Obi-Wan's heart pounded fast and hard against his chest

Obi-Wan's heart pounded fast and hard against his chest. One small drop of sweat slid down his brow. His breathing was rough and heavy. Ahead of him, his master sat silently in meditation for what was sure to be the final length of their battle with the black and red tattooed beast. The Sith paced before the glowing red shield with anticipation and impatience. He looked menacingly at Qui-Gon with his sickly yellow eyes. Obi-Wan wasn't a concern in his mind. The boy was merely a Padawan, hardly worthy to battle a powerful Sith as himself.

Obi-Wan ignited his crystal blue saber and prepared himself keeping an ever watchful eye on his master.

Finally the hum of the electronics sounded and the shields parted with a whoosh. Qui-Gon's eyes flew open as did his emerald green lightsaber. He struck a blow from above and below from left and right. The Sith parried the strikes easily and twirled his double bladed lightsaber in a bid to distract the Jedi.

The shield holding Obi-Wan eventually opened and he sprinted down the hall, twisting his lightsaber in his hand.

Qui-Gon's saber skimmed the red one causing sparks to fly. He then blocked the enemy's saber from above and below. He pushed his weight onto his handle and pressed the Sith's blade onto the ground meaning to knock into his shoulder but the Sith kept his blade vertical to protect his body.

Obi-Wan could hear the electronics sound again. With a push from the force he al but leapt into the circular room. The shield closed. Giving his body no time to recover he ran towards his master. Qui-Gon raised his lightsaber and the Sith prepared to block. Obi-Wan understood his master's intentions. He faked a swipe at the Sith's legs and drew back sharply.

Darth Maul could see their intentions and shifted his feet to protect them from the Padawan's kick.

Obi-Wan sensed this fight was going to be long and he let his body slow to conserve energy and so also allowing him to place more power into his attacks instead of burning up energy for short, quick attacks.

The sabers flashed and hissed. From a distance it looked like a carefully rehearsed dance. Each movement placed precisely and with caution right down to the small flick of a wrist.

Darth Maul raised his saber horizontally and both men hit a blade each. They stayed like that for a split second before the strength of their bodies combined with the force knocked them backwards. Some several metres apart they stared at each other with contempt and hate. Their bodies ached with fatigue.

Obi-Wan's lungs burned and his muscles throbbed painfully. He felt sick from exhaustion, hate and fear.

Darth Maul eyed the Jedi attentively. He admired the skill of the older man. He had a sophisticated air to his form. The Padawan however, disgusted him. He should not be wasting time with this pup. Yet he had to nod at the boy's attempt, pathetic as it was.

Qui-Gon twisted the heavy saber handle in his palms. He could feel Obi-Wan's energy crumble. He felt almost guilty. Obi-wan was not yet a Knight and he had never experience anything quite like this. However this would test his Padawan's ability to cope and he prayed Obi-Wan would not fall.

The battle resumed.