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[So Wesker would be met in the very near future then, now that he had a location. He didn't care about descriptions as most humans looked the same to him, so he'd just ask around until he had located this new brother.]
I will be certain he lives up to the Zabrak way of brotherhood. [He'd probably punch Wesker at least once. Only the sturdiest would do.
He rolled his eyes a little, not particularly caring to hear more whining from Skywalker. That seemed to be all it was these days, which made him wonder why the Fanged God was that man's omen. There had to be something more, and he knew there was based on the information that everyone from long ahead of his death said. Right now there wasn't anything to measure up to it though.
Of course, Kenobi was very protective of Skywalker so that couldn't be good for any manner of peace. He didn't mind; peace was boring.]
What do you intend to force him to do now that you have such control over him, brother?
[He noted the discomfort in his brother, which sometimes happened. It hadn't for a long time, given how familiar they had become with each other, but it amused him when Maul seemed to regress back to being uncomfortable to ask things of him. Though, the request did cause him to raise a brow at his elder brother.]
Why? We have a Force-bond, and our blood runs the same colour. [They were brothers in the Force and from their parentage after all.]
I will be certain he lives up to the Zabrak way of brotherhood. [He'd probably punch Wesker at least once. Only the sturdiest would do.
He rolled his eyes a little, not particularly caring to hear more whining from Skywalker. That seemed to be all it was these days, which made him wonder why the Fanged God was that man's omen. There had to be something more, and he knew there was based on the information that everyone from long ahead of his death said. Right now there wasn't anything to measure up to it though.
Of course, Kenobi was very protective of Skywalker so that couldn't be good for any manner of peace. He didn't mind; peace was boring.]
What do you intend to force him to do now that you have such control over him, brother?
[He noted the discomfort in his brother, which sometimes happened. It hadn't for a long time, given how familiar they had become with each other, but it amused him when Maul seemed to regress back to being uncomfortable to ask things of him. Though, the request did cause him to raise a brow at his elder brother.]
Why? We have a Force-bond, and our blood runs the same colour. [They were brothers in the Force and from their parentage after all.]
[Most seemed to have an aversion to eating what died or they killed. Of course, most of the species around these parts were omnivores or even... ugh vegetarians. He and his brother were pure carnivores, so meat was meat, even if it might have once decided to talk back to them. Survival depending on eating, so he wasn't picky on where his meals came from.]
I already expect they've been in, around and beside others and are soiled in some way. A quick wash should make them edible or just don't think about it.
[He had no time for games; it hadn't been how he was raised, and the biggest secret he had kept was his Force sensitivities when he was young and Feral to take care of. His clan was rather... direct on almost all subjects. Life was too short for mind games.]
I work in all three. What is it you do for labour and trade? [This city had a wide arrangement of needs after all, and he didn't know enough about K to be certain which direction the non-human would go in.] It was a shame it was a curse. Gold makes some of the best credits.
[So the android had a blood type just like everyone else. Though there was a slight shift of unease at the sight of lightning, like K had changed to being distinctly more dangerous to him.] Vileblood. My blood enhances those that breathe it in.
I already expect they've been in, around and beside others and are soiled in some way. A quick wash should make them edible or just don't think about it.
[He had no time for games; it hadn't been how he was raised, and the biggest secret he had kept was his Force sensitivities when he was young and Feral to take care of. His clan was rather... direct on almost all subjects. Life was too short for mind games.]
I work in all three. What is it you do for labour and trade? [This city had a wide arrangement of needs after all, and he didn't know enough about K to be certain which direction the non-human would go in.] It was a shame it was a curse. Gold makes some of the best credits.
[So the android had a blood type just like everyone else. Though there was a slight shift of unease at the sight of lightning, like K had changed to being distinctly more dangerous to him.] Vileblood. My blood enhances those that breathe it in.
I am sure he will live up to expectations. He's much tougher than most humans. I don't think he is entirely one anymore.
[From what Maul had understood of Wesker's biology, he was something a bit more than an ordinary human, faster and stronger than one while he didn't age any longer.
There was a certain manic glint at the mention of the power he could now use from Anakin. It was still a leftover desire from all the ideas that his master had tried to indoctrinate him with.]
I shall use his power to get what I want and when I want it. No one will be able to stop me.
[Maul figured Savage wouldn't really get why he was asking, so he decided to try to explain it as best he could.]
It.....it is important to me. The Force is always about being interconnected to living things, but much of that was stolen from me by my master. This is a way to get some of it back, to achieve a sense of balance once again.
[From what Maul had understood of Wesker's biology, he was something a bit more than an ordinary human, faster and stronger than one while he didn't age any longer.
There was a certain manic glint at the mention of the power he could now use from Anakin. It was still a leftover desire from all the ideas that his master had tried to indoctrinate him with.]
I shall use his power to get what I want and when I want it. No one will be able to stop me.
[Maul figured Savage wouldn't really get why he was asking, so he decided to try to explain it as best he could.]
It.....it is important to me. The Force is always about being interconnected to living things, but much of that was stolen from me by my master. This is a way to get some of it back, to achieve a sense of balance once again.
You don't seem to find much kinship with plain humans. All of those that you associate with are unique and non-human in some way.
[That was just the way it was, and his brother hardly seemed to care much for creatures that were easily breakable. Well, maybe some of the kits of this place, but kits could grow big and strong and well beyond the limitations of being human.
He snorted softly, aware that his brother's decision to use the power of another was not going to go over well. He didn't mind though. If there was power for the taking, it was up to them to take it and hold onto it. Power was strength, and his brother had proven to be able to wield it well.]
What is it you strive for now with such strength at your fingertips?
[He didn't understand why Maul felt the need to add an extra layer of bonding between them when they had plenty. It seemed it would make his brother happy, and he had no resentment to the idea of a bond when it was someone he trusted as much as Maul.]
I would have thought mediating on the connections of the Force would serve you to the same end, but if you want a bond with me of this place, I will perform the ritual with you.
[That was just the way it was, and his brother hardly seemed to care much for creatures that were easily breakable. Well, maybe some of the kits of this place, but kits could grow big and strong and well beyond the limitations of being human.
He snorted softly, aware that his brother's decision to use the power of another was not going to go over well. He didn't mind though. If there was power for the taking, it was up to them to take it and hold onto it. Power was strength, and his brother had proven to be able to wield it well.]
What is it you strive for now with such strength at your fingertips?
[He didn't understand why Maul felt the need to add an extra layer of bonding between them when they had plenty. It seemed it would make his brother happy, and he had no resentment to the idea of a bond when it was someone he trusted as much as Maul.]
I would have thought mediating on the connections of the Force would serve you to the same end, but if you want a bond with me of this place, I will perform the ritual with you.
[ Good lord, this just gets better. And maybe he should feel bad about discussing the consumption of humans like this, but... After what he's suffered at the hands of humans, frankly it's nice venting about them a little. Even if in a morbid fashion such as this. ]
Well, there's a few humans here who probably wouldn't be missed if you start feeling peckish. If you observe the network much, I'm sure you already know who. [ This is probably a joke. But this is also Trench and he's willing to bet Johnny Lawrence ends up eaten repeatedly, by a wide variety of creatures. He's pretty sure Maul's already killed the man once, even.
K notices that shift at the demonstration of his abilities, but he isn't sure what to make of it. Bad experience with lightning, maybe? ]
I'm good at the heavy lifting. [ For perhaps obvious reasons, and there's really no shortage of work that requires non-magic, brute strength. ] And carpentry, renovations, anything related to technology... [ He tilts his head. ] You ever need help with those sorts of things, let me know. [ Pause. ] Vileblood. I think that's more rare. What kind of enhancements does it grant?
[ Hmmm. And on the subject of potentially helping. ] I've noticed you almost never use the text option on the network. Why's that? [ Given what he knows about Savage's upbringing and culture so far, he's wondering if literacy may have taken a backseat to combat training. ]
Well, there's a few humans here who probably wouldn't be missed if you start feeling peckish. If you observe the network much, I'm sure you already know who. [ This is probably a joke. But this is also Trench and he's willing to bet Johnny Lawrence ends up eaten repeatedly, by a wide variety of creatures. He's pretty sure Maul's already killed the man once, even.
K notices that shift at the demonstration of his abilities, but he isn't sure what to make of it. Bad experience with lightning, maybe? ]
I'm good at the heavy lifting. [ For perhaps obvious reasons, and there's really no shortage of work that requires non-magic, brute strength. ] And carpentry, renovations, anything related to technology... [ He tilts his head. ] You ever need help with those sorts of things, let me know. [ Pause. ] Vileblood. I think that's more rare. What kind of enhancements does it grant?
[ Hmmm. And on the subject of potentially helping. ] I've noticed you almost never use the text option on the network. Why's that? [ Given what he knows about Savage's upbringing and culture so far, he's wondering if literacy may have taken a backseat to combat training. ]
Most normal humans are boring, breakable, and die far too easily to hold my interest for long.
[There was a couple of exceptions of course, like his young friend Ben, who had been absolutely ordinary and yet had ended up with Maul caring for him very deeply as he taught him how to defend himself. But those were far and few between.
He considered just what he could do with Anakin's power in the Force now coursing through him.]
Perhaps I will take my rightful place as leader of this city.
[Granted, it was also just as likely he'd just use it to wreck havoc upon anyone who stood in his way or who he wanted to take revenge upon, but why not shoot for the stars while he had the opportunity to do so?
Maul smiled happily when Savage agreed to the bond. To anyone else looking at him, it would have been a disconcerting expression given the amount of teeth on display but fortunately Savage was far since used to his brother's quirks by now.]
Good. I am glad of it. I will prepare the ritual needed to complete it.
[There was a couple of exceptions of course, like his young friend Ben, who had been absolutely ordinary and yet had ended up with Maul caring for him very deeply as he taught him how to defend himself. But those were far and few between.
He considered just what he could do with Anakin's power in the Force now coursing through him.]
Perhaps I will take my rightful place as leader of this city.
[Granted, it was also just as likely he'd just use it to wreck havoc upon anyone who stood in his way or who he wanted to take revenge upon, but why not shoot for the stars while he had the opportunity to do so?
Maul smiled happily when Savage agreed to the bond. To anyone else looking at him, it would have been a disconcerting expression given the amount of teeth on display but fortunately Savage was far since used to his brother's quirks by now.]
Good. I am glad of it. I will prepare the ritual needed to complete it.
[Savage made a noise in his throat. It had been something of a time before someone aside from his brother had suggested that he used his carnivorous needs against specific people. No name drops specifically, but he could guess a few and he hadn't actually eaten a Sleeper. He should.]
If you have specific individuals on your list of people to be killed and eaten, I'd be willing to hear them. Humans tend to get upset when you eat them, like their flesh is more sacred than that of an enemy or non-verbal beast.
[He was also good at heavy lifting, but he had invested very little time to using it as an occupation. He expected that K's android physiology allowed that to be paramount, and there would never be a storage of need in that.] So you're a mover and a builder then. That's useful, especially in a place like this that probably needs improvements all the time. [He didn't offer to assist despite the fact he could and do it well.]
My blood enhances physical attributes if breathed and bulk out for awhile. [A direct connection to his past where the Nightsister's magic had enhanced him to be what he was now.
Yet, at the mention of his lack of using text, his tone turned cold. He was used to people considering him a dumb brute, muscle for his much more learned, smarter older brother.] Talking is faster. [And writing was so much slower for him and he didn't like voice-to-text options because it required a lot of proof-reading.]
If you have specific individuals on your list of people to be killed and eaten, I'd be willing to hear them. Humans tend to get upset when you eat them, like their flesh is more sacred than that of an enemy or non-verbal beast.
[He was also good at heavy lifting, but he had invested very little time to using it as an occupation. He expected that K's android physiology allowed that to be paramount, and there would never be a storage of need in that.] So you're a mover and a builder then. That's useful, especially in a place like this that probably needs improvements all the time. [He didn't offer to assist despite the fact he could and do it well.]
My blood enhances physical attributes if breathed and bulk out for awhile. [A direct connection to his past where the Nightsister's magic had enhanced him to be what he was now.
Yet, at the mention of his lack of using text, his tone turned cold. He was used to people considering him a dumb brute, muscle for his much more learned, smarter older brother.] Talking is faster. [And writing was so much slower for him and he didn't like voice-to-text options because it required a lot of proof-reading.]
[Savage snorted with a small smirk. Humans were definitely breakable, but he found them more petty and vengeful rather than boring. Of course, he came from mostly nothing so his level of tolerance for the menial manners of life was higher.]
And yet they are as immortal here as we are. Does that make them more interesting to you now? You still kill the overly stupid ones plenty.
[He hummed that it could be possible, but that kind of pull of power would be noticed and opposed. He thought Maul was doing better amassing power through the cult of human followers licking at his boots. A sudden grab wouldn't be wise but still effective for a time, or so his brother had taught him over the course of their Mandalorian campaign.]
You could use that power to win over more people of this place. That will cement your power slower but for longer term, won't it?
[Zabraks smiled in the same way that they threatened: with teeth. He knew the difference, especially with his elder brother whose mannerisms for showing happiness often intimidated everyone else. The happiest smile Maul ever wore was when Kenobi was suffering over the death of that Jedi's mate.]
You'll do it right away then? [No point waiting, he supposed.]
And yet they are as immortal here as we are. Does that make them more interesting to you now? You still kill the overly stupid ones plenty.
[He hummed that it could be possible, but that kind of pull of power would be noticed and opposed. He thought Maul was doing better amassing power through the cult of human followers licking at his boots. A sudden grab wouldn't be wise but still effective for a time, or so his brother had taught him over the course of their Mandalorian campaign.]
You could use that power to win over more people of this place. That will cement your power slower but for longer term, won't it?
[Zabraks smiled in the same way that they threatened: with teeth. He knew the difference, especially with his elder brother whose mannerisms for showing happiness often intimidated everyone else. The happiest smile Maul ever wore was when Kenobi was suffering over the death of that Jedi's mate.]
You'll do it right away then? [No point waiting, he supposed.]
[Usagi distinctly remembered that Savage liked shortbread cookies since they were less sweet than the other cookies she gave him. So, Savage will be getting an entire plate of them delivered to him, and yes to him, cause the card attached reads:
To Savage (no, not Maul, but you can share them with him if you want),
Thank you for last month.
Love,
Usagi
[And her usual rabbit head doodle made it clear it was properly from her. ]
To Savage (no, not Maul, but you can share them with him if you want),
Thank you for last month.
Love,
Usagi
[And her usual rabbit head doodle made it clear it was properly from her. ]
[He'd found her package of cookies, and he half expected the plate to be broken given how last month had gone for her. It was solid and he peered at the note. Her use of language for this particular note was simple enough that he had no trouble reading it.
He looked at the cookies then at the note them back to the cookies before he used his Omni to call. Normally he wouldn't since general senses of thanks for gifts wasn't common in his culture, but Deerington and Trench had taught him the occasional mannerism.]
You don't need to send me gifts for calling you short and comparing you to baby animals.
[He realized only after the words left his month it wasn't any sign of obvious appreciation. Oh well, this was what she got.]
Will these poison Rampage? He did the work.
He looked at the cookies then at the note them back to the cookies before he used his Omni to call. Normally he wouldn't since general senses of thanks for gifts wasn't common in his culture, but Deerington and Trench had taught him the occasional mannerism.]
You don't need to send me gifts for calling you short and comparing you to baby animals.
[He realized only after the words left his month it wasn't any sign of obvious appreciation. Oh well, this was what she got.]
Will these poison Rampage? He did the work.
[Deep breath.]
And uh, I have no clue if horses can eat shortbread or not, ask someone who knows horses.
And uh, I have no clue if horses can eat shortbread or not, ask someone who knows horses.
Then why did you send them? That's what happened.
[He would air on the side of caution and wait to ask. Until then, he could be heard biting into a cookie and chewing.]
He can have a carrot or some other vegetable then. He will probably enjoy that more than butter and sugar.
[He would air on the side of caution and wait to ask. Until then, he could be heard biting into a cookie and chewing.]
He can have a carrot or some other vegetable then. He will probably enjoy that more than butter and sugar.
Because in your very YOU way, you helped me feel better.
[He can't see her hands clench at the mention of a carrot. It's for the horse, Usagi, calm down, no committing murder tonight.]
Apples, give him an apple for me then, not a carrot. NEVER a carrot in my name.
[He can't see her hands clench at the mention of a carrot. It's for the horse, Usagi, calm down, no committing murder tonight.]
Apples, give him an apple for me then, not a carrot. NEVER a carrot in my name.
Humans thinking they're the pinnacle of existence seems to be a universal trait. [ K agrees. ] According to their own biological classification system, they're just animals, too. They do tend to forget that. [ He hums in amusement at the suggestion of a list. ] Sounds like you're asking for a menu. I don't suppose you're familiar with the story of Sweeney Todd?
[ That Savage doesn't reciprocate the offer of help doesn't bother him; he hadn't really expected anything else. It's enough that his own friendly overture wasn't rebuffed.
So Savage's Vileblood acts as... magical blood steroids, essentially. It's one of the more interesting power manifestations that he's heard of so far. ]
Are you able to benefit from your own blood, or only others can?
[ The abrupt coldness doesn't go unnoticed, and it makes him choose his words a little more delicately than he would've otherwise. ] Just wondered. I used to teach this kind of stuff, back in Deerington. Computer science, network communication— reading and writing, too, sometimes. Whatever students needed.
[ Not all of whom had been children. He'd put the idea out there, that was probably enough. If his help isn't wanted or needed, he isn't going to press the matter. ]
[ That Savage doesn't reciprocate the offer of help doesn't bother him; he hadn't really expected anything else. It's enough that his own friendly overture wasn't rebuffed.
So Savage's Vileblood acts as... magical blood steroids, essentially. It's one of the more interesting power manifestations that he's heard of so far. ]
Are you able to benefit from your own blood, or only others can?
[ The abrupt coldness doesn't go unnoticed, and it makes him choose his words a little more delicately than he would've otherwise. ] Just wondered. I used to teach this kind of stuff, back in Deerington. Computer science, network communication— reading and writing, too, sometimes. Whatever students needed.
[ Not all of whom had been children. He'd put the idea out there, that was probably enough. If his help isn't wanted or needed, he isn't going to press the matter. ]
[Savage snorted. All species had their arrogance, but humans did seem to take the whole carcass for it.] We are all just animals. Some of us were even manufactured by races long ago. [He paused for a moment to consider if he had ever heard the name before. It sounded like something from his galaxy after all.] No. Tell me?
[His blood was far more passive than much of the other effects that he had seen. He didn't use it much, mostly because he wasn't fighting with anyone that needed the boost. It came with flaws and pain, but that was overlooked for the benefits. Not that he was aware of it.]
No, my benefits came long ago. [Not that long.] But it affects anyone that breathes it.
[He growled but also regained a measure of calm when the subject wasn't pushed. He was learning to read and write better with practice, and he was technically learning a whole new language as the one here wasn't galactic basic which he had a working knowledge of. Willow looked out for him and encouraged him to read and practice his writing.]
And you don't teach such things here?
[His blood was far more passive than much of the other effects that he had seen. He didn't use it much, mostly because he wasn't fighting with anyone that needed the boost. It came with flaws and pain, but that was overlooked for the benefits. Not that he was aware of it.]
No, my benefits came long ago. [Not that long.] But it affects anyone that breathes it.
[He growled but also regained a measure of calm when the subject wasn't pushed. He was learning to read and write better with practice, and he was technically learning a whole new language as the one here wasn't galactic basic which he had a working knowledge of. Willow looked out for him and encouraged him to read and practice his writing.]
And you don't teach such things here?
If they manage to hold my interest, there is usually something special about them, mentally if not physically. As for the dumb ones.... [Maul smirked.] As they say on Mandalore, only the strongest shall rule.
[If that meant he had to kill a few idiotic people in this place, so be it.
He nodded in approval at Savage's suggestion.]
You are learning the true understanding of power, brother. You are right. I shall use it to increase the amount of my followers. Already, they have proven to be a great asset.
[Maul could feel his power growing in this place, slowly but surely. If need be, he could make for a swift coup d'etat or keep at it for another year or two. Where would he be by then? With new Sleepers coming in all the time, he could form a new reputation, make people believe having him in charge was for the best.
With these thoughts in mind, he began to walk off to another part of the house, still talking behind him to Savage.]
Yes. I shall gather the supplies and we can perform it.
[Did he possibly already have some of it prepared like the silver chalice because he had known Savage would say yes? Of course he did. Maul didn't leave anything up to chance and he knew his brother well enough to know he would agree to this.]
[If that meant he had to kill a few idiotic people in this place, so be it.
He nodded in approval at Savage's suggestion.]
You are learning the true understanding of power, brother. You are right. I shall use it to increase the amount of my followers. Already, they have proven to be a great asset.
[Maul could feel his power growing in this place, slowly but surely. If need be, he could make for a swift coup d'etat or keep at it for another year or two. Where would he be by then? With new Sleepers coming in all the time, he could form a new reputation, make people believe having him in charge was for the best.
With these thoughts in mind, he began to walk off to another part of the house, still talking behind him to Savage.]
Yes. I shall gather the supplies and we can perform it.
[Did he possibly already have some of it prepared like the silver chalice because he had known Savage would say yes? Of course he did. Maul didn't leave anything up to chance and he knew his brother well enough to know he would agree to this.]
[At least Mandalore had some rules that he could tolerate. They had an excellent warrior-based system coming back into play after too many years stuck in pacifism. Of course, Mandalorians were often enemies to Zabrak if any of those stories were anything to go by.]
At least you'll always have prey to kill when they open their stupid mouths. They seem to find you and insult you.
[Most times Savage was left out of it, and he hadn't taken opportunities to kill many but the blood-crazed beasts that came into the city. Maybe he should do more to show that he was dangerous, though perhaps it wasn't necessary anymore.]
Alright. Hopefully you can find a spot around the tattoos. [Because his skin tone was so light, he tended to have a lot more black on his head and shoulders and less everywhere else.]
At least you'll always have prey to kill when they open their stupid mouths. They seem to find you and insult you.
[Most times Savage was left out of it, and he hadn't taken opportunities to kill many but the blood-crazed beasts that came into the city. Maybe he should do more to show that he was dangerous, though perhaps it wasn't necessary anymore.]
Alright. Hopefully you can find a spot around the tattoos. [Because his skin tone was so light, he tended to have a lot more black on his head and shoulders and less everywhere else.]
[The feed clicks on, and it looks like it's just going to be a normal conversation.]
Hey - are you still up for meeting at the Archives later?
[It does not end there, but the feed shifts to a ceremony outside a high school. Graduation Day. It's remarkably dark, and there is a man at the podium giving a speech to what appears to be a very bored looking class of seniors, ready to move onto the next phase of their lives.
Something isn't quite right, though. He twists, and shifts, around, and nearly collapses as he tries to get through his speech before he lets out a pained scream. He manages to steady himself briefly, as the students all look around at each other. "It has begun. My destiny," he says, and he begins to thumb through his cue cards like he intends to keep going with his speech. "It's a little sooner than I expected. I had this whole section on civic pride, but I guess we'll just skip to the big finish."
He changes, skin bubbling strangely as his form shifts from a human to massive snake, towering over the assembled. The students rise, and the parents flee for their lives, as he roars a deafening sound. From behind them, a group of about two dozen vampires approach to try to cut off their escape, but the students hold their ground until from beside Willow, a young woman with blonde hair calls out "NOW!"
They shrug out of their robes, and it's clear the entire graduating class knew what was coming - every single one of them are armed. Some with all kinds of melee weapons imaginable, some with crossbows, some with flamethrowers, and some, like Willow, with spear guns.
The battle is fierce, but organized. There are two students who are clearly in command, and that is the one who was beside Willow, and a teenaged boy with dark hair who shout instructions to help control the attack. The snake strikes, and several of its intended victims are killed, including the high school principal who tried to stop the attack by declaring it 'unacceptable' and demanding order.
Several of the students break rank and try to flee, only to be attacked by the vampires who are met with resistance from a group of kids near the back armed with bows and flaming arrows. The vampires themselves try to flee, only to have their retreat cut off by a third wave of what looks like it could be both students and staff alike, determined to put a stop to the madness.
The retreat is called, and Willow hesitates until her friend tells her again to go. She joins the rest of the crush of kids, who essentially trample over the remaining vampires. She is clearly not a trained fighter, but she manages to get through it alive and unharmed, which is more than could be said for some of her classmates, and eventually the remaining vampires retreat.
An explosion draws the attention of the remaining fighters all at once, followed by several more, even though it's not immediately clear before the end of the memory what has happened exactly beyond the school being completely destroyed.
The feed clicks back to Willow, and she looks absolutely baffled.]
Uhhh... that - that wasn't me. Or, I don't think it was me.
Hey - are you still up for meeting at the Archives later?
[It does not end there, but the feed shifts to a ceremony outside a high school. Graduation Day. It's remarkably dark, and there is a man at the podium giving a speech to what appears to be a very bored looking class of seniors, ready to move onto the next phase of their lives.
Something isn't quite right, though. He twists, and shifts, around, and nearly collapses as he tries to get through his speech before he lets out a pained scream. He manages to steady himself briefly, as the students all look around at each other. "It has begun. My destiny," he says, and he begins to thumb through his cue cards like he intends to keep going with his speech. "It's a little sooner than I expected. I had this whole section on civic pride, but I guess we'll just skip to the big finish."
He changes, skin bubbling strangely as his form shifts from a human to massive snake, towering over the assembled. The students rise, and the parents flee for their lives, as he roars a deafening sound. From behind them, a group of about two dozen vampires approach to try to cut off their escape, but the students hold their ground until from beside Willow, a young woman with blonde hair calls out "NOW!"
They shrug out of their robes, and it's clear the entire graduating class knew what was coming - every single one of them are armed. Some with all kinds of melee weapons imaginable, some with crossbows, some with flamethrowers, and some, like Willow, with spear guns.
The battle is fierce, but organized. There are two students who are clearly in command, and that is the one who was beside Willow, and a teenaged boy with dark hair who shout instructions to help control the attack. The snake strikes, and several of its intended victims are killed, including the high school principal who tried to stop the attack by declaring it 'unacceptable' and demanding order.
Several of the students break rank and try to flee, only to be attacked by the vampires who are met with resistance from a group of kids near the back armed with bows and flaming arrows. The vampires themselves try to flee, only to have their retreat cut off by a third wave of what looks like it could be both students and staff alike, determined to put a stop to the madness.
The retreat is called, and Willow hesitates until her friend tells her again to go. She joins the rest of the crush of kids, who essentially trample over the remaining vampires. She is clearly not a trained fighter, but she manages to get through it alive and unharmed, which is more than could be said for some of her classmates, and eventually the remaining vampires retreat.
An explosion draws the attention of the remaining fighters all at once, followed by several more, even though it's not immediately clear before the end of the memory what has happened exactly beyond the school being completely destroyed.
The feed clicks back to Willow, and she looks absolutely baffled.]
Uhhh... that - that wasn't me. Or, I don't think it was me.
No, I DON'T feel better by being mocked, but you helped get my mind off of possibly turning and killing a whole bunch of people so thank you for that.
[That got a grin out of Maul. His brother knew him very well.]
I do not suffer fools to live long.
[That might have been the only ones that he still had free rein to kill without suffering too many consequences from other Sleepers. Stupid people could only be kept in check for so long and once Maul's patience was worn down, that was it.]
I'm sure you've got a handbreadth worth of space somewhere on your skin.
[Talzin had made his tattoos in thicker patterns upon his skin than the more delicate ones she'd covered Maul's skin in.]
I do not suffer fools to live long.
[That might have been the only ones that he still had free rein to kill without suffering too many consequences from other Sleepers. Stupid people could only be kept in check for so long and once Maul's patience was worn down, that was it.]
I'm sure you've got a handbreadth worth of space somewhere on your skin.
[Talzin had made his tattoos in thicker patterns upon his skin than the more delicate ones she'd covered Maul's skin in.]
[Willow was one of the very few people that he allowed himself to engage in video, since his default was voice. Since she had died and since they had run around as wolves - so strange - she'd been less of the Willow that he knew but still made an effort. So... maybe, just maybe, he tried a touch harder as well.
He wouldn't call her a friend yet, since that was still very much a part of him that was in denial. Dathomirian Zabrak did not make friends, least of all with other species beyond their planet.]
Yeah, fine...
[Then there's this whole weird scene that he wasn't expecting to happen. So the memory share thing was happening to more than just his brother? That was interesting, and it was definitely a part of Willow's life he hadn't expected to see.
She wasn't a warrior by any means, but she held her own because she had to and relied on more veteran fighters to put her in good position to work.
Yet, he hadn't thought she had all her memories back. The conversations he had with her during their reading sessions seemed to indicate some were back - she recognized him and their brief history together - but happened to have gaps.]
That was you. At some strange ceremony. But you don't know what the serpent was?
He wouldn't call her a friend yet, since that was still very much a part of him that was in denial. Dathomirian Zabrak did not make friends, least of all with other species beyond their planet.]
Yeah, fine...
[Then there's this whole weird scene that he wasn't expecting to happen. So the memory share thing was happening to more than just his brother? That was interesting, and it was definitely a part of Willow's life he hadn't expected to see.
She wasn't a warrior by any means, but she held her own because she had to and relied on more veteran fighters to put her in good position to work.
Yet, he hadn't thought she had all her memories back. The conversations he had with her during their reading sessions seemed to indicate some were back - she recognized him and their brief history together - but happened to have gaps.]
That was you. At some strange ceremony. But you don't know what the serpent was?
[It's been a strange adaptation, and a difficult one. Things were awkward after she bit him, and she's still relieved that he only changed for one night, especially while she's working so hard to find a solution to stop herself from changing too.
Reading in the Archives helps more than she really says, but she's not sure she needs to say it. Sometimes it's vague sensations of deja vu, other times the memories come back more clear. She spent a lot of time here before her death, even before she took up helping Savage with his reading. Sometimes she even remembers a particular passage or a book that he's read to her before.
She shakes her head as he says that yes, it is her.]
No, no, I mean, it's me - that's me. But I didn't do anything to make that video. I wasn't even thinking about that. That's weird.
[She figures more of an explanation of the memory itself is owed, and shakes her head.]
That was our graduation from high school. The guy - snake guy. He was the Mayor of our town - he founded it himself, like, a hundred years before this happened. Just no one realized he was the same guy all that time. He wanted to turn himself into a pure demon, so. Giant snake.
Reading in the Archives helps more than she really says, but she's not sure she needs to say it. Sometimes it's vague sensations of deja vu, other times the memories come back more clear. She spent a lot of time here before her death, even before she took up helping Savage with his reading. Sometimes she even remembers a particular passage or a book that he's read to her before.
She shakes her head as he says that yes, it is her.]
No, no, I mean, it's me - that's me. But I didn't do anything to make that video. I wasn't even thinking about that. That's weird.
[She figures more of an explanation of the memory itself is owed, and shakes her head.]
That was our graduation from high school. The guy - snake guy. He was the Mayor of our town - he founded it himself, like, a hundred years before this happened. Just no one realized he was the same guy all that time. He wanted to turn himself into a pure demon, so. Giant snake.
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