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Author	Topic: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
Saishu_Heiki Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 11/29/05 8:51am Subject: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story - Date Edited: 11/29/05 10:37am (1 edits total) Edited By: Saishu_Heiki
	This is my first foray into Star Wars fanfiction. I am not used to using anyone but my own OC in my writing, but I make the attempt to use cannon characters for this story. Don't worry about being nice, just be honest! Title: Facets of the Past Author(s): Saishu_Heiki Timeframe: ANH (with flashbacks to PT) Characters: Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader Genre: Angst Summary: Obi-Wan Kenobi remembers a life spent with a great friend during his final battle on the Death Star Notes: my first SW fanfic. Facets of the Past Obi-Wan's legs hurt. He is no longer the young man that served the Jedi Council during the Clone Wars. As a Jedi, he always tries to do what is right and just, but running around an Imperial station disabling tractor beams is exhausting, even for a forgotten legendary Jedi. The years weigh upon him, but Obi-Wan Kenobi knows how heavy a burden duty can be. The sound of heavy footfalls makes him stop. These do not belong to any Stromtrooper or Imperial officer. They are slow and methodical, the cadence of restrained passions. The weariness passes when he feels that familiar presence in the Force. All of his failures stand before him, encased in life-giving Imperial armor, trapped perversely in a Sith frame - black as the Dark Side itself. No longer must he hide as old Ben - this is the final trial of one of the most gifted Jedi of his age, one half of the team that had been hailed as the invincible saviors of the Republic. He breathes in the slightly acrid air of the Imperial Death Star, opening himself to the Force; light fills him and becomes him. Obi-Wan looks upon his adversary and once again sees an old friend. Obi-Wan’s Masters had tried to teach him that attachments are a subtle path to the Dark Side, but the man within the Jedi remembers Anakin Skywalker as a padawan, a Jedi, and a trusted friend. "The circle is now complete..." Darth Vader speaks roughly, his voice forced through machines until it sounds as if the words themselves are tortured, "Last time I was but the learner, now I am the Master..." * The sun sets slowly over Theed, casting the surrounding waters in a brilliant fiery hue. From around the city and beyond, cheers and music mark the victory over the now-hated Trade Federation. Gunguns and humans together have stopped the siege of Naboo and together they celebrate the victory. They have earned it. But as the night comes to claim the planet, there are some that find that they cannot share in the joy. In one of the Queen's bedrooms, sobbing can still be heard. "Ob... Obi-Wan, no one can kill a Jedi." young Anakin Skywalker bites his lip to keep it from shaking. "He can't be dead!" Obi-Wan kneels in front of the grieving child. Unshed tears gather in the young Jedi's eyes, but the young man remembers his Jedi training and becomes calm once more. Obi Wan draws a deep breath, unsure of how to comfort this child he has promised to care for. "Death is the way of life, my friend. Master Qui-Gon has become one with the Force." Even as he speaks, Obi-Wan can hear how paltry his words must sound to one who has not been trained in the Jedi Temple. If he was wise like Master Yoda, he would be able to bring comfort, or at least understanding, to this young boy. The padawan braid feels particularly heavy on Obi-Wan's head. Anakin's shoulders shake as he tries to stifle the sobs that wrack his frame. Obi-Wan slowly reaches out his hand, then stops. Kneeling, he wraps his robed arm around the child and pulls him close, drawing him into an embrace that they both need. * Obi-Wan stares into the reflective eyes of a Dark Lord of the Sith and pauses momentarily before responding. "Only a Master of evil, Darth." The time for words has passed, and they both know it. Once more, Kenobi and Skywalker battle. The familiar hiss of lightsabers fills the room as they are drawn and ignited, one a peaceful blue hue to balance the other's blood-red cast. The fulfillment of destiny is upon them, and they know it. Today will see its share of endings. * Skywalker and Kenobi lock blades, intense in the moment. Blue blades meet and spark slightly as they rebound. Without warning, Skywalker leaps and spins in midair like a Correlian bloodhawk, bringing his blade down across his oppenent's chest. His eyes light up when he sees the Ataro defense he knew was coming. Spinning his lightsaber so quickly that even Obi-Wan's eyes could only see the blade as a blur of cerulean, Anakin transfers the blade to his off-hand in a reverse grip. Keeping the blade spinning, he twists the grip in his hand with a slight probing of the Force, bringing it over his head. Grasping the hilt with both hands, Skywalker brings his blade down with the force that only Djem So can provide. A grin pulls on the corners of Anakin's mouth as recognition fills Obi-Wan. His blade is too low. The feint had worked and now Obi-Wan was completely vulnerable to the strike falling towards him. The older Jedi grits his teeth as the jolt from a training lightsaber shocks him. Then the moment passes and he is again standing beside his friend and padawan. Obi-Wan wipes the sweat from his forehead and musters a frown, "I don't recall ever teaching you that move." The grin becomes a full smile as Anakin takes the complement. He continues to spin his training lightsaber in front of him as he answers, "I have been studying the holocrons, Master." "You are going to tell me that you learned Djem So from a holocron?" Incredulousness creeps into Obi-Wan's voice. Anakin tries to appear dejected, but cannot stop the smile that tugs at the corners of his mouth again, “Only the basics, and I have been training with Master Fisto.” Obi-Wan ignites his lightsaber and drops into his familiar Ataro stance, “Then I shall have to come up with some surprises of my own, won’t I?” * Both combatants wield their blades with deadly precision, and are met with each other’s perfect defense. Red and green flare and spark as blades of pure energy are spun and clash. Years ago, they had faced each other in a similar battle. In the middle of a lake of fire, Anakin and Obi-Wan had fought to decide the future of the galaxy. The birth of Darth Vader meant the death of Anakin Skywalker. On Mustafar, Obi-Wan was forced to destroy his oldest friend. In many ways, this battle was simply the continuation of that conflict. Light versus dark, Jedi versus Sith, Kenobi versus Skywalker. Both of them were slower than they had been on Mustafar. Even the teachings of the Jedi cannot halt the ravages of time, and Obi-Wan was no longer young. Darth Vader was now as much machine as man, feeling the Force as one might remember a dream upon waking. Obi-Wan had not wanted this meeting, but he knew from the moment he felt that familiar presence in the Force that the time had come. This battle would be his last. * “Your cooperation will not be forgotten by the Republic, gentle beings.” Obi-Wan concluded the dialogue with a perfectly simple bow, as expected of the Jedi Order’s greatest negotiator. As murmurs of consent and appreciation sounded about the immaculate conference chamber, Obi-Wan heard a weary sigh from the man on his right. Anakin hated negotiations, but they were inseparable. Everything they did was as a team, even parleying for peace. The Republic needed all the allies it could muster during these trying years known as the Clone Wars. The presence of the famed Jedi team of Kenobi and Skywalker was enough for most systems to see that the Republic had strength left. As they walked out of the room, Anakin slid close to his friend, the famed Jedi diplomat, speaking softly. “Must all negotiations be so long and dull, Master?” Obi-Wan had earned the title, but Anakin still managed to make it sound like a friendly barb. And, as always, Obi-Wan took the bait, “Some negotiations are short, but the last one I remember ended with me face to face with an all-too-friendly Gungun. “Lightsaber negotiations are really not that useful, Anakin. They may ease the problems in the short term, but there will always be a price to pay later. The civilized approach always leads to better results for all involved.” Anakin turned and looked out a window, trying to hide the grimace that shadowed his features, “Of course, Master. Violence is not an answer to dispute, just as Master Val’ondu teaches.” Obi-Wan sighs, fighting to not let his chagrin show in front of the delegates. He did not mean to lecture; he never truly means to lecture. But Anakin would rather be sparring, or trying to win the war on the field of battle instead of peaceful talks and mediation. Master Kenobi knows that they probably could not be more different, yet they manage to bring out the best in each other. * Obi-Wan refuses to take the offensive, he can feel the outcome of this battle in the Force. He has known since he opened himself up as a vessel for the living Force what must happen. Instead, he blocks every attack from Darth Vader with the perfect defense of his Sorasu mastery. Even inside the comforting veil of the Light Side, Obi-Wan can feel the ache of his muscles. The end nears, and he neither fears it nor welcomes it. The hanger bay doors open as they near it, exposing the two, Jedi and Sith, to a room full of troops, droids, and escaping Rebels. With the Force, Obi-Wan can feel Luke, powerful and untrained, as his father had been. He does not look at the younger Skywalker, but Obi-Wan knows he is being watched. From inside the Force, the aged Jedi knows that there is only one way for this battle to end. Looking past the gleaming helmet, and into the man that lies beneath, Obi-Wan lectures his student for the last time, “Strike me down, and I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.” Just as Anakin died on that horrible planet of fire, and rose again as Darth Vader; so shall Obi-Wan Kenobi fall on this horrible creation of death and durasteel, and rise again in the Force. * Onboard a rented shuttle, the man who had watched his best friend betray the only family that Obi-Wan ever knew looked down at a sleeping infant. Luke Skywalker had been born into a time of troubles, but the child would be raised by a family that cares for him. The peace that existed on that face reminded the former Jedi Master that there was still good in the galaxy, a need to pass on the successes and failures of the past so that the future may have a chance. Ben Kenobi remembers the plea of Amidala, that there is still good in her husband. Ben wants to believe it; he forces himself to remember all of the good that he knows of Anakin Skywalker. Feeling suddenly older than his years, Ben Kenobi wonders out loud, “Will I even be the one to find that goodness?” The stars don’t answer him. * Drawing himself deep within the living Force, there is no need for concern or anxiety. The man who is both Obi-Wan and old Ben Kenobi lifts his lightaber into a neutral stance, awaiting the coming blow. He has one last lesson, one last gift to father and son. As Darth Vader’s Sith blade comes towards him, the man who was teacher to both generations reaches out with the Force. Blood-red light meets with empty robes as one final thought reaches out for both Skywalkers. May the Force be with you… -----signature----- Padawan to BigFatty Facets of the Past - http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/22456737
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BigFatty Registered: Mar '05	Date Posted: 11/29/05 9:04am Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	My first padawan has posted his first story. You know I already think this is an awesome story, espicially for your first venture on these boards. Well done, braided one. -----signature----- 1 Peter 3:15 My Fics: http://fattysfics.livejournal.com My BSG Blog: http://battlestargalactica.contentquake.com My Office Blog: http://theoffice.contentquake.com I make my own icons
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VA_Parky Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 11/29/05 9:24am Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	That was great! I really liked the flashbacks - they were well done and fit into the story perfectly. It made the entire story incredibly poignant. Two thumbs up! And this was your first SW story? Impressive!!! -----signature----- Currently on hiatus Awash in Broken Promises (RotS AU): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23913704/p1/ Our 1st - Matthew - arrived 1/1/08
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aden Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 11/30/05 7:18pm Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	Feeling suddenly older than his years, Ben Kenobi wonders out loud, “Will I even be the one to find that goodness?” The stars don’t answer him. That was really .... good! Especially that last flashback. Keep writing. -----signature----- Padawan to Aya-Na_Bashu http://s9.invisionfree.com/Jello_Anarchy/index.php?showforum=37
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Saishu_Heiki Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 12/1/05 9:41am Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	First of all, thank you all! I was really concerned with how my use of cannon characters worked. BigFatty: Thank you, Master... I do try. VA_Parky: I have often shied away from flashbacks in my works, but this story jumped at me and I had to try. I am glad it worked. aden: I am glad you liked that last flashback, it was tough to write. I have been playing with the idea of writing a parallel story from Vader's POV. It would be less introspection, more anger... -----signature----- Padawan to BigFatty Facets of the Past - http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/22456737
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Healer_Leona Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 12/1/05 9:59am Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	Oh, that was just a splendid fic. -----signature----- Feel so good, but I'm old 2000 years of chasing's taking it's toll
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Magenta_Moonshadow Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 12/15/05 7:00pm Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	I loved this, especially the flashbacks! The final meeting between Vader and Kenobi on the Death Star has always been a key moment of the Saga, and with the added information we now have from the PT, it only makes it all the more poignant. (I posted my version of the event a few weeks ago in my fanfic "Full Circle", so it's nice to see another interpretation of it! ) Well Done! -----signature----- Proud padawan of Nienna_Narmolanya Member of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan Fan Clubs "ONCE A JEDI" (A Drabble - Ben and Luke) http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=26761802&brd=10476&start=26788057
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DaenaBenjen42 Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 12/16/05 9:24pm Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	This is your first one? Wow. Well done! I liked how the flashbacks fit into the story. Very good. Good story. -----signature----- "Say it with me now. Postcard. Zoo. Not. Shopping." master to jackyyy17, micky-nikki, & Trimaj e-sis to BrightFeather All cats are leopards after dark.
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UltimateObi-Wan_987 Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 12/17/05 9:15am Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	Wonderful job on this, really! You just protrayed Obi-Wan's death as I always thought it was meant to be...thanks for that! Again, nicely done! -----signature----- 2,986 - if you don't know, PM me and find out SWC Jedi Trials: Jedi Master (Master of Ataru) "Discovering the Truth of Hearts": http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=23247608&brd=10475 I AM A GIRL-GET IT RIGHT!
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unknown_shore Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 12/17/05 4:01pm Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	I really liked this story - an interesting perspective from Old Ben. This is your first fic? Well-done, I hope you continue to post stories! I particularly like your word choice - especially the ending lines... Blood-red light meets with empty robes as one final thought reaches out for both Skywalkers. May the Force be with you… I can just see the lightsaber sweeping through those robes, too... Very nice work! -----signature----- Unknown Shore Rumors of my demise...you know the routine. Shadows Fall - http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/22588393/p1/?2 "Do you ever feel the need to go back in time - a dream of mine..." - Sonata Arctica
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KILIK Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 12/17/05 5:38pm Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	Not bad nice story. -----signature----- Living life and not looking back. Life could be a lot worse so stop ******** about it! Sometimes you just gotta sit down and play the music in order too enjoy it again. You can do anything as long you remember practice makes perfect and hard work pays off
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arbed Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 12/17/05 7:04pm Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	Very touching. In the words of Obi "Good job!" "Then I will have to come up with a few surprises of my own, won't I?" I guess you can say Obi sure did when he vanished into the Force, didn't he? Vader must have been thinking "What the..." Again, nice read. -----signature----- "HELLO, THERE!" 24 fan, Trekker, and Cheesehead "Remember, the Force will be with you....always" - Obi-Wan Kenobi ANH
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LeiaSkywalker4 Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 12/18/05 7:53am Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	Great story. -----signature----- "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Your my only hope."-Hologram of Princess Leia With the above line I'm refering to young Obi-Wan Kenobi. :- ) If Jack Bauer joined the Rebel Alliance, 24 hours later there would be no Empire.
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Aiel Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 12/18/05 9:59am Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	What a wonderful story! And it's your first here? Welcome aboard, I look forward to seeing more from you! -----signature----- Master to TheOnlyJediPrincess and scarlet_shiv. Bar-Wench of The Meanders Inn Revolution of Fate: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29771499 http://dailysnarlandmore.blogspot.com/
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Veloz Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 12/19/05 7:30am Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	I dont generally read these stories, but i really enjoyed this one! I love how it tied memorable moments from the movies to ur ideas.. very well done! -----signature----- "Hello there!" "Remember the Force will be with you..always" - Obi Wan Kenobi, ANH "Who's the more foolish...the fool or the fool who follows him?"- Obi Wan Kenobi, ANH
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-Erela- Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 12/19/05 7:55am Subject: RE: Facets of the Past (ANH - Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader) Short Story
	Wow. Very nice. I really enjoyed it. -----signature----- "Because it's what's right! Because that way even when- if- I lose, I'll know that I tried to prevent it. That's better than nothing!" -Ben Skywalker Miana Kenobi's "Little Dude"
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