The biting cold of the red planet seeped into Firefly's skin as she ascended the worn stone stairs, her new boots clicking softly against the ancient surface. At the temple's summit, she paused, taking in the desolate expanse before her. The dead world stretched endlessly, its crimson hues cloaked in a haunting mist that clung to the barren terrain of red stones and dead trees. For a moment, she wondered if this place had once been beautiful alive and thriving. Now, it was a graveyard, inhabited only by echoes of the past.
She clenched her jaw and held the sorrow of the planet's history close, feeding the anger simmering in her heart. These were Maul's people once, and their annihilation would not be forgotten. Her hand tightened around the shaft of her spear as she let the weight of their loss bolster her resolve. For a fleeting moment, it was as though she could hear them the whispers of the fallen warriors, their anguish carried on the wind. Was this her role as a Valkyrie? To feel the pain of the worthy dead?
Her gaze drifted down to the ship waiting below. Maul and Savage stood beside the open ramp, their figures silhouetted against the eerie red glow of the planet. Maul's back was to her, but she caught the subtle tilt of his head as if he sensed her. She unfurled her pale green wings, their luminous glow cutting through the mist.
Taking off from the solid ground was a challenge without the aid of the green waters. Her wings felt heavy, and though the instinct to fly was there, the memory of how to do so was absent. Determined, she broke into a run, her boots pounding against the temple floor as she gained momentum. At the edge of the ramp, she leaped, her wings snapping open to catch the stagnant, heavy air.
The red mist caressed her like a soft shroud as she struggled to balance herself. It wasn't true flight not yet. Her movements were unrefined, her six wings fighting for coordination as she glided toward the waiting figures below. The air felt dense and oppressive, resisting her every effort, but she pressed on, her determination outweighing her inexperience.
She saw Savage glance up, his amber eyes narrowing as he watched her descent. A snort of amusement escaped him when the bag slung across her back shifted, throwing her off balance. She dipped precariously but managed to steady herself, her wings flaring to catch her fall. Firefly gritted her teeth, determined not to crash in front of them.
When her boots finally skidded on the ground a few feet from the brothers, she wavered but held her stance. Her wings flared behind her, helping her regain her balance. Relief washed over her; she had avoided face-planting into the red dirt.
"You look like an overgrown tibidee," Savage muttered, his voice laced with mockery.
Firefly didn't know what a tibidee was, but the tone was insult enough. Her lips curled in a silent snarl at him before she turned her attention to Maul.
"They'll take time to master," she said, straightening and folding her wings carefully behind her. "But I'll learn."
Maul's golden eyes locked onto her, his gaze sweeping over her wings with an intensity that made her skin tingle. It was as if he were touching them with his eyes, lingering on the delicate black filigree etched into their surface.
"Yes," he said, his voice low and approving. "They will serve you well. In time, you'll wield them with precision. You will become a force to be reckoned with."
His words, laced with possessive pride, made her chest tighten. She did her best to suppress the blush threatening to creep up her neck under the weight of his gaze. His approval stirred something deep within her, a mix of determination and something far more personal.
"Come," Maul said, his tone shifting as he turned toward the ramp of the starship. "We have work to do."
His mechanical legs clicked against the metal as he ascended the ramp, his commanding presence undeniable. Firefly moved to follow him, but Savage stepped in front of her, cutting her off with a smug grin.
A growl bubbled in her throat as she glared at him, her fingers tightening around her spear. With a quick flick, she swept the spear low, catching his legs and tripping him as he moved up the ramp. Savage stumbled, his growl turning into a snarl, but Firefly didn't wait for his retaliation. She darted past him, her bag bouncing lightly against her back as she leaped ahead onto the ship.
Behind her, Savage's growl echoed in the quiet, but it was drowned out by the low, dark laughter coming from within the ship. Maul's amusement was unmistakable, his laugh curling through the air like smoke, lingering just long enough to send a shiver down her spine.
Firefly stepped lightly onto the starship, her luminous eyes wide as she took in the vessel for the first time. It was a patchwork of dark metals and humming machinery, alive with a faint, mechanical thrum. Now that Maul's fractured mind had steadied, she finally had the freedom to explore its secrets. Her excitement radiated from her glowing skin, her movements light and quick as if she might burst into flight at any moment.
Her bare fingers traced the cool surfaces of the walls and controls as she flitted from room to room, drinking in every detail. While the ship wasn't massive, its narrow corridors and compartments felt like a labyrinth of possibilities. Each space seemed to hum with latent energy, the ship's quiet pulse blending into a soft song in her mind a purring undercurrent she couldn't quite place.
She felt Maul's golden eyes on her, following her every movement when in the room. Out of the corner of her vision, she caught his expression, his face uncharacteristically relaxed. A faint curl of amusement touched his lips as he watched her practically bounce with excitement. She glided her hands over switches and panels, her curiosity almost childlike as she inspected anything within reach.
Savage brushed past her with an annoyed grunt, making his way to the cockpit. She didn't even spare him a glance, too enraptured by the ship. The pilot's chair and its gleaming array of buttons tempted her, but she resisted the mischievous voice whispering in her head to press everything in sight. Her fingers twitched with restraint as she made her way to the smaller escape pod.
Inside, she gently placed her bag and weapons in a corner, arranging them where they would be out of the way but still accessible. The controls of the escape pod caught her attention next, her fingertips grazing the buttons and levers as she wondered what each one did. For a fleeting moment, she imagined the escape pod's systems springing to life under her touch, but she shook the thought away and smiled to herself.
Returning to the main hold, she walked back toward the brothers, her skin shimmering faintly under the ship's dim lights. She smiled at them, her natural glow amplifying the warmth in her expression. Maul's piercing yellow eyes locked onto her lips, his gaze unyielding and intense. The heat in his eyes made her cheeks darken slightly, a flutter stirring deep in her chest.
He stood leaning casually against the cockpit doorframe, his massive form barring her path. The way his arms crossed and his mechanical legs anchored him gave the impression of deliberate intent, as though he were guarding the room from her wandering hands and boundless curiosity. She bit back a snort, her wings trailing softly behind her as she approached him.
Maul shifted slightly as she drew closer, his expression almost playful. His lips quirked in the faintest of smirks, a subtle challenge sparking in his golden eyes. He was daring her taunting her silently to test the boundary he had set.
Firefly's own eyes lit up in response, her excitement bubbling over. The atmosphere between them shifted, the lingering tension of survival and rage replaced by a lightness that was almost foreign. For once, they were not consumed by instinct or anger. The energy was different now, playful and teasing, the air between them crackling with unspoken promises.
Her wings fluttered slightly as she tilted her head, a spark of mischief lighting her features. She didn't need to say anything; the challenge in her gaze matched his. Her radiant glow softened into something intimate, the connection between them pulling tighter with every step she took.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Firefly felt the warmth of joy not just the thrill of battle or the heat of survival, but the simple, unguarded joy of being together. Maul didn't seem to mind the shift; if anything, his eyes glinted with approval, daring her to push their limits further.
Firefly's glowing eyes sparkled with mischief as she stared at Maul blocking the cockpit door, his towering form filling the narrow frame like an impenetrable barrier. His arms were crossed over his chest, his mechanical legs planted firmly. The faintest smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, a silent challenge glinting in his golden eyes.
"Are you just going to stand there all day?" she teased, her wings fluttering lightly behind her.
"You seem awfully eager to press buttons you shouldn't," Maul said, his deep voice holding a rare playful edge.
She tilted her head, a sly smile spreading across her lips. "And what if I am?"
Before he could respond, she feinted to the right, her quick movements making her nearly a blur. Maul shifted to block her, his reflexes sharp, but Firefly darted left instead, trying to slip past him into the cockpit. His arm shot out, blocking her path effortlessly, and she let out a soft laugh as she retreated a step.
"Not so fast," he said, his smirk deepening as he leaned slightly closer, daring her to try again.
Firefly narrowed her eyes, determination glimmering in their pupil-less depths. She ducked low, trying to squeeze under his arm, but he moved just as swiftly, caging her in before she could make it. His sheer size dwarfed her, his presence a wall of heat and strength that seemed impossible to bypass.
She tried again, this time faking a stumble to one side, hoping to distract him enough to slip by. But Maul was faster, his arms forming an unyielding barrier around her. She laughed, her musical voice echoing in the tight space as she twisted and wriggled, attempting to free herself from his grasp.
"You're enjoying this far too much," she said, breathless but grinning.
"And you aren't?" Maul retorted, his deep voice carrying an undertone that sent a shiver through her.
Pressed against the doorframe, Firefly looked up at him, her pale green wings brushing against his chest as she wriggled again. His smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he leaned in closer, towering over her.
"You're not getting in," he murmured, his tone teasing but firm.
"Oh, we'll see about that," she shot back. With a burst of playful defiance, she leaned forward and nipped at his arm not hard, just enough to distract him. She felt his muscles tense under her teeth, a low growl rumbling in his chest.
The growl sent a thrill racing through her, but before she could react, everything shifted. Maul moved with predatory speed, his arms tightening as he almost slammed her into the doorframe. The playful glint in his eyes darkened into something far more intense, his golden gaze burning with a heat that sent a jolt of awareness through her.
Firefly froze for a heartbeat, her eyes snapping to his. The change in him was palpable, the air between them heavy and charged. His chest pressed against her, caging her completely, and she felt the raw power of him surrounding her, overwhelming her senses.
"Careful," he rumbled, his voice low and husky, the sound sending a shiver down her spine.
She opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat as he leaned down, his lips brushing her ear.
"You bite me again." he murmured, his voice a dangerous purr, "and I will bite back."
The heat of his breath against her ear made her knees weak, and her glow pulsed faintly in response. Her heart raced as she realized how close they were, her hands instinctively pressing against his chest as if to push him away but she didn't if anything her fingers curled to pull him closer.
She swallowed hard, her gaze flicking to his lips before darting back to his smoldering eyes. "Maul…" she began, her voice soft, but she didn't finish.
Maul's smirk deepened, dark and possessive, as his golden eyes fixated on her throat, watching the subtle movement as she swallowed. His nostrils flared slightly, catching her scent, and his body pressed even closer to hers. The cold steel of the doorframe dug into her back and wings, a stark contrast to the heat radiating from him. His red and black skin shimmered faintly in the light emanating from her, his muscles taut and unyielding against her hands.
She felt his breath, warm and deliberate, as he leaned closer, his nose trailing from her ear to the crook of her neck. The sensation sent a shiver racing down her spine, her breath catching in her throat. His presence was overwhelming, a mix of raw power and restrained intensity that left her feeling both trapped and electrified.
The moment felt suspended, every nerve in her body heightened as her fingers tightened instinctively against his chest. She could feel the corded strength beneath his skin, every inch of him honed and coiled like a predator savoring the closeness of his prey.
But then a loud clang shattered the tension. The sound came from the cockpit, and Firefly flinched, the noise startling her even as her rigorous training kept her body from fully reacting. Her muscles tensed instinctively, ready for a fight, and her glowing blue eyes snapped toward the source.
Savage stood in the cockpit, his massive frame looming as he casually picked up whatever object he had so conveniently dropped. The timing was too perfect to be accidental.
Maul's entire body stiffened, a low growl rumbling deep in his chest. His breath was hot against her neck, his frustration and hunger palpable as he slowly pulled away. The tension in his form was almost tangible, his desire now edged with simmering anger directed squarely at his brother.
Firefly's lips pressed into a thin line as she watched Maul retreat. The look in his eyes as he stepped back was smoldering, a silent command that this wasn't over. Not yet. Now wasn't the time. She hated Savage in that moment with every fiber of her being. Her fingers twitched, itching to punch his smug, yellow face.
Maul turned to the controls, his mechanical legs whirring softly as he moved to the pilot's seat and began inputting commands. Firefly stayed where she was, her wings shifting behind her, the residual tension still coursing through her body.
Savage, as if sensing her frustration, shoved past her as he left the cockpit, his massive shoulder slamming into her smaller frame. The force of it sent her stumbling slightly, and she clenched her jaw, her blue eyes burning holes into his broad back.
The yellow Zabrak was an imposing wall of raw muscle, built like a tank and radiating brute strength. His horns stood taller than Maul's, though one was sliced off, leaving a jagged reminder of his battles. The tattoos that marked his skin were different from Maul's, a reflection of his own twisted transformation.
While Maul was a storm of rage, passion, and calculated intellect, Savage was a beast strength without refinement, a hammer to Maul's razor-sharp blade. The contrast between them was striking. Maul, with his leaner form and mechanical legs, carried an aura of controlled chaos, his mind slowly sharpening as he reclaimed himself. Savage, in comparison, was a blunt instrument, all brawn and no finesse.
Firefly turned sharply, her luminous form trailing behind Savage like a shadow of light, knowing better than to disobey Maul's unspoken command not to enter the cockpit. As she followed Savage, her piercing blue eyes studied him openly, her disdain clear on her face. She made no effort to hide the sharp appraisal in her gaze, a deliberate insult to the larger Zabrak. She wanted him to know she found him lacking.
Savage's hulking frame carried brute strength, but she was unconcerned. He was all raw power, with little refinement. To her, he was no match for Maul and she had survived Maul. That made Savage unworthy in her eyes, despite the Force coursing through him. Her dismissal was palpable, her head tilted slightly as if she were considering something beneath her notice.
Savage turned, his golden eyes narrowing with disgust as they met hers. His voice rumbled deeply, thick with mockery. "What kind of name is Firefly? I guess it suits you," he sneered, his gaze sweeping over her glowing wings and ethereal form. "You look like a bug."
The insult hit like a whip, and Firefly's response was immediate. Her shoulders hunched, her fists clenched at her sides, and her light flickered faintly with her growing fury. Her voice came out sharp and venomous. "Tall talk from a man with the skin color of piss."
Savage's eyes widened briefly, then narrowed as his rage ignited. His towering form turned toward her, his muscles rippling as he took a deliberate step closer. His fists tightened, and the tension in the air thickened, crackling like an impending storm. "You will regret that," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
She felt his anger radiating off him, almost tangible, but she didn't flinch. He might have been massive, but he wasn't Maul. She snarled, baring her sharpened teeth like a cornered predator. Savage's attempt to intimidate her into submission was laughable there was only one being in the galaxy she would submit to, and it wasn't him.
His voice came again, this time laced with calculated cruelty. "You're nothing but an insect," he hissed, his tone dripping with disdain. "One my brother found a little use for. He'll dispose of you the moment you're no longer useful."
The words hit their mark, digging into the fear she kept buried deep within herself. Her anger boiled over, the sharp edge of his insult cutting into her resolve. With a snap of her hand, she ripped a long shard of metal from the ship's interior, the screech of tearing steel echoing through the hold. Her grip tightened on the improvised weapon, her intent clear as she stepped forward, prepared to drive the jagged edge straight into his golden eye.
Savage responded instantly, his massive body coiling as he raised a fist, preparing to deliver a bone-crushing blow to her head. His strength radiated off him like a tidal wave, but Firefly didn't waver, her own body thrumming with the intensity of the moment.
Before either could strike, their bodies froze, suspended mid-motion by an invisible force. Firefly snarled in frustration, her luminous eyes burning with defiance as she struggled against the hold. Savage mirrored her fury, his muscles straining uselessly against the power that immobilized them.
Maul's presence filled the space like a dark storm, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He stepped between them, his yellow eyes blazing with authority as he released a growl of warning. "Enough!" he barked, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.
With a flick of his hand, he sent them both hurtling backward with the Force, their bodies slamming into opposite walls of the ship with enough force to leave them winded. Firefly's breath hitched as she scrambled to her feet, her eyes snapping to Maul.
His anger was a palpable weight in the room, his gaze burning into her. She felt a pang of regret at having upset him, but her resolve remained firm. A pecking order had to be established, and she wasn't about to let Savage believe for a moment that he ranked above her.
Maul's voice came again, cold and commanding. "This ends now. I will not have you fighting each other when I need to focus on the Jedi." He gestured sharply toward the ship's ramp. "Take it off the ship and fight."
Firefly nodded, the sharpness of his tone solidifying her resolve. She turned swiftly, retrieving her spear and shield from the escape pod before heading down the ramp. Her blood thrummed in her veins, anticipation and anger fueling her every step.
The red dirt crunched under her feet as she descended into the desolate air of the planet. Savage stood waiting, his hulking frame outlined against the barren landscape. His weapon a short, strange staff looked almost comical in his hands, its size a stark contrast to his massive build. Firefly's lip curled in disdain. Was he planning to use it as a club?
As she approached, she heard Maul's voice, low and deadly as he spoke to them both. "Do not disappoint me."
The weight of his command hung heavy in the air, and Firefly felt the heat of his gaze on her. She would not fail him. She would show Savage that she was not someone to be underestimated.
Firefly sized up her opponent, her sharp blue eyes scanning Savage from head to toe. He was a brute strong, hulking, and likely overconfident. He didn't seem particularly fast, but she knew better than to underestimate the Force-enhanced speed he might summon. Still, she wasn't the same fragile creature she once was. Her body, reforged by dark magics and raw strength, hummed with power beneath her skin. This fight wasn't just about survival; it was a test of her limits.
She had no intention of killing Savage this was a dominance trial after all but she felt the odds stacked in her favor. She was learning under Maul himself, and she intended to use everything he'd taught her to claim victory.
"You will lose, insect," Savage taunted, his deep voice rumbling across the barren landscape as she approached.
Firefly's lip curled in a snarl. "I was trained by Maul. I don't lose."
She braced herself, planting her feet firmly in the red dirt. Her shield was raised, the spear resting across its top edge, its sharp point aimed directly at Savage. His yellow eyes swept over her with disdain, as though she were some insignificant pest he would squash without effort.
He moved first.
Savage's massive hand gripped his strange club tightly while the other clenched into a fist. Despite his size, he was faster than she expected. The ground trembled as he charged, kicking up clouds of crimson dust. Firefly's spear shot out to intercept him, but he dodged with surprising agility, weaving past the strike as his fist shot toward her head.
The blow met her shield with a deafening gong, the impact reverberating through her arm. He hit like a star destroyer, the force of his punch pushing her back, her boots digging into the dirt for traction. Her old body would have crumbled under such an attack, but now? She growled, the raw strength in her shield arm absorbing the hit.
Pivoting sharply, she feinted with her shield, drawing Savage's focus, while shortening her spear grip for a tighter, quicker stab. The weapon darted toward his shoulder with precision, but Savage shifted, lowering his head to intercept. His horns scraped against the metal, cracking under the pressure, and he grunted with exertion.
The sound of his frustration only fueled her.
Firefly's blood surged, her senses sharpening with each exchange. Savage's fist smashed into her shield again, the force pushing her backward, but she used the momentum to leap away and gain space. As she landed, she lashed out with her spear, aiming a thrust at his midsection. Savage deflected the attack with his club-like weapon, moving faster than his bulk suggested he could.
A challenge at last, she thought, her pulse quickening.
She ducked low, sliding under his guard with deceptive grace. In one fluid motion, she snapped the spear upward, burying its tip into his arm. Savage roared, his golden eyes blazing as blood seeped from the wound.
"Who trained you?" Firefly taunted, her voice sharp and mocking. "If this is all you've got, their training is as pathetic as you are."
Savage's nostrils flared, his rage palpable as he ripped the spear from his arm with a snarl. His grip on the weapon tightened, and before she could react, he yanked her forward. His foot shot out, slamming into her shield with enough force to send her flying.
Firefly hit the ground hard, her shield absorbing most of the impact as she skidded across the rocky terrain. Pain sparked in her joints, but she pushed herself upright, a wicked grin spreading across her face. His blood still lingered on her spear, and she could feel the thrill of the fight coursing through her veins. The world seemed to sing with the rhythm of their battle, and she craved more.
Savage growled, his massive frame heaving with anger as he raised his weapon. Firefly steadied herself, her smirk widening as she dashed forward, aiming her spear for his chest.
Then it happened.
Savage pressed a hidden button on his weapon, and with a sudden hiss, twin blades of crimson light sprang to life from both ends of the hilt. The weapon a double-bladed lightsaber hummed with deadly energy, its glow reflecting in the yellow of his eyes.
Firefly's spear was already in motion, and her mind screamed as the lightsaber cut through the weapon with ease, the metal end falling uselessly to the ground.
Her stomach twisted as realization hit. I'm so fucked.
The severed halve of her spear clattered to the ground, leaving Firefly holding a useless shard of metal in her hand. The red glow of Savage's double-bladed lightsaber bathed the landscape in a menacing light, its hum vibrating through the air. Her heart raced, the thrill of the fight now laced with sharp danger.
Savage smirked, his golden eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. "Not so tough now, are you insect?" he growled, spinning the saber in a fluid arc.
Firefly hissed through gritted teeth, her wings twitching as adrenaline surged through her. She flung the broken spearhead at Savage as a distraction, forcing him to deflect it with the saber. The moment his attention shifted, she darted to the side, raising her shield up and pivoting to face him again.
"You're going to regret this," she said, her voice steady but edged with fury.
Savage roared, closing the distance in a few thunderous steps, his saber whirling in a deadly blur. Firefly raised her shield, bracing for the impact, but the moment the lightsaber met the metal, it carved clean through. Sparks flew as the glowing blade cut her shield in half, leaving her holding a useless hunk of molten metal.
The heat of the strike forced her to drop the remains of her shield, and she leapt backward, her wings flaring to keep her balance. Savage laughed, the sound low and menacing.
"Pathetic," he sneered, his saber spinning in his hands. "You think you can survive this fight with nothing but speed and tricks?"
Firefly's fingers curled into fists, her breath coming in sharp bursts. The truth of her situation slammed into her she was outmatched in weaponry and strength, but her resolve burned brighter than ever."I don't need a spear to take you down,"she shot back, her blue eyes blazing with defiance.
Savage charged, swinging his saber in wide arcs that illuminated the red soil in glowing streaks. Firefly ducked and rolled, the heat of the blade grazing her hair as she narrowly avoided the lethal strikes. Her movements were fluid, precise, each step keeping her just out of reach of the deadly weapon.
As he lunged at her again, she dropped low and twisted around him, using her wings for momentum. Her foot connected with the back of his knee, making him stumble forward. Savage growled, spinning to face her with a feral snarl, his saber igniting the air as he slashed at her again.
Without a weapon, Firefly relied on her agility, darting in and out of his reach, her heart pounding with each close call. She was testing him, learning the rhythm of his attacks, waiting for an opening.
Savage roared with frustration, his strikes becoming more erratic as he tried to corner her. "Stand still and fight me!" he bellowed, his voice echoing across the barren landscape.
"You'll have to catch me first," Firefly taunted, a smirk tugging at her lips despite the danger.
Savage's golden eyes burned with rage, and he lunged again, bringing his saber down in a powerful overhead strike. Firefly sidestepped at the last second, her wings brushing the ground as she used the momentum to pivot and deliver a sharp kick to his ribs. The blow made him grunt, but it wasn't enough to bring him down.
As she landed, she caught sight of a piece of jagged metal from her shattered spear lying nearby. Without hesitation, she dove for it, scooping it up as Savage advanced on her again.
He swung his saber in a horizontal arc, and she ducked, the blade slicing through the air just above her head. Using her newfound weapon, Firefly slashed at his arm, the jagged edge drawing blood as it cut through his skin.
Savage roared in pain and fury, his grip tightening on his saber as he swung again. Firefly leapt backward, her wings flaring as she landed several feet away. Her chest heaved, her body screaming in protest, but she refused to back down.
"This is all you've got?" she called, her voice laced with mockery. "It's a wonder why Maul keeps you."
The insult hit its mark. Savage's face twisted with fury, and he charged at her, his saber raised high. Firefly gripped her makeshift weapon, her blood singing with the thrill of the fight. She didn't need a lightsaber to win she just needed to outthink him.
The battle was far from over, but Firefly wasn't done yet.
Firefly's heart pounded wildly, the adrenaline coursing through her veins as Savage advanced, the twin crimson blades of his saber casting a menacing glow over the battlefield. Each swing of his weapon cut through the air with deadly precision, and the thrill of it made the world sing to her. Her instincts screamed at her to unleash the power humming beneath her skin but she resisted. This fight wasn't about her abilities; it was about putting Savage in his place.
Savage's strikes came fast and erratic, his lack of discipline replaced by sheer brute force and raw aggression. He fought like an enraged beast, swinging his saber in wild arcs with no discernible pattern. It was all Firefly could do to keep up, the training Maul had drilled into her saving her life with every dodge and counter.
The heat of the lightsaber licked dangerously close to her face, the edge of one blade searing a line across her cheek as she bent backward to evade it. The sting burned, but there was no time to dwell on the pain. She hadn't anticipated Savage's free hand coming for her.
Before she could react, his massive fist drove into her gut like a battering ram. The air was forced from her lungs in a single, violent gasp as she crumpled, the force of the blow slamming her into the ground. Her ribs screamed in protest, and she coughed, struggling to draw breath as she rolled out of instinct.
Savage's saber slashed down where her chest had been a heartbeat before, the twin blades carving through the red dirt with a hiss. Firefly twisted, rolling between his legs to evade the next strike. She emerged behind him, but Savage's reflexes were faster than she expected.
As she rose, the end of his saber slashed outward in a spinning arc. The blade clipped her shoulder, searing through skin and muscle in a flash of blinding pain. Firefly screamed, the agony coursing through her arm as she stumbled backward. Her left shoulder and upper arm burned with every movement, the flesh scorched and raw.
Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to stay upright, the jagged spearhead still clutched in her hand. Savage loomed over her, a predator savoring its prey. In a burst of fury, Firefly lunged, using the weapon like a dagger to drive it into his knee with all her strength.
Savage roared, the deep, guttural sound reverberating in the air as he staggered. Blood seeped from the wound, staining the dirt below. His reaction was swift and brutal he lashed out with a powerful kick, sending Firefly hurtling through the air.
She hit the ground hard, skidding across the red soil until she came to a stop. Her entire body ached, her burned shoulder throbbing with sharp, relentless pain. That will scar. Clutching the injury, she forced herself to her feet, defiance burning in her eyes.
Savage growled, his focus momentarily on the spearhead embedded in his knee. With a snarl, he yanked the metal free, tossing it aside as fresh blood dripped from the wound.
"Does that hurt?" Firefly taunted, venom lacing her voice. Her gaze flicked briefly to his hips, then back to his blazing yellow eyes. "Next time, I'll aim higher."
Savage's lips curled in a snarl, his rage boiling over. "You won't get another chance."
He extended both hands, and the Force slammed into her like a crashing wave. The sheer power of the push hurled her backward, her body colliding with a jagged outcrop of red stone. The impact knocked the wind from her lungs, her vision swimming as she hit hard enough to crack the rock.
Before she could recover, the pressure increased. Savage kept his hands extended, the invisible grip of the Force crushing her against the unyielding surface. Her chest tightened as she struggled to breathe, the weight of his power threatening to break her.
Firefly clenched her teeth, her mind racing as she searched for a way out. She couldn't move, couldn't counter the only weapon she had left was her own power. Even as her body screamed in protest, she refused to submit.
If Savage wanted to wield his brute strength and power, she would show him her own. If he wanted to dabble in domination and control, then Firefly would unleash the darkness within her, the magic song that hummed beneath her skin and in her soul.
As he stepped closer, the invisible grip of the Force caging her to the stone tightened. Pain and anger coiled inside her like a snake ready to strike. She drew on it, feeding her rage and frustration into the power that simmered within her. Her anguish, the memories of cages and torment, the helplessness she'd sworn never to feel again all of it welled up inside her, a storm waiting to be unleashed.
Opening her mouth, she channeled that storm into her voice. The release was violent, cathartic, and intoxicating, like an explosion of pure hate and twisted ecstasy. The scream tore from her throat, a weapon forged of sound and raw power, aimed directly at Savage.
The effect was immediate and devastating. Savage stumbled, his roar of triumph turning into a scream of agony as her voice struck him like the force of an exploding star. The sound wasn't just heard; it was felt, a visceral assault that tore through his mind and body. Blood poured from his ears and eyes, his hands flying to his head as he clawed at his ears, desperate to block out the sound.
His grip on the Force faltered, and Firefly was dropped unceremoniously from the stone. She hit the ground hard but didn't stop. The scream grew louder, echoing through the open expanse of red rock, a harrowing symphony of destruction. Savage staggered, his massive form lurching as he slammed his head against the stones in a futile attempt to silence the voice that was consuming him from within.
Firefly's vision blurred with tears of fury as she channeled everything she had into the scream. Memories of chains, of helplessness, of being forced into submission surged through her mind. The feeling of being caged, both physically and emotionally, was unbearable and Savage had dared to remind her of it.
She was going to make him understand that pain, make him live it, make him feel it for eternity. Her voice was her vengeance, and she poured every ounce of her rage into it, watching as Savage writhed under its unrelenting assault.
But then, just as suddenly as the scream began, it was cut short. Firefly's breath hitched, her voice silenced as something snapped around her throat, crushing her windpipe. Her eyes widened in shock and terror as she felt the invisible grip constricting her airway.
Her gaze darted to the side and locked onto Maul. He stood motionless, his expression a mask of cold fury, one hand extended toward her. Blood dripped from his ears and the corners of his crimson eyes, a testament to the damage her scream had caused him.
Her heart pounded in her chest as realization dawned on her. In her rage, she'd forgotten this was no ordinary fight. Maul had been watching, and her voice had reached him too. She hadn't just attacked Savage, she'd struck them both.
Fear coursed through her as her legs buckled, her hands clawing instinctively at her throat even though there was nothing physical to grasp. Maul's grip on her tightened, and she could feel his rage burning through the Force that held her.
The world spun around her as her air supply dwindled. She tried to reach for the song, for the power that had surged through her moments ago, but her concentration wavered under the crushing weight of Maul's command. This was a fight she couldn't win, not against him.
Maul's voice cut through the ringing in her ears, sharp and venomous. "Enough."
The single word was laced with finality, a warning that she had overstepped her bounds. Fear and anguish warred within her as she struggled against his hold, her eyes locking with his in a silent plea and surrender.