Burning Shadows
Chapter 13
After several hours in hyperspace, Yumikaya and Xayluka arrived in orbit around Ilum. As they flew toward the transport, Yumikaya's commlink beeped softly. After activating it, Yumikaya linked Xayluka into the call as she answered to see Kalina.
" Welcome home. Good to see you again Xayluka. " Kalina smiled warmly before Xayluka spoke.
" You know me? I did not see you on Alderaan or Mandalore for the ceremony. " Xayluka looked cautious as Kalina smiled again before speaking.
" Because I did not want to be seen. Make no mistake, I have been watching since she left this ship. " Kalina smiled before Yumikaya spoke.
" You were there for my ceremony? " Yumikaya's face lit up as Kalina nodded proudly.
" And I could not be more proud of you. The waters swirling around you caused quite the uproar among the clans. You are the topic of a lot of talk Kaya. The living waters have never reacted to someone like that before. " Kalina smiled but had a cautious tone to her voice as she continued. " It is concerning, But, We can discuss it later. For now, You have other priorities. "
" True. I'll be onboard the transport shortly. " Yumikaya smiled as Kalina nodded before ending the holocall. After a few minutes, Yumikaya and Xayluka landed in the hangar and climbed out of the fighters as Kalina and Atali walked over before Kalina spoke.
" You wear your armour well apprentice. How was your training? " Kalina smiled as Yumikaya glanced toward Xayluka cautiously before speaking.
" It was hard but worth it. " Yumikaya smiled before hugging Atali gently. " I have missed you. "
" I have missed you to. Will you come have something to eat with me? " Atali smiled as Yumikaya nodded and they left the hangar as Kalina spoke.
" I am glad it was you who trained her. I was concerned one of the more brutish veterans would choose her first. " Kalina smiled as Xayluka looked toward her before continuing. " You should know, I am aware of who you are. "
" How did you... Only one person knows! " Xayluka stepped back cautiously before motioning to draw her weapon as Aratarus walked toward them and spoke.
" And it was I who told her. Bic ganar cuyir mr munit vod. " Aratarus smiled as Xayluka's face lit up and she rushed over before hugging him tightly.
" Brother... I have missed you. " Xayluka smiled and sighed softly as Aratarus placed a hand on her cheek gently.
" I have missed you to sister. You need not worry. Kalina is trustworthy. Now why don't we have some food hmm? As enjoyable as living off stew and soup is, I have made an effort and cooked your favourite. Shall we? " Aratarus smiled as Xayluka nodded excitedly.
After eating, Yumikaya walked to the hangar and stared out toward the planet below as her heart raced. As she let out a soft, Nervous sigh, Kalina walked over and spoke softly.
" Does it trouble you so? The thought that they might not want you? " Kalina waited as Yumikaya whimpered and spoke softly.
" I... I couldn't take it if they said that... It would break me... " Yumikaya sighed softly as Kalina placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke softly.
" When you would not awaken, Your mother rushed to your aid. She dropped everything and came straight here. If she did not want you, She would not have bothered. And then there is your sister. I can guarantee that your mother has told her about you. They will want you sweetheart. Just let them in. " Kalina looked toward Yumikaya as she felt a tremble rush through her before she spoke.
" I... I don't know how... Or if I even can... So much has happened and I... Kalina, I'm so scared that when they find out all that I am... I... " Yumikaya breathed heavily, As if someone was standing on her chest before Kalina hugged her tightly.
" Breathe sweety. I will be with you every step. We all will. No matter what happens, We are with you. " Kalina petted Yumikaya's head gently for a few minutes before she calmed down.
" Thanks Kalina... I... I don't know if I am ready but... I think I need to do this regardless. " Yumikaya smiled nervously as Kalina nodded before leaving the hangar.
After several minutes, Kalina walked back into the hangar with Atali, Aratarus, Mako and Shae following her. As they walked over, Kalina spoke calmly.
" Ara, Mako, Shae and Atali will go ahead and make sure your mother is ready for you. When Ara calls us, We will follow. " Kalina smiled reassuringly before Yumikaya nodded slowly. Before they left, Atali kissed Yumikaya lovingly and reassured her before boarding Aratarus's ship and flying down to the surface of Ilum. As they waited, Yumikaya sat in the cockpit of her fighter.
" Kaya! " Kalina spoke sharply, Causing Yumikaya to gasp in surprise before speaking.
" Y... Yes? " Yumikaya looked over to where Kalina was sitting a separate fighter before she spoke slowly.
" Sweetheart, I just spoke to you for the last few minutes and you didn't even blink. Talk to me. " Kalina quickly climbed out of her fighter and rushed over as Yumikaya took off her helmet and burst into tears as she spoke through sobs.
" My... Heart feels... Like it's got... A Blade in it... " Yumikaya cried softly as Kalina motioned to speak before Aratarus's voice filled her helmet.
" Kalina? We are ready for her. " Aratarus spoke calmly before Kalina spoke quickly.
" Gonna have to wait. We have some issues. " Kalina sighed before Aratarus sighed audibly and spoke.
" She is having a meltdown isn't she? Alri... Hey! Give that back! " Aratarus's voice faded into the background before a familiar voice made Kalina gasp softly.
" Let her hear me Kalina. "
" Y... Yeah... Just a sec... " Kalina shook her head before reaching over and pressing a few buttons on Yumikaya's fighter controls as she spoke again. " All set. "
" Kaya? Can you hear me? "
Yumikaya gasped audibly before looking toward the communicator as the voice spoke again.
" I know you are scared sweety. I know you are worried we won't want you but you have no idea how wrong you are. We have waited so long for you sweetheart. Come home to us. We are waiting for you. "
" Yeah! Come home sis! I wanna play! "
Yumikaya burst into tears before the cockpit of her fighter quickly closed, Causing Kalina to lunge out of the way as Yumikaya's fighter rose off the ground before flying out of the hangar at top speed as Kalina dusted herself off.
" Geez kid! Well, Guess we are going. " Kalina smiled before rushing to her fighter and climbing in before taking off and following Yumikaya.
Meanwhile
" You could have just asked you know. Didn't have to yank my helmet off my head. " Aratarus rubbed his head tenderly before taking his helmet back calmly. Before anyone else could speak, A loud bang echoed through the air as everyone looked up to see a custom starfighter rocketing toward them.
As they thought it was going to hit the ground, The fighters wings moved and it quickly burst sideways before tilting so the cockpit was visible. As Yumikaya glanced Towards him, Aratarus waved toward her, Causing Yumikaya to circle before holding her ship in a hover just above where Aratarus was waiting.
As Yumikaya breathed quickly, She noticed a girl roughly the same size and build as herself, Wriggle free of the grip an older woman had on her before launching herself into the air and landing on Yumikaya's fighter, Causing Yumikaya to look stunned for a moment before the girl tapped the glass gently.
As Yumikaya looked toward her, She noticed the girl looked almost identical to her except for her soft violet eyes before the girl smiled brightly and hugged the window, Causing Yumikaya to snap out of her shock and carefully land the fighter.
After landing, Yumikaya looked toward the girl cautiously as she climbed off the fighter and walked back to the older woman quickly. As they watched, Yumikaya looked around before her fighter powered up again. As it started to take off, Everyone looked panicked before Atali rushed forward and climbed onto the fighter before motioning for everyone else to wait as she tapped the glass gently.
After opening the cockpit, Yumikaya spoke quickly. " I can't do this... I can't... I'm too scared... I can't... "
" Look at me Kaya. " Atali waited as Yumikaya looked up at her from the cockpit as she spoke soothingly. " Don't run from this. They have waited so long to see you and they love you so much. Talking to them made it obvious how painful losing you was. Even your sister has been dying to see you. Please don't run. It will haunt you. "
" I just... " Yumikaya turned her head away but gasped softly as Atali caressed her cheek gently and spoke.
" I know. But I will be right here. Please don't run. " Atali smiled soothingly and rubbed her thumb over Yumikaya's cheek for a moment before Yumikaya nodded and landed the fighter again. As it powered down, Atali walked back over to the group and spoke sternly. " I understand how important this moment is but please don't rush her. She is overwhelmed. "
As everyone nodded, Atali walked back to Yumikaya's fighter before waiting as Yumikaya sighed loudly and climbed out of her fighter slowly, Glancing toward the group awaiting her every few moments. As she motioned to climb off the fighter, The girl that had launched herself onto Yumikaya's fighter spoke suddenly.
" I don't wanna wait anymore! I wanna hug my sis! "
As the young girl motioned to move, Yumikaya quickly moved back into the cockpit and sealed it before bursting into tears as Atali placed a hand on the glass slowly before the girl spoke again.
" I didn't mean to scare her... "
" It's okay. She just needs a minute. " Atali smiled toward the girl before turning back to the cockpit and closing her eyes before reaching out through the bond she shared with Yumikaya, Causing her to stop crying and look toward Atali quickly. As she watched, Yumikaya heard Atali's voice echo through her mind.
" I am with you. Always. Please come out. "
As Atali opened her eyes, The cockpit opened again and Yumikaya leaned toward her, Causing Atali to lean forward and gently press her forehead against Yumikaya's as she spoke. " I promise. I am always with you. I won't let anyone hurt you anymore. "
" I'm scared Atali... " Yumikaya spoke softly while seeing Kalina's fighter land nearby before she rushed over and spoke.
" Nearly fried me kiddo. You okay? " Kalina took off her helmet and tossed it to Aratarus, Who caught it effortlessly as Yumikaya spoke shakily.
" How could I possibly be okay?! I am about to meet my family and I have no idea what the hell to do or say or anything! " Yumikaya had a mix of irritation and sadness on her face before turning her head to see the girls face barely a millimetre from her own, Causing her to gasp softly as a look of surprised etched onto her face while the girl spoke soothingly.
" Don't be sad sister... Please... "
" I... I... " Yumikaya bit her lip as tears built up in her eyes before the young girl moved away and burst into tears as she spoke loudly.
" Sis is hurt! Why is she hurt?! Who hurt her?! "
" I... No... I... " Yumikaya looked toward Kalina and Atali rapidly before touching the young girls cheek softly, Causing her to fall silent and look toward Yumikaya in shock as she spoke. " I... I'm just scared... "
" Why... Why are you scared of us? "
" I don't know... I just... I don't know... " Yumikaya bit her lip again before crying softly as the young girl burst into tears and cried loudly before jumping off the fighter and running back to the older woman as she spoke.
" Sis is scared and hurt! Who did it?! Who hurt my sister?! "
" Shh... It's okay sweetheart. She just needs some time... "
" Who are you... " Yumikaya looked toward the older woman as she looked over before walking toward Yumikaya slowly. As she got closer and reached toward Yumikaya, Yumikaya lunged sideways out of the fighter before growling fiercely as her claws extended before speaking forcefully. " DON'T! "
" I won't hurt you... "
" I don't know that! How can I trust you?! I don't even know you! " Yumikaya hissed savagely as Kalina spoke.
" Kaya stop! You can trust her... " Kalina motioned to move but froze as Yumikaya hissed and spoke angrily.
" I DON'T KNOW THAT! " Yumikaya turned and motioned to move but froze as a voice filled the air. A voice that was soft and soothing, Sang out through the icy winds.
Come now my sweet, You are safe in my arms
I will guard you and keep you away from all harm
Here you can rest, No more tales to tell
No more pain, No more hate, No more treachery ensnares you
Rest your weary bones, Embraced by the night
Sleep with me here, Always safe in my arms
Until dawn drowns us all in the light
As the voice paused, Yumikaya turned around to see where it was coming from as the voice sang out again.
Sweet though you are, A little warrior inside
All your fears, All your hate can be so hard to hide
Though the voices call, The darkness creeps forth
Stand your ground, Hold the fort, You don't fight this alone
Take strength little one for I am right by your side
Standing guard, Watching on, I'll be along for this ride
On the path you will walk throughout your long life
No matter the strain or the strife
As Yumikaya watched, The older woman walked over to her slowly as she continued singing while Yumikaya noticed that Kalina was crying heavily.
Never be afraid even if you feel lost
We are here, Have no fear, We will be your shield
Though you feel you bare the world upon your shoulders
No matter what you go through, No matter where else you roam
Your family awaits, Arms open wide
To care for and love you with all of our hearts
For this will always be your home
As the woman finished singing, Yumikaya looked as if someone had hit her before her claws slowly retracted while the woman walked over and placed a hand on her cheek gently as she spoke.
" I am your mother Kaya. I would never hurt you or allow you to be hurt. I would never betray you. I would never lie to you. I love you with all of my heart and I have waited so long to see you again. "
" I... I... " Yumikaya faltered as her heart raced before her emotions overwhelmed her and she fell to her knees before speaking sadly. " I have been alone for so long... I was enslaved... Tormented... Tortured... And Malgus... He broke me... How can I ever trust anyone after that... How do I know you won't hurt me... How do I know you won't break my heart... "
As Yumikaya cried softly, The woman knelt down before hugging her tightly, Causing Yumikaya to gasp softly before she spoke calmly. " Listen to my heart. Does it not beat the same as yours? You are my daughter Kaya. I would die before hurting you. "
As Yumikaya listened to the woman's heartbeat, She felt a wave of calm wash over before she nuzzled against the woman's chest gently as she spoke.
" Then why did you let me go... Why did I have to suffer so much for you to find me... Why didn't you save me... " Yumikaya pulled away from the woman before running past her fighter and over a snowbank as the woman broke down and cried softly before Kalina walked over and hugged her tightly.
" It's alright Zanira. She will come around. Just give her time. " Kalina held Zanira lovingly as she cried for a moment before Zanira spoke softly.
" That isn't what hurts Kali... What hurts is seeing her filled with so much pain... " Zanira sobbed softly but gasped as the girl ran past her and followed Yumikaya. " Taya! Wait! "
As the girl ran over the snowbank, Zanira motioned to move but froze as Atali gripped her arm and spoke.
" Let her handle it. Taya can reach her. " Atali smiled soothingly as Zanira looked up at her before nodding and relaxing.
Thirty Minutes Later
" Sis! Sis, Where are you?! "
The girl looked around quickly before hearing a loud growl behind her. As she turned slowly, She saw a large, Reptilian looking creature with grey fur on it's back. As it stood tall, Yumitaya noticed that the creature had two yellow eyes, Four nostrils and as it snarled, The girl noticed that it's mouth was filled with three rows of razor sharp teeth that were yellowed in colour. As the creature rushed toward her, The girl heard a loud snarl before looking up to see Yumikaya flying through the air before slamming into the creature, Causing it to fall backwards and growl angrily.
As the creature threw Yumikaya aside, The girl gasped as she noticed a lightsabre on Yumikaya's belt. As she motioned to speak, The girl froze as Yumikaya darted forward and slammed into the creature before savagely biting down on it's throat, Causing it to flail wildly, Catching the exposed skin on Yumikaya's neck with it's claw, Tearing a small gash along the side of her neck. While not deep, It caused Yumikaya to cry out in pain before clawing and biting at the wound she had made on it's throat.
As Yumikaya continued ravaging the exposed throat of the creature, It continued flailing wildly before finally falling still as she pressed her face into the open wound and gripped the creatures spine with her teeth before roughly pushing backwards, Ripping a chunk of it's spine and throat out as she was launched backwards from the sudden release of resistance as the muscles and tendons tore away.
After a moment, Yumikaya stood slowly and spat the chuck of flesh and bone in her mouth onto the ground before snarling for a moment. As the girl motioned to speak, Yumikaya fell to her knees before falling backwards, Unconscious as the girl ran forward and realised that the small cut on Yumikaya's neck had damaged the blood vessel in her neck, Causing the her to panic for a moment before she ripped the hem of her shirt away and quickly wrapped it around Yumikaya's neck before pulling it tightly enough to slow the bleeding and dragging Yumikaya back toward the others.
Four Days Later
Yumikaya groaned as she slowly opened her eyes. As she sat up and looked around, She noticed the young girl sleeping on one side while Atali was asleep on the other side before noticing Deshla and Savii sleeping at the end of the bed. As she sat up, Yumikaya froze as the young girl stirred and woke before speaking softly.
" Sis? Are you okay? "
" I... Think so... My neck hurts... " Yumikaya motioned to touch her neck but paused as the young girl quickly reached out and seized her hand.
" Don't touch it sis. It needs to heal. Stay here with me. I want cuddles. "
" Cuddles?! " Yumikaya blushed brightly before looking nervous as she spoke softly. " But I don't know you... "
" I am Yumitaya. Your sister. "
" I... I know... I mean I don't know anything about you other than that... " Yumikaya looked slightly uncomfortable but gasped as Yumitaya yanked her down and hugged her tightly before nuzzling against her chest gently.
" Doesn't matter. I want cuddles with my sis. " Yumitaya hummed happily before falling asleep again as Yumikaya looked confused and lost for a few minutes before sighing and going back to sleep as she blushed while putting her arms around Yumitaya and holding her gently.
Several Hours Later
After sleeping for the day, Yumikaya woke up and teetered outside before yelling loudly as she lunged backwards before Zanira spoke softly.
" Am I truly so terrifying? " Zanira smiled sweetly as Yumikaya breathed quickly before speaking.
" I just woke up and you scared the hell out of me just standing there waiting... " Yumikaya slowly relaxed as Atali, Savii, Deshla and Yumitaya ran outside looking shocked before they all relaxed and Yumitaya spoke softly.
" You okay sis? " Yumitaya walked over cautiously as Yumikaya nodded before regaining her composure and standing straight as Yumitaya spoke nervously. " So... Uhm... Can I... Can I ask you something? "
" You just cuddled me all day after me being unconscious for... I don't know how long... And you are nervous about asking a question? " Yumikaya looked amused before Yumitaya trembled slightly and spoke.
" It's just... I was really scared you were gonna die and I... " Yumitaya's lip trembled before she hugged Yumikaya tightly and continued. " Mum and I have waited so long to see you and the first thing that happens is you getting hurt. "
" Yeah... Uhm... Didn't exactly plan that... " Yumikaya giggled nervously before Yumitaya shook her head and spoke softly.
" It's okay. You saved me and you were amazing. Which is what I wanna ask. Can you show me your... I think Atali called it your... " Yumitaya paused as Atali rushed over and placed her hand over Yumitaya's mouth.
" I didn't call it anything! " Atali looked away nervously as Yumikaya pouted before Atali sighed and spoke. " Alright... I called it your immeasurably sexy and all but irresistible side. Happy? "
" Immeasurably. " Yumikaya grinned playfully as Atali pouted and turned away as Yumitaya spoke.
" Yeah... That... But that's not my question. I wanted to ask if you would show me. I saw your claws but I want a closer look. Please? " Yumitaya looked toward Yumikaya, Who looked hesitant before sighing and extending her claws as Yumitaya stepped forward. As she sighed softly, Yumikaya lifted Yumikaya's hands gently before looking at her claws closely. " So pointy... Where do they go when they... "
" Retract? " Yumikaya smirked as her claws retracted quickly causing Yumitaya to gasp softly before speaking.
" Seriously, Where do they go?! " Yumitaya turned Yumikaya's hands over before looking disappointed as Yumikaya spoke.
" No idea. But they are there. What else did you wanna see? " Yumikaya smiled amusingly as Yumitaya smiled sweetly.
" Fangs! Definitely fangs! " Yumitaya giggled playfully as Yumikaya smirked before opening her mouth to show her fangs as Yumitaya sighed softly before speaking.
" Wait... How come all your teeth are sharp? Shouldn't only the fangs be sharp? " Yumitaya looked confused as Yumikaya closed her mouth and giggled.
" Just another mystery. Anything else? " Yumikaya looked taken aback as Yumitaya looked away sheepishly before speaking slowly.
" Actually... Can I... Can I see your lightsaber? " Yumitaya looked nervous for a moment before Yumikaya looked toward the house and reached out through the Force, Causing her lightsabre to float outside before floating beside her as she gripped the hilt before holding it toward Yumitaya. " You're letting me hold it? "
" Sure. Why wouldn't I? " Yumikaya looked confused as Yumitaya looked toward Zanira before speaking.
" What if I hurt myself? Or someone else? It's a lightsaber. " Yumitaya had a look of disbelief on her face as Yumikaya smiled.
" Turn it on. " Yumikaya grinned as Yumitaya tried to activate the lightsaber before groaning irritably after several failed attempts before the lightsaber trembled and yanked itself out of Yumitaya's hand and floated over to Yumikaya as she spoke. " Did you hurt yourself? "
" It only works for you doesn't it... " Yumitaya looked bashful as Yumikaya smirked and nodded. " Ofcourse it does... "
" Yeah. Sorry. " Yumikaya smiled before gripping her lightsaber and activating it. As Yumitaya sighed softly, Yumikaya deactivated her lightsaber before Yumitaya spoke.
" Sis... I am so happy you are here. " Yumitaya smiled as Yumikaya sighed softly, Causing Yumitaya's smile to falter. " You okay sis? "
" I don't know okay? Everything is overwhelming and I have no idea what I am doing! " Yumikaya ran her fingers through her hair slowly before Zanira walked over and caressed her cheek tenderly, Causing Yumikaya to sigh softly and relax before speaking. " Why... "
" Why what darling? " Zanira looked confused as Yumikaya sighed softly.
" Why does your touch make me feel so calm? Why does someone I know nothing about make me feel safe? " Yumikaya sighed softly as Zanira stepped forward and hugged her lovingly as she spoke.
" Because you are safe. I'm your mother sweetheart. There is nowhere safer for you than in my arms. " Zanira smiled sweetly before kissing Yumikaya's head gently.
" That song you sang to me... Why did it make my heart ache? " Yumikaya closed her eyes as Zanira spoke soothingly.
" That was your lullaby. Kalina and I sang it to you the day you were born. You were crying so much and that song calmed you down and you fell asleep in Kalina's arms. " Zanira smiled as Kalina placed a hand on Yumikaya's shoulder gently as she spoke.
" This feels so right... " Yumikaya sighed softly as she nuzzled against Zanira's chest gently. After a few moments, Yumitaya spoke softly.
" Hey... Sis can I ask you one more question? " Yumitaya looked nervous as Yumikaya stepped away from Zanira before looking toward Yumitaya and nodding before she continued. " What are the pink lines on your skin? "
" Tattoos. I got them while I was searching for Atali on... Actually I don't know what planet it was. " Yumikaya looked puzzled before Kalina spoke calmly as she walked over and stood beside Zanira.
" It was Felucia. A touch of survival training. She went there alone and came back with a sister. " Kalina giggled as Zanira looked toward her in shock before Deshla walked over to Yumikaya as she spoke.
" I am glad she asked me to come along. After I asked her to let me ofcourse. But she is as much my sister as Taya is hers. " Deshla smiled as Yumikaya placed a hand on her shoulder before Yumitaya spoke calmly.
" It's actually awesome that I have two sisters but that's not my actual question. I want to know... Why are your tattoos humming? " Yumitaya waited patiently as Yumikaya and Deshla looked toward her in confusion before Yumikaya spoke.
" Humming? I don't hear anything... " Yumikaya looked perplexed as Zanira looked at the tattoos on Yumikaya's arm before Yumitaya spoke again.
" You can't? But it's clear... It's soft but it's clear... " Yumitaya looked scared as Zanira looked toward her and spoke.
" What does it sound like? Sing it for me. " Zanira had a concerned look on her face as Yumitaya whimpered softly and spoke.
" Actually... It's a sound I heard in the temple... " Yumitaya had a mix of concern and fear on her face as Zanira looked stunned for a moment before speaking softly.
" Kaya... I need you to come with me. It's important. " Zanira had a look of desperation on her face as Yumikaya nodded before turning to Yumitaya and handing her lightsaber to her.
" Hold on to this for me. " Yumikaya smiled as Yumitaya sighed and smiled excitedly before nodding happily as Yumikaya followed Zanira.
As she followed Zanira, Yumikaya noticed she was leading her through the small house to a set of shelves. After using the Force to move the shelves carefully, Yumikaya sighed softly as she saw that the shelves had been hiding an intricately decorated door built into the wall of ice the house was connected to.
As the door opened, A bone rattling voice filled the house as everyone looked around rapidly.
" It is here. Go. Find it. Find the connection. "
" Connection? I don't understand... " Yumikaya spoke softly but trembled as the voice echoed through the house again.
" It connects us. Even before you touched that infernal holocron Acina imprisoned me in. Go. Find it. I will appear when you do. "
" Wait! Who are you?! " Yumikaya looked around wildly before sighing as silence was her only answer. After a moment, Zanira spoke softly.
" That voice made my blood run cold... There are not many beings that can fill me with such dread. Be very careful with that one Kaya. For now at least, Follow me. " Zanira smiled nervously before leading Yumikaya into the tunnel behind the door. After a short walk, The tunnel stopped and a set of stairs led down into a massive open cavern. In the centre of the cavern was what appeared to be a massive, white building. The building had a circular design that tiered upwards in layers with an archway on four sides. The archways connected to four spires that stood above the main circular building. After a moment, Yumikaya spoke softly.
" What is that thing? "Yumikaya looked toward Zanira as Zanira sighed softly.
" It is an ancient temple. I found it on a mission for Malgus after I got lost in a snow storm. The powers and abilities I learned here are what allowed me to break free of his control. That being said... I never heard voices. " Zanira looked concerned as the bone rattling voice filled the cavern.
" It is here. Find it. "
" Sure would help if I had a description. " Yumikaya waited for a few moments beforesighing irritably and speaking again. " No? The hard way then. "
" Perhaps it won't be hard to find? " Zanira smiled reassuringly before leading Yumikaya down the staircase and up the pathway for several minutes before reaching the temple. As they approached, Zanira raised her hand, Causing the front archway to make a loud grinding noise as the face of the archway split to reveal an entryway before Zanira spoke softly.
" I will wait here. I... Am no longer welcome... " Zanira sighed softly as Yumikaya looked confused before nodding and walking into the temple. As Yumikaya walked into the main hall, The bone rattling voice spoke again.
" Beneath you. Find it. "
" Still vague. Just saying. " Yumikaya sighed before wandering around the hall for a few minutes. After several irritated sighs and several laps around the main hall, Yumikaya ran her fingers along the wall as she walked, Her extended claws making a soft grinding noise before she felt a small pull at the edge of her mind, Causing her to press her hand against the wall. As she pulled her hand away from the wall, Yumikaya noticed a small, Glowing inscription on the wall were her hand had been before a loud grinding noise caused her to turn around to see the floor in the centre of the hall descend in a spiralled staircase.
After walking down the staircase, Yumikaya looked around, Taking note of the massive room she was in. The room seemed to be split into separate sections, Each with an archway similar to the building above. As she walked over to the first room, Yumikaya coughed heavily as the stench of death and decay filled her senses, Forcing her to back away before resisting the urge to vomit. After regaining her composure, Yumikaya looked through the archway to see piles of bodies still dripping with rotted flesh. After shivering, Yumikaya turned away and walked to the next room. The room was adorned with decorative looking pictures and furnishings before Yumikaya groaned and moved on.
The third room was filled with holocron's of different shapes and colours. There were sets of shelves with small crystals and gems on them and several large boxes that had writing on them in a language that Yumikaya didn't recognise.
The fourth room was completely empty save for a decorative pedestal in the centre that had a stand on it. Upon the stand was a lightsabre hilt. The hilt was longer than a normal hilt and had two emitters. The hilt was black with silver details that had small etchings in the silver and small gold etchings on the emitters. As Yumikaya approached, The bone rattling voice filled the room as a spectre appeared beside the pedestal.
The spectre wore greyish blue armour with red clothing and a helmet that had a faceplate resembling a skull with fiery orange eyes. The armour had gold etching and looked heavily weathered as the spectre spoke calmly.
" This blade belonged to my apprentice. The hilt is irrelevant. Take the crystal. Can you feel it resonating? "
" It's... Like it is calling to me... " Yumikaya shivered slightly before reaching out through the Force, Causing the lightsabre hilt to tremble before twisting and opening. As Yumikaya watched, The crystal, Which was a blood red colour and closely resembled a misshapen heart, Floated out of the hilt and toward her.
Chapter 13
End