Here we have some Ezra angst, as his training takes a traumatizing turn. I such at fighting scened so bear with me ^^; and I decided to use a (rouge) Mandalorian because I figured Maul would have a few tricks up his sleeve and a few "volunteers" hanging around.
When Ezra had been awakened by Maul, he was not expecting the kind of training he had currently found himself in. Maul had brought him down to the training hall like any other normal day, but when they got there, they were not alone. Standing on the other side of the room was a rouge Mandalorian man.
"Today I will be testing if you're progress has truly been worth it." Maul stated. "This gentleman has proudly volunteered to battle you today, in exchange for potentially earning his freedom. You two are to fight it out, and the match will end when one of you is lying on the floor dead."
Ezra's eyes widened in horror at Maul's admission. The memory of Maul trying to pressure Ezra into killing the Seventh Sister and how Ezra could not bring himself to do it reared its head.
"I can't do that." Ezra replied. "I cannot kill this man."
"Well, if you want to live, you'll have to. I want to know if the training over the last month has provided me with the results that I desire, or if I have wasted my time trying to train an apprentice that I obtained far too late. I know what you're capable of Ezra, now begin."
The Mandalorian did not think twice and made the first move, punching Ezra square in the face. Ezra wasn't going to take the hit lying down, joining in on the battle. The combat that Ezra was displaying was acceptable, mixing a bit of what Ezra learned on the streets, with his former mentor, and what Maul had introduced to him. However, Maul made a mental note that there was still room for improvement and that he would have to work on perfecting it, if Ezra made it out of the fight alive.
The Mandalorian's experience finally started to show as he was able to knock Ezra off of his feet and sent the boy flying. Ezra didn't have enough time to get back on his feet, as he managed to push himself up the Mandalorian was quickly preparing the final blow.
"No!" Ezra yelled, closing his eyes and unconsciously sending a hand flying into the air.
When no attack was dealt, Ezra slowly opened his eyes, only to be terrified of the result. His hand was curled as it held the Mandalorian's throat in a chokehold courtesy of the Force. The Mandalorian gasped for air, as Ezra sat there terrified. The grip on the warrior's neck only tightened as Ezra unknowingly closed his shaking hand ever so slightly. The only thig his mind could process was wanting to throw the man across the room, but rather than throwing the man, a cracking sound could be heard the moment Ezra flicked his wrist.
Ezra instantly dropped the Mandalorian, realizing what he had just done. Ezra watched as blood started streaming out of the warrior's mouth. Ezra froze in horror, finally realizing what he had done. Not only did he break the man's neck, but the effect of said break killed him.
"That was amazing." Maul applauded, already standing by Ezra.
Maul knelt down beside Ezra so that they both could be at eye level. Maul placed a hand on the boy's terrified shoulder.
"And might I say, I am impressed. I didn't think you'd do that. I mean, not only did you break the man's neck, but it looks like you burst his trachea, drowning him with his own blood. I am so proud of you."
Ezra refused to answer, still being held by the shock that welcomed him. Maul was not annoyed, sensing Ezra's emotional turmoil. Maul wasn't even surprised, considering this was considered to be his first real kill.
"I think you need some time to process this." Maul gently sighed, helping Ezra get to his feet. "I'll allow you to have some time to yourself, and call it a day. This was a step in the right direction."
Maul gently guided Ezra back to his chambers, one arm draped around Ezra's shoulder. Maul opened the door and allowed Ezra to slowly walk inside. The door swiftly closed behind him. Ezra sat down on his bed, and his shaking increased in intensity tenfold. Ezra curled up into a ball hoping it would hold him together and soothe him. Finally alone, all of his emotions came flooding front and center. Ezra could not contain them anymore, and wept into his knees. The death of a man now tainted his once pure heart.
I think I broke Ezra a little bit ^^; but I had to with where this story is going. I hope you guys like it and I hope this chapter came out well.