly as her stomach growled loudly and Kalina spoke in shock.
" You just ate a baby vorn tiger, How are you still hungry?! " Kalina looked toward Yumikaya in disbelief as Atali spoke with confusion.
" Ate a baby vorn tiger? What are you talking about? " Atali looked confused as Kalina explained.
" She smelled it, Killed it and ate it. " Kalina shivered in disgust as Atali giggled softly.
" Adorable. You will show me how you hunt won't you love? " Atali smiled lovingly as Yumikaya looked toward her with shock.
" It doesn't disgust you? That I hunt and eat like animals do? " Yumikaya spoke nervously but felt her worry melt away as Atali smiled and giggled.
" Why would it? You are my lover. There is no part of you that disgusts me. " Atali pulled Yumikaya forward and held her lovingly as she continued. " You are who you are. Habits, Fangs and all. I love all of you Kaya. "
" I love you so much Atali... I really thought it might gross you out or... " Yumikaya sighed softly before burying her face in Atali's neck again as Kalina sighed and spoke.
" She is right. I shouldn't be so judgemental. Just... Don't make me watch you eat things you kill okay? My stomach isn't that strong... " Kalina shivered again as Yumikaya giggled.
" I wouldn't expect you to watch me eat Kalina. I know it was unsettling for you. But I need you with me. All of this is new and I will need all of you to help me adjust. " Yumikaya sighed softly before continuing. " It's just that my instincts are raw right now. It was like being born again. I just need time. "
" I know, I'm sorry sweety. For now, We need to get back to your training. Satele isn't here for much longer and there is a lot she wants to teach you. " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya nodded quietly before Satele motioned for Yumikaya to follow her.
Evening
" I still do not fully understand what happened to you in the caves but it's effects are obvious. You are far more agile, Faster, Stronger and far more flexible. Your movements are also more precise and fluid. It is wonderful to see. " Satele smiled warmly as Yumikaya spoke.
" Everything is different. I am still me but I feel like someone new aswell. It's quite a strange sensation. " Yumikaya sighed softly but smiled as Satele spoke.
" Even if it is strange, It is good nonetheless. And well timed. I would like to continue your training. As I told you before, It is quite rigorous and due to my needing to be elsewhere next week, Will be far more arduous than normal. Are you ready? " Satele smiled as Yumikaya nodded excitedly.
Chapter 9
End