Chapter 61 – The Darksaber

Author's Note: I feel like this was a rather expected and logical progression of events. xD Enjooooy the teeny bit of calm before the storm. ;)

To Guest: I didn't actually consider what lightsaber forms Maul uses, but good point. xD
Maul might try, but will it work? ;) Marr is aware of what he's getting himself into.
Umm… Obi-Wan never felt sorry for Maul, or he wouldn't have been making fun of him for losing his lower half or literally smirking after he cut him in half a second time. Giving people funerals like that is the Jedi way. It's nothing more than that. Obi-Wan has never been shown to be sympathetic towards people, especially not Sith.
Marr will meet Obi-Wan in time, and I can't wait to post that reunion, but the question is when and how? ;)
I agree that it'd be interesting to see Marr interacting with Quinlan Vos, but there's no plans for that to be included in the story. Besides, Vos is probably dead by now.
I can't wait to post the next update. :D

To Jayden: Yeah, Maul may not be able/willing to teach Marr things like Force lightning, but then again, Marr wouldn't want to learn about those things anyway. He's not trying to be a Sith (much to Maul's disappointment). He's just trying to embrace his darker side and learn more about the Force as a whole. :P
He... probably could try to infiltrate the Inquisitors, but given that Vader is in charge of them, I don't think he could ever pull it off, especially not without putting his entire family and all of Mandalore at risk. Which is not a risk he's willing to take. ;)

Thank you all so, so much for reading and reviewing! 💖

~ Amina Gila

It's been a long time since Marr came here. He's lost track of time exactly, but it's been months. He misses his family a lot, but at least he knows that when he gets back, they'll still be there. With everything he's learned, it definitely makes the journey worth it.

Marr settles onto the ground a distance away from his ship, preparing to open the Sith holocron from Korriban again. It's definitely from before the Rule of Two, because the things it's says here are quite different from what Maul has always told him. Whoever made this holocron still focuses far too much on the Dark Side, though.

He needs to make himself see the Force as just the Force. It's actually becoming easier now, though, that he's learning to draw on it as himself more and more. Still, it would be easier if there was a Force user left who he could actually discuss these things with.

He senses it, right before Maul steps out of the trees, walking towards him. Seriously, why does he keep almost spontaneously showing up to find him for no apparent reason? It's not as if either of them still have any liking for the other, even if Marr is finding he's able to tolerate being around Maul far more now, after it's been so long. He's gotten used to it, even if he certainly still has no liking for him.

Unless it's because the Sith is...

Okay, saying he's 'lonely' is probably the most ludicrous thing Marr has ever heard, but at the same time, a part of him has to wonder if it's almost true. He doesn't have anyone else around who he ever talks to. The only people he deals with are those for his criminal empire, those who he talks to boss around and give orders. Or kill when they don't do precisely what he wanted them too. Seriously. There are other ways to motivate people.

Arguing with the very beliefs someone's been raised on their entire lives and still firmly stick too is pretty much pointless, though, so Marr generally keeps his opinions to himself, unless he's feeling like getting into an argument.

Marr raises a hand, shutting off the hologram as the other approaches. "Need something?" he asks, climbing to his feet.

"What is that?" Maul asks.

"A holocron I found on Korriban," he answers with a shrug. He never told Maul before because there wasn't a reason to.

"You went to Korriban?"

"Before coming here, yes. I think it's from before Bane's time." He continues after a moment when the Sith doesn't respond. "How could the 'Light Side' be 'weak'?" Marr asks.

Maul gives him a look. "You need me to repeat one of the first things I taught you?"

"No, I mean think about it," Marr protests, "How can part of the Force be 'weak'? The Force is the Force, right?"

Maul... actually seems at the tiniest bit of a loss of words, at least for a moment, probably because there is no real answer that he even can think of.

"Isn't the real difference between the Jedi and the Sith technically how they choose to draw on the Force?" Saying this out loud is actually helping get his own head on straight a little more.

"It is," the other agrees, narrowing his eyes, "The Sith use their passion. That is why they are stronger."

"So, is there really a Light or Dark Side?" Honestly, when he words it like that, Marr thinks the very notion is stupid.

Maul doesn't seem to share the same assessment. "Of course, there is!" Probably because he's never questioned his own beliefs before.

"Hey, I'm not asking you to start questioning your beliefs or something. I'm just saying it's an interesting thought to consider."

He doesn't look very convinced, or maybe the problem is that what Marr said actually did make some sense to him. "What's your point?"

He shrugs. "Nothing. Like I said, I was just saying."

Maul doesn't seem to have a clue how to respond, probably because he isn't. Marr doubts Maul's ever questioned his beliefs the way he always used to with the Jedi. Or maybe it's just easier not to, which he supposes he gets too. Regardless, if they do talk about this again, it's probably not going to be until the other Sith has had some major time to reflect on it.

**w**

It's the first Maul has taken Marr to one of the places he apparently stays at. Or at least presumably stays at. On second thought, Marr has no idea if this... cave place whatever it is, is somewhere the Sith stays or what.

They're around there for a while for some training, but from the moment he came out here, something else has had Marr's attention. Nagging at the back of his senses. He can feel another kyber crystal, and it feels like it's calling to him.

Maul had warned him not to go around touching anything, but when the Sith is distracted by an urgent call from one of his crime organizations, Marr slips past him, entering the cave. There's random objects and things that look a great deal like junk, in his opinion, piled all over the place, but he doesn't stop to look at them. He just moves forwards, following the call of the crystal.

It's probably none of his business, but now that this – whatever it is – has his attention, he can't let it go. Marr moves deeper into the place, turning, his eyes finally falling on an all too familiar object.

The Darksaber.

Oh. Oh.

The Darksaber that once belonged to his father, that Maul took after he killed him. He knew Maul would have it somewhere, obviously, but seeing it here – It lights the fire to the simmering anger inside of that never really disappeared, even if it was buried.

Memories flicker before his eyes for a moment, of the last times he saw his father. He remembers that night too well, when he snuck out of his tent knowing that he'd probably never see his father again, but at the same time, he would have been alive. He very well might have seen him again someday, but no. He never will again, because of Maul.

And all because he came messing around Mandalore as a result of stupid petty grudges.

He killed Marr's father, and he will pay for this –

"What are you doing in here?" Maul asks sharply from behind him.

Marr spins around, eyes narrowing. "You – you murdered my father," he snarls.

Something flashes across the Sith's face though he's too mad to try an interrupt what, before the other's expression also settles into anger. "He agreed to the duel."

"I don't care!" Marr yells, his hand closing around the hilt of his lightsaber.

"You don't want to do that," Maul warns, eyes narrowing.

"I do," he snaps. Or maybe Maul is right, but he's too mad to care right now.

"I see the apprentice needs another lesson," Maul growls, igniting his double-bladed lightsaber.

Marr activates his own, and lunges forwards as the Sith swings for him. He doesn't know what he's trying to do, what he wants, he's too upset to care right now.

Their blades clash in a furious blur of red and purple, lighting the otherwise dark walls of the place around them.

It's easier now than the other times they fought. He's spent a lot of time sparring with the Sith over the months they were here, so he knows his moves and how best to fight him. Of course, the same is true for Maul about him now.

Maul kicks him back, knocking him to the floor. The Sith swings for his head, and he rolls out of the way, shoving him back as he scrambles to his feet. The double-bladed lightsaber glances off the side of his armor, and he shoves the blade aside with his arm, then swings for the Sith again.

Maul attacks him furiously, and he falls back a couple steps as he fends him off. The Sith himself is clearly very angry right now, which is only helping him fight. To be fair, that's not really a surprise. The Sith probably sees this is a betrayal, and maybe it is in a way, but Marr never owed the other any loyalty. Not truly.

He throws the Sith back, then slashes at him again. Maul doesn't quite catch block his next blow in time, Marr's blade slashing through the center of his lightsaber. The pieces of his lightsaber fall to the floor as Marr throws him back into the wall. Maul is on feet almost instantly again, sending Marr flying into the wall. He falls to the floor, winded. The only thing probably stopped him from going unconscious is his helmet, but his head is still ringing from that. His armor protects him well though, and he couldn't be more grateful to have it.

He drags himself back to his feet anyway, as he hears the familiar sound of a certain lightsaber igniting. He spins to see Maul stalking towards him, this time with the Darksaber.

Marr might have been starting to calm down before, but that sends him into a rage all over again, and he charges at the Sith, attacking him furiously. The fight carries across the room, and they finally move outside as the duel continues.

Neither of them are gaining ground on the other as they keep fighting. One thing is for certain, though. Any relationship they had, and Marr's attempt at learning more about the Dark Side, is definitely over. It's fine, though. He was beginning to think more and more that he was almost done here anyway. He just wasn't expecting his departure to be something like this.

Finally, Marr finds the opening he needs. He throws Maul into one of the trees, the Darksaber slipping from his hands. Marr is standing over him in a flash, leveling his lightsaber in front of Mall. Reaching out with his other hand, he calls the Darksaber to him, crossing the blades at the Sith's neck.

He's exhausted suddenly from the strain of the fight, and breathing hard, but it's over. He won.

Maul's yellow eyes narrow, glaring up at him. "Finish it," the Sith spits.

Marr's hands clench around the lightsabers, uncertainty suddenly nagging at him. When they first met, he would've killed the Sith in a heartbeat of they were in a position like this. But now... something stops him.

He might still hate him, but at the same time there's a part of him – a very small part of him – that doesn't, not entirely.

And in the end, if he did kill him, it would be out of nothing but revenge, really. Marr isn't a Jedi anymore, but he knows there's certain Jedi beliefs that he's always going to stick too, and... But if he carries through with it, the guilt will always carry him. He'll have gotten vengeance, but the Sith will still have won.

"No," Marr decides, after a heartbeat, stepping back, "I'm not like you."

The Sith doesn't reply, and Marr takes another step away from him, deactivating the lightsabers. Then he activates his jetpack, flying back for his ship. He doesn't trust that the Maul won't attack him again the moment his back is turned, and he'd rather get as far away from him as possible in case he plans to give chase.

Marr doesn't have the time to think about the enormity of everything that happened until he's made the jump to hyperspace, leaving Maul and Dathomir far behind. Thinking about Maul now is frankly too confusing, so he shoves it to the back of his mind, instead reaching over to pick up the Darksaber, turning the hilt over in his hands.

The lightsaber that his father once had.

And Marr knows the significance of it, when it's won in combat. It means he's... the Mand'alor.

Okay, this was not the plan. Absolutely not.

The very thought is terrifying. He can't imagine the kind of responsibility. To be fair, it probably doesn't matter anyway, because the Empire is in charge of Mandalore, and they wouldn't take kindly to anyone trying to lead unless they were willing to be the Empire's puppet.

But the Darksaber could unite Mandalore against the Empire, or at least much of it.

Maybe... is this the reason he was supposed to go to Dathomir? He doesn't know, and he needs some time to think about it. And all the implications of this.

But he's going home, back to Mandalore and his family. Finally. He can't wait to be back.

**w**

Excitement and some nervousness course through Marr as his ship touches down. So much has changed for him since he left, and he imagines the same is true with his family.

Bo-Katan and Anastasia are waiting right nearby as he reaches the bottom of the ramp. And Vizma – how did she get so tall in the time he was gone?! But she is near seven now, he supposes – is practically bouncing up and down with excitement.

"Daddy!" she shrieks, and practically flies into his arms. Marr lifts her into his arms, hugging her tightly. She wraps her arms around his neck, snuggling against him.

"I missed you," she murmurs, "You've been gone for so long."

"I'm back now, and I won't have to go again." Probably. At least not for a while. It's so good to be back. He's missed all of them so much.

"What happened?" she asks.

"Long story," Marr replies, "Why don't we go inside to talk about it?"

Marr was intending to explain the details of his trip to Bo privately, but Anastasia and Vizma don't seem very inclined to leave, so he gives up that thought and explains everything.

"I was about to come looking for you," Anastasia snarks.

"You would never have found,me," Marr retaliates. Must they start this right now?

"Really? Where were you?" Bo wonders.

"I learned more about the Force, like I said I would," Marr relates, "And I... found this." He pulls out the Darksaber, holding it out for them to see.

"A lightsaber?" Vizma asks eagerly.

"The Darksaber?" Bo asks, incredulously.

"Wait, didn't Maul have that?" Anastasia asks, both surprised and suspicious.

"I fought him for it, and won," Marr explains.

There's a moment of silence, and neither of the other two seem sure how to respond. He can feel their shock in the Force, not that he's surprised about that. "Congratulations," Bo says flatly, "You just became the leader of Mandalore."

"Yes, I am aware," Marr confirms, "I... don't know what to do. I wasn't expecting this. I only wanted to take it from Maul, so it could be brought to safer, worthy hands."

"It could unite Mandalore," she continues.

"We'd have to be careful, though," Marr cautions, "There are people who I think would still support the Empire, regardless."

"Like Saxon," Anastasia scowls.

"Yes, like him, and others. So many have been raised to support the Empire now. I don't know how much the people would respond to this."

"There would still be enough of us," Bo declares determinedly.

Marr can hope so. He still doesn't know that going out in open revolt against the Empire is the best of ideas. They are just one planet, even if all of them are warriors. Working on it somewhat under cover, though... Yes, that might work. Maybe. The thought is still terrifying. "I'm not sure if I'm the right person to do this," he admits, finally.

"Why not?" Vizma asks, looking up at him, "You do everything the best."

Marr smiles despite the situation. Yes, if only that were true.

"You have the Darksaber. You can't pass it off to someone unless they win it," Anastasia points out, as though he didn't already know that. It can only be won combat. That's the way it is. It can't be given as a gift.

"Would you like us to fight?" Marr asks dryly.

"No, because I don't want to kill you," she smirks.

"Shocking."

"Now I'm starting to rethink my decision."

"Now is not a good time for jokes. Just admit that you know you wouldn't be able to beat me," Marr deadpans.

"I doubt I would be able to win either," Bo replies, "You defeated Maul, after what he did to our planet. You deserve to lead our people."

Does he? It's going to be an enormous responsibility, one that he doesn't know if he's suited for. At the same time, if Mandalorians joined together to fight against the Empire, along with the rest of the Rebellion – which he's pretty sure has become a major operation by this point – there might actually be a hope of defeating it.

With their help against Sidious... The Sith Lord is obviously extremely powerful, but if so many warriors came after him – with armor he couldn't cut through using a lightsaber – maybe they could overwhelm him. He doesn't know if that's actually practical, though. It's something he'll have to think into more.

Marr might have spent much of his teen years in a war, but leading a war is different than leading a people. He could learn, of course, but there wouldn't be any room for mistakes.

"I need some time to think about it. The Empire will not be happy," he replies. And then there's the fact that he's a Jedi. It's a pretty well-kept secret, but if Saxon does know about it, and if he felt he was being threatened... Yes, they need to be very careful, whatever they do. If he doesn't move carefully, he could make everything worse.

But they have their chance now, and the Force led him to Dathomir to find the Darksaber for a reason. Maybe he won't have the Darksaber forever, but for now it's his, and he'll do what he's been hiding from for so long. Fighting against the Empire, even if it's still from shadows.

Finally, he's going to be helping Ahsoka, and doing what he knows Anakin and their master would always have wanted.

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