Buckle up, kids. It's gunna be a bumpy ride…
TRIGGER WARNINGS - This chapter has a lot of detailed reference to rape and abuse. It was very difficult to write for me but I feel it needed to be done to feel the weight of what happens. Please, if these would be triggers, skip this chapter. Or skip the parts between page breaks with these symbols - (=*=) I do not want anyone to be harmed by my writing and know how much I cried during this.
Flames of the Force
Chapter 3
Fear, Pain, and Sufferirng
Pain. It was everywhere. It permeated his skin. It raced through his blood and assaulted his mind. Yet, it was still only pain. And Obi Wan knew how well equipped he was for it.
His eyes were almost useless, as he redirected his energy to keep focused on keeping control. He kept his hearing, and the voices were all too familiar.
"He has always been a nuisance." Xanatos said with a sigh. "A gigantic thorn in the side. Can't we just kill him? I'd like to see Jinn's face at the sight of his head on a spike."
"The monk has resources." A woman's voice with a distinct Dothomiri accent could only be Mother Talzin. "We need this one alive."
"Kenobi wouldn't know our location." A strong, male voice rose. It was new and not overly familiar. "However, I watched that Temple for weeks. This man's Sith partner is clever. And he is heavily attached to his Jedi."
Through this torture, Obi Wan maintained his heart rate and felt no fear. Until another new voice entered the room. "Lord Maul is an animal; unable to dismiss an imprint, once it is set." Darth Sidious sounded like senator Palpatine when they had first met. That meant that he was young and strong. "And Obi Wan made quite the imprint. May I have a private word with our guest?"
There was a pause before a quiet shuffle out of the cell. Obi Wan tried to force his heart and head to calm.
"Obi Wan Kenobi…" He sighed heavily. "Obi Wan Kenobi… You know, you stuck a lot of stints in my cogs. You killed my first apprentice, admittedly a blessing for me." He paused as the Jedi bit back a response. "What? Nothing to say?" A hand grabbed his hair and yanked his head up sharply. "Look at me, Jedi."
Obi Wan pulled in his focus and calmed his mind. He willed his eyes to see. Palpatine was inches from his face. The lines were gone from the undamaged skin. His sandy hair was oiled back.
The Sith gave him a wicked smile. "Good. I know you well enough to understand simple pain will not do. It simply will not break you. But, try as you might and as perfect of a Jedi as you were, you cannot deny your weakness."
.
Maul woke with a start.
Benny was beeping. The droid stopped once he saw his creator awake. "We have arrived." He said. "I imagine you are anxious to proceed."
Maul stretched out his back. "I am. But why do you care?"
"You programmed me to adapt and learn. When you are anxious, you make more mistakes." Benny replied.
Maul rolled his eyes.
Your droid is right. You must learn to calm your mind.
"I understand the theory, okay? It's the execution of it that I'm having trouble with." He sighed and pulled on his boots. He smiled, remembering he would be able to see his brothers and Master Yoda soon. Then, a chill ran down his spine as he realized he would have to check in with Master Tahl.
He pulled out his data pad and noted the fear, hesitating on the reason. Hopefully, she would find it amusing, instead of childish.
He checked his pack and left the bunk. The ship was pulling into the hanger of Qui-Lana's inconspicuous estate.
Solo sat in the pilot's chair and whistled. "That's one swanky place." He commented.
"Well, don't expect a mannered host." Maul replied.
The pilot scoffed. "It's Florrum, also known as Pirate Central. I wouldn't expect mannered anything here."
The Sith smirked. "Well, expect the Jedi to be, at least. Most of them."
Solo chuckled. "I've only known two Jedi, and both of them were far too cheeky for manners."
"Who?" Maul wondered. "Luke and who else?"
"Your Ben." He answered. "Only, I knew him as an old man who always had some predictable comeback."
"Then, he hadn't changed much over the years. Nice to know he's consistent." The Zabrak laughed softly at the image of an old Ben Kenobi, snipping wittily at his younger companions.
The ship settled on the ground and the compression unit hissed as it shut down. They were greeted by Master Yoda, Bell, Jinn, Tahl, and their daughter.
The little green Jedi wore a fond smirk at the sight of Luke Skywalker descending from the hatchway. He held composure and addressed the Champion. "Returned, you have. Successful, were you?"
"You have eyes." He gestured to his tag-alongs. He smirked at the grunt he received. "Yes, Master Yoda. We were successful. May I present Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker and General Han Solo." Maul stepped aside and gestured their guests to move forward.
Luke was beaming as he walked up to his old Master. "Never, in a thousand years, did I expect to see you again. Why are you carrying a walking stick? You aren't the hobbled old man you once were." He asked cheekily.
Yoda huffed. "Happy, I am, to see you again. Young, I am, yes…"
Maul recognized the glint in those green eyes and didn't have time to warn him. There was a sharp crack as the stick swung into the Knight's calf.
The young Skywalker hissed as he bore the pain. "That's a good reason." He commented, voiced strained from the strike.
"Hm." He looked up at Solo. "Han Solo. Risked his training to save you, he did, hm?" Yoda jabbed him in the shin with the end of his stick. The Master studied the human's face for a few moments.
The navigator looked at his friend with a frown. "I am very uncomfortable. I just want you to know that."
Luke clicked his tongue. "I already figured that out. You aren't exactly subtle in your body language. And you'll have to learn to get over that." He looked past Yoda, at the other Jedi and Sith. "Is this the rest of your Order?"
Jinn chuckled and stepped up to greet the young Skywalker. "Not nearly." He replied, extending his hand. "I am Qui-Gon Jinn. Obi Wan was my Padawan for many years."
"This is the man who set me free as a child and brought me to the Temple to be tested." Anakin elaborated the introduction.
"I thought Ben did that." Luke replied.
The older men laughed. Jinn shook his head. "Obi Wan was never over fond of tag-alongs. And he was apprehensive of Anakin from the start. But they bonded over time."
"He was never not apprehensive of me. He was right to be, of course. In the end, he was always right." Skywalker's voice turned sad.
"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Master Jinn." They shook hands.
The introductions continued and they were headed inside. Maul strode next to his Master, staying half a step behind hers. She finally addressed him as they made their way through the estate. "I trust you have kept up on the work I gave you?"
"I did, Master Tahl." He pulled out the pad, unclipped the data chip, and handed it to her. "Here is the log. I have to finish a few more chapters of that diary you gave me. It should be finished in a day or two."
"Good. I expect a report on what you learned from it. No less than a thousand words, please." She pulled out her own data pad and inserted the log. She scrolled through his fears.
Maul became incredibly aware of the possibility that she might want to discuss this publicly. "Yes, Master."
"I'm sensing a pattern, here." She commented. "I see a lot of Obi Wan fears in here. I appreciate you being specific."
The chatter amongst the group died down.
She didn't notice or she didn't care and continued. "Have you meditated on any of these fears?"
"No." He admitted. When she glanced at him, brow raised, he explained himself. "Every time I meditate, Ben and I connect… and I…"
"I get it. You feel what he's going through. It must be harrowing for you." She commented lightly. "There is one reoccurring detail in here that troubles me."
"Tahl." Jinn interjected. He must have felt the anxiety raging in Maul. "Perhaps this is not the time-"
"I like you, husband. Please do not ruin that by interrupting a lesson with my student." Her voice still casual. "The detail that is frequently a source of fear is sex. Why is that?"
"Mother, I don't think-"
"Are you a Master, girl?" Tahl's tone hardened. "If he wants to master his craft, he must learn to be uncomfortable. And so must you."
Maul's hearts were racing. Uncomfortable would be an understatement. The thought of explaining that part of his past in a private setting made his gut wrench. He tried to swallow. A tug on his robe made him look down into the keen and soft eyes of Master Yoda.
"Answer her, you must." He said quietly.
Tahl seemed patient for the answer.
"I… I experienced a lot about of… sexual abuse. Violent sexual abuse. The thought of that happening to Ben…" He swallowed the lump in his throat. "It's been on my mind."
"You're shaking." She observed.
Maul looked around. He hadn't noticed their halt in the hallway. He hadn't noticed that most of the others had continued on. The only ones left were Yoda and all three Jinns. "I am?"
Tahl gave him a long, unreadable look. "Daughter."
"Mother?" Ser-In stepped forward.
"I will leave you to handle this, as you have experience. Maul?" She laid a hand on his shoulder, trying to pour comforting energy into him. It helped only a little. "You must confront this, if you are to move on and help your partner. Obi Wan is not his victim and would never allow himself to be one." She took her husband's arm and led him away. Yoda followed, looking back once.
Ser-In stood there, studying Maul. "Any particular reason you never brought this up to me?"
"Rin- I…" The lump hardened and he choked on his words. His eyes stung and he tried to hold back the tears.
But the usually hard face of Ser-In Jinn softened. "I know, Maul. I might be the only one here who really knows."
"He wanted his name. I never gave it to him. He… he…" The Champion, who normally was compared to a droid, did not feel the tears running down his face. "There was… nothing I could…"
She sighed and embraced him.
He tensed, not used to this compassionate side to his old friend. Enveloped in those long arms, he could finally feel how badly he was shaking; his body compulsively vibrating.
She shushed him softly and rubbed the back of his neck. When he started to calm, she pulled back to look at him. "You are here, no?" She asked.
"I am."
She nodded firmly. "You survived. You were returned from death and the Cosmos, were you not?"
"I was." Where was she going with this? He wondered.
"I know what our Master did to you. He did it to me. But we persisted. You never gave that name because you were strong and loyal to your spirit. You endured because it was the right thing to do. Do not let pain to make you suffer. Suffering is the enemy." She leaned in and kissed his forehead. "You are my brother; my little, vicious, brilliant, beautiful brother. And I love you fiercely. You will overcome. Do you hear me?"
He nodded slightly, not knowing how to process her confessions.
She shook him twice. "Do you hear me?"
"I hear you." Without a thought, he impulsively launch himself at her, slinging his arms around her neck. He hugged her tightly.
Ser-In was still in a moment of shock, but returned the embrace. "If you ever need an ear for this particular issue, I am here for you."
He closed his eyes. "Thank you. I love you, too."
(=*=)
.
"Do you know what I did to your precious Maul?" Sidious smiled as he stroked his prisoner's cheek.
Obi Wan reeled in his emotions, setting his face into expressionless stone.
"He had sparked a connection with a mysterious person. What that person did not understand is that Maul belongs to me. He killed his best friend because he is mine. He had to be severely punished. Do you want to know how?" He asked.
The Jedi responded without tone. "He is a being, not a belonging."
SLAP!
"He was bred and raised to be my tool. He had no opinions. He had no options. He had only my command and it was ruined by a child who thought he could play house with a Sith!" Sidious backhanded him again. "I asked him for an explanation. I was given silence."
A small twinge of comfort tugged his stomach.
"Does that please you, Jedi?" He asked with a twisted sneer. "The next part might not satisfy you as much. Not when you learn of what your name had put him through."
Obi Wan kept his composure well. He had dealt with all sorts of torture. It was never new.
"Because my disobedient pet would not comply, I dealt with him as an animal would. And what do most alpha carnivores do with insubordination?" He asked. "You're an animal lover, right?"
A horrid wave of dread filled his chest as he remembered a past conversation. The Sith, under the modern Code, were sadistic, lustful, driven, and malicious. We get that way for a reason.
"I raped him." The gleeful smile and wild-eyed elation in his yellowed eyes made Obi Wan's stomach churn. "I raped him until he was bleeding and raw. And when I was done, I beat him. And when I bored myself with that, I found other ways to defile his body and break him. Would you like to hear some of my better ideas? There was one time when I used his own lightsaber hilt. You should have seen his face when I threatened to turn it on."
Nothing had prepared Obi Wan for the fury that raged inside of him. His breathing quickened and his heart began to beat furiously. He willed himself to calm, even just enough to keep his face emotionless.
"No, no, no. That will not do." He stood. "It won't be satisfying if I tell you everything now. I will let you sit with the knowledge that because of you, he became the outlet for my desires. You can listen to the others later." And he left the Jedi alone.
Obi Wan remembered the meaning of suffering as the door closed and the guilt set in.
.
(=*=)
Anakin watched as Maul and Ser-In walked into the dining hall together. The smaller of the two was knocked over.
Ahsoka hugged him tightly. "You're back. I met Skyguy's kid. He's funny."
"Yeah. He's a riot." He replied dully.
She glared at him. "What's wrong with you?"
Ser-In slung an arm around the Togruta's shoulders. "Probably not getting enough rest. He's hopeless, I swear."
Ahsoka frowned and whipped around to cross her arms at Anakin. The tall human was standing nearby, sensed the withering glare and looked at her. "You promised me that you would keep an eye on him." She declared heatedly.
Anakin sighed. "Yeah, because he listens to me." He responded sarcastically. Dinner was being served and he sat with Maul, Ahsoka, Luke, and Solo. "And I did warn him several times to conserve his energy."
"Well, do a better job next time. He looks like a ghost." She argued.
Maul clicked his tongue. "I'm right here, you know."
"And you look like a ghost." She retorted, looking st him. When she didn't get a come back, her frown grew worried at the edges and in her eyes. "Are you sure you are okay?"
"Yeah…" The Sith found an appropriate lie quickly. "Our room was destroyed in a blast. I lost everything that was in there. Uusan's manuscripts, my research… the drawing I made him…"
Anakin wondered how many times Maul had deflected like this. When he shared that story of the frigid, frozen lake, was it just a smokescreen? When he stared off into nothing, was he reliving the real traumas?
"I'm sorry, Maul. It was a beautiful portrait of him."
Han Solo pulled Anakin from his musings as he made a sudden noise. He rifled through his side pouch and produced a piece of paper. It was a stunning colored chalking of the padawan Obi Wan. "This drawing?"
Maul's mouth opened in surprise. "How did you…?"
"We were in that room, before it blew up." He explained, handing over the drawing. "I swiped it. Not sure why."
Anakin subtly studied the navigator. He was clearly Force sensitive on a very low level. He probably was inclined to take the trinket on instinct. However, his abilities were not the troubling observation. What bothered Anakin was the way his shoulders were always inclined towards Luke. It was how close he had scooted his chair to Luke's. It was that goofy look he got in his eye whenever Luke was speaking.
He stopped watching them when Maul's younger brothers sat on either side of him.
"Kriffing shit, there are three of them." Solo commented rudely.
"Who the fuck is this?" Savage asked his elder brother.
Maul rolled his eyes. "Brothers, this is Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. Gentlemen, these are my younger brothers, Savage and Feral."
"It is good to meet you." Feral said politely. "Forgive our middle brother. His name is accurate."
"And I hope you forgive my brash friend." Luke responded. "We've never met a Dothomiri Zabrak male before we met Maul."
"It's the skin. Witch magic gave us weird skin and no hair. Though Maul's red is apparently rare for all Zabraks." Savage explained. "You should see the kitchen here, brother. It's amazing. I couldn't figure out half of the gadgets, though."
"Do you need my assistance? Because I do not know the first thing about cookware. I lived off of pure nutrient bars for most of my life." Maul explained, face relaxed.
Savage's hairless brow pulled up sadly. "Every time you bring up your childhood, it makes the slave village far more appealing."
Anakin smirked when Ahsoka kicked the yellow Zabrak at the same time as he did.
"Kriffing hell, what was that for?!" He demanded them both.
The Clone War duo merely shrugged.
Quietly, Ser-In Jinn and her daughter appeared behind the brothers. She scowled down at her apprentice. "Savage?" The Zabrak bristled at her low tone. "Are you instigating?"
"Apologies, Master." He replied quickly.
She shook her head. "I have discussed this with you far too many times. If you continue to poke at your dragon of a brother, eventually you will have to fight him. And I promise that you will lose." She sighed. "I think the cleaning droids could use a break. Why don't you go give them that break."
Savage suppressed his huff and sulked away from the table. Qui-Lana took his seat.
"I'm done." Maul said suddenly and stood to walk away.
"My offer is now off the table." She said casually.
He stopped. "What?"
"The offer to work for me." She explained. Her beautiful face was serene, as it usually was. "It has expired. I don't have time to chase lost causes. Clearly, the thought of loads of money sickens you."
He looked up at her mother who smirked. He gave her a thankful look before slowly sitting back down.
"Of course, you do owe me for the ship you left behind." She smiled pleasantly.
He rolled his eyes. "I can give you two coordinates with precious artifacts and gold." He offered. "It would be more than enough to pay for the shittiest craft in your hanger."
Solo chuckled. "This one is growing on me." He said to Luke, jabbing a thumb at Maul.
Anakin rolled his eyes and caught sight of Mace Windu, walking by. "Master Windu." He called out.
The swords Master smiled as he approached. Anakin stood and the shook hands. "It is good to see you return safely."
"Thank you, Master. I would like you to meet my son, Luke Skywalker." He gestured to Luke, who wiped his mouth and stood. "Luke, this is Master Mace Windu. He is the best swordsman to ever live. And if he agrees, I would like you to train with him."
"I would be honored to learn from you." Luke said excitedly.
"What is your current style?" Mace asked.
Luke blushed. "Improvised, mostly. I use a blaster in my offhand." He admitted.
Mace chuckled. "I'd love to see Kenobi's face at hearing you say that."
After the meal, Anakin stretched. It was time for some rest. Everyone else was trickling away. Yoda had pulled Maul aside for a stroll. He smirked at their strange relationship. His smirk disappeared as he watched Luke and Solo walk together, following one of Lana's service droids. They were laughing as Solo slung an arm around his son's shoulder. Anakin did not like the way they fell into step or how comfortable Luke was at the closeness.
"Care to spar?" A melodic voice interrupted his spying. Lana stood by him with her data pad at her side, instead of in her hands (as it usually was.) "You look tense."
.
Luke walked with Han's arm around his shoulder and it felt so nostalgic and natural. He hadn't seen this playful side to his friend since he was saved from the carbonite.
The droid led them down a series of halls before stopping at a large door. "Room 116, Luke Skywalker. Room 117, Han Solo." It said before it scooted away.
"So…" Han started awkwardly.
Luke sighed. "Say what you want to say."
"Can I see your room?" He asked evasively.
The Jedi rolled his eyes. "Sure, Han." He opened the door and waited for his friend to enter first.
Han whistled at the lavish suite. It held a fireplace, a large four poster bed with black curtains, a fresher room, and a large closet. There was a terrace, complete with a table and chairs. "This is nicer than any hotel I've ever seen." He commented, impressed.
"I haven't been to many hotels. But this is very fancy." He agreed. Heat returned to his face when the taller man drew casually closer. "You aren't interested in seeing your own room?"
He rolled his green eyes. "Trying to get rid of me?" He asked with a fake pout.
"No. Just trying to get you to be direct with me. That's all." Luke explained, ignoring his blush as Han grew closer.
The Correllian pulled him by the wrist gently into his arms. Luke rested his hands on the broad chest. "Is this direct enough for you?" He stroked the Jedi's hair twice before pulling him in for a kiss. It was soft, sweet, and a little hesitant.
Luke leaned into it and it filled him with warmth. They had only kissed once before, after the Battle at Yavin. But the war had kept them busy. By the time he had returned from Degobah, Han had moved on. But now, he was in those long arms with those pouted lips pressed against his.
Han pulled back, not letting the Jedi out of his grasp. "And in the interest of being direct, the answer to your constant questioning is yes and no. Yes, my feelings for you put a strain on my marriage. But we had a lot more problems than that." His green eyes were sincere. "Is that a good enough answer for you?"
"Yes." He leaned in for another kiss.
.
Maul sighed. The cool air hit his face as soon as the blast-door hissed open. He and Yoda walked through the large courtyard, the starlight illuminating the serene gardens and pathways.
They had walked in peaceful silence and the Sith felt the calming energy his small friend was feeding him. The rough voice cut the silence. "Beautiful, no?" He stopped and leaned back to enjoy the air.
"Ben would love it here." He agreed.
Yoda chuckled. "He would. He will. Save him, I know you will." He stated firmly.
"Well, you hide your worry better than I." Maul commented, crossing his arms. "I'm more surprised that you aren't hammering me with questions."
"Guessed your trauma a long time ago, I did." He looked up at the Zabrak. "Talk with me about it, you will, when ready, you are."
(=*=)
"Rin offered to talk about it. She went through something similar…" He hadn't planned on discussing this with anyone. Yet, as it was with Master Yoda, his mouth had its own plans. "He did so much to me. And up until then, I never imagined that he would do anything like that. It was never a concern of mine. Which made that first time so…" He trailed off as he tried to find the words.
Yoda hadn't replied. He patiently waited to let Maul gather himself.
"…frightening. Nothing had ever…horrified me before. But I was in that moment when he… threw me against his desk and…" He swallowed, silently thanking Yoda for the earlier energy. "It only got worse after that. And once Rin was gone… he was all I had left. And he convinced me it was my own fault."
(=*=)
"No. Not your fault at all." Yoda sighed.
"Oh, please do not pity me, Master. You are one of the last people I want it from." Maul begged at the sight of those sad eyes.
"Pity you, I do not. Sympathize with you, I cannot. Hurt, I am, because of his actions. Have love for you, I do. Deny my affections, I cannot." He admitted.
Maul smirked. "I'm just getting confessions from everyone today." He quipped, trying to lighten the mood.
Yoda chuckled and then studied him fondly. "On the right track, you are. And love you, we do. Made Obi Wan smile outright, for the first time in decades, you did. A family, you have here. Asked me once what that feeling was, you did, hm? Upon your return for retrieving Lady Bell, yes?"
"I remember. It happened again when I returned tonight." He answered. "You never gave me an answer."
"Home, it is called. A home, with us, you have. And with Obi Wan."
Maul smiled as he felt his chin tremble. "It's wonderful." But a sickening realization dawned on him. "But, I still will sleep alone tonight."
Yoda pondered for a few seconds before a twinkle shone in his eye. "Come. An idea, I have."
The little Jedi led him back inside. It took a minute or two for Maul to figure out which signatures he was locked onto.
Savage and Feral were in a riveting game of derajik in a well stocked playroom. There were gambling tables, a bar, several different games (ranging from child's board games to alcohol inducing games,) fireplaces with arms chairs, and grand bookshelves.
Maul gaped. "This is some of the most frivolous shit I've ever seen." He said softly.
Yoda laughed. "Young ones." He called to the brothers. "Talk to you, I must."
They shrugged at each other and walked over. "What can we do for you, Master Yoda?" Feral asked, bowing politely.
"Smart to let him speak." Maul commented at the middle child.
Savage scoffed. "He was shoving vegetable crisps up his nose fifteen minutes ago. He's not perfect manners. He's not you."
"Ben would say otherwise." Maul assured him.
Yoda cleared his throat. He looked at Maul and nodded towards his brother.
"Is he okay?" Savage asked, when the red brother didn't take the hint. "Is he having a stroke?"
Yoda gave an indignant huff.
"Careful, Brother." Maul warned. "If you think I'm impossible to fight, Yoda would whoop me in seconds."
"While true, that is, taking the Gray, I am. Over, my fighting days are." The green Master replied. "Having trouble sleeping, Maul is. Time to bond with his brothers, he has not had."
"That's true. I've barely spent any time with you, Feral." He realized. "And he's right. Resting is becoming difficult." He wanted to ask outright, but it felt so childish and shameful. A Sith Saber who needs to sleep at night with his brothers, afraid of some shadows in the dark.
But they sensed his problem quickly. "Come on, then. Let's have us an old fashioned NightBrother pile." Savage linked his arm into the eldest's.
"A what?"
Feral laughed. "Exactly what it sounds like."
"Good." Master Yoda smiled at the three of them. "Alone, you are not. Good night, younglings."
"Younglings?!" Maul huffed.
"When nine-hundred years, you have lived, call you adults, I will." He laughed.
Maul smiled, in spite of the hyperbole of a Zabrak living that long. "Good night, Master. And thank you. The affection is mutual."
Yoda bowed his head, chuckled one last time at them and headed back to the hall.
"So. Your room, Maul?" Savage asked. "You don't want to go to my room."
"Why?"
"Because things have happened there with a certain woman you despise." He smirked as they headed towards the rooms.
Maul gagged. "Say anything like that again, and I will vomit in your face."
Feral laughed, walking behind them. They reached the eldest's room and Benny greeted them.
"Creator." He said. "Would you and your bothers like some tea?"
He looked at the other two, who nodded. "Yes, please. No caf."
"I would not have given you caf, even if you asked for it." The droid replied.
The red man frowned. "What is the point of having a droid who does not do what is commanded? I might as well scrap you."
"You have threatened to scrap me two-thousand and forty-seven times. The likelihood of you carrying out that threat is minimal." Benny countered, pouring heated water into the glass pot. "Contrarily-wise, Master Ben's reaction to my being scrapped is an estimated eighty-six percent likely to be upset with you."
"Should have never made you..." He mumbled.
"You built that thing?" Feral asked, looking wide-eyed at the droid. "That's amazing."
"Thank you. I love mechanics. It's relaxing work."
"What age were you taken if you don't remember the male village?" The youngest asked. He seemed full of curiosity. That may make or break him as a Sith. He was young, though, and had time to learn.
"Four, I believe."
"Oh. So you never saw a male village. That explains it." He commented before switching topics. "How is it with Master Tahl?"
"Wait." Maul frowned. "What do you mean, 'that explains it?'"
Feral shrugged. "You sound like a city person. You make fancy machines. You probably could read before you died."
Benny handed them each a cup of tea before settling on a table by the bed.
"What was the village like?" He wondered, sipping the floral tea. "Is this new, Benny?"
"One of Lady Bell's blends. It apparently is relaxing and will help you rest."
"That thing is Kenobi, isn't it?" Savage cut in, before Feral could speak.
Maul nearly choked on his drink. "Excuse me?"
"You're droid. Benny. Did you actually program him to sound exactly like Kenobi?" He asked again.
"Are you just noticing that now?" He laughed. "His name is Benny, for the Force's sake."
The middle child made a face.
They abandoned the tea and pulled off their boots. Each of the younger brothers grabbed a pillow and threw one to Maul. "These are nicer than what we had. Piles were the best way to stay warm in a desert's night." Feral explained as they curled up with the youngest's head resting on his brother's side. "The pillow keeps us from gouging each other. You lay on my side and Savage will lay on yours. The triangle traps heat."
Maul hesitated for a second before laying down to face his brothers. They were right. It was warm and comfortable. He heard Feral talking, but it was muffled by the warmth and Maul faded into deep sleep.
.
(=*=)
Obi Wan's stomach growled again. He kept his breathing even, pushing through the discomfort. He couldn't tell how long it had been before the cell door opened again, pouring light into the dingy room.
Palpatine dragged a chair in with him and set it a foot or two in front of his prisoner. "Has the image of it settled?" He asked before sitting down, casually resting his left ankle on his right knee. "I wonder how many images you have conjured up since our last chat. I imagine you won't share. That's okay, though, because I intend to share."
It took all of Obi Wan's training to keep his calm. The sound of that voice made his skin crawl and his stomach flare with rage at the same time.
"One of my favorite things to do while I fucked Maul was choke the life out of him. There was something so satisfying about the gasping look without the sound. It's like a -"
(=*=)
"Enough. What is it you want from me?" He interrupted, not able to hear another word.
His captor tilted his head and raised a brow. "What do I want from you?" He asked with a laugh. "I want you to suffer."
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I will admit that I tried to hurry through this. It felt horrible. I feel awful now. I need a drink.
The next chapter is an interlude. I need one. You'll need one. I really would like feedback from those of you who read the whole chapter. I love you guys. Tried to pepper a few awwww moments in there.