Jarik POV...
I shivered involuntarily. It wasn't from cold air, or some weird goosebumps or a weird substance splattered all over me from one of Ahsoka's pranks a while ago. The Force felt... dark... sinister. For some time the dark side has seemingly begun to increase in power, although from what I wasn't sure. What was even more surprising was that barely any other Jedi could sense it. The only ones who seemed to feel this presence were Anakin, Master Kenobi, and Master Yoda. The only reason Ahsoka knew something was wrong was that she could feel it through our bond, although she wasn't receiving the warnings herself.
When I finally overcame Darth Revan's presence in my head, I was joyful, along with Master Kenobi and Ahsoka. It felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders as I now had a clearer purpose. But when this chill flowed through the Force, I was afraid. At first I thought it was Darth Revan's presence returning, but upon closer inspection, I realized it wasn't. Although this didn't bring me much relief, as the presence still felt familiar.
"Master Yoda?" Master Kenobi asks in concern.
Ah yes. We were recently summoned by Master Yoda to his quarters, for whatever reason. I had a hunch it was about the disturbance in the Force I felt.
"Feel the disturbance in the Force, do you?" Yoda asks us.
"Yes Master," Master Kenobi replies.
"Feel you are in danger, I do, Obi-Wan. And soon to be, you as well, Padawan Shan." Master Yoda says gravely. We look at each other worriedly.
Master Yoda continues. "From the dead, an old enemy has awakened. Seeking, vengeance."
Master Kenobi moves closer to the window and I begin to rub my arms nervously, feeling a sense of cold draping itself over me.
"An old enemy?" Master Kenobi asks.
Master Yoda opens his eyes. "Killed your master, many moons ago he did."
Me and Obi-Wan widen our eyes in surprise, and the Force then shows me a brief flash of someone, covered in red and black tattoos with horns on his head. A Sith Zabrak.
"How can this be?" I killed him myself!" Master Kenobi exclaims in shock.
"It is so, I fear." Master Yoda says grimly.
"Darth Maul, alive?" Master Kenobi says in fearful concern, stroking his beard in thought.
I remember more now. Darth Maul killed Master Jinn, Obi-Wan's former Master during the blockade of Naboo when me and Ahsoka were around four years old. We had already been at the Temple for approximately a year during that time. While I do know that Qui-Gon brought me to the Temple, I couldn't remember much about anything before that, just that I was given up by my parents for some reason.
And I had a feeling that reason was going to reveal itself very soon.
Later in the week, I was with Master Kenobi, Master Windu and Master Yoda in the briefing room. Master Mundi and Master Plo were there via hologram as well, and we were currently watching a message that filled me with dread. Darth Maul stood there on robotic legs, his lower half having been cut off by Master Kenobi years ago. And lined up in a row next to him were innocent people, clearly afraid.
"There will be more innocent blood on your hands Kenobi, unless you come here, face me!" he snarled angrily, glaring at the screen. Obi-Wan watched with sadness and horror in his eyes as he stroked his beard to keep his composure.
"Come alone, and if not..." Maul says, activating his lightsaber. I widen my eyes in horror as he decapitates the people on screen, and they fall over in a row. I force myself to look away and swallow nervously.
"This world, will burn!" Maul promises with hateful, wild eyes.
Master Windu stops the hologram on Maul as Obi-Wan closes his eyes in sorrow, his mind already made up. "I have to go," he says.
"Not alone your not. We'll send a task force with you." Master Windu says firmly. I nod in agreement. No way am I losing Master Kenobi again so soon.
"No. You see what he's capable of. He's a broken, unbalanced monster." Master Kenobi says firmly. "I've dealt with him before. I can do it again."
"I disagree. This is clearly a trap." Master Windu responds in approval.
"Against my better judgement, agree with Master Kenobi, I do." Master Yoda says, causing us to look at him in surprise. "Finish what he started long ago, Obi-Wan must."
"I'm off to Raydonia," he says, preparing to exit the room.
"Master, at least take me with you." I say quickly. He shakes his head in disagreement.
"No, Jarik. You aren't yet ready to take on the likes of Darth Maul," he tells me.
"But I've faced Count Dooku before! What about that?" I plead desperately, not seeing his point.
"Your battles against Dooku were not planned, and Anakin was there both times to help you in the battles against him." Obi-Wan tells me sternly.
"What about Grievous then? That was planned," I retort irritably.
"Maul is a much greater adversary then Grievous. I must face him alone," he replies firmly, refusing to let me go.
"But-" I try to say.
"Stay here, Jarik," he orders me. I sigh in frustration but nod reluctantly.
"Yes master," I say grimly in disappointment and irritation.
Satisfied, Master Kenobi walks off to the hangers while I stand there, frustrated that he feels the need to pull the "do it alone" hero moment. Why won't he let me help him against Maul? I've fought Grievous and Dooku!
Master Yoda hobbles over to me and looks up. "Follow him, I believe you should," he tells me.
I look down at him in stunned surprise. "Wait, for real?" I ask dumbly.
He nods. "Face your demons I this mission, I believe you will. Overcome it you must," he tells me. I look at him in confusion, wondering what exactly he means by that but shrug and head off to my starfighter.
"Thank you Master," I tell him gratefully, rushing off to the hanger as Master Windu begins to talk with Master Yoda. Iraise my wrist-com to my head and contact R5.
"Hey, dude. Get the ship ready, we're going on a trip," I tell him. He beeps back at me in confusion and annoyance.
"Don't use that tone with me, we're going regardless. Master Yoda's orders." I say firmly.
I hear the equivalent of a sigh on his head as he reluctantly agrees. Not even R5 would go against the wishes of the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order.
I exit out of hyperspace just out of orbit from the planet. In the distance ahead of me and see the speck that is Master Kenobi's shuttle, just far enough to where he can't see me. R5 grumbles at me from outside the cockpit window and I roll my eyes.
"Knock it off. You won't even be in any trouble. All I'm doing is making sure that Master Kenobi doesn't get himself into trouble." I tell R5 in exasperation.
He beeps at me again and I give off a sigh. "Fine. Once this is over, I'll see if I can get Ahsoka to give you an oil bath."
R5 beeps in smug satisfaction and I shake my head in fond annoyance at my droid. I guide the ship through the atmosphere, following after Master Kenobi, but shiver a little bit. The Force feels dark here, and full of anguish. I then widen my eyes in horror as I see a massive plume of smoke in the distance, no doubt because of Darth Maul trying to draw Obi-Wan here.
Master Kenobi lands in front of the village, so I take the safer route, heading over to land in the forest surrounding it, staying out of sight. I power the ship down and open the cockpit, mentally preparing myself for the inevitable battle with Darth Maul. R5 beeps at me again worriedly, and I turn to him.
"R5, stay with the ship. At the first sign of trouble, get out as fast as you can, then com me. Ok?" I tell him. He beeps in agreement.
"Just don't ignore me when I call for you," I say warningly, and he beeps innocently.
I then start my short trek through the jungle in the direction of the village. Once I get there, I"m horrified to see the place on fire. What sickens me is the fact that it looks like a ghost town. No noise can be heard besides the crackling of the flames, and bodies litter the streets. I force down the emotion I'm feeling and call upon the Force to steel myself. I can't get distracted by this.
All of a sudden, I hear a voice boom in the distance, sounding like Darth Maul, and then Master Kenobi's voice soon after. I can't hear them yet, so I press forward sneaking around the buildings. The sounds of battle then catch my attention and I hurry forward in worry, doing my best to keep my presence in the Force shielded. But I'm too late.
By the time I make it to the sight, I witness Master Kenobi get knocked out by a tall Zabrak, colored yellow instead of red, and Maul snarls at Master Kenobi's unconscious form.
I quickly hide back behind a building and internally curse. There were two of them? What did Obi-Wan get mixed into this time! I wanted to go and save Master Kenobi, but I'm not stupid. I'd get slaughtered the moment they saw me, so I'd have to play this smart. I peek out again and get my first good look at the two Sith.
Maul stands there on his robotic legs, and flashes of memories suddenly shoot through my mind, causing me to jerk in surprise.
Mother... what happened!?
RUN!
I brought out of my memories and see Maul stiffen before turning to look in my direction. I quickly move behind the building again and shield myself with all the Force knowledge I know, but I can hear him approaching. I look around quickly for a place to hide from the Sith Lord.
Maul turns around the corner and gazes suspiciously at the area with narrowed eyes, trying to detect whatever it was he felt through the Force. He stays there for a few moments before heading back with his friend, and the two begin to drag Master Kenobi back to their ship.
I let out a sigh of relief, glad he never thought to look up and see me hanging off in between the window shutters. Why do the bad guys never look up?!
I silently drop to the ground and take my lightsaber in hand, following the two Sith through the forest. My best bet for this would be to wait until Master Kenobi wakes up in order to combat the two Sith. I would have to figure out a way to snag his lightsaber away from Maul, otherwise we'd have no chance. Just perfect. I then take a good look at the yellow zabrak, and quickly realize who this person is. Savage Oppress, the person that Obi-Wan and Anakin were tracking down a few months back. Guess the two are old buddies, or family, or whatever the heck they are, I don't care.
To my great frustration, the two entered their ship with Obi-Wan in tow before I could sneak aboard, and I give off a silent curse. Now I'd have to sneak aboard the ship without making any noise, which would be very hard with the door closed.
Before I could come up with any sort of plan, a curved lightsaber is suddenly held to my neck from behind, and I freeze in surprise.
"Don't move Jedi," a feminine voice whispers.
I glance back and notice the pale skin and purple markings, making my eyes widen in recognition.
"Asajj Ventress?!" I whisper in shock. "I thought you were dead!"
I'd never met Ventress before, but I'd heard plenty about her from Master Kenobi, Anakin, and Ahsoka. Oh did Ahsoka have a lot to say about her. Like a freaking hairless harpy. From what I know, she died in battle on board a Separatist cruiser after a duel with Anakin and Obi-Wan. Clearly not, and she was now wearing... bounty hunter clothes?!
"That's right. What are you doing here?" she demands, holding the saber to my neck.
"Figuring out how to rescue Master Kenobi..." I reply hesitantly, not knowing what else to do in this situation.
To my surprise, her eyes light up in interest and amusement.
"Really? So that must make you his Padawan, Jarik Shan," she says.
I glance at her suspiciously, still not daring to move.
"How do you know me?"
"Oh, the Slicer isn't very easy to miss on the holonet my dear. Also, Skywalker's pet happened to mention how both she and you could, what was it? Kick my hairless head into oblivion?!" she says the last part harshly.
I bite back a small laugh. That's definitely something Ahsoka would say.
"So why are you here then?" I ask slowly.
"At first it was to pick up a bounty on my former servant, but seeing as how they are two of them, I may need some help," she tells me, still holding the lightsaber to my neck.
"I'm not helping you until I rescue Master Kenobi," I retort.
She sighs and removes the saber from my neck, much to my surprise.
"Oh young fool, our targets are the same. My servant happened to be the Savage Oppress," she says in annoyance.
I then realize what she meant, but I'm still suspicious of her. "How do I know you won't just kill me and Obi-Wan if you have the chance?"
She lets off a wicked laugh of amusement. "If I wanted to kill you I would have done it instead of holding my lightsaber to your neck, with how blind you were."
I bite back a retort and then sigh in acceptance. "Alright, you have a point there."
The cargo ship then begins to power up, and the thrusters activate, lifting it into the air.
"Think what you want, our prize is getting away Padawan," she says, activating her lightsabers and rushing after the ship that's taking off.
I consider my options but then shrug. Not like I have a better option really.
I activate my lightsaber as well and run underneath the ship after her. She flips up the side with amazing speed and agility that makes me glare in frustration. I'm not that fancy! I then use the Force to propel myself up the ship, jabbing my saber into part of it to secure myself before jumping up again, slipping through the hatch Ventress used just milliseconds before it closes. I deactivate my lightsaber and Ventress stands there smirking at me, a hand on her hip.
"You actually made it. Well done," she says.
I can't tell if she's mocking me or is actually genuinely impressed.
"Oh ye of little faith. Now lets find Obi-Wan and take down Maul and your bounty," I say firmly.
She waves her hand and begins to walk down the corridor, and I follow after her. Eventually we then come into the main hold, where Maul is holding the saber to Master Kenobi's neck. My eyes widen in surprise and I'm ready to rush out, but Ventress stops me.
"Stay back, I've got this," she hisses.
I look at her warily but nod, and hide behind the wall while she steps out in full view.
"What a surprise!" she says happily, and the two Sith look at her in shock and anger, not expecting anyone else to be here.
"My former servant, still an animal. And you have a friend now!" Ventress says, pretending to be interested.
"My brother," Savage states.
Well that answers that question.
"A brother!" she responds in mock surprise and wonder. "Look's like he's half the man you are Savage."
I hold back a laugh. What a burn!
"How unfortunate. I was looking for a challenge! Not some wretched cast offs from the Nightbrothers clan," she says, slinking into the shadows. "What a disappointment."
She then releases a laugh that sends shivers down my spine. It seems to echo around the entire room, making it hard to pinpoint where she actually is. I would be even more terrified if she wasn't on my side. The door to the cockpit closes, but I can still see Ventress in the room. Apparently her trick worked, as the brothers quickly rush up to the cockpit with their lightsabers activated, although Maul knocked Obi-Wan unconscious in the process. Seeing my chance, I leap down and rush over to Obi-Wan's side, Ventress not far behind.
"Master? Master wake up!" I whisper furiously, shaking him a little bit.
Ventress then leans down and slaps him hard on the face, and I glare at her.
"What? He's waking up," she retorts.
Sure enough the slap did the trick and he opens his eyes to view me.
"Jarik?" he asks in surprise.
His gaze then shifts to Ventress, and his eyes widen in surprise even more.
"Ventress?!" he exclaims.
"It looks like I'm here to rescue you," she tells him.
I cough into my hand and she stares at me in annoyance.
"WE, came to rescue you," I correct her.
"Hmm hmm," I say in agreement.
"When did you become the good guy?" Obi-Wan asks as he gets up, rubbing his jaw.
"Don't insult me!" Ventress replies in exasperation.
"I have no idea Master," I tell him.
"Well, it's certainly a lovely sight to wake up to," he says, causing me to grin in amusement.
"Don't flatter yourself Kenobi you've never been much to look at. Especially now," Ventress retorts.
"A witch and two Jedi!" Savage suddenly booms.
We look up at him warily, and he glares down at the three of us.
"Here for our taking," Maul suddenly says behind us, activating his lightsaber.
Ventress then takes one of her blades and hands it to Obi-Wan, who snatches it with a grin.
"I want that back!" she threatens him.
"That's fine. Red's not my color," he replies with a smirk.
We all stand in a circle and activate our lightsabers, holding them defensively in front of us.
"Ready?" Master Kenobi asks.
"Like you even have to ask," she replies.
"Yeah, I'm ready to dull their horns to little nubs," I say with a confident smirk, getting into a Makashi pose.
There's so much red in the room its ridiculous. I'm the only one with blue!
Maul leaps down and Obi-Wan rushes forward to meet him, where they trade blows with their lightsabers. Savage then jumps down, his saberstaff activated and me as he charges for me and Ventress. He swings at us, and we block his attack. After a few blows were traded, I quickly realize that while Savage is very strong, he has no lightsaber Form at all, meaning most of his attacks will be random.
Using this knowledge to my advantage, I manage to deflect his strikes away from me. His strength easily makes up for the lack of form, which means going by a contest of physical power against him would not end well for me at all.
I twirl my blade around I knock his away, causing him to lash out at Ventress. She leaps out of the way nimbly, and Savage returns his focus to me. I duck underneath his strike and roll to the side when he tries to kick me. Ventress than leaps into action, kicking and punching him in quick succession. Unfortunately he manages to dodge one of her punches and strikes his fist on her back, knocking her into some boxes, where she loses her grip on her lightsaber. He then throws her across the room before focusing on me.
I swing my saber at him in quick precise strikes, and he blocks them like an impenetrable shield. He swings his saberstaff at me, and I flip over him easily. A box then flies at his back and Ventress leaps onto his shoulders, grabbing his horns and punching him in the face. Annoyed, Savage throws her to the ground but she quickly recovers, rolling underneath his legs. She continues her assault on him with her fists, and he swings at her, slicing a box when I come in.
I strike hard, and he blocks my attack while getting kicked in the side at the same time. Angry, he growls like an animal and punches Ventress in the chest before swinging wildly at me. I duck and weave out of the way of his attacks before twirling out of the way of one of his stabs, swinging my lightsaber at his unprotected back. Unfortunately he catches my blade on the other end of his saberstaff just in time before kicking me away.
I go flying into a crate as he refocuses on Ventress, angry and annoyed at her continued pestering and painful strikes.
I shake my head and look up to see Master Kenobi toss Ventress her other saber, having just reacquired his own, much to my relief. Ventress blocks Savage's blade just in time, but is forced onto her knees from his brute strength. I leap forwards, reactivating my saber quickly. Savage looks up in surprise and just barely blocks my lightsaber, giving Ventress the opportunity to recover and rush him as well. Surprisingly, we manage to push Savage back a little bit due to our very fast attacks, while his are powerful but slower than ours. Also, our use of Makashi gives us the skillful advantage.
Ventress's version is... wow, I won't say it. But it is effective.
I then glance up and notice that Maul has cornered Obi-Wan, who is on the ground.
"Think you can handle the big guy?" I quickly ask Ventress.
She backpedals and glares at me. "Are you doubting my ability?"
I take that as a yes and pull away to head over to Obi-Wan and Maul. I leap upwards and swing off of a metal pole just as Maul kicks Obi-Wan off the ledge. Hurtling through the air I allow myself a feeling of satisfaction when my feet slam into his face, colliding with enough force to throw him back into the wall. I land on the floor a few feet away from him and whip out my lightsaber in a defensive stance, smirking at Maul as he angrily gets to his feet.
"Didn't see that coming, tough guy?" I taunt.
Maul growls at me and raises his blade.
"Insolent boy," he snarls.
He charges at me and I raise my saber up to block his strike. He immediately follows up with two slashes and then kicks his foot out, and I deflect his blows before leaping sideways to avoid the kick. Maul turns to face me with narrowed eyes.
"So, Kenobi has an apprentice," he says in distaste, advancing towards me. "How unfortunate for you."
I twirl my blade in anticipation and Maul lunges forward again with a growl, swinging at my head. I swipe my blade to deflect his strike upward and then slip underneath his advance to get behind him. However, before I can attack he thrusts his arm out and blows me away with a Force push. I cry out in pain upon hitting a post and hit the floor hard
"First I killed his master, now I get to kill his Padawan!" Maul gleefully declares. "Poetic, is it not?"
"Jarik! Get away from him!" Obi-Wan hollers.
I glance over to see him jumping over to me, clearly panicked, but Savage manages to grab his foot midair and slams him down before whirling around to defend himself from a strike by Ventress.
Struggling to my feet I lift my blade up in anticipation of Maul's next strike, but to my confusion it never came.
Instead of attacking, Maul is just standing silently in place for a few moments, his red blade humming. Frowning, he glances at Obi-Wan before turning his yellow-eyed gaze to me with an intense look.
"Jarik…" he murmurs thoughtfully
I shiver in fright at being the main focus of the bright gleam in his eyes. He then starts to grin maliciously, coming to some sort of realization.
"Well well… what a surprise this is," Maul says.
"What, you got a nice deal on leg purchases?" I scoff at him in an attempt at bravado.
Instead of taking offense he chuckles sinisterly.
"Of course… we were destined to meet again, young Shan," he declares.
I take a step back in surprise.
"How do you know me?" I demand.
"I've known you for a long time, child," he replies. "Does your memory fail you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," I snap anxiously.
"Then let me remind you," he sneers, his yellow eyes gleaming madly. "You had a mother once. Lara. Kind and gentle, she was willing to risk everything to save her only child."
I stiffen in shock as soon as he mentions that name.
Lara…
Lara Shan… my mother…
"And she did give everything, Jarik Shan. I could see it in her eyes as I gutted her where she stood," Maul gleefully declares. "Do you remember that night, young Jedi?"
I let out a gasp and stare at Maul with wide, horrified eyes.
I'm held in the arms of a woman as she runs urgently through a field. A terrible roar echoes close by.
"No…" I murmur in disbelief.
I take a step back while shaking my head in denial. Maul's red lightsaber illuminates his monstrous face.
"Jarik!" Obi-Wan screams.
I barely hear him, enraptured by the demon from my dreams.
"Everything that you are, little Jedi, began with me," Maul snarls cruely. "Your parents were weak, and I slaughtered them without pity or mercy!"
I let out a choked sob.
I'm floating down the river, helpless against its current.
'WHERE IS THE CHILD?'
I see mama standing before the horned demon, unable to do anything but watch as a blood red blade is thrust through her chest.
'MAMA!'
The horned demon roars into the night.
I tremble with fear and grief as I stare into the eyes of my demon, remembering everything.
"You were there…" I whisper. "You're the demon…?"
Maul smirks deviously in response.
"How does that make you feel, Jarik Claynel Shan?" he drawls mockingly.
A few more choked sobs try and force their way out of my throat, and I'm wracked by grief.
Maul killed my parents… my mother and father…! Mom…! Dad…! He's the demon of my nightmares! It was always him! How can I fight a demon like that?! Why did he do it?!
He killed them.
I squeeze my eyes shut as tears start to flow out of them. I grip my lightsaber tightly, my hand shaking wildly.
He killed them.
I open my eyes again to look at Maul, except I can't really see him. All I see is red.
He killed them… and he ENJOYED IT!
Maul… he needs to…
DIE!
I charge at Maul like a banshee, releasing all my rage through a scream and then swinging my lightsaber at him with all the strength I can muster. He blocks my strike and I batter him with several more, grunting and snarling and screaming at him. I slash right, left, up, down, everywhere I can to try and hit him. Every failed strike only makes me angrier.
The red cloud obscuring my vision suddenly subsides with a metal claw slams into my face, sending me reeling. I stumble backward with a cry of pain, touching my face to feel a slick substance drip on my fingers.
Blood.
Cruel laughter catches my attention and I glance over to see Maul advancing toward me, holding out an arm. I cry out in terror as I'm lifted off the floor and into the air, then I'm suddenly flung towards the bottom level of the cargo bay with insane force. Something in my left arm shatters on impact and I scream in agony, grabbing at my forearm.
"Jarik!" I hear a voice cry out.
Obi-Wan then appears standing above me with a panicked look on his face, worry and concern evident. He crouches down beside me and I groan in pain.
"It hurts…" I whimper, cradling my left forearm.
"It's alright, I've got you Padawan," he tells me.
Obi-Wan helps me up while I continue to whimper, tears blurring my vision. I barely register him retrieving my lightsaber.
A loud clang of metal beside us makes me jump in alarm and Obi-Wan pushes me behind him. He points his lightsaber threateningly at Maul with a heated glare. I gaze at him in terror and he grins wickedly in return.
"You can't protect the boy forever, Kenobi," he sneers.
Obi-Wan scowls at him but doesn't offer him a rebuttal. Just then Ventress comes stumbling back over to us with a grunt of exertion, holding her blade up defensively as Savage slowly advances on us.
"We need an escape plan," Obi-Wan states.
"You want to run?" Ventress demands incredulously.
"If it means protecting my Padawan, yes!" he snaps in reply.
Ventress spares me an irritated glance, taking note of my injury, and scowls.
"Fine. The cockpit?" she suggests.
Growling, Maul lunges toward us and Obi-Wan holds his blade up to block the attack, then ignites my lightsaber to swipe at Maul's middle. The Sith evades the swipe with a snarl and jumps over him, now targeting me. I scramble back in terror, but Obi-Wan shouts angrily and blows Maul away with a Force push.
"Jarik, go!" he exclaims, pushing me to the door.
I cry out in pain as the movement jostles my arm but anxiously do as he says, rushing over to the door. Savage deflects a swipe from Ventress with a growl and then lunges to stop me, but Obi-Wan again leaps to my defense. He assaults the raging zabrak with a flurry of strikes that cause him to stumble backward, giving me the opening needed to reach the door. Ventress on the other hand whirls around to block a vicious stab from Maul and engages in a brief duel with him. I slam the button to open the cockpit door and scramble inside, turning to watch Obi-Wan maneuver himself past Savage and reach the door himself.
"Come on, come on!" he urgently waves Ventress over.
Ventress twists upward to kick Maul in the face and then backflips over Savage and he turns to swing at her. Obi-Wan uses the Force to lift her ascent even higher, and upon landing Ventress thrusts her hands out to blow Savage away with her own Force push.
However, Maul leaps over Savage with a loud roar and charges at us. I scramble back with a terrified shout and end up tripping in the hallway, groaning in pain as a result. Ventress manages to close the door just before Maul could get inside, but he immediately jabs his lightsaber through it and begins cutting.
"Hurry Kenobi!" she calls back.
I scramble back against the wall to cradle my arm when Savage's blade starts cutting through the other side of the door. Breathing heavily, I stare wide-eyed at Maul to see him glaring hungrily at me through the window.
"Working on it!" Obi-Wan replies to Ventress.
I don't pay attention to him fiddling with the ship's controls. I'm petrified by the demon, unable to look away from his terrible gaze.
"Come on, hurry!" Ventress exclaims.
Maul's blade cuts farther through the door. I'm on the verge of hyperventilating in fear. The mouth on his grotesque face morphs into a terrible smirk.
The horned demon is glaring at us from the other end of the hallway. I scream in terror, burying my face into my mother's shoulder.
"Now would be a good time!" Ventress yells.
"Come on!" Obi-Wan roars.
Suddenly my view of Maul vanishes into a tiny speck of space as the cockpit blasts away from the main body of the cargo ship, which is rapidly getting farther away.
I almost can't believe it. The demon can't just be gone like that… right?
"That was cutting it a little close," Ventress scowls at Obi-Wan.
"You do know it's not over," he replies.
"I know," she nods grimly.
"They'll be after all three of us now," he says.
I don't focus much more on their conversation and simply stare forward at the wall in front of me, pulling my legs up to my chest and cradling my arm. Forgotten memories from that night are now rushing into my mind, almost painfully so. I'm starting to remember everything…
"How's your arm, Padawan?" Obi-Wan asks me.
I don't answer him. I just keep staring at the wall. A choke sob bursts out.
"Jarik?" he asks again, concerned.
He kneels down beside me, but I still don't look at him. I can't. All I can look at is the face of the demon from my nightmares.
"Are you alright?" Obi-Wan anxiously continues.
I'm on the verge of a breakdown. Either crying in grief or screaming in fear. Maybe both, I don't know. Maybe I already am.
'Give me the boy, and I will spare your insignificant life.'
'I will never tell you.'
'Wrong answer woman!'
He was there. He killed them. He's the demon that haunts me.
He was him… it was always him…!