Burning Shadows
Chapter 12
After flying for a few minutes, The woman landed carefully and let Yumikaya down before sitting on a log next to a small campfire as Yumikaya looked around, Noticing the camp was at the edge of a forest near the city before she spoke.
" Why bring me here? Why accept me? I lost. " Yumikaya spoke sadly before the woman spoke.
" A warrior is not measured by her loss or her victory. " The woman stretched slowly before continuing. " A warrior is measured by her efforts and her actions. For certain, Vyrena bested you. However, Her shortcomings have kept her from apprenticeship for three years. If she gains it this time, It will be solely because of her skill. You are different. "
" Different how? " Yumikaya spoke calmly while she sat down as the woman handed her a small bowl of broth before removing her helmet to reveal tanned skin, Bright green eyes and fiery orange hair that was carefully styled toward the back of her head in a braided Mohawk with the sides shaved in an undercut style.
" You showed a brutal amount of strength when you struck her yet you held back out of concern for her safety. While you could easily have broken her hold on you and lengthened that fight, You allowed her to pin you. " The woman filled a second bowl with broth before sipping it and sighing contently. After a moment, She looked toward Yumikaya and spoke again. " You show all the same traits as some of the best hunters yet your concern for the health of your opponent is... Perplexing. "
" Why? Can I not be a hunter who shows restraint? " Yumikaya looked confused before the woman spoke.
" Think of your worst enemy. Would you show them the same restraint? " The woman spoke sternly before noticing the look of hatred and rage on Yumikaya's face before continuing. " Exactly. If you show one enemy restraint you must grant it to all. Otherwise, Put aside your concern and fight like your life depends upon it. One day it will. "
" I don't know if I can do that... " Yumikaya spoke with doubt in her voice but looked taken aback as the woman stood and spoke.
" Then I cannot teach you. Go back to the covert and try again next rotation. " The woman dropped her empty bowl next to the fire before walking into her tent.
The Next Day
Yumikaya was sleeping but awoke quickly as she was thrown into the air before landing with a thud and groaning softly as the woman spoke.
" Thought I told you, I cannot teach you. " The woman turned away before opening a box, Taking a ration stick out and biting it as Yumikaya stood and spoke.
" No, You said you can't teach me while I show restraint. " Yumikaya had a fierce look on her face as the woman all but inhaled her ration stick and spoke sternly.
" And? " The woman looked toward Yumikaya with disbelief and doubt before Yumikaya growled fiercely and extended her claws while making a show of her fangs as the woman's expression changed to a look of surprise before quickly walking over to Yumikaya and examining her closely as she spoke. " Interesting... You are not entirely human are you... "
" I never said I was. " Yumikaya growled softly but fell silent as the woman thumped her on the head gently.
" Unless you plan on challenging me, Keep your growls to yourself. Hold still. " The woman leant forward but quickly seized Yumikaya's chin tightly as she motioned to step away. " I said hold still Foundling. " The woman waited as Yumikaya struggled for a moment before falling still as the woman squeezed her face slightly above her jawline, Forcing her mouth open slowly as she examined Yumikaya's teeth. " They look blunt, But any hunter worth their armour can see they are sharper than most blades. "
After a few moments of watching Yumikaya struggle, The woman released her and spoke as Yumikaya rubbed her cheek gently. " You could be a very unique hunter but your emotions and concern for enemies is a cage. "
" My emotions? " Yumikaya looked confused before the woman spoke again.
" You hide them. They make you strong yet you deny them. If you want to be a hunter, Embrace all that you are. All that you have yet to discover of yourself. " The woman looked toward Yumikaya after sitting on the log before Yumikaya took a slow breath and sat down.
" I have to leave my concern and restraint behind me and embrace all of myself? " Yumikaya looked toward the woman with a look of concern before the woman spoke slowly.
" During my Verd'goten, I was sent to Kashyyyk to hunt in the Shadowlands. Many of my kills were smaller creatures or creatures I took by surprise. But the one that earned me my signet... While it wasn't very intelligent, It was brutishly strong and had an energy to it that made my blood run cold. It's body was covered in spines and the tusks bore a sickly tint. Maybe poisonous, I still don't know for certain. It took me two months to kill it and it very nearly killed me several times. I only killed it because I embraced all of myself and brought every part of who I am, Emotions, Instincts, Everything down upon it. " The woman stood before removing her chestplate and pulling her shirt down slightly to reveal three large claw marks that ran from her collarbone downwards before putting her chestplate back on and speaking again as she sat down. " Restraint will get you killed and refusing to embrace who you are will get you injured or eaten. If you cannot embrace all that you are, You will not survive my training. "
" I don't know how to do that... " Yumikaya spoke calmly before the woman spoke sternly.
" That is the first part of your training Foundling. Embrace who you are and you will be ready to learn the lessons I have to teach. Until then, You can stay here or return the covert. You will need to make your own shelter here. My tent does not fit two. " The woman stood before picking up a large rifle and speaking. " I will provide food and water. The rest is up to you. When you are ready, I will make you a hunter. "
" How will I know if I am ready? " Yumikaya looked puzzled as the woman turned and walked to the nearby forest edge before glancing over her shoulder and speaking as she put on her helmet.
" This is the Way. " The woman quickly disappeared into the forest as Yumikaya sighed and sat down before closing her eyes to meditate.
Three Weeks Later
Yumikaya was meditating as the woman emerged from the forest with a kill and dropped it beside the fire as she drew her knife. As she knelt down, Yumikaya darted over to her, Flipped her, Took the knife and pressed the blade against her throat before the woman smiled and spoke.
" Good. Never hesitate to seize an opportunity. " The woman smirked as Yumikaya stood and dropped the knife before sitting down again. " Have you embraced all that you are? "
" This is the Way. " Yumikaya spoke calmly with no trace of doubt or hesitation before the woman smiled again and picked up her knife as she spoke.
" This is the Way. Dinner first, Then we start your training. From this point on you are my Foundling. You may call me by my name. My name is Xayluka. " Xayluka smiled as Yumikaya turned to look toward her and spoke softly.
" Xayluka. I like that name. My name is Yumikaya. " Yumikaya smiled as Xayluka chuckled softly.
" I will call you by name when you prove yourself. Until then you are still a Foundling. " Xayluka smirked as Yumikaya made an amused sound before moving over to Xayluka's side to help skin the beast she had hunted.
Six Months Later
" Good. Again. " Xayluka stepped carefully and blocked as Yumikaya stepped forward and threw a punch before stepping again and quickly spinning as she tried to land a kick to Xayluka's stomach, Barely missing as Xayluka sidestepped and tapped her on the head before speaking. " Not bad Foundling. You have come a long way in six months. And your studies? "
" Ni ganar ani joha rar'a. " Yumikaya smirked as Xayluka smiled.
" Your Mando'a is excellent. Your pronunciation needs a little work but all in all, Excellent. Your tracking is coming along nicely as is your technique for preparing meat and hides. Have you been studying how to identify plants that are safe to eat? " Xayluka waited as Yumikaya sighed and spoke.
" I can identify fruits now but I am struggling with succulents and roots. The roots all look so alike and the succulents are misleading. Especially the colourful ones. " Yumikaya sighed before Xayluka chuckled.
" I struggled with those too. You will learn with time, And several mistakes. It will serve you well to have an emergency kit on your person. Medpacs and antidotes will make your mistakes less... Agonising. " Xayluka paused as Yumikaya nodded before speaking.
" Can I ask you something Ka'yur? " Yumikaya smiled as Xayluka looked taken aback for a moment before smirking and speaking calmly.
" I'm listening. " Xayluka smiled as Yumikaya entered a combat stance and threw a punch, Causing Xayluka to casually step sideways as she spoke.
" You felt familiar to me when you first removed your helmet. Did we ever meet before then? " Yumikaya pivoted and continued throwing punches as Xayluka blocked her strikes while thinking carefully before speaking.
" I do not believe so. I would remember one such as you. " Xayluka blocked several more strikes before Yumikaya sighed and sat down as she spoke.
" Back then I was not the same. I was a slave for the first ten years of my life. I looked a bit different. My hair had no black in it. My eyes had no green flecks and I was much, Much skinnier. I grew up on milk and gruel. " Yumikaya had a sad look on her face as Xayluka sat down and spoke.
" You know, You remind me of my mother. She grew up on Axxila. I'm told that as a child, She was very isolated and selective of who she spent time with. Even her sister, A walking ball of chaos, Didn't have much interaction with her outside their home. But my mother spent her younger years studying the art of war and anything to with it. She didn't have friends or go to social events. When she was ten years old, She was sent to the Sith Academy on Korriban. I have not seen her for... Roughly two years now... But I am told she is stationed at some kind of prison. Don't know where but she sends me messages every so often. Like you, She has a fire in her soul that burns everything it touches yet at the same time, She has always had a soft spot when it comes to her family. You would like her I think. " Xayluka smiled as Yumikaya hummed softly before speaking.
" I think I would. She sounds lovely. " Yumikaya smiled as Xayluka tousled her hair gently before speaking.
" Alright Foundling. Let's go study some succulents and roots. I'll teach you more about the ones you know are safe and you can try some others. Don't worry, I have Medpacs ready. " Xayluka smiled as Yumikaya nodded and they stood before walking into the forest.
Two Months Later
" Well, There is little more I can teach you Foundling. You will need to continue your studies concerning flora as you visit new worlds but you can learn no more from me. " Xayluka smiled before Yumikaya smiled before looking away sheepishly and speaking softly.
" If I may, There is a cave system I wish to visit. I went there during my previous training with my cousin, Aratarus. " Yumikaya waited as Xayluka looked toward her with curiosity and a hint of astonishment as she spoke.
" Cousin to the Grand Champion? Interesting. Many of our coverts Foundlings would readily challenge you with such knowledge. This cave system, It is where you came upon your... Animal tendencies? " Xayluka looked curious as Yumikaya nodded before continuing. " What you seek is important? "
" I'm not sure. The last time I went there, I don't think I found what was intended. " Yumikaya spoke calmly as Xayluka handed her a bowl of broth as she spoke.
" I see. What were you seeking? " Xayluka paused as Yumikaya shook her head and sipped her broth. " I see. You told me that you can use this... Force yes? " Xayluka paused as Yumikaya nodded. " Could you not use it to find what you do not know? "
" My sight is hard to maintain. It gives me headaches. It feels like my skull is splitting open. Even when I focus on a single point or target. " Yumikaya glanced away sadly before Xayluka spoke calmly.
" You are resisting it. Remember, You must embrace all that you are. " Xayluka waited as Yumikaya looked toward her cautiously. " No fear little one. Fear is for prey. You are a hunter. Be brave in the face of adversity. "
Yumikaya nodded before closing her eyes and breathing slowly as she opened herself to the Force little bits at a time. After about half an hour, The air around her swirled slowly as her marks glowed dimly before her sight rushed back through the open area, Past the city entrance and up the hillside to the cave entrance before rushing through the caves, Twisting and turning before coming to a large cavern filled with a multitude of glowing crystals ranging in size and colour. After a moment, Her sight rushed back to her and her eyes shot open as she gasped loudly and breathed quickly as Xayluka spoke.
" Speak to me Foundling. What did you see? " Xayluka waited as Yumikaya took several deep breathes before speaking slowly.
" The caves twist and turn but it led to a cavern full of glowing crystals. " Yumikaya breathed slowly as Xayluka stood and walked into her tent. After a few minutes, She emerged holding a small necklace with a small, Purple crystal shard attached to it as she spoke.
" Like this one? " Xayluka paused as Yumikaya nodded before speaking again. " I found this one near a cave opening in the forest. It is two days travel from here. If you wish to see this crystal cave, I will take you to where I found this one. From there, Find the cavern yourself. If you return, We will complete your studies and return to the covert. If you can best the opponent that bested you, You will rise to the rank of apprentice. "
" Sounds like a plan. Let's go. Burning daylight sitting around waiting. " Yumikaya smiled as Xayluka chuckled softly.
Two Days Later
" This is it Foundling. This task is yours alone. Whether you return or not, I will await you. " Xayluka smiled as Yumikaya nodded before taking a deep breathe and walking into the dark tunnel. As her eyes adjusted, Yumikaya continued whilst taking in the small crystal clusters dotting the tunnel walls. After several minutes walking through the caves, Yumikaya stepped into a large cavern, Filled with clusters of crystals that connected the floor and ceiling of the cavern.
As she stepped forward, Yumikaya looked around wildly as soft voices filled the air.
" What is this? "
" So young. So naive. But she has strength. "
" Her power eats away at her. "
" The marks, She has the marks! "
" Perhaps she can be what the last was not. "
" Can we trust her? "
" Can she learn?
" Can she put aside her anger and hatred? "
" Silence. Let us see what the Force shows her. Touch the largest crystal little one. Let the Force guide you. "
" Guide me? How? " Yumikaya looked confused as the voices chuckled softly before falling silent. After a few minutes, Yumikaya sighed before walking toward the largest crystal cluster and placing her hand upon it gently. After a moment, Her marks glowed dimly and a vision filled her mind.
Vision
" Surely you jest. We cannot entrust our fates to one leader. The senate... "
" Is all but useless! The senate takes months, Sometimes years to decide anything! Besides, She surrounds herself with people of logic and reason. "
" That does not make her trustworthy. "
" Perhaps not. But we must consider the circumstances. Our military strength is not enough to stand against a force of this size. Her forces have already laid waste to the majority of the Imperial fleet. Our own is not faring much better. "
" But surely there is another way! Look at the worlds she leaves in the wake of her war! They are all but inhospitable! "
" What choice do we have? The worlds will recover with time but the people we lose fighting her forces... "
" There must be another way... "
Reality
Yumikaya gasped as her vision cleared before stumbling back and tripping, Causing her to fall against another large cluster as a second vision filled her mind.
Second Vision
" These accords are quite fair given the situation. "
" Which situation do you refer to? "
" Your forces. Your fleet and military strength are unmatched yet you wage no war and start no battles. For someone so young, To offer peace so freely with not so much as a question of what you are owed begs the question of what you get out of this. "
" Peace. I get peace. I get to enjoy a life with my love and family where I don't need to look over my shoulder every day. Is that not reward enough? "
" A fair point. Let us hope this peace lasts longer than the Treaty Of Coruscant. "
" Indeed. "
Reality
Yumikaya gasped loudly again before falling to the ground and breathing heavily as the voices filled the cavern again.
" Such things are but glimpses of possibilities for the future. Will you be saviour? "
" Destroyer? Perhaps simply an intermediary? "
" Will you walk the path of light? "
" Of darkness? "
" Or will you seek what lies between? "
" Between? There is more than simply light or dark? "Yumikaya spoke with confusion after catching her breathe and sitting carefully against the cave wall.
" Oh yes. The Force has a will all it's own. "
" It guides us. "
" Whispers to us. "
" It shows us what is to come and what can be done to change it. "
" It shows us that there is much more to the Force than the techniques of the Jedi or Sith. "
" The Force is neither light nor dark little one. It is the actions of those who wield it's power that are one or the other. A few, Very few, Walk the line between. Remaining neutral and maintaining the balance between the two. "
" Is it a difficult path to walk? " Yumikaya spoke calmly before looking around the cavern in the hopes that she could see who she was speaking with as the voices spoke again.
" Quite. The last one to try, Failed. "
" He set the galaxy on fire. "
" He succumbed to his hunger for power. "
" He devoured worlds and more lives than any disease. "
" He was destruction and death incarnate. We regret only that we did not see his lust for power sooner. "
" Is it possible to avoid such a fate? Can someone walk the path between light and dark without being swayed? " Yumikaya sighed softly after speaking as the voices echoed around the cavern.
" You have much to learn little one. You seethe fear and doubt yet you show such strength. Your instincts are sharp and you embrace your beastly tendencies with such open acceptance. While the path will be no easier for you than any other, You have taken steps along that path already without knowing that you walk it. "
" It is intriguing. "
" Unsettling. "
" Questionable. "
" It is unnerving. Yet we are inclined to see what you become. For now, The cavern holds no more for you. Return to your endeavours and when the time is right, We shall find you. "
After resting for a few minutes after the voices faded, Yumikaya stood and walked back through the tunnel. After several minutes, Yumikaya stepped out of the cavern and hissed softly as the light blinded her for a few moments before her eyes adjusted and she looked around to see Xayluka sitting next to a small fire, Sipping broth from a bowl. As Yumikaya sat down, Xayluka spoke calmly.
" You were in there for eight days. " Xayluka handed a bowl of broth to Yumikaya as she spoke calmly.
" Eight days? It felt like hours in the cavern. " Yumikaya looked confused before sipping the broth slowly and sighing contently as Xayluka spoke.
" I know nothing of such things. All I know is that you went in there and returned. Rest for tonight. We return to the covert at first light Foundling. " Xayluka looked toward Yumikaya sternly before Yumikaya nodded. After a moment, Xayluka's expression softened and she smiled as she continued. " You have made me so proud. All that remains is to earn your place among us through a trial by combat. Best Vyrena, And you will rise to the rank of apprentice. "
" I will not fail a second time. I will spare none of my ferocity or strength against her. I will show no restraint. No fear. " Yumikaya spoke confidently but smiled as Xayluka tousled her hair gently.
" Good. Your life will depend on it. " Xayluka smiled as Yumikaya nodded.
The Next Day
Karek was talking to Vyrena as the door of the covert opened and Xayluka walked in before speaking calmly as everyone fell silent.
" My Foundling declares the right of challenge. She wishes to face the one who bested her to prove her worth and claim the right to ascend to apprentice. " Xayluka looked toward Vyrena slowly as Karek spoke.
" Challenge has been called. Do you accept? " Karek turned his attention to Vyrena as she groaned irritably and spoke.
" Yes. Yes, I accept the challenge. " Vyrena sighed before standing as the members of the covert left the city and walked to the training camp. As they arrived, They saw Yumikaya standing where Vyrena had beaten her, Wearing only her bodysuit. As the covert members formed a large square around her, Yumikaya watched as Vyrena walked forward and scoffed before speaking.
" You want to fight me without your armour? Did you hit your head or something? " Vyrena laughed as several covert members sighed disappointingly before Karek spoke.
" Vyrena. Mocking your opponent is dishonourable. That she chooses to fight without her armour and weapons shows great courage. " Karek had a disapproving look on his face as Vyrena groaned irritably before he continued. " You will match her. Remove your armour and surrender your weapons. "
" WHAT?! Why should I match her?! She is lucky I even considered her challenge! " Vyrena glared toward Karek angrily before his expression shifted to a look of outright insult and he spoke forcefully.
" You would dishonour our entire clan and the creed by refusing? You would become an apostate over honouring your opponent? I raised you better than that. " Karek glared toward Vyrena as she looked taken aback before speaking.
" I am your daughter! You would declare me apostate over something so simple?! Do I mean nothing to you?! " Vyrena looked horrified as the other members of the covert removed their helmets as Karek spoke.
" Being my daughter does not make you exempt from the creed. Nor does it make you exempt from our tenets. You will remove your armour and surrender your weapons to face your opponent in honourable combat or you will leave this camp an apostate. To dishonour the creed and tenets demands such a punishment. Make your choice Vyrena. " Karek waited as Vyrena looked around in shock and horror before quickly removing her armour and dropping her weapons before Karek continued. " Very well. Combat will continue until one of you yields. Begin. "
As Vyrena turned to face Yumikaya, She gasped as Yumikaya's claws extended and she growled ferociously before darting forward and slamming a fist into Vyrena's stomach, Causing her to gasp for air momentarily as she stumbled backwards. After quickly recovering, Vyrena lunged forward and delivered several hard punches that Yumikaya attempted to block but managed to block only a few. As Yumikaya stepped back, Vyrena stepped up onto her leg and wrapped her legs around Yumikaya's throat before leaning backward rapidly, Flipping Yumikaya onto her stomach and squeezing her throat roughly with her thighs as she spoke.
" Yield! " Vyrena looked irritated as Yumikaya struggled. " Just yield damn it! YIELD! "
After managing to turn her head, Yumikaya growled loudly before speaking in between gasps of air. " My... Life... Depends... On... This... " After growling angrily, Yumikaya twisted her arms, Causing her shoulders to pop loudly before lifting herself into a position that allowed her to twist her body, Causing Vyrena to rotate with her before slamming into the ground, Forcing a painful gasp to leave her lips as her grip on Yumikaya lessened enough for Yumikaya to pull free and tackle Vyrena.
After a few moments of struggling, Yumikaya pinned Vyrena's arms behind her back before pressing her claws to Vyrena's throat, Causing a small trickle of blood to run down Vyrena's throat as she spoke. " Yield or your life is forfeit. "
Vyrena struggled heavily to free her arms but gasped painfully as Yumikaya's pressed her claws into her throat carefully, Barely piercing the skin as she spoke forcefully. " Yield! You cannot win! "
Vyrena glanced toward her father as tears built up in her eyes before she sobbed slightly and spoke. " I... I yield... Get off me... " Vyrena cried softly as Yumikaya released her before standing and running out of the training camp as Karek spoke.
" We have our victor! By creed, Yumikaya has earned the right to ascend to apprentice. As leader of clan Ordo, I congratulate you, Apprentice. You will now take the creed. Xayluka, As her Ka'yur, The honour is yours. " Karek stepped back and joined the other covert members as Xayluka walked forwards and spoke.
" I congratulate you Apprentice. You have made me proud. Together, We shall journey to Mandalore. There, You will bathe in the Living Waters and speak the Creed. The covert will join us as witnesses. Gather your armour. We leave immediately. " Xayluka smiled brightly as Yumikaya nodded excitedly before rushing back to Xayluka's camp as Karek walked over and spoke.
" She is an amazing warrior. You bring your clan honour training her so well. " Karek smiled as Xayluka looked toward him and spoke.
" I would do no less for any other member of my family or any other Foundling. " Xayluka smiled as Karek chuckled and spoke.
" She is lucky to have one such as you. I was concerned when you took her as your Foundling. You haven't trained another since your daughter died. " Karek placed a hand on Xayluka's shoulder gently as she spoke.
" Mikyri was everything to me. But I see so much of her in Yumikaya. Anyway, Let's get a move on. It is a long way to Mandalore. " Xayluka smiled as Karek nodded before they walked back to the covert. After walking into the back room, Karek activated the holoterminal as Xayluka put in a code. After several minutes, The call answered as Xayluka spoke.
" Jate at ret' vod. " Xayluka smiled as a familiar voice spoke.
" Jate at ret' at vod. Meg liser ni narir par gar? "
" La cuyir tsikador. Mhi cuyir slanar at Manda'yaim. " Xayluka smiled as chuckling filled the air before the person spoke again.
" Ori'jate. Mhi malyasa'yr aya'na gar. La malyasa'yr alorir gar at mhi. "
Xayluka nodded as the holocall ended before they left the back room. As they entered the main chamber, They saw Yumikaya sitting at a table talking to the other members happily as Karek spoke.
" You did well to reforge her. You should be proud. " Karek smiled as Xayluka nodded.
" I am. Now let's go. " Xayluka walked over to Yumikaya and spoke for a moment before everyone stood and walked to the hangar.
Two Weeks Later
" This is Mandalore? " Yumikaya spoke with wonder in her voice as she looked out of the window at the planet they were approaching.
" Indeed it is Apprentice. Look upon it's glory. Few planets are so beautiful as Mandalore. " Xayluka smiled as Yumikaya watched while the ship they were on descended into orbit before flying toward a mountain range on the horizon. Once they arrived, The ship landed at what appeared to be a small outpost that had several banners bearing a design that resembled a skull. After walking down the loading ramp, Yumikaya looked around in wonder before taking in the view. Everywhere she looked there were endless stretches of trees and fields of green. As Yumikaya sighed at the view, Xayluka walked over to a nearby clan member and spoke as the other members of the covert disembarked from the transport.
" My apprentice is to descend into the mines and bathe in the living waters. Clan Ordo will witness. " Xayluka smiled as the clan member nodded before she turned and called to Yumikaya, Causing her to run over excitedly. " Time to descend. The mines aren't very deep so it will only take a few minutes to reach the waters. Stay close. " Xayluka smiled as Yumikaya nodded before putting on her helmet as everyone activated their jetpacks and flew into the mines with Yumikaya in tow, Using her booster jets. Though flying was more tedious with only boosters, Yumikaya managed to keep pace with Xayluka.
After several minutes of flying, The covert all landed carefully and deactivated their jetpacks before forming a semi circle around the edge of the waters as Yumikaya took off her helmet and stepped into the waters as Karek handed Xayluka a small bowl. After dipping the bowl into the waters, Xayluka spoke calmly. " Now, You will speak the creed. Repeat after me. I swear on the name of the ancestors. "
" I swear on the name of the ancestors. " Yumikaya was brimming with excitement as Xayluka smiled and continued.
" That I shall walk the way of the Mand'alor. " Xayluka looked overjoyed as she looked down at Yumikaya.
" That I shall walk the way of the Mand'alor. " Yumikaya breathed nervously as Xayluka spoke a third time.
" And the words of the Creed shall forever be forged in my heart. " Xayluka stepped forward as Yumikaya spoke.
" And the words of the Creed shall forever be forged in my heart. " Yumikaya smiled happily as Xayluka smiled before tipping the bowl, Causing the water within to cascade over Yumikaya's face as she tilted her head back. As the waters dripped down her cheeks, Yumikaya felt energy thrumming around her as the waters around her rippled slightly as Xayluka spoke.
" This is the Way. " Xayluka stepped away as Yumikaya let out a soft sigh, Causing the waters around her to ripple slightly rougher before she spoke.
" This is the Way. " Yumikaya opened her eyes slowly as the Living Waters arced and swirled around her slowly causing the covert members to whisper among themselves before a ripple of energy echoed through the air as Yumikaya stood, Causing the waters to fall away from her before quickly calming and remaining still as she stepped out of the waters while Karek spoke.
" By creed, Yumikaya is now a Mandalorian apprentice. As her Ka'yur, Xayluka will journey with her until Yumikaya is ready to ascend from apprentice to a fully fledged Mandalorian through the right of the Verd'goten. This is the Way. " Karek took off his helmet and smiled as the covert echoed him before he spoke again. " The covert will return to Alderaan. Your fighter remains there if you wish to return with us. "
" That would be ideal. I still have other matters to attend. " Yumikaya smiled as Karek nodded before everyone flew back to the entrance of the mines and boarded the transport.
Two Weeks Later
" That was a wonderful experience. Mandalore is a beautiful planet. " Yumikaya spoke calmly as she climbed into her fighter before Xayluka's voice filled her helmet.
" Indeed it is. I am waiting for you in orbit apprentice. We will discuss your next objective when you arrive. " Xayluka ended the communication as Yumikaya's fighter took off.
After a few minutes, Yumikaya flew next to Xayluka's fighter as she spoke. " Alright apprentice. Where to? "
" Ilum. I think I might be ready to meet my family. I have not seen my mother or sister even once since birth so I am... Quite nervous... " Yumikaya tilted her head as Xayluka nodded and spoke.
" Courage in the face of adversity. Always. Not let's punch it. Would be rude to keep them waiting. " Xayluka smiled as the two fighters jumped into hyperspace.
Chapter 12
End