[Maul chewed and swallowed the current bite of meat he was on before he spoke.]
Have you heard of the bonds that can be formed between people here?
[In everything that had happened over the last two months to Maul, he'd meant to have this conversation with his brother and just kept putting it off until later. Well, later had turned into now, so here they were.]
I have. A bunch of people doing a night ritual and placing their hands on each other.
[He glanced at his brother out of the corner of his eye. He had noted some time ago that hand prints had began to appear on his brother's skin. Who they were he didn't know, but he could guess what they meant based on their location.]
Wu had one on his face for his mate. Who do those you have belong to?
[Maul spoke of each hand print, pointing at the corresponding ones where they were now etched into his skin.]
This one belongs to Wesker. After all the two of us have been through together, we agreed to form a familial one. [And Savage out of everyone in Trench knew just how seriously Maul took family. Anyone who was considered among them now had his wholehearted support no matter what they did, all the way up to and including outright murder.]
Kenobi agreed to one with me as well. With how complicated things have always been with us, it seemed appropriate. [There was no better way to establish the fact the two of them would always be connected in their lives than with a bond that let them literally feel what the other one was feeling physically.]
The last was with Skywalker. [Maul smirked.] He didn't want it but I forced it upon him once I learned doing so would allow me to be able to use some of his power.
[He hadn't met Wesker, but now he intended to with that one being considered so close as to be family. There was no jealousy within him; brothers were brothers no matter where they came from or the story that they told. He grew up in a community of harsh brotherhood, and yes he had cared for Feral above all the others - and he had his rivals - but he had never thought any of the Nightbrothers less than that. So who was this new brother to their family? He wanted to know.]
Wesker... Where do I find him? I want to see this brother for myself.
[He nodded about the other two, aware that they made sense given the limited knowledge he had about the bonds. He was a touch surprised Kenobi had agreed to one given the rich and bloody history between Kenobi and his brother. Those two had come far then or at least his brother had worn the Jedi down enough to agree.
He snorted from his nostrils at forcing a bond on Skywalker. It wasn't a surprise.] There you've gone and stirred up the bane back's nest all over again. I doubt it will come down to a physical fight when all realize it.
[He, of course, bonded with no one. He wasn't close enough to willingly engage in giving parts of himself to another, and he had a Force-bond with Maul already. It wasn't his priority.]
[Maul seemed very pleased Savage wanted to meet Wesker. He knew even more than himself, Savage understood that brothers weren't always necessarily bound by ties just of blood. He and Wesker had been through a lot together and so Maul was proud to have another brother in his life again.]
You can find him often in Lumenwood at a blood minister clinic. I am sure he will be glad to meet you.
[Maul himself had been surprised when Kenobi agreed to a bond with him. But perhaps he'd finally said the right thing in order to make Obi-Wan understand what he meant to him. Or maybe he really had gotten the poor man worn down.
He did grin at the mention of what he'd done with Skywalker. Maul couldn't help but cause chaos no matter where he went. He was just that particular brand of terrible.]
He'll whine and complain that life is so unfair to him as he usually does. But it won't change anything. His power is now at my fingertips and I intend to use it.
[Then Maul paused, looking a touch uncomfortable. Now they came to the heart of the matter. This shouldn't have been that awkward given he was talking with his own brother but for some reason it still was. Finally, he just spoke. Savage had always been blunt and forthright with him, so it was logical he would do the same.]
[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 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.
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.
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.
[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.]
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.]
[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.]
[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.]
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.
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.]
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?
[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.
They probably enjoy some entertainment of petty drama that humans have with each other. [And Maul. He expected that his brother threw enough drama around to keep the pseudo-gods suitably entertained, not that he'd say that out loud.] Or perhaps they seek to improve on human design, what with everyone here having been changed.
He shrugged his broad shoulders to the explanation. He and Maul had a bond that went well beyond whatever this place had to offer, which was why he had never demanded one of his brother. Sometimes Maul could be prickly about getting close, though that barrier had been broken down almost completely these days. He supposed the death of everyone his brother considered important would do that.
He watched Maul gather everything necessary without actually making any effort to help. He hadn't looked into the ceremony as he hadn't cared enough about it. What could be stronger than the Force bond and that he and Maul were brothers by blood anyway? He at least followed his brother here and there to remain curious of the process.
He raised a brow at the mention of blood and looked at his bare palm.]
That's going to be complicated, since my blood comes out like the Ichor of Dathomir. [In no world did that mean he would deny Maul. Just that it would be complicated getting his blood in there.]
[Considering Maul himself thrived off of drama, it made sense that the Pthumerians would also be all too pleased at watching all the little soap operas playing out amongst the Sleepers.
He quickly gathered up all the supplies that were needed and returned. He seemed very enthusiastic about this idea like he hadn’t felt about most things in a good long while. But this bond was something that was important to him and so he was glad to organize the ritual that would seal it in place.
Hmmm, he hadn’t considered the idea that his brother’s blood was more smoke than substance. But as usual Maul had an idea of a plan to get over that hurdle.]
If we gather it into a closed container, it might eventually condense onto the surface of it the same way steam will eventually turn into water when it keeps gathering upon a solid surface.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ninetydegrees
(no subject)
Have you heard of the bonds that can be formed between people here?
[In everything that had happened over the last two months to Maul, he'd meant to have this conversation with his brother and just kept putting it off until later. Well, later had turned into now, so here they were.]
(no subject)
[He glanced at his brother out of the corner of his eye. He had noted some time ago that hand prints had began to appear on his brother's skin. Who they were he didn't know, but he could guess what they meant based on their location.]
Wu had one on his face for his mate. Who do those you have belong to?
(no subject)
This one belongs to Wesker. After all the two of us have been through together, we agreed to form a familial one. [And Savage out of everyone in Trench knew just how seriously Maul took family. Anyone who was considered among them now had his wholehearted support no matter what they did, all the way up to and including outright murder.]
Kenobi agreed to one with me as well. With how complicated things have always been with us, it seemed appropriate. [There was no better way to establish the fact the two of them would always be connected in their lives than with a bond that let them literally feel what the other one was feeling physically.]
The last was with Skywalker. [Maul smirked.] He didn't want it but I forced it upon him once I learned doing so would allow me to be able to use some of his power.
(no subject)
Wesker... Where do I find him? I want to see this brother for myself.
[He nodded about the other two, aware that they made sense given the limited knowledge he had about the bonds. He was a touch surprised Kenobi had agreed to one given the rich and bloody history between Kenobi and his brother. Those two had come far then or at least his brother had worn the Jedi down enough to agree.
He snorted from his nostrils at forcing a bond on Skywalker. It wasn't a surprise.] There you've gone and stirred up the bane back's nest all over again. I doubt it will come down to a physical fight when all realize it.
[He, of course, bonded with no one. He wasn't close enough to willingly engage in giving parts of himself to another, and he had a Force-bond with Maul already. It wasn't his priority.]
(no subject)
You can find him often in Lumenwood at a blood minister clinic. I am sure he will be glad to meet you.
[Maul himself had been surprised when Kenobi agreed to a bond with him. But perhaps he'd finally said the right thing in order to make Obi-Wan understand what he meant to him. Or maybe he really had gotten the poor man worn down.
He did grin at the mention of what he'd done with Skywalker. Maul couldn't help but cause chaos no matter where he went. He was just that particular brand of terrible.]
He'll whine and complain that life is so unfair to him as he usually does. But it won't change anything. His power is now at my fingertips and I intend to use it.
[Then Maul paused, looking a touch uncomfortable. Now they came to the heart of the matter. This shouldn't have been that awkward given he was talking with his own brother but for some reason it still was. Finally, he just spoke. Savage had always been blunt and forthright with him, so it was logical he would do the same.]
Would you undergo a family bond with me?
(no subject)
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.]
(no subject)
[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.
(no subject)
[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.
(no subject)
[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.
(no subject)
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.]
(no subject)
[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.]
(no subject)
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.]
(no subject)
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.]
(no subject)
[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.
(no subject)
[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.]
(no subject)
[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?
(no subject)
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.
(no subject)
He shrugged his broad shoulders to the explanation. He and Maul had a bond that went well beyond whatever this place had to offer, which was why he had never demanded one of his brother. Sometimes Maul could be prickly about getting close, though that barrier had been broken down almost completely these days. He supposed the death of everyone his brother considered important would do that.
He watched Maul gather everything necessary without actually making any effort to help. He hadn't looked into the ceremony as he hadn't cared enough about it. What could be stronger than the Force bond and that he and Maul were brothers by blood anyway? He at least followed his brother here and there to remain curious of the process.
He raised a brow at the mention of blood and looked at his bare palm.]
That's going to be complicated, since my blood comes out like the Ichor of Dathomir. [In no world did that mean he would deny Maul. Just that it would be complicated getting his blood in there.]
(no subject)
[Considering Maul himself thrived off of drama, it made sense that the Pthumerians would also be all too pleased at watching all the little soap operas playing out amongst the Sleepers.
He quickly gathered up all the supplies that were needed and returned. He seemed very enthusiastic about this idea like he hadn’t felt about most things in a good long while. But this bond was something that was important to him and so he was glad to organize the ritual that would seal it in place.
Hmmm, he hadn’t considered the idea that his brother’s blood was more smoke than substance. But as usual Maul had an idea of a plan to get over that hurdle.]
If we gather it into a closed container, it might eventually condense onto the surface of it the same way steam will eventually turn into water when it keeps gathering upon a solid surface.