Video; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul was sitting outside on his roof, the snow softly coming down around him, hood up so they didn't land on his head. There was a soft, contemplative look on his face that he didn't often wear. For those that knew Maul, they'd realize there was one big change. His eyes, which had constantly been a golden color before, were now instead a grey-brown.

Next to him, looking perfectly fine with this cold weather due to the fur that made him little more than a ball of fluff, was his Mankey, named rather fittingly Cranky. Though Maul seemed unaware of it, the Pokémon was imitating his master in body language perfectly right now, sitting down with his arms folded and staring off into the distance. Mankey see, Mankey do and all that.

There was a long pause before he began the video. He was woolgathering and trying to put everything together, saying it in just the right way.]

For anyone I teach, classes will commence again now that I am back. [There was a pause.] In case you were unaware, I made a long journey to my home galaxy for about three years, though I understand I was only gone for about a week here. I had....quite the experience just before I came back with the Dark Side of the Force. I had to face a great many things about myself and learn some hard truths. But while I could not accept what it had to offer me then, I think I am ready to now. To let go of the past, to put some of my pain behind me, to gain more power than I ever thought I could.

[Always with the search of power. He couldn't help it, such a thing was ingrained into him by now.]

It taught me to let go of fear and pain and instead learn to care about others, to keep anger close, but never to let it turn self-destructive. Things many of you have told me here but which I did not want to listen to. But who am I to deny it when the Force itself tells me such things? [There was a soft laugh.] Well, I have returned and don't plan to go anywhere, much to the misfortune of some of you.....But this has proven an interesting experience, one I shall take heed of going forward.

Comments

[survivalthroughhate]

Of course not.

[His eyes flicked back from grey-brown to their usual golden color. Well, he'd tried. For a whole day and a half he'd managed to be at peace with himself. Well, his anger had been bound to come back sooner or later, so now seemed as good a time as any.]

I will still gut anyone like a fish who dares to oppose me.

[This was said in a very casual manner, the same way he'd order lunch at a restaurant.]

What I had to learn about myself were things that were a long-time coming. I just refused to face them head-on until now. But the Dark Side promised me that by doing so I could gain more power than I ever had before.

[His eyes gleamed at the thought. Look, Maul's reasons for doing this weren't all just altruistic. As always, he wanted some reward for doing the very basics.]

Who wouldn't want that?

[opheliac]

Power is pretty tasty! Real spicy.

( the disappointment tone subsided and now replaced for a more chipper ring. )

OKAY, GREAT! I'd be bummed if you stopped gutting lil' fishes. 'Cuz we gotta keep the food chain going, you know. We can't break the cycle.

[survivalthroughhate]

I always crave more. And knowing the Dark Side has promised me such was a tantalizing reason to learn the lessons it wanted me to.

[He grinned, all his sharp fangs on display.]

A good way to put things. If you're not on top, you're on the bottom, and I refuse to be on the bottom with the rest of the unfortunate wretches.

[opheliac]

YEAH, SCREW THE BOTTOM! — People like us deserve to sit on our thrones and watch everyone else squirm around like lil' bugs.

( she then exhales out a happy sigh. )

Thanks, Horns. I feel better now knowin' we can still go on like this.

[survivalthroughhate]

Yes. I refuse to be weak and end up being pushed around by those who want to claw their way up.

[Anyone who now thought Maul would be an easy target simply because he'd found peace with himself would soon find that their fatal mistake. Just because he'd gotten to a good place didn't mean he was gonna hold hands and be full of sunshine now.]

Well, someone needs to look out for you. The more eyes the better.

[opheliac]

Huh? "Look out for me"? — I mean, sure. But y'know I'm eighteen, right? Preetttty much an adult and can take care of myself.

[survivalthroughhate]

That's what every eighteen year old in every universe thinks.

[He certainly had.]

But it still helps to have people who will watch your back.

[opheliac]

Well, not every eighteen year old is me. I'm a thousand percent better than the rest. But y'know, you gotta point. It does help a lil'.

[survivalthroughhate]

And humble too I can see.

[But he'd continue to watch over Jinx whether she liked it or not. After all, he saw a great deal of himself in the blue-haired girl.]