Hey everyone! Today's drabbles are based on 4x22, Revenge. Such a great episode-I was originally unsure at the decision to bring Maul back but I'm actually glad they did because it's made for some really good (and heartbreaking) episodes. Also, this is my longest drabble yet and I really tried to get in Obi's head whilst keeping as much from the episode as possible.
Obi-Wan realised somewhere between the third and fourth punch that he had been spending far too much time around Anakin lately. Cockiness and arrogance were exclusively Anakin traits, and now they'd rubbed off onto Obi-Wan, but not for the better. Running off to fight Darth Maul without back-up and knowing full well it was a trap had not been one of his better ideas-and now he was paying the price.
Another swing from the powerful Savage Opress sent Obi-Wan flying into a wall, the impact knocking the air from his lungs. He gasped, clutching at consciousness. He had to admit, even he didn't see the unlikely team up between Maul and his brother, but they were not unlike in their ways, although Maul had an elegance only a properly trained warrior possessed.
Maul's laugh resonated in his ears as the towering pair stood over him, their shadows blocking the light from the sun. He coughed, expelling a cloud of dust, and turned his head towards them.
"I suppose it's too late to negotiate your surrender?" He quipped. Now that was a trait Anakin picked up from him, as Obi-Wan had learned long ago that words were his greatest weapon. Or in this case, his greatest enemy. Maul growled and struck out, smashing his fist into Obi-Wan's cheek. He tasted blood, and then he was being flung through the air, landing harshly on the ground. His head slammed against a rock and his vision went black.
Obi-Wan was tiring, but his captors were not. Circling him like hungry predators, their blows were fuelled with rage and hatred. It was the same feeling Obi-Wan had felt when he had raced over here, anger brimming as he faced his master's murderer again. Knowing that Qui-Gon's death had been in vain was the worst. He'd failed his master by not making sure the Sith was dead, and he would not make the same mistake once more.
However, he still had the small problem as escaping. He realised that to try and defeat the pair now, alone and injured, would be a suicide mission. All he needed was his sabre back, and he could hold them off long enough to make it to the escape pod.
He groaned as he landed on a pile of crates, the metal creaking and cracking beneath him. He started to push himself upright, but a hand grabbed the fabric by his throat and yanked him up. He was blinded momentarily by the harsh red glow of Maul's lightsabre, positioned mere inches from his throat.
"I will make sure you stay awake long enough to feel every little cut. Your death will be excruciating. You will suffer as I have suffered." Maul hissed, his mouth twisted into an ugly grimace, and for the first time in a long time Obi-Wan felt true fear. He was at the mercy of a savage monster, and there was no hope of a rescue. He was utterly alone.
He felt something. A flicker; the Force shrouding whoever it was. Tentatively, he reached out, but recoiled when he only felt Darkness. Was there a third person in this revenge party? Goodness knows he'd certainly annoyed enough people.
The figure unveiled themselves, and Obi-Wan could hear the faint murmuring of their voice through the cloudy faze that encompassed his brain. He was pulled roughly off the broken crate and pushed down onto his knees, his breath ragged and uneven. He knew that voice, but trying to place it was proving hard. Evidently, Maul was displeased with their visitor, which certainly tipped the scales in Obi-Wan's favour. Suddenly, Maul backhanded him, and he passed out once more, much to his annoyance.
Thankfully, he was not out for long, although the sight that greeted him was unexpected to say the least.
"Ventress?" Obi-Wan muttered through half opened eyes, his cheek still stinging from her slap. "What did I do to deserve waking up to this poor sight?"
"Joke all you want, Kenobi." Ventress hissed. "But it appears I'm rescuing you."
"Much appreciated." He replied, slowly pushing himself up from the cold floor.
"I suggest we get out of here." Ventress pulled him upright, and he swayed for a moment as he fought to get his bearings.
"Running was always your specialty." Just then, Maul and Savage burst back into the cargo hold, lightsabres drawn.
"Ventress!" Obi-Wan called, holding out his hand and hoping she understood. Thankfully, she realised the peril they were in and smoothly passed him one of her lightsabres.
"I want that back." He activated it, flinching at the red glow.
"Don't worry. Red's not my colour." He'd never thought he'd sink so low, to be wielding a Sith's lightsabre. Ignoring the fact, he leapt forward into battle, his injuries protesting at every movement.
Maul blocked his attack again, and with a flick of his arm he summoned the Force and threw Obi-Wan backwards into the ship's wall. The back of his head smacked against the solid metal and Obi-Wan groaned as he slumped to the floor, hand still wrapped tightly around his lightsabre, although the blade was deactivated. He pushed himself upwards, ignoring the ache in his muscles, and the nagging feeling at the back of his mind that he wasn't going to make it out alive.
He couldn't afford to think like that.
Maul laughed, obviously amused at Obi-Wan's efforts to upright himself. "Your rage has unbalanced you. That is not the Jedi way, is it?" He smirked, and Obi-Wan could feel the hatred pounding through him. He can't give in. He can't.
"Hurry up!" Ventress snapped as she watched the red blades slicing through the door.
"I'm trying!" Obi-Wan snapped back, hurriedly pressing buttons. Finally, the cabin detached from the main ship and blasted into space.
"That was close." Ventress muttered, dropping into the seat next to him, her fingers running over her twin lightsabres. Obi-Wan's fingers danced over his own, thankful to have it back at his side. He plotted a course on the nav back to Coruscant and left the ship on auto-pilot, allowing him time to rest. There was a mutual silence between him and Ventress, neither wanting to face the fact that they'd fought together. Age old enemies teaming up; it was an odd conundrum indeed.
He must have dozed off for a while because he awoke to the computer alerting him that they were about to come out of hyperspace. He noticing Ventress awakening as well, looking guilty for allowing herself a moment of weakness.
"You know I have to take you in." Obi-Wan stated, making the preparations for landing.
"I know." Ventress replied, her face giving no trace of emotion. Obi-Wan paused, conflicted, before changing the location of their landing. Ventress watched every move, her hand resting on her sabre every moment of their landing. The ship stopped with a groan, and the doors slid open. She stood and made to leave, but paused at the last moment.
"Do not think that I will be merciful next time we meet Kenobi." She drawled.
"I expect nothing less." Obi-Wan replied. She glared, but gave him a curt nod before leaving. Obi-Wan sighed, knowing that was as close to a thank you she was going to give, or he was going to give for that matter. He quickly plotted the course back to the Temple and settled in his seat. He inspected the bruising he could see, already knowing this warranted a trip to the Healer's. Lately, it seemed like he simply could not stay away, much to his disappointment, and Bant's amusement. He smiled slightly, welcoming the thought a warm bed and some much needed rest, and banishing all memories of Ventress from his mind. Despite her help, he still felt his skin crawl every time she was near, but somehow he felt that it wouldn't be long until they met once more.