Pairing: Q/O
Rating: PG-13
Series: First in The Masked Series
Summary: One theory as to who Darth Maul really was (Set prior to
Qui-Gon and Darth Maul's last battle and it makes much more sense if
you've read the Jedi Apprentice books)
A haze of red separates us. The boundary is only molecules thick but impenetrable; much as the past is from the present.
He has no idea who I am. I like that. Perhaps before I kill him I will reveal myself, remind him of who I once was and what we were to each other.
Far behind him I see his apprentice, his Padawan. Too bad. If their places were reversed I would have the pleasure of cutting down the boy in front of him. The idea of taking another apprentice from him is quite gratifying though the thought of the young Jedi watching his Master fall is amusing as well.
Look at him. Kneeling there behind the barrier in meditation. Does he see the future? Does he know death is waiting? I am stronger. Stronger than either of them in more ways then they can imagine but soon they will know.
He has aged. I did not have the time to look at him closely when we fought before but this enforced respite allows me the luxury. Gray in the hair that was once dark, harsh lines etched around his blue eyes. He is still powerful but I sense a weariness as well as a desire to protect his apprentice.
The same instinct is plain in the youth. The way he tests the barrier before him as if by will alone he could use the Force to push through to his Master. Perhaps they are more than master and apprentice. Perhaps he has allowed this one the closeness he denied me. It matters not other than the fact that their caring makes them weak, vulnerable.
The Force. What do they know of the Force? The dark will always devour the light as easily as the snuffing out of a candle. Kindness, selflessness. They are weak, puling emotions fit for weak men. If they only knew the power that hate and anger could bring they too would have embraced the dark as I have.
The barrier will come down soon now. He can sense it as well as I can. Behind my mask I smile. I know his moves for he taught me them many years ago. The changes my new Master wrought in my form did not obliterate my other lessons though they have allowed me to surpass anything I hoped of becoming after he stole my legacy from me.
It is beginning. Deep within the walls servos are activating, heralding the events that will end in his death. My lightsaber weighs comfortably in my hand and the knowledge that soon it will be buried within him sends a primal rush through me. I am given now what I was denied before. Thank you Master for this opportunity. I will not waste it.
Father, I will avenge you as I promised.
His eyes lock with mine as I reach to touch the broken circle branded on my right cheek. The mark is hidden by my tattoos but is a constant reminder of my past and of what brought me here today.
The barrier is gone now and he is in motion. Behind him I see his apprentice sprint forward and I laugh, knowing it is too late for him as it was too late for me long ago.