Ritual - Part 1

It seemed after the shock wore off, the Nightbrothers were actually rather pleased to see one of their tormentors destroyed. Especially that one. It seemed Sheena had not been vindictive to just Zaiya. The village even wanted to celebrate and she could hardly deny them. She didn't want to admit that she'd let Sheena knock her around a little too much and she felt a little lightheaded. Nothing some rest wouldn't fix, but still. Brutus was still angry, though she suspected more at himself than at her, and in order to assuage whatever guilt was eating him, she kept her distance. Feral was kind enough to show her a place where she could wash up, a fresh tub of water, she had to assume it was from a well somewhere. She laid her gloves to one side and began to wash her hands and face from the blood left smeared on it. Her own blood added to the red staining on the cloth as she swiped it across her face, neck and the leathers across her chest. She would need to thoroughly wash her clothing when she returned.

She scrubbed rather roughly, ignoring the sting of her wounds, then even harder on her hands. Almost as if she were trying to scrub the tattoos from her skin. She had to get them clean… the water was already tinged red.

"You had her under your control." The Nightsister's head jerked up as she froze like an ash-rabbit caught in the sight of a hunter. Maul's brow furrowed. He was looking at her hands. She pushed the feelings down.

"I did. You taught me to weaken my opponent and keep control of the battle, plan for the different possibilities." She swallowed and reached quickly for the rag Feral had left for her to dry herself off.

"Did I teach you that?" his brow quirked upwards.

"Yes, sire. I watched how you fought, the way you would lead your opponent. I used what I could to defeat her." She quickly dried her hands and reached for the gloves at her side.

"You even wear the gloves to bed," he stated. She paused, her hand half in the first glove. He approached and grasped her uncovered hand in his. "Do they disgust you that much?"

"...yes." Her voice was a whisper.

"Why?" It was not accusatory or condescending, just a curious question.

"You've… seen what they can do." She felt tense, his bare hand touching hers felt too intimate. She was both uncomfortable and yes shivered at the touch. Feeling his skin with her own hands without the barrier that she always wore.

"So what?" he replied. His golden eyes bore into her as she finally met his gaze.

"Not everyone was as guilty as Sheena." Her lips formed a line.

"You've forgotten who you're talking to." His mouth curved up in the corner. "I am Sith, remember? What do I care for the death of others in the pursuit of power?" He… had a point. Though there was a difference… she hadn't wanted to. "Regret is pointless. You killed her. Your power was greater than hers."

"Maybe so… and I cannot say I regret this," she admitted, "I would do it again if I had to but, not all the blood on these hands is guilty, I know what kind of monster I am. They can only destroy." She glared hard at her hand but he grasped her hand and brought it to the side of his face, cupping his cheek. His eyes burned into hers and she suddenly felt very warm.

"Not only made to destroy, Lady Siren… These hands pulled me from despair did they not?" he asked, his voice low.

"I… I suppose they did, yes."

"Then these hands are mine." He turned his head and rested his mouth against her palm. She felt her chest tighten. "Wear gloves if you must for the others, but not for me."

"I… I don't…" Did he understand what he was asking? How difficult it was for her to do even this? How could these hands be worthy to touch him? His golden eyes searched hers and seemed to see into her like no one else.

"I don't understand why you care. You aren't some pious, hypocritical Jedi. What does it matter? What do any of them matter?" He swept a hand towards the direction of the village. Did he mean… the Nightbrothers?

"Our family?" she asked hesitantly. He lowered her hands from his face but gripped it a little tighter, not allowing her to pull away.

"Is that really why you did this? You wanted to protect those weak men for their sake? Or is it your guilty conscience? That you wanted revenge?" he snarled. "You wanted to hurt her… You wanted to kill her- admit it!"

"I did!" Zaiya replied, anger surging in her once more. "I wanted to tear her apart! I wanted to make her and her pathetic partner pay for every inch they took! I wanted to make them suffer for everything they did!"

"That's it!" he hissed, "that's the fire… that's the rage within you, do not hide it, Zaiya…!" His own eyes blazed back at her, his lips curling into a sinister grin. The rush she felt had her breath coming a little quicker. "The weak and pathetic might call you a monster, but they do not know the true price of power. But you. You are willing to do what must be done. The galaxy is cruel, so do not let them have an inch… burn them with that brilliant fire." Something resonated in her as she looked at him, he had seen… and true, she had always been violent, trained to fight. It all felt so complicated. Was it really alright to let it out now? So long she had held to the mantra. To give nothing. Was it finally safe? She gazed into his eyes as he looked at her, his eyes that liquid gold that she adored. He liked to see her like that? Zaiya realised that his words were not just for her, he had so much taken from him too, so much he wished to do… so much to burn.

"Then it will burn. Until all that is left is ash." she vowed, wishing to take his enemies from his path, so that he and her family would be safe. She didn't get the chance to speak before his mouth slanted on hers. Not rough, as their first kiss had been, but this was no less impassioned. One hand gripped the back of her head and pulled her close.


Seeing her best the other Sister, not only killing her, but outwitting her, controlling the battle and utterly destroying her. Zaiya's mind was brilliant and he could not have done better himself. The illusion, the way she had let everything go, all the stiff and stunted movements when she was guarding herself melted away… She was in her element. A force of destruction.

He felt his chest tighten when he had seen her hurt, and it took all of his control, not to step in. Savage had clearly felt the same, both he and Feral wanted to jump in, held back by the others. The worst moment by far had been when Sheena had impaled the illusion version of Zaiya. For a moment he had felt fear grip him… until he recognised her eyes and knew it wasn't her. But the illusion was so powerful, so real that even he had been fooled for a moment. The powerful emotion had been too hard to shake, and he was forced to relive the moment he lost her once before and he never wanted to feel like that again.

Her mouth was warmer than the rest of her, her lips were full and soft, parted against his own, her teeth nipped at his lower lip and he felt tension through his whole body. She tasted of the blood from her wounds but he didn't care. His hands clung to her tightly, the one not wrapped in her hair grasped her hands and urged her to touch him. Maul was ravenous. So long without any form of contact had him craving the way her hands slid up his torso. Aching for the way her mouth slanted against his… oh how he had missed this. He lifted her up with him as he turned and pinned her between himself and the wall of the closest building. His fingers dug into her hips, pulling her against him roughly, pressing her body to his and slid his leg between hers, and bringing his thigh to the apex of hers and revelled in the gasp from her sweet lips.

"Only I can do this to you…" He hissed against her neck as he trailed kisses down to her collarbone.

"Only… only you…" She whimpered and his stomach tightened at the soft breathy tone to her voice. "Only ever you…" He was about to lose control. How was he supposed to resist her? When she gasped like that, whispered to him in that voice. Once he'd promised to make her his… he needed to… now. He didn't care that they were outside, that the air was cold and that the other Nightbrothers were on the other side of the building. He just cared about her right now. More memories in his mind had rushed to the forefront of his mind, reminding him of his promises, the emotions he had so often pushed aside. He was passion, he was fire… And she was his. His Lieutenant, his Siren, his friend, his mate… his Zaiya.

It was only when her hands slid to his waist and stuttered there that he remembered. He couldn't. He couldn't do what he wished to with her. He wasn't… complete. Maul pulled back, his hands gripping her upper arms and his teeth grit.

"You said… there might be a way to restore my body." he began, anger rising in him. He felt… wrong. Broken. More than he realised had been taken from him… He could not even give in to his most basic of desires.

"Yes… It will require time. There is a cloning facility on Kamino." She began, it seemed she had come to the same realisation, the heady passion fading in her eyes. He hated to see it, that he couldn't please her as she deserved. As they both needed. Her gaze became a little sad and he grit his teeth.

"Don't you pity me…!" He snarled and he regretted it at once as all emotion fell from her face. He remembered her expressions being so vibrant, and… fun. He had so enjoyed her gasps, pouts and flustered expressions… now she seemed to be able to hide them. Hide those sweet expressions from him. Whatever had happened to her had changed her so severely that he could not seem to reach her like he could before. What had happened? What had the universe done to her?

"I don't pity you, sire… I just… it's…" She lowered her gaze and let out a shaky breath, pulling away before starting to speak again. He let out a frustrated grunt and slammed his hand against the wall beside her that stopped her from saying anything however. She jumped. Barely noticeable but she had frozen still and her eyes closed. Was she… afraid? His brow furrowed, since when had something like that bothered her? A moment later she opened her eyes, devoid of emotion in her face. He couldn't stand it.

"...Brother…?" Maul turned and noticed Savage standing there, looking a little confused, his expression was easy to read, he was worried, and maybe a little frightened. His eyes darted between the two and Maul frowned; why did he look at them like that?

"I will ensure that we can go to Kamino as soon as possible, and we can discuss the details later, my Lord." Zaiya responded, her expression calm and even a smile on her lips. She seemed recovered from whatever had bothered her. With a nod she passed him and walked towards Savage with a small smile. Maul was left a little confused and watched her walk away. Was it really because he struck the wall? Since when had she been so startled by such things? He felt his hearts ache. He hated the way her face changed like that. The way it became so blank. He was missing a piece here. He would have to ask Savage and Feral what he knew. It was then however that he saw it. The look that crossed his brother's face as Zaiya reached his side and laid her hand against his arm. His brother's face softened, his eyes looked at her with such gentleness. A smile curved his lips and he reached out to lay his hand on hers. Maul didn't know what this emotion was, what it was called. All he did know was that it hurt. His hearts felt like they were being crushed. It was a little harder to breathe. Anger gripped him and he wanted to attack his own brother. He didn't like the way Savage touched her. He shouldn't touch her! He shouldn't be so close to her! Before he could stop himself he strode over and grasped her arm.

"Come, Lieutenant, I believe we have a celebration to attend." he spoke curtly. Zaiya looked between the two and nodded.

"Yes, sire, Savage had come to fetch us." she nodded with a small smile. It wasn't the same as the smiles she had shown him before however. He needed to talk to his brother about this. He flashed Savage a look and the younger sibling followed dutifully.


The 'party' lasted a while, and Zaiya was shocked to be celebrated by the clan. Viscus proclaimed Zaiya to be officially dubbed a Dawnsister. She was worried, it was one duel. Yes she had intended to protect Brutus and her brothers… but also… she had indeed been waiting for the chance. This celebration felt… wrong. Like she was in the place of someone more deserving. Maul was right, she was selfish in her desires, in her want for revenge. He made it sound like it was not such a terrible thing… that she deserved to take revenge. That Sheena and Ulsi got what they deserved. Perhaps they did. But… Did she deserve such a welcoming and warm celebration? They seemed to see her as some hero. She wasn't. She could never be. She was just an impostor.

They cheered her, offered her some of the fermented 'beer' they had made out of one of the roots of a local plant. It wasn't bad, but very bitter. She enjoyed the afternoon festivities, but she could not stay late… moreover… she had to face the rest of her clan. And Mother Talzin with what she had done. It was within the Dolji'im… but the Sisters would not be celebrating. They would be in mourning. By all rights, Zaiya should be there too. Though… there would be no wicakini pod for Sheena or Ulsi. Their souls would not walk the path of the nexus and become as the ichor that powered the Nightsister's magic, nor would their bodies be given the honour to rise from the dead in aid of protecting the clan. They were lost to the Void. The nothingness where they would become nothing themselves. For that, Zaiya would have to answer. Harming a Nightbrother would not be enough of an excuse. The Nightbrothers were barely people to the Sisters. Zaiya had been reckless.


She was quiet through most of their time in the Nightbrother village. Something not missed by the six Nightbrothers closest to the witch.

"Do you think she regrets it?" Sunder whispered, leaning over to Feral, most of the boys wounds were healing, though mostly scrapes and bruises, Zaiya's magick had done wonders on all of them.

"Maybe she is in shock?" Riot whispered. Savage looked back at her. She had been nursing the same drink for nearly an hour, and staring into the fire. It wasn't dazed, it was calculated, knowing, she was thinking. Was she thinking about Maul? He'd seen the way the two of them were so close. True she had always spoken highly of his brother… but was she…? Were they that close? Why did it hurt so much? Then again, he wasn't sure what he'd seen, it looked like Maul had threatened her. For a moment she had looked afraid. Of all the people to be a threat to Zaiya, ashamedly he had not considered his brother to be one of them. He must have changed a great deal to make her look like that.

"She killed another Sister… what if they kill her in response?" Feral whispered and the group stilled, they looked at each other then at her. Savage shook his head.

"No, she said she was within their rules… and Mother Talzin was going to make her… whatever that word was. She is important." He didn't know if he was trying to convince them or himself. She couldn't be hurt now… not more than she had been already.

"Brother." Savage glanced up to see Maul standing over him, with a gesture of his head indicating he should follow. The middle brother stood to follow, curious to know more and hear what the crimson zabrak had to say.

"What is it, brother?" Savage asked, as they stepped away from the fire. He could feel Feral's eyes on them.

"Something happened to her…" Maul began with no preamble. "What was it?"

"You mean… when she was missing?" Savage asked with a hesitant tone. Maul's brow furrowed.

"Last I saw, she had been struck down by…"

"The Dark Master?"

"Do not speak of him!" The former Sith hissed. Though, after a moment he calmed. "...yes. What happened to her…?"

"She disappeared, for years, we didn't hear from her or receive any transmissions, then… several months ago… she just appeared. Her eye like that and looked like a gust of wind would blow her over. I could count her ribs!" he exclaimed in revulsion. There was a pain in his eyes and he looked down, horrified to recall her appearance. "All she said was she was taken by people that treated her like the Nightsisters treated us… She has never said anything else." He shook his head, and Maul's lips formed a grim line, but then he recalled something important and his voice dropped to a whisper. "Never call her an angel or use that word." His eyes wide in warning, his older brother frowned and tilted his head slightly. "I said it once and…" His gaze dropped, remembering the very agonising reaction. "I never want to see her like that again." His blue eyes met Maul's yellow and held them in a serious moment. "Whoever they were… they hurt her, brother. Promise me you won't let that happen to her again, after everything she has done for us…" Maul however, frowned. Savage was not sure what he was thinking, but he hoped his brother was going to listen. The both of them were so different now, was Maul still the boy that cared about her so much?

"I see… and she gave no other name or indication?" he asked, glancing back over his shoulder to where Zaiya sat, still watching the fire.

"No, and believe me, I want to know too." His gaze darkened and he followed his brother's look to where the Nightsister sat. "But I don't think pushing her is wise, she just seems to want to forget."

"Sometimes… the past is not worth remembering." Maul muttered, glancing out across the gathered zabrak. "Other times… it is the fuel needed to push forward…" Savage was unsure whether it meant Maul intended to confront Zaiya about her time away or whether he would let it be. He just prayed the crimson zabrak wouldn't hurt her. Maul seemed to sense his questions, and as he turned back to his brother, he nodded solemnly. "I will not fail her again." He whispered, though it seemed to be mostly to himself. It seemed her wellbeing was at least on his mind. He couldn't be sure on what Maul was thinking however.

It was then that they were distracted when Zaiya stood and drained the last of her glass. The group around her went quiet, and she placed her cup down on a nearby surface delicately. No longer did her expression convey a sense of loss, instead she had a fire in her gaze. Similar to the one she had shown before the duel itself. Her hands clasped behind her back as she turned to face Maul.

"I believe it is time to return." She stated firmly. Maul's mouth became a firm line for a moment as he regarded her, then nodded. With that, she turned back to the group and regarded them with a gentle expression. "I feel our time here is coming to an end… at least for now," she spoke seriously.

"You're leaving already?" Feral asked, standing. "Leaving Dathomir?"

"I am afraid so. Mother Talzin has a ritual for us and once we have completed it, I believe my- that Maul will be well enough to take part in the next stage of the healing process." she explained, "I will be contactable of course… but it will be difficult for us to return here for a while," she admitted. Feral's gaze became sad and dropped low. "I would not leave you if I did not have to," the white haired woman explained, her posture relaxed a little and she reached out a hand to touch Feral's arm. She murmured something Savage couldn't hear and Feral shot into her arms, hugging her tight enough to startle the Nightsister, her eyes wide. After a moment, she laid her arms around him and patted his back gently. The look on her face was clear that she was remorseful about having to leave them. Savage stepped forward when Feral stepped back and swept her up in another hug.

"You have no idea how much I'll miss you." He whispered in her ear, Zaiya looked up at him and she smiled at him, her eyes glittering. The butter-coloured zabrak felt his heart flutter, she looked so beautiful.

"I'll miss you too." She replied with a small smile. Savage let her stay in his arms for a moment and he felt how small and soft she was. He was going to miss her, he wanted her to stay. He wanted to go with her. With his brothers. It just wasn't enough time. He wanted more time with her, with his family.

"You promise to come back…?"

"Of course." she nodded, determined. "You have my comm?"

"Yes," he replied and stepped back.

"Then call us anytime, and when we return, things will be different. I promise." Savage nodded, he wanted to go with them, though he knew that it was not able to happen. She embraced the others, even Brutus didn't complain… much. Savage's hearts were heavy as he watched them go, he didn't want this… but what could he do? He had no power against the sisters… at least not yet.


Notes:

Hey everyone, my chapter is late today and I don't talk much about myself but I will mention a few things. I am currently starting court proceedings (again) against my ex, I am organising a move, I am seeing multiple health professionals regarding my mental health, I am not doing well financially either and all of the above cost a lot of money. I'm scared and I am stressed but I will say that this story has kept me going. It really has. So have your comments and feedback it's really amazing. I appreciate you all so much and I am sorry if I don't reply to the comments straight away, I do read them and I love them. Thank you.

That being said, I discovered that on the 10th of Feburary will be Prince of Dathomir's anniversarry of when I began writing. That date is significant to me for multiple reasons. It used to be the date of my and my (aforementioned) ex's anniversary. That date used to hurt. Now however, I've taken it back. This date is mine. Toward the end of Februrary is the publish anniversary so for that, I was thinking of something special I could do, maybe a little spin off scenario? What do you think? Let me know in the comments. Anyway that's far more about my life than I like to usually admit but there you go, if chapters are a little late that is why, but I am keen to keep going.

As for this chapter, was a little sweet, wasn't it? A bit cute, a teeny bit spicy. What did you all think?

Same as always, I love the comments and feedback, I love it so much, you have no idea. Next week we will see exactly what this ritual entails! I look forward to it! I hope to see you guys next week!