Darth Trator, otherwise known as Dirae Hoth of the planet Iridonia, was carefully climbing up the steep rockface of the cliff. She was determined to find the remains of her one-time lover and better, Darth Maul. Her master, Darth Sidious, knew nothing of this endeavor and she preferred to keep it that way. She had left under the pretense of seeking a few Jedi to slaughter, something that pleased Sidious greatly. He was busy with the Senate anyway, she thought to herself as she hauled her body over the lip of the waterfall tunnel and crouched on the damp floor. She wound up her cord and tucked it back onto her belt. Her purple-bladed lightsaber hung from her hip on her right, ready for anything that might prevent her from her succeeding in her mission.

The tunnel was long, stretching as far back as Dirae could see. She stood, glanced out of the tunnel, then started up it. She estimated that this tunnel would eventually lead to the power core generator where Maul’s last battle had been waged. She winced inwardly upon thinking of his last moments of glory. That bastard Obi-Wan Kenobi had found the strength to kill her precious Sith Lord in the name of his own fallen master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Her teeth ground against the other whenever she thought about Kenobi. He’d get his eventually, she thought. Right now all that mattered was finding Maul and finding a way to bring him back to the living. Dirae knew this would be no mean feat but was prepared for anything.

Several moments later, Dirae came upon the opening of the drainage tunnel. She tossed her cord up to the lip of the opening and climbed up it quickly. The climb was easy and short. She leapt up onto the shiny floor of the core and glanced around for any guards. None in sight. Smirking, she replaced her cord and withdrew her lightsaber, just in case. Carefully, she stalked her way to the damaged generator core. He was down there; she could feel it. Impulsively, her hand went to her middle. Since his “revenge” she’d found herself mindlinked to him and had felt his death. It had been very terrifying and she had fled her chambers in search of Sidious. Breathlessly, she’d told him of his demise while trying to keep her tears in check. Sidious appeared to have known already and had dismissed her news. That made her anger simmer to a rolling boil. Her dislike for the Sith Master started on that night, making her train harder so one day, if she couldn’t bring Maul back, she could rise up and slay Sidious herself.

A familiar feeling in her gut broke her thoughts. She peered into the core and reached out with her Force. Yes. This was the one. Without a second thought, she leapt down the core. The descend was fast and the floor of the tunnel was quickly approaching. She landed neatly from the fall and looked around. There. In a darkened corner. She rushed to the area and collapsed before the severed halves of her beloved Maul. His damaged lightsaber was some feet away from his lower half; his torso was facedown, arms on either side of the body. Dirae gently rolled his torso onto its back and gazed at the silent face of Maul. His eyes were closed, his lips shut as well. Choking back a whimper, she caressed his face gently. His skin was cold to the touch but she ignored it. Soon, if she could do it, he would be warm again.

She used her Force to bring his lower half closer to his torso and carefully aligned the two parts. Then, she closed her eyes, held her hands over his midsection, and poured her very essence into him. Sweat trickled down her brow as she concentrated harder than she’d ever done before. Hot waves of power washed over her and Maul, surrounding his middle in a deep purple glow. A low, sickly sound emitted from the wound as the skin began joining together, the internal organs melding and healing as well. Dirae bit her lower lip hard enough to draw blood, tired but encouraged by the sound of his rejoining.

She continued pouring her Force into him, not realizing his eyes had opened and he was looking around in confusion. He spied Dirae kneeling beside him, her hands over his middle, eyes tightly shut against the effort. He moved his lips and choked out a hoarse, “Dirae.”

Dirae opened her eyes and gasped. He was alive! She’d done it! Relief washed over her body as she toppled over onto his chest, exhausted. Maul raised his head to look at her curiously and asked, “Why’re you here?”

Dirae turned her head to look at him and smiled faintly. “I had to bring you back, Lord Maul. I could think of nothing else,” she confessed. Maul blinked slowly. Someone cared for him? The very thought made him start. No one save his family had cared about him. He tentively lifted one shaky hand and laid it on Dirae’s back. Dirae closed her eyes and sighed heavily.

“Does my master know you are here?” Maul asked after a long silence. Dirae shook her head.

“He knows nothing of this, my lord. I left without his consent,” she replied softly. “I know what would happen if we both returned to him. He’d have us duel and I can’t do that.”

“It is the way of the Sith, Dirae. Only two can exist at one time. Your bringing me back complicates things,” Maul told her. It sounded like a reprimand but was spoken without anger. Dirae raised her head to look him in the eyes.

“I hate Sidious. He didn’t care about your death in the slightest. He saw you as a mere pawn in his political game. I became his apprentice after you died. It hasn’t been very long but I have trained well. Well enough to be able to bring you back, my lord.”

Maul sighed and closed his eyes in defeat. Yes, this would definately complicate things. He was still very loyal to Sidious despite Dirae’s words. However, he knew she wouldn’t have been able to fight him after bringing him back. Had he known his act of revenge would result in her complete loyalty to him he would’ve found a different method. Yet....yet, somewhere deep inside of himself, he wanted her to be loyal to him. Only to him. A wave of possessiveness swept through him and he tightened his hold on her. Dirae started slightly, her eyes displaying her surprise.

“Dirae,” he began firmly, “in doing this, you have joined us for life. I claim you now; you will always belong to me and no one else. Swear you’ll never sway from me, never leave me, never become loyal to anyone else. Sidious is no longer your master. I am.”

“I swear it, my lord. I will be forever loyal to you and our mission to wipe out the Jedi,” Dirae vowed. Maul grunted and sat up slowly. Dirae helped him lean against the wall of the core shaft. He turned his yellow gaze to meet her green eyes and pressed a hand against her cheek. Dirae found herself smiling at him, tears swelling in her eyes. He seemed to care for her, even if it was a possessive kind of caring.

Maul found himself wanting to be close to Dirae. The very idea shocked him. Unconsciously, he pulled her towards him and held her against his chest, one hand at the base of her neck and the other resting on her lower back. Dirae gasped slightly then relaxed in his embrace. Something had changed in him. She suspected it was because she had used her own Force, her very life essence, to bring him back. She had given him a part of herself and in so doing, shared her feelings for him.

They stayed like that in complete silence, both unsure of what to do or say. Maul’s fingers absently tickled the skin at her neck, his head bowed in her hair. Dirae rested her hands on his arm, feeling the strong muscles beneathe his tunic. Flashes of their passionate night flitted through her mind, making her blush hotly. She had felt the power of him then. It had seduced her even more than when she’d first met him. It seduced her now. But this was not the time nor the place. Reluctantly, she moved away from him and stood.

“We must go, my lord. My ship is cloaked near the edge of the forests. We can leave immediately,” she said, holding her hand out to him. Maul accepted it and hauled himself up. His steps were shaky so Dirae draped one of his arms over her shoulder and helped him to the end of the tunnel.

* * * *

Dirae left Maul resting in the medical facualty of her ship, Maul I, and went back into the cockpit to think. She knew they couldn’t return to Sidious on Coruscant; he would force them to fight. With Maul as her master now she had to follow his orders without question. He was too weak to give any orders so she decided to take things into her own hands. They would avoid Sidious for as long as possible and hide out somewhere. But where? Her thoughts raced for an answer. Coruscant was out of the question. Tatooine was too hot and sparsely populated as well. Dagobah was too swampy and unpleasant for her tastes. Hoth was too cold, Endor too forested. Suddenly, an idea came to her mind. Quickly, she punched in the correct coordinates and set the ship on autopilot. Yes, this was the perfect place for them.

Inside the medical ward, Maul was hooked up to an assortment of life monitoring machines. The medical droid, TO-1, fussed over him, repairing this, mending that. Maul was sedated and completely unaware of what was happening to him. Teeoh-One carefully lifted his tunic to inspect the fresh scar around Maul’s midsection. It was the only evidence of his revival. Satisfied, Teeoh-One replaced the tunic and busied itself with other things.

The doors of the ward swished open to reveal Dirae. She’d changed from her field clothes to a simple robe tied at the waist. She nodded to the droid and approached the bed. She glanced at the monitors above his head then back at him. Carefully, she brushed a hand over his horns, her palm grazing them gently. His eyelids twitched then opened. He stared at her sleepily. She offered him a smile and withdrew her hand.

“How’re you feeling, my lord?” she asked quietly. Maul blinked back sleep.

“Drugged. How long have I been out?” he asked groggily.

“Two days. I’ve kept you sedated so you can heal properly. I’m taking us somewhere away from Sidious. In a few days we’ll arrive and you can finish your recovery there,” she explained, gently stroking his hand.

“Where’re we going?” he asked after a moment.

“Home,” was all Dirae would say at this time. Maul groaned softly and closed his eyes again, the sedatives clouding his judgement and perception once more. Dirae placed a soft kiss to the back of his hand and stroked his forehead gently.

“Sleep, my lord, and recover. You’ll need your strength for the days ahead,” she whispered softly. He mumbled something in his sleep then was silent. Dirae stood watching him for a few moments, pondering how he’d take the idea of them returning to their home planet of Iridonia. It had been the only place she could think of at the time. If anything, they’d be in familiar territory as opposed to unfamiliar. They could easily hide out there and not be detected by Sidious. She bent over and kissed his forehead then left the ward, nodding again at Teeoh-One before exiting. The droid mimicked the gesture then turned to Maul.

* * * *

Coruscant, nightfall:

“He looked very different yet familiar to me, Master Yoda. Like I’d seen his race before somewhere,” Obi-Wan Kenobi explained to the wizened yet wise green figure seated before him. “He never spoke, only moved with the grace of a predator. I’m ashamed to say it was my anger that enabled me to defeat him.”

Yoda eyed the youth before him. “Your anger, justified it was. Consume you it did not. Sith you faced, familiar he was. How?”

“To be honest, he reminded me of Master Eeth,” Obi-Wan confessed. Yoda hmm’d thoughtfully then turned his green gaze to rest on the Zabrakian Jedi Master, Eeth Koth. Eeth returned the look calmly.

“Know of this Sith do you, Master Eeth?” Yoda asked the patient Jedi Master. Eeth shook his head.

“I’m afraid not, Master Yoda. He must have been after I left Iridonia to become a Jedi Knight,” he replied in his serene voice. Yoda looked back to Obi-Wan.

“Done well you have, Master Kenobi. Go now you will, to train young Skywalker,” he said. Obi-Wan bowed his head in respect to the masters and left the chambers.

“It is possible the Sith was Zabrakian,” Eeth remarked after Obi-Wan had left. “If he was, his mind powers had to have been very great. It was very fortunate for young Obi-Wan to have defeated him. He would’ve surely been lost otherwise.”

“He can’t bring himself back, can he?” Mace Windu asked Eeth. Eeth thought for a moment, his brown eyes closed in concentration.

“No. Only another could do that and I don’t think there was another to do this,” Eeth said after a moment. “His master, also being Sith, would not have cared to bring him back. He could always find another to train.”

“Let’s just hope he doesn’t do this any time soon. I sense a very troubled furture ahead of us,” Mace said, looking at the masters in turn. They all exchanged looks and whispered words.

“Worry this we will not,” Yoda said when the whispers had quieted down some. “The Force is with us. Show us the way it will.”

Each of the masters nodded and mumured agreement with Yoda’s wisdom. The Sith Lord was dead and it would take the master time to find and train another.

* * * *

“So, she’s gone against my wishes, has she?” Sidious muttered to himself as he stood before his chamber windows. “I will have her head for this. Insolence will not be tolerated.” The Sith Master cackled slightly. He would have his own form of revenge soon. He simply had to find her.

* * * *

Dirae sat in the pilot’s chair staring out into the vastness of space when she heard the doors slide open. She turned to find Teeoh-One standing there.

“Yes, what is it?” she asked the droid. Teeoh-One inclined his head and spoke.

“Master Maul wishes to see you, Mistress Dirae,” he replied politely. “He is fully alert and off the sedatives you perscribed.”

“I’ll be there in a moment.”

The droid nodded and left the cockpit. Dirae let out a long sigh. Undoubtedly, Maul would want to know what she had meant by “home” earlier. Explaining things to him wasn’t going to be easy. Dirae stood, adjusted her tunic out of habit, then left for the medical ward.

She found Maul sitting up in bed, his shirt off. She had to draw in her breath upon seeing his bare chest in the light and how the muscles seemed to flex on their own beneathe his black skin. Amazing how he’d have black skin when every other Zabrakian she knew had tan or pale flesh. She pressed her hand to her bosom and walked into the ward.

“Dirae, what did you mean by home before?” he asked almost immediately. “You know we can’t return to Coruscant yet.” Dirae sighed in relief inwardly. He hadn’t suspected Iridonia.

“We’re not returning to Coruscant, my lord. We’re going back to Iridonia. It was the only place I could think of where Sidious wouldn’t try to look,” she explained, sitting on the edge of the bed. Maul smirked slightly and turned his head away from her. She waited.

“I don’t particually enjoy the idea of going back there, Dirae,” he told her, his voice tight with emotion. “However, if it was the last place you could think of we’ll have to make do with that,” he added.

Dirae nodded even though his gaze was averted. She bowed her head and stared at her hands folded in her lap. Maul glanced at her, noticed how insecure she looked, and impulsively took her hand in his. She looked up at him. The faintest of smiles curved his painted lips as he stroked his thumb over the top of her hand.

“Everything will be fine,” he assured her gently, more gently than he’d ever spoken before. It surprised even himself, as well as Dirae. Yes, something was changing in him and he was beginning to...enjoy it. It felt like the same surge of power he’d experienced after using his abilities to the fullest. It was over-encompassing, seductive, and hard to deny. It was also the same feeling he’d had before taking Dirae as his own. It struck him now.

“Come here,” he instructed, gesturing for Dirae to move closer. She did so, unsure of what he had in mind. He placed his hands on her upper arms and pulled her to him, their faces inches apart. Dirae’s breath quickened when she read the look in his yellow eyes. It was there again. The same passionate possessive need. Maul inclined his head slightly, his eyes half-open as he moved closer to her lips. Dirae started when he kissed her, but the kiss wasn’t one of lust, but of...love? Her mind raced even as she responded in kind. He tightened his hold around her as the kiss resumed, quickening until they were both breathless.

“You brought me back from oblivion, Dirae. I am yours as you are mine,” he told her huskily. His hands cupped her face as he kissed her again and again. It felt good to him to have someone there with him. No one, especially a female, had paid him any mind when he was younger. He thought after becoming a Sith Lord he could never care for anyone else nor have anyone care for him. He had been wrong.

“Maul,” Dirae murmured between kisses. He drew away from her, his eyes glazed over with passion. “You’re still recovering, we shouldn’t yet. It would only exhaust you.” Her excuses were feeble and she knew it. Maul gave her a small smile and pulled her closer again. He simply held her to him, savoring the feel of her body against his. She wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled her head onto his shoulder. Things were changing between them and changing quickly. It didn’t phase her in the slightest, only cheered her. She had longed to be this close to him and now that she was, she wasn’t about to let go.

* * * *

“We’re nearing Iridonia, my lord,” Dirae announced a day later. Maul, who was seated beside her in the co-pilot’s chair, peered at the viewscreen displaying the image of their home planet. Iridonia wasn’t a very large planet but it served its people well. Harsh landscapes, lush forests, the planet was a grab bag of climates. Maul had grown up on the desert side of the planet; he wasn’t sure about Dirae.

“Where are we landing?” he asked. Dirae tapped at the panel before her then answered.

“On the edge of the desert but close to the forested areas so we won’t be without water reserves. Unless you could suggest otherwise..?” She looked to him, waiting. Maul pondered then shrugged, waving a hand.

“That area’s fine. How long till we land?”

“According to the read-out..fifteen minutes at best. I’ll just shift to autopilot and we can go eat in the galley. The cloaking device is set to activate the moment we touch ground. I kept your Speeder; it’s in the docking bay of the ship. I thought you might be needing it.”

Maul’s lips curved into an amused smile. “A cloaking device, docking bay, and you kept my Speeder. If I didn’t know any better I’d say your ship was designed after my own. Speaking of which, where is my Infiltrator?”

“Sidious has it. I wanted to be able to use it for my own missions but he decided to give me my own ship. It has more to it than the Infiltrator; including a medical ward, sleeping chambers, galley, prison holding, docking bay, and a large droid storage compartment near the rear of the ship. Why he gave me such a classy ship I’ll never know,” Dirae told him. Maul’s brow raised in surprise. Sidious must’ve been feeling quite generous when he’d given her this vessel, he thought.

“And how did he come about having so much money to pay for this large of a transport?” Maul asked curiously.

“He was elected Supreme Chancellor of the Senate shortly after your death. No doubt he’s locked in some heated argument about the government,” Dirae explained, smirking at the end of her sentence.

“He did have ambitions to gain higher power in the Senate, even when he was only a Senator. I remember him telling me about his plans when I first trained under him,” Maul said. “I never thought it would come about this quickly.”

“Blame the foolish and naive Naboo queen. He manipulated her into giving a vote of no confidence to Valorum during her case. She still believes Sidious is her ally and not her enemy. All of the idiots on the Senate do as well. He’s fooling a great deal of people and enjoying every minute of it,” Dirae said.

“My master was always a very shrewd man of his race,” Maul said almost proudly. His respect for his former master was still apparent despite their current relationship with Sidious. Dirae suspected it wouldn’t fade away quickly just because he was her master now. It would take time for that respect for Sidious to disappear. She could wait.

“We’re coming upon the planet. Brace for impact,” Dirae said, changing the subject as she read the display on the viewscreen. Maul strapped himself in and leaned back. Dirae did likewise. The ship’s hull fired up as they entered the atmosphere then cooled when they got past it. Thick clouds rushed forward as they continued their descent onto the planet. Soon, overhead views of a forest and the sandy reddish hue of the desert could be seen on the viewport.

Maul gazed out at the landscape, remembering the last time he’d been there. He never thought he’d return to this place after becoming Sidious’ apprentice. Yet, somehow he knew one day he would.

The ship landed neatly and shifted to cloak mode quickly. Dirae unstrapped herself and left the cockpit. Maul followed her down the long corridors of the ship until they came upon the docking bay. A few small transports, including his Speeder, were docked along the walls. He approached his Speeder and a ran a gloved hand over the handlebars. He’d missed his transport and was darkly happy to see it still in one piece. Dirae went over to a covered object and removed the covering carefully. Maul blinked when the object was revealed to be a Speeder almost identical to his own. Dirae flashed him a smile and a wink.

“I liked the design so much I had one made for me. It’s a little different from yours, however. For one, the seat is wider than yours and the probe droid port holds more than one now. It wasn’t easy to perfect perfection, my lord, but I tried,” she said, her voice lowering towards the end of her words. Maul felt a rush of pride flow through him. She not only respected him, she idolized him. His ego swelled slightly at the idea. She was the ideal apprentice.

“It looks good, Dirae. It’s good that you have your own transport; my Speeder only carries one passenger,” Maul told her, a hint of humor in his voice. Dirae blushed despite herself and hid a smile behind her hand. She didn’t think Sith Lords could jest about anything. Apparently, she had been wrong.

“Are we going to remain in the ship the whole time we’re here or will we be making shelter out there?” Maul asked, gesturing to the closed bay doors with one hand. Dirae shrugged.

“It’s probably best if we stay out there. We don’t want to waste the ship’s power. I have the necessary supplies for creating a decent shelter; we can always improve upon it later,” she replied. Maul nodded once.

“Good. You have the droids to do it for us, correct?”

“Yes. I’ll send a troop of them right away,” Dirae assured him and left the docking bay. Maul turned his eyes back to his Speeder. He recalled the short duel he fought with Qui-Gon Jinn on Tatooine and smirked. That fool could’ve lasted a little bit longer, he thought as his hands gripped the hull of the Speeder. Shame he couldn’t have killed him then and there.

With a grunt, Maul turned and followed where Dirae had gone.

* * * *

“Iridonia, Chancellor? What’s there?” one of Palpatine’s represenitives asked him after he’d announced he was leaving Coruscant for awhile. Palpatine looked at the timid man.

“It’s personal business, Glasias. I’ll only be gone for a standard week or so,” Palpatine replied. Glasias bowed formally.

“I’ll see to it that your shuttle is prepared. Will you be taking anyone with you?”

“Just give me the protocol droid I ordered and have it boarded on the ship before I arrive. I’d prefer it if you merely said I was on a small vacation and not tell them where,” Palpatine said, his last sentence more of an order than a request. Glasias nodded quickly, eager to please his superior. Palpatine couldn’t help but recall another who had been eager to please him. He shut Maul from his mind and stood from his seat on the lush sofa in his chambers. Glasias straightened to attention.

“Have it ready in an hour. I have some things to pack before I leave,” Palpatine said, exiting the room before his flunky could answer.

* * * *

“The Senator is leaving?” Obi-Wan asked in surprise. Beside him, Anakin nodded. The boy was still quite young, barely thirteen, but fairly skilled in the usage of a lightsaber.

“That’s what I heard from everyone else around here,” he replied. “I wanted to contact Padme` and ask her if she knows anything about it.”

“I don’t see why she would, Anakin.”

“Palpatine is her representive, remember? I’m sure she gets word of his buisness somehow,” Anakin pointed out. Obi-Wan nodded, realizing the boy was right. But contacting the Queen of Naboo seemed a little out of the way. The Jedi rarely had anything to do with the Senate’s business so why should they even care what they did? However, Obi-Wan sensed Anakin’s second intention about calling the Queen: he simply wanted to speak to her again. He had to smile at that. Truly, the two did get along well despite the four year age gap.

“Very well, Anakin. We’ll see about setting up a holo message to her. But first, we must train further. You’re doing very well in your studies as a Padawan; we wouldn’t want to delay your learning,” he told the boy, who beamed.

“Yes, Master,” he replied, still smiling. Obi-Wan returned it and playfully ruffled his short hair. Anakin made a face then resumed smiling. At least one of them was happy.

* * * *

“This looks..decent,” Maul remarked dryly after the droids had finished constructing their shelter. He stood there with his arms crossed over his chest and smirk on his painted features. Dirae plucked a prickly plant from her cloak then looked up at the shelter.

“They’re only second-class droids, Maul. Come on, I’m sure it’s better inside,” she said and gestured for him to follow her. He sighed, rolling his eyes, then stalked after her. He had to admit it did look better inside than outside. Small furnishings lay scattered on the floor; chairs, tables, and a single long couch-like thing made up a large number of the space available. A side doorway led to a bedroom with two beds, cots really. But, yes, what else could one expect from second-class droids? Certainly not an expensive Coruscant suite in the sky.

“It’ll do. For now. I don’t expect to remain in hiding forever, Dirae,” Maul reminded her pointedly. Dirae nodded.

“Of course, my lord. You still need to gather your strength and hone your Force abilities more before we seek out Sidious,” she replied. Maul sighed again. He hated waiting.

“Fine. I suppose I’ll go do some of that now. I’ll be out in the forest for awhile. Come if you like or stay here,” he said, turning towards the doorway.

“Maul,” Dirae began, causing him to turn to look at her. “The incident on the ship..?”

“Don’t worry, Dirae. There’ll be a time we I can fully claim you once more,” he assured her. Dirae hid her blush by looking away. Maul frowned thoughtfully then reached out to turn her face towards him.

“Those aren’t real are they?” he asked in reference to the paint on her face. She shook her head.

“I didn’t have the time to have them put there permanently, my lord,” she confessed. “I was too eager to find and resurrect you.”

“Do you want to have markings on your face as well?” he asked next. She nodded.

“I feel closer to you in doing so,” she said honestly. “Although, I don’t think the red and black patterns suit me well, my lord.”

“No..they don’t. We’ll think of something. I like this however.” Maul traced a finger down the scar he’d given her during their first intimate encounter. Dirae had marked the scar with a streak of red the color of blood. “Keep it. We’ll work around the rest. Now, I’ll return later.” He left the shelter, leaving Dirae touching her scar tentively with two fingers. His affection was slow in coming at best, but it was better than nothing.

* * * *

Maul raced on swift feet through the dense foliage of the forest, ignoring the branches that snapped at his back in his wake. On occasion he forward-flipped many times through the dirt paths and shrubbery, again ignoring anything in his way. He just relished the feeling of moving freely again. The limited training halls on Coruscant didn’t suit his needs in the slightest so he took to racing down the corridors past a dozen baffled politicians. But here, in the wild, there were no stuffy politicians from other planets, no master telling him not to do something or to do something he didn’t wish to do. It was just him and the ground beneathe him. This suited him perfectly.

Behind him, in the trees, Dirae crouched low behind the leaves and watched him with wide, awe-inspired eyes. How quickly he recovers! she thought as Maul did a dozen flips and wide kicks below her. He paused only to discard his tunic, tossing it carelessly on the ground before returning to his workout. Dirae drew in a breath upon seeing him shirtless once again. Somehow, she doubted it would never cease to amaze her at how well-built he was. Just the movement of his muscled arms and the flexing of his shoulders made her feel warmer than usual. She absently plucked a wide leaf from a nearby branch and fanned her face. He was a fine specimen of her race despite his size. She, herself, wasn’t that tall compared to half of the other females on the planet. She was an inch or two below Maul which suited her just fine. She was sure it upped his ego a bit being able to look down at someone, especially a female.

“Come down from there, Dirae. I don’t expect my apprentice to be a spy, especially when her subject is her own master,” Maul’s voice broke into her thoughts. She winced inwardly and hopped out of the tree to land neatly beside him. She dropped to one knee, her head bowed in respect. Maul regarded her for a moment, pausing to read her previous thoughts. He smiled smugly to himself. Maybe it is time to take her again. he thought pleasantly. He reached down to direct Diare’s face to look into his.

“Come back to the shelter with me, Dirae. It’s time,” he told her quietly. Dirae blinked in confusion at first then her eyes widened slightly. I guess he’s feeling better! she thought inwardly, excited and frightened at the same time. Their first encounter had been heated and full of possessive lust; would this be any different? Perhaps it would. She stood obediently. Maul took her upper arm, but not harshly, and led her back to the shelter.

By this time, twilight had descended onto the planet, bathing everything in a warm glow. Various wildlife in the forest called their territorial rights before falling in silence. The lone cry of a flying creature soaring over the shelter was matched by a similiar cry of its mate far away. Inside the shelter, in the darkened bedchamber, Maul and Dirae were just beginning their own ritual of rights.

Dirae had forgotten how beautiful Maul was as she traced her fingers over the firm muscles on his chest. Sleek, ebony flesh heated at her touch, making her draw in a sharp breath. Maul’s hands drifted over her shoulders, drawing her tunic down around her arms. He, too, had forgotten how lovely she was. It struck him as odd how he’d feel this much for one being. Yet he loved every second of it, having someone to possess and control. Control was something he’d never had as a young boy, let alone under Sidious’ rule.

“Maul?” Dirae noticed his faraway look. He looked at her and smiled slightly. “You all right?”

“Of course. Now then, where were we?” he purred seductively, bowing his head to nip at her shoulder. Dirae’s eyes closed and her body relaxed in his embrace. He was exquisite! She linked her fingers behind his neck and held on to him as his lips trailed over her shoulder then up to her neck. His actions made her tilt her head backwards, allowing Maul to fully worship the skin exposed.

Soon, all clothing was removed and their hands roamed endlessly, seeking to find pleasure in the other’s body. Maul’s lips found Dirae’s in the darkness as his hands slid over her thighs, spreading them only slightly. Dirae responded almost savagely, teeth grazing his painted lips. He growled and bit her lower lip much like he had in their previous encounter. Dirae did the same, savoring the exotic taste of his blood once more. She paused for a moment when she felt him press against her. Wordlessly, she pulled him closer to her, allowing him entry into her body. Eagerly, he accepted, driving into her with a near-mindless lust. He raised her legs higher and rested them on his broad shoulders. Dirae threw her arms around his neck and pulled him even deeper. Maul bit down on his lip when he felt her grasp him. She’s strong everywhere, he thought delightfully.

“Maul..Maul..don’t stop..” Dirae panted between breaths, lifting herself up to sit in his lap. She lavished his face with kisses, stopping to kiss his well-shaped lips passionately. Maul wrapped his strong arms around her waist and allowed her to control the motions. Dirae did so with wild abandon until both were crying out from pleasure.

“Di..Dirae..!” Maul choked out before growling roughly as he reached his climax. Dirae raked her nails over his back, drawing even more blood. This only heightened Maul’s release. She moaned his name, elongating the syllables until her rush was over.

Maul blew out a breath and bowed his head against Dirae’s shoulder. Dirae held him to her, kissing his horns one by one. He shuddered at the touch and held her tightly. Sleepily, his hands roamed across her back and twined into her unbound brown hair. Her long bangs brushed his forehead as she bent forward to kiss his cheek. He raised his head and captured her mouth with his own in a heated kiss.

“That was....wonderful, my lord,” Dirae said breathlessly. “It was a deserved punishment.” A smile curved her lips, making Maul almost chuckle at her sarcastic humor.

“Did you expect anything less?” he teased lightly. Dirae shook her head quickly. Maul’s shoulder shook with silent laughter before finally building into the chuckle he’d tried to contain. The sound startled Dirae. He could laugh? Her brow furrowed thoughtfully. Yes, something was definately changing in him. And she hoped it was because of her.

* * * *

“I know nothing of Chancellor Palpatine leaving,” Queen Amidala, or Padme` to her close personal friends, said through the hologram being broadcasted in the center of the Jedi Council chamber. Obi-Wan frowned. Odd. He’d figured she would know at least something since Palpatine had been her representive for so long.

“In fact, we haven’t been in contact for quite some time,” she added. Anakin looked at his master, puzzlement clear on his young features. Obi-Wan took note of the glance but didn’t look back at Anakin. Instead, he stepped forward to bow to the queen.

“Thank you, Highness. Sorry if this interfered with any appointments you had to keep,” he told her respectfully. Anakin bowed as well, but not before casting a sly wink the queen’s way. Beneathe her white facepaint, Padme` felt herself blush. Even at his age, he was a charmer. It had been barely two or three years since their first meeting, making Anakin around twelve going on thirteen. Padme` herself was seventeen yet still looked as young as she had at fourteen.

“It was my pleasure, Obi-Wan. Please keep me updated if you hear anything about the Chancellor,” she said before the hologram faded out. Anakin looked back at Obi-Wan. This time, Obi-Wan returned the look. This had gained them nothing it seemed. No matter. The Chancellor’s affairs were his own to tend to. So far, he hadn’t called upon the Council for anything. Not that there was anything wrong in the galaxy at the moment of course.

“I guess we’ll just go back to our normal routine, eh, Master?” Anakin remarked somewhat dully. Obi-Wan nodded, ignoring the boy’s bored tone. Anakin smirked to himself. Something was obviously distracting his normally composed master.

* * * *

Palpatine’s ship docked in Theed’s docking bay barely an hour after the transmission between the queen and the Jedi. Palpatine and his blue-robed guards (some he’d allowed to come with him to maintain protocol) disembarked from the sleek vessel. Captain Panaka was there to greet them.

“Good afternoon, Chancellor. What brings you to the palace?” Panaka asked, bowing with respect as he did so. Palpatine nodded once, the ever-present snake smile on his face.

“I wish to speak with Queen Amidala. I have..need of her services,” he replied pleasantly. Panaka’s expression twitched slightly before resuming its original form. Services? Best not to question the will of the Chancellor.

“She’s in the throne room now, Chancellor. lease come with me.” Panaka led Palpatine and his troupe of guards out of the docking bay.

“I trust her highness is well?” Palpatine asked conversationally as they walked towards the throne room. Panaka nodded.

“Yes, quite well. She feels more at ease without the Federation hovering over the planet. Peace has reigned since their defeat. Her majesty would have it no other way.”

They reached the throne room doors and walked in. Amidala was seated in her high-backed throne, her gown elaborate as usual. She bestowed Palpatine a small smile, bowing her head in respect. Palpatine returned the gesture and sat down before her.

“What brings you to Naboo, Chancellor?” Amidala asked.

“A visit mostly. However, I do have need of your services, highness,” Palpatine said. Amidala raised one eyebrow in interest. Maybe she would have something to report to Obi-Wan and Anakin after all.

“I am at your service, Chancellor. Name your needs.”

“I need someone found and I was hoping you could offer a ship or two to help my chosen men,” he explained.

“Of course, Chancellor. We’ll give you our fastest ships to aid you in your mission,” Amidala replied graciously. “Will you be staying with us long?”

“I’m afraid not, highness. This is a very pressing matter of the Senate. I wish you well.” Palpatine rose, bowed, then left the throne room. When he was fully out of sight, Amidala turned to Panaka.

“Captain, prepare our fastest ships for the Chancellor. See that no mistakes are made,” she ordered. Panaka bowed and left. Amidala sat there thinking for a moment befoer she pressed a button her throne’s armrest. Seconds later, Obi-Wan’s face formed before her via hologram.

“Yes, highness?” he asked. He seemed very eager to hear what she had to say. Amidala smiled inwardly. The Jedi Knight was a handsome man, she had to admit. Shaking dangerous thoughts from her mind she put on her most regal face.

“The Chancellor has just requested Naboo’s services. He needs to locate someone and required our fastest ships. He’ll be leaving the planet come daybreak. If you know anything about the men he’s chosen, please contact me. I have an idea of what he’s planning,” she explained.

“Of course, highness. I will see to it right away,” Obi-Wan replied. Amidala nodded as the hologram blinked out. One wondered just who this Jedi served; the Council or her.

* * * *

Maul jolted up in bed, his eyes wide. Dirae stirred beside him and opened her eyes.

“What is it, Maul?” she asked sleepily. Maul wiped a hand over his face before answering.

“Sidious. Sidious is coming.”

“What? How could he know where we are?” she asked, confused. Maul turned to look at her.

“As his apprentice, it was unavoidable not to have a mindlink with him. He senses me and I’m sure he senses you as well. He’s a very powerful Sith. A ruthless one. I trust he’ll stop at nothing to find you. You’ve disobeyed him and he never took to that lightly. He can and will destroy you when he finds you.”

Dirae’s mouth opened but nothing came out. She appeared very flustered. Maul felt her fear and grasped her hand.

“If you have to fight him, do it. I can’t help you in this. It goes against the Code to have two apprentices against one master. You seem to have more control over the Force than I do and that’s more than you could imagine. He only uses his Force, not lightsaber, no weapons save his mind. Use your mind to defeat him, if you can.” Dirae heard the respect in his voice again and nodded somewhat sadly. If she had to confront Sidious then she would. For Maul. For her Master. For her love.

“I will defeat him, my lord,” she said confidently. Maul felt her overconfidence and frowned slightly.

“Don’t underestimate him, Dirae. Never underestimate your enemy, Sith or otherwise. Especially Sith. As you know, we’re a ruthless race of beings. Strike hard and fast. And always strike last.”

Dirae nodded obediently. “Yes, my Master.”

“That reminds me, Dirae...did he happen to give you a title?” Maul asked curiously. Dirae nodded again.

“It’s Darth Trator,” she replied. Maul’s nose wrinkled in distaste.

“That’s very fitting of you. Considering what you’ve done. You may keep it.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

Maul nodded once and left the bed. Dirae watched him move towards the small window to look out into the night. The moons’ light shimmered over his perfect physique as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Dirae drew the sheets around her body and moved to stand beside him. Absently she rested her head on his shoulder.

“He’ll eventually come here. I can feel it,” Maul said quietly, his eyes distant. Dirae linked her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly. He barely noticed the gesture.

“I will defeat him, my lord. I swear it,” she vowed. This time, Maul returned the squeeze, making Dirae smile to herself. They would survive, Sidious or not. Dirae would see to it. There could only be two and they were that two. Sidious had to die.

* * * *

“You’ve been called upon by the Chancellor to aid him in his personal quest.”

Obi-Wan exchanged looks with Anakin. The Council had summoned the two Jedi earlier that afternoon. Obi-Wan looked to Mace Windu, who had delivered the message.

“Did the Chancellor mention what this quest might be?” he asked. Mace nodded.

“He has heard of the Sith and wishes to seek them out to eliminate them himself. He feels it’s his duty as the galactic Chancellor. However, a man of almost no weapons background, he requires you two. His ship arrives here in an hour. Prepare yourselves in whatever means you find necessary and may the Force be with you.”

Both Jedi bowed and left the chambers.

* * * *

Dawn on Iridonia was always a breath-taking experience for Dirae as a child. The twin suns rose in almost perfect harmony, casting everything in their wake in a warm glow. Dirae stood outside of the shelter, hugging herself against the remaining chill winds of the night. Maul was still inside the shelter, sleeping peacefully. Or so she hoped. She, on the other hand, had a great deal to fret over. Sidious was coming. She couldn’t feel his presence like Maul could. Perhaps that was a good thing. Having that horrible man constantly in her thoughts would drive her crazy.

Absently, she fingered the hilt of her lightsaber. She had designed it shortly after Maul’s death. The blades weren’t red since she couldn’t find the proper crystals. Instead, she’d settled for a dark purple coloring. Not that she used her saber as often as she did her Force. A day didn’t go by without her practicing her skills and control over the Dark Side.

Deciding a little exercise would do her well, Dirae removed her cloak and started off across the dunes. The sand kicked up into a great cloud behind her as she raced against the wind. During her run, she used her Force to block the winds and speed up her pace to almost match that of the gusts. With her control, flight was almost a possibility. She recalled beating the altitude of the best Jedi leap during her training on Coruscant. Sidious had become very impressed with her abilities, yet he had wished her control over her lightsaber had been just as good. Dirae felt if her mind was stronger than her weapon, she’d have a better chance of beating her opponent. Naturally, Sidious agreed with her reasoning since he valued power over muscle. Not that Dirae was out of shape.

Suddenly, another form came up beside her. Dirae gasped and flipped away into a defensive stance. She relaxed when she realized it was only a Steek foaling. It bayed then scampered away over the sands. Dirae watched it leave in the direction of a distant settlement. Her brow puckered as she recalled her childhood geography lessons. That town had to be either Di Espa or Di Sola. Both had a number of small shops and specialty stores. Including a tattoo parlor. Dirae touched her face, remembering how Maul had suggested changing how it looked. Red and black weren’t her colors, she admitted. She glanced back at the shelter, which was quite a distance from her, and smiled. She’d be back before he woke up. With that, she called upon her Force and sped away towards the town.

* * * *

Maul awoke a few hours later and looked around. Dirae was missing. He groaned and sat up. She’d better not be defying me as she did with Sidious, he thought. He rose from the bed and dressed in his trousers and inner tunic. Lighter clothes were a better choice here on Iridonia. He left the bedchamber and glanced about the shelter. Everything looked the same.

“You’re awake.”

Maul started slightly at Dirae’s voice behind him. He turned to find her sitting on the small sofa, her hood over her face. Maul scowled in displeasure at being surprised, again, and stode forward to stare down at her. She looked up at him.

“Why is your face covered?” he demanded. Dirae calmly removed her hood. Maul blinked. Beneathe her left eye was a silver teardrop reaching just above the corner of her mouth. Her lips were painted silver and a long-pointed diamond decorated the slope of her nose. The same red marking on her facial scar was there and contrasted beautifully with the silver and white facepaint.

“When..?” Maul started but his words failed him. Dirae stood before him and placed her hands on either side of his face.

“When you were resting I left for a nearby town to have this done. No one recognized me because of my common clothing. The former facial tattoo was fake, washable. I removed it before entering the actual town,” she explained. Maul slid his hands over the backs of her’s and brought them down from his face slowly. He was staring at her. Dirae tilted her head to the side to give him a better look.

“It’s very becoming, Dirae. I don’t quite understand the pattern, however,” Maul confessed.

“No more than I understand yours,” Dirae replied simply. Maul paused to think about that then made a “Hm” noise in his throat. He turned away and sat down on a nearby chair. Dirae followed him, kneeling down beside his knee. She placed her hands on his leg and looked up at him.

“What are we going to do until Sidious comes here?” Dirae asked. Maul glanced down at her.

“Train, of course. You need to hone your lightsaber skills more, just to get the upper hand in battle.I’ll be outside,” he replied and stood up. Dirae rose as well. He cast her a small smile then left. Dirae touched her lightsaber hilt. He was far, far better than she was with this sacred weapon; he could beat her easily. Hence his desire to better her skills. Shrugging, she followed him outside.

* * * *

“Chancellor, if I may ask you a question,” Obi-Wan started. Palpatine looked up from his holographic chess game and smiled graciously at the Jedi.

“Yes?”

“How do you know where the Sith are?” Obi-Wan asked, shifting in his chair uneasily. Palpatine moved a piece before answering.

“I have my sources, young Obi-Wan. You needn’t worry yourself with the details. Just be prepared for anything when the time comes. By the way, where is your apprentice?”

“He’s speaking with Queen Amidala via hologram in the communications port,” Obi-Wan replied.

“I see. It seems to me your young apprentice favors her Majesty,” Palptine remarked casually. Obi-Wan stiffened slightly, his palms rubbing against his legs nervously.

“Yes, well, that isn’t very important right now, Chancellor. All that matters is we complete this task and return to Coruscant,” Obi-Wan said tightly. Palpatine glanced up at him.

“Is there something I’m missing?” he half-teased. Obi-Wan snapped to attention and firmly shook his head.

“No. No, there isn’t anything that you’re missing, Chancellor. Exuse me.” The nervous Jedi left the room quickly. Palpatine smiled to himself. Ah, yes, young fueds were so amusing to witness.

* * * *

Dirae brought her saber up just in time to block Maul’s attack. He was faster than she remembered! She knew it wasn’t his intent to harm her, just keep her alert. His power awed her once more; such raw strength and catlike agility! Dirae used her Force to push against his saber, sending him backwards into a bush. She gasped and rushed to his side.

“Forgive me, Master! I didn’t mean to hit you that hard!” she apologized quickly, pulling him out of the bushes. Maul brushed his robes free of twigs and leaves.

“While I admire your control over the Dark Side, Dirae, it’s vital that you don’t rely on it alone. It’s a useful tool when fighting, true, but it shouldn’t be the only course you can take,” he explained patiently. Dirae nodded.

“Of course, my lord. I’ll endeavor to do better next time.”

“Good. Now, let’s rest for a few moments. This heat is wearing me down more than usual.” Maul sat down in the shade and leaned against a tree trunk. Dirae sat cross-legged beside him, her hands resting on her knees.

“Maul,” Dirae began. Maul looked at her, weariness clear on his face. “How do you feel?”

“Hot.”

“No no, I mean about..us. Aren’t we breaking a rule somewhere by being so intimate?”

Maul considered this and shrugged with one shoulder. “I don’t believe so. Normally, it’s male master and male apprentice so there was no chance of anything serious happening. It’s rare for a master to have a female apprentice so close to his own age, like us. So, no, I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with it. Besides, it’s just sex.”

Dirae blanched at his words. Just sex? she thought sadly. Knew I was fooling myself. She shifted her position to stare out into the desert, avoiding Maul’s eyes. He frowned and made her turn towards him.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. Dirae shook her head.

“Nothing. I think I’ll go..run for awhile.” She stood up and ran off before he could protest. Maul stared after her somehwat longingly. These new feelings were still alien to him; he wished he knew more about expressing them to Dirae. Apparently, wild and passionate sex was not the way.

Dirae stopped behind the shelter and crouched down in the sand, her head resting on her knees. Maul was never the most expressive person, she knew, but a little..appreciation would be nice. It seemed to start then stop when he realized what he was saying.

“You didn’t go very far,” Maul remarked, coming up alongside the shelter. Dirae raised her head and shrugged.

“I was tired from practice,” she lied. Maul regarded her with a small smirk.

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you,” he said dryly and sat down in the sand beside her. Dirae cast him a glance but said nothing in response. Maul absently created circles in the sand with his finger as he pondered what to say. Before he never had a reason to say anything and now..now he had something to explain to someone besides Sidious.

“You’re upset,” he said bluntly.

“State the obvious,” Dirae replied with dry sarcasm. Maul blinked. He’d never heard her be so curt with him before. Silence followed for a few moments.

“Why do you care?” Maul asked suddenly. Dirae looked at him.

“About what?”

“Me,” he gestured to himself. “It’s unusual.”

“What’s so unusual about a female caring for a male? And for that matter, what’s so odd about caring period?” Dirae challenged. Maul looked at a loss for words.

“I’ve never had a reason to care about anything save for what my master thought or wanted,” Maul said simply.

“Did he keep you isolated?” Dirae asked. Maul nodded. “There you have it. Because you were kept almost secret from everything and everyone you’ve never had the chance to encounter other people, thus creating the illusion that you will never care about anyone else save for Sidious’ wishes. Make sense?”

Maul stared at her, blinking now and again as the silence stretched on. It did make sense, he realized. Yet, here was Dirae, someone who cared about him. His brow furrowed thoughtfully. Maybe he shouldn’t be taking advantage of her in that way; instead he’d take advantage of the situation presented to him.

“Yes. Yes, it does make sense, Dirae,” he said finally. Dirae smiled and rested her chin on her folded arms. Maul casually draped one arm over her shoulders and brought her closer to his side. She nestled her head on his shoulder and watched as the twin suns dipped into the horizon.

* * * *

Iridonia loomed up close in the Chancellor’s ship’s main viewport. Anakin was seated in the co-pilot’s chair watching the planet. He’d never heard of this place, even when he was a slave back on Tatooine. What makes the Chancellor believe the Sith are here? he wondered. It looks pretty desolate, like home.

The cockpit doors swished open and Obi-Wan stepped in. He spotted Anakin staring out of the viewport.

“Anakin,” he called. The boy turned. “You should be in the back strapped in for when we land. According to the Chancellor, the area we’re landing at is a desert and very rocky in some spots. So, please, come in the back and get ready.”

“Yes, Master,” Anakin replied obediently and followed Obi-Wan out of the cockpit.

* * * *

Palpatine stared down at the planet, his lips curved into a snakelike smile. Soon, he’d have them. He breathed deeply and reached out with his mind. Maul....

Maul jerked abruptly when he heard his master’s voice echoing in his mind. Dirae started when she felt him move suddenly.

“Maul? What is it? What’s--” Maul cut her off by grabbing her arm and racing towards their ship. Dirae’s sputtered protests went unheard by her master.

I’m coming, my apprentice.

Maul felt sweat break out across his forehead as he dragged Dirae along after him. He ignored her questions and spoke into his wrist comlink. The ship appeared before them, the cloaking device deactivated. Maul commanded the walkway to open and practically tossed Dirae into the ship. He followed quickly and sealed the hatch.

“Maul, what in the world..?!” Dirae said, whirling to a stop against the wall of the ship. Maul wasn’t listening to her. He strode past her on his way to the cockpit.

“Maul!” Dirae shouted after him. “This is my ship! Come back here and tell me what’s going on!” She followed him quickly, using her Force to propel herself forward faster than usual. She caught up with him just outside of the cockpit, siezed his arm, and spun him around to face her.

He stared at her as she demanded to know what was wrong with him. His features hardened slightly.

“I’m trying to protect you, Dirae! Now get back to the shielded area and stay there!” Maul commanded. Dirae gaped at him.

“Protect me? From what? Heat exhaustion!?” Her words gained pitch towards the end of her sentence.

“From Sidious!” Maul practically yelled in her face. “He’s here on the planet and he’s not alone.”

“But you told me to fight him and you wouldn’t, couldn’t, interfere!” Dirae shot back.

“I know what I told you but that was when I thought he’d be coming alone!” Maul replied harshly. “Now, do as I say and stay there!” He jabbed one gloved finger down the corridor, glaring at her the whole time. Dirae huffed and stormed in the direction he pointed. Maul sighed wearily and, ignoring the fact he just wanted to flee the planet, strode after her. He turned a different corner than she had, one that led outside. He would simply have to take his master down. Although simply was not a word he would’ve formally chosen.

* * * *

“This shelter isn’t very old, Chancellor,” Obi-Wan observed, walking out of the small ramshackle building. Anakin was circling the shelter, searching for anything that might lead them to their quarry. Palpatine hid his disappointment behind a tight smile.

“Excellent, young Obi-Wan. Have you found anything, Anakin?” Palpatine called over his shoulder at the youth. Anakin appeared on the other side of the shelter and nodded.

“Yes, Chancellor. Come see this,” the boy instructed, gesturing with one hand. The two adults followed him. Anakin pointed to the twin indents in the deep sands. “It appears someone, or two someones, were here recently. The winds haven’t brushed the sands over the dents yet.”

Maul’s quick, I’ll give him that. Palpatine thought grimly. But the master is far quicker. He turned to the two Jedi. “How about tracks? Would the winds cover them faster than these two dents?”

“It depends on how fast the person was running,” Anakin explained. “They could’ve kicked up more sand than a person who was walking. It’s my guess that they fled fairly quickly. Into the forest, I think.” Palpatine beamed, truly admiring the boy’s skill. He certainly knew more than his master.

“Then that’s where you will go. I’m going to sit in the shelter; it’s far too hot out here,” Palpatine said, feigning exhaustion. The Jedi nodded once and headed out for the forest. Palpatine watched them run for a few brief moments then ducked inside the shelter.

“There, Master!” Anakin pointed at the large ship in the clearing. Obi-Wan nodded and withdrew his lightsaber. Anakin followed suit. They walked towards the silent vessel carefully, weapons at the ready.

Before either could get close enough to the ship, the hatchway burst open to reveal Maul standing there shrouded in his billowing cloak. He glared at the two Jedi, his teeth bared in a snarl. Apparently, Sidious is using his control over the Republic to retrieve us. he thought bitterly. The least he could’ve done..ahhh.....the young Jedi is here. Maul’s raptor gaze took in the older version of Obi-Wan. Apart from being a bit more...furry..he appeared the same youth who’d killed him. He didn’t recognize the boy beside him. Maul shrugged inwardly, ignoring the new Jedi.

Obi-Wan’s saber lowered slightly, his eyes wide. Anakin glanced at his stunned master, confusion clouding his eyes.

“Master?” Anakin whispered. “What is it?” Obi-Wan’s expression changed drastically as his saber rose to the defensive position. Anakin turned his attention back to the being before them. Maul smirked and lept from the hatchway, his blades igniting.

Twin blades of crimson fire swept before the two Jedi to meet with their sabers. Maul’s hood fell from his face to reveal his snarling hatred for the Knights. Obi-Wan found himself pushing Anakin away from the fight and taking the revived Sith Lord himself. Anakin sputtered a protest as he was shoved away by his master. Obi-Wan ignored his apprentice and struck Maul’s blade forcefully. Maul’s stance shifted slightly as he brought his saber hilt behind the Jedi’s neck and pinned him in a headlock.

“Master!” Anakin cried, rushing forward. Suddenly, a blur of motion breezed past Anakin, striking him to the ground. The youth gasped for breath, his hand hovering over his throat. He looked up to see Dirae standing over him, her hand fisted before her. His eyes widened when he spotted the blood on her fist and felt his neck again. A long gash spread across his skin, not deep enough to kill, but enough to warn.

Maul and Obi-Wan struggled against each other. Maul tightened his hold on the Jedi, wishing him dead every time he pressed into the other man’s throat. Obi-Wan strained against the pressure. Red clouded his vision as his air supply was rapidly cut off. Suddenly, Maul released him and spun away. Obi-Wan fell to the ground, gasping for air. He turned to see what had stopped the Sith Lord. Maul flipped his lightsaber into a defensive position, his yellow eyes wide.

Dirae’s head snapped up. Sidious! she thought frantically. Gods, he’s here! Maul sensed her fear and quickly moved to her side. Anakin scrambled away from the fearsome pair and rushed to his master’s aid. Both Jedi looked to the Sith Lords, waiting and wondering what had caused them such alarm.

Just then, both Jedi felt themselves being lifted up and out of the way by some unseen force. Obi-Wan tried to fight it, as did Anakin. Out of the corner of his eye, Obi-Wan spied a figure in the shadows. It was cloaked and silent, its hand raised towards them. Suddenly, they were whipped around violently and slammed into a large tree trunk. Both fell to the ground unconscious.

The figure strode foward. Maul positioned himself halfway in front of Dirae, who had drawn her saber as well. Her hands shook slightly, sweat glistening off her silver skin. Maul had told her to rely on her Force, not her saber skills. Obey the Master... she thought and walked around Maul to confront Sidious. Maul reached out to pull her back but was met with a strong Force-generated field surrounding Dirae’s body. Truly, she was far more adept than he.

“Reveal yourself, Sidious! There’s no reason to hide under those ratty robes any longer!” Dirae shouted boldly. Sidious obliged and removed the black cloak. He stood there only as Palpatine but the rage and evil in his soul was clear in his eyes.

“Do you believe you are strong enough to strike me down, young Dirae?” Palpatine mocked. Dirae strengthened her field, sending half of it out to strike Palpatine’s body. He staggered slightly, his hand against his chest. Dirae started walking towards the chancellor. Maul swore the air shimmered with the awesome power Dirae radiated. Palpatine could have thought the same.

“It’s over, Chancellor,” Dirae said calmly as she continued her approach. “You have no control over Maul’s destiny now.” Waves of power flowed from her body, striking Palpatine many times over. The former senator gritted his teeth against the assault. He wasn’t quite so easily beaten. Dirae’s field glimmered like a pebble hitting a pond then shattered, knocking the startled female to the ground. Palpatine’s laughter echoed in her pain-filled mind as she struggled to regain her control.

“Your overconfidence is your undoing,” Palpatine said evilly, the snake-smile clear on his face. Maul ignored his own words and knelt beside Dirae, his saber held out before him. Palpatine stopped and regarded his former student pitifully.

“We’re not yours anymore, Palpatine,” Maul said quietly. “Find another apprentice. If there can only be two, then we’re the two for this half of the galaxy. Only if you attack us will we return to Coruscant to bring you and whatever apprentice you have acquired down. I swear it.”

“You’re a fool, Maul. There can only be two and I’m afraid you’re not them,” Palpatine replied just as calmly. “One of us must die in order to maintain the balance.”

“Then it will be you.” Both men turned to see Dirae standing again. Maul stepped back to allow her passage. Palpatine snorted.

“Fools. All of you. You will die, Dirae, for you are worthless.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Without another word, Dirae closed her eyes and concentrated on the air around the Chancellor. She envisioned it tightening its hold on him, squeezing the life from his body. Her hands clenched into fists with the mental image. Palpatine blinked in confusion as the breezes passing over him swooped down to encase him in their hold. He struggled against the force, trying vainly to loosen them with his own power.

Maul stared at Dirae, his hand long gone slack on his lightsaber hilt. Dirae flicked her eyes in his direction then inclined her head toward the Chancellor. Kill him, my lord... Maul smiled wickedly, ignited his saber, and swung swifty at the Chancellor’s neck. Palpatine cried out before the blade struck his throat, severing his head. Dirae opened her fist then fiercely clenched it again. The force surrounding the now quivering body tightened, squashing the lifeless form in its grip. Blood splashed Dirae’s face. Maul wasn’t left without a spattering of the Sith Lord’s serum either.

“It’s over,” Dirae said coldly to the body lying before her feet. Maul looked to her and retracted his saber. She stared at the head of Palpatine, its face frozen in shock. She walked over to it slowly, bent over to pick it up, then spoke to the face. “Maul doesn’t belong to you anymore, Sidious. Nor do I.” With that, she screamed and hurled the head into the far recesses of the forest. he used her Force to do the same to the body. Maul went up to her and took he rinto his arms from behind. He bowed his head between her neck and shoulder. Dirae continued to gaze after the remains of their former master.

“Dirae.” Maul shifted his head to rest against her cheek. Dirae felt the nudge of his horns against her scar and turned. With a shaky smile, she wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face into his broad chest. Maul held her to him, caressing her back gently. The bond between them sang of their love. Nothing could tear them apart now.

END

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