Conviction - Part 2
The next few hours were a blur, celebrations and dancing, feast of the hunt for all of the Sisters. The carapace used to create the Waters of Life used in many rituals, including the next step of her journey. Each of her new sisters paid her respect, stunned that she was so young. Savage and Feral were both so thrilled, running to her and staying by her side almost the whole night. Savage was eager to learn more of his brother, and Feral, when not cuddling into her lap, was fetching her drinks or more food. They proudly called her sister, their bright eyes gazing up at her in both awe and admiration. Even Tailli approached to offer her congratulations, and an apology for doubting her. Zaiya gave her a polite nod, but did not speak to her for long, Sheena and Talzin ushering her away after a short time.
It wasn't until the party was lulling into its twilight, and her two sons were put to bed, that Talzin finally brought Zaiya back into the inner sanctum to talk about the visions she had seen. Zaiya was careful to explain what she had seen, she was not sure if Maul could hear her, or saw her as she had seen him, but what she had learned felt like more than just a vision or the magicks. There was a true connection there.
"So, he does not remember…?" Talzin mused, bringing a hand across her jaw. "Troubling, it seems that Sidious is more powerful than we suspected." She let out a sigh. "Then we must proceed carefully, if we try to force my son to come home, he may retreat further into this hatred he has adopted, and be pushed further from us." She seemed worried, though Zaiya could not say she did not understand, she knew that the mind could be tricky, and with powerful forces, it could be changed, just as she learned to do with her magicks.
"So, you suggest I should infiltrate in disguise and be subtle in my approach...?" Zaiya asked softly, a sadness lingering in her, to know he had undergone such pains that it would cause him to forget his home, his life and his family.
"Exactly." Talzin nodded, "He must remember on his own and return willingly, else we will have lost him forever."
"Sidious will pay for this outrage." The girl hissed, Talzin only nodded in response.
"It will take time, more time than you think, if he is truly so powerful as all this." it was not what Zaiya wanted to hear. Yet another obstacle preventing her from keeping her promise. Talking seemed to be the option to begin with, though it was slow, and it would take time to undo the brainwashing Sidious had inflicted upon the Nightbrother. "For now, rest, when the sun rises, we shall take the next step in your journey." Zaiya stood from the table and bowed her head in respect, a lock of white hair falling past her shoulder.
"I will do my best to sleep, though… after what I saw, I do not know how successful I will be." She admitted, though Talzin merely nodded, waving a graceful hand. Zaiya retreated, dragging herself back to her room.
As expected, sleep was not close within her reach, she tossed and turned, seeing those golden eyes in her dreams.
Feeling that darkness, no longer dragging them down but crashing around them. She groaned and tossed and turned trying to fight the wave of blackness. She pushed back, the green fire rising against the dark, and yet, a viscous cry escaped the red and black warrior and the shadow swarmed her. Her voice was cut off as she was swallowed completely.
The warm light of their sun breaking the horizon eventually roused the exhausted Nightsister. She had barely slept, the fears within her struggling to keep from drowning in the darkness of her dreams. She sat up, dawn's early light still warming the ground beneath her, as she made her way to the bathing pool. There was the final ceremony to take place, she would be given her robes and weapons. She hoped it would not be long until she could go off world.
The sacred pool washed the sweat from her body, and her long hair hung heavy around her shoulders, reaching the water and floating outward. She passed the test, and yet her confidence was shaken, she could not dislodge the hard and painful lump in her chest. Could she bring him back from the brink of this miasma.
The waters of the temple did much to strengthen her, and after a long meditation, she rose, donning a simple slip in which to return to her room. As she walked up the path familiar footsteps patted up behind her.
"Zaiya…?" came the little voice. The Sister turned, and saw two familiar pairs of eyes on her. Her lips parted in a smile and Savage stared at her for a moment as Feral ran over, grinning.
"We'll go get brother now?" Feral asked, eyes bright and hopeful.
"I will, little brother, but I am afraid I must go alone. You will have to keep training while I search." She explained, and the boy seemed saddened, his face falling.
"You... are leaving already?" Savage asked, stepping over to her, a look of concern on his sweet little features.
"You know it had to come. While you train with the other Nightbrothers, I shall fetch Dathomir's lost son, and bring him home. You will finally be able to see him again." She grinned, her hearts swelling with pride, to see the three united again would be everything she had been training for. Savage looked down, his glowing eyes lowered as he kicked a loose stone on the pathway.
"I guess… but, you have always been here sister… I, I don't remember-"
"Don't say that!" Zaiya hissed, suddenly before him and cutting him off with a finger on his lips. It was hard enough to think Maul had forgotten them, but Savage and Feral too? She would not allow it. "You know your brother, in your hearts. Our clan is all we have, and even if I go far from here, I am always with you." She insisted, then let out a sigh and pulled back from the shocked child. "Not to mention I will keep my communicator on." She smiled, that at least seemed to cheer him up. "Now, I have to get ready, and I will meet you in the main temple." She assured, standing once more before turning to her room.
Awaiting her was the great Mother, and her own mother, looking timid as always. Zaiya nodded in acknowledgement. They had brought her newly created Nightsister garb and weapons.
"I know you do not believe it, but I am… so proud of you." Tailli spoke softly, reaching out to touch Zaiya's cheek. The girl pulled away, but nodded.
"Thank you, mother. I appreciate that, however, I must get ready." She spoke coldly, but there was a shred of respect still left at least. Tailli may not wish her daughter to be taken away as Talzin's son was, but this time, it was the child making the choice.
Once dressed, she moved to head out, down into the main temple, but paused on seeing a glimpse of herself in a nearby mirror. Long white hair, braided in an elaborate fashion from the centre of her head and hung down her back, beads and metal rings decorated the design. Her face, small, rounded and nearly as white as her hair, dark markings tattooed on her from infancy, her upper lip, eyelids darkened, as well as sigils tattooed on her cheeks, two small symbols on each side, signifying loyalty and strength, both of which she would need. The garb fit her well, black leather and cloth fashioned into a breastplate of sorts; thick enough to protect her from most attacks, but lightweight enough that she could move swiftly. The leg coverings were essentially just leggings, with tall boots to add to her protection, they too had decent maneuverability. On her waist was a cincher equipped with pockets and magnetic belt so she could harry whatever she needed. The robe was the final touch, the same scarlet as her sisters, and flowed around her as she moved, the hood was down for the moment, and the sleeves hung over her wrapped arms. There were many secret pockets within it, even a harness for the curved enchanted blade she now carried. She was younger and smaller than her kin, but she was a Nightsister, and definitely looked the part. She would make Mother Talzin proud, and… perhaps even Maul himself, once he remembered.
Her light boots tapped on the stone walkway as she made her way down the stairs to the main section of the temple. Waiting there, were the rest of the anointed sisters and Mother Talzin. The bowls of sacred water, glowing green on the table before them as they chanted. Up in the balconies, were other members of the village and the children. Feral and Savage she spotted peering over the ledge with wide eyes.
"This is your final rite, our Nightsister, we will imbue your talisman with the power of our clan. This will ensure, that no matter where he goes, you will be able to find him." the Matron hissed. Zaiya paused, her amulet was damaged. It was a grave offense to harm a sister's talisman, especially to do it to one's own sigil. But, there was no time for hesitation, she pulled out the golden amulet. There was a gasp from the onlookers, on seeing that it was broken. "What has happened to your symbol, sister?" Talzin asked, an edge to her voice.
"I split it… and your son has the other half." Zaiya admitted tensely, and looked up to the tall Zabrak woman. A sly smile crossed her lips.
"Good…" She murmured, some of the witnesses whispering among yourselves. "It seems even as a young one, your wisdom of foresight allowed you to take actions in which you could find him once more. This will make the spell even more effective." Talzin smiled, her arms opening, and a hand on each of her shoulders. "The Blessing of the Winged Goddess and the Fanged God will walk with you in your mission." Talzin raised her hands as Zaiya grasped her talisman in both hands.
"Thank you, Mother." Zaiya bowed her head. "I am honoured." She bowed low and stood by the table. The sisters chanting grew louder, the green magics swirling up from the bowls, curling up like smoke and lingering over the new Nightsister's form. Her body tingled and she could feel that familiar cold burning crossing over her skin, the ichor moving over her and settling within. She could feel the energy, the power and the drive that filled her. The chanting grew louder, the sound of drums filling the room, her ears and beating in time with her hearts. The power rushed through her and she could hear screams. Rage, anger and fear all swarmed within her. The girl felt the power bursting from her small form as she stood there, she was close to screaming herself when-
It stopped.
The ichor faded from within and she was just left with a tingling feeling in her fingertips and the amulet hummed in her hand. There was a strange warmth in the metsal in her hands, it felt like… a heartbeat. .
"You still feel the power, child?" Mother Talzin asked, looking her over carefully. Zaiya took a few minutes to catch her breath, leaning on the large slab table heavily and panting. Blue eyes flicked up to the clan leader briefly.
"I feel it," She gasped, forcing her racing heart to slow with measured breaths. The power swirled through her, boosting her natural abilities, but she knew the reason. She would need all the help she could get if she were to track down Sideous without being caught. She would need all her wits about her of course, she was still a child as her mother said, after all.
"Then you are ready?" Talzin asked, drawing closer.
Zaiya's head shot up, "You mean…?" She hissed, eyes wide.
"You have shown more spirit than any of the other sisters, and you have more drive than any other to venture beyond Dathomir. It is time for your training to move beyond Dathomir, and to the galaxy itself."
In truth, Zaiya had not expected it so soon. She had thought she would have to wait for days or weeks for Talzin to barter her passage on some merchant ship or smuggler. Then again, Zaiya could pilot, she had used the little speeders to and from the male village and when they hunted. Mother Talzin was trusting her to pilot a ship, all alone?
There was a chuckle from the matron, "I have hired a mentor of sorts, they will meet you on the nearby planet of Taris. When you are there, seek out the one called Hondo Ohnaka at the Wayfarer, he is expecting you." She nodded slowly, gesturing to the entrance of the temple, and the sisters began to lead the procession to where the ship awaited in the clearing. Mother Talzin gestured to Sheena, assuring that she would be escorted until she reached the planet. The Battlemaster was wary, she seemed to dislike the child at the best of times. Before they departed, Mother Talzin paused, adding; "Do not trust him, little one, and do not let your guard down, you are strong, but you need to be wise." Talzin explained as they walked side by side toward the ship.
"I will depart once you are in the company of the bounty hunter, from there, you must act as a true Nightsister at all times." Sheena sneered. Zaiya refrained from rolling her eyes, the sour woman was as pleasant as ever it seemed.
More of the clan followed, it was not often that one of the Sisters would leave Dathomir, though as they would come to learn, it would not be the last.
"Zaiya!" Called a voice, the girl turned, and saw two little figures rushing towards them. Savage looked up at her with a frown. "I didn't think you were leaving yet?" He asked sulkily, Feral beside him just looked sad, she could feel the fear of being left alone again.
"I have to go now, so I can get back sooner, but don't worry, I will be back soon." She assured, cupping each of their chubby faces. "You will just have to wait for me for a little while, okay?" Feral reached out and gripped the hem of her cloak, making such a sweet face. The young Zabrak leant over the boys, pressing her forehead to theirs in turn, a silent oath to return to them. She had many promises to keep it seemed, she had best keep to her wits about her.
The ship was already prepped, Savage and Feral only stopping at the ramp leading up into the ship itself. She reached out a gentle hand and brushed over their heads as she headed up. She would miss them too. Savage was so funny and Feral was surprisingly gentle. She hoped he would retain some of that as they both trained to be warriors. Zaiya knew the selection could be brutal, and wanted to save them all from that if she could. Their eldest brother included. Though she feared this Sith training was far more arduous. As she entered the ship, she noticed Talzin with an arm across her mother, barring the woman's way to her. Likely to avoid further embarrassment, Zaiya thought. It didn't matter, she could delay no longer. Settling in, she began to fire up the engines and set coordinates in the NavaComputer to guide her way.
-+ Notes +-
Apologies for the late post! I have had a few projects I have been working on in the meantime, hopefully I can reveal them soon!
Again, as always. I love feedback! Let me know your thoughts, favourite moment, or what you think will happen next!
