Successor - Part 1

Zayia had been hoping to leave immediately, there were many things she wished to do, and she had planned to leave that morning for Kamino, as she had told Savage and Mother Talzin separately. It seemed however that the Nightsisters as a whole had other plans.

That morning as they headed out to the main village to check on the ship, The Nightsisters had come out to greet her. Initially she had stopped in place, her expression muted, expecting ridicule from them, jeers or even an attack from them in retaliation for killing Sheena… instead the women were offering her… gifts? She stared at them like they were speaking some other tongue she didn't know. It was not often she was utterly dumbfounded, but this was one of those times.

"What?" she asked bluntly at the Sister before her. She'd heard them, but it bore repeating.

"I… It's a talisman, for-"

"I know what it is…" Zaiya replied, her tone flat. She'd seen them before. Little people-shaped bundles wrapped with twine or fibre or something similar, sometimes with small items wrapped inside the bindings. Each colour and item represented a different message. She was currently looking at a little doll-like shape, no bigger than the palm of the sister that held it. It was wrapped in red strips of fabric, representing the clan. Twine dyed black represented duty and the gold wire represented loyalty. They were… offering fealty to her. Her short answer didn't deter the three Nightsisters beforehand, and she could feel Maul watching the interaction, no doubt he would have questions.

"We each bound part of the twine and made it together after Mother Talzin announced her decision." Ah, so that's what it was. They pushed the item into her gloved hands and touched the crook of their index fingers to their foreheads, then to their lips and made a sweeping hand gesture toward her before departing so that Maul and Zaiya could continue in order to get something to eat. Zaiya stifled a groan and rubbed her temples irritably.

"What is it?" Maul asked, his voice low as they walked forward.

"Talzin announced my new rank to the others… it seems they are offering me support already," she muttered dryly.

"So they will follow you?" he queried.

"For now… whether it will hold however… remains to be seen."


The day continued on, various Sisters offered little tokens of similar make and all Maul could see it achieving was a growing irritation from Zaiya. She didn't seem impressed at all, from what he could tell, this was the first peace offering the clan had presented to her and she seemed to find it disagreeable. She was invited to go hunting and Maul himself was actually spoken to, rather than ignored like most of the other Shi'kaa. It wasn't much but it may as well have been praises in comparison. Clearly they had seen the shift in power, heard what Zaiya had done and how she was rewarded for it, not punished. Suddenly every Sister in the clan wanted to be on her side and grabbed for the power she would hold. Zaiya - in her usual demeanour was unmoved, quiet and watched with calculating eyes. He wondered if she could see more than he could determine with her green eye. Nexus Eye, she'd called it. Was there something other than the lights she'd spoken of that she could see?

What became apparent was that they were to be delayed in their departure, the Sisters, suddenly acting like they were her friends for life, insisted she stay for the celebration they were preparing. It was going to take a few days to fully prepare for whatever reason, and Zaiya - to his surprise - agreed. He'd not had the chance to talk to her, with them being pestered regularly with gifts or other Sisters wanting to speak to her and offer congratulations. One thing he noticed was that they were skirting the topic of Sheena. The Sister that had been there to witness the duel was not one of the ones that approached, but Maul had spotted her, almost cowering whenever Zaiya was within sight.

His Lieutenant seemed to change her demeanour after a while and her smile returned and she engaged a little more with her Sisters. Maul was confused by this, why would she accept this? This was clearly their desire to bribe her with affection and gifts and attention, such kindnesses they had not deemed to grant her before until it was clear she was favoured. This was sickening! How could she stand there and smile and thank them for their paltry and poorly thought gifts!? He felt anger rising up in his chest and his hands clenched and released multiple times while he had to watch this… this… farce! It was ludicrous! He listened to her laugh and chat about something utterly dull to one of the younger Sisters, looking up at his Lieutenant with big admiring eyes. Part of him felt this was right, they should respect her abilities, she should stand over them, and she definitely was more worthy than they were. On the other hand, they only saw her new title, her rank and her power. They didn't recognise her talent and her power before now! How were they worthy Of such laughs and smiles?! Of kind words and casual conversation?! Had she forgotten their wicked indifference? The scorn and misery she suffered? Was this what she expected of him? To forget his own suffering? He could barely believe it. Was she really falling for this? Surely not? Surely she wasn't so foolish. Then he recalled the sadness hidden in her eyes when she had spoken of the Clan, of her own people casting her out. Making her a pariah. Her main tormentor was gone but… was she going to forgive them so easily? Unease spread in his chest, wondering if she was going to accept this role and… if she became the successor to this clan… and accepted the Nightsisters… What did it mean for him?


Another memory.

Maul was walking across the desolate plains of Mustafar, he'd been dropped via a ship so far from the facility. He had been given nothing, not food, no water, just the clothes on his back and a vague direction. It was part of his 'training' when he was still a teenager.

"He just… left you out here…" Zaiya's voice cut through the memory as she walked beside him. It wasn't easy either, he'd already been out there for several days, nothing but his training and his hatred to guide him.

"It was what I had to do," Maul stated firmly, as though it were some simple task like bathing or eating. Not that he'd had the chance to do either of those out here. He remembered feeling hopeless at times, angry that his master would do this to him, determined to prove that he could do this or just focused his mind to keep moving forward. He hadn't had much of an option, it was survive or die out here.

He remembered that it had felt so lonely, so tiring. As he walked, conserving his energy, not another soul on the planet it felt like… Maul began to hum. It was one Zaiya had taught him, though at the time, he'd not remembered where he'd learned it. There was a soft laugh from the woman and he turned to look at her, seeing her smile so brightly, he couldn't help the corner of his lips from twitching upward slightly.

"You remember that old song?" she asked, seeming surprised.

"It was one of the ones that never left my mind during training, it helped me to have something to focus on," he replied nonchalantly, though he felt a little embarrassed. He didn't know why however. He supposed it made him feel less… alone. "This planet is the perfect symbol of my life. Alone. Abandoned, having no one but myself to rely on-" he hissed angrily, but was stopped by the gentle touch of her cool hand.

"Not anymore," she insisted, "I regret that I was not with you before now, but I am here now. I won't let you be alone anymore."

The dark and hot air around them, stifling and heavy, began to shift and fade.


Maul opened his eyes to look at Zaiya, sitting cross-legged opposite him. She took back her hand where it laid in his and swiftly tugged her gloves on. His brow twitched as he found himself wishing she would leave them off. His yellow, bloodshot eyes looked her over, did she mean what she said? Was she really not going to leave his side? He had to wonder what she would do with her new role and title. Would it be superficial? He'd still not had the chance to ask her about why she was so pleasant with the other sisters and it was bothering him. Her expressions weren't easy to read anymore despite the several months he has spent here by her side and delving into these memories. Mostly his. He had only seen a few of her own.

"How do you feel, sire?" she asked, her eyes meeting his own. He was growing used to the sight of her left eye, and for the formal way she addressed him. She rarely said his name and though she had said it - he recalled an embarrassing night several months ago when he had begged her to stay with him… He was glad she was not one to mention it, but questions plagued his mind either way. She deferred to him so easily. It was not the way of a Nightsister, they were not so easily subservient… not to males anyway. He realised then that she was still awaiting his answer and he waved a dismissive hand.

"Fine, there is nothing to concern yourself with, Lieutenant." he replied, purposefully using the title they had agreed upon. She offered a hand as she always did to help him up but he brushed her hand aside, he was in grave trouble if he could not get up off the floor on his own.

"Oh, you have been formally invited and allowed to join in the celebrations," she informed him as she picked up her outer cloak and slipped it on over her long sleeved tunic. "Though it would have been foolish of them to disallow you."

"What exactly is this celebration?" Maul asked with a slight frown. Zaiya made a face, which only made his frown deeper.

"It's to celebrate my new title." He already knew that part but she continued. "There is to be a large feast, all the Sister's are preparing food or offerings to me and the Gods to bless me, the clan, etcetera." She shook her head, looking to the window and down to the village below. "It should be quite the spectacle." Her tone indicated a touch of disdain mixed with amusement and her posture, straight backed, hands behind her back made her look very elegant. She certainly had the grace and carried herself like a perfect leader. After a moment she turned, seeing him stare at her. "What is it?" she asked.

"Your voice has changed from when we were younger," he remarked offhandedly, the thought escaping his mouth before he could stop it. Zaiya regarded him with interest, turning to face him and giving him her full attention.

"I suppose it has. I learned to speak in a more neutral accent for the sake of travelling and disguise, I prefer the sound of this one." It was a soft accent, one he supposed might be at home in the heart of Coruscant's elite. 'Posh' he believed the word was. Far different to the heavier tone she used to speak in, so similar to Mother Talzin's and the Nightsisters.

"What made you choose it?" he asked in curiosity. Her eyes darted away and for a moment she looked rather… sheepish.

"I suppose… because it sounds more like yours…?" she shrugged and it gave him pause. His voice? He supposed it was different to when he left Dathomir the first time, his accent was gone and he spoke a little more 'proper'. His master had hated it when he slurred his speech or minced his words. So he either spoke clearly and 'properly' or not at all. He admitted it was rather freeing to be able to talk without fear of punishment. Most of the time anyway. These Sisters were not one to want to hear him. He found himself enjoying their time together where he could just talk. It didn't happen often where he had much to say… mostly he had spoken of his desire for revenge, his wish to destroy his enemies. She had listened, attentive as she was now. Perhaps part of it was that she enjoyed listening to him speak. How novel. With a smirk he shook his head slightly.

"Well, perhaps we should speak together more often?"

"I would like that very much," she nodded, her lips forming a smile. He didn't say it, but he would enjoy that too.


It seemed that for some of the time in which they were prepping for the ceremony or celebration, whichever it was classed as, Zaiya had to leave Maul's side and was called off for a hunt in the mists of Dathomir for the game which would become their feast the following night. She seemed hesitant to leave him alone and he'd scowled and reminded her he was not a child anymore. She'd apologised but the look on her face was one of concern and he hadn't yet been able to figure out what specifically she was concerned about. It was not as though he needed supervision or to be watched. What was he going to do? He was protected by his relation to Talzin and Zaiya… though he had to admit that fact did bother him. He did not wish to hide behind the skirts of another when he was formidable on his own. He'd had enough of minding his tongue here. He wanted to get to work. He wanted revenge! There had been so much time wasted on that pathetic trash planet. There was so much more he wanted to do. The sooner he was off this misty swamp, the better.

He sat, perched on a stone outside the main village, lost in thought and formulating his plans. He would need power to protect from his former master, he would have to accumulate money probably, that was usually a good asset in which to gain fools to do his bidding. People followed one of three things, money, lust or power. There was occasionally a fourth, in a very minor case, which was purpose. Though it was more often than not a guise for power, and he did not count it. He had some power, which he could use to gain more, and with Zaiya at his side, he was sure he would be able to follow his plans to fruition. But first he had to find Kenobi. Once that wretch of a Jedi paid for his trespasses, then he could begin his plans to power properly. Soon. Soon he would have his revenge and then-

"You're the one Zaiya brought back, aren't you?" A woman's voice interrupted his thoughts and he looked up. It was one of the Sisters, one he didn't recognise.

"Yes." he replied in a hiss.

"We never thought she would ever find you."

"You doubted her ability?" he asked, his tone derisive.

"Everyone did. Most thought Mother Talzin had sent her away to die." This one seemed to be a little more honest than the others.

"Because she was different."

"Well she never shut up about getting you back. None of us understood it." The Sister explained with a shrug.

"Because I was a Nightbrother?" The Sister nodded, she didn't even seem ashamed to admit it. To her the males were tools, much the way women were viewed in other parts of the galaxy, how terribly offended she would be if she ventured out there.

"You must be special other than your distinct colourings." She mused, looking him over. "It can't be your physique…" Maul blinked as the sister looked him up and down. "Did she replace your organs as well? How are you supposed to give her offspring if you don't have-" she waved a hand, "-you know." Suddenly the Sister's eyes widened and her hands went to her throat. They always reached for the throat. His glowing yellow eyes locked with hers, he was not about to sit here and be insulted by some second-rate Nightsister that had not learned respect!

"After what your comrade must have said, you seem more foolish than I thought possible to cause trouble. Did you think I was helpless?" His teeth grit and he was ready to break her into pieces for daring to speak to him like that!

"Maul." His gaze flicked to the tall woman that was the clan mother approaching him. The tone was one of warning and with a roll of his eyes, dropped the Nightsister into the dirt before him. She instantly scrambled away, calling him tawaci nuni. He didn't know what it meant but it didn't sound like a compliment.

"That's why she chose you!" the Sister hoarsed as she picked herself up and backed away. "You're the same as her! Witko tko ke!" she screeched with what voice she had left and hurried off. The same as Zaiya? Did that mean she'd attacked her clan mates in the past? Or merely a reference to the duel? He might have to ask Zaiya herself when she returned. For now he regarded his mother as she reached him.

"It seems your Sisters do not all agree with your choices," he told her quietly, his gaze unwavering.

"Is that so? By upsetting you?" It sounded suspiciously like mocking and Maul stood to his full height, not that it did much with Talzin nearing seven feet tall.

"By insulting myself and your chosen successor. I shall not allow such transgressions against me to stand! I could kill her without raising a hand!" he snarled, his eyes flaring with rage.

"To turn on the Sisters would be unwise, my son." Talzin told him and his lip curled.

"Perhaps, but I shall not stand by while they run their mouths." He knew he could not kill all the Sisters, should more choose to step in and assist their comrade. No wonder Zaiya wished to keep him away from them, he realised with a touch of amusement, it was for their sake, not his own.

"I shall instruct them to be mindful of the Alesu'le Shi'kaa, they will not wish to incur the same wrath as Sheena did," Talzin smirked, "you are strong, hi'jo, and you will do great things and attain even more power. I have foreseen it." She paused there and laid a large hand across his shoulder and ran it slowly across his upper back as she passed him. "Just remember who it was that did this for you and brought you such power." She purred and continued on past him, back to the village. He was left confused, did she mean herself? True she had performed the spell some days ago but… Zaiya was the one that found him, wasn't she? The one that had searched? Or was it his mother that had sent Zaiya in the first place, performed the spells and made her able to find him? His eyes narrowed. Was Zaiya just doing as Mother Talzin bid? Was that why she had her title? He was about to sit back down when he heard a commotion ahead, and noticed several Sisters returning with what looked to be a successful hunt. Zaiya walked proudly in the lead, her head held high and after a moment he became alarmed on realising she had blood on her! He took a step forward instinctively; was she injured? The Sister's that flanked her seemed to notice him and something about his presence had them smiling and laughing, one making a comment in their own tongue. The look that flashed across her face was one of deep anger, so vicious that the offending Sister shrunk back as if burned before Zaiya's expression smoothen into a thin smile. Whatever she said was not something he recognised, though the tone was almost jovial. A few steps closer and Zaiya had them laughing again, and paused by Maul's side, letting the others go on ahead. The two zabraki were silent as they watched the other Sisters go.

"Are you injured?" was the first thing he asked once the others were out of earshot. She seemed surprised and confused for a moment before touching her face, the blood was mostly dry.

"Ah," she muttered in realisation, "no, sire, thank you for your concern, I am fine." She shook her head and made a vague hand gesture in the direction the other Nightsisters had gone. "Merely a result of a tricky quarry."

"The hunt went well, then," he reasoned as they fell in step together, headed towards the village again, assumedly so that she could wash up first.

"Rather well, I was apparently impressive to witness, to hear them tell of it, but it seemed boring after the Rathtars we faced." Her smirk was infectious and he couldn't help but return it.

"I would expect nothing less." Maul responded.

"You flatter me, sire."

"Nonsense, you are capable and that is a fact." Why should he use flattery? He didn't need to, surely she knew how skilled and capable she was? Though she had one eye, the other was enhanced and she would easily be able to see herself. He didn't need to tell her what she would already know.


Notes:

A little lull before some more action, the ceremony is quite cool and all takes place from Maul's perspective and... and oh boy. The chapter after next? YOU ARE NOT READY. Or... maybe you are. But Imma earn the rating. *fans self* I was not ready and I wrote the damn thing. ANYWAY. That's not next chapter but the one after and I am giving it too much hype. Shhhhhhhh.

I hope you all are well and ready for another week, I have been working on multiple projects at a snails pace but I am doing my best. I have made up a rough schedule and tbh it does help. A lot. Even though writing is difficult for me at the best of times, I do enjoy it and sometimes I need to put pressure on myself in order to work, but it seems to work.

One day I will have my stories published. I'm getting there haha.

Right! So, thank you for reading, if you're new then welcome! If you've been with me over the last year then thank you so much. We are coming up to the one year anniversary - I know I said that before but it's a big deal for me. Toward the end of Feburary is when I first posted so on that date I will post a stand alone sort of one shot of Zaiya and Maul, it won't be "canon" but it will be... SPICY. So uh... look out for that!

Lastly, my usual thanks for comments, they really make my day, I love them! (Even when I don't get notified right away and it takes a few days!:( ) You are all so cool and awesome I appreciate you all so much! I hope you enjoyed! See you next week!