Maul and Opress sauntered closer, flanked by Death Watch commandos. Maul raised his hand as an invisible fist closed around Obi-Wan's throat, lifting him in the air. He flew forward into Maul's outstretched hand.

Obi-Wan's lightsaber clattered to the ground by Satine's feet. "We meet again, Kenobi," Maul purred. Obi-Wan dug his fingers into Maul's hands, but to no avail. "Welcome to my world."

Where was Anakin? Why wasn't he with the ship? Had he gone to meet them at the detention center?

Maul tossed Obi-Wan to two Death Watch commandos as Opress tossed Satine's limp body over his shoulder.

Satine regained consciousness with a gasp. She immediately slammed her fists down on Opress' chest, her legs flailing behind her. "Unhand me, you monster!"

Opress growled. His grip on her waist tightened. Satine gasped.

"Satine, don't," Obi-Wan urged quietly. She stiffened, but ceased struggling.

Behind him, Maul chuckled and Obi-Wan clenched his jaw. His top priority must be their survival. He only needed for Satine to stifle her indignant speeches until after Anakin turned up.

Opress growled at the sight that greeted them as they entered the palace. Anakin lounged on the dais steps, indolently twirling his deactivated lightsaber. "I was beginning to think you weren't coming," Anakin remarked. Obi-Wan didn't know how Anakin had come to be in the palace, but at that moment, he didn't care.

Obi-Wan hitched a shoulder. "I couldn't make it too easy. You know how it is."

Anakin nodded solemnly.

Maul regarded Anakin thoughtfully. "Kenobi's apprentice. How quaint."

Anakin cheerfully supplied his own name with one last twirl of his lightsaber. "I couldn't let Master Obi-Wan have all the fun. And besides, someone has to make sure you stay dead this time."

Maul smirked and Obi-Wan's gut clenched. "Perhaps you will provide an adequate challenge for my own apprentice, unlike Kenobi's prior companion," Maul taunted.

Anakin's smile turned deadly. He uncoiled himself from the floor.

Obi-Wan did not care one bit for Maul's intense focus on Anakin. "Is this what you brought us here for? To talk us to death?"

Maul's eyes snapped to Obi-Wan. "I have no intention of killing you, Master Jedi. But I will make you share my pain." He spread his arms wide. "And here before me, two perfect tools for my vengeance: your apprentice and your beloved."

Obi-Wan recoiled internally, but he made a show of rolling his eyes. "Listening to you ramble is pain enough, I assure you."

Maul cocked his head. "Your beloved," he murmured thoughtfully. "I do wonder." Maul raised a fist and Opress dumped Satine to the floor, though he drew no blade.

"The love of a good man is a gift, though I am sure the concept of love is quite foreign to a monster like you," Satine snapped, "But, really, you only have yourself to blame." Obi-Wan blinked at her words. Rather than verify Maul's suspicion and potentially lessen his focus, she solidified the target on her back. Why?

Maul and Opress snarled at Satine. She lifted her chin in defiance. "Bold words, Duchess," Maul purred.

"You never told me how much he talked," Anakin said loudly to Obi-Wan. "Does he ever shut up?"

"I'm afraid not," Obi-Wan replied. Anything to draw those predatory eyes away from Satine.

"I'm done talking." Blue erupted from Anakin's saber.

Satine gasped when Maul and Opress launched themselves, crimson blades swinging, at Obi-Wan and Anakin. Satine gathered her skirts and ran towards the door, yelling over her shoulder, "I will get help! Don't let them win!"

Anakin dominated Opress. "I thought you said he was tough," Anakin said, grinning. The taunt landed and Opress charged forward with a mighty roar. Anakin jumped high over Opress, bringing his saber down behind him as he landed.

Opress' body collapsed on the ground, severed straight down the middle from head to groin. Eerie green wisps rose from his corpse.

A terrible scream burst from Maul. The windows shattered and the earth shook. Maul had been dangerous before, but fueled by the rage and pain of his brother's death, Obi-Wan feared how unhinged he may become.

Satine burst into the throne room backed by a squad of armored Mandalorians. Maul swiveled and his shaking body stilled. The cool calm that settled over Maul terrified Obi-Wan more than Maul's murderous rage.

"Satine, get out of here!" Obi-Wan shouted.

Maul's hand shot out and two things happened simultaneously: the armored Mandalorians were shoved and locked out of the room and Satine was lifted off the ground. She clutched at her throat, struggling to breathe. Maul swiped at Obi-Wan and Anakin, sending them sprawling with a powerful Force shove. Obi-Wan's head cracked against the tile. He sat up seeing stars, but he heard Maul's voice clearly.

"You should have chosen the dark side, Master Jedi."

"Don't listen to him, my lov-" Satine's voice cut out.

Obi-Wan struggled to his feet, but Maul kept them all in his grasp. "You may kill me, but you'll never destroy me. It takes strength to resist the Dark Side. Only the weak embrace it."

"And yet," Maul tilted his head with a feline smile. "I have you and the two people you love the most entirely at my mercy."

Obi-Wan clenched his jaw. His eyes locked with Satine's. Grim resignation stared back at him. He refused to accept it. Refused to accept that another light would die because of him. He struggled against Maul's invisible vice grip.

"You have taken everything from me. Everything. I never planned on killing you. But I will make you share my pain, Kenobi. And then I will not rest until Skywalker rues the day he was born."

Maul's grasp evaporated. Obi-Wan charged forward, Anakin shooting upwards in a powerful jump. But, fast as they were, Maul's blade was faster. Maul jerked Satine forward, impaling her on his blade in one fell swoop.

"Satine!"

Maul stepped away from her body, cackling. Obi-Wan cradled her limp body while Anakin engaged Maul in fierce combat.

Satine lifted a trembling hand to Obi-Wan's face. "Love her, as I always loved you. Be…happy…"

And with one last shuddering breath, Mandalore's last hope for peace died.

Obi-Wan gently laid Satine on the floor. He closed his eyes, trusting Anakin to keep him safe while he brought his anger, grief, and pain into submission.
Obi-Wan rose and ignited his lightsaber. This was the end. No more. Obi-Wan ran headlong into the fray.

Blow after blow, Obi-Wan and Anakin clashed with Maul. Sweat drenched Obi-Wan's undertunic. Even Maul began to flag.

"You will never defeat me," Maul snarled.

"They always say that right before they're defeated," Anakin snarked.

Maul jumped to avoid Anakin's downward slash. Obi-Wan lashed out with a quick punch. Maul stumbled backwards, only to catch on the dais steps. Obi-Wan and Anakin seized the opportunity without hesitation. Anakin's slash severed Maul's lower legs. Obi-Wan swung his blade one last time.

Maul's head rolled down the dais steps.

Obi-Wan and Anakin panted for breath.

Outside the palace doors, they heard battle raging closer. "We have to get out of here," Anakin murmured. He followed Obi-Wan's gaze to Satine's body.

"She deserves a proper burial. Not to be left lying here."

The palace doors flew open.

"Is it over?" The leader, a woman in an intricately painted helmet, asked. "Is Maul dead?"

"The Sith are dead," Obi-Wan confirmed wearily. "But-"

"Satine," the woman gasped softly. She rushed to Satine's side and slowly removed her helmet. "Sister…."

Pain sliced his heart anew. Obi-Wan bowed his head. "I am so very sorry."

Bo-Katan pulled Satine into her arms and touched their foreheads together. For a moment, mournful silence filled the air.

When Bo-Katan stood, no trace of grief shone on her face. "Go," she said. "Tell the Republic that Mandalore is free. We will see to the dead."

Anakin cleared his throat. "No offense, but I'm not leaving until I see the Sith burned to ash. They have a tendency to not be dead when you think they are."

Bo-Katan inclined her head. One of her men stepped forward. Flames shot from his bracer, enveloping the Sith corpses. Obi-Wan stared long and hard at the burning corpses, commiting the sight to memory. Flesh and clothing disintegrated into a noxious odor. Obi-Wan welcomed the stench - welcomed the clear evidence of their deaths.

Anakin smiled grimly. "Perfect. C'mon, Obi-Wan. I have a feeling we are needed on Coruscant."

Obi-Wan balked. He didn't want to leave - not until their bodies were nothing but dust and scorch marks. Not until he saw one of his oldest friends receive the burial she deserved.

"Master…" Anakin implored softly.

Obi-Wan tore his eyes from Satine's once-smiling face. He nodded to Anakin.

Obi-Wan walked out of the palace with his head held high. Perhaps if he pretended well enough, he could ignore the guilt beginning to eat him alive.

0

Obi-Wan meditated for a long while in his bunk. Anakin kindly - wisely - gave him space. But Obi-Wan knew when he opened his eyes that they would soon be arriving at Coruscant.

Obi-Wan scrubbed his face and made his way to the cockpit. Anakin nodded in greeting. Obi-Wan appreciated his silence.

"It should have been Adrina," Obi-Wan whispered brokenly. It was not an accusation, but a horrible realization. "Satine knew. She died lying, to protect Adrina."

"No," Anakin murmured. "To protect you. She knew she was going to die, so she gave you the last gift she could, to keep Maul from discovering your true feelings."

Obi-Wan scrubbed his face. Tears streamed freely. "I'm glad it was her. I'm glad she died instead of Addy. I'm a monster for even thinking that."

"No," Anakin stated firmly. "It makes you human. And I know what you're thinking, but Satine's death is not your fault. It's Maul's. You've done your duty, every step of the way."

Obi-Wan clenched his jaw. Maybe that was the problem. Maybe, if he hadn't been constrained by the Council, he could have stopped Maul after Florrum, before he had a chance to find the Death Watch, before he had a chance to target Satine as a tool for his revenge. But, like the good Jedi he was, he obeyed the Council above his own good sense. And now Satine was dead.

But what if he hadn't answered Satine's message? What if he had obeyed the Council and left Mandalore to its suffering? Without Obi-Wan to torment, Satine would be alive. Mandalore would be in ruins under Maul's rule, but Satine would live. Yet though she may live, how many would die while Maul ruled?

Obi-Wan massaged his temples. He sighed. He was tired. So tired. Tired of fighting. Tired of suffering. Tired of good people dying, no matter the decision he made. Tired of life. There has been so much bloodshed - far too much bloodshed - and for what? Despite recent victories, the war was no closer to ending than it was a year ago. The dead haunted his dreams and countless more stood poised to join his nightmares.

"If I ignored the Council's order to ignore Maul, things would be different. If we had our men with us, things would be different."

Anakin frowned. "Maybe. But you can't know for sure. You aren't all-knowing."

Anakin was right, but… "More and more, I find myself at odds with the Council," Obi-Wan admitted. "I am beginning to understand Master Qui-Gon's frustrations with the Council." He sighed. "We are not what we once were. We are not what we say we strive for. What we should be. What I wish for us to be. Sometimes I wonder…" I wonder if the institution to which I have devoted my life exists anymore, or if I am serving a phantom of my own imagination.

"No," Anakin agreed quietly.

Obi-Wan scrubbed his face. Angry. And tired. So very, very tired.

0

They spent the rest of the journey in silence, which suited Obi-Wan perfectly. But when Anakin insisted Obi-Wan join him and Padmé for lunch when they reached Coruscant, Obi-Wan succumbed to the hopeful sparkle in Anakin's eyes.

Padmé Amidala greeted her husband with a broad smile and enveloping hug. She stretched up on her toes, welcoming Anakin's deep kiss. Obi-Wan averted his eyes. His chest tightened.

"It is good to see you again, Obi-Wan," Padmé murmured. "Please, come. Lunch is prepared." She sent Anakin a questioning look Obi-Wan knew he was not meant to see. Anakin subtly shook his head and Padmé rolled her eyes in response. Such a brief, simple exchange, yet so easy. What comfort such a relationship must bring to Anakin. Obi-Wan rejoiced for his friends and squashed his jealousy.

Padmé led them through to the table, laden with food. Delicious aromas wafted up from each plate, but Obi-Wan found no joy in them. "You are too kind," Obi-Wan said as he sat. He wasn't hungry - hadn't been hungry since he left for Mandalore - but he dished small portions on his plate, lest he appear rude.

Anakin cleared his throat. "So, Obi-Wan, Padmé and I have some news."

Obi-Wan laid his fork down. He steeled his spine for more bad news.

"I'm pregnant." Padmé and Anakin beamed at each other. He reached across the table and squeezed her hand.

Obi-Wan's mouth fell open.

"Twins," Padmé continued. "Healthy. We all are." She glared teasingly at Anakin. "He was supposed to tell you ages ago."

Anakin held his hands up. "In my defense, you didn't even tell me until recently. Besides, he's been rather busy chasing down a crazy Sith Lord and I've been out winning battles."

"I suppose I can forgive you, then." Padmé's eyes sparkled with love and mirth.

Anakin winked at Padmé then turned with a more serious expression to Obi-Wan. "I know this isn't….the best time, but I couldn't stand to keep it a secret any longer. It'll be public knowledge soon. And maybe you need some good news for a change."

"Yes, I do. Congratulations," Obi-Wan said, genuinely pleased for his friends.

Anakin rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks. We're excited. Terrified, but excited." A shadow passed over Anakin's face, but he chased it with a smile. "Adrina knows, but we haven't told anyone but the two of you."

Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "How far along, if I may ask?"

"Twenty seven weeks and five days. She's done her best to hide it, but those babies are growing fast."

Obi-Wan smiled. "You will be spectacular parents."

"How could we not be?" But Obi-Wan heard the anxiety under his confidence.

Obi-Wan pushed his jealousy aside and focused on the joy of new life, that marvelously bright light, being brought into the world in the midst of dark pain. "I'm very happy for you both."

0

Satine was dead. Dead because of him. No, a voice suspiciously like Adrina's said sharply. Because of a madman's vendetta.

Obi-Wan scrubbed his face and leaned back against the sumptuous leather of Padmé Amidala's personal speeder. "Thank you," Obi-Wan murmured to the aide. He exited the speeder. Heavy feet carried him past droids, soldiers, and Temple workers, but Obi-Wan saw none of them. All he knew was pain and noise.

Through the dark haze of grief and guilt, one light shone as bright as the Tatooine twin suns. Obi-Wan's throat constricted and his smile wobbled, but Adrina was there.

"You're alive," she breathed, rooted too many feet away.

Obi-Wan managed a nod.

"Anakin?"

"With his wife. Unharmed."

Adrina's hands disappeared behind her. Moisture glistened in her eyes, but she nodded brusquely and merely said, "Good."

Were it not for the bustle of workers around them, Obi-Wan would have doomed them both and swept her into his arms. But why couldn't he? Why must it be doom? Why couldn't he relish the love of this incredible woman who loved him, with all his flaws and mistakes? Why couldn't he show his heart to the galaxy?

The Code. A creed to which fewer and fewer Jedi seemed to adhere. So why should he?

But he couldn't walk away. He believed in the Code. He couldn't give up on it, not yet, no matter the pain it brought.

"Satine is dead."

Adrina's hand flew to her mouth. "So it was Maul, then?"

Obi-Wan nodded grimly. He nodded a greeting to a passing soldier and regretted that the public meeting prohibited a more detailed conversation with Adrina. Later, he reminded himself, there would be time.

"But the Sith brothers will trouble the Republic no more."

"Healer Skywalker! Good, good." Tutso Mara, a Miralian Jedi Knight, jogged over to her. "Thank you for answering my call so swiftly."

Adrina glanced apologetically at Obi-Wan before giving Mara her full attention. "Of course. How can I help?"

"It's my friend," Mara explained. "Jackar - Jackar Bowmani. He's part of the maintenance crew. He came to work feeling poorly. He's never been sick, not even a sniffle, not in the sixteen years I have known him. I would send him home, but he refuses to leave. I was hoping you could lend your persuasive abilities to the cause?"

Obi-Wan nearly smiled.

Adrina, chuckling, voiced Obi-Wan's thoughts. "Bully him, you mean. I would be happy to do so. Goodness knows this place is filled with men too stubborn for their own good."

Mara laughed boisterously. "Too true. He's over here. Follow me."

Adrina leaned closer to Obi-Wan as she passed him. "Our spot, tonight?"

Our spot. His chest squeezed, but he nodded. Adrina's hand brushed his sleeve. He watched her follow Mara, more conflicted than ever. If I knew you would leave the Order with no regrets and a clear conscience, I would renounce my own oath.

But love her as he did, desire her as he did… as disillusioned as he was becoming…. He would still have regrets.

And he hated himself for it.

So Obi-Wan forced himself to look away. Forced himself to continue on. The Council, no doubt, would have strong words for him and he would rather get that conversation over with sooner rather than later.

Obi-Wan's shoulders grew heavier with each step away from Adrina, but he forced himself to leave the hangar.

Tonight. I will see her tonight.

A violent explosion threw Obi-Wan out of the hangar. The blast doors slammed shut, nearly catching Obi-Wan in their vice. He whirled to find smoke billowing from the hangar. "Adrina!" Obi-Wan bellowed his beloved's name. Obi-Wan overrode security protocols, allowing the blast doors to partially open, and he ran headlong into the inferno.

Flaming debris, smoke, and screams filled the hangar. Jets of water fell from the ceiling, though it hardly seemed to combat the fire. Smoke stung Obi-Wan's eyes. He squinted into the haze and allowed the Force to guide him through the chaos.

There. Prone and unmoving, surrounded by bodies and fire, lay Adrina. Obi-Wan fell to his knees, ensnared in his own personal nightmare. "Addy!" He shrieked her name, violently stamping out the flames licking at her skirts. "Addy! Addy!" He hauled her into his arms. He touched her bloody cheek. Lacerations and burns marred her exposed skin and flames left her clothing burnt and mottled. "Addy! Don't you do this. Don't you dare do this! Don't you dare leave me!"

But her eyes never opened and her lungs did not take breath.

Obi-Wan cradled her still body and sobbed.