Chapter 12.

What binds us part 1.

Maul had to really concentrate. It physically hurt him to move a single muscle, but he knew he had to do it before it was too late. Closing his eyes, he embraced the pain, and with all his strength, he delved deeper into the dark side. It was difficult to move, Kyra's force field was tremendously strong, but Maul knew if he doesn't stop Kyra now, it would be too late for everyone, including him as well. He didn't care for the Jedi, he would love to see them destroyed, but there was a small problem, most likely he would die too, and Maul didn't want to die today. Not like this.

Not this way, he thought.

So, he mustered up the great darkness within him and with great exertion, he fell forward and onto the ground. Then quickly, Maul lunged his lightsaber into the man that Kyra was holding up in the air. Instantaneously, the man's eyes grew wide with fear and pain. Then he was dropped to the ground.

Blankly staring ahead, Kyra stood there like a husk of herself, her dark green eyes full of tears and terror and unimaginable pain. Then her eyes ventured to Maul. He was breathing hard and fast. His strong chest rose with each breath as he stood in front of her with an accusing stare. His face showed nothing but rage and agony.

Kyra felt like she was in a strange, dangerous trance just moments ago, and then suddenly something ripped her out of it. In slow-motion, she saw the man falling down at her feet, executed by Maul's lightsaber.

Then, her force field suddenly diminished at once.

As they looked into each other's eyes, she felt the connection through the Force; deep and intimate. It was in their combined strength, which could defeat these Jedi. Turning toward the rest of the men, in an instant, they were engaged in a furious lightsaber fight.

Maul jumped up as high as he could and with a double spin he cut two Jedi down with two quick strikes. Then four more Jedi pressed forward him. Maul fought as he had never fought before. He flipped over one of the Jedi and stabbed him in the back while another one who was in front of him got the other end of his double-bladed lightsaber. He impaled the two Jedi, and then swiftly he deactivated his lightsaber and the two unfortunate victims fell to the floor. Then two came at him pushing him back several feet. Maul almost tripped over one of the dead, but he quickly jumped over it and connected his foot with one of the Jedi's chin. It made a loud crunching sound and then the Jedi fell back unconscious. Then Maul reactivated his lightsaber and cut deeply into the other Jedi's arm. The Jedi dropped his lightsaber and was clutching his wounded arm. Maul force grabbed him in an instant and pulled him closer until he slowly impaled him on his lightsaber. The Jedi face was in utter disbelief and agony while the blazing red blade cut through him with ease. With a malicious grin, Maul pulled him closer. How I love this? Maul thought with great rage. Then he Force pushed the Jedi back colliding him with another one landing on top of him.

Then furiously Maul cut five more Jedi down with ease. The fifth one, who was struggling to get out from under the dead Jedi, Maul walked up to him, and with a swift move, he stomped on his neck, breaking it instantly.

As he was preoccupied with the Jedi that he just destroyed with pleasure, Maul was unaware of what Kyra was doing. Then he looked up and saw her fighting on the other side of the room. Her rapid movements were in a pretty purple blur. Her slender athletic body was twisting and turning with great ease as she fought like a tigress. To Maul, she looked like a beautiful acrobat with her long raven hair flying through the air. He could look at her all day like this he thought with astonishment. About a dozen dead bodies were lying at her feet and around her. One of them was impaled onto the wall, where a big wrought iron candle holder was visible a moment ago.

Then she turned and nodded at Maul and then a thin, evil smile appeared on her flushed face.

Maul could tell she enjoyed the fight. However, something he did not sense, neither she.

Behind Kyra emerged the final Jedi from under the slain bodies. Badly wounded, he force grabbed Kyra and pulled her in front of him, shielding him with her body. Kyra's eyes grew wide with surprise. It happened so quickly that she had no time to react. Firmly holding her in front, the Jedi yelled to Maul.

"Leave Sith! NOW! Or I swear I will kill her right here right now!"

Maul stared at the wounded man with fury. He was using Kyra as a shield and it infuriated him even more.

"How cowardly of you to say such things like that. I know you would not kill her." Maul yelled back. Then he added. "That's not the Jedi way."

Pointing his lightsaber at him, he growled. "When I get to you, I will destroy you Jedi scum." With an evil grin, he added. "And with great pleasure."

Behind Kyra, the man's lips curled into a vicious smile. Looking into Maul's fiery eyes, with a hint of malice, he said. "I am done with the Jedi way, Sith!"

Saying that he stabbed his lightsaber through Kyra.

There was no pain at first. The only thing she felt was great warmth, and then she felt the scorching heat. With an astonishing face, she looked down and saw a bright blue light bursting through her chest. It's so beautiful, Kyra thought for a second, and then the excruciating pain followed and then her scream engulfed the room.

With extreme speed, Maul landed in front of Kyra and grabbed hold of the Jedi. With several quick strikes, he destroyed the man. There was not much left of him after Maul was done.

Then he turned his attention to Kyra. Lying on the ground, she was terribly wounded. In her beautiful eyes, Maul saw great fear, pain, and confusion. He lowered himself next to her and held her dying body tight. He could sense that she was fighting hard to stay alive. Maul felt like his whole world collapsed at this very moment. Millions of thoughts ran through his raged mind.

He didn't want her to die, damn it!

He wanted her very much alive and wanted her with all his might. He couldn't grasp the thought of losing her. Slowly, Kyra lifted her arm and gently stroked Maul's tattooed face. She was glad that his face was the last thing she would see before she'll die.