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No, as they shouldn't. Survival instinct is important, and there are a few around here that don't seem to have much of it. It's probably fortunate for them that they can't die permanently here.
[Of course, he also knew that meant that his brother had many opportunities to send them back to squid form in order to think about their life choices. Some just wanted to poke the Wookie.
He rolled his shoulders and patted his right arm. He technically had space there.]
Of course. Unless you don't care to display it openly on my skin. Tattoo works just fine as well.
[Of course, he also knew that meant that his brother had many opportunities to send them back to squid form in order to think about their life choices. Some just wanted to poke the Wookie.
He rolled his shoulders and patted his right arm. He technically had space there.]
Of course. Unless you don't care to display it openly on my skin. Tattoo works just fine as well.
[It seemed to be a side-effect of his brother's blood magic or something. He had seen and heard of other Sleepers having their memories to exposed rather publicly. It definitely didn't react like how one of the gods would do things anyway. Thankfully he hadn't been exposed to many memories of others, though his curiosity of some of Willow's world were satisfied at the scene.]
Just seems to be happening these days. You might expose more to other people too.
[There were plenty of long-lived species that hundreds of years didn't shock him. He tilted his head as he considered her information.]
A giant snake seems like a bad form to take long term. You can't be a great warrior as a snake. Too much body and too many vulnerabilities. You and your friends kill him then?
Just seems to be happening these days. You might expose more to other people too.
[There were plenty of long-lived species that hundreds of years didn't shock him. He tilted his head as he considered her information.]
A giant snake seems like a bad form to take long term. You can't be a great warrior as a snake. Too much body and too many vulnerabilities. You and your friends kill him then?
[That's a bit of alarming news. Maybe it's time to avoid the network for a bit. Memories like this may be pretty bad - world in danger, friends dying - but there are still others she would rather not risk being randomly exposed to... well. Anyone.]
Does anyone know what caused it? Doesn't seem great to be randomly broadcasting old trauma to people.
But, uh. Yeah. We managed to kill him. He wasn't as vulnerable as he looked. Demons - pure demons like he turned into, they're hard to kill. Before our graduation day, there was only one other incident we found where someone had turned themselves into a creature like that. And it destroyed a whole village in, like, just a matter of hours.
The Mayor couldn't be hurt at all once he started the ritual until after he changed, but we managed it. We just had to blow up the whole school. Well... mostly, it was Buffy.
Does anyone know what caused it? Doesn't seem great to be randomly broadcasting old trauma to people.
But, uh. Yeah. We managed to kill him. He wasn't as vulnerable as he looked. Demons - pure demons like he turned into, they're hard to kill. Before our graduation day, there was only one other incident we found where someone had turned themselves into a creature like that. And it destroyed a whole village in, like, just a matter of hours.
The Mayor couldn't be hurt at all once he started the ritual until after he changed, but we managed it. We just had to blow up the whole school. Well... mostly, it was Buffy.
I don't know.
[He suspected it was his brother based on what Maul had told him, but this place still did strangeness on the regular when it came to blood magic. Maybe it was just activated by his brother and now part of this place. Either way, he was about to assign blame to Maul.
Instead, he tilted his head as he considered the events that they didn't see. The Winged Goddess and Fanged God were as close to entities that might be considered demons or superior entities he supposed.]
But you were victorious. You are a fighter then. [A beat of a pause.] What's a Buffy?
[He suspected it was his brother based on what Maul had told him, but this place still did strangeness on the regular when it came to blood magic. Maybe it was just activated by his brother and now part of this place. Either way, he was about to assign blame to Maul.
Instead, he tilted his head as he considered the events that they didn't see. The Winged Goddess and Fanged God were as close to entities that might be considered demons or superior entities he supposed.]
But you were victorious. You are a fighter then. [A beat of a pause.] What's a Buffy?
Yeah. I mean, I dunno if I'd call myself a fighter exactly, but I tried to help as much as I could. We all did. Otherwise it would've been all death and destruction and demons running loose, eating people and stuff.
[Her strength has always been magic rather than physically fighting, but that doesn't mean she doesn't try where she can.]
Huh? Buffy? Oh, that's my friend - the girl that was beside me before the fighting broke out. She's the real fighter.
[Her strength has always been magic rather than physically fighting, but that doesn't mean she doesn't try where she can.]
Huh? Buffy? Oh, that's my friend - the girl that was beside me before the fighting broke out. She's the real fighter.
[This memory is from when both of them are very young in the period of time before Maul was taken from Dathomir. Subsequently, it's a little fuzzy and blurred around the edges and seems to be missing a portion or two. That's what memories from over thirty years prior look like.
Talzin is mixing up something in a bowl that's over the fire. It glows with the sickly green color of Nightsister magic. Maul, maybe about five years old, goes over to peer at what it is. His nose wrinkles for the concoction smells vile. His mother pours some into a small wooden cup. "Come. Let us take this to your brother."
Maul trots after his mother on short legs to another room. The shades are drawn and Savage is in bed with the covers pulled up tightly around him. He's missing some of the tattoos he'll have in adulthood, Talzin not quite done dotting his skin with them. There's a slight sheen to his yellow skin. He's got a fever. This isn't surprising for Maul given he knows Savage was born weak and is sick often. But he loves his little brother regardless. He's not too worried. Their mother is very wise and knows all sorts of remedies to heal whatever is ailing her youngest.
"Savage." Talzin's voice makes Savage blink sleepily and sit up. "You need to drink this."
She holds the cup up to him but after he smells the brew, Savage shakes his head. "Don't want to. Smells bad."
Talzin tries to coax him. "Now, now, you need to take it." But Savage is being stubborn and no matter what she says to him, the little Zabrak refuses. Eventually, Talzin sighs and turns to her eldest, hoping he can succeed here where she has failed.
Maul knows what to do and climbs up onto the bed he usually shares with his little brother. He strokes a few of Savage's front horns in a fond manner. "Please drink it, Savage. For me? Pleeeeaaaassse?" Savage's face lights up when he realizes Maul is there beside him. He thinks the world of his older brother. Maul continues on. "If you don't drink what Mother gave you, you won't be able to go outside and play with me anymore."
He finally nods, Maul having talked him into it. "'Kay." He drinks the cup down, still making a face at the end of the process. Even his brother's encouragement can't make the potion taste any better.
Talzin regards the entire exchange with a curious expression on her face. She's clearly thinking of how this strong bond could affect the future. As always, she's planning six steps ahead. But Maul only focuses on his mother for a moment or two. Then he's back to watching Savage carefully. He turns to Talzin. "Mother, is it alright if I stay in here for a while?"
She smiles at him. "Of course."
As she walks out, Savage starts talking to his brother. "Tell me a story!" He asks excitedly.
Maul thinks for a moment before he starts in with one. "Once, there was a rancor. The biggest 'n meanest 'n most scary rancor that ever lived. And he scared all the Nightkin in the land...." The memory fades out there as Maul starts entertaining his little brother with a tale he's heard other Nightbrothers tell.]
Talzin is mixing up something in a bowl that's over the fire. It glows with the sickly green color of Nightsister magic. Maul, maybe about five years old, goes over to peer at what it is. His nose wrinkles for the concoction smells vile. His mother pours some into a small wooden cup. "Come. Let us take this to your brother."
Maul trots after his mother on short legs to another room. The shades are drawn and Savage is in bed with the covers pulled up tightly around him. He's missing some of the tattoos he'll have in adulthood, Talzin not quite done dotting his skin with them. There's a slight sheen to his yellow skin. He's got a fever. This isn't surprising for Maul given he knows Savage was born weak and is sick often. But he loves his little brother regardless. He's not too worried. Their mother is very wise and knows all sorts of remedies to heal whatever is ailing her youngest.
"Savage." Talzin's voice makes Savage blink sleepily and sit up. "You need to drink this."
She holds the cup up to him but after he smells the brew, Savage shakes his head. "Don't want to. Smells bad."
Talzin tries to coax him. "Now, now, you need to take it." But Savage is being stubborn and no matter what she says to him, the little Zabrak refuses. Eventually, Talzin sighs and turns to her eldest, hoping he can succeed here where she has failed.
Maul knows what to do and climbs up onto the bed he usually shares with his little brother. He strokes a few of Savage's front horns in a fond manner. "Please drink it, Savage. For me? Pleeeeaaaassse?" Savage's face lights up when he realizes Maul is there beside him. He thinks the world of his older brother. Maul continues on. "If you don't drink what Mother gave you, you won't be able to go outside and play with me anymore."
He finally nods, Maul having talked him into it. "'Kay." He drinks the cup down, still making a face at the end of the process. Even his brother's encouragement can't make the potion taste any better.
Talzin regards the entire exchange with a curious expression on her face. She's clearly thinking of how this strong bond could affect the future. As always, she's planning six steps ahead. But Maul only focuses on his mother for a moment or two. Then he's back to watching Savage carefully. He turns to Talzin. "Mother, is it alright if I stay in here for a while?"
She smiles at him. "Of course."
As she walks out, Savage starts talking to his brother. "Tell me a story!" He asks excitedly.
Maul thinks for a moment before he starts in with one. "Once, there was a rancor. The biggest 'n meanest 'n most scary rancor that ever lived. And he scared all the Nightkin in the land...." The memory fades out there as Maul starts entertaining his little brother with a tale he's heard other Nightbrothers tell.]
You fought, and that makes you a warrior in my village. The means that you use are your own, but you made the choice to fight.
[He hadn't seen her fight much before this, and she had always told him that she used her magic defensively. He knew that she held some fear that she would go too far with the magic, and it would be a decision that she would regret.
He grew up in a society where the gift should never rule or corrupt, but it should be learned, understood and wielded for the betterment of the clan. Such attributes would be rewarded, though in this memory, he couldn't recall seeing her whip out any magic.]
Oh, that one. Why is she more of a fighter than you are?
[He hadn't seen her fight much before this, and she had always told him that she used her magic defensively. He knew that she held some fear that she would go too far with the magic, and it would be a decision that she would regret.
He grew up in a society where the gift should never rule or corrupt, but it should be learned, understood and wielded for the betterment of the clan. Such attributes would be rewarded, though in this memory, he couldn't recall seeing her whip out any magic.]
Oh, that one. Why is she more of a fighter than you are?
[It wasn't often that his brother sent him media, so he was confused when the video started and the image was clearly distorted but oddly of the inside of somewhere that looked like Dathomir. It took him a moment to realize it was a memory that was being shared with him, probably one his brother hadn't intended.
Savage remembered nothing of this event. His memories of being so young had all but been wiped out over the years, though there was an odd tug of familiarity. He did recall having a runny nose, winded easily and was smaller than the other kits up until a certain age.
Looking at how much of a weakling he was, he was honestly surprised that Mother Talzin hadn't just fed him to a rancor and been done with him. But she hadn't. He had been useful, though perhaps in her own limited way, she had cared for him. She'd made effort to keep him alive.]
I don't remember this. How were you not repulsed by how weak I was back then, brother?
Savage remembered nothing of this event. His memories of being so young had all but been wiped out over the years, though there was an odd tug of familiarity. He did recall having a runny nose, winded easily and was smaller than the other kits up until a certain age.
Looking at how much of a weakling he was, he was honestly surprised that Mother Talzin hadn't just fed him to a rancor and been done with him. But she hadn't. He had been useful, though perhaps in her own limited way, she had cared for him. She'd made effort to keep him alive.]
I don't remember this. How were you not repulsed by how weak I was back then, brother?
[For once, the memory being broadcast to someone doesn't make Maul feel upset or distressed. In fact, he was rather glad his brother could see something that had happened to the two of them while they were young. There was a small smile full of nostalgia when he answered Savage.]
I don't have many happy memories from childhood. Most of the ones I do possess were spent with you.
[He shrugged at the question of why he hadn't cared that Savage was a weakling.]
I never considered it much. It was my duty to watch out and protect you, so I didn't care that wasn't something normally done. Perhaps because Mother wasn't all that keen on Nightkin traditions, I wasn't either.
[Talzin had already flouted the usual way things went by keeping Maul and Savage with her as long as she had instead of letting them be raised by the Nightbrothers. Perhaps Maul had subconsciously absorbed some of that disregard for the rules. He'd loved his brother too much to just let him fall behind or just outright ignore him.]
I don't have many happy memories from childhood. Most of the ones I do possess were spent with you.
[He shrugged at the question of why he hadn't cared that Savage was a weakling.]
I never considered it much. It was my duty to watch out and protect you, so I didn't care that wasn't something normally done. Perhaps because Mother wasn't all that keen on Nightkin traditions, I wasn't either.
[Talzin had already flouted the usual way things went by keeping Maul and Savage with her as long as she had instead of letting them be raised by the Nightbrothers. Perhaps Maul had subconsciously absorbed some of that disregard for the rules. He'd loved his brother too much to just let him fall behind or just outright ignore him.]
[He knew reasonably that not all kits started healthy or grew big, that they needed an opportunity to grow into themselves. Some where never given that chance. Rumors of infanticide circulated when there were too many males born in a year, but every Nightbrother he knew - including himself - passed off the notion as a necessary requirement to keep the bloodlines healthy.
But it was fascinating to see Maul so small and engaged with having a little brother. Of course, they were close now, but it was different as adults than it would have been as kits. It reminded him a lot of how he had been with Feral, so clearly he had learned to have a strong bond with his younger brother from Maul who had been doting and clearly had a pull over him that even Talzin had not.]
Mother Talzin was keen to push the limits of influence of Dathomir. She was a great Mother even to the Nightbrothers.
[There was a quiet pause on his end as if he were contemplating some serious matter about his own childhood. Then, quietly, almost shyly, he came back with.]
Can you... show me other memories of us so young, brother?
But it was fascinating to see Maul so small and engaged with having a little brother. Of course, they were close now, but it was different as adults than it would have been as kits. It reminded him a lot of how he had been with Feral, so clearly he had learned to have a strong bond with his younger brother from Maul who had been doting and clearly had a pull over him that even Talzin had not.]
Mother Talzin was keen to push the limits of influence of Dathomir. She was a great Mother even to the Nightbrothers.
[There was a quiet pause on his end as if he were contemplating some serious matter about his own childhood. Then, quietly, almost shyly, he came back with.]
Can you... show me other memories of us so young, brother?
She always had her own way of doing things, planning six steps ahead of anyone else.
[It was why Sidious had gone to deal with her personally. Much as with Maul himself, it was almost flattering in a way that Talzin had threatened his power so much he'd had to deal with her himself rather than sending any of his underlings to do his dirty work.
But all Maul had known her as was his loving mother and those plans that she'd had that had been meant to help him in his own endeavors.
At his brother's question, Maul smiled in a happy manner.]
Of course I will. Come, I'm in the bedroom. I'll show you how to connect two minds.
[Maul had never really shown Savage too many of the mental powers the Force could grant someone but there was no time like the present. Such things could be useful to his brother in the future.]
[It was why Sidious had gone to deal with her personally. Much as with Maul himself, it was almost flattering in a way that Talzin had threatened his power so much he'd had to deal with her himself rather than sending any of his underlings to do his dirty work.
But all Maul had known her as was his loving mother and those plans that she'd had that had been meant to help him in his own endeavors.
At his brother's question, Maul smiled in a happy manner.]
Of course I will. Come, I'm in the bedroom. I'll show you how to connect two minds.
[Maul had never really shown Savage too many of the mental powers the Force could grant someone but there was no time like the present. Such things could be useful to his brother in the future.]
If they could, the population of Sleepers here would be much diminished already.
[Maul wouldn't have shed too many tears over that occurring. Most of the idiots here were people he despised anyway. If they could not survive, that was their own stupid fault.]
The right arm will do fine.
[Maul started to gather all the supplies he'd stored in the house, knowing his brother would agree to this bond with him. Maul always had a fear of those he loved leaving him, so this was another way to calm that gnawing sensation inside of him that kept saying no one would ever stay with him permanently.]
[Maul wouldn't have shed too many tears over that occurring. Most of the idiots here were people he despised anyway. If they could not survive, that was their own stupid fault.]
The right arm will do fine.
[Maul started to gather all the supplies he'd stored in the house, knowing his brother would agree to this bond with him. Maul always had a fear of those he loved leaving him, so this was another way to calm that gnawing sensation inside of him that kept saying no one would ever stay with him permanently.]
Thanks. Really, we all just did what we could to try to survive.
[She gives a little nod of acknowledgement. She doesn't really consider herself a warrior by any stretch, but it still feels like a high compliment coming from Savage.
It's hardly a shock when he asks about Buffy and what makes her a fighter, and while it's normally something she would keep quiet about in Sunnydale, there seems little harm in telling him here. Besides, she does trust him.]
Oh, um. Big destiny stuff. She's way stronger, faster, and heals fast. Since she's the one supposed to be fighting demons and vampires and everything, she's actually trained for it. We just help.
[She gives a little nod of acknowledgement. She doesn't really consider herself a warrior by any stretch, but it still feels like a high compliment coming from Savage.
It's hardly a shock when he asks about Buffy and what makes her a fighter, and while it's normally something she would keep quiet about in Sunnydale, there seems little harm in telling him here. Besides, she does trust him.]
Oh, um. Big destiny stuff. She's way stronger, faster, and heals fast. Since she's the one supposed to be fighting demons and vampires and everything, she's actually trained for it. We just help.
Yes. Always for the prosperity of the Nightsisters. She sacrificed fewer Nightbrothers than usual from what I heard.
[They were also a touch more educated so that they could be sent off world now and again to do as the Nightsister's bid. They being said, she had as low tolerance for weakness as all Nightsisters, though she was far more willing to use any scrap of strength for something.
And she had never been outright cruel to him. There were sparks of softness now and again, but it was nothing like how she viewed Maul. He had accepted that a long time ago.
He moved to the bedroom to find his brother, moving into the room because they usually shared it. He moved over to Maul, lingering for a moment as he wasn't certain how close they would have to be in order to connect minds. He'd never done it before either, so he wasn't certain what to expect or how to feel about it. If anyone could do it with his permission, it would be Maul who he trusted implicitly.]
Will it hurt?
[They were also a touch more educated so that they could be sent off world now and again to do as the Nightsister's bid. They being said, she had as low tolerance for weakness as all Nightsisters, though she was far more willing to use any scrap of strength for something.
And she had never been outright cruel to him. There were sparks of softness now and again, but it was nothing like how she viewed Maul. He had accepted that a long time ago.
He moved to the bedroom to find his brother, moving into the room because they usually shared it. He moved over to Maul, lingering for a moment as he wasn't certain how close they would have to be in order to connect minds. He'd never done it before either, so he wasn't certain what to expect or how to feel about it. If anyone could do it with his permission, it would be Maul who he trusted implicitly.]
Will it hurt?
Edited 2022-06-10 05:24 (UTC)
That wouldn't be terrible. They smell bad and they make a lot of noise and most don't even know how to hunt for themselves.
[At least it was entertaining for his brother before the big take over of this place. Some might resist, but in the end, they probably all needed to be ruled anyway.
He hummed and nodded his head. His tattoos had always been small and sparse on his arms, though he only had one flesh arm these days. There was plenty of real estate available though.
Of course, having not bothered to research these technique as he had little interest and no intention of performing except with one person. So he watched Maul bustle about.]
Are you planning on bonding to everyone you enjoy the company of?
[At least it was entertaining for his brother before the big take over of this place. Some might resist, but in the end, they probably all needed to be ruled anyway.
He hummed and nodded his head. His tattoos had always been small and sparse on his arms, though he only had one flesh arm these days. There was plenty of real estate available though.
Of course, having not bothered to research these technique as he had little interest and no intention of performing except with one person. So he watched Maul bustle about.]
Are you planning on bonding to everyone you enjoy the company of?
Sometimes that's all it takes to be considered a warrior. Survival is the basic premise for every struggle.
[He had known her long enough to know what her tactic was to getting out of acknowledgement of her contributions. So she wasn't making a kill, but she had shown up. Eventually, he'd consider training her up in exchange her training him to read and write better.
He made a noise in his throat at the idea of destiny stuff. They had such traditions on his planet, especially if a kit was gifted.]
Does that mean that she is god-touched?
[He had known her long enough to know what her tactic was to getting out of acknowledgement of her contributions. So she wasn't making a kill, but she had shown up. Eventually, he'd consider training her up in exchange her training him to read and write better.
He made a noise in his throat at the idea of destiny stuff. They had such traditions on his planet, especially if a kit was gifted.]
Does that mean that she is god-touched?
It is, but I'm pretty sure anyone would at least try to fight for their own survival. Okay, or maybe run. But I couldn't leave my friends.
[She hadn't considered running as an option, not when her friends were going to stand and fight, even without magic as a means of self-defense. She was too inexperienced at that point in her life to have become dependent on it.
Learning to adapt without it in Trench is more of a challenge than she had really expected it to be.
At the question, she shakes her head a little.]
Not... really, I don't think. I mean, the Slayer's power is mystical, but the origins of it is a little unclear. But we don't really have gods that give out power like that.
[She hadn't considered running as an option, not when her friends were going to stand and fight, even without magic as a means of self-defense. She was too inexperienced at that point in her life to have become dependent on it.
Learning to adapt without it in Trench is more of a challenge than she had really expected it to be.
At the question, she shakes her head a little.]
Not... really, I don't think. I mean, the Slayer's power is mystical, but the origins of it is a little unclear. But we don't really have gods that give out power like that.
Edited 2022-06-12 04:59 (UTC)
You'd be surprised how many don't realize their survival is at stake and don't stand their ground to protect it. Your loyalty to those you choose to form an alliance with is admirable.
[She did seem extremely loyal, and he figured that would push her into some kind of protectiveness when it came to a fight. She had obviously been younger and less experienced by that point too.
She seemed far more knowledgeable about her own memories and world at this point too. That was a good sign given her previous amnesia.]
And a slayer's purpose is to find and kill demons and other creatures considered to be dark in nature?
[Sounded like the Sith might want to keep their antics to a careful minimum if this Slayer showed up here.]
[She did seem extremely loyal, and he figured that would push her into some kind of protectiveness when it came to a fight. She had obviously been younger and less experienced by that point too.
She seemed far more knowledgeable about her own memories and world at this point too. That was a good sign given her previous amnesia.]
And a slayer's purpose is to find and kill demons and other creatures considered to be dark in nature?
[Sounded like the Sith might want to keep their antics to a careful minimum if this Slayer showed up here.]
Yeah, I guess that's a good point. I don't know. I think I'd find it harder to leave my friends behind, you know? I mean, they've done a lot for me too.
[She had seen people helpless, of course, in the face of the vampires and demons back home, and she supposes there are people who can fight, who choose not to. Or like Faith, who for awhile, fought on the wrong side.]
Yeah, that's right. There's one here too. It's not Buffy, though. This is definitely the kind of place that keeps her pretty busy.
[She had seen people helpless, of course, in the face of the vampires and demons back home, and she supposes there are people who can fight, who choose not to. Or like Faith, who for awhile, fought on the wrong side.]
Yeah, that's right. There's one here too. It's not Buffy, though. This is definitely the kind of place that keeps her pretty busy.
[Savage, in fact, did not know what that was like, not really. He would do anything for his brothers, but the idea of being friends with other Nightbrothers was risky business.]
I wouldn't leave my brothers behind unless it was to save them from something worse.
[He had done just that for Feral, not that it had worked out well for either of them at the time. If anything, being the stronger of the two and bonded with his brother had put a target on Feral's back.]
There are more than one blessed slayers on your planet? Can I fight them to see what makes them special?
I wouldn't leave my brothers behind unless it was to save them from something worse.
[He had done just that for Feral, not that it had worked out well for either of them at the time. If anything, being the stronger of the two and bonded with his brother had put a target on Feral's back.]
There are more than one blessed slayers on your planet? Can I fight them to see what makes them special?
No. Just don't fight against what happens. Sit down.
[Once Savage was sitting on the bed across from him, Maul took his larger hands in his own. This wasn't strictly necessary but sometimes physical contact helped him.
He reached out towards his brother's mind with his own, using the Dark Side of the Force to connect the two of them. He went slowly, not wanting to rush and end up damaging the connection between the two of them. He slowly entered his brother's mind, letting them become acclimated to the connection now occurring between the two of them. He felt around Savage's mind, curious as to the thoughts moving around in there. The Dark Side was present, of course, but he was struck by the intensity of his brother's emotions. They were stark and stood out, the loyalty, affection, and love in there he felt towards Maul. Once again, he was reminded how grateful he was to have his brother in his life.
After he had slotted himself securely into Savage's mind, another memory started to play out. It was from around the same time period as the first, so the edges of it were worn and a little fuzzy. He woke up as the sun started to shine in through the windows. Next to him was Savage.
He woke Savage up. "How're you feeling today?"
Savage turned to look at his big brother, eyes full of adoration and love. "'m okay," he mumbled.
Maul smiled. Savage was born a weakling by the standards of Dathomir but Maul didn't care. He loved his little brother dearly and protected him from anything that might harm him. Some days, he felt too sickly to leave the bed, but it looked like today is a good day. Maul smiled. "C'mon then, let's go play!"
They got out of bed, grabbed some meat from the kitchen to eat, and then headed off into the Nightbrother village to play with some of the other boys. It was the usual things little boys would do, playing hide-and-seek, tag, wrestling around with each other, and other such games that only made sense to small children. They played for most of the day before they headed back home, tired, sweaty, and full of happiness.
It was a simple memory but one Maul held close to his hearts. He didn't have a lot of happy ones from his childhood after his master came for him. This one from before that time is kept cherished and he was happy to share it with his brother now.]
[Once Savage was sitting on the bed across from him, Maul took his larger hands in his own. This wasn't strictly necessary but sometimes physical contact helped him.
He reached out towards his brother's mind with his own, using the Dark Side of the Force to connect the two of them. He went slowly, not wanting to rush and end up damaging the connection between the two of them. He slowly entered his brother's mind, letting them become acclimated to the connection now occurring between the two of them. He felt around Savage's mind, curious as to the thoughts moving around in there. The Dark Side was present, of course, but he was struck by the intensity of his brother's emotions. They were stark and stood out, the loyalty, affection, and love in there he felt towards Maul. Once again, he was reminded how grateful he was to have his brother in his life.
After he had slotted himself securely into Savage's mind, another memory started to play out. It was from around the same time period as the first, so the edges of it were worn and a little fuzzy. He woke up as the sun started to shine in through the windows. Next to him was Savage.
He woke Savage up. "How're you feeling today?"
Savage turned to look at his big brother, eyes full of adoration and love. "'m okay," he mumbled.
Maul smiled. Savage was born a weakling by the standards of Dathomir but Maul didn't care. He loved his little brother dearly and protected him from anything that might harm him. Some days, he felt too sickly to leave the bed, but it looked like today is a good day. Maul smiled. "C'mon then, let's go play!"
They got out of bed, grabbed some meat from the kitchen to eat, and then headed off into the Nightbrother village to play with some of the other boys. It was the usual things little boys would do, playing hide-and-seek, tag, wrestling around with each other, and other such games that only made sense to small children. They played for most of the day before they headed back home, tired, sweaty, and full of happiness.
It was a simple memory but one Maul held close to his hearts. He didn't have a lot of happy ones from his childhood after his master came for him. This one from before that time is kept cherished and he was happy to share it with his brother now.]
[Maul chuckled in amusement at his brother's words. Really, Savage just told it like it was.]
Yes. One has to wonder why the Pthumerians have seen fit to bring them into our midst.
[Though Maul did have his own theories as to why they would have been brought here. Mainly he figured it was because such beings were amusing to the omnipotent psuedo-gods. He was sure they found the trials they put the Sleepers through every month to be quite entertaining.
He shook his head when Savage asked how many people he would be bonding with.]
No. Only those that truly mean something to me.
[Despite Maul's socialization, which had made leaps and bounds in the two years he'd been traveling through the Pthumerian-run towns, there was only a few of the Sleepers that fit that criteria.
He got most of the supplies ready and then turned to his brother.]
I will need a few drops of your blood for this part.
Yes. One has to wonder why the Pthumerians have seen fit to bring them into our midst.
[Though Maul did have his own theories as to why they would have been brought here. Mainly he figured it was because such beings were amusing to the omnipotent psuedo-gods. He was sure they found the trials they put the Sleepers through every month to be quite entertaining.
He shook his head when Savage asked how many people he would be bonding with.]
No. Only those that truly mean something to me.
[Despite Maul's socialization, which had made leaps and bounds in the two years he'd been traveling through the Pthumerian-run towns, there was only a few of the Sleepers that fit that criteria.
He got most of the supplies ready and then turned to his brother.]
I will need a few drops of your blood for this part.
One in every generation - once she dies, the next one's called. There's two right now, though. It's complicated.
[It's probably more than he needs, the explanation that Buffy died - briefly, technically - so another Slayer was called, that one was killed, and then the torch passed to Faith. Meanwhile, Buffy is still alive and well and fighting the good fight.]
I... probably wouldn't try to fight Faith if I were you.
[Well, actually. She's not at all surprised that that is exactly what Savage wants to do, but she doesn't want to see either of them get hurt.]
[It's probably more than he needs, the explanation that Buffy died - briefly, technically - so another Slayer was called, that one was killed, and then the torch passed to Faith. Meanwhile, Buffy is still alive and well and fighting the good fight.]
I... probably wouldn't try to fight Faith if I were you.
[Well, actually. She's not at all surprised that that is exactly what Savage wants to do, but she doesn't want to see either of them get hurt.]
If there's two, that means one died but didn't die correctly? [Trench had taught him a thing or two about death being wishy-washy.] I expect that they team up for better results, or is it more of a competition between them?
[He cocked his head a little, filing the name away. He hadn't heard many people around these parts with a name like that, so this slayer should be easy enough to find with some digging.]
Faith. A good strong name full of conviction. I like it.
[On his planet, there was a lot to be said about the strength of one's name. Now he wanted to throw down with her ever more, though he'd keep the impulse in check for now.]
[He cocked his head a little, filing the name away. He hadn't heard many people around these parts with a name like that, so this slayer should be easy enough to find with some digging.]
Faith. A good strong name full of conviction. I like it.
[On his planet, there was a lot to be said about the strength of one's name. Now he wanted to throw down with her ever more, though he'd keep the impulse in check for now.]
[He's got it exactly it, and it probably shouldn't be a shock.]
Yeah, actually. She technically died, but one of our friends managed to revive her. I guess it was still long enough, though, for the next one to be called.
[Willow smiles a little when he says he likes the name, and nods.]
Yeah. She's a strong person, and a good friend.
[She never thought she'd see the day when she'd call Faith Lehane a friend, let alone a good one, but Trench has changed a lot of things.]
Yeah, actually. She technically died, but one of our friends managed to revive her. I guess it was still long enough, though, for the next one to be called.
[Willow smiles a little when he says he likes the name, and nods.]
Yeah. She's a strong person, and a good friend.
[She never thought she'd see the day when she'd call Faith Lehane a friend, let alone a good one, but Trench has changed a lot of things.]
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