Escaped - Part 2

"You seem concerned." Zaiya spoke calmly, looking at her companion out of the corner of her eye. She felt Maul turn his head to look at her.

"I do not feel concerned," he replied bluntly. Though the query of why she had said so was unspoken, she could almost hear it in the air.

"I wonder if you are displeased with my actions, the consequences of which caused us to leave so abruptly," she queried and there was a pregnant pause.

"It would have been better if I had been given the opportunity to kill Kenobi whilst we had the chance," he muttered.

"I agree," she began, finally turning to face him, swinging the seat about slightly. "However we both know you are not in an optimal condition-"

"That does not matter to a Sith," Maul snarled.

"Then it is good you are Sith no longer." Her gloved hands folded in her lap as she looked back at him impassively. She could tell he did not appreciate that comment, and glared at her.

"You have become defiant after your military position," he stated coldly.

"Not at all, Sire, I've always been defiant," she retorted, rising to her feet and leaning over his chair. His head jerked back slightly as he leaned back to keep his eyes on her face. "I think you like that about me." She said in a low tone and flashed him a cheeky grin.

Suddenly he grasped her chin in one hand and tilted her head down toward his. His eyes searched her face, looking into her eyes… and her lips for a moment… before moving back to her eyes. Was he looking for lies? Signs of betrayal? Insubordination? Or was he just studying her? She could not tell.

"You are lucky you are useful," he said quietly. He seemed much closer now.

"Is that all I am?" she replied, her own voice low and gentle, "not because I am your oldest friend?"

"A friend?" His gaze seemed a little hazy and his nose brushed her cheek ever so slightly.

"Do you have another term for what I am to you?" she asked, genuinely curious but her voice was breathy. His lips parted, as though to speak -

A proximity alarm sounded, trilling loud enough to make them both jump and separate. Maul's hand immediately dropped from his grip on her. Zaiya suddenly felt guilty, she was probably just tired from the long day, that was why she was talking like that. It felt improper. More than a year had passed since they were so close… and he was still healing. All these excuses ran through her head and she wasn't even sure she believed them or if it was something else.

She took to her seat as they came out of hyperspace near the planet Nimban. Maul leaned forward in his seat, looking at the readout.

"We are in Hutt space," he mused.

"They might have earned passage through the systems, but the Hutts won't want the Republic being too nosey, nor will the Confederacy come this far out." She began to prep the ship to begin landing procedures. "We can lay low while you finish healing and for the Republic to avoid looking for us- well, for me for a while and we can decide what we want to do next."

She could feel him just watching her for a while as she began to descend to the planet below.


The landscape below was not populated like a common landing area, she'd chosen a far quieter area than one of the city hubs. Trees, bushes, water, a green swampland that stretched for miles. The sun was lowering on this section of the planet and the green was fading into dark blues with a hint of gold as the sky turned a deep orange.

It was truly beautiful. Zaiya's eyes lingered on the sky for a short moment, though she could not linger on it for long as she had to lower the ship. The readout showed scans of the planet below and she found a landing platform more solid than the sodden dirt and ground. There was a durasteel structure attached to a small settlement and she decided smaller would be better.

"I can disguise us both but I will need you to stay close to me," she said in explanation. She was already thinking about disguise, about switching out ships and picking up a droid… though there was a better chance of getting that on Nar Shadaa. Perhaps she could call a friend…?

She lowered the ship to rest on the platform and stood to head to the back of the ship. Maul's clothing would not attract attention, especially if he threw on the cloak. Hers however, well she was still injured, still bloody, and in full military-style dress so she would definitely have to take a moment.

"You need to take care of your injuries," Maul said slowly, he spoke through his teeth as he stood.

"I can in a minute-"

"Zaiya." His tone was forceful, and she turned, he rarely spoke just her first name so she knew he was serious. She let out a slow breath under his glare.

"Very well."

Moving after so long in cold space, she was stiff and sore and her first few steps had her limping as she made her way back. She stood in the common area of the ship and pulled out the go-bag she'd stashed there some weeks ago. There were plenty of supplies and a few clothing items as well as a first aid kit.

She heard the soft padding of his bare feet and pointed to a second go bag strapped to the far side of the room.

"There are boots in there, they should fit you," she explained, "do you-" she was about to ask if he needed help then realised he would not appreciate the implication of weakness. "Do you think anyone will recognise the ship? I was thinking of swapping it out for a sturdier model when we have the chance." There was a grunt of affirmation and a few steps as she peeled off her jacket. The steps slowed. She winced as she pulled up her top. It was worse than just a bloody bump on the head and she had a shallow cut along the right side of her ribs and another on the opposite thigh.

With a grunt of her own she picked up the bacta shot out of the first aid kit and shucked her top all the way and shimmied out of her pants, they were all ruined anyway and it was not like Maul didn't already know what she looked like. He probably wouldn't even look.

"Was the battle that severe?" he asked. Alright so he did look. That didn't matter though, she was just treating her wounds.

"Not so bad, it looks worse than it is," she replied dismissively but stilled as she felt a sudden heat at her back.

"You need proper care. There is a higher risk of infection in a swamp environment," he reasoned. His voice was quiet, but she was not willing to argue. "Sit." He took the bacta shot from her hand and she took a seat on the low bench.

She flinched at the touch subtly, but his fingers were gentle in her hair as he parted her main braid enough to apply a spray of bacta to the area. His fingers were calloused from years training and she shivered under his touch. There was a gentle touch to her arm where there were a few grazes and his fingers brushed another on her cheek. The salve was cooling and stung a little but she ignored it, looking past his hand and into his face that was so intense and concentrated.

His eyes were so focused on her. She could feel her hearts pick up and her skin felt hot and cold at the same time. Though she reasoned it was the new humid atmosphere. Had she ever felt him being so gentle before? Maybe when she had awoken to him playing with her hand and tracing the tattoos on her hands. It was strange but… not unpleasant.

As much as she had to admit it felt good, it was so unusual to be touched in such a way… how was she supposed to react to this?

"I didn't think a Sith cared for the injuries of others…" she said quietly and regretted it at once when his hands froze in place. After a moment he withdrew and picked something up.

"I thought you were of the opinion I am Sith no longer," he said coldly and a sharp pain hit her as he jammed the bacta shot into her thigh near her wound. Her teeth grit but she managed to hold her reaction in at the last second, more out of habit than anything else. She reached for adhesive bandages to cover the wounds as his treatment of her was now somewhat rougher, the bandage being wound around her leg firmly.

"You aren't," she affirmed. "Though I was concerned, if you're so nice to me I might get a big head over it," she chuckled and Maul looked up, scowling. He didn't need to say it but she could see it in his eyes.

I am not nice.

Zaiya could not help but smile.

"Thank you sire, your help is greatly appreciated."

"Had you gotten an infection, it would have impeded your duties going forward," he supplied, logically. That made sense to her and she nodded.

"Of course," the Nightsister said with a downward glance. She re-dressed quickly but carefully to avoid ruining Maul's hard work, and swore she had seen him looking at her out of the corner of her eye.

He pulled on a pair of boots as she donned her leggings, long sleeved top, vest and a loose poncho-like coat. Lastly she took a spare bandage and wrapped it around her head, obscuring her nexus eye, as she still could not hide it with her magick. Over that she threw the cloak and handed one to Maul, pulling the pack over her shoulder and collected up all of their items, bloody clothes and anything they might be able to use.

"I can disguise us as humans, but I'll need to maintain contact with you to do so," she began as she moved to the now lowering ramp. "Do you think you would be comfortable to lean on me? I can hide my injuries and I know it must be difficult to walk."

Maul bristled at that, she could only imagine it was insulting for an injured woman to be the one to offer to almost carry him. Without a word he stepped over to her and… well he didn't seem sure where to put his hands. His face didn't change but his eyes darted from her waist to her shoulder and back. She stifled a soft laugh and slid one arm up around the back of his neck and leaned on him, lifting her injured leg and grasping his arm with hers to wrap around her back. Her hand rested on his at her waist and she tested the weight with a few steps.

"Ready?" she asked.

"I do not see why we must go through with this," he muttered as they made their way to the ramp. A shimmer of green moved over her vision and she could feel the tingle of Magick. It was odd, her good eye saw her skin as fleshy and pink, though her Nexus eye could see the green particles of the obscuring spell even through the bandages.

"Extra precaution, the Republic will be looking for a sole Nightsister, not a human husband and wife." She could feel him staring at her as they began making their way through the little village. She could have been imagining it, but she thought she felt his hands grip her a little tighter. "I'm happy to do the talking, unless you're feeling particularly loquacious?" she asked and then chuckled as she received a grunt in response.

Ahead she spotted what she could only assume was the inn and the two disguised Zabraks made their way over and she spoke softly, almost in his ear.

"We can stay here a night or two, sell the ship, and take a shuttle or get a ride to Nar Shadaa to find a new untraceable ship… we do need something of an upgrade." The door slid open and the two entered, it was then that she began to limp more dramatically and her breathing was heavier. She put on the act that she was far more hurt than what she was usually comfortable showing.

A rather portly Nimbanel was a few steps in place and he looked them over hesitantly.

"Are you alright?" he asked slowly, his rounded lower face bulges quivered as he spoke.

"Oh!" Zaiya said with a bright tone that sounded very little like her true voice, though it was somewhat laboured. "Are you the owner? I'm afraid I had a bit of a tumble, could we trouble you for a room?" The man seemed flustered at having been interrupted and nodded, scrambling to offer her a seat. To his eyes the two dark haired humans seemed a little ragged but didn't seemed armed or trouble.

"W-well yes, yes, my name is Fegerin. Are you- you well miss…?"

"That's kind of you Fegerin, I'm Miska, this is my lovely hubby, Davi…!" She kept her hand on Maul's as he lowered her onto the bench. "Pulls me out of trouble every time! I don't know how you put up with me, darling." She grinned up at him and kissed the back of his hand like the perfect adoring wife she was playing. He stared at her with mild bewilderment, his other arm still around her waist.

"Oh and of course…" she began, as though she had almost forgotten and laid a few credits on the table. Fegerin's eyes widened behind his bulbous face and his cheeks puffed slightly. Thinking perhaps that some good fortune had come his way.

"Well you're in luck, we have a lovely room for you… do you need me t' call the healer?" he offered, suddenly very concerned for her.

"Ohhh no, no, thank you friend. No, I'll be right as a rancor in no time, I swear I'd be lost without my Davi…" she pressed her cheek to the back of Maul's hand as the Nimbanel backed off, credits clutched in his hands.

"Ah… right, I'll have the missus fetch you some tea, and get the key to your room ready…!" he called back.

"Take your time!" she said in that same sing-song voice. It dropped back to her own as he left earshot. "That went well," she muttered and Maul looked at her oddly, his eyes raking over her now human-looking form. "What?" His lip curled, and grimaced.

"You look…" His eyes flicked over her again. He appeared… disturbed.

"Human?"

"Wrong," he interrupted bluntly. A wry smile crossed her face as she looked him over. He didn't look right either. Tanned skin, dark hair and brown eyes… everything still looked like him, but with different colouring. Her own hair was dark and curly, her skin a tanned to brown colour like that of Jango and Adaji, she had learned her father had looked similar and so took that appearance as her human one.

"You look strange too," she chuckled, and noticed another Nimbanel approaching out of the corner of her eye. Zaiya laid her hand against Maul's cheek, her smile warm and almost wistful. "I miss your beautiful face already." His eyes widened and darted between her face and her hand. He seemed frozen, unable to pull away or push her off.

"Awh, you're such a sweet couple, aren'tcha?" said the female Nimbanel, as she bustled over and laid two cups on the table.

"Oh he's the starlight of my life…!" Zaiya said brightly in her false voice again and reached out her hand, though keeping her other on Maul to keep the illusion in place. She felt him staring at her. "You must be Fegerin's missus? I'm Miska, this is my other half, Davi." She inwardly winced at the poor wording, but did not let it show on her face.

"Yes, yes dear, I'm Jannita, are you sure you're alright? You look a little wobbly…" The round bulges on the front of her face puffed up slightly. Zaiya grinned and waved a hand.

"Of course, a lovely cuppa and a little rest and I'll be back on my feet in a flash!" She beamed as she spoke, outward cheeriness usually put beings into a more relaxed state. Jannita began to tell them about the local area and where they might find the market. Perfect, they should be able to find a place to part with the ship there and find their way off. She would put out a call on the comm come the morning.

After politely sipping tea, offering a vague backstory about being researchers and listening to the mostly useless prattling of the Nimbanel woman, her husband finally returned and offered them a little keycard.

"This will allow you to access the room, it's upstairs at the end of the hall," Fegerin said, as Zaiya took the card. The two zabrak made a small show of standing again and Zaiya leaned on Maul as they gave thanks - or rather, Zaiya did - and headed up. The second they were in the room, the act dropped and Zaiya stepped back from her Lord so as not to crowd him.

"Easy enough," Zaiya murmured, locking the door so that the two could not be surprised while undisguised.

"You could simply have slipped in while cloaked, and wiped their minds with the Force," Maul said, though she noted he had said nothing about it before they had begun the ruse.

"If the Jedi decide to follow, I don't want to create ripples in the Force, and if they remember two humans and not a singlar suspicious-looking character, all the better," she shrugged. Maul gave a derisive snort but noticed he was now looking past her and his frown deepened.

The Nightsister turned, curiously, then saw what he was looking at.

There was only one bed.


Notes:

ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT!
If you have Questions for the Chapter 100 special, there's only this and next week to ask them! I am preparing the questions which will go up alongside chapter 100.

And OH MY. You have been waiting for that one.

Only one bed?! Oh ho ho! Hello my favourite tropes, welcome! I know technically they have shared a bed before, though he wasn't 'complete' at the time. What will happen?!

As always I love your comments and feedback, please please please send them in, I welcome it! It really brings a smile to my face everytime.
Next week's chapter is called 'Together'... I wonder whyyyyy... hmmmm... Find out next week!