Signal - Part 2

It was the most agonising journey she had ever been on, even Jango seemed unsettled, and had to tell her multiple times to calm down. Anxiety only grew when he'd argued with the dealer on Tatooine, taking time she didn't have to get her a ship. He had been kind enough to handle it, considering both of them were sure she would destroy everything in her path if someone decided to be a smartmouth. She and Jango had parted ways after that, with his demand to contact her when she reached Lotho Minor.

The moment her boots hit the dirt on the trash planet and she was off at a run. The winds of some sort of storm swirled around, she could barely see anything with her one good eye. But the nexus eye could tell her where she needed to go. Her hand clenched around the pendant tightly, her hearts racing in her chest. He was here… somewhere, she could feel the rage and pain permeating through the Force in waves. Though it did not give her an accurate location. Fires plumed smoke into the already obscured sky, filling the air with a horrible stench.

There was movement near her, something moving and quickly. Rushing toward her. Low, shifting. Slithering. The Nightsister was immediately on edge.

"Not often someone comes to this place willingly…" a croaky voice spoke above her. She looked up, her mask and hood in place, her eyes glowing in the dim light. The creature shifted through the refuse and peeked it's large head and bulbous eyes over the twisted metal.

"Not everyone is looking for something, Anacondan." She replied, meeting the creature's gaze. He looked startled upon meeting her eyes. "There was a call for me." The Anacondan's eyes narrowed.

"You tracking something special?" He rasped.

"I am." Zaiya asked, a sense of urgency taking over her voice. The Anacondan drew back slightly as her green eye flared with magick.

"I'm Morely. I can help you find what you're after..." The wide mouthed creature grinned with its small sharp teeth. "...for the right price of course."

"And what is to stop me from killing you now?" She asked, moving forward.

"Wait! You need a guide to avoid the fire-breathers!" Morley insisted, following her. She had seen the moving machines, creaking and spitting flames, tearing apart anything in their path.

"Yes, I have seen them." She replied, snaking around the debris.

"They aren't to be messed with if you know what's good for you." Morley grumbled, slithering beside her. "But there are other things here than junk-"

"I know." She murmured through the mask, looking up to the smoky sky. "Tell me, about the one that called for me. The man of red and black."

"Then… you're the Siren." Morley's eyes widened before he turned swiftly. "Follow me." He slithered forward and she could feel hesitation and anxiety in the creature, he didn't want her there. She would have to be careful.

It was not long until they came to a mountain of literal garbage, the pile of twisted metal reaching high into the smoke. At the base was an opening, dark and seemingly endless.

"Down there…" Morley croaked, gesturing with his large head. Zaiya paused for a moment and looked him over, meeting his shifting eyes before turning away. She ducked her head and headed into the tunnel.

It led down. Down into the bowels of the planet. Immediately she could feel that the tunnels twisted and turned and went on for what seemed forever. She moved through them, some damp, others dry, all were uncomfortably hot. Some places she had to squeeze through and then there was a cavern she could have parked a ship in. The only light being a flickering flame, small yet casting hazy shifting shadows on the walls. The amulet pulsed, the force swirled around her, and she knew she would not find him soon at this rate. She had to focus. In the cavern, created of broken parts, forgotten things, debris, dirt and rock. She found a place on a flat piece of metal and took a seat, folding her legs beneath herself as she settled into a meditative position. With measured hands she lowered the hood and mask, she would not need them here.

She delved deep, into the Force that she knew, into the colours and music she felt in the air around her. Something she had not allowed herself to do properly for so long. There was the song she had sung for Feral and Savage, but this song that came to her was something else. New, unwritten until now, unspoken until her lips parted. The haunting echo of her voice and the music it stirred filled the space, travelling down the tunnels like a beacon. There, deep in the labyrinth of Lotho Minor, the Siren sang.

"Come and find me in the garden

Down where we used to play

Where memory is not a burden

Where that sweet laugh will always stay

Come and find me in the castle

Along the walls of rugged stone

All our fears are universal

They only reach us when we're alone

Come and find me on the mountain

Where we once reached to touch the sun

Our tears flow like silver fountain

And our hearts will beat as one

I have been here, always waiting

This cold silence, I've been hating

Lost in the memories I'm recreating

So hard to hold, I fear they're fading

The monster inside is desecrating

I'm no longer who I used to be…" Her eyes remained closed as the music faded away, her voice lingering in it's last note. She could hear shifting, a soft 'tick' sound every now and again. He was here. Hiding in the dark. Right behind her.


The song had called him. Beckoned him closer like a flame in the dark… like the one small light in an endless dark that spoke of hope. Like… like a star in the night sky. He had found her, sitting, waiting, calling in his dark lair. Was this more torment? More dreams?

"Will you come into the light?" She spoke. Soft voice, musical voice, sweet voice.

"No light here… nothing but dark… rotten. Abandoned. Lost… Always Remember, I Am Fear! Always Remember, I Am Hunter! Always Remember, I Am Filth! Always Remember, I Am Nothing…!" He wanted more of the song, the song that banished the whispers, banished the words that tore at his heart and mind. She had to be a dream, another cruel trick… Sat there, still. Waiting. She reached out a hand and held it out before her.

"No longer abandoned, my sovereign… I am sorry it took so long…" His hearts raced. Was it true this time? Was it real?

"...not abandoned…?" He hissed. He moved his body around to look at her, fearful to draw too close. "I was lost… so lost… still lost… I -I can't…" She turned her head and he recoiled. "Don't look at me!" he screamed, throwing himself into the shadows. Her head snapped around to the front and when she spoke again it was that same soothing voice.

"My master, you called for Siren… I am here." Was she here? Was she really…? He moved again, closer, within arms reach. He moved, circling around her, shifting. A gasp escaped him. In the firelight burning in that place, he could see her face. More real, more defined than it had been in his memories. Less round, there was a hardness there, one that he recognised deep within. The hardness that only torment could put there. But it was her face. The markings over her eyes and full lips, the pale skin… and the dark scarring, reddish in colour across her left eye. He remembered seeing her struck. Seeing her fall. Had he screamed? Had he called her name? Sometimes he did in his nightmares. Other times he was struck soundless, frozen in place by a nameless terror.

"Is this real?" He leant closer. Her hand hovered out in front of her and he struggled not to take it. She still had her eyes closed.

"Yes, sire. It's real." There was a whimper, and he realised it came from his own mouth. He wanted to take her hand. Touch her… prove to himself it was real. Prove that it was not the whispers anymore. But what if it wasn't? What if it was just another trick? Another lie? The whispers seemed quieter than they had been in a while… like that dream… "Can I look at you?" She asked in a whisper. His teeth grit. If she was real-

"Not like this…" He croaked, his throat raw and rough. "Don't… want you to see…" Suddenly his hand brushed hers and he tensed, frozen in place. Her hands shifted and closed around his own. She was real… she was real! His chest tightened and his throat constricted, something akin to a sob escaped it as he sank lower to the ground, moving to rest his arms around her waist and his head in her lap. She was real… he didn't want her to disappear again.

"I'm not afraid." She told him and his breath hitched as her fingers trailed between his horns. He had not felt a gentle touch like this… so delicate, soft. A shudder ran up his spine.

"I am…" a hoarse whisper, he wasn't even fully aware he'd spoken out loud until she asked.

"Of what?" He couldn't lie… he wanted to lie… part of him told him to lie. To push away. Like he always did. But he couldn't.

"...I am a monster…" He breathed.

"So am I." He slowly raised his head to look at her, she was a monster too? After a moment her eyes opened, the endless blue… and swirling glowing green of her eyes met the wild bloodshot of his own. "You never need to hide from me, sire." She spoke in a whisper, but there was a warmth in her eyes that he had not seen in anyone else.

The whispers were quiet, there was finally quiet, could he… could he finally rest? He laid his head back on her lap once more, clinging to the warmth that was not the rancid sticky heat of the fires. The call worked… he'd done it.


Zaiya looked at the zabrak clinging to her lap and hoped he could not feel the fear in her. Seeing him like this was… horrifying. That he had been forced to live like this, that he was in such a state. That he had been forced to become this. It hurt so badly in her chest that she wanted to weep. Her hearts broke to see it and she wanted to destroy everyone that had done this to him. Sidious stole him away, hid him for years, just to throw him away after one mission? One failure? And she had foolishly thought he could not get any cruller. Her hand carefully caressed over his shoulder and back, in an effort to soothe him. He was still whispering, she could barely hear it but she could see his lips moving. So long… so many years… had broken both of them. She closed her eyes, feeling a hot tear rolling down her cheek. She didn't even know she could cry from her ruined eye anymore. She splayed her gloved fingers across his shoulder, the thin material catching on his skin. It was a comfort. He was here. He was alive at least. He had survived. They had both kept their promises.

She looked more carefully at the hulking metal that was the Prince's lower half. Six spindly legs extended from a pod-like body… not unlike the spiders on Dathomir. The ones Talzin had her train her powers on so very long ago. She peered closer and realised with a gasp… no technician had made this body for him… but he had done it. Holding the parts together through the force! The swirling forces visible to her nexus eye now she was paying attention showed her just how much power he was using, even now just to keep himself alive.

He had wounds on his skin, some old, some new and one of the newer ones, on the back of his shoulder looked infected. She needed to get him to a medical facility, or at least a bacta tank, though- she didn't know how he would take it, considering her own distaste for such things.

How he had managed to survive this long, she had no idea, by all rights he should not be able to move, nor should he be moved. Was it safe for him on the ship? Was he well enough to travel?

"Sire… you're wounded." She murmured quietly, shifting to try and look at him. She'd never seen him like this, so vulnerable, so unsettled. She was unnerved to see him like this.

"Pain… lost… always…" He mumbled against her leg, she shifted to rest on her knees, his hands clung tighter to her waist, his fingers digging in painfully.

"Then we need to get you somewhere safe. Where I can treat your wounds." She lifted her hand to the back of his neck gently, making small circles with her thumb. "I always swore I would protect you, didn't I?" She murmured, leaning closer. "I won't leave you alone here. Let me take you somewhere safe." She breathed, it broke her to see him like this. But she had to do something. "Come with me this time…" She urged.

He looked up, his expression worn and sad, he was fixated on her eye, his mouth open slightly as he took laboured breaths. He looked so exhausted. After a moment he nodded, slight but noticeable. A smile crossed her lips, a genuine one even if small. The Nightsister moved, rising as she took his hands. This time he listened, followed in a trance-like state, watching her intensely. She used the Force to guide her, walking backwards to keep her gaze on him, leading him up and out of the tunnels and back to her ship.

It was big enough for at least half a dozen people so could certainly hold him even though the spider half of him was oversized. She'd never seen him so hesitant before, or so frightened. She had to do what she could to help him.

"You found him…" Croaked the Anacondan beside her. Her gentle expression faded as just her gaze moved to look at him.

"Did you not think I would?" She asked flatly.

"My master has kept me alive-"

"And you did not think to do more for him? Instead you left him like this!" She hissed. The Zabrak's hands tightened on her own as her face morphed into a scowl.

"I didn't do this! I found him here! I brought him food and he let me have the leftovers…!" Morley grinned but Zaiya's lip curled in a snarl, suddenly the man before her let out a cry, he rushed at the Anacondan so fast, shocking the both of them. Before Zaiya even knew what was happening, her master had pounced on the reptile and viciously tore him to shreds with his bare hands, right before her eyes.

"Master?" She gasped in shock. He froze, his back hunched. She reached out and gingerly touched his arm. After a moment he turned back to her, the blood of the creature across his hands and face. Her eyes widened.

"It… displeased you…" He hissed with a jittery glance, as though frightened she would punish him. Zaiya's eyes widened, and her whole demeanor softened. As grotesque as it might be, she could only feel a warmth in her chest.

"Come, my liege, you need rest." She took his hands once more, ignoring the blood on them to lead him onto the ship. She found herself wishing Sixy had accompanied him or was at least on the ship so it could pilot for her. She didn't really want to leave him alone in the cargo hold, though didn't think he would be able to fit in the small space. The doors began to close as soon as she tapped the button on the inside of the hold. His hulking form was strangely timid in this big empty space. "Will you let me treat you?" She asked, releasing one of his hands gently. His eyes shifted around the room, bloodshot, wide, like a caged animal. "I just need to grab my supplies, I will only be gone a moment." His eyes snapped to hers and his grip on her hand tightened.

"Gone… lost… abandoned…" he mumbled.

"Just for a moment, I am not leaving the ship." She assured, she turned and pointed at the doorway on the upper level. "Just in there. You can hear me." She squeezed his hand, watching his face carefully. Eventually she backed away, his arm followed, outstretched by the time she let go as though frightened to release her. She moved swiftly, rushing to the med kit and the refresher for cloths and towels, filling a spare clean container with warm water. She knew she would need quite a bit of it… and lamented once more not picking up a droid to assist her. In the same thought… she didn't want to let anyone else do this for him, she didn't want him to feel ashamed of eyes looking upon his form. She returned to find him silently waiting, having raised himself up on his six legs to lean on the railing between the deck she was on and the cargo hold. One of his bare arms was wrapped around the rail, the other outstretched toward the door she had vanished through. He said nothing, just staring with those glowing yellow eyes. It was a little startling to see him waiting, staring so silently.

"I'm still here." Zaiya assured him, carrying the small pile of items in one arm, the water container in the other hand. To make things easier, she used the Force to move the items to the lower level, feeling his eyes on her the whole time. She took up a seat on a little crate. The metal of his legs tapped on the floor of the cargo hold, hesitant, curious, fearful. She took the washcloth and soaked it in the water, using it to slowly and carefully rinse the gore, ash and dirt from his skin, the vibrant red revitalised under the water. She peeled off her gloves after the first pass, and rolled up her sleeves. His now damp fingers reached out to touch the pale colour of her skin, the harsh contrast between them. She ran the cloth over his hands again, they were beautiful, his hands. The tattooed markings, long fingers, broad palms. She found herself fascinated by them, measuring her own smaller hand against his. It was a selfish gesture, one she quickly shook off, returning to run the rag over one arm, then the other. She was careful not to spill too much, there was still the occasional rivulet that ran down his chest or back. The water became muddy quickly and she had to change it out twice before using a fresh cloth and warm water to caress across his neck and further up, his jaw and his face. Being so close, she watched him swallow firmly as she reached the base of his horns. They were overgrown and one looked broken. She wondered if it hurt. His eyes were closed now, and he was surprisingly docile now. Perhaps it was the gentle touch or the soft tune she was humming while she worked? She didn't know, but was not sure how long it would last when she had to tend to his infected wound.

She did notice something different that was not due to the planet he had been on however. Her hand rose to touch his left ear gently, toward the top near the edge, was a little silver stud. A grin began to grow on her lips.

"When did you get this…?" She asked softly, her fingers brushed the shell of his ear and he shuddered.

"After… after you were…" his eyes shifted and she noticed he was looking at something on her right shoulder. It took her a moment but she reached up to touch the feather resting there.

"This is from my brothers…" She explained. He reached out to touch it gently, then his hand moved to where hers was at his ear. She realised what he meant. They were the same. It was a reminder of… her? Her heart ached at the thought, did he mean that? Or was he confused? Her free hand squeezed his shoulder warmly.

She wasn't sure how to tend to his mind however. There was only so much she could do to soothe whatever had been undone in him over the past few years. Kriff, she wasn't sure whether she was even in a state of stability sometimes. It had only been a short time since she'd found her way back… the nightmares still haunted her sleep. Once the last of the dirt had been cleaned from his skin, she hummed gently, she wanted to hold him, assure him everything was going to be alright, that he was safe now… but there was more that needed to be done, and she didn't even know if he remembered- or wanted the same closeness they'd had before, however brief. It was not appropriate. Not here, not now. Perhaps never again. Either way she would not allow this feeling to jeopardise her tasks. She opened the medal kit, preparing the bacta shot and patches.

"This may hurt, my Lord, forgive me." She spoke softly, "It should stop the infection." With a quick motion, she pressed the end of the syringe into his neck near the vein. He let out a cry and jerked back from her, the expression of shock and betrayal on his face was heartbreaking. She squeezed his hand that he had not yet pulled away. She met his eyes and after a moment he seemed to focus, remember what she'd said, let the meanings of the words permeate what she could only imagine was a haze in his mind. She'd felt similarly when Hondo had dragged her onto his own ship. He reached up at the same time, and as her hand grasped the depressor, his large hand laid over hers. She ensured it had fully dispersed the bacta before pulling it away. He winced but remained silent.

"You're doing so well." She whispered, reaching around him to apply the bacta patch. His eyes widened as he gazed at her. She made sure to be as gentle as she could, even when she wrapped the bandage around him to keep the patch secure. "You're the perfect patient, sire." She smiled as she secured the bandage. He stared at her, not having spoken for almost the whole time they'd been on the ship. She now had to decide where to go. Kamino would be her first choice, but asking him to agree to partake in such an involved procedure, especially when he was not of sound mind… it was not an option. It would be taking advantage of him and robbing him of his right to choice. No, she would have to ensure he was fully aware of her suggestion before bringing him to Kamino. That left one choice. The only person she knew and could think of that could help with this.

Mother Talzin. Once, Zaiya would not have hesitated to bring the Prince home to his family, proudly accomplishing what she had set out to do all those years ago. Yet… something did not sit well in her chest. Anxiety swarmed around her. She no longer trusted her mentor.

The Zabrak drew her attention when he shifted, and she realised she still had her hands on his shoulders. She released him quickly.

"Apologies, my Lord." She whispered. He made a sound akin to a whimper.

"You…" he began in a rasp, "...are…?" He looked down, as if searching for something. "Are… upset?" He tried, before looking back at her hesitantly. She blinked in confusion.

"Upset? Why would I be…?" She trailed off as he shifted.

"I can… feel…" Of course, he could sense it through the force.

"Oh… no, no sire not upset." She assured. Her hand rested on his once more and he grasped it in both of his own. His yellow eyes lowered to her tattooed skin of her fingers. Did he think she was upset with him? "I was just thinking about how I can keep you safe." He looked back up slowly.

"Safe?"

"Of course, I said I would protect you, didn't I?" She smiled gently. She drew closer, her free hand shifting to the back of his head, her forehead tipped and pressed to his own, gently. "I promised." She felt his hand rest gingerly on her hair, the softest of sighs escaped him.

"Yes…" He whispered, sounding more focused than he had the entire time she;d been in his presence. "You fulfilled your promise, Zaiya."


Notes:

SHE DID IT! She found him! And what's this?! It's before the Clone Wars events?! Whaaaaat? What will it change?

But, we are now at a point where sadly, I have to go back to one chapter a week for a while (yes this post was a day late, sorry about that). I am still ahead enough that I can post regularly though, not to worry!

What is coming up? Let's see, next week, in 'Lost - Part 1' Zaiya brings Maul back to Dathomir! Will Talzin give him robo-legs and mess with his head? Will Savage and Feral be there? Well we shall see... but I will tell you that there is a word that has been absent in her vocabulary for quite a while. There is something she hasn't be able to say... and finally, finally... she might be able to say it again.

The Q&A Special will be going up tomorrow I think, I answer some questions... and there is some fanart! My first ever fanart!

If you have any questions for me, send them in asap and I shall include them!

As always I love you, your comments, please please keep them coming. It really makes my week to see your comments when I wakeup and check my phone. It's cliche but you guys really are the ones to keep me going! I wouldn't have gotten to 50 chapters without you!

I'll see you next week!