This chapter is a split perspective between Obi Wan and Maul.
True Balance
Chapter 14:
The Chosen One
Obi Wan paced the small room, unable to stay still. He couldn't focus on his research. Damn Maul. Damn him for forcing the issue. Damn him for forcing Obi Wan into that room. He had felt the energy from the other room in the medical station. It was undeniable.
"Anakin Skywalker." He said aloud, hoping it would ease his mind. Frustrated, he rubbed at his eye with his sleeve.
"Obi Wan."
He looked up and around. The light was no where to be found.
"Obi Wan."
"Where are you?" He asked. "Please, I need your help." He knew he was begging, and that was not becoming of a Jedi. But he just felt so out of control. He waited. When there was no response, he let out a ragged sigh.
A knock on his door startled him.
Obi Wan stood and opened the door to see Qui-Gon Jinn. "Padawan. Wodi is awake."
The younger man felt a jolt of anxiety. "I have to meet with the others for repairs soon." The excuse sounded weak.
A dubious expression fell on the bearded face. "Maul is already with Master Bell, Obi Wan. And so is Ahsoka and everyone else. They sent me to get you."
Obi Was frowned. There was no route out of this one. "Master, I-"
Qui-Gon held up a commanding hand, cutting him off. "I know, Obi Wan. You may not think I would, but I do. I raised you; SoI understand more about you than you'd ever care to admit. But you need to face this. Focus."
"I can't!" He yelled loudly. His mouth snapped shut and his eyes widened. Obi Wan never spoke to his Master in that tone. "I'm sorry, Master. I didn't mean to yell."
The tall Jedi regarded him for what seemed like hours, eyes scrutinizing him. When he finally spoke, it was a gentle tone. "I will be patient with you. But I don't think this is something you can hide from."
"I know, Master." He replied tiredly. "I shouldn't be like this."
"I'd be worried if you weren't like this."
Obi Wan raised a brow, wondering where Qui-Gon was going with this. "Why?"
"Because, he's your little brother."
The simple statement made Obi Wan's mouth run dry. A lump formed at the base of his throat and he tried to swallow. "So Wodi's awake?" He deflected.
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes and gently urged the smaller man with and hand on the shoulder. "Yes. Now let's go, my stubborn Padawan."
.
Maul stood in the medical unit, frowning at the small Jedi from a corner. Wodi was surrounded by doting Sith and Jedi alike. He was taking it all in stride, considering his recent state. The Zabrak crossed his arms, feeling impatient.
Master Bell must have felt his anxiety and he met Maul's eyes. Blue like the sea. He felt like such a fool for not seeing it before. Wodi seemed to understand that the Sith had some serious business with him and raised a silencing hand to the chattering crowd. "It's a bit warm in here. I'm sure you all have work to do? We can discuss everything tomorrow." There was a flowing river of disappointment as they all filed out of the small room.
Maul, however, stood where he was. Ser-In also stayed behind. She gave the Zabrak a glare. "Why do you look so pissed?"
"Because you both are with-holding fools and I'm tired of your secrets." He replied flatly.
Wodi sighed and stood, shakily, to his feet. "Maul. I accept your feelings. But you need to understand-"
"No, you need to understand that you can't just dump this onto him!" Maul cut him off quickly. "First, you hide Skywalker, causing quite the stir among your Jedi. And then, I realize something else. And honestly, I don't know what I'm angrier about."
"What else did you notice?" He asked. The scruffy man's eyes wore tired lines that weren't there the day before. He seemed old.
The ancient monk's fragility caught him off guard and the Sith's voice held less venom. "Obi Wan is your blood, isn't he?" He accused.
The Jedi gave him a long, hard look. "He looks more like his grandmother than he does me." Wodi confessed. "The chin, forehead, hair and even the nose."
"Why doesn't he know?" Maul demanded.
"Because I didn't know until his father was a young man that I even had a child." There was a deep sadness in Wodi's voice. "I want to tell him, but-"
"But he wimps out every time." Ser-In interjected. "And we didn't plan on springing the Chosen One on all of you."
"You could have been up front about it from the beginning." He suggested, frustrated. Why couldn't they see how simple it was? "Why didn't you trust us?"
"Because." The Bard said raggedly. "We had never done something like this before; bringing people back and healing a soul's corruption. If we made a mistake or missed something, we were still safe."
"Well, it's all causing serious damage to your purpose, here."
Wodi gave him a crooked smile. "Do you not trust Obi Wan?" He asked. "He's been through quite bit of pain, Maul. You are no stranger to pain. You don't think he's strong enough?"
Rage flared in Maul's chest and it came out in a low growl. "How dare you!" He hissed. "I trust him more than I trust any of you!"
The Jedi didn't seem intimidated or fazed, only amused. "Then if you know he can make it through this, why are you so angry at me?"
The Zabrak opened his mouth and then quickly shut it. He blinked and the rage disappeared.
Wodi smiled softly. "I'll tell him about me when you tell him your little secret."
He huffed and shot a glare at Ser-In. "And you." He said, crossing his arms.
The Sith Lady looked at him with bewilderment. "What did I do?"
"When did you have a baby?" He demanded.
"How could you have possibly guessed I've had a child?" She asked, baffled.
He smirked. "You were fully developed when you died and your breasts and hips are larger than I remember."
"I don't recall you ever enjoying breasts." She bit back. When his smirk didn't fade, she sighed in defeat. "Twenty years ago."
"It's Wodi's child, isn't it?"
"Who's Wodi's child?" Obi Wan's voice startled all three of them. The auburn haired Jedi stood in the doorway with Qui-Gon Jinn standing behind him.
"That couldn't be better timing if I had planned it." Maul mused, fighting a laugh.
Ser-In growled at him and sent a Force push at his feet with a quick kick. She rolled her eyes when he jumped, dodging the blow.
"What's going on in here?" Master Jinn asked as he closed the door.
"Well, Rin?" Maul gestured to her father.
She shared a look with Wodi. "Well, Wodi and I have known each other for a long time. We have a daughter." Ser-In looked up at Qui-Gon, a hopeful look on her face.
The tall Jedi's face broke into a wide grin. "Why isn't she here?" He asked.
"That's sort of complicated." She admitted. "She'll be along soon enough, that's for sure."
"Yeah, let's not talk about that, please." Wodi said. "With any luck, we won't have to go get her; something I am not excited to do."
Obi Wan frowned. "You don't like your daughter?" He asked.
"Oh, he loves his daughter." Ser-In assured him. "He just doesn't love her profession."
"Assassin?" Maul asked.
"Worse." The monk said, sitting down. "And I seriously don't want to talk about this."
"How are you feeling?" Obi Wan asked, changing the subject kindly.
"I'll live." He replied. "Thank you for asking. Could I have a private word with Master Kenobi?"
Maul gave the Bard a hard look before nodding. "Fine. We'll start the work, then. Meet up with us after, okay, Ben?"
"Sure. I'll be there when we're finished." He nodded, giving Maul a smile. It filled the Sith with warmth and he suddenly didn't want to leave. Fighting the urge to argue a way to stay, he turned on his heel and walked out.
.
Obi Wan watched them leave, wishing he wasn't alone with Wodi. The room filled with an awkward silence and he fidgeted.
Finally, Wodi spoke. "Obi Wan. I need to ask you something."
"Anything." He replied, not really meaning it.
"Do you want me to wait to awaken Anakin?" He asked seriously.
The younger man looked up at him with wide, astonished eyes. "What?"
"I know the strain it's putting on you. If it will help you, I can wait to wake him." Wodi offered. The usually relaxed face was filled with concern and understanding. "While I know you can handle this transition, I merely want to make it easier."
It was the first selfless and empathetic offer of help he had heard. There was no accusation. Yet, a guilty feeling nagged at him and Obi Wan found himself speaking before he knew his answer. "No. Thank you, Master Bell. But if we need him, then I trust you. I'll be fine. The mission must come first."
Wodi gave him a sad smile. "Spoken like a true Jedi. Very well. I will wake him tonight. You are a strong man, Obi Wan. But remember that you have people who would support and comfort you, if you let them."
He let out a sigh. "I know, Master Bell. But Anakin is the most painful memory I carry. Even losing Satine didn't hurt as badly as his betrayal. And showing that weakness is... unstable ground for me."
"I know that feeling. It feels easier to try and shut out the pain and cover it up. But all that does is makes it fester. And things you feel terrified of were originally feelings of grief. And grief is better dealt with help and love." He explained.
The chaos in Obi Wan's mind started to calm and he took in a deep breath. "Thank you, Master Bell."
"You're welcome. You should find Maul before he starts to worry."
The stocky warrior chuckled. "He frets over the silliest things."
"Only in reference to his brother... and you." The ancient man gave him a cheeky grin, blue eyes twinkling. Obi Wan felt the heat in his face, smiling in spite of himself.
.
The day flew faster than warp speed for Maul. Having Obi Wan at his side kindled a fire in him, filling him with confidence and desire. Ahsoka also added a playful energy. The Sith found himself growing rather fond of the Togruta female. She never stepped over his personal boundaries and she was helpful with his budding relationship. Even Ventress was tolerable to him.
Before they knew it, it was time for a very late lunch. The hodgepodge of Force users made their way loudly to the mess hall. It honestly felt like the Academy to him; having a group of comrades and finishing a chore together. But it all seemed so novel to Maul. It was joyful, not competitive.
The older Jedi were chuckling at their grungy, dirty faces and clothes. Yoda was shaking his head at them. "Feels like old times, it does, Master Qui-Gon." He mused.
The tall Master nodded in agreement. "I had forgotten how energetic they all get."
Maul rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "We aren't younglings, you know." He reminded them.
"True, that is." The green man conceded. "But, to us, like children, you seem. Raised many Jedi, I have. Like Ahsoka." He smiled as she giggled. His green gaze settled on Obi Wan. "And even the great General Kenobi. Charm the fur off a Wookie, he could."
The scarlet Zabrak let out a barking laugh. "I can't even imagine a little Ben Kenobi, chattering away."
"I may or may not have caused some trouble." Obi Wan admitted, shrugging.
"It was like having a constant stream of endless questions that only flowed in the worst situations." Master Jinn teased.
Ben huffed. "I can't see why you're complaining, considering how many times I've saved your skin." He countered.
"And how many of those instances did you initially cause?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Oh look, stew!" The auburn topped man diverted away swiftly, leaving his old Masters chuckling.
"You two must be saints to put up with him for so long." Asajj commented.
Maul's smile slowly faded, however, as he stared at Obi Wan. His face was happy and calm as he chatted with Fisto and Windu. But, he could feel the anxiety radiating from his friend. The Sith quickly grabbed some food and followed Ben to a table, sitting next to him, rather than across. "How are you feeling?" He asked.
Obi Wan shrugged. "Fine." He lied.
Maul discreetly placed a hand on the brown clad knee. "You're shaking, Ben."
The Jedi's voice was slow and soft. "I'm nervous, yes. Wodi is waking Anakin tonight." He admitted.
Maul gave the knee a squeeze and pulled the leg against his own. It was a secret show of support; as if to say 'you're not alone.' It seemed to help, as Obi Wan began to calm down quickly.
They ate together. No one sat with them. Ventress and Ahsoka were giggling together and Savage was helping Benny with the dishes. Ser-In was probably with Wodi. Maul enjoyed sharing a meal alone with his Jedi.
"So." Obi Wan started quietly. "What are you planning to do after you eat?"
"I'd like to get a few more boilers running; give us more freshers. Maybe I can get a few droids up and running to help." The Sith replied casually.
"I know you don't want to get back into your eighteen hour naps, but you shouldn't deprive yourself of rest, Maul." Obi Wan scolded softly. "I was actually wondering if you wanted to see what I found in the Library."
"I suppose I can take a night off. What are these things you keep teasing me with?"
Obi Wan gave him a sly smile and wagged his finger. "That's a surprise. You have to wait." Blue eyes twinkled with mischief.
.
Obi Wan and Maul walked quietly to his small room. The Jedi could feel a rush of excitement mixed with anxiety running through his veins. He felt like a youngling with a crush as they strode side by side. When they reached the his quarters, Obi Wan smiled at Maul's wide eyes.
His research was stacked in neat piles along the wall. Papers were strewn across the small sleeping mat along with a few data pads. The Stih let out an amused huff. "So you're one of those." He commented.
"What is that supposed to mean?" He asked in an offended tone.
"It means you spend more time on theory and less on practical application." Maul replied, picking up a datapad. "I can tell because no practical scientist is this messy with their work." He waved the small screen, emphasizing his point.
"Oh, because your living space is so organized and neat." He responded sarcastically, shaking his head. Obi Wan picked up a small pile of folders and handed them to his companion. "Here. I think you'll enjoy these."
"It's a bunch of music and screen plays." He said bluntly, not very impressed.
Obi Wan smiled brightly. "Check the author."
Maul frowned and looked at the inner cover of the top folder. His eyes widened in surprise and wonder, jaw slackened. "'Uusan Uroq.'" He muttered quietly. "Ben, this is..."
"Amazing, right?" A giddy joy bubbled in his stomach. "And those plays are very well written. I only skimmed a few of them, but-"
He was cut off by lips pressed firmly against his. Obi Wan's eyes fluttered shut and he leaned into the contact. When Maul pulled away, the Zabrak wore a warm smile. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He smirked and pulled Maul back into a searing kiss. His body shook with anticipation and his earlier resolve to take their physical relationship slowly was starting to wane. He wanted the Zabrak and he did not want to let go.
But Maul seemed intent on their agreement and didn't allow it to go any further. He did, however, take advantage of their proximity and gave the Jedi's backside a quick squeeze. "May I stay and read these here?" He asked.
Obi Wan smiled happily. "Of course, you may." He assured him. "Stay as long as you like. I know you're getting sick of the generator room."
"I'm not sick of it. I just think I could benefit in more traditional quarters." He corrected.
So they sat together, back to back, reading until the deep of night. Obi Wan let out a long yawn and turned to Maul. He could have laughed out loud at the sight.
Maul was sleeping quietly with his head resting on the Jedi's shoulder. His literature was open on his lap. Obi Wan laid the Zabrak gently on the sleep mat and gathered the papers, stacking them in an orderly fashion. He pulled off his comrade's boots and then his own before laying down next to Maul.
The Sith stirred and slung an arm over the Jedi's waist, pulling him closer and Obi Wan reveled in the warm embrace.
.
Maul woke the next morning, feeling refreshed. He smiled when he realized where he was. Pulling his Jedi against him, he took in the smell of the auburn hair. It astounded him that it smelled exactly the same as it had all those years ago.
Obi Wan started to stir, snuggling closer. He let out a long yawn and turned to face Maul. "Good morning." He smiled.
The Sith smirked. "Morning." He ran his fingers through the soft hair he'd never have. "I don't remember falling asleep."
Ben chuckled and closed his eyes at the contact. "You were out like a light. So I just let you sleep here." They rose together and Obi Wan began to dress in fresh robes. "Would you like to borrow some clothing? I'm sure dirty clothes are not comfortable."
"No, thank you." Maul replied. At his friend's confused look, he laughed. "Everyone here chatters enough about us. I don't need the stares as I walk to the gardens in beige."
"Ashamed?" The Jedi asked, blue eyes concerned.
Maul shook his head and planted a kiss on the peach colored brow. "Never. I just like my privacy." He collected the gift he received earlier. "I have to get to Yoda before he starts abusing me. I'll see you later?" He didn't want to seem clingy, but the idea of spending any time away from his Jedi made him anxious.
"Sure. I'll be along soon."
The Sith smiled, satisfied with the answer. He gave Obi Wan one last kiss before leaving the room. The hall was empty, thankfully and he made his way to the gardens.
The day was bright and the gardens were lit with happy sunlight and he basked in the warmth. Masters Jinn and Windu were meditating together and Yoda was waiting patiently for him at their usual spot. The small, green master was smiling as he took a seat at the base of a tree. "Looking well, you are, my young friend."
"I am well, Master Yoda." Maul assured him. "I feel much better than I did ten days ago."
"Good." The imp gave him a knowing grin. "Have Obi Wan to thank, do I?"
Maul shot him a playful glare. "Thank Ahsoka. She's the one who's been helping me train. I never thought in a million years that I'd be working along side the Jedi." He mused. "I was always told that you were all a bunch of lying, weak fools."
"Think that of us now, do you?"
He shook his head. "I'm beginning to see that there are different kinds of strength and power. The Jedi's strength, while still rather new to me, seems to be in your willingness to help build others up."
Yoda chuckled, a gruff noise. "Learning quickly, you are. Build yourself up, it will, as well as others. What of your strength, hm? Tried to use the Force, have you?"
Maul frowned, trying to think of the last time he tried. "Not really, no. I've been so busy and distracted, I haven't even thought to try." He then remembered the Library and the warmth that led him to Obi Wan. "But I can definitely sense things again."
"Very good. And our Obi Wan. Still worried, is he?"
He let out a heavy sigh. "If he is, he's hiding it well. Is this Anakin really that powerful? The most powerful Force user I've ever met was a Sith named Vader."
Yoda's smile disappeared, replaced by a furrowed brow. "Vader. One in the same, they are."
A lump formed in Maul's throat, remembering the suit he had been forced to build in his captivity after the events on Mandalor. "Vader and Skywalker are the same person?"
The Jedi nodded solemnly. "Best friends, Obi Wan and Anakin were. Took his life, Vader did. Trying to save Luke Skywalker, Obi Wan was."
"Well that explains why Ben's been so skittish around the subject. Wait." Realization dawned on him. "Master Bell woke him last night. Where are they?"
"Trying to explain this strange situation, perhaps. Demons, you had in your past, Maul. Darker even still, are Skywalker's demons. Difficult, this transition will be for him."
Maul frowned. "All the more reason for Ben to try and help, rather than run."
Yoda chuckled. "A very rational mind, you have, my young Sith. Imagine if in Obi Wan's position, you were; if Savage had betrayed and killed you. Excited to see him, would you feel?"
"I suppose I see what you mean. I just wish I could do something." He shook his head and sighed. "It's a helpless feeling to see someone struggle and there isn't anything you can do to help."
"Helping him, you are." Yoda assured him. "By being there for him."
"If only I had learned how to do that years ago, things could have been different."
The Jedi leaned forward and placed his tiny, three fingered hand on his knee. "Look not in the past. Dangerous, it is, to linger in the shadows of our mistakes. Learn from them, but dwell on them not."
Just as Maul was ready to respond, there was a small commotion near the doors.
"What in blazes?" He murmured, standing deftly. He and Yoda took a closer look and he saw the source of the excitement.
Anakin Skywalker was taller than Maul had imagined, and broader. His pale blue eyes were wide with an array of emotion. Wodi was standing behind him, speaking quietly. Qui-Gon strode towards him and embraced him fondly. The Sith watched from the tree line, cautious of the new addition of their little group. Obi Wan's earlier reaction had him on edge. He watched as Mace Windu approached them. Skywalker's mouth twisted into a sorrowful frown. They spoke for a few minutes before clasping arms in a very comrade fashion.
A poke to his calf shook him from his spying and Maul looked down at Yoda. The Jedi was giving him a skeptical look, a single black brow raised. "Afraid?" He asked simply.
"Just looking before I leap." He explained. It was a half lie. He was afraid of this man. He could feel the power cascading from this enigma. Maul had seen him only thrice in his life: once as a small child, once as a Knight, and the last time as a Sith Lord and Dooku's replacement.
Ahsoka was chattering at her old Master's side and caught sight of Maul and Yoda. She waved at them widely and the Sith felt frustration at being exposed without it being his decision. The group of Jedi looked over at them and in an instant, Skywalker's expression changed.
Before anyone could react, he stalked over to Maul, a look of fury on his face. "You!" He hissed.
Maul took a few steps backward, not wanting the confrontation. As the tall man loomed over him, a sharp, barking order stopped him in his tracks. "ANAKIN!"
Obi Wan had entered the gardens, stunning in a light cream color, accented with dark brown. He wore a frown and his blue eyes were serious. "Don't you dare lay a hand on him!" He commanded, a foreign tone in his voice.
Skywalker's mouth hung open in shock and dismay. It took him a few seconds to recover. "Obi Wan." He said in a soft, breathless voice.
"Did Master Bell not explain to you what was going on here?" He asked sharply.
"Yes, he did."
"Well then, I suggest you not try to attack anyone here again." The tone suddenly became familiar. It was the way an adult would scold a particularly troublesome child and it dawned on Maul; Obi Was was like an older brother who had to raise the younger brother after the father died. When Maul killed Qui-Gon, the training of Anakin fell to Ben. He finally realized the exact toll this reunion was taking on his Jedi and Maul's hearts quickened in a protective anxiety. But he had to trust Ben, so he remained quiet and calm.
The two Jedi held each other's gazes and after a long while, Skywalker backed down. He shot a glare at Maul and then looked back at Obi Wan. "Fine. I'll trust you."
"I sure hope so. Part of all this is fixing our perspective on each other and not repeating our old mistakes. Think before you swing." The auburn haired man gave Maul a quick glance before turning on his heel and walking away.
Wodi ushered Anakin away, avoiding any more conflict.
The Sith watched as Obi Wan disappeared in the trees before looking down at Yoda. "Well, that was not what I expected." He said bluntly.
Yoda chuckled. "Only one expectation with Obi Wan, should you have."
"What's that?"
"To be surprised."
Maul let out a laugh. He'd be lying if he said he didn't find the little green Imp amusing. "Can we call this a morning?" He asked, glancing up in the direction Ben went.
"You may." Yoda nodded. "Need your help, he does."
"Thank you, Master Yoda."
.
Obi Wan let out a heavy breath he wasn't aware he was holding. Leaning against the railing on the opposite side of the gardens, he forced his heart rate down. The squall of fear mixed with joy at seeing Anakin left him feeling winded.
"Ben?"
He jumped. "Seriously, Maul. Make a noise or something. I'm going to have a heart attack one of these days, I swear." He turned to the scarlet Zabrak, smiling.
Maul, however, was not smiling. His hairless brow was knit together in concern. "Are you alright?" He asked, moving closer.
The Jedi pulled him by the tunic into an embrace. "I will be." He replied, comfortable as arms wrapped around him. "It won't be easy, however."
"I gathered that." Maul chuckled. "He has a short fuse, doesn't he?"
"He's impatient. Anakin's always been impatient. Like you were." Obi Wan sighed into the gray fabric, taking in the spicy musk of the Zabrak. It enticed him. "Something you've worked on in your life."
"For heinous reasons, if you remember." Maul corrected, a guilty note in his voice.
"It's serving you well now." He assured the Sith.
"So, what did Wodi have to say yesterday when he kicked us all out?" Maul asked, changing the subject. Clearly, he was still uncomfortable talking about the dark spots in his former life. They separated and leaned against the railing together; their shoulders leaning against one another.
Obi Wan shrugged. "He just wanted to know if I needed him to wait to wake Anakin. I told him not to."
"Why not?"
"Because it's foolish and childish to prolong the inevitable. It would only make the anxiety worse." He sighed heavily and rested his head against the other man's shoulder. "Qui-Gon and Yoda are right. I need to face this fear, not run from it."
Maul chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a better man than me, Ben."
Obi Wan looked up at him, eyes wide. His breath caught in his throat and he was stunned by the sight. The light of the sun hit the scarlet face, creating a fiery spectrum of orange and red against his skin. He had filled back out, face full and eyes bright. He was beautiful.
When the Jedi didn't respond, Maul looked over at him and raised a brow. "You okay, Ben?"
Obi Wan shook himself from the reverie and smiled. "That's the kindest thing I've ever heard you say."
He smirked when the red skin brightened in a blush. Obi Wan chuckled at his sudden bashful behavior and pulled the blushing face to look at him. "It's because of you that I'm trying to forgive him. Thank you for that." Before the Zabrak could say anything, the Jedi leaned forward and kissed him with every ounce of emotion he could muster.
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