After a long battle, two Force users' struggle finally came to an end.
Unlike last battle, this time, Anakin's anger was reaching the limit.
There is no doubt the Force was so powerful within him, their last battle already proved it, not even Maul could match his strength and speed.
But Darth Maul had found Anakin's weakness, which is unable to control his emotions well.
He started to use the Dun Moch skill, taunt the opponent to distract him and make him doubt about himself.
"The anger and hatred is not the Jedi way, you know it worse than a Sith?"
"Your master really failed to teach you how to control yourself, Jedi."
Anakin took Jedi training after he became a padawan, but it did not help him in battle this time. On the contrary, it shackled him, prevented him from release anger against his opponent. every time Maul taunted him, he would be distracted from the hate and anger, and the discipline of the Jedi would prevent him from continue to use the power.
Jedi never only advocating repression and to avoid these negative emotions.
But is this really the right way?
Anger and hatred are all human, no, most of the beings' nature.
Shouldn't he treat the enemy with them?
He is confused, and Maul took the opportunity to launch fierce attacks, gained the upper hand.
The Sith Lord didn't need to worry about it, they were trained to control and release these emotions.
He unleashed all his anger, finally seized the chance when confusion once again slowed Anakin down, the Sith Lord hit his chin with his fist, kicked away his lightsaber.
In front of the defeated Jedi, Maul had an idea.
He just learned the skill of Force lightning from his master, not sure could he master it in the battle , but at least it's a good way to torture the enemy when he's beaten.
He raised his hand, releasing his inner hatred, blue lightning shot from his hands and shocked Skywalker's body, overcome such a powerful enemy really made him feel good.
However, he soon lost his interest to torment Anakin, then took out his lightsaber, ready to finish the Jedi.
"It was I who killed your brother." Satine could not bear to see it, "Come if you want revenge."
Maul did not answer, but shocked Anakin again with his Force lightning, left Skywalker's body was in amnesia.
Then, the Sith Lord slowly walked to the Duchess.
Satine didn't try to run, she stood there, her blue eyes looked straight into the monster.
When he was close enough, Maul slightly lift his fingers to release his Force lightning, then started to enjoy the scream of the Duchess, he could feel the misery from the Chosen One.
Too bad Obi Wan was not here, otherwise it would be perfect.
Unlike many other Sith Lords, Moore didn't enjoy slowly tortured the enemy to death, not to mention Satine was such a weak woman in his eyes, it was not as amazing as he thought to be.
Maul soon got bored, he wanted to see the dead drown in their blood and the living fall into endless grief, now.
The Sith Lord stopped his force lightning, his strong hands grabbed Satine's body, then he used his lightsaber to stab against her belly mercilessly.
The scarlet blade burned through the Duchess' clothes, and then the flesh and bone.
Anakin did not scream say anything, he just felt his body and soul was burning intensively, it was more painful than to let Maul's lightsaber go through himself.
He already grew feelings of her after Master Qui Gon showed him her life and heart.
He understood her firm goal, her affection and sacrifice for him.
But he still wasn't really clear about his feelings of her, and he also didn't want to think too much.
Because he already got Padme, and she's his wife.
However, at this moment, seeing her bravely faced this monster, risk her own life to save him, He finally realized that he really loved this woman, a lot.
Unfortunately, it was too late.
After he finally realized it, all he could do was to watch his loved one got brutally impaled like this, he could not do a thing to stop it.
"I killed Qui Gon Jinn like this," the Sith Lord said proudly.
Then he released his grip, throw the dying woman to the ground.
Anakin released out all his anger, formed a extremely powerful Force push against Maul, at that moment, he really wished he could know how to use Force lightning.
Unfortunately, Maul was well prepared, he jumped up and easily dodged this attack.
Anakin crawled to Satine's side, trying his best to heal her by calling the help of the Force.
But her injuries were too deadly, his skill could not make much effect.
"I'm sorry, Satine, I am not strong enough, I failed you..."
Skywalker's tears were dripping onto the cheek of the dying Duchess.
Just like that time on Tatooine, he had to witness the passing away of loved one, and couldn't do a thing to stop it.
This time, he could not even strike down the murderer to avenge her.
He fell into endless remorse and sorrow...
Maul's attention was no longer at the couple, but upon a tall old gentleman that showed up before him.
He looked about eighty years old, but his movement was so agile. Maul could feel the Dark Side of the Force was so strong within this old man. Except his master Sidious, Maul had never felt such power from anyone.
The gentleman's name had long been known by the entire galaxy, although Maul was not familiar.
The leader of the Confederacy, Count Dooku.
Also the Sith Lord, Darth Tyranus.
Count Dooku didn't start the fight with Maul immediately, but suddenly rushed near Anakin used a Force technique against Satine, and then turned back and flashed out his lightsaber to face Maul.
Dooku was too fast, and caught everyone in surprise. The Force lightning's effect on Anakin's body was not totally gone yet, Skywalker was powerless to stop it.
Although knew she would soon die, but had to witness her death now, Anakin was almost devoured by despair.
What happened next, however, left him completely in shock.
Not only the Duchess didn't die, the force was keeping her life, although not completely heal the injuries she suffered, but at least able to keep her alive for a little while.
It is indeed the power of the Dark Side, but it saved Satine, from dying.
How could this be? Skywalker asked himself again and again.
He dreamed to become a Jedi Knight since childhood because he wanted protect the ones he loved.
The Dark Side of the Force was symbol of destruction and devastation in his eyes, the Sith also was the symbol of evil.
However, a Sith, using the Dark Side of the was able to save his loved woman from dying, when the Jedi wasn't able to use the Light Side of the Force could to do a thing.
Before this, there were conflicts between the discipline of the Jedi and his own belief, but none of those could compete with the fact he saw this time.
The fact he saw with his own eyes, almost turned his world up side down ...
On Akaan's desert, he two Sith Lords' blade clashed over and over again, a fierce battle had started, there was nothing to say, nothing could distract each other.
Maul mastered his Juyo Form well, he tried to defeat this old gentleman with series of vicious attacks.
But his opponents seemed to be very familiar with these seemingly chaotic attack, always able to judge accurately and successfully defected it.
Every time after the old man defected his blade, he was able to find his weak point, regardless of how did Maul move and while. Every counterattack always aimed at his defenseless areas, he could barely dodge them. With the duel continued, Darth Maul was clouded by fear, he hadn't been so afraid in a battle throughout his life.
He did not know, this former Jedi Master in front of him, not only knew all seven forms well, but also spent time to collect the information of his fighting style after knew his survival, and even spent time to find Exar Kun's double blade lightsaber style's weakness.
On this planet, he also secretly watched the fighting between him and the two Jedi.
But what drove him to do all these?
That was hatred that lasted for more than ten years, but it was also firmly under his control.
The hatred combined with Dooku's Makashi Form perfectly, his thrusts was as deadly as viper, the movement was so aggressive, step by step, never give Maul a moment to rest.
Maul's mind was filled with panic, and he could not do anything to help it.
All his attacks and moves had been predicted and countered, and his already weak defense could not help much against the Count's fierce thrusts.
The end soon came.
After one Maul's reckless strike was easily defected, Dooku seized the opportunity, his lighsaber aimed between Maul's eyebrows and went in accurately.
The scarlet blade impaled through the head of the Zabrak Sith Lord. This time, there wouldn't be any possibility for him to survive.
"This, is for my Padawan."
Dooku then extinguished the flame, left a charred hole on Maul's head, it was still slightly smoking.
After that, he came toward Anakin, the Count did not speak, just squatted and put his hands near Satine's lower abdomen, then began to use the Dark Side of the Force.
He seemed to be in control of the midi-chlorian in the Duchess' body and using them to heal her.
Anakin had limited understanding of such power, but could feel Satine was getting better, he didn't know why his fierce enemy would to help them, and got a lot to ask, but he didn't say a word because right now, save Satine was important than anything.
Dooku still remained silent, Anakin could see sweat on his forehead, even he had to use his full power to control the midi-chlorian.
Whatever, Satine's life could be saved, and that's all good.
Not to say himself, there was no Jedi Master capable of healing such injuries.
And of course they would "let it go" rather than try to hard to save someone.
His mind was in great chaos and confusion, but at least Satine was getting better.
It all went so smoothly until two figures showed up behind Dooku.
The first one was a Jedi master, he was around thirty years old. The other one was a bald woman with pale skin, looked like a Rattataki.
There was no doubt that it must be a master Obi Wan, along with Ventress.
"No, no, Master, Dooku.. He was trying to help us ..." Anakin was consumed by fear, he was so afraid of the , he almost became incoherent.
Obi Wan came here with the help of the Force, he felt the power of the Dark Side was so strong, he let the clone soldiers to stay behind, let him go first to avoid unnecessary casualties. Obi Wan knew after the clashes of the Dark Side Forcer users, only the most powerful of them all remained, and that was Count Dooku.
On his way, he felt Anakin's great anger, and was very worried that he was in trouble.
Anakin was lying on the ground, Satine was dying, those were so similar to the visions he got. Count Dooku was using the Dark Side of the Force to do some trick. He was a bit far to figure out the trick.
Will those visions come true? Horror raised from Obi Wan's heart, he also couldn't understand Anakin's words.
"You just wanted to sit here and do nothing?" Ventress asked impatiently.
The Dark Jedi was right, they must stop Dooku now.
Count Dooku must had deceived Anakin and was luring him to the Dark Side, it all make sense now.
Obi Wan immediately flashed out his light saber and strike against Dooku.
He can not allow the Sith Lord to harm Anakin and Satine.
"That's much better." Ventress smiled and opened the two red lightsaber, go to Dooku passage of the trailing Obi. Fortunately, she brought a few more lightsabers with her, so they wouldn't have to worry about their weapons after the battle against Maul.
"No!" Anakin shouted out, he took out his lightsaber, wanted to pierce the palm of his master to stop him.
Is it right? Harm his master to protect a Sith? Is it a little bit...
It is this hesitation made him too slow.
Dooku slightly shook his head, stopped the treatment of Satine, then shot out lightning from his hands to drive Obi Wan and Ventress back, his elegant hilt flashed blood-red flame to start a new round of battle.
Anakin fell to the ground, he could not believe his loved one lost the chance to live because of his hesitation.
The only way to save the Duchess' life was let Dooku complete, now her life once again started to fade, she might be able to stay for a while, but her death could not be stopped.
If he could strike out in time, the tragedy would not occur...
Even if he had to hurt his master Obi Wan ...
No, he should do nothing but blame himself, he still had things to do.
If he could not save her, at least, he could let her know his love.
Anakin did not say anything, but hugged Satine, then gently stroking her pale cheek, and kissed on her lips ...
Count Dooku were facing two powerful enemies alone, but they still couldn't cause much threat.
In addition to his superb fencing and the powerful Force, the Count knew their styles too well so could defend easily and strike against their weak spots, he trained Ventress for so long, fought Obi Wan before and observed his battle against Maul.
Dooku soon got bored, he kicked Ventress away, defected the lightsaber of Obi Wan-use away, then immediately released a Force Push to throw him to the air.
When Obi Wan's body was still in the air, lightning shocked his body and knocked him into a coma. Then Ventress also fell shortly after meaningless struggle.
After he was done with those two, Dooku saw Anakin was holding Satine, from the boy's eyes the Count knew he was begging him for help, just as he was about to answer, a familiar voice once again echoed: "Long time no see, My Master."
"I'm glad you still call me master, Qui Gon Jinn." The Sith Lord seemed touched, that was rare for him.
"Like you still take me as your Padawan." The Jedi Master's voice was also answered sentimentality.
As Dooku was so pleased and smiled, Qui Gon Jinn continued, "My master. I am here to plead for this girl, please save her, both of them are like my children to me, I do not want to lose one and seeing another one break his heart. I know you also appreciate them."
Count Dooku thought for a moment, nodded, then squatted to restart again.
Although this was not part of the plan, but he would just do it for his Padawan.
That Duchess indeed was courageous and smart, it's a pity to lose her.
Under the influence of Dooku's power, Satine opened her eyes and regained conscious. But Anakin could feel the life of the Duchess was still fading.
"Unfortunately, because it was firstly interrupted, it's too late to save her life, all I can do is give her two or three days of life," Dooku said coldly toward Anakin, "This is just for my Padawan, next time we meet, don't ask for a bit of mercy. "
Hearing this, Anakin's heart was filled by sorrow.
When the Count was ready to leave, he heard Qui Gon Jinn's voice.
"My master, all of us can see that there is still good in you," Qui Gon Jinn sincerely advised, "The Republic is highlu corrupted, but the path you are walking will only bring up a terrible regime. You will also become the victim, it's not too late yet... "
A trace of sadness appeared on the face of Dooku, but only for a moment, then he was full of pride again, "the Republic's fall and the rise of a new order are inevitable, and I will lead this new order to the most ideal direction, even if I have to sacrifice myself. "
Looking at the master walked away without turning back, returned to the embrace of darkness, Qui Gon Jinn could also give a sigh.
"Thank you so much, master Qui Gon."Anakin said calmly, he and Satine both said farewell to the Jedi Master.
After the clone troopers arrived, Anakin led them to repair the ship, then let them bring Obi Wan and Ventress to leave Akaan. Skywalker insisted that he and Satine still got unfinished business and would have to return a few days later .
After the Clone Trooper's ship left Akaan, Anakin gently embraced Satine: "Let us ..."
"Anakin? No, you don't have do this, I am already very satisfied. "The Duchess lowered her head, her face turned red.
"No, I meant it," Anakin said sincerely, "I love you so much, too bad I didn't realize it until that monster hurt you, right now, let's express our feelings without leaving anything to regret for. "
Satine know Anakin would not line, after thinking for a moment, she hugged him around his neck then whispered: "Well, Obi Wan never came this far, not even close. . Oh Damn, why should I mention him again…"
...
A few days later, Anakin came back to Coruscant with the Duchess' remains. He informed Chancellor Palpatine, and the chancellor agreed to arrange a funeral for her.
"As her old friend, it's so sad that I could not save her, I think at least I should do something for her, such as write the epitaph for her." During the funeral, Obi Wan's face was filled with sorrow.
"No, I will do it, I am sorry, Master, this is her last wish." Anakin's eyes were still swollen, he didn't tell rest of it:"Never let Obi Wan interfere with anything about me".
He already got the epitaph in his mind: "Here lies a great woman, seemingly weak, but protected countless powerful individuals."
"Anakin, aren't you a bit too enthusiastic to this Duchess' matters, let her friend Obi to handle these, won't be better?" Padmé spoke out, though she didn't remember a thing about Mother Talzin and those visions, but a woman's sensitivity let her doubted and felt anxiety.
"Anakin told me this Duchess saved his life a few times, he must be very grateful. You know he was very easy to fall into a deep guilt during this kind of situation, "Palpatine stood aside Anakin and tried to smooth things over.
"Senator Amidala, we have to respect the Duchess, she already left this world, and couldn't do anything to affect this world anymore, if her little wishes could not be done, that would be too tragic." Palpatine had some hint in his words.
Padmé frowned, and did not go on.
A week after, Anakin asked for a secret meeting the Chancellor in his office.
"Chancellor, thank you for everything you did for me and Satine." Anakin bowed before the Chancellor.
"I can see you are very sad to lose her, as your friend how can I not try my best to help you?" Palpatine continued to comfort Anakin.
"This trip made me understand the Force much better, I want to know more the Dark Side, especially the manipulation of midi-chlorian."
"This is forbidden to the Jedi," Palpatine seemed quite surprised.
"I want to understand the Force better through study both sides to protect people."
Anakin continued: "But I can not any Jedi know about it, so you are the only one I can ask for help."
"I am not a Force users, so my knowledge of it is very limited," Palpatine was trying to figure out a way, "But as the chancellor, I can secretly use some of my power to send people and try to gather some knowledge and legends, hope this can help you. "
"Thank you so much, I will do anything for you when you need my help." Anakin once again bowed to thank Palpatine.
"Like I said before, we are good friend. You are welcome. " Palpatine put his hand on Anakin's shoulder, kindly smiled to him.
(The End)