The air within the Tribunal was stiff, the already stuffy Venator bustling with activity as it careened toward Mandalore along with her two sister-ships, the hypnotizing tunnel of hyperspace reflecting off of every piece of equipment, furniture and being who was in any compartment that conveniently had view-port. And in one such compartment, the personal quarters of Obi-Wan Kenobi, said Jedi was currently meditating, attempting to prep his mind for the single-most important battle in his life. Unfortunately, his train of thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. Reaching out into the Force, open let a small smile creep on his face as he opened the door to meet the scarred face of his commander.
"Yes Cody," he said in a firm, yet kind tone, "what can I do for you."
"Sir," Cody began, "I was just sent to inform you that we are twenty minutes out from Mandalore."
Despite his professional demeanor, Obi-Wan could feel the anxiety radiating from Cody, the visibility calm clone also accruing some sweat under his brows. And while Obi-Wan knew that Cody was well equipped for any battle, he couldn't help but feel that his loyal second did seem a bit more…nervous. And it was only when Obi-Wan caught movement out of the corner of his eye that he knew why. And it was only when Cody cast his gaze down at the durasteel floor that Obi-Wan could piece together what made the 212th commander so nervous.
He helped Bo-Katan find his quarters.
"I needed to speak with you," Bo-Katan began, a bulky object, what Obi-Wan could only describe as a "package," in her hands as she spoke. Looking back to Cody, Obi-Wan knew he couldn't be angry with his commander, especially since he didn't do anything wrong. Though Obi-Wan figured Cody was fearing that he may have put his general in a position that could lead to a rather "violent" altercation.
"You best see to the men Cody," Obi-Wan said calmly, a trace of a smile tugging at his lips when he saw the commander relax, the clone offering a crisp salute before walking away, leaving Obi-Wan alone with Bo-Katan, who brought herself to stand directly in front of the now frowning, cross-armed Jedi. After a few moments of just staring at each other, their faces void of any expression, Bo-Katan quietly offered Obi-Wan the package she had. And while hesitant at first to accept the package, Obi-Wan did, finding it to have a surprisingly hefty weight to it.
"If you are going to fight on Mandalore," Bo-Katan said, "you'll need these."
With that, Bo-Katan left Obi-Wan alone, the bearded man staring after Bo-Katan's retreating form a few seconds before sealing the door to his quarters. After setting the bulky parcel on his bunk, Obi-Wan pondered over what it could be. However, he figured that Bo-Katan's message was a very overt clue as to what it was. And so, after a few minutes of just staring at the package, Obi-Wan opened it, only for his eyes to go wide at what he saw.
Elsewhere in the ship, in a spare cabin that was granted to her by the ship's commander, Ahsoka was in the midst of a conversation with two particular senators, the full-sized, holographic duo flinching now and then due to muffled explosions that were clearly coming from outside of the senate's emergency bunker. And if Ahsoka was sure of one thing, their anxiety was sky-high.
"Sounds like things are pretty rough on Corusaunt," she said with a smile, her charming boyfriend returning the smile with a more timid one.
"And then some," Lux responded, "but what I here is that the remainder of the droid ground forces are being dealt with, which I assume is what is happening now. The remaining forces have retreated to their fleet. Luckily, our reinforcements have blocked off their escape, and from what I hear, General's Skywalker and Koon have infiltrated the command ship."
"If I know Skyguy and Master Plo, they've got it handled," Ahsoka responded, earning a laugh from Padme, who protectively cradled her growing stomach as another explosion rocked the bunker. Noticing this, Ahsoka sent calming, reassuring waves to the expecting mother, which must have worked since the Naboo senator cast a friendly gaze toward the young togruta.
"How are the twins doing Padme?"
"Still a month off Ahsoka," Padme responded in a motherly tone, "so don't worry yourself. I just can't wait to see you in person again."
"Likewise Padme," Ahsoka said with a smile, only for the moment to be interrupted by knock on the door.
"Commander," came a clone's voice, though Ahsoka knew from their force-signature that it was Rex, "we're coming up a Mandalore. We deploy in five minutes."
"Alright Rex," Ahsoka responded, "I'll be right there."
And only after she heard Rex walk away from her door did Ahsoka return her gaze to the hologram, only to find to her surprise that Padme had disappeared, leaving Lux alone with her. It was at that moment, given the way lux was lovingly staring at her, that Ahsoka realized that Padme had wanted to give the young couple some privacy. And for a solid minute, the two just looked at each other, loving smiles on their lips as they did.
"I Love You, My Beautiful Soka," Lux whispered, his words making tears well in Ahsoka's eyes as she responded to his declaration of love.
"I love You Too, My Handsome Lux."
With that said, Ahsoka brought a hand to her mouth, kissing the tips of her fingers before bringing them up to the hologram. Catching on to the meaning of his girlfriend's actions, Lux mimicked the gesture, his holographic hand coming within a centimeter of her own. And as Lux looked lovingly at his togruta love, he couldn't help but notice the blue and silver Mandalorian-inspired attire she was wearing, from her armored boots and gauntlets to her stunning, form-fitting tunic. And the latter left little to Lux's imagination in terms of the curvy yet fit figure it covered, especially since he hadn't seen Ahsoka in person for nearly a year.
"I must say," he said with a teasing laugh, "that outfit makes you look stunning."
Ahsoka merely rolled her eyes, a playful smirk on her lips as she sent a teasing, almost seductive gaze toward her hopeless romantic of a boyfriend.
"I think you are more interested in seeing it OFF me, than on me."
"OH," Lux playfully groaned, placing his hand over his chest as if he had been shot, "you wound me Ahsoka."
"Well," Ahsoka said, adding an extra amount of seduction to her expression and voice, "when I get back, how about I kiss that wound of yours to make it better."
Matching the seductive gaze the lovely togruta sent him, Lux responded.
"I look forward to it…be careful Soka."
The last bit with said with such love and sincerity, Ahsoka dropped the seductive smirk for a more loving one, offering Lux final confirmation before signing off, her heart bound from the conversation as she left her quarters, now desperately praying to the force that she would make it back to Corusaunt in one piece.
And hoping that Anakin and Master Plo would be successful in their mission.
The quiet space around Mandalore was suddenly filled with the sound of roaring engines as several gunships accompanied by several more carriers, each ferrying AT-TE walkers, descend into Mandalore's atmosphere, followed closely by squadrons of Republic starfighters and Mandalorian Gauntlet fighters, each squadron leaving behind the small fleet of cruisers to wait in orbit.
On board one of the Gunships, Ahsoka stood with Rex, Cody, Bo-Katan, Jesse, and Obi-Wan, the latter surprisingly clothed in Mandalorian armor, jetpack and all, that had been graciously loaned to him Bo-Katan as thanks for his aid. He even had some of the boys paint his armor in the color scheme of the 212th with the symbol of the Jedi painted on the shoulder pieces. As an added touch, Obi-Wan wore the outer strips of his tunic over the armor, bound at the waist by an ammo belt.
He definitely looked like a Mandalorian Jedi.
But, as he was readjusting some of his equipment, the comm on his wrist began beeping. Raising the comm to his mouth, Obi-Wan spoke.
"Yes Pilot."
"Sir," the pilot curtly responded, "I have Prime Minister Almec of Mandalore on the come."
"Put him through," Obi-Wan said firmly, a hard frown on his face as the holographic image of the corrupt politician who had a hand in his homes fall came into view, his own expression hard with contempt as he looked upon the Republic and Mandalorian force.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS INVASION?!" he all but yelled.
"THE REPUBLIC PRESENCE HERE IS IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF OUR TREATY!"
Before Obi-Wan could answer, Bo-Katan shoved him aside.
"Your time has come, Almec," she lowly growled, pointing an accusing finger at the old politician as she spoke, "we know you are Maul's puppet…and we are coming for him."
"Ah," Almec responded with a degrading laugh, "Mistress Bo-Katan…the traitor. I should have known you behind this cowardly invasion. Siding with the republic will make you an enemy in the eyes of the people."
What Bo-Katan said in response caused an impressed smirk to form on Obi-Wan's face.
"I'm fine with that."
At that moment, Bo-Katan cut of the transmission, her gaze meeting Obi-Wan's as he patted her on the should, a trace of smile appearing on her lips as Ahsoka offered a very astute observation that even Obi-Wan couldn't deny.
"You're nothing like your sister."
Meanwhile, in the throne room within the Royal Palace in Sundari, an entire platoon of Mandalorian warriors of the shadow collective gathered for instruction, the blood-red markings on their armor a stark contrast to the dull grey-blue sheen of the room. And standing at the foot of the throne was Almec, issuing orders to his two subordinates, the hardened Gar Saxon, and his lieutenant, Rook Kast.
"Saxon!" he said to the broad-shouldered, blonde-haired man who stood at attention, "ready our forces for ground assault. ROOK! Inform the syndicate of the invasion."
With a nod, the slim, purple-haired Rook excused herself to carry out her orders, leaving Saxon with Almec as the latter turned his back to the room. Even though he was not a force-user, Saxon could sense the anxiety radiating from Almec, the Prime Minister casting a doubtful gaze to the floor as Saxon voiced his concerns.
"It's been a while since we had a fight like this…are you ready?"
Meanwhile, back on the lead gunship, Bo-Katan activated her comm, immediately getting in touch with her loyal lieutenant, Ursa Wren, wife of renowned Mandalorian artist Alrich Wren, and the mother of two children. Obi-Wan knew as much because he had met Ursa prior to the fleet coming out of hyperspace. An after meeting her, he knew how much taking back Mandalore meant to Bo-Katan and her people.
"Ursa," Bo-Katan said as she looked upon the small projection of her friend, "can you verify the target's location?'
"I can only confirm," Ursa began in a calm tone, "that Maul has not left the city. All other attempts to locate him have been blocked. Saxon is already scrambling his forces."
And just as she said this, the gunship was rocked by a sudden explosion.
"WE HAVE INCOMING!" the pilot shouted over the comm as several small rockets barreled toward the landing force, one unlucky gunship immediately taking a hit by enemy fire, with another gunship being shot down in a ball of flames, the latter being witnessed by Bo-Katan's team from the now open compartment of their transport. Realizing that the battle has already started, clone pilots began opening the holding bays of their gunships, the Mandalorian loyalists and clones equipped with jetpacks immediately flying fly out to meet the enemy head on, a massive battle between the loyalist forces and Shadow Collective immediately breaking out with warriors and troopers being shot out of the sky. Some syndicate warriors even begin kicking troopers out of the gunships.
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!" Bo-Katan shouted to a stunned Obi-Wan and Ahsoka.
"GET OUT THERE!"
With that, Bo-Katan and two her loyalists jumped out of the rear ramp of the gunship to join the fight, leaving the two force-users and their commanders alone in the transport. And it was at that moment, Rex noticed something about the group.
Out of the four of them, only three had the means to reach the surface.
"Sorry Soka," he called, "I didn't think to bring you a jetpack!"
"Don't need one," she called back, earning sly and knowing smiles from the three men.
"Race ya to the surface!"
The three can't help but smile and Laugh at Ahsoka as she leaps from the gunship, each wasting no time in following her. And as they descended toward the surface, the thrusters on their jetpacks kicked on, the three males flying into the fray to help their comrades in their fight against Maul's forces. In one such moment, Cody swooped in to save Boil who was currently in the middle of a mid-air brawl with a syndicate member, the commander slamming against the enemy combatant, the action stunning the red-armored male, who only had enough time to let out a startled yelp as Cody shot him square int eh chest.
Elsewhere in the air, Rex had joined up with Jesse and Vaughn in an attempt to get syndicate warriors off of their transports, many having already shot out the engines of several gunships. Jesse and the newly promoted captain had succeeded in freeing one before joining Rex in on the next one. Vaughn even got into a fistfight with one of the enemy warriors before said warrior received a shot to the back of the helmet courtesy of Rex.
Lower in altitude one would find Obi-Wan, slashing away at jetpacks with his lightsaber, deflecting shots back at the shooter, and using the force to fling them away from the transports. He even managed to deflect a shot toward an unsuspecting syndicate combatant that was right on top of Bo-Katan, the female sending Obi-Wan a thankful nod before resuming their descent down toward the surface…
Where Ahsoka had a sizable lead.
After having jumped out of her gunship, Ahsoka landed on the top of another, slashing the jetpacks of the two commandos on top with her, the jetpacks overloading and exploding in midair, taking their passengers with them. And after trading a nod with the pilot, Ahsoka jumped into the transport bay of the gunship, using the force and her fists to dispatch more super commandos, hitching a ride with one after she had damaged his jetpack, the action causing her and the warrior to careen out of control until she slammed his body onto the mandible of a Gauntlet fighter.
But, as she jumped from the fighter into another freefall, Ahsoka noticed movement from the cockpit of a rapidly descending gunship, it's thrusters in flames and careening toward the rapidly approaching city. Thinking fast, Ahsoka jumps onto the gunship, which at this point was right on top of the city. Noticing the pilot was having extreme difficulty in popping the canopy off of his cockpit, Ahsoka decided to lend him a hand by severing the release with her shoto, the canopy shooting off with ease.
"THANKS COMMANDER!" the pilot said in relief before jettisoning from the cockpit. and rescues the pilot, allowing him to bail out. And just in time too, as the docks of the city were in clear view, with several commandos taking position on the platform, their basters trained on the gunship. Luckily, with extreme skill that she was thankful she still had, Ahsoka leaped from the gunship at the last minute, rolling onto the platform before using her lightsabers to slow her slide. And the moment she was able to right herself, Ahsoka barely had time to react before she was bombarded with blaster fire from the Almec's forces. But just as she was pushed to the edge of the platform, her sabers blocking every shot sent her way, Ahsoka heard the unmistakable sound of a jetpack, with her vision immediately taking in the form of Ursa rising from below, her pistols drawn as she began firing at the syndicate warriors, followed closely by several other loyalists who began firing at the enemy, who was now retreating back into the city.
"Glad to see you still haven't lost your touch," Obi-Wan joked as he Rex landed beside her, Bo-Katan, her loyalists, and several gunships filled with clones flying overhead. Of course, Ahsoka, being Anakin's former padawan, utilized the skills she picked up on teasing.
"You're just sore that I beat you."
This earned a laugh from Rex.
"Some things never change."
With that said, the trio quickly ran toward the entrance to the city, desperate to size control of the situation before things got too out of hand. Unfortunately, when they reached the end of the tunnel leading into the immaculate capital, the three were stunned to see clone and loyalist forces battling Almec's Mandalorians, not just in the streets, but in the air, with several fallen soldiers from both sides literally falling from dizzying heights.
And at the center of the city, Saxon and Rook found themselves being cornered at the intersection of a narrow tri-bridge, the two warriors desperately trying to fend of the onslaught, felding several clones and loyalists with their blasters and missiles from their jetpacks. Eventually, Saxon realized that the Republic and loyalist forces were too much to handle, activating his holo-comm to relay the news to Almec.
"We are meeting stronger opposition than anticipated," he reported breathlessly, "they've already taken the docks and are moving on you position."
"Escape to the undercity," Almec calmly responded, "you'll be met there."
"Understood," Saxon responded with a nod, deactivating his comm to refocus his attention on some advancing clones, Vaughn leading them while backed by several of the boys from Ahsoka's newly formed 332nd division. Wasting no further time, Saxon and Rook lead their warriors off of the bridge, rapidly descending to the Undercity, pursued by Vaughn and several other clones and loyalists. With Saxon and his forces in retreat, allowing joint forces of the Republic and Mandalore had captured the upper city.
But, as Bo-Katan understood, the key objective was to find and capture Maul. And as Bo, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka and Rex overlooked the besieged city, their chances of finding Maul were going slimmer and slimmer.
"No sign of Maul yet, M'Lady," Rex reported as he landed on the balcony Bo-Katan, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka stood on, the two force-users sending the commander teasing smiles at his formal addressing of Bo-Katan, the clone grateful he was wearing his helmet, otherwise the other's would see the deep blush creeping on his cheeks. Luckily, Bo-Katan didn't seem to notice.
"We can't sustain a long siege," Bo-Katan grumbled, her grim expression causing Obi-Wan and Ahsoka to join her in her brooding, the female warrior quickly replacing her helmet back on her head.
"I'll go to the throne room and deal with Almec."
Pausing for a brief moment, Bo-Katan looked to Obi-Wan, the Jedi sensing her pleading energy through the force, the desperation evident when she spoke again.
"You MUST find Maul."
With that, Bo-Katan moved to fly off of the balcony, but not before looking toward Rex, the clone stiffening some as the Mandalorian sent him a playful salute before jetting off toward the throne room. And much to Rex's displeasure, Ahsoka caught on to Bo-Katan's teasing gesture, quirking in amused eyebrow as she looked toward her commander.
"Alright lover boy," she teased, causing the two clones standing guard behind Rex to snicker at their commander's misfortune, "I want you to reinforce Ursa at the docks."
"Good thinking Ahsoka," Obi-Wan interjected, although in a more serious tone, "we must ensure Maul does not escape."
"If he's here," Rex cautiously interjected.
"If not, then ALL of this plays into his hands."
Obi-Wan took that moment to ponder Rex's words, wondering if he did rush in too quickly to aid Mandalore. Fortunately, he didn't have to swell on his misgivings too long before the chine of his comm brought him out of his thoughts.
"General, It's Cody," his commander sounded, "I think we may have something."
Giving the hopeful tone in Cody's voice, Obi-Wan felt his own rise.
"I'm on my way Cody."
Within minutes, Obi-Wan had reached the access point to a shaft that would lead down into Sundari's undercity, a dimly lit, musty contrast to the gleaming domed city above. And as he descended on the left, Obi-Wan was met with the unsettling site of a few clone and loyalist bodies hanging from the lift structure, either draped over the beams or hanging from their jetpacks. And the scene on the ground floor wasn't that great either, with more loyalist and men from the 212th strewn on the floor, medics working to clear them out as Cody and several other men stood by the entrance to what appeared to be an endless tunnel.
"Alright Cody," Obi-Wan said, gaining his commander's attention, Cody and the other's snapping to attention, "what have you got."
"We were cutting off this access point to the Undercity," Cody began to explain, "when we engaged one of the leadership, Gar Saxon. He disappeared through there. Seemed in a hurry."
As Cody spoke, he pointed down the tunnel, the dimly lit, claustrophobic space seeming to stretch for miles into the undercity. And the aura of dark and forbidden fear did little ease Obi-Wan's worries, especially since he knew very little f the undercity despite his many visits to Mandalore.
"I'm afraid I know very little about the Undercity Cody…what's down there."
"A system of tunnels, sewage ports, mainly. Some conduit access pipes," Cody clarified, filling Obi-Wan with even more dread over a possibility they may have overlooked.
"Do they lead outside the city?"
"Couldn't say Sir."
After taking a brief moment to think over his options, Obi-Wan came to the conclusion that he may never get another opportunity to find Maul.
"Alright, let's move in…but stay sharp."
"I got your back General," Cody responded as he and his men began to follow their general into the tunnels, unaware of the horror that awaited them.
Meanwhile, in the throne room, a row of guards on either side of him, Almec stood at the foot of the throne, the emerald and gold livery of his own armor gleaming in the sunshine as he spoke to Rook, the female's form projected from the holo-disc in Almec's hand.
"Kenobi was sighted entering the lower city," Rook reported, the prideful tone in her voice conveying that she was smiling under her helmet, a smile she was sure Almec was sharing under his.
"Then it's just as our lord predicted," he said calmly, his own glee at the current situation rising by the second. Unfortunately for Almec, that happiness was quickly squashed by the door to the throne room being blown in by what could only be a thermal detonator. And once the smoke had disappeared, several loyalists and 332nd clones, led by Bo-Katan and Ahsoka, rushed into the throne room, the joint forces immediately mowing down Almec's guards with ease.
"COMMANDER! ON YOUR LEFT!" Vaughn shouted, immediately shooting a male warrior in the head as the enemy soldier nearly tackled Ahsoka, the togruta sending the captain a thankful wink and nod. But when she looked back in the direction of the throne, Ahsoka was amazed to see Almec, in the midst of his fallen guards, holding his own in a fistfight with Bo-Katan, only for the younger female to gain the upper hand by savagely punching Almec in the ribs, finishing the fight with a jetpack-assisted kick to the chest, sending Almec back onto the steps to the throne, the force knocking his helmet off in the process.
"Where's Maul," Bo-Katan seethed, her wrist blasters pointing right at Almec's head as Ahsoka and Vaughn ran to her side. However, Ahsoka couldn't help but feel that Alec was pushing his luck by his next choice of words.
"You were never the politician your sister was."
Almec flinched at the sudden bolt that was shot by his head. A clear warning shot, but still enough to get Bo-Katan's point across. But as he spoke, the air seemed to turn icily cold, the tone of his voice containing a gloating nature that Ahsoka did not like one bit, especially with the sinister smile that crept onto his face.
"He wanted you bring the Jedi…and you played your part beautifully."
It was at that moment Ahsoka's eyes went wide with alarm, her comm up to her mouth in a second as she urgently tried to reach Obi-Wan, all while Almec continued to revel in his master's imminent victory.
"OBI WAN COME IN! YOU'RE WALKING INTO A TRAP!"
Static…
The comms were being jammed.
"OBI-WAN!"
In the sewer system, Obi-Wan and his men were walking quietly, lamps lit and ears open for any movement. Every so often, Obi-Wan would tilt his head in the direction of what he perceived to be footsteps moving down one of the adjacent tunnels, only for a shaky breath of relief to escape his lips as it turned out to be sewer vermin. Unfortunately, the vermin were able to help Rook and her warriors stay under the radar, the malignant Mandalorians stealthily prepping to ambush the Republic forces.
As for Obi-Wan, he could sense something was coming, he just didn't know what. However, the moment he felt a new presence behind his team, he froze in his step, turning just in time to see Rook launch a rocket at him and his men. Thinking quickly, Obi-Wan used the force to deflect the rocket, only for it two explode near two of his men, whom he felt through the force were veterans Wooly and Crys, the two men falling to the floor in a heap, their force signature extinguished in an instant. And before Obi-Wan could stop them, Cody and the others charged toward the retreating form of Rook.
"CODY! WAIT!" he called, his saber ignited in an instant as he chased after them, his heart-rate increasing with every turn as he saw more and more fallen troopers, each with fresh blast marks in their armor. And as he ran, Obi-Wan winced as he felt the death of his men, the feeling amplified as EACH voice that sounded in the tunnel was quickly silenced.
"LOOK OUT AACK!"
"THIS WAY HURRY UUGH!"
"WATCH IT WATCH AAAAH!"
"NO…WAIT GYAH!"
That last cry, the very last cry, just as he turned the corner, was the one Obi-Wan dreaded most, as evident by his need to stop and support himself against the wall, his very being filled with great anguish. And despite not wanting to see the sight he was sure to see when he reached the rotund four-way conduit, Obi-Wan ran forward, only for his heart to shatter at the sight of Cody, his chest piece riddled with several black, smoldering holes, laying prone on the cold floor, the light of an overhead vent creating a very painful image that would be etched in Obi-Wan's memory forever.
"Cody!" Obi-Wan called as he ran to his friend, dropping to his knees the moment he reached the fallen clone. Pulling Cody into his arms, Obi-Wan carefully removed Cody's helmet, brown eyes meeting blue as the clone to deep, ragged breaths, each resulting in a wheeze and a cough each time. And seeing Cody in such a state brought Obi-Wan to tears, the Jedi quickly taking hold of Cody's hand as it was weakly offered.
"It was an honor…to serve with you Obi-Wan," Cody said with a wince, the pain in his chest numbing as he felt the end coming closer, tears streaming down his cheeks as he tightly squeezed Obi-Wan's hand, his breathing becoming quicker as he desperately gulped in as much air as he could, the action only causing him to wince each time.
"It was an Honor to fight with you for something we chose to believe in."
Obi-Wan choked back a sob as held onto Cody, praying to the Force that there was some way he could prevent this. But, as Cody continued to fight his last, painfully losing battle, Obi-Wan knew the only thing he could do now was offer Cody whatever comfort he could.
"The honor was mine, Cody. All these years, I have learned to see all of you as more than my men…you were my family."
And what Cody said next truly pained Obi-Wan's heart.
"I…I l-love ya...Vod."
"And I love you…Brother."
And the moment "brother" left his lips, Cody's grip went slack, his whole body relaxing as he breathed his last, his eyes fluttering shut as if he was falling into a deep sleep. And as Obi-Wan held his fallen friend, he let his tears fall, the cursed liquid splashing against Cody's armor. But, unfortunately, his sorrow turned to anger the moment several of the red-armored Mandalorians surrounded him, each training their blasters on him.
With one last sorrowful glance to Cody, Obi-Wan gently laid the body down on the floor, before slowly rising, calmly igniting his lightsaber as he glared daggers at each warrior, wondering which one fired the fatal shots that took Cody from him. But his attention soon turned to an otherwise empty tunnel, the sound of metal-on-metal echoing in the unmistakable pattern of walking.
And then, he heard it…
A cruel laugh.
"And so, as a 'brother,' you continue to share my pain…"
A seething breath…
Followed by a growl.
"Kenobi."
And at that moment, the owner of the voice stepped out of the shadows, bringing Obi-Wan face-to-face with a monster…
The bane of his existence…
The very reason he was there…
Maul.