Chapter 9.

The things between us

It was quiet inside when Maul got back at the Infiltrator. As he walked past Kyra's room, he felt her sleeping inside. Quietly, he went upstairs and sat at the console. He opened the intercom and then the hologram of Master's form appeared in front of him.

"My Master." He said bowing. "I have news for you."

"Yes, my apprentice." Master's raspy voice came through the glowing image.

"I found the Jedi. I eliminated two of them tonight and got valuable information out of one." He said with a grin.

"Very well, my young apprentice." Master said. "Proceed with the mission."

"Yes, my Master." Maul replied, however, there was this nagging voice in the back of his mind. He wanted to ask Master about Kyra. Wanted to know who she really was, but he wasn't sure this was the right time for asking such questions.

Sensing Maul's apprehension, he asked: "Is there a problem, Darth Maul?"

Maul replied. "No, my Master! There is no problem at all. I will proceed with the mission as planned." He added.

Then the intercom feed was cut short and Master's hologram faded away. That is when Maul sensed Kyra standing a couple of feet behind him. Slowly, he turned around.

Kyra wanted to lash out and scream at him, but seeing him unharmed made everything else unimportant. She was glad that he was back, still, she was a little angry about him leaving her behind like this.

Standing up, Maul approached her. There was confusion, anger, frustration, and worry written on his face, as she searched his eyes. Then her eyes grew wider looking at his horns.

"What happened to your horn?" She asked with worry.

"A farewell present from a Jedi." He replied with a grin.

"So, you found the Jedi?" She asked him incredulously. "Why did you leave me here?" Her voice rising.

"It was for the best." He said looking at her. "I needed to do this alone. I hope you'll understand."

Kyra wanted to snap back, but then she realized he was right. She bowed her head and said. "I am truly sorry about what happened earlier today. Somehow I lost control, which I do not understand, why. There is something here, on this moon, which makes me do things I would never do if I could help it." She said with a saddened look on her face.

"I truly and deeply sorry about what I did to you." She apologized.

Maul gently lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes, where tears were already swelling making her eyes glossy and beautiful. Suddenly, he had a strong desire to kiss her. She just looked so vulnerable and enticing at that moment he couldn't resist. He didn't understand where this feeling came from, but the desire was so delicious he wanted to lose himself in her even just for a precious moment. He yearned for this woman more than he'd ever yearned for anyone before.

But he couldn't bring himself to do that. Not now, and not here! This was not the right time or place to be emotional.

He was a Dark Lord of the Sith, damn it, he thought with anger. He could not allow himself to be weak and inadequate. He has a mission to finish. With that, he dropped his hand from her chin and walked away. He took a couple of steps, stopped, and said. " I'm not angry with you Kyra. I understand you." Then he added with a solemn voice. "Apology accepted."

As she watched him leaving the room, she wanted to grab him and tell him to hold her, but she knew it would only complicate things and this was not the right thing to do. She felt like a hot mess, especially around Maul. She had to control herself. She couldn't afford to be emotional and frail. This is not who she was.

All her life she's been a strong-minded individual. When Master found her, she was lost, confused, and alone. He took her under his wings and teachings. He always made her feel special and treated her well and fairly. She knew that Master sensed the potential power within her and wanted her to be close. With time passing, her powers grew and she became a strong young adult. She loved to train and fight. It made her feel alive. This was one of the things she truly enjoyed in life. But in her spare time, when there was nothing to do, she was drawn to the planet's beautiful ocean. On its bright sandy shores, she could unwind and let go. Now thinking back, she missed the planet, even if it's been only less than a week since they departed, she wanted to be back there. But there was still that strange thing going on on this moon, which she wanted to further explore. She was eager to find out her connection to this place.

Kyra headed back to her sleeping chamber hoping to get a good night's sleep.

In his room, Maul was listening to her thoughts. He could hear them clearly. Somehow again, she allowed him to pass her mental barriers, allowing him to read her mind. Secretly, he enjoyed this little endeavor.

So, he thought with amusement, I found another piece of her past.

When he heard her entering her room, he continued with his meditation late into the night.