Deer County Inbox

[survivalthroughhate]

"This is Maul. State your business."

Voice | Video | Text | Action

Also always up for backdating anything specific done during events or plots that we weren't able to get to e.g. memshares, shapeshifting into other forms, etc. Just let me know what you'd like to do!

Comments

un: trienemybest; text - 3am early september

[droptheious]

You never stop clapping. The interval between claps just gets longer.

[survivalthroughhate]

[What the hell...? Maul blearily stares at his device for a moment before he texts back.]

What is this, a koan of some sort?

Voice; mid-September

[no_reload]

[It was about time he graced Maul's inbox with his gravely voice, wasn't it? Besides, they always had important matters to discuss or else just take an opportunity to flirt a little.]

New place with potential for permanence, and I figured it was important that you and I reaffirmed our bonds to each other.

[The smirk could be heard in his voice.]

By bonds, I mean we need to compare our important lists. Do not kill and do not harass. Well, harass within reason; neither of us are perfect.

[survivalthroughhate]

And here I was beginning to think you'd forgotten me. Or just got caught up in babysitting that house full of children you're residing in.

[There's a teasing tone to Maul's voice. He's so pleased to hear from Reaper right now.]

Yes, we never did get around to that in Deerington, did we? It would have saved us a great deal of hassle.

Video; UN: Willow

[frogfear]

[The feed flicks on, and Willow's sitting there, looking mildly uncomfortable.]

So, uh, hey. I saw the news about what happened - do you know who killed Flynn? I mean, no offense, you kind of fit the description and all, and I saw some people are getting a little finger pointy - but I know it wasn't you.

Video; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

[Well, color Maul surprised. He honestly wasn't expecting Willow of all people to give him the benefit of the doubt or be on his side.]

......And why do you believe it wasn't me?

text; un: doublehedgedsword

[laminae]

[After the whole stabbing thing and the network post wherein it was very apparent that Maul didn't kill Flynn, Fern has been doing a lot of thinking. It doesn't seem like Maul has actually been lying to him, but his feelings of anger haven't gone away. Things are a confusing mess in his mind, and the only thing he's really sure about is that he needs to do something about it.]

ok so
i'm still mad at you for killing Varian
i don't think that's ever going to go away
he's the most important person ever to me, so i'm going to be mad at anyone who hurts him

but
i get that you're trying, even if you're not any good at it
you're not lying about that

Text; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

[Well, well. He's been hoping for some kind of communication like this from Fern but he hadn't been counting on it happening anytime soon. Apparently, his name has been cleared to the grass boy's satisfaction.]

You're allowed to be mad and anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand that anger is a gift. It's all that has sustained me sometimes so I understand.

One doesn't get better at anything unless they keep practicing. True with weapons and true with life. So I'll keep trying even if I still don't understand all the social niceties that go along with doing better.

[His post in making Anakin confess had been evidence enough of that.]

Did Varian tell you I helped get him to sleep?

Video; UN: Cuddlebunny

[lightthedarkness]

I know your secret.

[Why yes, she IS starting the conversation that way, because why the hell wouldn't his wife be cryptic as hell?]

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul wracks his brain to try and figure out what she means by that but comes up empty. At least by her tone of voice, he doesn't think he's done anything bad that his wife would disapprove of.]

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Voice; un: ...

[opress]

[He liked eating, and that was becoming a major problem this month apparently. He liked fighting too, but mixing intoxication, a need for confrontation, and loneliness basically meant that he was failing at keeping his own crap in order.

His voice was slurred and mostly a half purr at all times.]

Brother... are you coming home soon? Ruin misses you.

[Also, he had no idea what day of the week it was. Or actually how long Maul had been gone. It could have been an hour, a day, a week... god, he was so out it.]

[survivalthroughhate]

[After Maul had realized eating and drinking was producing effects similar to getting high or drunk, he decided he just wasn't going to do that until the problem was solved. All that had led to him was being hangry and even then he still needed to drink water to keep from being dehydrated.

He was making his way home when his brother called. Maul was considering eating something for he was feeling ravenous. When Savage called, Maul's brow crinkled in confusion.]

Is everything all right?

Action;

[lightthedarkness]

[After all the hubbub that was the announcement, Usagi got up and headed for Maul, tugging on his hand. There had been more than a few revealing conversations but there was one currently more important.]

When was the last time you ate?

[survivalthroughhate]

A day ago. [A pause.] Maybe two.

[No wonder he's been a little snappish with people on the post. He's hangry.]

Video: ClickClickBloom

[onekindsoul]

Hey Maul...

I just wanted to check in on you. How are you holding?

I can't imagine super well after what happened at the gate.

Video; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul's sitting on a couch at the Disaster House, looking sulky and still a bit tired. He really needs to rethink these three-day marathon fighting events. He's getting a bit too old for this sort of thing.]

I failed to get revenge on someone who killed my mate. How do you think I am feeling?

[He's pretty darn grumpy about the whole thing and is determined to remain so.]

Private:Video; UN: Cuddlebunny - Following his Life Day post

[lightthedarkness]

You know, with you my dear Maul, I know I juuuust need to be patient long enough and you'll bring up something I want to talk about first so I don't have to bring it up out of the blue.

Maulrus, my dear, sweet, Zabrak...

WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT WITH THE DEMON PETER KNOWS?!

[survivalthroughhate]

[He wriggles a blunt claw in an ear after Usagi yells. Force alive but she's got a set of lungs on her when she wants. It's like listening to a tiger kitten roar for the first time.]

Paimon and I are good friends. He respects me and I respect him. When we met, he was lost and alone like a young shaak, unable to control the light inside of him. He is not dark but the light within him is a deep and terrible power, the kind that can scorch the earth if he wants to. I have given him many lessons on how to use his power and grow more into himself. At first, Peter was just the useless host to me, but now I see he can have his uses as well.

[Yes, the way he treats Peter is awful, but Maul is beginning to come around to the idea of a terrified, obedient teenager being useful for the Sith Lord.]

Besides, the two of them are so intertwined now that it is impossible to separate one from the other.

Voice; un: Wesson

[family_remains]

Maul, it's Sam. It's going down with Anakin. Right now. On the corner of Hamlet Crossings and the abandoned road that skirts the North side of Willful Machine.

Get here, this is our only shot.

Voice; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

[So this was happening right now. Shit. Well, Maul had known this was coming so he's not completely blindsided. He's just not looking forward to going up against Anakin again.]

I'm coming.

[That's all he says before he grabs his hovercycle and takes off on it, knowing it will be the fastest mode of transportation that can get him there before Dean Winchester ends up filleted like a fish after skinning.]

un: trienemybest; text

[droptheious]

My corruption came back. I've been trying to sleep (because at least I CAN this time) but it's not working. I'm still feeling exhausted no matter how long I stay in bed. Can you help? It worked last time and honestly I don't know what else to do.

un: darkness; text

[survivalthroughhate]

[Well, this isn't an alarming text to be receiving at all, though he is glad Varian reached out this time instead of just ignoring or trying to push through his symptoms.]

Alright. I'll be right over.

[With those terse words, Maul sets out for the Disaster House.]

Christmas Delivery

[onebadapple]

[Early Christmas morning wrapped up in a towel and nuzzled in a basket with sprigs of evergreen pines and dried orange slices will be a meat pie.

Attached is a card with elegant writing:]

Merry Christmas, Maul!
I hope you stay warm and safe!
Love,
Snow White

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul sends Venge back to Snow with a note, figuring with how fond she is of animals that she'd like to meet his Omen. They open up their (very toothy) mouth and a recording from Maul comes out.]

Thank you for the gift. It was very thoughtful of you. This is Venge, a Maalraas and my Omen. I think you will like them as well.

Christmas Delivery

[lightthedarkness]

[Wrapped up in a bright red and white box is a plate of bought snowflake cookies and a black and red men's coat that will absolutely fit Maul's build.

Attached is a note with a little rabbit doodle:]

Happy Holidays!
Love,
Usagi

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul sends Usagi a message soon after he finds his gifts.]

Thank you, Usagi, for thinking of me and Savage. I will make sure he wears his coat whether he likes it or not. Did you find my gifts?

Voice; un: ... January 1'ish

[opress]

[Like so many conversations, Kenobi tended to fill his head with more questions than answers. He wasn't one to think much on 'what could have been', but something about this question nagged at him for weeks.]

Brother... On Mandalore.

[He took a long breath.]

If your Master had offered you a place under his tutelage again, would you have taken the opportunity?

[survivalthroughhate]

[What an odd question to hear from his brother. Maul wonders what brought this on and intends to ask once he's done answering the initial queston. He pauses, not out of hesitation, but because he's trying to think of how to word his answer right.]

.....No. Had he found me one or two years after I was severed in two, even five years, I would have returned to his side with no hesitation. But he did not care anything about me. It was a hard lesson to learn that I was nothing more than a tool to him, a weapon to be used, disposed of, and forgotten about. You were the one that found me with Mother's guidance. Only my family truly cared about what became of me and that's how I knew who really cared about me.

[He pauses and then asks:]

What brought this question on?

( action, maul's house )

[jedies]

[ this needs to be done face to face. he doesn't like it and he would hate to hear that maul planned this but . . . he won't jump to conclusions just yet.

he knocks on the door. ]

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul gets up when he hears a knock at the door. Given the security system he has in the way of the several animals roaming the property to weed out intruders and protect his home, Maul knows right off the bat it has to be someone friendly. He opens it to find Obi-Wan there and blinks in surprise.]

Why are you here?

[Maul's blunt and rude, as usual, but Obi-Wan also hasn't been at his home in close to a year so he's rather confused as to what might be going on.]

Text, UN: Willow

[frogfear]

[It comes as a bit of a shock when Willow reappears in the room she shares with Tara at home, but Moon Presence floating away as she glances out the window is all the explanation she needs, and she can't help but smile. It's not the first time Cynthia has come to her aid.

She looks around, and she's torn between worry and relief when she realizes Maul isn't there with her. She wouldn't willingly leave him behind, but she doesn't really want him in her home either. The only solution for it is to make sure he's safe.]

Where are you? You got out too, right?

Text; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

[Willow will not receive an answer for a few hours as Maul immediately goes to sleep after ensuring he and Venge are alright. He sets his Omen to guard him while he rests and then goes straight to bed. It's his go-to strategy when his mind has gone through a great deal of stress and he needs a way to decompartmentalize. He just sleeps it all away.]

I ended up back at my own home after Cynthia rescued us.

February 14

[no_reload]

[No matter the fight, the silence as they processed things, Reaper still intended to make it clear he was dedicated to being the occasional romantic. That whole 'he could be charming' thing still stuck with him, encouraged him to put in effort.

So, there would be a bouquet of a dozen roses that were made of bacon. They were all wrapped up as one might in the paper and one of those tiny little cards that had Reaper's neat handwriting on it.

Your feelings hit me like a sledgehammer.
Mine slay you with my sheer romantic capabilities.
-G.

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul hadn't been sure if Reaper would be up for any sort of celebration between the two of them given the intensity of the fight between them. But he'd been working on Reaper's gift for quite some time and was still determined to give it to him. Hearing he was back at the Disaster House, Maul left the picture he'd been working on in an envelope addressed to his mate, leaving again before he could be discovered by anyone.

There was a scribbled inscription in Maul's large, blocky handwriting across the bottom of the picture.]

Heard something in a movie that made me think of what I feel for you, my mate. "I'd rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you."

[Then back home he went to thoughtfully munch his way through his bouquet of roses.]

Video: UN - Runeseeker

[onerthes]

Out of respect for the many times we have shown each other understanding, I will not make assumptions. But, I do need to know before we speak...

Did you coerce someone into a mental bond, Maul?

[Her tone was very carefully controlled, something that was probably pretty obvious. She was usually prone to either a playful tone, or a lot of passion when she spoke. To be this measured? She was holding emotion back. A lot of it. After all, she was trying not to assume. Assumption was dangerous as it related to Maul. Many had misunderstood or misapprehended what he did in the past, and she barely knew Annakin.

She wanted clarity before she even began to judge.]

[survivalthroughhate]

I won't lie to you, Vira-Lorr.

[He had enough respect for his friend and ally in return not to use doubletalk or outright lie the way he might do with others who asked him. That was also the reason he was using her name when he seldom did with anyone here in Trench. He could tell there was something different in her tone than normal and was wary as to what was coming next.]

I created a bond with Anakin when he didn't want one.

Voice; un: ...

[opress]

I don't think that I need to tell you this, but I will. No matter what other people think, say about you or want to do to you, I will always be in your corner, my brother.

Until the very end if necessary.

[He didn't say such things often, not since their journey began and a quiet promise had been made between them to stand together through thick and thin. He wanted to make certain that Maul knew that his opinion on sticking with the elder Zabrak remained the same.]

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul wondered where this had come from but it still touched him in his little hearts.]

I know that, brother. [A pause.] But I still appreciate you saying it anyway.

[Talking about feelings was often messy and confusing for both of them but sometimes it is still necessary.]

[ACTION]/[VIDEO | UN: JustLuke]

[faithfulson]

[ He wasn’t aware of how much time passed when… whoever that was grabbed him and bit him, much less aware of passing out as a result. All he really knew was that his head was swimming, the world spinning around him, and his eyes could not focus well. It was still dark, that much was clear and… ]

[ …a familiar pair of red, lens-like eyes was hovering over him…?]

F-fa…ther…?

[ His voice sounded like a faint croak, painfully weak, and it made him flinch. He turned his head away, and in the next moment he could feel something pressed into his hand. Somehow, he knew it was his Omni. Somehow, he just had to contact someone, anyone… no, someone that wouldn’t freak out or worry or cause too many problems over all this… ]

[ By the time the message goes through, Maul gets a picture of Luke lying on the ground, his face pale, eyes unfocused. The rest of him was hard to see, given there was only the moon to light the area, and his propensity to wear dark clothing, but how out of it he looked spoke enough to something being very wrong. ]

M-Maul… I… I need help.

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul hadn't yet seen the video on the network, so this was the first indication he had of what had happened to Luke. To say he was alarmed would be an understatement. Immediately, he went into crisis mode, ready to solve the problem at hand.

Maul didn't ask too many questions or ask if Luke was at all alright. Clearly, he was not. He armed himself and then was out the door, ready to help his young friend and rescue him if necessary.]

I will be there soon. Where are you?

[That would tell Maul whether traveling by Lamp Location or using one of his many modes of transportation would be easier, especially since it looked like he was going to need to possibly grab Luke and bodily drag him from wherever he was at until they were out of danger.]

this letter shows up at any time after the start of april.

[oldhound]

Maul,

You likely already know I'm gone by the time this arrives, and I'm sure you're bloody celebrating like the bastard you are. I'm not there in person to call you on that favor that you owe me, so consider it called now:

Do better.

Don't do it cause I'm saying it. Don't do it cause someone else told you it was the right thing. Don't do it cause others go all starry-eyed over you for whatever reason they've got. Do it for yourself. Do it cause you deserve something more than what you've been giving yourself.

Do it cause you're tired of it all circling the bloody drain already.

I know the reason we didn't get on was we saw too much of ourselves in the other. We've both got a lot of hate to contend with. It's not worth it. I know the idea of deserve is a hard one for us as well.

It's not going to magically get better overnight. May take years, decades even. It'll hurt. It'll carve it out of you and leave you there wishing for death. You might backslide, probably will. Don't let it win.

Anyway, I'm probably wasting my time writing this out. Probably just rip it to shreds and put it out of your mind. There's a time I would've done the same if someone had the gall to try it with me. There's been times I have.

Don't be a wanker,
John Constantine

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul reads the letter. Once, twice, three times. By the that time, he's gripping the paper so hard that he's left puncture marks along the edges with his claws.

He's boiling mad, and if John were standing in front of him, he'd be beating him up like he had when the smug wizard had cursed him. But he can't do that and so instead he's left to contemplate John's words. Part of him does indeed want to tear the letter to shreds and put it out of his mind. And yet.... and yet.... He's never gone back when he owes someone a favor from him. And so he's left to contemplate what he'll do.

Eventually, he folds the letter up and puts it in a secure spot in his room, muttering to himself.]

I wish you'd given me something I could actually achieve.

text - UN: IceCream

[threelayers]

If you'll forgive me a terrible joke?
It's been a whole month, man, and nobody's accusing you of mass murder.
I believe this calls for a celebration!

Terrible mushroom tarts on me?

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul shakes his head and chuckles for a moment as he reads Neo's text. Really, she's one of the few people who could tease him about his lack of murder and get away with it.]

That sounds like it would be a wonderful way to celebrate. What time do you want to meet?

accidental video; un: tsabin

[decoyqueen]

[ It was near dusk on Naboo.

Candles and lanterns lit the archways of the buildings in Theed, a solemn glow lighting the way for a quiet procession. This was not a small gathering- it looked as though the entire city, if not more, were gathered. Crowds lined the stone bridge with mourners watching the procession as it passed. Four gualaar leading an open casket through the city.

Padmé Naberrie Amidala lay lifeless- her hair splayed around her with petals of flowers placed in the curls. Her hand rested on her stomach and held the japor snippet necklace a young Anakin Skywalker had given her years ago.

No one spoke.

Padmé's family followed, as did Queen Apailana in a gown styled after one of the former Queen's looks. A nod to her respect for the late Queen and Senator of Naboo. Padmé's surviving handmaidens were among those walking behind the current Queen. Rabé, Saché, Yané, Dormé, and Sabé did not speak a word to each other... nor anyone else. Their devastation was too great. ]

[survivalthroughhate]

[As he watches the video, it doesn't take too long for Maul to realize what he's looking at. Naboo, a planet he hasn't been to in such a long time but which is close at hand always in memories. He recognizes Padmé right away. There's a tragedy in just how young the Senator is. She should be at the prime of life and instead they're having to bury her. He notes with some shock that she still looks pregnant. Something doesn't add up here. He's figured out she's Luke's mother, but how could that be if she died while still pregnant. He'll have to find out the answers to such a question later on.

For now, he feels it's best to contact the owner of the memory.

There's an awkwardness to Maul's voice. He hadn't been happy that one of the memories that had been broadcast to the network showed a moment of raw grief for him. He suspects Sabé won't appreciate it either.]

I believe I saw a memory of yours.

[ACCIDENTAL VIDEO] UN: [username not set]

[demonicbeauty]

[The feed opens on a little clearing in a rain forest. It's late at night, only silvery moon lighting the scene, filtering in through a canopy and mist. Circled up between the opening of a cavern and a line of tree trunks, a little family is huddled.

Well, maybe not so little. There's a man with blue hair and green skin, sitting in front of the cave, holding a wooden flute. Surrounding him on either side are twenty children. They can't be more than five or six years old, all of them with enormous gray eyes. Their hair is pastel--some blue, some pink, some purple, some yellow--and they all have mint-green skin. Sitting near the trees is a sinewy woman with pink hair and a wary gaze, sharpening a broken tree branch with long, black talons.

All of them--every single one--has enormous black wings, tucked neatly against their backs.

It's not hard to pick out Ariadne in the group. She's curled up tight against her father's side, staring at him with the same sort of wonder Ariadne looks at anything fascinating. He strokes her hair absently, though he speaks to all of them.]

When our island sank, our people were scattered to the four corners of existence. Great packs with even greater leaders thrived, in spite of everything against us.

[A little boy with blue hair pipes up.]

Like what?

[The father chuckles.]

Jagged red rocks. Sun hot enough to bleach bone. A world without softness. An unforgiving world.

[The mother speaks up at this.]

And Humans. Don't forget them.

[He shakes his head.]

Some Humans, yes.

[The tiny Ariadne tilts her head.]

But not all of them, right?

No, not all.

[The mother narrows her eyes. It seems she has some opinions on the subjet, but the father is quick to continue.]

Despite everything against us. We survived. And now, we continue to survive. And because of you--each and every one of you--we will always survive. That's what's important. And why? Because you are our pack. We're strong because we're together. We'll always look out for each other. Yes? Do you all promise to protect one another?

[The children nod their heads solemnly. This pleases the father, who smiles, reaching out to cup the chins of those within reach.]

As long as at least one of us is alive, we all live forever. Through our memories. Through our stories. One day, one of you will replace me as the storyteller. And one of your children will replace you. And the line will never be broken.

[Tiny Ariadne hugs her father's knee.]

I want to be storyteller!

[He laughs.]

And you might well be, Ariadne.

[But the memory fades there. Ironically as Ariadne's dreams of once being the pack storyteller had to fade. But Omnis surely don't know about irony, right?]

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul is glad for the distraction of a happy memory from someone. Seeing Ariadne, what he presumes is her family, and watching a culture that is both like and unlike that of the Nightkin brings an ache of nostalgia to his hearts. But it's not painful as it so often is, just a little bittersweet as he thinks back on his own people.

Eventually, he contacts Ariadne, and the expression on his face is less harsh than normal.]

You were happy with your family.

accidental video; un: quibbler | cw: emotional blackmail, magical torture, violence against a minor

[creidim]

[ It seems that Luna's Omni has now fallen to the recent... issue going on, and begins broadcasting from where it rests in her room. The memory flickers in to a rich, grand house — a study of sorts. The room is gloomy; pristine dark wood floors that look almost black, wooden panelling heavily decorated with fine tapestries and huge paintings with figures who move silently within them. A fire roars on one side, a woman stood before it, wand in hand. She's dressed in dark colours, hair unkempt, wild. Her heavy-lidded eyes look vexed as she stares into the flames, twitching at the sound of approaching footsteps. She smiles also manically, but it doesn't reach her eyes.

Luna's manhandled into the room, bedraggled, but not fighting too hard. She's no older than sixteen, small in the wizard's grasp and shoved hard into the center of the room before the dark-haired witch. Luna raises her head to look at Bellatrix Lestrange, unafraid but wary.

"Well, what do we have? Potter's little friend!" Bellatrix coos in sing-song as she sidles up close to Luna, thinly-veiled attempts to be disarming. "I thought maybe you and I could have a nice little chat, hm? Maybe you've had a nice long think in the dungeon, and you might choose to do the right thing here."

Luna doesn't say anything, Bellatrix continues: "Now your dear, darling Daddy's been writing some very unhelpful things about your lovely friend Harry Potter, and that—" She taps Luna's shoulder with her wand playfully punctuate each word, as if admonishing her. "just— won't— do—!"

Bellatrix makes a face before spinning on her heel to move away again, she's quiet for a few moments, as if deciding something. Luna remains silent, watching her carefully.
"Now it would be a shame if we had to go and punish him for it. But supporting Harry Potter instead of the Dark Lord is... a very serious thing." She hums. "So I have a wonderful idea—! How about you tell us where your friend is, and what he's up to and maybe we can forgive your father—? That sounds fair, doesn't it—?"

Luna inhales softly, a shuddering little breath. After a long moment, her eyes flick to the floor. She remains silent. And suddenly, it's as if a switch has been flicked — the fake-niceties are gone and Bellatrix's breathing grows rapid, enraged. She storms back over, raising her wand and flicking it up to Luna's face, screaming at her—

"TELL ME WHERE POTTER IS OR YOU WILL NEVER SEE YOUR BLOOD TRAITOR FATHER AGAIN—! WE KNOW HE'S CONSPIRING AGAINST THE DARK LORD SOMEHOW—!" Luna tenses up, her eyes huge and glossy, but her lips purse — refusing to speak. Bellatrix tilts her head to one side, her own eyes widening as if to mock her before she scoffs. "Fine. Have it your way, girl."

Bellatrix backs off and with a grin which melts into something ice-cold, she whips her wand in a harsh, striking motion — a jet of red light cracking loudly in the air as she yells "CRUCIO—!"

Luna crumples to her knees like a rag-doll with a shriek of agony, it's as if her body doesn't know what to do. She then falls backwards as Bellatrix holds the curse firm, twisting and tense as she goes into spasm — screaming so loudly it echoes, consumed with blinding pain. It seems to go on for an age until Bellatrix stops, standing over her as Luna trembles on the floor: "WHERE'S POTTER—?!"

But Luna still doesn't answer, even despite the gasping sobs. She scrambles uselessly against the floor, nails digging into the floorboards. And it begins again, another jolt of red light and the air fills with screaming. Each time Bellatrix stops after a while, screeching at her the same questions, and each time Luna doesn't respond.

"TELL ME, GIRL—! WE KNOW YOU'RE POTTER'S FRIEND. HE ONLY HANGS AROUND WITH FILTHY, DIRTY MUDBLOODS AND DISGUSTING BLOOD TRAITORS!"

And still Luna doesn't answer.

The screen glitches, half-static jumping from the scene to more idyllic scene of Luna's bedroom as she's rushing for her Omni from where she'd left it on her desk. The screen continues to glitch out, her face a strange blur of pixels as she fumbles with the device — hurrying to shut it down. But it's clear there's absolute horror and fear in her eyes.

He can't see this, Peter can't see this. She doesn't know who's receiving this, or even if it might be public, all over the network. As she scrambles, she's yelling as loud as she can: ]

Dormiens vas—!

[ The feed promptly shuts off. ]

[survivalthroughhate]

[There's something in the woman that reminds him a little of his master but also very strongly of Darth Tyranus, the one that his master had replaced him with. A former Jedi who had fallen to the Dark Side. Maul had nothing but contempt for the man, his genteel, faux-kind manner until he didn't get what he wanted. Then came the threats followed by Force Lightning.

He watches Luna and there's a grudging respect he has for her in being able to withstand the torture. She doesn't break, not even close to it, and that's admirable. His respect for Luna always been there. Maul can hate someone with every fiber of his being but he can also show them an amount of respect for their toughness, ingenuity, and being able to best him. Just look at Obi-Wan.

He waits for a bit, letting her figure out what she'd like to do regarding the fact her memories were bleeding out all over the network.]

Did you kill her?

[He asks because if that were him, he would have been looking for revenge as soon as he had the chance. But Luna is not him and so he wonders if she ever dealt with the madwoman torturing her.]