Video; un: darkness (Forward dated to March 3rd)

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul looks as serious as he's ever been and at first he doesn't seem like he wants to speak. It takes Venge giving him a very hard headbutt to give him the impetus to start talking. There's a pensive quality to his voice like he's been practicing what he wants to say in his head but still isn't sure if he's gotten it quite right yet.]

I was in Deerington for over a year and a half. Including the time here in Trench, that is now over two years spent away from my home galaxy. That can change a person no matter how resistant one is to it. Some of you have been right. I have been acting like an unrepentant monster. [Which might be one of the hardest things for Maul to ever admit publicly. Everyone here knows getting him to admit when he's wrong is like pulling teeth.] But I've had a great deal of time to think and have come to the conclusion that I don't want to be that anymore. It is not a decision I make lightly or one that I was forced into by anyone. I think that has been the crux of why I have been faltering in my attempts. No one can make me become a better person. That has to come from within. So I'm going to prove the ones that have stuck by me right and show their eternal faith in me has been warranted. I never would have even gotten this far or come to this decision without them. To that end, I am making you all an offer which will be good from now until this city collapses into dust like Deerington did.

I swear by everyone here I told dear-- [And that's how one can tell he's dead serious about this. Maul would never make a vow he doesn't fully intend to keep.] --I will protect almost any and all of you against any monster that ever threatens your life. No questions asked, I will simply be there to defend you from danger. Just contact me and ask. It is that simple. All I seem to be good for is death and destruction, so I am going to channel that in a positive manner. There are a few exceptions to this, of course, but I'm sure you already know who you are. I'm making a change for the better but I'm not a saint and I do hold grudges. This doesn't apply to any conflicts that involve other Sleepers. I'm not getting involved in your petty squabbles. But anything inhuman which threatens your life will be dealt with in a swift manner, of that you can be assured.

[He goes to turn off his Omni when he adds on almost as an afterthought.]

Oh, and my offer to use my powers to get you to sleep or pull corruption out of your mind also still stand.

[Maul pauses and thinks of adding on something more but he's afraid he might dig himself into a hole he can't get out of if he does so. Instead, the Sith Lord just ends the feed a bit abruptly right there.]

Comments

text; un: doublehedgedsword

[laminae]

[To Fern this is looking like a whole lot of nice words that are going to fall apart the second Maul decides he doesn't want to play nice anymore. He isn't impressed, not after all the hurt people he's talked to.]

dog anyone who falls for this at this point is a huge chump

Text; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

Then I suppose there will be a number of chumps. But also a number of cynics like you and that will be the more popular position I'm sure.

[He can't help but get a little sarcastic. It's a good defense mechanism given he's just done a video where he dared to actually be somewhat vulnerable.]

Something I told your better half-- [And yes, the wording there is deliberate] -- And which I forgot to put in this post is not to take me at my word. Words from me aren't worth much right now. But see what my actions will be like over the upcoming months and decide for yourself.

text; un: glyphywitchy

[imaglyphwitch]

That's a step in the right direction.

But I would disagree with you being "only" good for death and destruction. Everyone here is worth more the moment they try to do better than what they know. That alone is not an easy thing.

It won't happen overnight. It'll take time. Hopefully, other people will see it too.

Text; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

Maybe it's not all I'm good for but it is a strength. And I need to play to those right now and focus on them now that I've committed myself wholeheartedly to this plan of action.

Fortunately, new Sleepers arrive every month and so they won't know of my previous reputation, only what I have become now.

video; un: taka

[retsuden]

[ This actually tugs some pretty strong emotions in him, empathy and all that jazz, and if he were anyone else, he would say something like "you go, glen coco." But he's boring old logical Sasuke, so instead he's focusing on the second most important thing of note here. ]

You can pull corruption out of someone?

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul nods. He's been wondering if anyone would ask about that.]

It is the blood power I have been granted here. I am not very good with it yet but it can be done.

[Maul had it drilled into him as a child that he needed to have perfection in everything he did and so it galls him that he's not mastered this power yet. But he knows he won't ever get there unless he gets more practice.]

Not here

[droptheious]

[Varian's definitely seen this, listened to what Maul has to say- but notably he doesn't respond. He remains solidly unconvinced- burned too many times. But for now, he withholds judgment.

He'll wait and see what comes of this. ]

video; un: maid-in-mantle

[hacktivated]

[ Penny doesn't know Darth Maul personally, but she's heard quite a bit about him - particularly from Willow and Ruby. She's not inclined to trust him...

But she tried to give the benefit of the doubt to people she trusts even less in the past. No reason to not do the same here. ]

Would you also be willing to engage in preemptive measures, such as patrolling for monsters before they attack someone?

[survivalthroughhate]

Perhaps. Let us see how this goes over first before I commit to more action.

[This is already a lot for Maul to be dealing with and he doesn't want to stretch himself too thin in an effort to show he's changed, especially if it ends up not working out the way he expects.]

un: eudaimonikos; video

[eudaimonikos]

[This is...a little old hat. But Michael doesn't feel like he's got any business judging people generally, so he doesn't say anything. He'll just see how this goes, he guesses.]

Since when can you pull corruption out of people?

[survivalthroughhate]

I figured out how to do it some time ago. That appears to be my blood magic power.

[He just hasn't used it much cause Maul doesn't see the need for what he views as such a passive power. He's all about aggressive tactics after all.]

Video | UN: ClickClickBloom

[onekindsoul]

[Ruby is a little hesitant to trust Maul after everything that's just happened. But she picks up on the key words that he says. That he was doing this on his terms and not being forced into it and doing it for the people he does care about.]

Now. I wouldn't use the word monster.

But you're starting to sound a little more like a Huntsmen from my world.

I hope this works out for you, Maul.

[survivalthroughhate]

You wouldn't. Plenty of others already have.

[He's not one to sugarcoat things, so he's saying what's already been said about him.]

We'll see. It may be too little, too late this time.

Voice; un: lothrat

[ezra_of_lothal]

As mission statements go, it doesn't sound bad.[He means that, as much as he can, while still being quietly furious.]

But I want to be clear, Darth Maul - I won't be visiting your house or anything voluntarily friendly like that until I see good reason to believe you've stopped treating people like things to be used.

I'd appreciate it if you stayed away from me, as well.

[survivalthroughhate]

Old habits die hard.

[He's been hanging around too many hero protagonists here in Trench, their quippy ways are starting to rub off on him. Still, he gives a short nod.]

But fair enough.

[He has been doing that and he won't deny it.]

Until then, move your feet more when you practice your katas. You have the tendency to root them too solidly to the ground.

[Video][UN:A_Wesker013]

[subject_013]

[Wesker looks a little under the weather, his face a bit paler than usual and his features a bit wan, he'll listen whilst tinkering with a snarl of laboratory glassware and piping, some odd stains on his usually tidy tan lab coverall (think Dr. Frankenstein's robe-like lab wear in the 1930 classic, as opposed to the coat-like attire the post WWII-era). But he's listening attentively, a tiny smile of approval quirking his lips.]

'Almost any and all of you'. Wise to keep an open clause there, in the event of dealing with idiots in need of a thrashing. [There's something a bit slurred or lisping in his speech, though he's trying to avoid it, and the tips of his canines might be visible. Hm.]

[survivalthroughhate]

Precisely. There are a number of people here I am not ever going to get along with and have no desire to try to.

[He tilts his head, observing Wesker's condition. After what he dealt with in his last fight with Reaper, he's on the lookout for unusual physical symptoms in people he cares about.]

Are you alright? You seem a bit...off.

UN: GoldenFlowers, text

[the_obedient_servant]

[Chara... feels bad, for the way they toyed with Maul earlier. They were heavily corrupted, but that's not an excuse for sadism. They don't have any particular thoughts on his journey for redemption... it's something they themselves have long since given up on.

They won't reveal themselves, but they'll let 'THEDEMONWHOCOMES' fade for now.]

I think admitting what really matters to you is a good start. Finding reasons to stay DETERMINED will take you a lot further than power for it's own sake.

This is probably prying and I know you don't know me well, but do you mind if I ask what prompted this?

[survivalthroughhate]

[It's fortunate Maul has no idea that Chara was the one prodding them in the last post they texted him in. He was pretty pissed off by the end of it. But thinking this is a new person does help a great deal.]

One of my few positive strengths is that when I want something, I don't stop until I get it, even if it takes me a long, long time. What I want right now is to redeem myself, so that is what I will work towards.

No, it is alright. It is best this is told to as many people as possible. I reached a very low point in the previous month. And sometimes, when you go as low as you can possibly go, you end up having to face some hard truths about yourself. I looked in the mirror and didn't like what I saw any longer. So I have committed to a course of action that will hopefully stand.

text; @skywalker pretend these are all individual messages to spam him

[facultative]

Fuck you.
Fuck you.
Fuck you.
Fuck you.
Fuck you.
Fuck you.
Fuck you.
Fuck you.
Fuck you.
Fuck you.

[etc etc. He's set up his omen to send these all day at random periods. Finally a use for him.]

[survivalthroughhate]

[He reads the first couple and then just leaves the rest to be skimmed through at a later date. Mostly he's just interested in the fact someone has apparently been teaching Skywalker Earth swears.]

text | timaeusTestified (permanently private)

[givehead]

Being a destroyer class is never easy. Most people don't understand and never will. I think this is a wise approach to your position in life.

If you ever wanna shoot the shit, man, I'm down.

What other kind of mind shit can you do?

[survivalthroughhate]

Well, I am glad someone can look at it that way. Not having you know the entire history of the past two years also helps in this case.

You are definitely.....interesting if nothing else. And my brother does like you, so that is something in your favor.

I can influence a person's thoughts if they are weak-minded. It's called a mind trick, which isn't a terribly creative name but it suits its purpose. And go into a person's mind. Read their thoughts, see their memories.

( video | un: kenobi )

[jedies]

[ anger leads to hate. and he cannot deny the anger. nor should he. anger, fear, they are all natural emotions. they should be expressed. they should exist. but obi-wan is more than just an emotional response and refuses to be hedged in by it.

there is steel in his voice. ]

And I suppose this is your idea of an apology?

[survivalthroughhate]

[Uh-oh. He's been waiting for a reaction from Kenobi for the past month or so and knows this likely isn't going to be a conversation he wants to have. But ignoring it isn't a option either.]

If I sit here and gave an apology to every person I've personally wronged, I'll be here until the middle of summer.

text; UN: TripleJ

[kyley_b]

ok, so this is good, I support your progress.

so no more killing people just because they piss you off. right?

you're not a monster. you're just a total dick. but you can prove that you're gonna change, it'll just take time and you can't flip out on people if they don't see it right away.

[survivalthroughhate]

In my defense, the only person here I've killed out of anger was such a odious individual that even Usagi agreed he needed to die. The other two were a mercy killing and killing someone while brainwashed.

Just keep telling me that from time to time. I need the reminder occasionally that this is going to be long, hard work. And that people will still support me while I'm on this path.

Video - UN: BlackMoths

[blackmothwings]

Hello, Maul.

[Lucille's emotions are carefully tucked away, hiding the storm that brews within her. She relates all too easily to his struggle, and she isn't sure she wants to talk about it at all, given her sensitivities.]

Change is... exceedingly difficult. It is a stormy path to walk and one that we must, ultimately, do alone. Unfortunately, few people understand how difficult it truly is unless they've followed a similar path.

[She shakes her head takes a shallow breath. Somehow, she manages to remain emotionless.]

I know you can do it, however. And I will help you, should you need it.

[survivalthroughhate]

Yes. Some seem to think two years is enough time to undo a lifetime of brainwashing and old wounds. They are hopelessly naïve if they think that.

[It took a lifetime to turn Maul into who he is today. It will take another to fully undo the damage that still can be undone. But there are some wounds, he knows, which can never fully be healed. He's just afraid to find out that might be most of what makes him up.

Still, he manages a small smile for his friend.]

I appreciate that, Lucille, far more than mere words can make clear.

also Not Here

[creidim]

[ Oh, what strange thing has brought such a turn, here—?

Luna is keeping a distance from this and choosing not to say anything or interact with Maul. She's still deeply angry with what happened to Willow, and still a little raw from the fact both John, Peter and Paimon had to convince her to not join John on his fight with Maul. She doesn't particularly believe much of this. Considering it might be in part because Maul's got his tail between his legs (does he have them back, now?) from both his friends' reactions to his behaviour the last few weeks, and then John's subsequent smackdown of the Sith Lord. Not to mention Maul has a marvellous habit of saying things he doesn't truly mean and breaking promises he makes. So, yes — she's very sceptical about all of this.

Her energy is probably best spent elsewhere right now. But she'll still be keeping a very close eye on this transmission. She's definitely one of the 'few exceptions', and she can live with that. And while she might be sceptical if this is in fact a genuine want for change, part of her whole-heartedly hopes it is. ]

Video; un: Cass

[feudalladyshandmaid]

[A tightly knit brow pokes out through the curling bangs of bright blue hair. An uncommon sight that Maul may recognize from one short conversation on the beach outside Trench.]

I guess... there's always the opportunity to do some good.

[She has no horse in this race, but... it's a thought she needed to express.]

[survivalthroughhate]

I don't know about good.... [Maul says, the look on his face still very pensive. As he's told people repeatedly, he's not a good person and frankly he doesn't want to be a good person if it means becoming like some of those that he's seen in this city.] ....But at least there is a chance to do less harm than what I have been warranted to do in the past.

[ voice | un: keith ]

[tempredmental]

[Keith wasn't quite sure what to make of this. He didn't know the full history here. But, that last bit was interesting.]

Pulling out corruption sounds like a useful ability.

[He was keeping his tone neutral for now.]

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul shrugs. He hasn't mentioned much mainly because A) he's not mastered the ability yet and has some internalized issues about not being perfect with his abilities and B) He's just sort of assumed other people could do it and is only now realizing with this post how wrong that assumption was.]

I'm not very good with it yet.

un: dragongirl, private

[catchatting]

A+ manager-approved.

In all seriousness, I hope you mean this. Being angry and vengeful seems like a lonely, shitty life. People can only change if they want to.

But if you ever come after John in any way again, I will put you in the ground myself. I have fought literal gods for my family. You're one man.

[survivalthroughhate]

You are not my manager.

[Maul types out in a weary but almost affectionate manner. There's something comforting about the familiar exchange with Zari.]

I hope this time it will stick. It is not easy to change a lifetime of behavior but there is always hope for the future.

Duly noted. I'd tear down this whole city piece by piece if certain people I loved were threatened. However, I will point out that smug wizard came after ME, not the other way around. All I did was defend myself. He got what he wanted, which was revenge, and I broke his arm, so we are on even footing now again. But be careful if you do come after me. I am no man. I am a Sith Lord and there's a reason I have garnered such a reputation here in Trench.