Sorry that the wait has been so long. We originally wanted to post this about a month ago, but LadySongbir16 and I both had some hectic and unpleasant things happen to us, that just took a lot of time to deal with. We are trying to update quicker in the future, so hopefully you won't have to wait too long before our next update. On a happier note, the two of us are aware about the events of the Ahsoka novel, including Ahsoka going to Mandalore to fight Darth Maul. Funnily enough we had planned for Ahsoka to fight Darth Maul on Mandalore early in our story long before the novel came out. When we found out it cracked us up. We hope you enjoy the update and please leave us a review or a PM, we always appreciate feedback.

Chapter 10

Ahsoka, Lux, and Kix boarded Lux's ship and set a course to Mandalore. Ahsoka had no idea what to expect; she was aware of Maul's history with Obi-Wan and how brutal it was. Obi-Wan had literally cut Maul in half, while Maul had killed Obi-Wan's master Qui-Gon Jinn and more recently Satine Kryze. The former in battle and the later for the express purpose of hurting Obi-Wan. She also knew that Maul was not someone to underestimate in battle.

As they flew, waiting to enter Mandalore's surface, Ahsoka sat in her chair, her mind racing with thoughts of what could happen once they got there. Suddenly though she felt something invade her mind, and she saw things she would never think of it.

She saw clone troopers firing their blasters and then she saw Anakin. The only thing she could hear was the sound of blasters firing. She also felt darkness, an overwhelming sense of it too. There was so much of it that it was starting to overwhelm her.

"Ahsoka!" A voice said snapping her out of her vision.

She looked to her left to see Lux; he had a worried expression on his face.

"Did you see that?" She inquired.

"See what?" Lux asked.

"I guess not then," was her reply.

"You saw something Kix questioned.

"Force sensitives often have visions," Ahsoka stated. "Visions of possible future events."

"Did you see something?" Lux asked.

Ahsoka remained silent for a few seconds before looking back at Lux.

"Nothing we need to worry about," she lied.

Ahsoka couldn't help but think of what she had seen though. The vision was just to jumbled and vague. She had no idea what it could mean.

"Ahsoka," Kix said snapping her out of her thoughts. "What can you tell us about Mandalore?"

"Only what the halos can tell you," Ahsoka replied. "Mandalore declared neutrality in the war against the Republic and the Separatists, it was under the rule of Duchess Satine Kryze until her recent murder and now with her gone the planet has fallen to Darth Maul's Shadow Collective, a group of Death Watch troops."
"And what of this Darth Maul?" Lux asked. "You said Obi-Wan had mentioned him before."

"Yes," Ahsoka replied. "Over ten years ago Obi-Wan was just a padawan like I used to be, he and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn were sent on a mission to Naboo to protect Padme while she went to Coruscant to negotiate with the Senate. He was a Sith who tried to stop them, and they stopped him, but Qui-Gon was killed."

"So, this creature has killed both a Jedi Master and the Duchess," Lux said.

"So, we're dealing with someone powerful one way or another," Kix declared.

"Yes," Ahsoka said. "And we'll also have to deal with any of his followers who are present."

"That aside, how are we going to get you into the palace?" Kix questioned. "It's not like we can simply walk in through the front door."

"I remember Obi-Wan saying that there is a prison underground". Ahsoka stated. "If we can find an entrance to it we can find a way down to the prison we should be able to get into the palace and see what Darth Maul is up to and hopefully bring him down before the Society of the Dark has a chance to influence him to join them in their cause."

The trio landed Lux's ship when they made their exit; two helmeted guards greeted them.

"Do you have a landing permit?" The guards questioned.

"Oh," Ahsoka interjected. "I believe we left it in the ship. Come, and we will get it for you."

The guards just looked at each other before falling the trio back onto their ship. Guards on the outside watched as Ahsoka came out of the ship with the two guards.

"You are all clear miss," one of the guards said. "We will escort you into the capital."

So Ahsoka hopped into the speeder, and the "guards" drove toward the capital.

Ahsoka had been to the capital before, but being there now, felt much different then the time she came with Padme.

"Looks like we were joining you either way," Lux said to Ahsoka.

"Well I certainly could not have come out of the ship without the troopers," Ahsoka said with a laugh. "That would look far too suspicious."

She noticed a set of guards landing on a platform that had and elevator.

"Land down there, it looks like that could be a way underground,"

"What about the other guards?" Kix questioned.

"I don't think I'll have a problem neutralizing them," Ahsoka declared.

So, Lux landed the ship on the platform and approached the entrance. Ahsoka put her hands behind her back, and Lux grabbed onto her to make it all look convincing

"Stop it right there," A guard stated. "Do you have the authorization to be here?"
"We found this girl by the landing zone," Kix declared. "She lacked the proper landing permit, and when we tried to question her, she attacked. We've been ordered to take her down to the cells."

"I'm going to have to confirm this," One guard said reaching for the audio transmitter in his helmet.

Right after he finished his statement, Ahsoka broke free from Lux's "hold" on her, then pulled out her lightsabers while Lux and Kix pulled out blasters. It took a few minutes, but soon all the guards were neutralized and lying unconscious on the ground. Ahsoka, Lux, and Kix dragged them toward the elevator.

"Are we going just to hide them here?" Lux questioned.

"We can't take them down with us," Ahsoka replied. "There may be other guards down there."

"Let's make quick work of this then," Kix said.

They entered the elevator and made their descent downward. When the elevator stopped, they exited and saw hundreds of clear glass holding cells all over the place.

"There are a lot of them around here," Kix confirmed.

"You're right," Ahsoka replied. "Let's look for another way up; we need to find a closer way up to the palace."

They cautiously moved through the hallways looking for another elevator that would lead them to the palace somewhere above them. After minutes of walking, Ahsoka noticed a someone familiar in one of the cells.

"Wait," Ahsoka said causing Lux and Kix to stop in their tracks.

"What is it Ahsoka," Lux questioned.

Ahsoka knocked on the glass of the cell door, and the stranger turned to reveal their face.

"Duchess Satine," Ahsoka acknowledged in shock.

"The Duchess is alive?" Lux asked removing his helmet.

"How though?" Kix said removing his helmet as well. "I thought General Kenobi said she was killed right in front of his eyes."

"That is what he told me," Ahsoka confirmed.

"Obi-Wan escaped?" Satine questioned.

"Yes," Ahsoka said. "A lot has happened since then, but he is safe at the Jedi temple as far as I know."
"What happened to you, Duchess?" Lux questioned. "How long have you been here?"

"After Maul stabbed me," Satine began. "It felt like I did die, I woke up what was only a few hours after he did so, in this cell. He told me that the way he stabbed me with the Dark saber only looked fatal and that while my body did suffer serious trauma from the stab wound, that it was nothing that could not be fixed with some medical attention. I know that members of Death Watch refused to help him, but many of them chose to stay loyal to him."

"Well we are here to try and stop him," Ahsoka declared. "Can you tell us that there's a direct passage to the palace from here?"

"A direct one no," Satine replied. "I do know a way out of here that will get us closer to the palace though. If you can get me out of here, I can tell you the most direct route to the palace from the surface."

"We won't leave you here," Ahsoka stated pulling out one of her lightsabers. "Stand back."

Satine did as she was told and Ahsoka sliced the lock right off the cell door, Ahsoka kicked it in, and Satine stepped right out.

"Thank you so much," Satine said.

"Don't thank us yet Duchess," Lux said. "We still need to get you out of here."

"We better get back to the surface before the guards we knocked out above wake up and try looking for us," Kix said.

"How are we going to get her out of here unnoticed though?" Lux questioned.

Ahsoka reached inside her satchel and pulled out her cloak.

"Here duchess," Ahsoka said handing it to her. "Pull the hood up too, so nobody notices you. Now come on, let's get out of here."

Satine led the group through the labyrinth of that was the prison halls. Once they reached saw another elevator around the corner, but there were two guards by it.

"That's strange," Satine said. I haven't seen any Death Watch soldiers down here before, only the ones who brings me meals."

"How are we going to get passed them?" Kix questioned.

"I have an idea," Ahsoka said. "Lux, put your helmet on, we're going to lure these guards right into a trap."

"How so?" Lux questioned.

"Just follow me and play along," Ahsoka said running ahead.

Lux quickly chased her.

"You'll never take me alive," Ahsoka shouted back toward Lux.

This also caught the attention of the two guards by the elevator.

"I could use a little help here," Lux said.

The guards pulled out their blasters, but Ahsoka moved fast and was able to dodge them, and Lux continued to follow behind her dodging hits from their blasters as well. Before both of the guards had a chance to pull the trigger another time Ahsoka and Lux knocked both of them unconscious.

"Well," Lux said. "That was something I would not have thought of."

"I figured it would be the best way to get their attention," Ahsoka replied.

"That was quick thinking Ahsoka," Kix said as he and Satine walked up to her and Lux.

"Quite risky too," Satine added.

"I can handle myself in combat," Ahsoka declared. "Whether I'm a Jedi or not, a few men with blasters is nothing I can't handle."

"If soldiers were guarding the way up though," Kix added. "That means there is a chance that ones are guarding the way down."

"We handled the ones at the other entrance with little trouble," Ahsoka confirmed. "I think we can handle a few more. Though I think it would be the best decision for your safety if you stay behind us, Duchess."

"Of course," Satine said stepping into the elevator.

The other got in and stood in front of the Duchess.

When they finally reached the surface again, they were met with two more Death Watch soldiers.

"Where do you two think you're going?" One of them inquired.

"We have orders to take this prisoner to the palace," Kix said grabbing hold of Ahsoka's arm to make it look convincing. "Maul seems to have a special interest in her."

"No orders have come through to us about such a thing," the other trooper said. "I'm going to have to radio the palace to confirm this."

Lux pulled out his blaster and aimed it at the helmet of the trooper.

"I don't think so," he said.

"What in kriff's name do you think you're doing?" the other one questioned pulling out his blaster.

"Stopping you," Kix said shooting the gun out of his hand. Lux and Kix lunged toward the troopers and started a physical fight with them, punching, kicking and dodging whenever they saw a chance. It took a few minutes for them to gain the upper hand, but soon enough they had both guards in a hold, and Ahsoka took over and knocked both of them out.

"It doesn't seem like enough that they are unconscious," Ahsoka said. "Let's get these helmets off of them."

Kix removed the helmet from one guard while Ahsoka removed the helmet from the other one. She told him to put it on the ground in front of her, and she did the same with the one she was holding. Then she pulled out one of her lightsabers and slashed both of them several times, causing them to break into pieces.

"It looks like they won't be contacting their comrades of at the palace when they wake up," Kix confirmed.

"Speaking of which," Satine began. "You broke me free from that prison, and it is only fair that I keep my promise. If you continue going for a few miles in that direction , the palace should not be too far from here."

She pointed northwest toward more buildings.

"Ahsoka what's our plan?" Lux asked.

Ahsoka looked around and saw a speeder only a few feet away from them.

"You two take the speeder and get Satine back to the ship and wait for me there," Ahsoka ordered.

"Wait a minute Ahsoka," Lux said. "Even if you are strong in the Force I don't think you should go up against Darth Maul and Death Watch alone."

"Lux this a revived Sith we are dealing with," Ahsoka argued. "I know we've dealt with Death Watch together before, but I don't want you to get hurt from this."

"What if something happens to you though Ahsoka?" Lux countered. "How will we ever find out, or explain to the Society that we let you die?"
"He has a good point Commander," Kix said. "I think it is better if someone is with you."

"I know going alone isn't the best of ideas, but this is Maul we're are talking about. If either of you come with me, I'll spend more time worrying about him killing you and less on defending myself. Lux you don't have enough experience on the battlefield or with defending yourself against Force users. Kix, I might have been amendable to bringing you, but someone to make sure Satine is fine once you get back to the ship," Ahsoka argued.

"I still don't like this," Lux replied.

"Neither do I, but Maul is too dangerous for me not to put my entire focus on," Ahsoka said.

It was a little while before a response was given.

"It's not an ideal plan, but I understand were your coming from," Kix finally stated.

"Fine, but you keep us updated with the comms, and I mean constantly, at least with a word or two every few minutes," Lux gave in.

"That seems a little excessive but fair enough," Ahsoka said. "Alright then, you guys I'm trusting you to get Satine back to the ship. Tend to any injuries she might still have when you get there as well. I radio you when I'm on the way back."

"Understood," Kix said. "Be careful comman…Ahsoka."

"You three be careful as well," Ahsoka said.

"Thank you for this, I hope to see you soon," Satine stated before turning away.

Ahsoka turned to leave but, before leaving himself Lux grabbed her arm, halting her progress. They looked at each other for a moment before Ahsoka turned and made her way towards Maul, while Lux followed the others to the speeder. Once there Kix put his helmet back on, and he, Lux, and Satine took off in the speeder and made their way back toward the landing zone.

"Well that takes care of their issue with getting back to the ship," Ahsoka declared. "Now how are we going to get to the palace? Any ideas Daughter"

"I believe the men you knocked unconscious are wearing jetpack. Why not utilize them? I'm sure their right full owners would not be upset that you borrowed them, especially they themselves are not using them at the moment," was Daughters reply.

Ahsoka turned over one of the unconscious bodies and sure enough found a jetpack.

"I like the way you think," Ahsoka stated.

Ahsoka was flying for almost half an hour before she saw the palace several feet in front of them. She made sure to keep her promise about constantly checking in and was pleased to find out that while a little malnourished Satine was in surprisingly good health.

"It looks like the entrance is guarded Ahsoka," Daughter said. "How do you plan on getting in and finding this Darth Maul?"

"If he were to be anywhere in the palace where do you think it would be?" Ahsoka questioned.

"Of course," Daughter said. "The throne room."

"Alright," Ahsoka said. "There's about to be a lot of shooting." Ahsoka flew her way towards the palace.

As predicted the guards standing outside did notice Ahsoka and they started shooting. She best to dodge the shots and used her force abilities and lightsaber to deflect them around though. One of the deflected shots broke through a nearby stained-glass window, giving Ahsoka an entrance into the palace. Ahsoka managed to fly through the window only to be met by more blasts which of course meant more dodging. Suddenly though she felt the jet packs shut off and was pulled to the floor and forced to her knees.

"This wasn't some crazy accident," Ahsoka thought. "This was done with the Force."

She felt her body being moved against her own will again, this time her head lifting, so she was looking right in front of her and as it happened, she found herself looking at Maul himself. Several Death Watch troopers were surrounding the throne with blasters in hand.

"Well now," Maul spoke. "It seems we have some intruders."

"What are your orders, sir?" One of the troopers questioned.

"Leave us," Maul said.

Ahsoka looked at him in shock.

"But sir," Another trooper said began. "This girl broke right into the palace she is a threat that must be dealt with."

"I will deal with this intruder myself," Maul said. "You will be notified if your assistance is needed now go."

"Sir I must insist..."

Before the trooper could even finish his sentence, he was suspended in mid-air gasping for air, his hands making his way toward his throat as if to try and grab whatever was choking him. Ahsoka looked to see Maul extending his arm out toward the floating trooper.

"He's Force choking him," she thought.

"Ahsoka," Daughter spoke. "I know you do not wish to hear this right now, but I advise extreme caution with this Sith. Never have I felt so much darkness in the Force pouring out from someone since I felt it from my brother."

Soon the trooper fell to the ground, gasping for air.

"I am not going to ask you again," Maul said. "Leave!"

The trooper sprinted out of the throne room.

Maul turned his attention back to Ahsoka.

"You made quite a big mistake by choosing to come here, Lady Tano," he declared.

Ahsoka was shocked.

"How do you know who I am?" She demanded.

"Oh, I know many things about you," Maul continued. "Word of you spread through the Society of the Dark quickly as soon as the young togruta boy returned from his mission. You are a force sensitive, and you carry the weapon of a Jedi. You are also quite special to their deity for some reason. I might not be one of them yet, but they like to keep me informed. Besides your trial in the Senate was not exactly…a secret affair."

"How are you even alive?" Ahsoka questioned. "Obi-Wan told me he sliced you in half ten years ago."

"Ah," Maul said in an amused tone. "So, you know Kenobi do you, I'm guessing you were indeed a Jedi then. Well, I can tell you that how I survived all these years is of no importance to you right now. Once I am finished with you, I will find Kenobi, and he will be joining his precious Duchess."

"Leave him out of this," Ahsoka demanded. "What do you hope to gain by allying yourself with the Society of the Dark? You really think you can eventually rule over them?"

"Oh no Lady Tano," Maul said. "I have met their deity; even I am not foolish enough to think that any Sith can surpass his power. However, he did promise me that if I succeed in the mission, he has assigned me that I will receive my own forces. I will be able to extend terror throughout the galaxy with an army and soon, Kenobi and your precious Jedi, that you and many have put their faith in, will not be able to stop us."

"That's not going to happen," Ahsoka exclaimed. She ignited her lightsabers and moved to attack Maul.

Maul response was igniting the Dark Saber. "Let's see if you are all the Society of the Dark claims you to be."

He quickly moved to strike Ahsoka but, she was able to backflip and dodge him. Ahsoka moved to hit him, but he blocked her with his blade. She used the Force to push him back, but he recovered from it quickly and charged at her once more.

"You are quite skilled," Maul declared as their blades collided again. "You will never be a match for me though."

Ahsoka stepped back, continuing to dodge strike after strike.

"As long as I'm standing, I won't let your chaos to spread," she said.

The duel continued on sabers collided several times, but neither Force wielder managed to land a hit on the other. That was until Maul managed to land a blow on Ahsoka. It was nothing too serious thankfully; the Dark Saber merely scratched the surface of her left arm, is that its source was a lightsaber though, it burned her skin, quite badly; causing her to clutch her arm and cry out in pain, dropping one of her lightsabers in the process. Darth Maul used this to give himself upper hand and used the Force once more to push her to the ground. Ahsoka tried to resist him and use her Force abilities to aid herself, but Maul was too strong.

"How is he this powerful?" She thought.

Maul stepped closer, the blade of the Dark Saber now mere inches from her throat.

"I have you right where I want you now Lady Tano," Maul declared. "Imagine how pleased the Society of the Dark will be when they learn I have put an end to one as important to the Society of the Light as you."

Suddenly there was a noise, and Ahsoka felt another disturbance in the Force. This one was much stronger though. She looked to see someone was standing behind Darth Maul. Her eyes went wide and she completely froze.

"No," She thought to herself. "Force no! This can't be happening, no, no, no!"

"Ahsoka please,"Daughter said. "You must calm yourself."

"I was not expecting you to arrive here," Darth Maul spoke. "I was just about to finish the job. It will be finished in a few seconds if you wish to wait and watch."

Suddenly the Dark Saber was extinguished and thrown feet away from the two force wielders, despite this Ahsoka remained frozen in place. Maul turned to look at the other figure in the room.

"Why?" He questioned. "I could have put an end to this little brat. She was standing in our way!"

"I made it clear," the smooth yet dark baritone voice spoke. "I told you when I sought you out that I had one rule when it came to dealing with The Society of the Light and its members. I can't count how many times I have stressed you and others that the girl should remain alive."

Maul suddenly found himself being pulled with the Force toward the figure that the dark voice belonged to.

"I'm begging you," he said. "Don't do this, I promise, I won't kill the girl, just don't do this."

"Begging for your life," the figure said. "How pathetic, and to think, you were once apprentice to a great Sith lord. You should know by now, they Dark side is not forgiving. You were set on ignoring and breaking my one rule, and you shall pay for that.

The figure tapped Maul on the forehead and his body fell to the floor, unmoving, and completely lifeless.

"Ahsoka!"Daughter said trying desperately to get the young togruta's attention. "Ahsoka please answer me, Ahsoka!"

Ahsoka said nothing she remained completely frozen in place, her heart pounding so hard she felt like it was in her throat. At the moment everything else around her seemed to be forgotten. She could not wonder whether or not the others were worried about her or if they even knew what was happening. All she felt was fear, fear of the figure that now stood only a few feet in front of her.

He turned and faced the former Jedi Padawan an amused smirk on his face. Oh, Force did she remember that face.

Ahsoka sat there, still frozen.

"Hello Ahsoka. And hello to you as well dear sister."