Before I go on with my idea behind Ezra's training and the chapter, I'd like to make a few comments. First off, I'd like to thank Rebel Spectre 6 for the suggestion/idea of Maul teaching Ezra how to deal with pain. I meant to say that in the previous chapter, but I forgot (better late than never right ^^;). Not only does the shock collar act as a punishment, but as it mentioned in the previous chapter, Maul thinks it will help Ezra's pain resistance (along with future training). I'd also like to mention that I was originally going to have Maul question Ezra about the holocron, but again forgot. However, after thinking about it, I knew it wasn't really needed becaue all it would have served was that Maul would be like "okay you don't got it, we'll worry about it later" and never mentioned again. I also notice a few grammer issues (specifically in the last chapter or two) and will probably update those chapters with the proper corrections. And lastly, Ezra's punishment is controlled by a device that Maul wears around his wrist. It was originally going to be activated by Maul snapping, but I felt that snapping leaves a few plot holes. Basically the following questions that ran though my mind were: "Why snapping?", "How would it know if Maul was snapping", "Could it be activated by anyone snapping", and "What if Ezra snapped? Would he be tazzing himself?"
Moving along, I wanted to take a moment to explain what I had in mind in regard to Ezra's training and what I'm taking from the Wrath of Darth Maul for reference/inspiration. One thing being that, because of what Ezra already knows, when he gets to the Force and lightsaber training he's not going to be as inexperienced as Maul was (because Maul was a lot younger when he was taken and trained by Sidious and unfamiliar with the Force during the first few years of training). So most of Ezra's training in that regard will be sharpening his skills. Ezra's training will strictly be on Malachor (and not off Malachor like some of Maul's training) and to compensate for any "expendable" dummies/volunteers Maul will have already picked out. Ezra's strength, force, and lightsaber training will be monitored by Maul, which kind of references how Sidious was there for the latter two (combat was kind of it's own thing and was monitored by a robot mostly). And Maul's familiar with strength training, hence why he's monitoring it.
With that out of the way, I hope you guys enjoy the chapter. Expect some Ezra whump and back sass.
Maul had forced Ezra to stand in front of him as he observed the boy's physique, and what Maul had to work with as far as training. Maul took in Ezra's height, age, and weight into consideration, so that he could mentally prepare the correct method of physical training. Ezra, who had only gotten about six hours of sleep instead of his usual eight, watched uncomfortably as he was being studied by the Dathomirian.
"You're so thin." Maul sighed. "Thinner than I'd like you to be. However, I can't really blame you for this in all honestly. It's not your fault that you got to be this way. Eight years on the streets alone will have that effect on someone you're age, but I can still work with this. Plus, it gives you a more agile advantage in the long run. I can imagine how easy it is for you to sneak into small spaces and dodge attacks a little quicker. Especially when compared to that Lasat that you associated with, and with that out of the way, let's get started. We'll start with some routine strength training and work our way up to the more enduring drills."
Ezra glared at Maul, crossing his arms in defiance. This display was already causing Maul some annoyance. The rebellious nature was starting a scene.
"Really? You're defying me already? And I thought you'd cooperate with me."
"I already told you that I refuse to train under you." Ezra bitterly reminded.
"And I told you that you didn't have a say in the matter. Am I really going to have to punish you already, or are you going to listen to me?"
"I dare you. If you're going to threaten me with this," Ezra pointed at the collar, "at least have the common sense to go through with it. Besides, I want to see what I'm up against in regards to this collar and if you'll really do it."
"Alright, but remember Ezra, you asked for this."
Maul pressed a button on a device wrapped around his tattooed wrist, sending electrical vibrations through every part of Ezra's body. The surge of pain that shocked Ezra, forced the boy to cling his arms around him. Falling to his knee, Ezra couldn't help but release struggled cries of pain out of his mouth. He wanted to make it stop, but it already seemed to fade away on its own, relieving him from the beginning of his shock therapy. Ezra took the opportunity to catch his breath and force himself to stand up, looking at Maul with pain and malice.
"You actually did it." Ezra groaned.
"Of course I did, I don't make empty threats, and I'll have you know that wasn't even the highest setting." Maul replied. "So long as it gets the job done, I'm all for it. Now let's try this again, shall we? Let's begin your training."
Ezra stared at Maul, not letting out a response.
After several hours of heavy duty strength training, Ezra was allowed to return to his prison. How making Ezra do several hundred pushups and laps over the course of those few hours was considered "routine" was beyond Ezra's comprehension. The muscles in his body throbbed and screamed in pain and his nerves were numb, thanks to several doses of electrical stimuli as a result of a number of attempts to rebel against Maul's command. The only thing his body could comprehend was that it needed rest, and it wasn't going to get that while he was still conscious, so his body gently guided Ezra into a deep slumber.
Okay so I have an idea for the next chapter set, but I wanted to run something by you guys. The original plan is for Ezra to contact Kanan again (disclaimer: there will be three instances where they will connect and that includes their conversation back in chapter 3) and he'll tell Kanan what's going on, but I also had an idea to throw in a chapter where Ezra tries to escape. I plan to have Ezra telling Kanan that he did try to escape when he contacts Kanan, but I thought I'd ask you guys if you'd want to see an escape attempt for the next chapter, or go if you'd rather have me go with my original idea. So I'll wait a few days (a week at most depending on how many reviews this chapter gets) to allow you guys to comment on what you'd like to see.