Video; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

[The video starts off with Maul looking angry, as he usually does, and he starts in with no introduction or insults. There’s a definite sense one gets watching that he’s doing his best to keep himself from pissing off the population at large.]

It appears that recently there was a misunderstanding over who had killed someone named Flynn. I am here to make it clear that was not me. While I have no issues with being accused of things I have actually done, I won’t stand for people speculating that I am the cause of all your miseries here--

[He pauses, visibly restraining himself from saying anything further that he knows won’t help his cause here.]

--But no matter. I knew who actually did it and so I have brought the miscreant forth to tell you himself.

[He nods to someone off-screen and Savage comes forward with Anakin. He has his lightsaber pointed at his throat.

The effects of bloodsport and corruption have started leaving their marks on Anakin. Despite the lightsaber held against him, he’s still twitchy with pent up energy. In addition he’s flushed with fever. He stares at Maul blankly, not understanding what’s going on here.]

Are you going to kill me again?

[Maul shakes his head no, pointing to Venge who is currently broadcasting the video.]

Not if you cooperate. Now, tell the people here what you did at the Gate.

[He looks at Savage.]

Cut his hand off if he refuses to cooperate. I’ve no patience for playing games today.

[A smirk appeared on Savage’s lips, and he lowered the lit end of his saberstaff downwards to make it clear that the threat would be carried out without question. His mechanical hand tightened on Anakin to prevent much squirming.

Anakin winces as the metal parts in his hand grind together. Maintenance wasn’t as easy.]

So if I say whatever you want me to I get to go? [Turning directly to face the camera.] Whatever he said, it was me. It was all me. I did it.

[Maul nods in satisfaction. He figures that’s as good as they’re gonna get on any coherency from Anakin.]

There, you see? It wasn’t me.

[Then he turns to Savage.]

Let him go.

[Honestly, the fact Maul isn’t about to execute Anakin on the network is a bigger sign he’s sincere about this than anything else. He never would have been willing to let Anakin go after having to deal with such a problem a year or two ago.

Savage growled as he turned his saberstaff off, then moved to seize Anakin to drag him off screen to be set free. As promised.]

[Red=Maul, Blue=Anakin. Any of the three are available for replies!]

Comments

[survivalthroughhate]

[Ouch. That hurts and a flicker of emotion crosses Maul's face, looking quite upset, before disappearing back into his rage-filled countenance.]

I'm going to let you have that. But only for a moment. And do keep in mind I don't let everyone stab me to make amends.

[He's been making small steps to do better and that was one of them.]

I believe in the Force. Balance is what it is made up of. He'll suffer even if it's not evident at first. But if you have a better suggestion than simply killing him to speed things along, I am more than willing to hear and put them into action.

[laminae]

[Fern is a little conflicted, here. It feels great to get in a small verbal stab since a literal, permanent one isn't possible. But part of him also recognizes it as mean, and that feels a little less great.

Ugh, he hates his head.]

i figured
for real i didn't think you'd actually let me go through with that

dog i wish i did but this stupid part of my head is just going kill him kill him it's the best way to fix everything
not really getting a lot of creativity here

[Also it's kind of horrible having a head octopus that makes up half your mind telling you to be violent. Keeping that part of himself under control is a struggle.]

[survivalthroughhate]

When I say something, I mean it. I don't lie often. The truth always hurts far worse.

[So when he said he'd allow Fern to stab him to prove his sincerity, he'd meant it completely.]

Admittedly, my own head is much the same. Showing this much restraint is....difficult. [Yes because not executing someone publicly on the network is something that most people wouldn't have to even consider, but Maul is a psychopath, so he needs proper guidance on things like this.] I'll let you know if I come up with any other ideas.

[laminae]

yeah well, after everything it's hard to trust you

[That's still a hurdle he's trying to get over, it isn't an easy one.]

that's better than nothing

[And hey, at least he isn't the only one having head problems.]

[survivalthroughhate]

You'd be a fool to do so right away. But that's something I'm sure we can both work on.

[Maul's pretty open most of the time and he'll continue to be so.]

If you ever decide to spar with me again, I can show you a few ways to slow down a Force user if not stop them entirely.

[laminae]

yeah, i think i'd like that

[They both have trust issues, so working on that together seems... productive? Healthy? Something like that.]

wow really???
ok man, let's do it

[survivalthroughhate]

[Knowing Fern was willing to continue their sparring sessions pleases Maul immensely.]

Good. Then I’ll expect you around noon tomorrow. We can start our sparring sessions again.

[laminae]

[Combining sparring and picking up the pieces of their relationship seems like a good step forward, in Fern's opinion. But he's always be biased towards fighting.]

ok dude
sounds good