Author's note: Again, there is a song (actually two) in here that I encourage you to play while you read the passage it's in. The first is called The Wandering Kind (Prelude) and the second is Hymne a L'amour both by Josh Groban. Enjoy! (I know the second is corny, but who chooses the tune is super corny. The translated lyrics are also pretty heavy to the characters so look it up.)

I love you guys!

True Balance

Chapter 19

Born Unto Fire Part I

Maul woke with a start. Something was off. He scanned the dark room. Benny had switched into sub lights, picking up his master's movement. He looked down to see Obi Wan sleeping. In the dim light, Maul noticed the worried brow and a faint sheen of sweat. He sighed and ran a hand through the thick hair on his partner's head. The storm in his Jedi quieted some.

The Sith had picked up on this strange phenomenon a few days before when his youngest brother and the boy's master returned from an apparently secret mission. Ever since that revelation, Maul didn't let his partner away from him for more than an hour or two. Master Jinn had sensed the change and even let them spar during training. The only time Maul really left him was during his morning meetings with Yoda and Skywalker.

He checked the time and resigned himself to be awake until sunrise. He sat, stroking Obi Wan's hair and planned out the work for the day. Their work had progressed far beyond what he imagined. Once more droids were built, the speed of restoration had increased sevenfold. Even Tano was satisfied with her little bit astro-mech pal, R0D1, affectionately known to her as Rody. They would have to focus their efforts on the mid levels soon. The Library, the Main Caf, and the second generator room all were on those levels. "We need more droids." He noted aloud.

Ben stirred slightly and his eyes blinked open. "Maul?" He asked groggily.

"I didn't mean to wake you." He said. "It's about an hour to sunrise."

"Why are you up? Is everything okay?" Obi Wan sat up and leaned heavily against the Sith.

"Everything is fine. I must have had a strange dream."

Obi Wan looked at him skeptically. "I may be weak to the Force, Maul, but I can tell when you are lying to me."

Maul chuckled and kissed his partner's brow. "I'm sorry. Something bad is stirring. Ever since I've come back from the brink, my awareness has become almost overwhelming. It doesn't make any sense." He felt Obi Wan squeeze closer in an attempt to calm him. Maul knew that the closeness actually did more for the Jedi than it did for him, so he played into it, leaning into the touch. "We need to be ready soon. It might be good to get a head start today."

Obi Wan nodded and began to rummage for some clean clothing. "Separate your robes and I'll clean them while you meet with Yoda."

"I'll try to make it quick with them today." He assured the Jedi while tossing his dirty laundry into a pile. He was especially relieved that Ben would be willing to do such a trivial task for him. The little sneak probably picked up on Maul's disdain for domestic work. "Maybe Master Tahl will make Master Jinn less attached."

Obi Wan snorted. "You don't know them very well. If anything, the appearance of Master Tahl should frighten you a bit."

"Why?" He asked, bewildered.

"Well," he started in a thoughtful tone as he gathered the linens into a canvas box, "I've known those two since I was thirteen. In the years we were all together, I found that Master Tahl is infinitely more dangerous than Qui-Gon."

"I think you're exaggerating again." Maul sighed exasperatedly.

Obi Wan rolled his eyes. "You'll see. If those 'super-heightened senses' are so overwhelming, you might have missed that while her apprentice watches Wodi, she's been watching you."

Maul frowned and pulled his partner to him by the waist. "You're teasing is only going to make me pinch you." He gave a light pinch to Obi Wan's rear to prove his point. "And I did notice that she's been watching me. But she's a Master and I am a Saber. It's not my place to question her."

"You question Ser-In." Obi Wan countered, his hands settling gently on the Sith's chest.

Shrugging, he replied, "Well, she's a different story. She won't be a Master until Savage becomes a Saber. I've read up on the Ancient protocols and if Rin can't train a successful Sith, she can never graduate. The same goes for me."

"Either way, Tahl's up to something." He leaned forward to kiss the Sith. "Try not to kill Master Yoda. He's the only one who truly appreciates my riddles."

"You mean to say that he's where you get all of your riddles." Maul accused lightly.

Ben frowned and huffed. "I'd like to think of it as an equal exchange."

"If you get a chance, come to the Gardens before breakfast. I like meditating when you're around." He kissed him slowly, ignoring the flames in his chest. "Get dressed quickly. I'm not sure I can fight myself right now." To demonstrate his point, Maul squeezed Ben's firm ass, tightened by the mandatory training.

Obi Wan keened slightly at the contact. "You are insatiable." The mischievous glint returned to brightening eyes as he wrapped his arms around the Sith's shoulders and started toying with the tip of a filed horn. "I'll dress quickly, but I can't guarantee that I'll undress quickly."

.

"Late, you are." Yoda stated with a smirk as Maul approached the two in his last set of clean, black clothes.

The Sith gave him a frown. "I tried, I swear."

"Hey, let's not talk about this today." Skywalker groaned. Even though they had made peace and had become an odd pair of friends, Obi Wan's former Padawan was still unsettled by Maul's relationship.

"I agree." Maul replied, taking a seat against a tree. "I actually have a present moment problem to discuss."

The air grew serious as Yoda's smirk turned into a grim, straight line. "A disturbance, you have felt?" He asked seriously.

"Wait. Whenever I felt something like this, you would tell me to stay in the moment and not dwell on Cosmic feelings." Anakin accused.

"A Jedi, Maul is not. Fully trained, he is in the Cosmic Force. A Jedi, you were, when came to me, you did." Yoda explained rationally. "Come to me now with these feelings, and a different reaction, you may receive."

Skywalker seemed to accept the answer and turned to Maul.

But Maul had lost his train of thought. He was staring at the figure who was lurking in the shadow of a tree. Her striped eyes were trained on the Zabrak. "Dammit, that little bastard was right." He hissed. "She's watching me."

"Who is?" Skywalker asked curiously.

"Master Tahl." He frowned when she smirked in the distance. "And she's reading our lips." He covered his mouth to hide his words.

"Why would she do that?"

"I don't know. Ben noticed it first but I thought he was just trying to be funny." He said, annoyed with himself for not picking up on her presence. She must have been shielding herself. "Trust the Force but do not fully rely on it." He repeated the lesson out loud; a habit that Sidious drilled into him.

"Wise words." Yoda observed. "Watching you, she is. Know why, you do not?"

"I'm not supposed to ask. She seems to test me often. She might be preparing me for something." He guessed, still looking at her. Sure enough, she started to walk towards them, revealing her Force signature.

"Good morning, gentlemen." Her voice was strong and low, as her species' voices usually were. "I was wondering if I could speak with Lord Maul."

"About to reveal an issue, he was. Wait, can this?" Yoda frowned.

She shrugged, clasping his hands behind her back. "I know what he's about to say and I'd rather he wait until tonight when we are all gathered together. I merely have a few things to discuss." Turning to the Zabrak, she stared him down.

Maul felt the knot of anxiety form in his stomach. He stood and bowed. "What may I do for you, Master?" He asked in an even tone. Ever since she showed up, he felt a a sense of discipline.

"I have been meaning to mention that you have not sought out an apprentice." She said, not pulling him away from the two Jedi. Maul understood what she was doing. Skywalker might even have understood the test. "When my daughter decided to take on your brother, how did that make you feel?"

"Annoyed." He answered without hesitation. He hesitated in his answers twice before. She forgave the first. But the second time the day after earned him a swift Force push into a table. From that point on, he spoke quickly and decisively with her.

"Do you understand why she did that?" She asked.

"Not at the time, but I imagine it is because he is my brother and my reaction to his death proved that I could not detach from him." He answered again.

"Quick to answer her, you are. Yet, not with me. Why?" Yoda spoke up, clearly amused by Maul's behavior.

When the Saber hesitated, Tahl said, "The Grand Master of the Jedi asked you a question, Lord Maul." It was a warning.

"To be honest, she is the first Sith Master that I have encountered in a long time. I respect you, Master Yoda. Yet, I have a greater fear of her. Sith, even uncorrupted, are a harsh people. Also, your walking stick is a tickle compared to a table jamming into your ribs." Maul's answer caused Tahl to smile amusedly.

"I imagine you've done your homework." She commented with a laugh.

"So you implanted that suggestion." He asked Rin in the first few weeks if she had done that but she insisted that she hadn't. "I found most of the unharmed texts. The Jedi destroyed a lot."

"I did implant a suggestion before I left. Regardless, you need an apprentice." She stated. "Until you find one, you will train with me. I will prepare you and fill in the gaps that Palpatine left. There is still much for you to learn."

He bowed. "Yes, Master."

"Meet me after lunch. We will make a system that will benefit you and me. I still have Feral to consider." She commanded.

Maul bowed again.

"Good." A buzzing noise from her robes made her click her tongue. "Speaking of... Excuse me, boys. I have a monk to punt."

When she left, Maul exhaled sharply.

"Ended, our sessions have." Yoda was looking directly at Maul. "Continue to meet, Anakin and I will. But obligated to meet me, you are no longer."

The Sith felt a pang of sorrow at those words. He brushed it off with a smirk. "And here I was beginning to have fun." He quipped.

Yoda chuckled. "Large, my ears are. Open to listen, they always are, if need them, you do."

Maul hadn't expected to be so moved by an offer like that. Yet his chest tightened and a swell of affection roared through him. He bowed low in respect. "Thank you." He looked at the human and smirked. "Try not to punt him off the balcony, Skywalker."

.

Obi Wan carried a box of linens with his Master by his side. The older Jedi carried a bag of his own laundry. Others had seen them and it quickly became a group endeavor. Ser-In, Asajj, Master Windu, and Ahsoka all joined in. Obi Wan was still high on the morning romp with his partner and he allowed himself to feel at ease. Qui-Gon had loosened his tight grip and was no longer smothering his student.

They made their way to the Gardens. The power grid was under enough pressure, as Maul vehemently reminded him that morning, and Obi Wan promised to hang the laundry instead of using a drying unit. Luckily, it was a dry, sunny season. The foliage of the trees in the jungle had turned to dark umbers and purples. The sounds of wildlife had quieted some as they had all gravitated to shrinking watering holes and rivers. It was peaceful up on their little balcony and the Jedi basked in the warm breeze.

"It's beautiful today." He said to Qui-Gon.

The Master smiled. "Indeed it is." His grin widened as Tahl approached them. "And it just got prettier. Good morning, my dear."

She gave him a warm hug. "Hello, Qui-Gon. I'm afraid I cannot talk right now." She patted his cheek before walking to the door and waiting for Ahsoka to walk through. Then, she anchored her boot against the door. There was a thud from the other side.

"Ow! I haven't had a drink in three days!" Wodi could be heard on the other side. His voice was rough, but his words were clear.

Obi Wan looked at Ser-In who was giving the door a sympathetic smile. "I'm surprised you're allowing this." He laughed.

"She's the Master, not me." She shrugged.

Tahl held her ground. "Three days is two too few. You know the rules. You can come outside after she goes inside."

"You are very mean, did you know that?"

"Go and get some rest." She responded. "Withdrawals cannot be easy."

There was some indistinct grumbling from inside and it faded away. Tahl waited a moment before her comm went off. Feral's rough voice sounded over the speaker. "Not yet. He's still there."

"Where are you?!" Wodi yelled, exasperated. "I swear, you're as bad as Maul."

"Who's as bad as me?" Maul appeared next to his partner and placed a hand on his back. It was a simple and chaste way of expressing their relationship and it kept the storm quiet. It also made Obi Wan feel more secure in Maul's feelings. "What happened?"

"Master Bell tried to sneak onto the balcony but your brother caught him." Obi Wan explained. "Master Tahl locked him in."

Maul snorted. "That is fantastic. And he can't find my brother?"

"Apparently not."

Maul started to laugh and Ser-In shot him a look. "You're just in time to help sort laundry." She said smugly and tossed a canvas bag of damp clothing at him.

He caught it and glared. "Joy." He said with a grimace.

Obi Wan laughed. "You wanted to get out of your meeting early."

"I didn't expect you to attract a horde." The Sith regarded the group with a raised brow.

Mace Windu chuckled. "Obi Wan does have a penchant for lime light." He commented as they made their way to the trees. "He might have been a famous holo-actor in another life."

"Yoda might disagree with that." The subject of conversation huffed. "I have no talent for the stage."

"And those two months undercover as a traveling band just never happened, right?" Ahsoka rolled her eyes.

He had forgotten about that mission. The memory of screaming young people and creeps in the shadows reminded him that he did not want to be a celebrity. He felt the burn of embarrassment on his ears and cheeks. "Oh, for goodness' sake, that was a fluke."

"You play music?" Maul asked curiously.

Obi Wan shrugged. "We all do. Music is a healthy way to release unwanted feelings. Besides, musicians always blend in. The Jedi figured that out quickly and we've all trained with something musical, just in case."

"And if someone doesn't take to it?" Maul asked, helping hang the thick wire that Ahsoka had found.

Mace answered. "There are other ways to be in a band without playing music. If learning it causes frustration, we see if the initiate can act or blend in in other ways."

They finished their chore quickly and breakfast was waiting for them. Wodi was sitting in a sad, little corner. Feral sat across from him, gaze never leaving the small monk. Obi Wan felt bad for Wodi, but understood that it might be the only way to break his habit. Ser-In seemed equally upset by their distance and took to glaring and making faces at the back of her mother's head.

Ben sat with Qui-Gon and Maul. Master Tahl joined in after reprimanding her daughter with a slap to the back of the head.

Obi Wan laughed. "I'm noticing a pattern with your family."

"Too many alpha females. That's our problem." She retorted with a smirk. Turning to her husband, she asked, "Are you planning on allowing them some time away from you, or am I spending another morning alone?"

Qui-Gon narrowed his eyes at her. "That an interesting juxtaposition. Are you implying something?"

"I'm actually implying two things of similar nature." She countered. This relationship is where Obi Wan had learned the game of words. Tahl was a Master at it.

The tall master sighed. "Very well, my dear. If you wanted to spend time with me, you merely have to ask."

She clicked her tongue. "One might think you didn't miss me."

"Oh, don't you guilt trip me. Now I know who Obi Wan learned it from." He countered, giving her an admonishing look.

She rolled her eyes and sipped her tea. "Obi Wan has been guilt tripping you from day one."

Ben sighed. "You both know that I don't appreciate you talking about me as if I weren't here." He said as he forced his grains down. He still did not have an appetite. Though it was easier with Maul's calm presence. He had listened to the Jedi when requested absolute trust and the subject of Obi Wan's condition was never mentioned again between them. "It's just rude."

"Excuse me, dear Master Kenobi." Tahl teased. "I am trying to buy you time away from this clingy man."

"I beg your pardon, Master. Carry on." He saluted her, causing the two Sith to laugh.

Qui-Gon sighed at them. "Very well. You may have the morning off." He caved, as Obi Wan had predicted he would. "We'll all have lunch and then we can all train."

"Not so." Tahl interrupted. "Well, maybe. Maul and I have a meeting after lunch. He still has yet to finish his own training. If we find time, we will join you."

Obi Wan felt his heart sink at that. He liked having Maul around. "Very well, then. Our day is planned." As much as he hated admitting it to his Master, he enjoyed having a plan.

They ate peacefully. Maul kept his hand on Obi Wan's leg, giving his knee a gentle squeeze from time to time. The Jedi marveled at how considerate and aware the Sith was. He built Ahsoka a state of the art droid. He gave Savage sparring tips and compliments on the food every day. He made sure Benny was well cared for and cleaned him every day. Maul even waited until every member of their new order had a serving of food before going in for seconds. He was a surprise each moment.

But then he remembered when his cheek had been fractured on Tatooine, all those years before. Maul had been so meticulous about tending the wound properly. He was gentle; at least, once the door was closed and eyes no longer followed them.

When they finished, the younger pair bowed to their Masters and walked out of the caf, arm in arm.

"You've become more open about us." Obi Wan said as they made their way up the newly finished stairway. "It's nice."

"Well, they all knew anyway." He shrugged. "I have to accept that privacy is not a luxury that I can keep. Too many people in my day to day to keep up the effort of secrets."

"Have you noticed that they tease you less now?"

"I had noticed that, actually. I also think that my brother's legs finally suffered enough pain." He chuckled. "I'm glad Master Tahl convinced Jinn to let you go this morning. I have something for you."

"You really have control issues." Obi Wan teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Maul swatted at his backside. "Not that, you dolt. Come on." The Zabrak led him down the hallway where he had fixed clothing with the Masters and Lady Jinn. They passed the room and headed into the Music Hall.

The first thing Obi Wan noticed was how organized the room had become. The multi level stage had been rearranged and straightened out. Instruments were on the chairs according to section. The percussion section was lined up beautifully. The debris and dust had been swept away. "What is in here, Maul?"

"I sort of made something for you." His partner sat him down in front of the smaller stage and sat himself at the key board. He fiddled with a holo for a moment. "I finished it earlier this week." He clicked the button and a holo of Maul with an accordion appeared next to the keyboard and began to play. In an instant, another of the holo Sith with a mandolin joined in the tune. The real Maul placed his hands on the keys, closed his eyes, and began to play. Obi Wan lost himself in the melody.

The song was surprisingly upbeat and sweet sounding. It reminded him of happy market places, summer waltzes, the stream that cut through the forest behind his birth family's estate; it sounded like spring. A few more holos appeared, each with their own instrument. Obi Wan hadn't noticed that they were no longer alone.

When the song ended with a crescendo, he heard applause behind him. He turned to see Wodi, Mace, Yoda, Anakin, Ahsoka, Savage, Tahl, Qui-Gon, and Qui-Lana, all clapping with vigor. Wodi's reaction was the most emotional. Tears streamed shamelessly down his cheeks as he clapped loudest of them all.

Maul was mortified. He sat rigidly on the bench, eyes wide and skin bright red. "You followed us?!" He growled.

"I knew if you were leading your Jedi to this room, you must have finished something." Qui-Lana smirked, blue eyes twinkling. "And I was right."

"That was..." The Bard seemed to have had trouble speaking. "Can I ask for another?"

Maul's mouth opened and closed for a moment. He looked to Ben who nodded with an elated smile. He very much wanted to hear more and hoped that the group wouldn't spoil it. The smile did the trick and it seemed to give the Sith a bit of confidence. "Fine. I don't have anything else I wrote. But I have some of the practice recordings."

"Uusan made sure to have a good collection for his students." The monk sat next to Obi Wan and the others settled around them. They all looked expectantly at Maul. He seemed to be agonizing about what to choose. "May I make a suggestion?" Wodi suddenly stood and walked over to the stack of discs. He looked through them and smiled at one in particular. He held it out to the Sith.

"Really? This one is actually very difficult." Maul took the disc and regarded it skeptically.

Wodi winked and leaned in to whisper something to him. Golden eyes locked onto Obi Wan and the Jedi had a feeling he knew what the monk had said. Bell leaned back and returned to normal volume. "Besides; I'd like to hear your voice in a different language"

"Alright." He sighed and placed the disc into the keyboard, hovering over the play button.

"Why are you nervous?" Wodi asked softly. Obi Wan was barely close enough to hear. "One would think that cocky attitude was begging for an audience."

Maul did not answer. His gaze was pointed downward and full of shame.

"Maul, look at me." When the Sith complied, he smiled. "No one here will ever punish you for something like this, I promise you. You hail from one of the greatest musicians I have ever known. We've had this discussion before. Just like art, there is absolutely no shame in music. Okay?"

The painted face hardened into an expression of determination. "You're right." He nodded. He gave the Bard a playful glare. "Trust you to pick the hardest song."

"I love this song." Wodi smiled brightly. "I think you'll do very well. Just enjoy it."

Maul pressed play. The melody was slow and sad. He closed his eyes and began to sing. The language sounded like a very old Twi'lik dialect. But it was not the lyrics that caused a hush across the room. A powerful, controlled voice that was every bit as beautiful as his speaking voice started off soft and maybe a little timid. Yet, it was clear as a bell.

Almost unnoticeably, the crescendo grew and grew. Before Obi Wan knew what was happening, Maul's strong, commanding voice filled the room with profound and beautiful control. And as smoothly as he had built up the power, he reigned it back in; returning to the soft and sweet tune.

It was not a lengthy song, only having two main verses and a single bridge. Yet, it was one of the most gorgeous experiences Obi Wan ever had. It was, in it's essence, luxurious. The sweetness of the violin mixed with the abrupt accordion accented Maul's voice so well, it left the Jedi breathless.

The room was silent. Obi Wan couldn't feel the tension and insecurity in Maul, but it showed plainly on his face. When he could find his voice, the auburn haired Jedi managed. "Wow... that was... amazing."

Wodi clapped softly, breaking the spell. The others joined in, still in a sort of shock. The short Jedi walked up to Maul and clapped him on the shoulder. "I think that is enough for today." He beamed at the Sith. "You did wonderfully."

Maul's mood lightened a bit. As aggressive as he was towards the monk, he valued his opinions. Ben even amused a notion that Maul was attracted to Master Bell. He was not jealous, however. The attraction seemed to make the Zabrak quite uncomfortable and Jedi were trained to let go of an attachment if it became a problem. Obi Wan had practice in the latter.

He watched as the members of their new family huddled around the once lonely Lord Maul, congratulating him with pats on the back, hugs, and proud words, (and in a certain Sith Lady's case, inappropriate suggestions.) Obi Wan smiled fondly when golden eyes found him.

Kenobi.

His vision began to blur slightly. The storm was restless. Even with the calming bond he shared with his partner, Obi Wan knew the shadow was growing. His senses were starting to dull physically and he probably couldn't hide it from Qui-Gon during the training session.

Maul was at his side suddenly. "Are you alright?" He asked quietly. "Do you want to explore or read before lunch?" The crowd was starting to disband. Qui-Gon was still looming nearby, pretending to chat with Yoda and Tahl.

Obi Wan shook his head. "I'm fine. We have to work on the main caf today." He deflected. He didn't want to waste time distracting himself when there was work to do.

"Skywalker is going to take lead on that project. He's got four new droids and Ahsoka. He'll be just fine without us. Come on. I can see Master Jinn eyeing you. The net is loaded." Maul said seriously.

The Jedi laughed at the image of Qui-Gon with a net-gun. "Then if you want to know what I want to do, I'd like to meditate; preferably in the Gardens."

Maul raised a curious brow. "Very well. If that is what you want, let's go."

.

The Gardens were warm and their drying linens were dancing softly in the breeze. Obi Wan felt a little dizzy in the sunlight. He frowned. Maul's proximity normally kept everything clear.

"Ben. Go inside." Maul said, suddenly tense. "Quickly."

"What?" The Jedi asked. "I'm not going anywhere." He huffed defiantly.

"Now is not the time for your games. Go." He replied sternly.

A flare of irritation ignited in his stomach. "Not until you explain what's going on." The human crossed his arms angrily.

"Obi Wan!" Maul barked. "Get inside! Now!"

"Well, well, well..." An eerily familiar voice floated over from the balcony's edge. "Look who grew up just as pretty as he was when he was a sniveling brat."

A man in a black cloak stood on the railing with his hood shadowing his identity. He laughed and Obi Wan could swear he knew that laugh. It was like a dream one struggled to remember after waking. He couldn't pinpoint it.

"Don't remember me, Obi Wan?" The figure asked with a sneer in his tone. "I suppose someone who makes as many enemies as you couldn't remember all of us. Tell me, do you sleep with all of your foes? When's my turn?"

Maul growled angrily. "Who the kriff do you think you are?!"

The mystery man pulled his hood down to reveal long, sleek black hair and a handsome face. A broken circle was branded into his cheek. He smirked at Obi Wan. "Remember me now?"

"Xanatos." He said in a hush.

"Trust you to get in our way." He sneered, pulling a blaster from his cloak. "How clever of you to intercept the Mother's spell to protect your precious Padawan."

"Obi Wan!" Anakin's voice called from the doors.

Obi Wan didn't have to turn to know that his apprentice was about to sprint. "Anakin don't you dare come any closer!" He yelled, not taking his eyes off the intruder. "I knew if something evil was coming, it would be coming for Anakin. So I had to act."

"Ever the martyr." Xanatos mused. "Well your little stunt puts a wedge in our plans. And as much as you are a good second choice, I came here for one person."

"You will not have him. Not this time."

Xanatos clicked his tongue and gave a bored sigh. "At least I finally get to do this." In a flash, he aimed the blaster and fired.

Obi Wan's reflexes were dulled and he braced for the pain. But it never came. He opened his eyes to see Maul's face inches from his own. He was grasping the Jedi by the arms, a pained expression on his face. The blaster fired again and Maul choked on his own breath as he slumped forward.

"Zabraks have two hearts, right?"

.

Anakin watched as Maul reacted to the Force, taking the laser blast and then another. Obi Wan seemed to be in shock, not moving when his partner's body leaned against him.

"What's going on?!" Wodi arrived with several others. He gasped when he saw the scene before them. "Maul!"

The man who shot the Sith Lord laughed and pulled another device from his cloak. It was a round thermal detonator. "I've grown impatient, boy."

Obi Wan's head snapped up. In a flash, he was sprinting toward the intruder.

Anakin reacted first, running to catch his Master before the man did anything stupid. But the distance was too far and he could not stop Obi Wan from tackling the foe off of the railing. Time slowed for Anakin Skywalker. Unresolved tension and regrets threatening to haunt him forever as he watched his best friend disappear over the edge. "OBI WAN!"

A rumble under their feet made him halt. The mesa shook again. Suddenly, Anakin was blinded by a flash. He turned to see Maul's body engulfed in fire. The rest of the Order stood in shock by the doors. The flames burned in all colors of the spectrum in a brilliant light.

The burning Sith shifted, struggling to stand. As he straightened up the flames went out and Darth Maul stood, alive and flowing with Cosmic Force. Anakin noticed Maul's gaze and turned to see a ship in the horizon. Hope filled his heart.

Obi Wan may still be alive.

Part 2 will come quickly, I promise. And as you might guess, this will be a series.