A/N: Because it's Star Wars month, I had to get this in. A small conflict between Maul and Count Dooku will occur in these coming chapters, a battle to determine who the true Dark Lord of the Sith will be. But enough chat, let's get to it!

(Serenno)

Within the bowels of Castle Serenno, home of the Sith Lord, Darth Tyranus, or Count Dooku, the man himself was inside his meditation chambers when he suddenly felt a great disturbance in the Force. His eyes, which had been closed suddenly snapped open as a gasp of shock parted from his mouth, in his mind was a Force vision, he had seen his master, Sidious, on the planet Mandalore, fighting ferociously against the beast, Savage Opress and his now dead master's former apprentice, Maul, killing Sidious.

"Impossible!"

Reaching out with the Force in an effort to feel Sidious, all Dooku could feel was coldness, the same coldness one would feel from a dead corpse.

Darth Sidious was no more.

"How is this possible!?"

In all his years, Dooku would never believe that one of the most powerful Sith Lords to have ever lived would be bested by two failed apprentices. The prospect was a jest, however, this was no jest, it was reality.

With Sidious dead, it wouldn't be long before these two Nightbrothers would set their eyes on him...

Rising, Dooku made his way to the inner sanctum of his palace, one there, he pulled out a holoprojector, summoning his ally and supplicant-- General Grievous. Soon, the holographic image of the Kaleesh cyborg appeared.

"How may I be of service to you, my lord?"

"General Grievous, I regret to inform you that my master, Darth Sidious is no more," still finding this fact hard to believe, Dooku moved passed it before continuing. "His murderers are two Nightbrothers— Savage Opress and Maul. Together these two overcome the most powerful being in the galaxy, and now I fear they seek to claim the lives of both myself and you."

Bringing one of his fists to his armor-plated face, Grievous coughed violently before snarling. "Let them come! They would be fools to challenge us directly! We command legions of droid armies and Separatists forces that are loyal to us, and what do they have other than their pathetic lives? Nothing!"

"Underestimating these two would be a fatal error, General!" Dooku seethed, causing Grievous to tense and stand straighter. "We know not if Maul and Savage acted alone or if they have amassed outside forces to aid in killing Sidious, but we can leave nothing to chance. Dispatch probe droids throughout the galaxy to see whether or not Maul and Savage are operating alone or if they are amassing forces."

Bowing his head, Grievous then tilted his head. "Is that all, my lord?"

"If the two Sith pretenders wish to claim my life next, I wish to be well prepared. Merge your fleet with my own, and we shall join our armies together to crush this enemy should they be brazen enough to come to my castle," Dooku then spoke firmly. "Do not delay, General. Come to me, here on Serenno, and I shall see your skills further sharpened in preparation for the imminent attack our enemies will conduct."

"As you wish, my lord."

Ending the transmission, the season Sith Lord crossed his arms behind his back and looked out the window of his throne room. The future was no uncertain, of course, he would never have been able to best Sidious and take his place as Dark Lord of the Sith, but now the title would be his once he crushed Maul and Savage under his heel, like the insects that they are.

Before Dooku could make the necessary preparations for dealing with his new rivals for control of the Sith Order and the galaxy itself, he was receiving an incoming transmission, and it was coming from the same bandwidth that his now-dead master had used to contact him. Confused, Dooku answered the incoming transmission and was greeted at the sight of the man who he would be fighting against and the man who had killed his old Jedi apprentice, Qui-Gon Jinn.

"Ah, you must be the pretender Sith, Dooku. I have heard much of you since my rebirth. I expected... more. You're nothing but an old man."

Ignoring Maul's insolence, Dooku spoke firmly. "Greetings, Maul, I am Tyranus, Dark Lord of the Sith. It is you who is the pretender, not I," he then raised an eyebrow in question. "Satisfy an old man's curiosity. How is it that you, and that mindless brute, Savage Oppress, killed one of the most powerful Sith Lords in the history of our Order?" Dooku could see a predatory smirk creep across Maul's face, the Zabrak then chuckled darkly.

"That is a secret, one that you will never know."

Dooku once more inquired. "You've killed the orchestrator of this galactic conflict. What to do plan to do now that Sidious is no more?"

"I intend to take Sidious's place as the new Dark Lord of the Sith, and finally exact the revenge of the Sith," Maul then bore his teeth like a predator. "And I am afraid you have no place in my plans for the future, old man."

"Ah," Dooku nodded in understanding. "It appears we are at an impasse, my horned friend, we both desire to be Dark Lord of the Sith, yet there can only be two Sith Lords. No more, no less."

"Indeed," the holographic image of Maul crackled and blurred before clearing up. "You know there is only one way to determine who is the rightful Dark Lord of the Sith."

Humming in agreement, Dooku crossed his arms behind his back before speaking about what both men were thinking. "The Kaggath: a contest of mutual annihilation, pitting power base against power base," the seasoned Sith Lord then smirked. "I'm afraid that you are at a disadvantage, Maul. I am in command of the droid armies of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, whilst you have nothing more than your life and that monster, Savage Oppress."

"So it would seem," Maul deadpanned, causing Dooku to grow curious as to why his former master's first apprentice didn't sound more worried. "Regardless, I have defied death itself and I have slain the most powerful being in the galaxy. You know full well that the rules of the Kaggath allow each party to employ all the resources at their disposal to beat the opponent. If you and the Separatist Droid Army can beat me and my brother, Savage, then you prove yourself worthy of being Dark Lord of the Sith. Should you lose, however, I will ensure you suffer greatly for the slaughter of the Nightsisters and the ravaging of Dathomir before granting you the mercy of death."

"Very well. The arena is within the Outer Rim, I shall use the legions of droid units I have stationed in those territories to unleash upon you and your brother," Dooku then chuckled while speaking in a taunting manner. "I fear this contest will be over as soon as it begins."

Chuckling in return, Maul smirked. "You are in for a rude awakening, Dooku. I suggest you savor the days you have left, soon, you will join Sidious in death," he then gave the seasoned Sith Lord a nod. "May the best Sith win."

"Oh, I plan to, Maul," Dooku then spoke in a low, cool tone. "And when I emerge the victor, I will see to it personally that you remain dead."

"First you need the victory, old man," Maul rebuked before crossing his arms behind his back. "I would advise you not to allow hubris to get the better of you, Dooku. It's what nearly killed me on Naboo all those years ago when I fought Kenobi, and yet thanks to my raw desire for revenge, I yet live. And I will live on to rule the galaxy and lead the Sith to the greatest. Whereas you, like Sidious, will perish, alone, and forgotten."

The holographic image of Maul soon dissipated as the transmission was at its end. Now alone to dwell on his thoughts, Dooku retreated into his library and archives, where he held a great deal of knowledge from ancient Sith Lords. He would need to ensure his powers were strengthened, though he would also need to proceed with caution, the dark side of the Force has taken a toll on his body, not only that, but his old age was catching up with him, and the last thing Dooku needed was to be in a vulnerable state, especially with his claim as Dark Lord of the Sith was at stake.

There was much to prepare for, yet so little time. Regardless, Dooku wasted no time. He would not make the same mistakes Sidious made by underestimating these two brothers, he would see his own vision for the galaxy come to fruition, or he would die trying.

(Dathomir)

"You want us to go to war?!"

"With respect Lord Maul, what you ask is impossible!"

Maul was currently speaking with his syndicate allies— Ziton Moj, the new headmaster of Black Sun, and Lom Pyke, Minister of the Pyke Syndicate. After disclosing that they were to prepare their forces for war against Count Dooku and the Separatists, the gang of criminal leaders thought their new lord to be mad. After suggesting such insanity, the Hutts had withdrawn from Crimson Dawn entirely, which was unsurprising to Maul, the Hutts had not pledged their full support, to begin with, they merely provided them with troops and supplies to take control of Mandalore. Though Maul would see to it personally that those spineless, gutless Hutts would pay dearly for their cowardice and shortsightedness, if any one of the overgrown slugs had the stomach to pledge their support, perhaps Maul would consider making that one Hutt the new leader of the Hutt Cartel, however, that was a concern for another time.

"I foresee a great conflict on the horizon, and I will need your aid in ensuring we emerge victorious," Maul said through gritted teeth, his criminal supplicants were insolent and knew not of the contest that he and Dooku would soon participate in for claiming the title of Dark Lord of the Sith as well as control of the galaxy. "You would be wise to know your place and submit to my command. The Hutts will die for proving themselves as nothing more than spineless cowards. Such a fate will befall you as you well if you do not obey me."

"The Separatists legions are unending Lord Maul! What hope do we have against their numbers?"

"Their forces are nothing but mindless droids Ziton Moj," Maul growled out. "Take out their leadership, however, and they all fall down," Maul then continued. "These Clone Wars have vastly overextended both Dooku and his cybernetic dog, Grievous. They are more vulnerable than they realize," a sinister grin crept across Maul's face. "When Dooku and Grievous have fallen, I will not only command a new Galactic Underworld, but I will give the Confederacy of Independent Systems a choice to either follow me or fall with Sidious's expendable lackeys."

"If you do manage to best Dooku and his loyalists, our collective will become a military force that could have the potential of wiping out the Republic and the Jedi! Let us remind you that our partnership was based on the promise of greater profit."

Maul glared at the holographic image of Ziton Moj, but before the Zabrak could dismiss the Falleen, Lom Pyke spoke up.

"Ziton Moj makes a valid point Lord Maul. We are among the galaxy's most infamous crime syndicates, and if we were to follow you into battle with the Separatist Alliance, we would suffer the loss of resources, men, and profit. And if we are bled dry? We would become expendable and it would take us years to recoup the losses we suffer."

"You will be well compensated for your services, I will see to it that Black Sun and the Pyke Syndicate receive enough wealth, men, and resources to become invincible," Maul reassured his criminal allies while speaking with a silver tongue. "In the meantime, return to your respective sectors and prepare for our next phase. Once Dooku and Grievous have fallen, the galaxy will be ours for the taking."

Both the heads of Black Sun and the Pyke Syndicate bowed their heads in understanding and then ended their transmission with Maul. The red-skinned Zabrak growled in annoyance at the simple-minded thinking of his criminal allies, they would need to be kept on a tight leash and carefully watched, if they threatened to expose his plans to his enemies then they would suffer a most gruesome death.

"Lord Maul, we've arrived at Dathomir," one of Maul's Mandalorian super commandos announced. "Your brother summons you to the cockpit."

Grunting in acknowledgment, Maul, who was seated, stands up and made his way to the cockpit of his personal Kom'rk-class Gauntlet fighter— "The Nightbrother" and laid eyes on Savage who had his arms crossed and stared at the planet they both called home. Turning around to face Maul, Savage bowed his head in greetings before speaking. "Our impending battle with Dooku will be a ferocious duel of dominance," growling slightly, Savage continued. "He will do whatever it takes to secure his place as Lord of the Sith."

"Which is why we have returned home, my brother," Maul said while folding his arms behind his back, "Dooku and Grievous have slaughtered the Nightsisters, this is a grievance that will be paid for in blood. We've come here to gather reinforcements in the form of our fellow Nightbrothers. They are pure warriors and are capable of competing with a combatant who is trained in the ways of the Force." Maul's thoughts then return to Dooku and wonder what form of the man he was, and if he'll be a worthy opponent. "You told me that you were once under Dooku's apprenticeship," the red-skinned Zabrak said to Savage, who grunted in affirmation. "Tell me, my brother, what is your opinion of the man?"

Savage growled lightly and satisfied his brother's curiosity. "He is nothing compared to Sidious, but he is by no means a weakling either," remembering the Count of Serenno's remarkable swordsmanship and powers of the Force, Savage continued. "His skills with a lightsaber are impressive, as is his strength in the Force. When we come face to face with Dooku, he will exploit any weakness that is presented to him. We are so close to controlling the galaxy, we cannot fail now."

"We cannot," Maul said in agreement. "And we will not, I promise you, brother." Both brothers gave a nod and then returned their gaze to the cockpit window and as their ship exited the thick clouds, both brothers soon laid eyes on the Nightbrother village. As the ship landed, both Maul and Savage made their way to the ramp and descended on Dathomirian soil, and were greeted by a legion of Nightbrothers and the tribe's leader, Brother Viscus.

"Ah, Lord Maul and Savage Opress, welcome home, both of you," Viscus said while bowing his head in greetings, "Mother Talzin informed us of your impending arrival. She wishes to speak with her sons, follow me." Viscus and the Nightbrothers led Maul and Savage to a temple that housed Mother Talzin's spirit.

Upon entering the temple, Viscus ascended several steps and gestured to a great stone tablet. "This stone tablet is currently housing Mother Talzin's spirit, she came here after your resurrection Lord Maul," the Nightbrother's leader then bowed his head once more. "We shall await your instructions when you have finished speaking with the Great Mother." Viscus and the Nightbrothers dismissed themselves and left the two Zabrak Sith Lords alone.

Approaching the stone tablet, Maul placed a hand on it, closed his eyes, and prayed. "Great Mother, hear our prayer. Diviner of truth. Deliverer of justice," a green mist began to surround the two Zabrak Sith Lords. "It is your sons, reveal yourself to us, Mother!" Maul boomed out, as he looked at the stone tablet and laid eyes on the reflection of Mother Talzin. The clan mother of the Nightsisters then took form, though her body fazed in and out of existence due to her sacrificing much of her own form to restore Maul's sanity and body.

When Talzin appeared, both Maul and Savage kneeled before their mother, as a show of love as well as submission. However, seeing her sons bowing before her made the Nightsister leader speak firmly. "You may dispense with the formality. Rise, my sons, you are Lords of the Sith as well as sons of Dathomir. There is no need to fear me nor my power," she cooed while smiling. "Speak to me, my beloved sons. Why have you returned home in haste?"

Standing straight up, Maul spoke. "We have come to tell you that your enemy, Sidious, has been slain by our own hands," turning to Savage, Maul nodded at him. "Show her his head." Undoing the crimson hood that was clipped to his waist, Savage took Sidious's head out and presented it to their mother. The sight of the Sith who had denied her of becoming his apprentice, who stole Maul away from her and left him for dead filled Talzin with utter rapture.

"I have longed for the opportunity to kill Sidious and make him pay for the grievances he inflicted upon our family," a sinister smile crept across Talzin's mouth, "and now the Dark Lord of the Sith is no more! A most welcome gift my sons!" Her tone of praise soon turned into one of seriousness. "Now we must turn our attention to Count Dooku, he must pay for the massacre of the Nightsisters."

"Shall we deliver his head to you as well, Mother?" Savage inquired.

Talzin turned to her yellow-skinned son and smiled at him. "No, I have... other uses for him," she then explained. "In order for me to make a complete and permanent return to the physical realm, it will require a great sacrifice. Defeat Dooku and I will drain his very life force, when Dooku is nothing more than a hollowed-out husk, I will return to the physical realm and stand by my triumphant sons as they begin a new Sith Order!"

"As you wish Mother," Maul said while bowing his head. "We will depart immediately." Talzin smiled at her sons and soon began to transfer her soul into both Maul and Savage, causing both brothers to groan at the sheer power their mother possessed, even in her spirit form.

"I stand with you my sons," Talzin said. "My spirit will strengthen you both as you confront Dooku. Make him suffer for ravaging our home and present him to me as a sacrifice when you have defeated him."

"It will be done, Mother."

Knowing what they had to do, Maul and Savage left the temple and laid eyes on Viscus and several Nightbrothers outside the temple. Mail approached and gave his fellow Nightbrother instructions. "Brother Viscus, gather your best Nightbrothers and prepare them to confront Count Dooku," Maul said. "I will have need of the men you choose when the time is right. That delusional old man who calls himself a Sith has challenged me to a Kaggath, an ancient, but rarely employed, rite of the Sith. One part duel, one part large-scale dejarik-match, the Kaggath pitted Sith against Sith unto humiliation and death. Dooku and I now employ this sacred right of the Sith against each other to determine who is to become the rightful Dark Lord of the Sith. When the time comes to face Dooku in combat, we are to confront and defeat him, but not kill him. When he has dirtied his knees before us, we will offer him up as a sacrifice for Mother Talzin so that she may return to the physical realm."

"Understood Lord Maul, we will prepare to face Count Dooku and await for you to fetch us when you are ready," Viscus said while bowing his head, he then turned to the countless Zabrak males and summoned the best of his warriors while also barking out. "Those of you who stand as the greatest warriors of our village, come! We are to accompany Lord Maul and Savage Opress to the planet Serenno, soon, and there we will confront Count Dooku! The coward who orchestrated the massacre of the Nightsisters." As the best of the Nightbrothers rallied at the steps of the temple, Viscus barked out. "Pair up! Ensure that your prowess as warriors of the night is keen. Lords Maul and Savage will summon us when the time is right." The best of the Nightbrothers bowed their heads in understanding and then turned to Maul, who wished to have words with them.

"Sons of Dathomir, in time, we will avenge the massacre of the Nightsisters! Your prey is the leader of the Separatist Alliance, Count Dooku," Maul then bore his teeth and snarled out. "Dooku's hands are stained with the blood of the Nightsisters, and he will pay for this offense with his life! And together, we will cut off the head of this vile serpent and restore Dathomir to greatness! That, I promise you." The ferocious Nightbrothers all roared out in elation, they were eager to avenge the Nightsisters and see them return as the matriarchal rulers of this planet. Brother Viscus then dismissed them, and the men soon began preparing for the day they would kill Dooku.

Whilst making their way back to their ship, Savage turned to Viscus and inquired. "Were there any survivors who fled the massacre? I saw none when I had recovered my brother from Lotho Minor," he then continued. "Did Dooku truly damn our kind to extinction by eradicating all the sisters?"

"Surprisingly, a clutch of sisters yet remain, they have already chosen those they wish to breed with," Viscus reassured the dark warrior. "Among these survivors is a young girl named Merrin. She came to us after the massacre and nearly perished due to starvation and dehydration, Mother Talzin has taken the child under her wing in your absence. But when she is of proper age? She will select one of the men here to procreate with and the Nightsisters will be reborn."

"Welcomed news, Brother Viscus. As long as one Nightsister yet lives, our people have a chance to thrive," Maul then growled. "The Sith of this era have greatly abused those who dwell here, both the Nightbrothers and Nightsisters alike, Dooku will pay the ultimate price for this outrage." Turning to Brother Viscus, Maul inquired. "Do you have a ship?" The Nightbrother leader grunted in confirmation. "Excellent," Maul said with a smile. "When the time comes, I shall summon you and your warriors to join us when we face the offender in person. Prepare yourselves, a great battle awaits us on that day. When Dooku falls, the galaxy will be ours and a new era will begin!"

"By your will, Lord Maul," Brother Viscus bowed his head and then smirked. "I'm looking forward to seeing Dooku know the full wrath of Mother Talzin."

Matching the sinister smirk on Viscus's face, Maul voiced similar sentiments. "As am I, Brother Viscus," he then gave his ally a firm nod. "Soon, Dooku will pay. For now, ready your warriors, all of them. Savage and I will summon you when we are ready." As both Zabrak brothers entered their ship, they left Dathomir to marshal their forces and resources in preparation for the Kaggath.

The galaxy was about to change, and Maul would ensure that the galaxy would be molded in his image.

(Coruscant)

Master Obi-Wan Kenobi had disembarked from the Mandalorian Kom'rk fighter that had taken him back home to the Jedi Temple, though as he stepped out of the fighter, one of the Nite Owls on board had handed him a holo communicator which was a direct link to Bo-Katan Kryze, and that she would be expecting him to meet her at Kryze Castle on Kalevala by the end of the week so that they might have words. As the fighter zoomed off into the sky, the physically and mentally exhausted Jedi Master made his way into the temple hangar bay and into the home of the Jedi Order.

He felt numb, helpless, and cold.

The journey back home was excruciating, he could still hear Maul's cruel laughter while pulling Satine, the woman he loved into the Darksaber, killing her as a means of inflicting pain on him. Just as he had been helpless to come to the aid of his master, Qui-Gon Jinn during the Battle of Naboo all those years ago, he had been helpless to save Satine from meeting her end. Tears swelled in the Jedi Master's eyes when he finally reached his quarters and stripped out of the Mandalorian armor that had been dedicated to Maul, he removed it as though it was burning him. After stripping the remainder of his clothes, Obi-Wan entered the refresher to cleanse himself of the stench of battle, blood, and death.

As water rained down on top of the Jedi Master, Obi began to weep bitterly, the dam that had held his emotions back had now burst open, and he held nothing back. He could still see the fear in Satine's eyes and her agonizing mewls still filled his ears, as did her final vow of love to him.

"Remember, my dear Obi-Wan. I've loved you always. I always will,"

Had he not failed in capturing Maul and his brother back on Florrum, the two Nightbrothers would've been dealt with, but instead, here he was. Had he been faster when he had sprung Satine out of her imprisonment, had he been quicker, he would not have had to bear witness to the death of the woman he loved.

Satine's death would haunt him until the end of his days.

It feels like it was only yesterday that the Jedi Council dispatched him and Master Qui-Gon to Mandalore and protect the young duchess from the civil war that engulfed her planet after renouncing the warrior ways of old and embracing pacifism. So many times Satine's enemies almost succeeded in their attempts to kill her, but Obi-Wan remembered that not did he have Qui-Gon to help guide him, but he also had Satine. They had each other to look out for one; he would always treasure the times they shared together in their youth and the perilous adventures they shared over the recent years. They grew so close, became such good friends, and Obi-Wan knew that in his heart, he and Satine could've been so much more.

Under different circumstances, perhaps.

He lives by the Jedi Code, and it's what forced him and Satine apart for so many years.

Those old feelings resurfaced when the Jedi Council dispatched him to investigate rumors that filled the ears of the Jedi Council and Republic that Mandalore was conspiring with the Separatists. Seeing Satine again after so many years caused Obi-Wan's world to nearly end, she was even more beautiful and radiant than he could remember.

He took great comfort in the fact that he told her the truth of how he felt about her when her life was once again in peril on board the Coronet. And had Satine told him that she loved him earlier in life? Without a doubt, Obi-Wan would've left the Jedi Order to spend the rest of my days with Satine; to become so much more and live the remainder of their days in bliss, companionship, joy, and peace.

He still would—

Or rather, he would have.

But Obi-Wan knows that it's his fault that Satine is now dead.

She was only gone because Maul wanted to hurt him and because he wanted his revenge for severing him in half and nearly killing him back on Naboo.

The grief-stricken Jedi Master knew that Maul has taken so much from him: Qui-Gon Jinn and now the woman he loved with all his heart.

Though the deepest cut of this tragedy is knowing that Maul has destroyed Satine's legacy. Everything that she has worked towards, everything that she has stood for in the name of peace has now been lost, and Mandalore will once again embrace carnage, bloodshed, and war.

The Mandalorian people are now lost without Satine's leadership.

Obi-Wan's anger suddenly gets the better of him as more aggressive thoughts flow inside his mind.

He will finish what he started on Naboo.

He will make Maul pay.

He will—

"No. You would never want vengeance on your behalf, my dear Satine," Obi-Wan murmured to himself as the water continued to rain down on his defined body. "You would never forgive me if I stooped to Maul's level, my darling Satine. I wouldn't either. If I didn't break the Jedi Code for love, I will never do it out of hate." Even now, the Jedi Master can still feel the dark side of the Force calling out to him; seducing him to give in to my anger and hatred and kill Maul for taking Qui-Gon and Satine away from him. Releasing a shaky exhale, Obi-Wan continued to murmur with his eyes closed. "But I will not give in to the false, hollow promises of satisfaction the dark side offers. If I were to give in to anger and hatred, then I would be no better than Maul, and I would tarnish the memories of my late master and you, my dear Satine. I know you never wanted Republic intervention in Mandalore, but I'm afraid their assistance in routing Maul out of Mandalore is the only way to restore the peace you've worked so hard to achieve."

Running a hand through his soaked hair, Obi-Wan shuddered while murmuring softly. "I give you my word, Satine, even in my darkest hours, I will never forget the valuable lesson you taught me— that when things are at their worst and when it feels as if the entire galaxy is against me, there's only one weapon to reach for. Love," tears streamed down Obi-Wan's face as he sobbed quietly. "You taught me to love, Satine. And as long as we have love... we will always have hope." Wiping the tears that now stained his cheeks, Obi-Wan swallowed the thick lump in his throat and let out a shaky breath. "I-I wish... I wish we had more time," he whimpered. "I wish we had more time to cherish each other's company, to debate how a peacekeeper should operate, and to grow our bond more intimately." As he finished wiping away his tears, Obi-Wan could then feel fear creeping into his bones as he pondered another person that Maul will target just to hurt him-- Anakin.

Qui-Gon died for him, believing that he is the Chosen One, the one to vanquish the Sith and bring balance to the Force. Obi-Wan too believes it, and if Maul sets his sights on Anakin, the calm, and collected Jedi Master will not allow his enemy to harm the man he loves like a brother. Despite the fear Obi-Wan felt, he cannot allow it to take control of him.

There is no emotion, there is peace.

Obi-Wan found himself relying on that section of the Jedi Code now more than ever, it's what will help him defeat Maul and bring him to justice, of which he is certain. And even though Satine is dead, it's comforting to know she's truly at peace and one with the Force, Obi-wan now vowed to liberate Mandalore from Maul's cruel grasp and return it to peace, just as Satine would want. After that cathartic moment, Obi-Wan finished washing before turning off his refresher and procuring a towel to dry himself off. Once he was dry, he redressed himself in his Jedi robes and attached his lightsaber to his belt before making his way to quarter doors and opening them, only to find Anakin in front of him.

"There you are, I had been calling for you in the halls, I only managed to slip away from some younglings who wanted me to teach them some advanced lightsaber techniques," chuckling softly, Anakin's amusement was replaced with worry when he noted his master's face and bloodshot eyes. "Obi-Wan? What happened on Mandalore?"

Shaking his head while sniffling, the Jedi Master placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder and replied softly. "Satine is dead. Murdered by Maul," the eyes of the Chosen One widened, and before he could give condolences, Obi-Wan walked passed him and spoke over his shoulder. "I must inform the Jedi Council of this turn of events." While making his way to the High Council Chamber, Obi-Wan could hear Anakin jogging to catch up to him.

"Obi-Wan, I... I'm so sorry," his words were heartfelt and genuine. Despite Anakin's unique personality, Obi-Wan was well aware that the man he loved as a little brother cared deeply about those he cared for-- him, Ahsoka, Rex, and especially Padmé.

Giving him a nod of thanks, Obi-Wan continued on his way before remarking softly. "I'll never see her again, Anakin," closing his eyes, he shook his head. "Satine is dead because of me—"

"No. Not you, but Maul," Anakin rebuked firmly. "The same monster that took Qui-Gon away from the both of us. Trust me, he's going to pay for what he's done." His tone was full of aggression, however, Obi-Wan couldn't share in Anakin's eagerness to see Maul pay for his crimes against the galaxy and for inflicting another grievous wound on his heart.

"The days ahead will be full of temptation and darkness, for me, my friend," Obi-Wan and Anakin soon stepped inside an elevator that reached the High Council Chambers. "Even now, I can feel the call of the dark side of the Force, whispering its false promises of satisfaction if I give in to killing Maul in anger and hatred. But I cannot give in to such feelings. There is no emotion, there is peace."

"Of course," Anakin scolded himself. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean—"

"I understand, my friend," Obi-Wan reassured with a smile before sighing heavily. "But I must not give in to such primal impulses the next time I confront Maul. The only way to counter the desire to strike him down out of anger is falling back on training, meditation, and living by the Jedi Code."

Snorting softly, Anakin nodded. "If only it were that easy for me," before Obi-Wan could reply to his friend's remark, the elevator stopped, and the doors opened. As the Jedi Master stepped out to speak with his fellow Jedi Masters, Anakin grabbed his arm and tilted his head. "Do want me to come with you, for support?"

"I would appreciate that, my friend. Thank you."

"Of course,"

As both men walked side by side and stood before the Jedi Council, they both bowed their heads in greetings. Soon, Obi-Wan disclosed everything that had transpired on Mandalore-- Satine's death, his rescue at the hands of Bo-Katan and her Nite Owls, and how Maul was now the ruler of the Mandalorian people, and if he wasn't stopped, he could see that the people under his oppressive yoke would be struck from the history of the galaxy.

"Disturbing news, this is, Master Kenobi," Grand Master Yoda said after Obi-Wan had given his full report. "Agree with you, I do. Act quickly, we must."

"Yes, however, this matter is... complicated," Mace Windu stated. "If Republic forces are dispatched to Mandalore to oust Maul and Savage Opress, it would break treaties that are a century old. We would then be drawn into yet another war."

The Jedi Masters gathered and murmured amongst themselves, some agreeing with the logic the Master Windu had stated while others were in opposition to the Jedi standing by and doing nothing while these dark side warriors were in control of a culture that was bred for war and combat.

"I understand, Master Windu, however, we must act now while Maul's hold over Mandalore is not cemented," Obi-Wan said firmly. "If he is allowed to amass a Mandalorian army, he could then see his numbers swell in time, not just from Mandalorian warriors, but those who wish to take up arms against the Republic and the Jedi Order." Many Jedi Masters voiced their agreement with Obi-Wan, while others voiced that they should see what Chancellor Palpatine wanted to do about this current dilemma, however, Master Yoda had the final say in the matter of this discussion.

With a sigh, Yoda voiced his thoughts. "Converge with Chancellor Palpatine, we shall," he then continued. "Uncertain his decision will be, however, find a way to bring Maul and his brother to justice, we shall."

"Yes master," Obi-Wan bowed his head taking his leave, Anakin was right behind him, and both men soon found themselves back in the elevator that led down to the temple grounds.

Despite respecting the wishes of the masters, Obi-Wan believed that they weren't taking this threat as seriously as they should. Yes, the threat of Count Dooku and the Separatists was still present, however, Maul and his faction had become a third party in the intergalactic war, and if the head of this serpent wasn't cut off quick enough, it could perhaps devour the entire galaxy until all that remained was death and destruction.

"Well, that went well," Anakin then turned to Obi-Wan with a curious tilt of his head. "Just in case the chancellor does authorize us to go after Maul, I'd like to be ready. But what about you?"

Turning to his old friend, Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. "Speak to the finest knights and masters of our order, inquire if they wish to aid us in bringing Maul and his brother to justice. And while you're at it, summon the best Clone units to Kamino and oversee war games to see how they perform," the Jedi Master gave a firm nod. "Oh, and please keep this to yourself, I would hate for you or Ahsoka to speak of this and word reached the Council—"

"Hey, you can count on me!" Anakin said in mock offense. "I know how much this means to you. I won't let you down." He said with a grin before running off to speak with the finest the Jedi had to offer.

While watching his little brother run off, Obi-Wan smiled. "You haven't let me down, Anakin, you never have," he then murmured softly. "May the Force be with you."

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and if you have suggestions on what to add to this story, don't be shy, leave some feedback! As always, thanks for tuning in, and I'll see you all in the next update!