Deer Country Network

[Maul looks very serious but also with a touch of the cat that finally caught the canary as he starts the video.]

I thought I would just give a formal announcement that I have broken the curse which has been on me since Deerington. For those who didn't know about it, it caused me to feel pain whenever I harmed another sentient being. But no more.

[He sounds extremely pleased by that. Though any traces of glee are soon replaced by a murderous expression on his face, his eyes hardening until there is only fury in them.]

If any of you feel like being clever and immediately trying to put another leash upon me, I would advise against it. I didn't retaliate this time but next time I will kill anyone who tries to meddle in my life, whether or not it is my own hand that ends your life.[Maul's got enough people in town who he knows would eagerly kill for him if he asked them to, his brother and mate both chief among them. While he usually prefers to do his own dirty work, he's not willing to put himself through another eight months of being muzzled.] Or I shall simply make your life so miserable that you wish you were dead. After all, most sentient species contain around two hundred to four hundred bones. Consider the fact I know how to break each and every one of them. Or how most species will continue to survive as long as the brain has oxygen and the hearts continue to pump blood regardless of what else is done to their body. Just a thought.

[He pauses and adds on a little at the end.]

As for the three that did it? You already know I don't forgive and I don't forget. Run and hide if you like. I'll come and find you soon enough.

[Hope you don’t mind Shaky Cam, Trench! Because that’s what you’re getting. A shaky cam shot of the beach. In January. There’s snow and ice all over the place. Frozen chunks of ocean waves lapping at the shore, a cold wind whipping up sand and the occasional bit of sleet. The Wakers are dressed in so many layers, they kind of look like puffballs. In other words, it is COLD. Who in their right mind, aside from said Wakers, would be out in this kind of weather? In this climate?]

Make sure it’s recording! Lance! Make sure it’s recording!

[... oh.]

[That’s who. A pair of fools.]

[Lance’s face comes close to the camera from the side. Those who know him will recognize that he looks four years younger, like he’s actually slept and has no more scars on his face. He’s squinting with his hand on his chin as he examines the Omen that he’s already learned can do things like this (Omen told him himself, which was super cool).]

Dude, it’s a coyote, how am I supposed to–? [A deep, third voice from the ‘cameraman’ interrupts:] I am recording.

Oh. Why didn’t you say so earlier–?! Nevermind- [He turns to look over his shoulder at where Shiro is with his hover bike.] he’s recording! Did you tell the ladies over there to check out the show?

[The camera moves to get Shiro and Lance as well as a group of teenage Trenchie girls in the background in the shot and though he is turned slightly away from his omen, Lance can be seen waving at them and shooting finger guns. Sparkles practically fly off his teeth as he grins and the girls wave back and yell ‘hiii!’.]

[Shiro’s expression flickers between what and that mild teen annoyance slightly older teenagers get at their younger counterparts. He’s still his eighteen year old self, hair all black, scar free, two human hands pushing his goggles onto his face.]

You talk to the girls, I’ll pass. [Dramatic eyeroll.] Come on! Get up here and drive!

[Drive… the hover bike. Which is parked suspiciously close to the ocean. The nose is even pointed out on the half-frozen water. He gestures to Lance to come take the driver’s seat, while he starts clambering up onto the front of the bike. Surely they aren’t going to…]

Aw heck yeah! Come on Valor, keep up and get the money shots! [Lance hops into the driver’s seat as Shiro gets on the front, eager to impress the younger version of his hero, and then he addresses the ‘camera’ or rather, the audience he expects to have, like this is some YouTube stunt channel, or an episode of Jackass.]

Feast your eyes everyone! And ladies~ – we are two of the best pilots on earth, your boys Lance and Shiro, and we’re gonna pull off some of the craziest stunts on a hoverbike ever attempted! Get ready to have your minds blooooown [Lance makes explosion sounds with his mouth and brings his hands up to his head to motion mind blowing, then brings them back to the bike and revs the engine.] Ready, Shiro?

Oh, more than ready. [While Lance has been, understandably, playing the showman, Shiro’s gotten himself crouched up on the nose of the bike. Arms spread, legs bent, like he’s fully intending to surf on the bike while Lance drives.] I’ve got another record to set -

Hit it, Lance!

[Somehow, he’ll manage to stay on, when Lance hits the throttle. He definitely will not stay on his feet, though. The first hard turn, he’ll likely fall with a painfully loud THUD, and then grip the actual nose to stay on. But… he’s laughing? He’s clearly having the time of his life, holding onto his bike like he’s a giant human koala.]

Faster!

You got it!

[Valor, the coyote Omen is able to sprout wings and fly to keep pace with them so he’s absolutely getting those epic shots of Shiro on the nose of the bike and Lance in the driver’s seat. And as Lance goes faster, he goes for some fun stunts, swerving and tilting the hover bike in various ways. And with Shiro on the nose obscuring part of his view and his focus on trying to be impressive with his flying/driving skills, he ends up taking the bike out over the water. And it’s then that he goes too far with the stunt he tries. The bike spins out and then flips over, dumping the two of them in the frigid waters with a yell. Valor, the omen keeps filming and sits right at the water’s edge where they both pop out of the ice cold ocean, shivering and wet. Lance takes a moment to notice his Omen is still recording and he sputters.]

That- that was totally the plan! …R-right, Shiro?!

– Right! Yeah! [It’s hard to talk when your teeth are chattering so hard.] It - Ice! Ice bucket! It’s a giant ice bucket! Ch-hallenge!

Yeah! T-to raise money for- for… Charity!

[There’s a pause. A teeth-rattling pause.]

Yeah! Charity! For the o-orphans!

[Nice save, guys. There’s a long pause, again as Lance looks over at Shiro sidelong, almost nonchalant, but then turns a bit sly...]

...Bet you I can stay in the ice water the longest.

[And the video cuts out.]

[ When Zari's face comes on the screen, it's painted like a glamorous leopard spotted cat and her hair is done up to mimic the shape of cat ears. She's sitting on a plush pink upholstered chair with carefully curated items on the wall behind her that fit the themes of light pink and leopard print. ]

Hi, Z Nation! It's your favorite celebfluencer... me! Okay, I know we're all from different times and places and a lot of you don't know me yet, but that's okay. We'll get there. My name is Zari Tarazi and I'm all about clean living, beauty and staying true to yourself. I'm a model, actress, singer and practicing Muslim.

I think I need to start doing regular content here, because I have absolutely fallen off my posting schedule in the last few months and that's no way to live, so think of this as a sort of newsletter-vlog. Or whatever.

[ She sits up a little straighter and then resettles in, eyes glancing to the side quickly to make sure her ring light is still positioned correctly. ]

First of all, I am looking for instrumentalists who would be interested in helping me to make some new music. Just something fun... maybe we could do some little concerts around the city the brighten everyone's days, record a few things. No big. I would be singing, of course, but I'm open to the right collaboration.

Next up, who wants to get mani-pedis t want to meet some people who are down for gabbing and good skincare and I haven't had a facial since we saved the world or stopped with me or do face masks or anything like that? I'm dying for some feminine companionship. Now, I don't drink, but if you want a glass of wine with all that, totally cool with me. I justime from collapsing in on itself?

[ She looks away for a moment. ]

Is that what we did? Oh, whatever. Anyway, you're totally welcome for it, but my skin is a disaster. Time travel rages havoc on the pores.

Oh, and speaking of not drinking, where's a good spot for mocktails around here? Low-cal preferred, organic required. Consume healthy when you can!

[ A small pause. ]

This is normally where I'd plug a sponsor like Hello Fresh or RAID: Shadow Legends, but I guess since this is a new series I don't have one yet. Would you like to be a sponsor? Hit me up in the DMs. Otherwise check out John Constantine's store. I'm there sometimes, so come by. I mean I don't work there or anything. I just hang around. Oh crap I'm one of those people who hangs around their friend's job, aren't I? I really need that music thing to happen. Please and thanks.

Oh and like, subscribe and comment down below with your cutest masks or makeup. Let's inspire each other! Wait does this thing have an engagement algorithm? Whatever. Just show off your cutest looks this month! Love ya!

[As the video turns on, there is yet another tired face of someone resisting their Bloodsport. Really, he's been trying. Oz may be smiling and beaming with energy, but there are dark circles under his eyes and he's paled by the internalized horror of his recent boat ride. This boy is at least very good at faking a chipper attitude and puts that skill to full use over the network.]

He~llo! It's Oz again! And you know what I've been itching to do lately?

[Break things, fight people, summon his weapon and mow down monsters... No, he won't admit to those or allow them. Instead, a peaceful half-truth;]

Ballroom dancing!

I've had an abundance of energy and I need to do something productive. We all come from different worlds, so I bet our dances are veeery different! Anyone want to practice mine? Maybe it'll be a refreshing way to get rid of this energy!

[Without breaking things or exploding. Oz is looking for less violent ways to help people vent their Bloodsport. And maybe some classical dance can distract him.]

[ The video flickers on to find Sara perched against her motorcycle on the edge of the woods, looking a little rough around the edges but mostly unhurt. ]

Alright, so... I can't tell if this place is better or worse than the last one yet, but judging from the creepy ambiance, the hopes aren't high. I've got some weapons with me from Deerington, though, so if you're in need of protection or a way to safety, let me know.

[ She chews on her lip a moment. ]

Also, anyone know where the hell to get a drink around here?

[The video turns on and it's everyone's not-so-favorite Sith Lord. He looks better than he did upon arrival though he wears the usual expression of just barely contained fury he's known for. Sitting next to him is a creature that might be the stuff of human nightmares given how they're all teeth. They could have easily been mistaken for a monster in this place were it not for the fact they're remaining perfectly still, Maul's right hand resting along their back.

If you're all done fooling around with these devices like the children half of you are, perhaps we can turn our attention to more serious matters. Oh, and for those of you who had hoped I wouldn't find my way here, so sorry to disappoint.

[Though he sounds anything but.]

For one, I recall a lot of bleating about organizing a government and such during your charming little witch hunt of me. I assume for most you that was all talk but surely there has to be a few enterprising souls that were serious. If so, let us talk more. I am most curious given I have some experience with running an entire planet. [Venge, the Maalraas sitting by Maul, paws him gently.] Oh and has anyone else found themselves suddenly with an animal companion?

[Then, having blithely insulted a good three-fourths of the population, the video is turned off.]