Brothers - Part 1
"Are you ready, my Prince?" Zaiya asked, a cloak in her left hand. Both of them were dressed for travel today, though his robes had been fashioned from the Nightsister clothes, a loose fit pair of black pants and wrapped shirt, she hoped to get him something a little more suitable at some point, but for now it would do. She did not enjoy walking through the village when the other sisters were about, with the looks they received. Sheena's leering and Ulsi's snide glares. She knew they wanted to try something, they always did. Never had they let the past go, and from what Zaiya had seen, they blamed her for any misfortune that befell them. She was a black mark on the clan. A corcitura was little more than a curse. She knew they were just waiting for their chance.
"I am ready, Lady Valessa." Maul replied, he was speaking very coherently now, though he still had a long way to go before he was fully healed.
"You don't have to call me that, sire." Zaiya responded with, running her hand over her braid in embarrassment.
"What would you have me call you?" He asked, knowing that especially on Dathomir, he could not refer to her simply by her name.
"Well… am I still your apprentice?" She asked. He thought about it, though his eyes were not fully focused. It seemed to not be one of his better days.
"Hmm… no…" He muttered. "You are…" He didn't seem sure what she was, so she decided to assist.
"I will be whatever you wish of me, sire. Your bodyguard, your assistant, second in command, your lieutenant-" She rattled off titles and at the last one he raised a hand.
"Lieutenant… I like that one." He muttered. "Lieutenant Valessa… it sounds as though I am in command of an army." His smirk grew as he adjusted his cloak, his metal feet tapping on the stone as he approached the door. He pulled the curtain aside. "After you." It was awfully polite, though she knew he had to take a more subservient role for now, in case any of the sisters were watching. Still, it sent a tingle of warmth through her as she stepped through, her soft expression faded and she threw her hood up over her head.
"Perhaps one day you shall have one." She replied with a smirk of her own. He pulled his own hood up and kept a step behind her as they walked. They had to keep up appearances for the Nightsisters, she didn't have the energy to deal with their questions or remarks. Less and less Dathomir felt like home. Now it was just a place to return to when she had nowhere else to go. It was good when she got time to see her ma'tri however.
Zaiya had little chance to speak to her, as she rarely wished to leave Maul out of her sight, his condition was improving, but even so, he looked like a cornered tooka most of the time, eyes darting every which way. In truth she wished to hold his hand, provide him the support he needed in her touch, but didn't wish for him to feel coddled or have his image suffer for her own desires. So for now she kept her head high and squared her shoulders, she'd learned from watching the other sisters, and the bounty hunters she had worked with how to carry herself with authority. It must have been why the ploy on Kamino worked so well… at least at first.
Eyes were on her as she walked, the crimson of her robes fluttered as she crossed the main square. She felt more tension in the air than normal, and her fingers flexed, straining the fabric of her gloves. A storm was brewing, she could just feel it. Today was special, not just for her. Today they were going to finally reunite Maul with his brothers.
"Le'mita wakayaja!" Zaiya heard her mother's voice as soon as they drew close to a familiar home.
"Ma'tri." Zaiya's lips curled into a smile. Tailli went to her daughter and swooped an arm behind her at once to rest on the back of her head, both women's foreheads pressed together. Once she had thought this was a sign of her clan, though she had not seen the other Sisters do so, she had learned from Adaji it was known as a Keldabe Kiss by Mandalorians… was this, from her father? Tailli ushered Zaiya and Maul inside so they could speak privately.
"You finally did it…" Tailli whispered, her eyes on the male as he stepped inside the small home. "She found you." Maul said nothing for now, eyeing the other Nightsister with an unsure gaze.
"You remember my mother, don't you, sire?" Zaiya asked as she turned to face him. Maul's golden eyes narrowed, after a moment he nodded, albeit hesitantly. He seemed to remember some of it, though as she recalled, Tailli was hesitant to interact with him… was it perhaps out of fear of Talzin?
"It's good to see you again, child." Tailli smiled warmly at the male zabrak. "My daughter never gave up on you." Zaiya glanced away for a moment.
"I… did what I had to do." She shrugged. Tailli chuckled.
"You are so like your father." Zaiya's head snapped up and she felt Maul looking at her.
"I… I've heard that before." She admitted and Tailli's face changed into one of bewilderment.
"What do you…?"
"I met a Mandalorian in my travels, different to the one from before. This one's name is Jango Fett." She spoke in a whisper, and Tailli's eyes widened in shock.
"You-?" She gasped. "He's alive?"
"Jango is, and he is my father's younger cousin." Zaiya smiled warmly, glancing down as she recalled the memory of what Jango had told her. "He told me Temuss was a great warrior."
"He… he was." Tailli breathed.
"Why can't you talk about him?" Zaiya asked, a frown crossing her features.
"I…" The older nightsister glanced around nervously, her voice a whisper. "For the same reason you embarked on your journey." She gestured to Maul and Zaiya had a moment of realisation. Her mother was protecting her. All this time… Tailli burned within to tell her daughter… but couldn't for the sake of risking her safety? What was the danger? Was it from the other Sisters? Was there some secret she mustn't know?
"It seems I do take after you." She managed after a long silence. Tailli's eyes began to well up with tears.
"That's the kindest thing you could ever give me, hi'ja." She whispered, hands reaching out to grasp her daughter's arms. Zaiya instantly felt uncomfortable and shifted from foot to foot, a tightness formed in her chest and she felt tears prickle at her eyes. She blinked them away before they could form and cleared her throat.
"Hm, yes, well…" She tried, but Tailla placed her hand at the back of her head and pressed her forehead to Zaiya's once more. "This is… from him isn't it?" She asked in a whisper. "I always thought it was from the clan but…" Tailli smiled and nodded against her daughter.
"It's your father." The older woman sighed with a nod. "That's… all I can tell you, perhaps one day… I will be able to tell you more."
"I… I think I understand, ma'tri." Zaiya replied with a quiet sigh. Tailli took the moment to sit them both down and talk a little, though Maul said next to nothing, just watching them interact. Zaiya couldn't tell if he was listening or if he was bored, but his gaze was attentive everytime she looked at him.
"No matter the laws of the clan…" Tailli began, and reached out to lay a hand over his own as it lay on the table. The male zabrak tensed immediately. "You will never have to worry with Zaiya by your side." She told him. Zaiya herself cleared her throat and squirmed in her seat.
"Mother, you don't need to-"
"I know." Was all he said. Zaiya felt her face heat up.
They didn't linger long. Zaiya's visits with her mother were always short, especially when she knew that there were eyes on her every time she left the temple. It was even more nerve-wracking with Maul with her. She had to be mindful. The less time he spent around the Sisters the better. Though… if Talzin chose to step in… she didn't know what she would be able to do. She felt conflicted, Mother Talzin had taught her everything about her power, and had indeed allowed her to venture out into the galaxy to find him. She'd always been supportive… hadn't she? Yet… she lied. Everything felt… off. Like there was something there she was missing. Something she wasn't able to put her finger on that wasn't quite right.
She shook the thought off. There were more important things right now. She had to admit she was excited, she had to wonder what Savage and Feral would think. She hoped they remembered the bonds of childhood. Their promises and their time together. Savage had been the big brother for so long… what would he be like to have an older brother to look up to now? She tried to still her thoughts, calm herself once more, keeping her head as clear as she could, lest Maul sense her nerves. He was not yet fully himself yet, so she did not wish to make it seem as though there was any danger. She would be his rock amongst the raging storm that was his emotions. She could do that for him.
The speeder trip across the planet was relatively quick, Maul settled behind his Lieutenant as he had now chosen to call. It suited her, she was indeed a brilliant warrior, and it gave him hopes that perhaps he would indeed command an army some day. Perhaps an army that would be able to rival his former Master's power. His hands gripped at her waist a little tighter, but he didn't notice.
The mountain village was as he remembered it, the same tall walls, old buildings, winding paths and bridges between buildings. He saw the Brothers on guard at the edges of the village, a cry going up as they approached. But the Nightsister did not drive in through the main gate, she stopped the speeder just outside it and slid off, offering her hand. He brushed it away, he didn't need her help.
"It looks the same…" He muttered, his golden eyes narrowing under his hood. He began to walk forward, his metal feet tapping the ground heavily, exploring the area and looking it over, a sense of nostalgia flooded him. Several of the Nightbrothers appeared, hesitant, unsure, weapons in hand as they regarded the two cloaked figures.
"Zaiya…!" came a cry and Maul's eyes flicked upwards. At the top of the pathway were a group of zabraks, in various colours of orange and yellow. Two of them… he recognised. The Sith warrior froze as they came closer. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw her lower her hood, a smile brighter than stars on her face as the group approached, the two at the forefront almost running to her. The smaller, more golden coloured one almost leapt into her arms and he felt himself tense, his fists clenched and his chest felt tight.
"You're back! You came back!" He beamed, holding onto her while she let out a soft laugh. Maul… liked that sound, he had not heard her laugh like that before.
"Of course I did!" She beamed, "And… I have brought someone to see you." Maul looked at her as she gestured to him, the Brother finally turned to look at him, the slightly lighter coloured Zabrak had stood and stared the moment he had gotten close. He pulled back his hood and instantly was on edge from the whispers he heard, he tensed, but at the touch of her hand on his arm, he fought the instinct to prepare for a fight. He didn't like this but held his ground.
"I'shuree lori…" The brighter one gasped. Maul's golden eyes shifted, recognition finally sinking in.
"Savage…?" He whispered, then looked to the other Nightbrother between himself and Zaiya. "...Feral?"
The two of them stared in shock, all three looking back and forth in a stunned silence until Savage swooped in and embraced his eldest sibling.
"Brother…!" He laughed. Maul froze under the contact, but after a moment and he was sure that Savage was not going to attack or hurt him, he began to relax. He looked alarmed, eyes widening as a cheer went up around the village. They were cheering… for him?
"I can't believe it…" Feral gasped as Savage stepped back.
"Oh? You doubted me?" Zaiya interrupted with another wide grin. This was… the happiest he had ever seen her. It was unguarded… He tried to ignore the voice that asked why she never smiled like that for him. No, she did smile, it was just a little different, it was a warmer softer smile, but this was… something else.
"N-no nothing like that-!" Feral stammered, waving his hands, "I just meant… It's hard to believe it's finally happened!" He looked between Maul and Zaiya looking like he might weep. Maul didn't know what to do. No one celebrated his arrival anywhere, no one was this pleased to see him. He regarded Savage and Feral with mild suspicion, they were… truly so happy to see him? He looked them over, more memories resurfacing.
"...still look like a yellow grub…" He muttered under his breath. Suddenly Zaiya was leaning on him and trembling slightly. He was alarmed, seeing her hand covering her mouth, and it was only when he heard her laughing that he realised she was alright. Apparently his comment proved too much and she was gasping for air between bouts of body-shaking laughter. She said something unintelligible, the only thing he understood was 'grubs…!' Savage approached him with a shake of his head, looking between the two.
"It's been so long since I have seen her laugh like that." he muttered. Maul remained silent, half-wondering if he'd broken her. "Come, brother." he gestured to the crimson brother as Feral petted Zaiya's shoulder, chuckling to himself. He led Maul through to the area that he and Feral called home. The Nightbrothers were very communal, and Maul recalled the room where all the sleeping mats lay, and the brothers would usually sleep in a pile on the floor for the most part. He remembered even before the Nightbrother Village, when he would sleep huddled up with the other boys and his brothers… he never had that since then… he… he missed it. Many of the rooms looked familiar, though he couldn't remember the way around anymore. He also noticed some of the other Nightbrothers following them, lingering at a distance.
"Have you eaten?" Feral asked, looking up at them with bright eyes. Maul shook his head.
"Ask Viscus first." Zaiya reminded him, "I'm not supposed to be here, remember?" She nodded towards the main building where they had shared meals with her before.
"Only you would care about that." Another Nightbrother approached, having caught up with them and fell in step with the group, he turned his head and looked at her with a flat expression. She looked back at the ochre-skinned Zabrak.
"Yeah, I do. What are you gonna do about it, Brutus?" She asked and shot him a smug look.
"Maybe I'll tell Viscus to kick your dumb ass out." Maul felt himself tense, but Zaiya just laughed.
"But then you would miss me!" She grinned.
"Miss you? A Nightsister?" He scoffed, "I take it back, you're not dumb… you're insane."
"Keep that up and I won't sing for you later." She retorted. The air around the group seeming to grow lighter
"As if I care." He rolled his eyes, but didn't move away from her.
"You say that… but I know better." She gestured to the string of beads in her hair. As Maul recalled, the Sisters had many rituals about their hair, types of styles and braids representing their skills or victories… and the beads and adornments represented loved ones or family. He had noticed the string of glass beads, wire and the feather in her hair before, this… Brutus had given her one? What made him so special? The Nightbrother grumbled and Maul had to wonder how close she was to all of these males. She seemed so… relaxed. Most of the time when she was with him she was far more… reserved. Was it because she was afraid of him? Or because he was her former master? Well… he must still be in a way, if she deferred to him so often. She was… confusing. It didn't make sense. He didn't understand many of the things going on around him at the moment, but he did have the feeling of being safe at least.
"Is scolye still your favourite, brother?" Savage asked as they reached the main door to the eating area. Maul blinked, turning to look at him, he would have been too young to remember, wouldn't he?
"Zaiya told us it was." He supplied, "She made sure we wouldn't forget," He smiled. Maul's golden eyes turned back to the witch as she entered the room behind him.
"I've told you before, Sunder, just call me by my name." She was saying, a darker more orange-skinned zabrak followed her, looking rather concerned.
"I can't do that lae tȃtvalata, you know that." He replied, looking sheepish. Beside him, another yellow skinned zabrak joined them, a laugh escaping him as he rested an arm on the one called Sunder's shoulder.
"Aren't you being such a good boy?" He chuckled.
"Does that mean you're not, Riot?" Zaiya asked, folding her arms and smirking at him.
"I might be." Riot grinned, there was something about this Zabrak that made Maul's brow twitch. "What are you going to do about it?"
"You are just begging for trouble," She laughed and his laugh joined hers. Maul found himself growing irritable and decided to interrupt.
"Lieutenant." Her head snapped to him at once.
"Yes sire." She responded immediately. Maul noticed the way the other Nightbrothers looked to her, then him and felt his chest swell with a strange sense of pride. "You needed to speak with Viscus, did you not?" His tone was firm. This was not the way a Nightsister was spoken to.
"Quite right, sire." She responded, touching her chin and glancing around. She spotted him after a moment and headed that way to speak with the Village Chief. He watched as the zabrak males around unconsciously parted for her, and for all the power she wielded, she answered his command. He felt the eyes of the other on him, but kept his expression neutral. He turned back to his brother.
"It seems she was loyal even in my absence." He muttered.
"She used to call us on the holo and tell us stories." Feral chuckled, joining his brothers. The others made no secret that they were listening. "Last she commed us… you were going to kill Rathtars…"
"She won't tell us what happened, only that the Dark Master found you." Maul tensed. Dark Master could only refer to Sidious. He schooled his expression.
"Yes." He replied with a downward glance. "I had succeeded in killing a Jedi. I had thought I had kept it secret from my Master… but he knew of it. He also discovered that I had taken Lady Zaiya as my apprentice." A scowl crossed his features. "He discovered her after the mission and… he struck her down." There was silence for a moment.
"What did you do?" Feral asked quietly. The question he dreaded. Knowing his failure to act caused her to be nearly killed.
"He did what he had to do." Zaiya interrupted. She stood there with a serious sombre look to her features, her hands behind her back. "He sacrificed a great deal in order to survive." Maul stared at her for a moment, was she covering for his failure to act? Or did she really believe that?
"Then… did he do this to your legs?" Savage wondered aloud.
"No." Maul's face twisted into a scowl. "They were taken from me, by the Jedi… by Obi-Wan Kenobi…" His voice got low and menacing, the cold rage in him grew.
"We will find him, my Lord. And make him pay…" Zaiya soothed, resting a hand on his forearm "But first…" Her own voice lowered, speaking gently to soothe the anger in him. "First we must ensure you have regained your memories, all of them, and returned to your full power…" She paused, "And if you wish it, restore your legs as they were." He felt his rage abating at her touch, though it could not be tempered completely. His hatred still boiled within him, the focus that helped him stay alive. The need for revenge ensured that he survived. Oh. He would have his revenge. His enemy would know agony and pain and suffering as he had.
"Then… you will leave again." Feral stated, his shoulders drooped as he looked at the female. Maul could sense a great attachment from his brother to the woman. The Sith teachings spoke to him, telling him it was a weakness… and yet… he also understood it. She had become important to Feral as she was important to Maul. It sat strangely with him, he should push her away, do things on his own… and yet… he didn't want to let go. It was foolish, and selfish and-
"Not for long." Zaiya explained, and the crimson zabrak felt himself tense as she laid a hand on his youngest brother's cheek. "I don't want to go either, I would take you with me if I could. The place I would go needs me to remain undercover, and would take some time, but it shouldn't be dangerous." Maul could feel the force shift, the emotions from his youngest sibling dipping lower and becoming sad. "Now, now, that's not for a while yet, no need to look so melancholy, sunshine." She smiled, shifting to catch his eyes. "Your family is whole again!" She beamed and Maul felt his hearts stutter slightly at the sight of that bright smile. Savage shifted beside him, his brow furrowing for a moment.
"Our family. You know that… you're part of our family too, right?" He asked slowly, as though he were suspicious.
"Hm?" She tilted her head, "Oh, sure, of course." But her tone was dismissive, as though she didn't believe it. "Come, tell us about everything that has been happening." She gestured to the area beyond where the fire pit was, and the group began to make their way over to take a seat.
Notes:
Hello lovelies! Apologies if the chapter seems to be cut short in the middle of a scene... well that's because it is. I had to cut this one differently or else either this or the next chapter would be ridiculously short. Also if you noticed me posting at a different time, that's because I have irl adulting things to deal with tomorrow so... fun.
I hope you enjoyed that chapter. The boys are cute and Maul is confused but I think there is much sweetness here. I think its deserved. Next week we shall see the boys interact some more but there is still a little ways yet before we reach the next stage in their journey.
As always I love feedback, please please let me know what you think, I adore any and all comments. Once more, thank you for reading, I appreciate you immensely. I hope you are all well. Thank you! 3
