Blood In The Water

Chapter 32: Escaping Mandalore

As time passed, Maul, Savage, and I were the only ones in the palace along with a few Mandalorian soldiers, guarding the palace doors. My hands were wrapped in stun-cuffs. I couldn't stop thinking about Obi-Wan. No doubt that he'll no longer want to be with me after what he heard from Maul.

"I sense a presence. A presence I haven't felt since...Master?" Maul inquired.  

At his words, I felt a chilling presence. I whipped around to find the Mandalorian guards on the ground, gasping for air. And hovering beside them stood Palpatine with a hood covering his face. Maul bowed as Palpatine approached us. "Master."

"I am most impressed to see you have survived your injuries." Palpatine mentioned.

"I used your training, Master. And I have built all this in hopes to returning to your side." Maul informed him.

Palpatine glanced over at Savage before his eyes laid on me. I did my best to struggle against my stun-cuffs, but no matter what, I couldn't escape. Palpatine then looked back at Maul. "How unfortunate that you are attempting to deceive me."

"Master?" Maul questioned, sounding taken back.

"You have become a rival!" Palpatine snapped, throwing back both Savage and Maul with the Force. 

Maul and Savage were thrown back onto the windows before they collapsed onto the ground. Maul and Savage then climbed up onto their feet, igniting their lightsabers. Palpatine took out a lightsaber before throwing it towards me. At once, I caught the lightsaber. 

"Come and help me, granddaughter." Palpatine urged. 

"Granddaughter?" Maul repeated, looking baffled.

I grimaced. I don't have I choice anyways, do I? Reluctantly, I ignited the lightsaber, revealing the red blade, cutting the stun-cuffs from my wrists. I watched as Palpatine ignited two red lightsabers at once. Hesitating, I joined Palpatine, fighting off Savage and Maul. Palpatine took on Savage, while I faced Maul. I swung my lightsaber, clashing it against one of Savage's red blades. 

With all my strength, I pushed him back, causing Savage to stumble back. He quickly recovered though, lunging towards me. As his attacks grew more aggressive, I retaliated, blocking them all. As we fought, we jumped out the window and continued our fight outside the palace. I then used the Force, pushing back Maul, while Palpatine threw Savage back with the Force. Palpatine then charged towards him. Savage grew aggressive in his attacks, but he was no match for Palpatine. Maul and I watched as Palpatine impaled his lightsabers into Savage's stomach. Maul's eyes widened in horror. "Brother!" 

Palpatine then threw Savage over the edge off of the palace. Maul wasted no time in rushing after him. As Savage vanished into green mist, Palpatine let out a laugh. "Remember the first and only reality of the Sith: there can only be two. And you are no longer my apprentice. You have been replaced."

Palpatine then jumped down to fight Maul. I watched as Palpatine took him on with ease. Once he was on the ground, Maul was begging. "Please, have mercy."

"There is no mercy." Palpatine retorted.

Lightning then emerged from his fingertips and made their way to Maul, who let out screams of agony. I grimaced as Palpatine continued, despite Maul's cries of pain. 

"Do not worry. I'm not going to kill you. I have other uses for you." Palpatine mentioned. He then turned towards me. "Amra, my granddaughter, take Maul into the palace. It's time to set things in motion."

I felt my anger rise within me. I'm tired of being used as a mere piece in his game. I want to live my own life. I want to be with the Jedi and be with Obi-Wan. I don't know where I got the courage from, but I managed to finally stand up to him. "No."